The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 50 (Jordan)

I’ve been training in Alpha Jonas’s pack for a week, taking advantage of the opportunity to spend a bit of time with Nolan. However, he offered individual training to Alpha Jonas, just as he did for me, and Jonas took him up on it.

So, rather than spending time with Nolan in the afternoons, I’ve been spending time with Melinda and her children.

“I still can’t believe you’re pregnant again,” I say for the umpteenth time.

She shrugs. “When you find your mate, you want nothing but them. After being kept apart, I can’t get enough of him. And I don’t care what anyone says about our age difference, my mate is a fine, s*exy specimen.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about you describing me like a piece of meat,” Alpha Jonas says, walking up behind us. Nolan is with him, and he comes to sit beside me.

“How was Alpha training?” I ask Jonas.

“Brutal, but apparently, I have an image of a fine, s*exy specimen that I need to uphold,” he says, smirking at Melinda, making her giggle.

He looks around. “Where are the kids?”

“Napping,” she says and even I see his eyes darken.

I look away, my heart still hurting to see other mates interacting this way. “Want to get up close and personal with a fine, s*exy specimen, Luna?” Jonas purrs at her.

She stands. “Always, Alpha.” She turns to me. “I’ll see you two later.”

“Have fun!” I say, waving at them.

When they’re gone, I turn to Nolan. “So, how was training?”

“Alpha Jonas may be older than I am, but the man is strong and he’s a quick learner,” he says appreciatively. “How did you get into this, anyway? How did you end up packless, becoming a lethal warrior?” I ask him. He’s quiet, not answering and I turn to see him staring out into the forest.

It’s none of

turning away from the forest. “Do you know, I can’t remember the last time someone asked me

the species started dying out, that we needed to strengthen our women. Women like you are underestimated,

look at him. “I do, but I’m surprised that you

especially when it comes to women, or in this

female council members might take offense to that,” I say

Your mother and the others

pack, is different. That was a choice that your parents made. One that no other Alpha and Luna from their time made. So, of course, everyone is expecting you to fail. They are watching

one, don’t think you will fail, and I intend

making me a lethal weapon?” I

at me

Gamma, although I’m sure your current Beta, Elijah, will stay in his position until you choose someone from the Beta trials. But even then, that person will be new. You will be tested,

my pack?” I ask, shocked that he thinks

I think they will come from within your own pack and also other packs. But that is my assessment based

be able to take

watch as a smile spreads across his face. “I see

every one

no one will challenge you, no

head in my

strong enough to do it, you’re definitely smart enough to do it. It’s just a matter of taking the time to

in line with mine. “How many more of the elite do you have

that YOU are next week,” I say, making him smile. “Then, before the competition, I have the last three coming in, Ezekiel, Logan and

are different, but of those three, Ezekiel is the toughest. Plan to put in extra time that week, show at least your pack members that you are the incredible fighter that

think I hold back?”

try to defeat me because I’m the expert. I’m there to teach you, so you make sure that you don’t. I’m pretty sure that if I fought you right

you are part of the elite fighting team and in the next breath you’re saying I can

you are that strong, that good. I see it, now I want to make sure everyone else does as

say, standing up and

sure about this?” he asks

your session with Alpha Jonas. I can wait until you are feeling more rested,” I say to him