The Claiming by Cooper

Layan’s Retum Chapter 27: Jara

Jara

Even though it’s the middle of the night, we all hear the howl of victory. I rush out of bed and begin getting dressed before turning back to Mason.

“Who do you think caught her?” I whisper so we don’t wake the twins.

He yawns, totally unconcerned. “No telling, but that was definitely an Alpha’s howl, so she’s a Luna now.” He says, rolling back over. “I’ll stay and watch the kids.”

I stare at his back for a moment. “Seriously? You’re not the least bit curious?”

He turns his head just enough to look at me. “You’ll tell me or I’ll find out in a few hours when I get up. Either way, it won’t change the outcome, love, and I need sleep.”

I frown at him before I finish getting dressed and rush out of the room. I’m just closing my door when Hana, Annabel and Mignon come rushing out of their rooms. We smile at each other and race down the stairs and out of the house.

“None of the guys cared to come find out who claimed her?” I ask them.

We all agree that our mates are the most uninquisitive men we’ve ever met.

“Asher even went so far as to say that he didn’t have to be nosey because I’m nosey enough for both of us. Imagine!” Mignon says, offended.

“The nerve of him.” Hana says.

“This isn’t being nosey, this is being curious.” Annabel clarifies.

“Curious and wanting to ensure that Katerina is safe and was claimed properly.” I say.

We all agree that those are our reasons and being nosey has nothing to do with it.

I see that nearly all of the claimants are there, watching to see who brings Katerina out. I notice the Alpha Jonas is front and center.

the territory, all of them looking worn and weary. We catch snippets of

saw her.”

her

she was really in

proudly. She gave them a good run, a good

was so quiet in there. They

she was.”

trees, like Jara was, I’ll bet.” Annabel says.

the trees only lasted so long. I had to get

water.” And that’s when it dawns on me. If she was very careful, very stealthy, Katerina could have used the watering hole as her hiding spot. It would explain why no one ever caught

hole on top of the cliff.” I tell

comes walking out of the territory.

she come out yet?”

yet.” Jonas says, watching the forest line.

to wait and see who claimed

and give it to him, watching as he downs

I’ve ever been on where I couldn’t find a scent trail. That was one hell of a hunt.” He says, appreciatively. “I’m thankful I’ve got a couple of days before I

out of the territory empty-handed. Hana grabs him a bottle and he sits down next to

Luke that caught her?”

so. It sounded like an

say, standing

holding an unconscious Katerina in his arms, her long dark hair swinging nearly to the ground

slowly, not sure what

haze.” He says and I approach, looking at her neck. I frown

me her neck when I caught her. It made marking