The Claiming by Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 22 (Taylor)

I return to the Alpha conference, but my mind is all over the place. I can’t believe I finally found my mate. When I didn’t find him during the Contest, I figured the Moon Goddess didn’t give me one. But he was here all along, I just didn’t realize it and our paths never crossed.

When I walk back into the conference room, Nolan is up front speaking to Councilman Jason. I take the same seat I was in this morning, not sure how to approach Nolan, or even if I should after everything that has transpired. I told him we’d talk this evening, but now, the anticipation of maybe hearing that he prefers my cousin to me is weighing on me.

I’m looking over the agenda, trying to get my emotions under control, when I smell his scent of fresh cut pines. “Do you mind if I sit here, Alpha?” Nolan asks me.

I look up at him and shake my head. When he sits, I take a deep breath, letting his scent and the warmth emanating from him soothe and calm me.

“Call me Taylor,” I say quietly then turn to him. “You’re my mate, you should call me Taylor.”

“Taylor,” he says, nodding as Jordan and Jace walk in.

He looks up, nodding at the two of them but nothing more. Now that my nerves are calm, the afternoon goes by quickly with Nolan talking about what he knows about Balorto Jace and Jordan, helping them prepare fortheir trip.

Then, Councilmen Jason, Antonio, and Saul begin working with the older Alphas to set up hunts for the rogues. While he does that, Councilwomen Jara and Gia work with the younger Alphas to make sure everyone has a place to go to be safe, and they begin documenting where everyone will be staying.

When they come up to me, I let them know that I’ll be staying in Griffin’s pack until things settle.

calls for the meeting to adjourn,

like to talk,

say. “Would you like to go for a walk in the woods?” He raises an

nice,” he says, and I let Griffin know that I’ll be heading home tomorrow along with everyone else

edge of the forest, away from everyone. When we do, I stop and look at him.

both say at

laugh. “Let’s find somewhere

has a great view of the mountains but

that Alpha Seth and

looking out over the area in front of us. “We’re you really going to take Jordan

“Were you really

assumed that if I did, that I would have met them during the Contest, but I never met

don’t know if our age

need to think about that. If you intend to rule your pack, to be in charge of everyone and everything, then

to build it. But your brother has been very clear that I am not welcome onto his pack lands unless you agree to have me there. So, the ball is in your court, Taylor. If and when you’re ready to talk, to spend time getting to know each

(Nolan POV)

She’s a new Alpha, trying to prove herself. I understand that, but her Alpha status means nothing to me if I’m her mate. And if I’m not, then I won’t be around to see how she manages the people

packhouse, I see Jordan, Jace, Elijah, Alpha Jaxon and Luna Evangeline just finishing the ceremony to bring

upon your hospitality to stay for a few days, until things are more-settled,” I say and I smell the vanilla of the sweet-after-death plant. It’s a heady scent, one that

Jace steps closer to Jordan but

welcome here anytime, Nolan. Even if I’m not here, Jaxon will let you stay,” she says, turning to look

you work

do you mean?” I ask him. “You have to help me train these weaklings while Jordan is gone,” he says, giving me a smile that looks a lot like Jordan’s,