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.

the

plate of food, chuckling, but

know what she’s going in there?”

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

is served, I bring him dinner as

need to tell you something, Mason.” Elijah says,

at me.

When he does, I know that whatever he says is personal not about

me. “I decided before I left the pack that if I don’t claim Layan,

raise an eyebrow at him.

“I can’t go back to how things were, not knowing that she’s with someone else. I can’t. I don’t know why but the thought of her being with anyone else….I can’t be around it, I can’t see it.

voice catches.

at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah

his head. “I refuse to hunt 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 tell him,

don’t understand.” He

to me.” I say quietly. I want to understand, but I won’t give up on

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

a huge risk, Elijah.” I

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

over my face, frustrated for the first time in a long time. I don’t want to lose

the fire from the cave, that would be a hint

are both on our feet in an instant. Others come rushing

McKenna, no one left. Everyone remained