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.

is served, I get two plates of food,

déjà vu only the roles are reversed.” I tell

but

she’s going in there?” I

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 on.”

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

you something, Mason.”

at me.

When he does, I know that whatever he says is

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

raise an eyebrow at him. “Excuse

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,

voice catches.

feel angry at the thought of losing my Beta. But

shakes his head. “I refuse

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

understand.” He

understand, but I won’t

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

risk, Elijah.”

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

I don’t want to lose Elijah, but I know

about to ask him more about his plan, when we both catch the scent of a fire. Not the fire from the cave, that would be

both on our feet in an instant.

that after Davis claimed McKenna, no one left. Everyone remained to see what