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

like déjà vu only the roles are

takes the plate of food, chuckling, but his gaze remains fixed

what she’s going in there?”

enough to cause those branches to fall if she’s standing on them, so I’m not

afternoon. And when dinner is served, I bring him dinner as well, sitting next

Mason.” Elijah says, still

at me.

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

decided before I left the pack that if I don’t claim Layan, I’m not

an eyebrow at him. “Excuse

else. I can’t. I don’t know why but the thought of her being with anyone else….I

voice catches.

at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah is more than that. He’s my friend, the closest friend I have next

shakes his head. “I

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

understand.”

it 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. But

huge risk, Elijah.” I

the only way. And it’s why I’m telling you now that I

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

fire from the cave, that would be a hint of smoke on the night breeze. This is heavy smoke, much closer to the entrance of

and I are both on our feet in an

claimed McKenna, no one left. Everyone remained to see