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.

isn’t long after that that

them!” Makayla says,

leans over to me.

my hand to her. I know she’ll want to congratulate her family as much as I want to congratulate mine. Hopefully

considered. It seems the four of them, my sisters, Lazio and Magdalena, have stayed together and added

of water this time and every one gulps them down.

“Anyone hungry?” Jordan asks.

all say at

chuckles. “They

but I see my mother watching

“Mom?”

going to

inside and eat, then get some sleep. I’m sure you’re dead on

everyone inside. I catch Evangeline watching me before she turns, focusing on whatever her brother Alejandro is saying. I didn’t even see him walk up, but

are struggling to stay

be having a congratulatory dinner with the announcement for the next contest.” Alpha Luke

long of a wait?” Magdalena asks

Runners will be coming in all day today. When they get here, they will need food and sleep, just like you. When you get up later today, there may still be runners coming in that haven’t completed

to watch the ceremony tomorrow night.” Alpha Luke

to stay if they or their family members didn’t come in the top

the next ten Alphas, it’s also an opportunity for people to choose

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, the pack lands you want, things like that. Remember, you can choose your Beta, but they also have to accept you as their Alpha. So those that plan to compete for the Beta positions will be watching all of you just

and I can see

thought I would be hungrier, but now that I’ve put something into my stomach, the fatigue is catching up

can talk more after all of you get some sleep.” Alpha Luke

today, making sure there is food for the

stand, ready to