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.

11.57

289

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

14.50%

11 57

300 Muchen!

an alliance

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, but the good ones, like Calvin,

I say, just as my wolf, Rodion, stands up

'Rod, what's going on?'

nose in the air and takes a deep breath. Gingerbread, the scent of sweet gingerbread, like cookies that have just

senses.

at me, just as I hear a

jerk Rodion back and look at the woman who is holding hands. with Hunter. Actually, holding hands, not him holding her, but her fingers are intertwined with

none other than Sophie 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. He's

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

III

11:57

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

claim her right here, right

see the terror on her face as she repeats the word to me. And

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

my mate. Get the f**k out of my way," Rodion

a hold of your wolf," Hunter

can assure us that he won't send your

her away, but I won't

past Hunter only to have his way blocked by Luna

her eyes flashing with the threat of violence. "Get

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

his mate. Our mate.

Hunter's two Betas on either side of her, ready to protect her. "My apologies. I didn't mean to scare you, or your wolf. I wasn't expecting to find my mate today, so I wasn't prepared

had told you, you wouldn't have come and then where would

ignoring that remark and focus

I at least have your names?" I ask her, careful to make

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

her wolf's name means. "She's very much like me," she says

of my sight, but also not

could become a dinner for seven? Assuming the

55.345

11:57

Lupter 49.

288 Moochers

mate from me are her friends?" I

up to Allison, Alpha," Luna Sophie

won't 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 smell you," I say honestly, eliciting a small smile. I realize

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

our mate is a Beta, he

not all Alphas can be trusted these days. However,

looks at Hunter, asking him if I can be trusted. I turn to look him in the eye,

I do," Sophie says. My eyes flash back to