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.

What’s your point,

point, other than

and look at

full height and looking at me. “Evie, I already feel a pull to Teagan and I’m not even 17 yet. She’s a year older than I am and she says she feels it too. If we feel it and we’re both younger than you and Jax…” He

this contest. I

his fantastic body. He’s wearing swim shorts and nothing else. His skin is golden brown, his chest and arms defined by muscle, sliding down to a narrow

be immune, but when it

the lake. I watch as his eyes narrow and he begins searching the area surrounding

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

for me. The butterflies in my stomach take flight and I’m filled with anticipation at seeing

several people before diving under water. I try to follow his progress, but I’m too low in the water to see him. I’ve just about decided that I’ve lost him somewhere when he pops up right in

“Oh!” I exclaim.

“Hello, Eve.”

long eyelashes are clumped together by

feel my heart begin to race. Damn this man is sexy. Is

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

to touch the muscles on his stomach. I gently slide my fingers up the squared ridges of his stomach, feeling him quiver at my touch. Oh yeah, I like this strong man

I can tell by the

the path on my stomach that my fingers took on

idea.” He says, his eyes never

finger and slide it between his pectoral muscles just until my finger gets to the surface and then I slide

his finger slides between my breasts, following the same