The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 05 (Jace)

I hate leaving Jordan, not only because I know that Nolan is now staying in our packhouse, but also because I know she’s still unsure of my feelings for Taylor. I could tell she didn’t want to send me, but with Carter out of the picture, at least for now, it was either her or me, and she needs to be here since she just got back.

I race to Taylor’s new pack lands, feeling the change when I cross our borders and begin running in unchartered territory.

I run until I smell her and then I howl, letting her know that I’m coming to see her. She may not know that she’s at risk, but it’s better to announce myself.

When I find her, she’s on the roof of a house, hammering and fixing a hole, I guess. She stands, wiping her hands and smiling before leaping off the roof and landing neatly on her feet.

As I get close to her, I shift, coming to a stop in front of her.

“Jace, what an unexpected surprise,” she says, her eyes taking in my naked body. It’s unexpected and now that I’ve told Jordan that I want her, it’s unwanted. Unfortunately, the head below my waist doesn’t agree with the one above it and he begins to respond to her admiring look.

“Do you have a pair of shorts, Taylor?” I ask.

“Not that will fit you. Besides, you don’t need to put clothes on for my benefit,” she says, taking a step toward me. “Taylor, I have something important to talk with you about.”

She stops, looking at me. “I hope it’s to tell me that you’ve reconsidered my offer.”

Her offer of taking each other as chosen mates.

“I’ve told you I’m trying to make things work with Jordan, Tay. And what I have to talk about is more important than mate bonds, chosen or otherwise.”

eyebrow at that before turning. “Come on, then. I don’t have a lot yet, but I have tea and coffee,

I tell

settled, I fill her in on the rogue situation and on her risk of being out

Taylor. You can’t be out here on your

is doing exactly what I’m doing, building his own. I haven’t found my mate, we haven’t had the Beta Trials yet, so who do you suggest I have come out here to help me, to keep me safe? It’s just me, Jace. There isn’t anyone else, unless you

she’ s the target any more than we know if you’re the

of change all at once for them. I can’t ask them to come babysit me because I’m afraid of an encroaching Alpha. Besides, what sort of Alpha

I do know it.

your brother or

get to you and you’re out here alone and this rogue forcibly marks you….I wouldn’t

snorts derisively. “As a sister? As a

“Taylor…”

from having to answer her by another howl. I’m up

was calling him. Don’t be surprised if your father shows up. Luna Jara was calling him as well as the

they will let me stay

it. At least not until we talk to the council and find out what they want to do. Maybe they will establish guards, or patrols, or who knows what,”

quickly comes over to Taylor, grabbing her arms and looking her over as

nod at Elijah

son isn’t here,”

moment before he nods. “Taylor, I’m sending over patrols. I know you won’t want to come back to my pack, although I wish you would,

think Jordan was planning to do

talked and have it worked out. We’ II alternate so

about not needing help