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.

Mason asks coming up to stand beside me.

pack.” Mason says 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 and deadly. How dare he think he was

who knows me knows that, when I’m angry, if

it to say, I told Layan she had to choose me

did. She chose

our warriors who was in the claiming comes up and slaps a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “One of the most incredible things I’ve ever witnessed Beta. Nice job. You deserve

over to congratulate Elijah. They all come up and congratulate him as I stand

I bark at him to get his attention.

hold until you can look after her. But, if you decide to stand here much longer,

“See you later everyone.” He says,

him with a smile on

you,” I turn on him, pointing my finger

knew I didn’t have

out a breath of irritation. “You could

gently. “You were already struggling to

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

empty all year waiting for the annual claiming?” I hear McKenna ask, distracting me from

a mischievous grin to Davis. “You know, I wonder if you

of hunting his mate again. I feel Mason chuckling against me.

Davis says,

giggles before turning and racing off, shifting as she

chase her?”

nearby all chuckle. Mignon looks around frowning.

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

asks, looking

to feel like she’s got a chance before I catch her.” He turns his head, listening.