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.”

mother as an equal, and so does everyone else in our pack. I expect it

all the packs are ran like that.” She

You mother is technically a higher ranked wolf

treat her as an equal. And, at least toward us kids, she is the iron fist and Dad is the softy, It’s not that way outside of our family, but everyone

sounds like it could be an acceptable solution too.” I

I guess it will very much depend on who

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

next couple of miles before she

like being a twin? I mean, I know you aren’t

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, closer than either of us are to our other sisters. Although, based on my observations, your relationship with Magdalena

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

if no one

nice.” She says and we fall back into silence, each of

I know it, mile

getting so

we’re definitely going to make the first round.”

bump as we jog into the 80-mile rest stop, grabbing our

is Alpha Davis and Luna McKenna’s oldest son and

You’re really

Max.”

is it?” Evangeline

am.” He

on and once we’re far enough away, I look at her.

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

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 with my future mate, which is just as important to me at the moment as winning

my pace, waiting

don’t have to stay with me. Really. It’s a race.” She

the next round. It’s the middle of the night. I’ m tired too. As long as there aren’t too many people that pass us, I think

a long moment. “Why are

that your question?”

“Sure.”

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

was very

shrug. “I have 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