The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 51 (Evangeline)

A week before the second contest, my parents have a party for my birthday. I’ m so excited. I know that Jaxon is my mate, but now, I’ll finally, finally be able to tell my father, without a doubt that he is truly my mate.

This week, my father had Ezekiel and once again, we thought it would be an easy week, but Ezekiel raised the bar again. So, while I’ve been excited about my birthday, I knew that this week would be a tough one. Add to that, Jaxon decided that this week, of all weeks, he wanted to make a big entrance for my birthday.

I know that Jaxon hasn’t had a chance to get me something for my birthday. I’ ve heard him on the phone, secretly talking to people. If I had to guess, I’d say he and Jordan are coming up with some sort of birthday present for me, but so far, I have no clue what he’s getting me.

Last night, for the first time in nearly three months, I slept alone. Jaxon left to go get my birthday present, telling me that he’d be back for the party tonight. I had texted him in the middle of the night, not terribly surprised that he wasn’t asleep.

Me: Are you awake?

Jax: I am, why are you awake?

Me: Can’t sleep. I miss my mate.

Jax: Your mate is stupid. He didn’t think this through.

Me: My mate is not stupid. He’s amazing and I won’t have you disparaging him.

Jax: Really? Well, the man was dumb enough to leave you alone the night before your birthday.

Me: I’m sure he has a good reason.

Jax: I bet tomorrow night at this time, you’ll be wearing his mark.

Me: And he’ll be wearing mine.

Jax: Think of that, my beautiful

tomorrow night, I plan to keep you up

is that supposed to help

give you sweet

love you,

in a couple of hours my

Not soon

Jax

now, I’m trying to

you’ re better than this, what’s

apologize, Ezekiel. It’s my birthday and my mate isn’t here. He’ll be here later, but I didn’t sleep well,

of advice, Alpha. Push through. If you expect to become an Alpha to a pack, you’ll need to be able to fight even when you’re exhausted. Dig deep and push through

“Yes, Ezekiel.”

I see Ezekiel nodding at me several times and I feel good that I am finally able to focus. He’s right, if I’m going

too. Dad has allowed them to go back and forth to train and even he has to see that Maggie is stronger than she was before. Caleb’s influence has been good for Maggie, just as Jaxon’s has been good for me. As I finish getting ready, my mother knocks on my door. She hugs Maggie and shuts

beautiful girl, my first born. I can’t believe

thing to see my mother cry. She is the rock

walking to her and

that we’ve decided to live here. We’ve talked about it a lot and gone back and forth, until finally we decided to split our time between our packs. It has worked during the training for this next contest and until we have a pack of our own, it seemed like the best choice, especially since my father hasn’t been trying to keep us

live part time here and part time in Alpha Jordan’s pack until one or both of

betting on both of you winning. You’re both strong, powerful Alphas and

“Thanks Mom.”

I’d better be getting downstairs to

That makes me smile.

her to the door. When she’s gone, I turn back to my bedroom, this room that has been mine for as long as I can

making sure everything is in order before I head downstairs. When I get to the top of the stairs, the scent of sandalwood fills my nose, so much stronger

of people, waiting for me to join the party and there he is, looking up at me, a bouquet of flowers in his h*and, looking more s*exy than any man has

as the rest of the room

confirms as he walks to the bottom of the stairs. I make my

bottom, he

“Happy birthday, my love.”