The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 3: Party 289 Woucherā

Chapter 3: Party Sophie

Something feels off. I can't figure out what it is, but the air in the room feels heavy with anticipation. Over dinner, I watch my sister as she gets to know her new mate. My parents seem to relax, and my mother even smiles at Calvin.

I'm glad that Alpha Hunter said Alpha Calvin is a good man. I hope he will appreciate my sister.

att

I spare a glance over at the broody Alpha. He has been very kind to me, but there is an anger buried inside him, I can feel it.

Rather than scaring me, as it probably should, it excites me. He looks more deadly, more intimidating, more s**y.

As dinner winds down, I notice my sister getting fidgety, nervous. I frown. My sister never gets nervous.

Alpha Calvin reaches over to cover her hands with his. "Amelia, it looks like there is a dance floor set up for dancing. Would you like to dance tonight? It is your birthday, after all." She nods, smiling softly. "I enjoy dancing."

"As do I. But I will say that the only other male that I will permit to dance with you tonight is your father."

"Thank you," she says.

He strokes her cheek in a very intimate gesture. "I want tonight to be as pleasant as possible for you." 2054

Chapter 3: Party

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It feels as if there is an undertone to his words, something that I don't understand. Since my mother hasn't given me 'the talk', I have to go by what I've heard from the mated females in the pack. I've heard that the first time can be quite painful, so maybe that's what Alpha Calvin is referencing.

When Calvin stands from the dinner table, taking Amelia's hand and pulling her to her feet, I feel the strange energy in the room ratchet up again. Everyone gets quiet and turns to stare of Alpha Calvin and Amelia.

"For anyone who would like to enjoy dancing, there is a dance floor available. My mate is off limits to anyone who values their life. As I mentioned earlier, if you don't like the pace that I am setting tonight, feel free to leave.

I turn and look at my father. He's basically turned over the direction of the evening to Alpha Calvin, as has my

grey eyes of Alpha Hunter, staring straight at me. I feel my cheeks heat, and I quickly look away, but not before I see a hint of a smile on his

tables are moved back, I step out of the way, and into the warm, hard chest of someone. I look over my shoulder

only moments

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question, a smile twitching at his lips again. He

head to me. and nods. I turn to face the Alpha. "Thank you, Alpha Hunter. I'd be honored to dance with you," I

smile widens and he nods, putting his arm out for me, very formally. I take his arm and see that Alpha Calvin has done the same with my sister. As we pass, Alpha Hunter stops and leans in to say something quietly to my father. I can't hear what he says since the

cute,' I say. 'How old

too old, early

like to dance, Sophie?" he

a chance to dance with anyone outside of our

get on the dance floor. "Meaning, I'm your first Alpha, other than

about the way he says it, along with the electricity in the air,

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Chapter 3: Party

answering, I nod.

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it's a fast song, one that I love. "Then let's make the most of it, shall we?" he asks, before wrapping his arm around me to take my hand and spin me around. My smile is instant. Alpha Hunter likes to dance. Not all men do and not all men know

a choreographed song, as most of the ones chosen for tonight will be, meant to allow my sister to show off her skills as a graceful dancer. She and I have been taking dancing lessons for years. At first, I hated it, until our instructor helped me to realize that I

quite as accomplished as I am.

me around the room, making sure that I don't stumble, catching me easily during times when he's going too fast for me,

panting, and I know my cheeks are now

away from mine, looking over my left shoulder. "No."

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all night, Hunter," another Alpha growls. I'm about to say something, not wanting them to fight. over me, when something about Alpha Hunter stops me. There's something deadly about his aura. It's not directed at me, it's directed at this Alpha.

not sure why I feel the need to get his permission, his approval. He looks at me and nods. I turn and see Alpha Kayce. "Thank

before he passes me off. Kayce spins me away, not quite as good of

to fight?" I ask, worriedly. I don't want anyone ruining

Hunter