The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 66 (Jaxon)

Over the next month, Eve and I travel back and forth between our packs, one week with Jordan’s pack and one week with Luke’s. It actually works out well because the two packs set up their drills differently and we get different types of exposure.

All that aside, Luna Katerina was right about one thing. Eve’s senses are off the chart amazing right now. The farther along she is in her pregnancy the stronger they get. So, over the course of the month when we’re practicing, she’s spot on.

Her biggest issue, as she guessed, is going to be her belly. She can still run,

but not as fast as she used to. At three months, her stomach is definitely going to be a factor in this competition. For her sake, I hope that her increased senses make up for her decreased speed.

When we first arrived in Alpha Luke’s pack, Katerina wanted Eve seen by their pack doctor. I get it, he’s their family doctor and Katerina feels more comfortable with him. So, we went and saw the doctor and they once again confirmed that Eve is healthy and that we’re having a boy. This doctor did prescribe some additional vitamins, especially since Eve will be competing in the contest, but otherwise, all went well.

And today, we are returning to the now familiar pack lands for the contest. With only 30 of us competing and many of us mated, there isn’t a problem with having enough rooms. We get settled into our room, and then head downstairs to the dining room waiting for our announcement.

We’re sitting with Rowen, Enzo, Magdalena, Caleb, Lazio and Jace. The eight of us making up nearly one quarter of the contestants. Eve goes to say hello to Flavia, who is here to cheer on Tobias. I’m sure he wanted her here, being that she’s so close to her due date, but I think it’s also h*ard for him to have her here, causing a distraction.

However, as Flavia and Eve chat, I can see that Flavia seems healthy, if a bit uncomfortable. I’m thankful that Eve is a month behind Flavia. If she were another month along, even this contest would be h*ard for her.

Eve returns to our table as Councilman Jason stands and goes to the microphone at the front of the dining hall.

“Good evening, everyone. Welcome, to the fourth of five competitions that will make ten of you Alphas of your own packs.” Everyone claps.

will become Alphas in just a few weeks’ time. First, I’d like to congratulate all of you for making it this far. It has taken a lot of strength and grit to get here. But we’re not done yet. The next three days will be long, but your time will only be one

day will be 21 through 30. Each number will be posted on the leaderboard with your score as you go and with the color of the flag that you are assigned. You may only take your color

me, sir, how will you

are at the end of a competition. I just

around the territory. You will be under constant surveillance while

Jason looks around. “Any other

I mentioned a month ago, you will each have one hour to get through the competition, getting as many flags as possible. Once your time is up, you must stop and return to the entrance of the territory. Again, you will be under surveillance and if you pass a spot with flags, you will not be able to collect yours after your hour is up. If you attempt to do so

there are 10 points where we can collect

to tell us if each spot has only one sensory output or will each one have a varying number of sensory

hear? No. Each point will only have

“Any other questions?”

are tomorrow. Eve is the next day along with Enzo, Caleb and Jace and I am the final day, along with Rowan. I make a note that Tobias will be running tomorrow. I want to see how he

with you in the top 5 of

want to make sure I’m well rested

the first contestant?” I

Ainsley, is

should definitely watch the mates,” I

mate says, and I turn as she reaches her hand up to high five me. I slap her

pull back, I look at her.

outside to watch as Reid starts off the competition. When the gun goes off and Reid races into the territory, I turn to see

sniffing the air, her head tilted to the side, listening. Flavia comes up beside

“Seven,” Eve says, opening her eyes and