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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300 Muchen!

alliance

alliances have become strained because their Lunas do not wish to see the men that witnessed their claiming. Some Alphas

say, just as my wolf, Rodion,

'Rod, what's going on?'

and takes a deep breath. Gingerbread, the scent of sweet gingerbread,

senses.

he growls at me, just as I hear a female voice. welcoming

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

Meyers. I'm tempted to get in the car and leave. She's the cause of all of our problems. But I drove with Robin, and he looks intrigued. Besides, Rodion won't let me leave.

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

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surrounds me and Rodion pushes forward,

claim

word to

not allow public claimings in

f**k

I suggest you get a hold of your wolf," Hunter growls, and I can feel Shaw pushing forward, ready

it together, Kayce. We came 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 busy, right Hunter?" Robin

send her away, but I won't allow

pushing past Hunter only to have his way blocked by

wolf pushes forward, her eyes flashing with the threat of violence.

my mate finally wears off and I pull Rodion back. He begins pacing in my

his mate. Our mate.

I also realize there are two other females blocking my path to her and Hunter's two Betas on either side of her, ready to protect her. "My apologies.

come and then where would you be?"

that remark and focus on

Kayce. My wolf is Rodion. May I at least have your names?" I ask her, careful to make sure that Rod's growling doesn't exit

Rodion begins purring at his mate's name. I smile. "Mizette, meaning a mini reflection of

surprised that I know what her wolf's name means. "She's very much like

nod, unwilling to let her out of my sight, but also not

a dinner for

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Lupter 49. Sophie's

288 Moochers

me are her

be up to Allison, Alpha," Luna Sophie

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

women in front of her, well one is still a girl, underage, turn and look at her. Rodion sniffs the air, one Alpha, one

our mate is a Beta,

I know that not all Alphas can be trusted these days. However, it's interesting that they are

asking him if I can be trusted. I turn to look

trusts him and if he does, I do,"