The Claiming by Cooper

Layan’s Retum Chapter 17: Jara

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Jara

I was so happy when everyone at Layan’s claiming tried to calm her. What a difference from last year. Hana and I couldn’t have been less

enthusiastic, but both McKenna and Katerina seem happy, excited even. Layan proved once again how much inner strength she has by getting on that stage and choosing her first two candidates. I don’t think anyone was surprised by her choices.

Elijah caught up to us as we left and walked with us, well, mostly Layan back to our housing. Unlike last year, anyone is welcome in the house. However, everyone is also aware that there are three Alphas and Lunas staying here with their new pups, so no one is stupid enough to try to force their way inside.

I go up to our room, finding my mother who has just put the twins down for a nap. I’m so lucky and thankful to have her here.

She puts her finger to her lips, telling us to be quiet. Mason and I walk over to the cribs, stroking our babies’ cheeks and hair before leaving them to sleep.

When we step out of the room, my mom turns to us. “I heard from Seth. He and Hana will be coming later this week. Hana is dying to get here to support Layan.”

“Of course she is.” I say, knowing I’d be the same.

“Let’s go grab some lunch while it’s quiet.” Mason says.

We all walk to the kitchen, and I hear some quiet chatting coming from outside. I don’t think anything of it until I hear Layan’s name. Being the protective woman that I am, especially with my friend, I walk to the door and see Katerina and McKenna talking.

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not personal, McKenna. He wants Layan. I think it’s

wouldn’t he at least put his name

does that

when I was in my previous pack, ranked members

outside, already done with this conversation. “Your previous pack, McKenna, also wanted to enslave you and your mother, force you into a mate bond and were willing to use both of you as breeders. Your mother left when she started hearing that your father and

“No, that’s not what I meant, Luna.”

then?” I ask defensively.

shuffles uncomfortably. “It’s just, well, it seems like she’s trying to gain sympathy. She had the attention of every male in the claiming today. That doesn’t seem like something someone would do if they are as shy as she claims to be.” She says. I’m pretty

happened to her last year,

eyes. “Yes, I’ve heard that she was marked by an Alpha that was going feral while he was in his wolf form. I get that it may be a bit traumatic, but really, it’s not like she was forced to

flaring. Luckily, Katerina steps in. “Is that all you were told?” She

me and Katerina. “What else

tell her Luna, but not here. I know Layan’s upstairs and

and more confused. “That’s fine. But I will say this. Elijah loves Layan. Her rank

inside as Katerina pulls McKenna away, closer to the forest. I go into

you all riled up, my little

“McKenna.”

feel his confusion. “What about her?”

sigh. “To be fair, it doesn’t appear that anyone told her about what truly happened to Layan. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but I think it is. She was basically

Jara. I know how protective you are of her. If she didn’t know, then you can’t put

McKenna come back inside. She comes up to me.