The Claiming by Cooper

Layans Return Chapter 35. Elijah

Elijah

On the morning of Layan’s claim, Mason joins me.

“I’d like you to reconsider. If things don’t go the way you hope…”

I’m already shaking my head before he finishes. “I can’t. And you, of all people, should understand that.”

He grits his teeth. “I do, but I don’t’ want to lose you. You’re a great Beta, and a better friend.”

“Then wish me luck.” I tell him.

His hand comes down on my shoulder. “Bring her home, Elijah.”

When the gun goes off, the others run into the territory. I walk in, taking my time. But as soon as I hit the forest line, I smell it, the scent trails. They are everywhere.

I close my eyes and smile. She did this for me. In one of our discussions, she asked me what I would have done with my life if I hadn’t been a Beta. I told her that my family had come from a long line of trackers. I can pretty much hunt anyone, anywhere. I’m not as good at is as some of my other family members, but I’m better than most.

I begin walking, take a deep breath, finding the strongest of the scents and I begin to follow it. Last year, there were 75 of us in the Hana’s claiming and nearly 200 in Jara’s. While I can track well, I don’t have the ability to track a scent that has been stomped over by multiple males, basically covering the female’s scent.

This year, that isn’t a problem. There are only nine other men in

Layan’s claiming, and they all went running for the lake and the

cave.

I follow the scent that leads me to the burned-out fire. I look around, seeing how she scorched the area. I wasn’t here last year, I didn’t see it happen, but I heard about it, like everyone else did.

firepit that she obviously made until I find where her scent is strongest. Then I squat down and look at the remains of the fire. This is where she stood last night, howling. This

The woman is amazing, capable of kindness to others, even when she’s afraid for herself. She has never let her

took control of the past, burned it so there is nothing left but ashes. I hope it helped her find peace.

again, and turning to find her. This isn’t a hunt. I refuse to hunt her, not after what she suffered here last year. I won’t be the reason that those memories, that horror comes back

amazed at how many scent trails she has created. This territory is large, large enough that I’ll be surprised if I run into any of

scent for three more days. I knew she’d be on the move, and she has been. Surprisingly, none of her other claimants have raised the howl of the hunt. It’s nearly as quiet in here as it was for Katerina’s claim. I wonder if that’s intentional. Layan hand- picked these men. All

them know what

sky. I’m not sure if she’s scared or feeling lonely, so I do what I’ve done every night. I howl, letting her know that

respond. She can’t and I know it, but my howl is not about me. It’s about her knowing that I’m here

swear I feel someone watching me. As I fall asleep, I hear her voice, soft and

Her scent trails are getting more intricate each day. It’s almost as if she’s up all night. leaving trails and sleeping during the day.

find her. It’s time for her to make her decision. Today will be the turning point

I’ve been tracking her for days, I know which trails are a dead end. I’ve been strategically maneuvering myself to where her true

a cliff, standing alone in the territory here. If I had to guess, I’d say that’s her ground zero, a beacon drawing me to her. There must

the clearing in front of the cliff. I can smell her. She’s definitely close. I continue

out.” I say quietly, and I step back.

her rustling around before she emerges from a well-hidden

at me. “Are you going to claim what you’ve rightfully

shake my head. “No.”

the hurt flash in her eyes before she looks down. “You don’t want me?” She asks so quietly I almost don’t hear her.

I’ve ever wanted in my life.” I

why? Why won’t you

for the rest of our lives. I will nip at your heels and

are you saying, Elijah?”

want you so much that it hurts, Layan. But I won’t take