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 with

else 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 wish to see the men that witnessed their claiming. Some Alphas don't care,

as my

'Rod, what's going on?'

get out of the car, he lifts our nose in the air and takes a deep breath. Gingerbread, the scent

senses.

just as I

who is holding hands. with Hunter. Actually, holding hands, not him holding her, but her

the cause of all of our problems. But I drove with Robin, and he looks intrigued. Besides,

geez, we'll get some d**n

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moment we step inside, the scent surrounds me

to claim her right here,

word to me.

down, Kayce. I do not allow public claimings in my pack

Get the f**k out of

you get a hold of your wolf," Hunter growls, and I

here to hear 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

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

Hunter only to have his way blocked by Luna

feel the blast of her Alpha aura as her wolf pushes forward, her eyes flashing with the threat

shock of finding my mate finally wears off and I pull Rodion

his mate. Our mate.

"My apologies. I didn't mean to scare you, or your wolf. I wasn't expecting to

and then where would

and

I ask her, careful to make sure that Rod's growling doesn't exit

I say reverently just as Rodion begins purring at his mate's name. I smile. "Mizette, meaning a mini

I know what her wolf's name

out of my sight, but also not wanting

could become a dinner for seven? Assuming the

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me are her friends?" I

will be up to

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 smell you," I say honestly, eliciting a small smile. I realize I want to

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

our mate is

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 they are asking Luna Sophie, not Alpha

that Sophie turns and looks at Hunter, asking him if I can be trusted. I turn to look him

Hunter trusts him and if he does, I do," Sophie says. My eyes flash back to