The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 39 (Jordan)

This morning’s routine was great. I could tell immediately that Nolan was right. The women in the class were having a much easier time with the stretching and the kicks. By the time we got to punching, the men were wiped out and struggling and the women were still going strong. Now, more than ever, I’m excited about my extra training with Nolan.

As an Alpha, I know I’m strong. It’s the same with Evangeline and her sisters, my cousin Taylor and her sisters and every other group of Alpha females in our generation. And there are lots of us. But I’ m the only one that is taking over my pack, and because of that, I feel the need to be stronger, faster and smarter than every other Alpha, male or female, out there. I not only have to prove my ability and worth to my pack, but I have to do the same for the other packs.

Thankfully, we’re not in a situation where there is the possibility of a pack war, but those things can change quickly. Jaxon’s situation with Evangeline and Jonas’s situation with Melinda are perfect examples of how quickly those things can change.

I’m just about ready to go find Nolan for our first afternoon sparring match when there’s a knock on my open door. I look up and see Jace. Even now, nearly a year after turning 18, my heart still flutters when I see him.

“Hey Jace, what’s up?” I ask. I learned a long time ago how to act normal and put on a good front, even if my insides are in turmoil.

He frowns, seeing me putting my desk in order. “Are you going somewhere?” he asks.

“Yeah, but I have a minute, did you need something?” I ask.

Jace is my Gamma, he has been since I became Alpha, and he was my father’s Gamma for years before that. He’s great at his job, I trust him with my life. I’ve just realized that I can’t trust him with my heart.

“I was hoping to talk with you. Where are you going? Maybe I can walk with you?” he asks.

“Jordan has a date,” Nolan says, walking in.

I look up and smile at him. “I’m not sure I’ d call you kicking my ass, a date,” I say. “Well, after this morning, I’m not sure I’ll be kicking your ass at all. I was very impressed with you, Jordan.”

“Alpha Jordan,” Jace says and it’s just shy of being a growl.

and I appreciate it. But in this

information doesn’t sit well with him, but I don’t have time to

spend the week training with them. They have Jameson this week. Feel free to join them if

here this week,” he says, grinding his teeth

ask him what’s going on, if something happened between him and Taylor, but it’s not appropriate with Nolan standing

later, Jace. Maybe after dinner tonight, or before training. Let me know what works best for

dinner works for me,” he says, just as Nolan says, “I was

look between them. This feels a lot like masculine posturing, but that can’t be right. Jace never postures, at least

I’ll meet with you. Otherwise, I’ll make some time for you tomorrow morning, or after our session now.” I say, holding the door

into the hallway, waiting for the two of them to exit before closing and

hour, can you let Elijah

that comes

to call Taylor,” I say as Nolan

Jace POV

shown an interest in anyone before. I had no idea it would feel

mate is a master at hiding her emotions. I guess she has to be if she’s going to be a good Alpha.

surprised to hear from her. I pull my cell phone out and realize that she’s been trying to reach me, but I

instantly. “Hey Tay, what’s

“Hey, Jace. I….”

looking at the phone. Taylor

“Taylor, is everything okay?”

everything is good between us, Jace. You know the competition is important to me, but so are you. I don’t want you to think that you are any less important to

If I was a betting man, I’d say that of all the Alpha females in this competition, she’s the one that will beat out the guys to get a pack. She’s strong, fierce and exactly what a pack needs, just

make a good leader of a pack. The difference is, when Taylor and I started seeing each other, she didn’t have the option of being the leader of a pack. Now she does, and

And of all the females that are in this competition, I think you have the best shot

“Really?”