The Claiming by Cooper

Chapter 10. Elijah

Elijah

Today is the day. I’m heading back to The Claiming. This year, I need to make sure that I catch my mate. I know, without a doubt that my biggest competition will be Alpha Davis. He’s shown that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to be a good mate to Layan. I’m not sure he loves her like I do, but he would do right by her. And she’d be a Luna. I should want that for her, but I don’t. Selfishly, I want her with me, by my side.

I want to see our children with her blond hair and my curls, a mix of her hazel eyes and my pale green eyes, her sweet, gentle nature and my strength. I know it’s a big dream, one that may never come true, but I see it in my dreams, and I want those dreams to become my reality.

I pack my bag, knowing that if I don’t catch Layan, that I can’t continue on. There will be no one else for me but her. I haven’t said anything to Mason or Jara. I’m not sure how they would respond, but if Alpha Davis or anyone else claims Layan, I won’t be coming home.

I’m glad to know that Gamma Luke is a Beta by blood. Mason could easily replace me with him.

And, if I’m being honest with myself, I know it won’t be that easy. I’ m more than Mason’s Beta. I’m his friend. We’ve been through some terrible times together. This time, however, it’s all me. He has his mate, his twins, his life. It’s time for me to try and get mine

What was originally going to be about 300 males, has become closer to 400 with the assessments being passed by every single male. I can only be thankful that Layan isn’t an Alpha or Beta. Her clajm.will.be limited. Even McKenna and Katerina’s claims will be

to 50. They will each have to choose their 50 claimants, just like Layan will have to choose her ten.

All of them will have to have a substitute, in case someone in their claim catches the person before them. And I’m aware that with McKenna being a Gamma and Katerina, while classified as a warrior, is actually of Alpha blood, most of the claimants will want one of them. Layan is a true omega. Not only that, while no one. says it, everyone knows what happened to her. I was shocked to hear that all of the Alphas wanted to enter her claim. It won’t matter. She’s mine and I’ll do whatever it takes to claim her.

I grab my bag and head downstairs. “Hey Elijah, are you driving with Mason and Jara?” Luke asks me.

I frown at him. “First of all, spending hours in a car with two babies sounds like a prison sentence. Second, if I claim Layan, I’m not driving back with them and her in the same car. So, no. I’m driving separately. Do you need anything from me before I head out?”

are in charge of

I scoop her up and hug

with this little miss, I’d have to reconsider.” I say, tickling her until she screams loudly. Jace comes running from another room

being Melinda.” He nods and turns to leave again.

say, nodding my head for him to join me. I hand Melinda to Luke and step aside, squatting

that Alpha Mason, Luna Jara and I are

looking at

count on you, Jace?” I ask

hint of a smile on

eye on your sister. She’s trouble waiting to

idea, Beta.” He says and

in, Jace.” I say and

Jace grabs my arm. “Good luck, Beta Elijah.”

say, messing up his hair as I stand.

puts Melinda down and the two of them

wisdom?” Luke

tell him, smacking him on the arm before turning and heading

trek with Mason. This year, my mind is full of what ifs and what if I don’ts. While it’s only a couple of hours to get to the claiming territory, I’m glad when I reach it. This year, security is as strong as it was last year. However, I notice that

get to the packhouse and check in. Last year, I was in a room with Mason. This year, it was up in the air. Somehow, i end up with Alpha Jonas. I thought for sure that he and his brother