The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 10 Jaxon

My original idea of asking each other a question at each mile marker was to pass the time, help me to think of something, anything other than my sore muscles, my aching feet and the cramp in my stomach that could be from running, hunger or both.

However, I realize quickly that this is a great opportunity to get to know the woman that I intend to take as a mate. I just hope she’s not going to be like Taylor and string me along. Which gives me my idea for the next question.

We run through the 70-mile marker, grabbing cups of water and getting cheers. My cousin Griffin is at this rest stop. He will be taking over for my Uncle Seth in a couple of months.

“Only Tobias and Taylor are ahead of you Jax! And they both look like they are running out of steam. You’ve got this!” He says as I pass.

“Keep it up, Evangeline, you’ve can do it!” He encourages her.

Griffin is great. I like him a lot. But he got some of his mother’s bubbly, cheerleader qualities, and right now, while I appreciate the sentiment, it’s a bit tough to take.

“Thanks, Griff.” I say, downing my water.

“Thank you, Alpha Griffin.” Evangeline says and we continue on our way.

I wait until we’re well past the rest area before I look at Evangeline.

“Ready for the next question?” I ask her.

“Sure.” She says.

“If you win, how are you going to handle it when you find your mate?” I ask her.

She sighs. “Honestly, I don’t know. It might depend on who he is, how he feels about being co-Alphas. Right now, I’m leaning toward staying single. I’m sure I could find a sperm donor so I could have an heir.” She tells me.

Oh no, this is not the answer I was hoping for.

“What if he’s willing to be co-Alphas?” I ask. My parents do that, and my sister intends to do the same. I would definitely be okay with that.

“Except, it’s MY title that has to change, right? Even if I win the pack lands, possibly defeating him in this contest, if I take him as my mate, he still gets to be Alpha, and I have to be Luna. The titles alone imply that he is head of the pack, and I would be second.”

father, not even my father. He treats my mother as an equal, and so does everyone else in our pack. I expect it will be the same for Jordan. At least,

not all the packs are ran like that.” She

technically a

an equal. And, at least toward us kids, she is the iron fist and Dad is the softy, It’s not that

could be an acceptable solution too.”

know, I guess it will very much depend on who my mate is, if I even find

you’ll find him during this competition.” I tell her, feeling like I’ve dodged a

our breath over for the next

twin? I mean, I know you aren’t identical, but you

know how to answer that. I guess it would be the same as asking you what it’s like not being a twin. I don’t know any other way. But I guess, from seeing my other sisters. I’d say that it’s nice having a close bond with Jordan. We’re very close,

only 6 months apart in age, so we have a lot in common,

I guess I’d say Jordan is my best friend, my closest friend. I have other guy friends, but if something is bothering me, she always knows, even if no one else does. And the same is true for her. We are in tune with each other in a way that is probably

She says and we fall back into silence, each of us getting caught up

mile marker 80 is

getting so close!”

first round.” I say to her, putting

as we jog

is Alpha Davis and Luna

You’re really close to

Alpha Max.” I

time is it?”

1 am.” He

enough away, I look at her.

can’t keep up this pace. So, while it’s been great chatting with you, I can’t keep

this competition is everything to me, but I only need to be in the top 100 for this event and right now, she and I are in the third and fourth places. I can afford to slow down and continue my conversation

slow my pace, waiting for her to

to stay with me. Really.

middle of the night. I’ m tired

looks at me a long moment. “Why are you being so

that your question?” I ask

“Sure.”

you in that clearing.” I frown. “Was that yesterday? The day before? Whenever it was,

that was very

nothing but time and honesty on my side. And, for some reason, it’s always easier to bare your soul in the dead of night, don’t you