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

laws, Matthew, and I intend to join him. I need

have always been and will always be with you, Alpha,"

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you have my respect for what

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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 the three of

look at their patrols and evaluate how

do with sending twenty, especially knowing that the heat we've been under for the last two years is about

your warriors back once I have she- wolves entering my pack. They'll all be ranked members, and my guess is, they'll be willing to fight to maintain their freedom. I have warriors who aren't ranked pack members

would agree with you," Carter says, and his

that girl that was on the run

"Penny?"

you,

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she told

practically about it, Alpha. She did beg," Beta

said she's underage," I say,

says she's sixteen," Carter

seen a

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

of Alpha

daughter is one that didn't put up a fight against the public claimings. It was as if she had been

smile to my face. I wonder if Sophie will be carrying my pup soon. I wasn't joking when I told Luna Amy that I

be thrilled to know that her friend is

let her

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Amelia and her mate should be

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

his office and follow our mates' scents to the kitchens where I find Sophie

mate's happiness

friend?" I ask from the 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

told you about. Penny, this is Hunter, my

clearly distressed at what she

okay, Penny. Hunter isn't like the others," Sophie says, releasing her friend and walking toward me. If she wasn't talking to her friend, I might forget that there

us," she says, her eyes never leaving mine as she walks into my arms. I wrap