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.

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.

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

now, Luna. But suffice it to say, I told Layan she had to choose me first, that I wouldn’t hunt her in that territory.” He looks down at her,

she 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

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

at him to get his attention. Everyone

leaving my pack without telling me. 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 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

“See you later everyone.” He says, carrying Layan off

him with a smile on

I turn on him, pointing my finger at him,

pulling me to him. “I’d have never let him leave. But I knew I didn’t have

blow out a breath of irritation. “You could have

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

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 I know exactly what ‘ways’ he’s talking

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

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

mate again. I feel Mason chuckling

one.” Davis says, his voice

before turning and racing

chase her?” Mignon says, coming up

looks around frowning. “What am

her. “He’s giving her

asks, looking at

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