The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 18 Evangeline

The lake is packed with people when we arrive. Apparently, everyone had the same idea we did.

From what I understand, this land used to sit idle throughout the year until it was time for that year’s claiming. Since the claiming ended years ago, no one has been here, and during that time, mother nature has staked her claim on this lake. The edges of the lake are lush with plants and flowers and the water is pristine, clear. The waterfall finishes off the image of a tropical getaway hidden deep within a forest, and that’s basically what this place is.

Makayla goes racing into the water and I turn to Alejandro. “Are you on watch duty since dad’s not here?” I ask him.

“How’d you guess?” He asks me, rolling his eyes.

“Who knows, maybe a cute brunette will come to the lake today.” I say, teasing him about the time he’s been spending with Teagan.

I should have known better. “Yeah, and maybe her brother will show up too.” He says, teasing me right back.

“You know Alpha Jaxon is already 18.” He says to me.

“I do.” I say, not looking at him and pulling towels out of our bag.

“And you’re nearly 18.” He says, watching me closely.

your

other than

and look at him. “What’s

and she says she feels it too. If we feel it and we’re both younger than you and Jax…” He lets the rest of

but I can’t let that interfere with this contest. I came here intending to win, and I plan to do

overhang where I’m currently sitting on a rock ledge, I have a birds-eye view of his fantastic body. He’s wearing swim shorts and nothing else. His skin is golden brown, his chest and arms defined by

be immune, but when it comes

sunning herself beside the lake. I watch as his eyes narrow and he begins searching the

him and he startles, frowning and looking at her before handing her their bag. I guess she was trying to get his attention and he wasn’t paying attention. Neither was I,

me. The butterflies in my stomach take flight and I’m filled

before diving under water. I try to follow his progress, but I’m too low in the water to

“Oh!” I exclaim.

“Hello, Eve.”

hair is wet and water is dripping down his face, his long eyelashes are clumped together by the water and his grey

I say, watching him as he slowly moves closer to me. I feel my heart begin to race. Damn this man is sexy. Is this the mate bond, pulling me toward him, or is it just

you sleep well?” He asks, and I feel his fingers, graze my hips under the water. I

reaching my hand out to touch the muscles on his stomach. I gently slide my fingers up the squared ridges of his stomach, feeling him quiver at my

by

to share?” I ask, feeling his hand follow the path on my stomach

a good idea.” He says, his eyes never leaving

why is that?” I ask, once again enjoying our little game. I take a finger and slide it between his pectoral muscles just until my

immediately, his finger slides between my breasts,