The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 35: Another Surprise Hunter

When Sophie and her mother leave, Carter looks at me. "I know it's early, but I could use a drink. Want one?"

"Sure. I'm sorry for the secrecy..."

"No. You were right not to tell me ahead of time. And you've done right by my daughter. I'm not sure I can ever repay you for that," he says, handing me a glass of bourbon before clinking his glass against mine and downing his in one go.

It's a bit early for me, but I follow suit and take the shot. I watch as Carter takes a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.

"I was so worried when I first saw her..." he says quietly.

"I know. That's why I wanted you to hear it from her that I marked her in private."

He nods his head and takes another deep breath. "Alright, let's get my Beta in here so we can reinforce your borders. You said your Gamma left?"

"Well, technically, I kicked him out for ogling my mate in front of me and assuming that I was going to mark and mate her again in front of him and the pack. So, I cut off his airways until he passed out then threw him off my pack lands."

He looks at me a moment. "You might have been better off if you had killed him."

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I sigh. I know he's right. "I'd just brought Sophie home, had literally just introduced her to the pack. I didn't want to mar that by killing my G**a."

He nods and his eyes go unfocused. A moment later there's a knock at his door.

"Matthew, this is Alpha Hunter. Hunter, this is my Beta, Matthew."

"Nice to meet you," I say.

"Same."

"Alpha Hunter has mated my daughter, Sophie, and brought her home to see her family."

I watch the Beta press his lips together before he forces a smile. "Congratulations." Then he turns to Carter. "I didn't realize little Sophie was here. I can't wait to see her. My mate will be thrilled as well." Carter watches his Beta as he delivers the news. "My new son-in-law marked and mated my little girl in private, Matthew."

Matthew turns and looks at me, his gaze intent. "In private?"

"That's correct," I say.

looking back

against our laws, Matthew, and I intend to join him. I

have always been and will always be with

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respect for what you did, but you

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first was for Sophie to see her family again. The second was to ensure that your Alpha would support me in this fight. I'll be looking at other Alphas as well," I say

and evaluate how

we can afford to send thirty, but we can make do with sending twenty, especially knowing that the heat we've been under for the last

pack at risk for me. But I also believe I'll be able to give you most of your warriors back once I have she- wolves

Carter says, and his eyes go unfocused

refocus, he looks at me. "We may as well tell that girl that was on the run with

"Penny?"

you,

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me. After she told me that she'd been with Sophie, she practically begged me to

it, Alpha. She did beg,"

said she's underage," I

says she's sixteen," Carter

she was practically starving. I've never seen a wolf eat

she stuffed herself the night before. I'm guessing she hadn't eaten for a long time

daughter of Alpha

a fight against the public claimings. It was as if she had been

be carrying my pup soon. I wasn't joking

be thrilled to know that her friend is

her know. Perhaps we should make

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My daughter Amelia and her mate should be here

says. I had already called Lucas to warn him that we had some of Carter's warriors come to assist with

our mates' scents to the kitchens where I find Sophie hugging

feeling my mate's happiness

doorway. She turns quickly at the sound of my voice, her stunning smile sending shockwaves through my heart yet again. I have a moment to wonder if that will ever change before she pulls Penny up beside

I told you about. Penny, this

she says, clearly distressed

the others," Sophie says, releasing her friend and walking toward me. If she wasn't talking to her friend, I might forget that there was anyone in

just the two of us," she says, her eyes never leaving mine as she