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.

of food, bringing them back out and

like déjà vu only the

food, chuckling, but

what she’s going in there?” I ask

what sounds like branches breaking. She’s not big enough to cause those branches

sit with him during the afternoon. And when dinner is served, I bring him dinner as well, sitting next to him. The crashing has

something, Mason.” Elijah says,

at me.

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

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

at

I can’t. I don’t know why but the

voice catches.

him. I feel angry at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah is more than

head. “I

key to getting you

don’t understand.”

I want to understand, but I won’t give up

reasons behind what he plans to do. In the end, I can’t argue with him. His rationale

Elijah.” I tell him.

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

scrub my hands over my face, frustrated for the first time in a long time. I don’t want to lose Elijah, but I know there

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 the

and I are both on our feet in an instant.

Davis claimed McKenna, no one left. Everyone remained to