The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 12 Jaxon

Evangeline is saved from answering my question by our families. Makayla practically barrels her over. I reach out to grab her, but her father beats me to it.

A moment later, I smell my twin as she also nearly tackles me. I wrap my arms around her. and she steadies both of us.

“Top five, both of you, well done.” Luna Katerina says, walking over with two bottles of water. She hands both Evangeline and I a bottle and we down it in one go.

“Want another one?” She asks us. We both nod.

“I’ve got them.” My mother says, walking over with my father.

“Well, done son.” My father says.

I look around and see Uncle Seth and Aunt Hana congratulating Taylor and Alpha Saul and Luna Gia congratulating his son, Tobias.

“Do you know how far behind your sisters are?” My mother asks me.

“No, they stopped with Evangeline’s brother and sister early on. They were never able to catch back up with us.”

I hear cheering and see Jace and Stefan crossing the finish line.

“I’m going to congratulate Jace.” My father says. And I fall to the ground, sitting and putting my arms on my knees, drinking this water more slowly.

My mother is anxiously watching for my sisters. “Rowan and Teagan are tough mom. They’ll be here soon.”

Next in is Caleb, Taylor’s brother. Then Justina and Noelle, Alpha Davis’s and Alpha Antonio’s daughters come in together and rounding out the top 10 is Cillian, Alpha Asher’s son.

that my mother goes

says, hopping up

to

to her. I know she’ll want to congratulate her family as much as I want to congratulate mine. Hopefully then, I can get food, a shower and find a bed. Not necessarily in

fairly large, all things considered. It seems the four of them, my sisters, Lazio and Magdalena, have stayed together and added Carter. Elijah and Layan’s son, to their numbers. They are the first five in

gulps them down. I hug my sisters, congratulating them and see Evangeline doing the

“Anyone hungry?” Jordan asks.

all say

race chuckles. “They have food laid out inside. Come

start heading inside but I see my mother watching as

“Mom?”

to wait

get some sleep. I’m sure you’re dead on your

she turns, focusing on whatever her brother Alejandro is saying. I didn’t even see him walk up, but

is a quiet affair. Most of us are struggling to stay awake long

top 100 contestants and they will be having a congratulatory dinner with the

a wait?” Magdalena asks

here, they will need food and sleep, just like you. When you get up later today, there may still be runners

stay to watch the ceremony tomorrow night.” Alpha

would people want to stay if they or their family members didn’t come in the top 100?” Rowan

an opportunity for people to choose to live somewhere

Alpha position will be eligible to compete in the Beta Trials. Those that competed here will want their first glimpse at the next potential Alphas, assessing them and you. I would be surprised if they don’t start approaching all of you, asking about your plans when you become Alpha,

and I can

but now that I’ve put something into my stomach, the fatigue is catching

after all of you get some

open all day today, making sure there is food for the runners as

stand, ready to head back