The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 7 Evangeline

Jaxon is nothing like I was expecting. He’s…nice. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have the Alpha arrogance. He does of course. But he’s nicer than I was expecting.

We talk over dinner and it’s pretty casual. Others join in our conversation periodically and we join in theirs. Surprisingly, there’s an air of camaraderie rather than competition. I’m guessing that will change overnight, but for now, it’s casual and comfortable.

I notice that Jaxon isn’t drinking alcoholic beverages either and I comment on it.

“I’m here to win, not party.” He says.

Magdalena snorts. “Did you two rehearse that?” Jaxon looks confused.

“I said almost the exact same thing to Makayla, our sister, earlier.” I say.

“It says a lot to me about the ones that are drinking. They are either here to search for their mates, or they don’t understand how brutal the next two days are going to be.” He says.

Maggie leans forward. “Who do you think will come in first?” She asks him, smirking. I’m already guessing his answer will be the same as ours.

“Me, of course.” And there it is. We both laugh and I can see that arrogant Alpha look come out.

“You don’t think I can do it?” He asks.

“That was also our answer when Makayla asked who we thought would be first.” Maggie tells him. “Both of us said we would be first.” He smiles at that.

you run with your sisters, help them along?” I ask

not unless something happens. They are strong in their own ways, but I’m faster than any of them. Plus, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, so I expect Teagan

marathon plus.” I

you think is your biggest competition?” I ask

both of you are on it, by the way.” That

probably say Tobias, because he’s older and has had longer to train, Stefan, for the

are on our list as well. What about Celine? Stefan’s sister? Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia were very strong leaders of their pack, and their son Alden seems to have stepped easily into those shoes.” I

never met her, but if she’s Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia’s daughter. I won’t underestimate her.”

Do you think he has a chance?”

though he’s just made the cutoff to participate. We

“How many do you think are here just to find their

sister is any indication,

they don’t seem to realize that they are in a room full of people. They are lost in their

me if some don’t end up dropping out during the contest. It’s going to be spread out over nearly half a year, so that provides plenty of time for people to come of age and find their mates. And

look at Jordan. “I hadn’t considered that. But since existing pack leaders aren’t eligible to participate in the contest, if any of the

or future Alpha.” Jaxon says watching me. “If, say, you and I were mates, we could

in my stomach, and my mouth goes dry. Thankfully, Maggie answers for me

18 during the competition. Who knows, you may walk into a competition and BAM there she is, flooding your senses

at

something I heard dad say about when

WAS the goal.”

born in that

imagine? Getting chased down by the group of guys that are here for the

“Barbaric!” Maggie says.

to look