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.

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

only the roles are reversed.”

but his gaze remains fixed on

what she’s going in there?” I

breaking. She’s not big enough to cause those branches to fall if she’s standing on them, so I’m not sure

him dinner as

to tell you something, Mason.”

at me.

know that whatever he says is personal not about the pack.

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

an eyebrow at

someone else. I can’t. I don’t know why but the

voice catches.

tell him. I feel angry at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah is more than that. He’s my friend, the closest friend I have next to Jara.”

shakes his head. “I refuse

if you don’t hunt her Elijah? I mean, if she’s the key to getting you back

don’t understand.” He says.

understand, but I won’t give up on him without a fight.

plan, his reasons behind what he plans to do. In the end, I can’t argue with him. His rationale is sound, his reasons are pure of heart. But it doesn’t sit

a huge risk, Elijah.” I tell

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

for the first time in a long time. I don’t want to lose Elijah, but I know there is no changing his mind in

plan, when we both catch the scent of a fire. Not the fire from the cave, that would be a hint of smoke on the night breeze. This is heavy smoke, much closer to the

on our feet in an instant.

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