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

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

I say, just as my wolf, Rodion,

'Rod, what's going on?'

Gingerbread, the scent of sweet gingerbread, like

senses.

that scent,' he growls at me, just as I hear

with Hunter. Actually, holding hands, not him holding

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 practically

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

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step inside, the scent surrounds me and Rodion

ready to claim her right here,

see the terror on her face as she repeats the word to me. And then, my view of her

claimings in my

f**k

a hold of your wolf," Hunter growls, and I can feel Shaw pushing

time. I'm sure Alpha Hunter can assure us that he won't send your mate away while we're

her away, but I won't allow her to be claimed against her

will? She's my mate!" Rodion growls, pushing past Hunter only to have his way

wolf pushes forward, her eyes flashing with the

Rodion back. He begins pacing in my mind, keeping

his mate. Our mate.

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 for my wolf's reaction. Alpha Hunter, it seems,

wouldn't have come and

ignoring that remark and

names?" I ask her, careful to make sure that Rod's growling doesn't exit my mouth. "Allison, and my wolf

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

what her wolf's name means. "She's very much

of my sight, but also not wanting to

become a dinner for seven? Assuming the

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her friends?"

will be up to

look back at my mate. "My word as an Alpha that I 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

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

is a Beta, he

trust his word as an Alpha, Luna Sophie?" she asks. I want to be offended, but I know that not all Alphas can

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

him and if he does, I do,"