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

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

very quiet way I 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 deep

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

did. She

a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “One of the most

was awesome man, really. Well done.” One of the gunmen says, coming over to congratulate Elijah. They all come up and congratulate him

at him to get his

until you can look after her. But, if you decide to stand here much longer, I’m going to assume that you’re ready to have said conversation and we will have it before you take your mate, who apparently chose you first,

I’m done. “See you later everyone.” He

watches him with a smile

on him, pointing my finger at him,

never let him leave. But I knew I didn’t have to worry about it. Even if he got past me, there

of

lips gently. “You were already struggling to sleep.

“You’re a really good mate, you know that?” “I try. I try to keep my mate

just sits empty all year waiting for the annual claiming?” I hear McKenna ask,

to look at her, but she’s giving a mischievous grin to Davis. “You know, I wonder if you

I

one.” Davis says, his voice still

racing off, shifting

you going to chase her?” Mignon says,

nearby all chuckle. Mignon looks

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

asks,

“I want her to feel like she’s got a chance before I catch her.”