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.

pass, I see some 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 done. Anyone that

rest area, the number of people who are sitting down, drinking and eating is higher. It’s been about four hours and the air is starting to

have to pee.” Teagan

just pee themselves so they don’t have to stop running, but this early into the race, it will cause chaffing, not to mention the smell will stay in your nose for the rest of the

says.

in my head space again.

isn’t with her. Lazio is a couple paces behind

question. “My sisters too.” I say, not breaking

figured she could run

our run. Because it’s so quiet, I can hear that her steps and my steps are perfectly in sync. It’s just the

rest area. It’s close to noon now and a lot of people drop out of the

catch up, Evie.” Lazio

and slowing a moment. I do the same, wanting

catch up, hopefully with

nod. “See

There are some,

we are the top six in the race. Over

our breath, our pace. It’s still too soon to worry about trying to be any further in