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

Alpha Calvin, is that our alliances have become strained because their Lunas

just as my wolf, Rodion, stands up

'Rod, what's going on?'

me, but when get out of the car, he lifts our nose 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

senses.

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

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 his and...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 ready to pull a shift to find

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

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the scent surrounds me and Rodion pushes forward, moving toward

to claim her

the word to me. And then, my view of her is blocked by

allow public claimings in my pack and this woman is under

the f**k out of my way," Rodion

and if you don't want her to reject you, I suggest you get a hold of

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 us to keep our

send 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 blocked

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

my mate finally wears off and I pull Rodion

his mate. Our mate.

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

you, you wouldn't have come and then where

ignoring that remark and focus on

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

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

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

unwilling to let her out of my

our dinner for four could become a dinner for

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mate from me are her

will be up to Allison, Alpha,"

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

her, well one is still a girl, underage, turn and look

mate is a Beta, he

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 Hunter, since he knows

Sophie turns and looks at Hunter, asking him if I can be trusted. I turn to look him in the eye, raising an eyebrow. He watches me for a moment, then

trusts him and if he does, I