The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 09 (Nolan)

I watch the exchange between Jordan and Jace. Something has changed between them recently and I’m not sure what it is. I had thought, when she called yesterday, that her getting away had just as much to do with him as it did with me, but now, I’m not so sure. Now, I’m wondering if he’s somehow gotten into her head. His animosity toward me has been clear from the beginning, but now, whether through something he’s done or the threat to her pack, Jace is finding a way to get closer to Jordan.

I know that the mate bond is a strong and powerful thing, but I’m a man and it aggravates me that this woman that I have feelings for is starting to show feelings for someone else.

“Nolan, why don’t you take a seat here? That way, it won’t feel like the council is surrounding you at the table. This is a fact-finding mission, not an interrogation and I want you to feel comfortable,” Jordan says to me, directing me to the corner of a table. “Where will you be sitting?” I ask her.

She smiles at me. “I was planning to sit right here,” she says, putting her hands on the back of the chair beside me. “That would be great,” I say, feeling relieved.

She leans in, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Did you need an Alpha to protect you, Nolan?”

I hold her gaze. “I just need to know that I have your support, Jordan.”

“Of course, you do.”

The council members start filing in and they greet each other, and Jordan. She introduces me as they come in and when they are all seated, Jace goes to close the door when Jordan’s twin, Jaxon, steps into the doorway.

“Is it possible for me to sit in? I know this is why you called the Alpha meeting, but I have a mate due to deliver our pup in the next few weeks and I’d really like to know what we’re dealing with.”

Everyone turns to Councilman Jason, deferring to him.

“Alpha Jaxon, you may come sit and be a silent witness. However, if you become disruptive, if your concern for your mate interrupts this meeting, you will be removed,” he says sternly.

I like this guy already. I haven’t had a lot of interaction with the council over the years. Mostly phone conversations about my experience, my background and all the things that put me into the top fighter status along with other five fighters that have been named top in their divisions.

in and sits next to Jordan while Jace stands near the door, his

you provided to Alpha Jordan is very concerning and we, the council, wanted to hear it firsthand from you and have an opportunity to ask you questions. So, please, if you would, start from the beginning and tell us what you know and

the story, Councilman Jason’s eyes never leave mine, but I see the others becoming more agitated,

quiet for a moment when

found a way to survive and also have seemingly mated with humans, making

how many were

gone feral. We took them at their word, but we heard the rumors, especially in

father and I both struggled when we had to put one of our

know he did it, but he hated it every time,” Councilwoman Jara

and no way of knowing, beyond what the bears can tell us, about how many human females

specifically ask the bears how many human females they found. I was more concerned about the rumors that impacted Alpha

self-proclaimed Alpha was speaking of Alpha Jordan or Alpha Taylor. It’s possible, since it appears that these packs

brother and father are looking after her, making sure she’s not alone and protected. In addition, Griffin and I are alternating patrols around her

back to me. “Tell us more about the bears. What’s the name of

of their leader,” I tell

says. I

raises an eyebrow at me then looks at

more so. Anyway, he told me that the problems with wolves started years ago, but they weren’t as prevalent as they are now. And, of course, the issue with bears being killed and eaten is the main issue. They, the bears I mean, didn’t care so much about dead humans or even the baby’s cries. But now Balor is

many?” Councilman

the last month,” I tell

shocked. I can see that the other council members and even Jordan and Jace are

many. However, it is causing a rift between the bears and the wolves,” I

they called for your assistance,” Councilman Antonio says, watching me

well as those of the other fighters are well known in the shifter

me. “No, I’m training them to defend and protect themselves from attacking wolf packs,” I say, starting to feel

have happened without our knowledge. Now we have a chance to do something, to do damage control with the bears and maybe track down these

to Jace and back again. “We need someone to go visit the bears. We need someone to get more information and let them know that it isn’t us that is attacking them,”

it’s your packs that are attacking, Councilman. You’re missing the point. Their clans are being killed because of the actions of the packs. Whether intentional

group is related more to the ones with feral fever and the claiming haze rather than the low-level criminals?”