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.

stand beside me. I

tell her, especially 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. “You want to run that one by

knows that, when I’m angry,

now, Luna. But suffice it to say, I told Layan she had to choose me first, that I wouldn’t hunt her

She chose me.” He

in the claiming comes up and slaps a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “One of the most incredible things

Well done.” One of the gunmen says, coming over to congratulate Elijah. They all come up and congratulate him as I

him to get his attention. Everyone

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, to look

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

with a smile on his

him, pointing my finger at

leave. But I knew I didn’t have to

a breath of irritation. “You

down, kissing my lips gently. “You were already struggling to sleep. Why

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 all ways.” He gives me a devious grin and

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

to Davis. “You know, I wonder if

at the challenge of hunting his mate again. I feel

one.” Davis says,

turning and racing off,

to chase her?” Mignon says, coming

nearby all chuckle. Mignon looks around frowning.

arms around her. “He’s giving her

asks, looking at

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