The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 40

Layan

After I eat, and I devoured everything Elijah put in front of me, I realize he’s right. While I’m in his clothes which are clean, I’m not anywhere close to being clean. I’d been hiding in rock structures and hiding spots in the ground for days when Elijah found me.

I smile, watching as he gets the water going in the tub before moving to get some shampoo and body wash.

He found me, like I knew he would. And then, this man who I had already decided was going to be my mate, made sure that I claimed him first. I feel so lucky to have him as my mate.

He turns his head, flashing me a s*e*xy smile. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”

“You.” I say, unabashedly.

“Mmmm, I like the sound of that. Anything in particular about me that has you feeling all warm inside.” I blush. It will take some time to remember that he can feel my emotions.

I step up to him as he stands from the tub. “You found me, you insisted that I choose you, claim you first.”

He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I will always find you. And it was important for you to have the control this time.”

I cup his face in my hand. “It’s the reason I chose you to be mate even before you found me. Because that’s the kind of man you are, the kind of man I can happily bind my life to.”

He leans in, kissing my lips softly. I can feel his desire for me, it’s intoxicating, overwhelming. I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him to me as we kiss. His arms wrap around me, engulfing me in his love and protection.

I sigh into our kiss. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get enough of this.

He pulls back, looking at me. “Time for a bath. I can step out…”

“No, I want you to stay. I have to get used to being around you when I’m naked, right?”

“I just claimed you, Layan. We don’t have to rush into anything.”

“I want you to stay.”

you out of these

bright shade of red. Other than when I

clothes, then he steps back, keeping hold of my hands, holding them out, watching me at first, then taking his time to look over my body. I begin shifting

“You’re beautiful, Layan.”

from the mark the Alpha tried to give me last year. Elijah’s hand covers mine. “You have nothing to

away and he gives me an approving

says, holding my hand

soaking into muscles that I hadn’t realized were sore. Elijah kneels beside the tub behind me. “Lean

takes his time, massaging my scalp, running his soapy fingers through my hair then rinsing it all away. He

safe. I turn, looking at Elijah who is letting the soapy water out

how far I will feel comfortable going

me, frowning. “I’m not sure that’ s

course, he wants to be careful with me. I should have known I was moving too fast. I nod, ducking my head so he

gently takes my chin and pulls my face so I’ m looking at him. “My body is very aroused being this close to you. I don’t want to scare you. That’s the only reason I’m hesitant. It has nothing at all

frown at him. How

pinging all

moment I

blush again. Wow. There’s no hiding his emotions, now that I’m paying attention. “Do you

nod. “Yes, but…. but I still want you

nods. “If anything becomes too much

hesitation in our bond before he begins taking off his shirt. I’m pretty sure my mouth waters at the sight of him. I’ve been around Elijah a

and wow is he big. Really big. Yeah we’ll be putting that off for another day. But the rest

my fingers twitch wanting to

look back up, he has a smug smile on his face. “Those emotions were

and I see his dick twitch in

let it scare you. Your pace, remember?” I

I’ll scoot in

taking up the entire tub. He somehow manages to sit me between his legs before pulling me back against him and grabbing a washcloth. Tingles ignite all over my

him. “Do you

“I do.”

you think

it’s much stronger now that we’re both marked.” He

to slowly run the soapy washcloth over my body. His touch feels so good, my breathing increases, and something warm begins to form in my stomach. I want

into Elijah’ s lap, my legs

“Layan?”

more, but I don’t know