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.

Jace stands near the door, his arms crossed as if he’s guarding

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

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

for a moment when I stop

to survive

how many were

them at their word, but we heard the rumors, especially in

my father and I both struggled when we had to put one of our pack members down,” Councilman Antonio

he did it, but

were banished and no way of knowing, beyond what the bears can tell us, about how many human females were bred,” Councilwoman

human females they found. I was more

of these rogues coming for the female Alpha. But we don’t know if this self-proclaimed Alpha was speaking of Alpha Jordan or Alpha Taylor. It’s possible, since it appears that these packs have been displaced that they could be speaking

she’s not alone and protected.

more about the bears. What’s

of their leader,”

Councilman Antonio says. I look at

an eyebrow at me then looks at the others. “Balor means

not their leader because he’s kind and gentle. Wolves are violent, bears are even 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

Councilman Saul

in the last

that the other council members and even Jordan and Jace

at least two packs, then it’s not that many. However, it is causing

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

as those of the other fighters are well known in the shifter community, not just

us?” Councilman Saul asks me. “No, I’m training them to defend

knows what else would have happened without

the bears. We need someone to get more information and let them know that it isn’t us

if 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 or not, the responsibility of their deaths falls to the packs, to

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