The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 8 Jaxon

Six hundred of us are standing at the starting line for the first contest. Just looking around. I can already identify some of those that will not make it. They are burning their energy with their excitement, unable to control themselves. I’m guessing they will be the ones that will sprint off when the gun goes off.

As I look around, I see Evangeline standing with Magdalena. I nod at her, and she nods back. I hope it’s her and I that make it to the finish line first. I’d love to battle her for top spot.

When the gun goes off, I watch the excitable youngsters, omegas and even some warriors, race off, trying to get a good head start. It won’t help them. They’re just going to burn their much-needed energy sooner than the rest of us.

There are ten total rest areas, spread out every ten miles and one final one back at the starting line, now being transitioned into a finish line, since our run will bring us back to the starting point.

After the first couple of miles, I get into the rhythm of running. I love the sound of my feet hitting the ground at a steady pace. I notice that most of the ranked wolves are doing what I am, taking their time and reserving their energy.

By the time we get to the first rest area, there are groups of runners forming. Evangeline, Magdalena and Lazio are in a group not far from me. In my group. Rowan, Teagan and Raelyn are running, along with a couple of others including Jace, but not Taylor. She’s in another group, with her siblings. As I look around, it appears that, for now, the groups are set aside by pack or family. It makes me wonder how these groups will change over the next day.

We pass Jordan at the first rest stop. She cheers for us as we go by. She is standing with glasses of water that she holds out for anyone to take. I grab one, downing it and tossing the paper cup aside. Part of the job of the volunteers is to clean up the mess after we’ve passed.

of the sprinters are already showing signs of a struggle. Several are sitting down drinking water and catching their breath. Some are getting back up, getting back into the race, others look like they may already be

people who are sitting down, drinking and eating is higher. It’s been about four hours and the air is starting to warm as the sun rises higher into the sky. This time,

Teagan says. “I’ll catch

to stop running, but this early into the race, it will cause chaffing, not to mention the smell will stay in your

Rowan says. “I’ll come

this purpose. I continue on, getting lost in my head space again. I’m not too far from the rest area when I realize someone has

noticing that Magdalena isn’t with her. Lazio is

unasked question. “My sisters too.”

she could run with them to catch

run. Because it’s so quiet, I can hear that her steps and

a lot of people drop out of the race to grab

Evie.” Lazio

and slowing a moment. I do the same, wanting to

I’ll catch up, hopefully with Maggie and your sisters

nod. “See

I look around. Most of the top competitors that Jordan had on my list are still running. There are some, like my sisters, Magdalena and Lazio that have stopped, but eventually I will have to as well, just to give my body a brief break and use the bathrooms. Then they might catch

Currently, I believe we are

worry about trying to be any further in the