The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 4: Shock

Chapter 4: Shock Sophie

"What?" I ask, shocked. "Mother, the party is just getting going!! want to dance more and there's going to be cake."

"I've already sent some cake to your room, Sophie. Warrior Julianne is going to escort you to your room. Do not go anywhere else other than your room," she says as Julianne steps up beside her. Her eyes are tracking all around the room.

"Let's go, Alpha," she says.

"But mother..."

"Sophie!" my father barks roughly. He's never used that tone of voice with me before. He sees my shock and moderates his tone. "Do as your mother says."

"Yes father," I say, lowering my head and following Julianne out of the room. I turn and look one more time at the party-goers. Most of them are watching Alpha Calvin and Amelia, but my eyes lock on grey ones and Alpha Hunter winks at me as I step out of the ballroom.

Hedda begins purring in my head. I ignore her, still irritated that I have to leave the party.

Even though I'm annoyed with my mother, there's no reason that Julianne should miss the fun.

"I know where my room is, Julianne. I can get there by myself," I

Chapter 4: Shock

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say, just as one of the ranked males steps into Julianne's path.

"Hello pretty, are you coming back?" he asks her, glancing at me over her shoulder.

"I'm afraid it's my job to make sure Alpha Sophie makes it to her room. Move out of my way or I'll move you," she says, taking a defensive stance.

"Feisty, I like that. If you get bored, come find me," he says. I've never seen a man speak to a woman that way. It's...

'Covetous,' Hedda says. And she's right. I realize the hairs on my arms have gone up during the exchange, leaving me feeling uncomfortable.- "Let them pass, Owen," I hear Alpha Hunter's voice behind me.

I turn, seeing that his face is much more serious than it was a moment ago. His hard gaze never leaves Alpha Owen's.

"You ruin all my fun, Hunter, especially after you and your friends kept Alpha Sophie to yourselves all night," he says, but he moves out of the way.

I see Julianne's shoulders relax and we move past Alpha Owen.

When we're far enough away and walking up the stairs, I look back almost expecting to see Alpha Hunter watching to make sure I go upstairs. "What was that about?" I ask Julianne.

looks at

parents haven't told

Chapter 4 Shock

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ask as we

looks around. "I

Just tell me. I won't say anything.

can smell the scent of cake. My mom said she sent a piece up for me and it's here, waiting. Instead of going to get my cake, I turn to Julianne. "Please,

her, as if my parents are going to catch

fine. But you can't tell anyone that I told

into my

anything about ranked members getting claimed?" she

the same as everyone else?" I

need to stay up here. Promise me you won't

What?

over her face. "Claimings for ranked members are

I frown. Public?

"What does that mean?"

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leaning down slightly to make

means that Alpha Calvin will have to mark and mate your sister front

My parents would never

have no choice. Once a ranked male finds his mate, he is in charge of when and how the public

"When I leave, lock your door. You had a couple of Alphas looking out for you tonight, but that doesn't

for me? Does she mean

it's done. Stay up here and keep your door locked. You're safest here," she says, turning

listening to me?" she asks urgently. I nod, walking to

'Mark' and 'Mate' have

your door lock but do it quickly. I need to get to my room. I've heard that some matings can send ranked members into rut and they'll take anyone around.

everything I've seen today, but I just can't believe that my mother

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and peek into. the hallway. The chants are getting louder, and I carefully

the wall and carefully turn my head so I can see four floors down into the main living area of the packhouse where the

brings my sister to the front of the room. He snarls at the men in the room, quieting them. Then he turns to my sister. She looks like she's about to throw up. This is what my mother told her this morning. This is why

It's not dark enough, not when you' re in a room full of ranked shifters, but it's the best he

the side of the room, just watching. Why aren't

'Please.' I see her mouth to her mate, tears