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.

lunch is served, I get two plates of food, bringing them back out

is like déjà vu only the roles are

takes the plate of food, chuckling, but his

going in there?”

like branches breaking. She’s not big enough to cause those branches to fall if she’s standing on them,

is served, I bring him dinner as well, sitting next to him. The crashing has stopped, and it’s quiet

Mason.” Elijah says, still not

at me.

rarely calls me Mason. When he does, I know that whatever he says is personal not

he does turn and look at me. “I decided before I left the pack that if I don’t claim Layan,

raise an eyebrow at him.

his head, looking down. “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.

you catch her.” I tell him. I feel angry at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah is more

“I refuse to hunt

my heart stutters in 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 tell him, starting to

don’t understand.” He says.

I want to understand, but

tells me his plan, his reasons behind what he plans to do. In the end, I can’t argue with him. His rationale is sound, his

huge risk, Elijah.” I tell

why I’m telling you now that I won’t

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

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 a hint of smoke on

and I are both on our feet in an instant.

realized that after Davis claimed McKenna, no one left. Everyone