The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 21 (Jordan)

I know my mother’s threats aren’t idle.

They never have been. My mother is a strong, powerful wolf, one that my father doesn’t trifle with, whether because of the mate bond or my mother’s strength. So, I know when she says that she expects me and Taylor to be civil for the next 24 hours, she means it.

My problem is, this is my pack and Taylor disrespected me. I have enough problems with the males not taking me seriously, I really don’t need this shit from my cousin who hasn’t had to deal with the bullshit I’ve been dealing with for years.

“Am I clear?” My mother asks. “Crystal clear mother, but I will not be disrespected in my own pack,” I say. “No, you will not, or your cousin will face the wrath of her mother,” Aunt Hana says. “Not only do Alphas not disrespect each other, but family doesn’t treat family like this.”

I stand to leave, Jace standing beside me.

“I’m sorry, Jordan,” Taylor says as I move toward the door.

I stop and nod, but I don’t say anything. Nothing that comes out of my mouth right now is going to sound like an Alpha and my father taught me that if you can’t say something like an Alpha then you shouldn’t say anything at all.

When I step outside the room, Jace grabs my hand. “Are you okay?”

“No, Jace. I have to go do f*ucking damage control because my cousin challenged me in front of the pack, then my mother and Aunt basically took over the situation and now I have to make sure everyone knows that I’m still in charge, just in time for me to leave and let my brother, who I’m sure is the perfect Alpha, take over my pack for me,” I say sarcastically.

I take a step away from him, ready to head into the dining room and face whatever backlash I get, but he holds onto my hand.

Don’t you think it would be better if we presented

everyone heard

you were my

mess, I’ll deal with whatever cleanup is required,” he says and honestly, I

behind me and to my left. When I walk into the dining room,

there a problem?” I ask, my voice ringing out in the

people turn and look at

the f*uck are you looking at me for? She’s your Alpha,” he says, supporting

most everyone in

wink at me, making me want to smile at their support

with everyone in the room, or stared them down, I walk in and grab

go to sit with Jaxon and Evangeline. “You

say, and I change the subject, asking Evangeline about her

injured in the

injured protecting my pack lands, Jordan. It’s the least I can

and see her body flinch. I

the Alpha meeting. Apparently, Councilman Jason would like him to participate this

to go find Dr.

I handled that

sure that I can

be close to you, want to be with you. As a female Alpha, all they do is challenge you. You don’t understand it yet, but you will. And I guess…. I guess I just expected more from someone who

calm and be the Alpha my

yet anyway. You haven’t had to reject every male that showed interest in you because they wanted your position. You can thank Jace for that. You haven’t had to fight your own pack members to maintain your position as their Alpha. You haven’t yet realized that many of the people showing an interest in you, are only doing that because of what you

and I are the only ones, Tay. We’re the only ones who will ever truly understand the position we’re in. And if we can’t support each other, if we can’t be there for each other, then what are we even doing? We’re no better than everyone else that thinks that we’re not good enough, just because we’re

But, as one female Alpha to another, I suggest you take this time to figure things out with your mate. Come to some sort of resolution with him and with each other. I plan to do the same with Jace. And I hope, when I

away, leaving her with