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.

after that that my

It’s them!” Makayla says,

over to

much as

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 the second group

and dad bring them bottles of water this time and every one gulps them down. I hug my sisters, congratulating them and see Evangeline doing

“Anyone hungry?” Jordan asks.

all say

not in the race chuckles. “They

see my mother watching as the next round of runners crosses the finish

“Mom?”

to

dead on your feet. I’ll

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 there he is, walking next to Teagan

are struggling to

they will be having a congratulatory dinner

long of a

get here, they will need food and sleep, just like you. When you get up later today,

invited to stay to watch the ceremony tomorrow

or their family members didn’t come in the top

next ten Alphas, it’s also an opportunity for people to choose to live somewhere else, choose a different pack and

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, 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 as closely

considered that.” Teagan says, and I can see

put something into my stomach, the fatigue

more after all of you

food for the runners

ready to head back to