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.

all of the claimants are there, watching to see who brings Katerina out. I notice the Alpha Jonas is front and center. We all know that he and his pack members weren’t invited

of the territory, all of them looking worn

even saw her.”

her

sure she was

look at the other Lunas. We all smile proudly. She gave them a

it was so quiet in there. They

wonder where she was.” Mignon says.

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

the trees only lasted so long. I had to

very stealthy, Katerina could have used the watering hole as her hiding spot. It would explain

top of the cliff.”

of the territory. He also looks exhausted

out yet?”

Jonas says, watching

on the ground to wait and

give it to him, watching as he downs it in

What a woman. That’s the first hunt 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

thirty minutes before Alpha Davis comes walking out of the territory empty-handed. Hana grabs him a bottle and he sits down next to Quinton.

it was Luke that caught her?” He

an Alpha’s

I say, standing beside them, watching.

Luke finally emerges holding an unconscious Katerina in his arms, her long dark hair swinging nearly to the ground as he walks with

him slowly, not sure what

not in the haze.” He says and I approach, looking at her neck. I frown and

then looks at his new mate. “She said she hoped it would be me and she willingly gave me her neck when I caught her. It made marking her a much gentler process.” He says.