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

Makayla says, hopping up and down and

over to me.

family as much as I want to congratulate mine. Hopefully then, I can get food, a shower and find a bed. Not

the four of them, my sisters, Lazio and Magdalena, have stayed together and added Carter. Elijah and Layan’s

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

“Anyone hungry?” Jordan asks.

all say at

the race chuckles. “They have food laid out

but I see my mother watching as the next round of runners crosses the

“Mom?”

going to

sleep. I’m sure you’re dead

turn, following everyone inside. I catch Evangeline watching me before she turns, focusing on whatever her brother Alejandro is saying. I didn’t

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

will be having a

long of a wait?” Magdalena

early, sweetheart. 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

watch the ceremony

people want to stay if they or their family members

it’s a contest for the next ten Alphas, it’s also an opportunity for people to choose to live somewhere else, choose

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

Teagan says, and I can see she’s starting to

be hungrier, but now that I’ve put something into

of you get some sleep.” Alpha

there is food for the runners as they come in

ready to head back to their