The Claiming by Cooper

Layan’s Retum Chapter 33 Mason

Mason

I can’t sleep without my mate beside me. I try, I honestly do, but it’ s not working at all.

I finally get up checking on the twins before heading into the hall to check on the Lunas, passing Antonio on the way. He chuckles. “I passed Asher on my way down to check on them and he passed Seth.”

I guess we all had the same idea. And none of us could sleep.

Now, I stand back, watching the Lunas walk Layan to the edge of the territory. I continue to be impressed with Layan and her resilience. When she lifts her head and enters the territory, I want to clap for her. She really is special. And I REALLY hope my Beta claims her.

I watch as, not unexpectedly, Elijah finds a spot on the grass outside the claiming territory. He won’t move until it’s time to enter the territory.

I walk up to Jara, kissing her cheek. “It’s my turn today, love.”

She turns and looks at Elijah and nods. “Take care of our Beta.” She says before heading back to the housing.

I spend some time on the phone with my Gamma Luke, making sure everyone who has returned to the pack got home safely and letting him know that Layan went into the claiming today.

“So, we’ll be home in a week at the latest.” I tell him.

“Hopefully with a new pack member in tow.” He says.

Drucking nito pages nom

“His biggest competition was Davis, and he caught McKenna, so have high hopes.” I say.

get two plates of food, bringing them back out and sitting beside Elijah.

vu only the roles are reversed.”

of food, chuckling, but his gaze remains

she’s going in there?” I ask him.

have no idea. There’s been a lot of crashing and what sounds like branches breaking. She’s not big enough to cause those branches to fall if she’s standing on them, so I’m not sure what’s going

is served, I bring him dinner as well, sitting next to him. The crashing

need to tell you something, Mason.” Elijah says, still not

at me.

me Mason. When he does, I know that whatever he

turn and look at me. “I decided before I left the pack that

eyebrow at

know why but

voice catches.

my Beta. But Elijah is more than that. He’s my friend, the

“I refuse to hunt

my chest. “How do you expect to claim her if you don’t hunt her Elijah? I mean, if she’s the key to getting you back to our pack, fuck, I’ll catch her for you and let you claim her.” I

don’t understand.” He says.

me.” I say quietly. I want to understand, but I won’t give up on him without

to do. In the end, I can’t argue with him. His rationale is sound, his reasons are pure

risk, Elijah.” I

know, but it’s the only way. And it’s why I’m telling you now that I won’t

hands over my face, frustrated for the first time in a long time. I

fire from the cave, that would be a hint

feet in an instant. Others

after Davis claimed McKenna, no one left. Everyone remained to see what happens to Layan. Everyone wants to see