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.

coming up to stand beside me. I look, between the two of

that part about leaving our pack.” Mason says and even I know that he’s throwing Elijah to the wolves. Or specifically, one wolf.

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

had to choose me first, that

she did. She chose me.”

hand on Elijah’s

says, coming over to congratulate Elijah.

I bark at him to

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 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, to your room,

walking before I’m done. “See you later everyone.” He says, carrying

a smile

you,” I turn on him, pointing my

grabs my fingers, pulling me to him. “I’d have never let him leave. But I knew I didn’t have to worry about it. Even if he got past me, there was no way

of irritation. “You could

already struggling to sleep. Why would

try to keep my mate

the annual claiming?” I hear McKenna ask, distracting me

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

again. I feel

says, his voice

before turning and racing off, shifting as

chase her?”

all chuckle. Mignon looks around frowning.

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

asks, looking

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