The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 49: Sophie's Power Kayce

"What do you think of Hunter taking a mate privately?" I ask Robin. He and I had decided to drive together. Our packs are close in proximity and while we both could have done work while we were driving, sometimes it's better to confirm alliances rather than to let them sit idly by until one day you realize that your ally is no longer your ally. My father learned that lesson the hard way and I don't intend to repeat history.

"Honestly, I don't like the practice myself. I hate being in the room every time a woman is claimed, but I won't miss the events in case she's my mate?"

"But he broke the law," I say. And this is where I struggle. If we all begin breaking the laws that have been put into place, then it becomes anarchy.

"I agree, but I also think that we have to consider that our she- wolves, our ranked females, our best possibility for creating a strong future and another generation of strong Alphas, are literally killing themselves."

I sigh. He's right and I know he is. I don't like it any more than he does. It's been almost a year since there's been a coming-of-age party for a ranked she-wolf. Any other females are gone long before they turn 18. I know many Alphas and other ranked members are out hunting down their mates, but I refuse to do that. I refuse to hunt her down, running her nearly to death or possibly to her death, like she's nothing more to me than prey.

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Unlike some Alphas, I want a partner, not another pack member.

"Well, we've agreed to hear him out at least. Did he tell you anything about his mate?" I ask.

"No, just that he marked her in private, and he refuses and will continue to refuse to mark her in public."

"Yeah, that's pretty much what he told me as well."

"Did he tell you he's received a summons to the Committee?" Robin asks me.

"Is that why we're meeting next week?" I ask.

"That's why."

"Well f**k me sideways," I say.

"Sorry, you're not my type," he says, smirking at me.

"A**ole," I grumble. Robin laughs as we approach Hunter's pack borders. We let the border patrol know we've arrived, and we drive onto his pack lands.

"Pretty area," I say, to make conversation.

"Yeah, there are several packs in the near vicinity and mountains in between them, giving them a natural separation."

"How do you know so much about this area?" I ask.

"We went to Luna Amelia's 18th birthday party two years ago, remember? After she was claimed, I spent the next day looking around the area before leaving. Dutton is their neighbor on the eastern border, and I spent a couple of days with him, working

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alliance

that has caused problems with the public. claimings in some instances, such as with Alpha Calvin, is that our alliances have become strained because their Lunas do not

my wolf, Rodion, stands

'Rod, what's going on?'

in the air and takes a deep breath. Gingerbread, the scent of sweet gingerbread, like cookies that have just come out of the oven, warm, with maybe a hint of icing

senses.

growls at me, just as I hear a

who is holding hands. with Hunter. Actually, holding hands, not him holding her, but her fingers are intertwined with his

all of our problems. But I drove with Robin, and he looks intrigued. Besides, Rodion won't let me leave. He's practically ready to pull a

is watering, but geez, we'll get some d**n cookies. 'Chill Rod,' I

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the moment we step inside, the scent surrounds me and Rodion pushes

he growls, ready to claim her right here, right

word to me. And

Kayce. I do not allow public claimings in my pack and this woman is under my

the f**k

a hold of your

what Alpha Hunter and his Luna have to say. Let's give them time. I'm sure Alpha Hunter can assure us that he won't send your mate away while we're busy, right Hunter?" Robin says, nearly stepping between

under my protection. I won't send her away, but

Rodion growls, pushing past Hunter only to have his way blocked by Luna

forward, her eyes flashing

I pull Rodion back. He begins pacing in my mind,

his mate. Our mate.

to protect her. "My apologies. I didn't mean to

and then

remark and focus on my

ask her,

I say reverently just as Rodion begins purring at his mate's

surprised that I know what her wolf's name

out of my sight, but

for four could become a dinner for seven? Assuming the two

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mate from me are her friends?"

up to Allison, Alpha,"

try to claim you. I would just like to get to know you and my wolf is going to drive me nuts if he can't see and

her, well one is still a girl, underage, turn and look at her. Rodion sniffs the air,

our mate is a

his word as an Alpha, Luna Sophie?" she asks. I want to be offended, but I know that not all Alphas can be trusted these days. However, it's interesting that

can be trusted. I turn to look him in the eye, raising

he does, I do," Sophie says.