The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 37

Jara

Layan’s claiming has been extremely quiet. It’s making me nervous. The only sounds are at night when we hear Elijah calling out to her.

“She’ll be fine, love.” Mason says for the hundredth time. We’re sitting outside on the deck at the housing where we listened to Hana’s claiming last year.

We’ve just heard Elijah’s howl for tonight, so we know that Layan isn’t yet claimed. “Why aren’t we hearing any other howls. I would have thought we’d have heard something by now, other than Elijah saying goodnight every night.”

Mason stands, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet. “Time for bed. We’ll head back over the main packhouse in the morning and see what happens.” After tossing and turning for what feels like hours, Mason finally pulls me onto his chest and begins purring. The sound instantly relaxes me, settling me. I feel him kissing the top of my head, as I drift off to sleep.

The next day, we take our time getting ready. Other than Mason checking on the pack, we don’t really have anything to do here.

McKenna and Davis emerged yesterday, Davis sporting a mating mark. McKenna seems much calmer now. I think the two of them will be good together. He will help her to grow as a person and as a Luna, and she will bring him and their pack happiness and a level of playfulness that most packs don’t have.

I’m in the packhouse helping to prep for tonight’s dinner when I hear a commotion. “He caught her. He did it.” I hear someone say as they rush past the kitchen.

Who caught her?

I quickly wash my hands and go racing out the back of the packhouse. There is Elijah, carrying an unconscious Layan in his arms. The others in her claim walking with him, escorting them out of the territory.

I smile as I walk up to him. “You caught her?” I frown before he answers. “Is that what I think it is on your neck, Beta?” I ask him.

He gives me a smug smile.

asks coming up to stand beside me.

and even I know that he’s throwing Elijah to the wolves. Or specifically, one wolf. Me. “You want to run that one by me?” I say and my voice is low

asked. Anyone who knows me knows that, when I’m angry, if I’m yelling, you’re still okay. If I get quiet, you’re in

to say, I told Layan she had to choose me first, that I wouldn’t hunt her

did. She chose me.”

who was in the claiming comes up and slaps a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “One of the

of the gunmen says, coming over to congratulate Elijah. They all come up and congratulate him as I stand and

at him to get his

However, Layan is a dear friend so I’ll put my irritation at you on hold until you can look after her. But, if you decide to stand

you later everyone.” He says, carrying Layan

a smile on

I turn on him, pointing

to him. “I’d have never let him leave. But I knew I didn’t have to worry about it. Even if he

of irritation. “You could

gently. “You were already struggling to sleep.

up, running my hands through his hair. “You’re a really good mate, you know that?” “I try. I try to keep my mate happy in

for the annual claiming?” I hear McKenna ask, distracting me from thoughts of pulling my mate back

giving a mischievous grin to Davis. “You know, I

hunting his mate again. I feel Mason

says, his voice still

giggles before turning and racing off, shifting as

chase her?” Mignon says, coming

looks around frowning.

wraps his arms around her. “He’s giving her a head start.”

asks,

she’s got a chance before I catch