The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 95: Strength Leah

When I woke in the pack hospital, I was surprised. I hadn't expected to survive my mate's death, hadn't realized that it was even possible for an omega who was mated to someone of a higher rank.

But I had heard my daughter's voice, over and over, smelled her sweet scent, and listened when she told me that she needed me. My mate never needed me, but my daughter does. I swore that after letting her down once, that I'd never do it again, so I'd fought my own body, my heart, and maybe the Moon Goddess herself to stay with my child. If she needs me, I'll be here for her.

Seeing her happy face when I opened my eyes, had made it all worthwhile. She had wrapped her arms around me and sobbed. I was weak, struggling to wrap my own arms around her, but I did it. A mother can find strength she didn't know she had when her pup needs her.

After waking, the healing started. I felt hollow and empty, but I hoped that would pass. My wolf was gone, but the doctor said it was possible that I'd get her back. You just never knew when these things happened.

"I've seen mates regain their wolves after a year or more. Sometimes, it just takes them longer to heal and return to us than it does for us to wake up," he said.

I'd heard Brooklyn when she was talking to me, so I was pretty

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sure I knew who this was. Watching my daughter, I knew I was right.

"You're my daughter's mate?" I asked him when it was just the two of us in the room.

"Yes, ma'am. And I want you to know that you have nothing to worry about. I won't hurt your daughter and I don't have any expectations of her except that she gives me a chance and gets to know me. She's doing that, and I'm perfectly happy."

He smiled, his eyes staring off. "She's amazing, your daughter. Truly an incredible woman."

"Yes, she is," I said, proud that someone recognizes that int Brooklyn.

He looked back at me. "We all agree that she gets that from you," he'd said surprising me.

"I'm not strong, not like Brooklyn."

"Aren't you? You're here. You could have given up, but you didn't. You somehow, and I still can't fathom how you did it, got your daughter here, after rejecting your mate and you saved her life. And once again, you protected your daughter when her father came to take you back."

"Brooklyn did that," I tell him.

"Brooklyn shot him, but she wouldn't have had the gun if you hadn't purchased it, ready to protect your daughter at all costs, including your own life," he said, holding my gaze. "That, my future mother-in-law, is strength."

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told him about what had happened. It's the only way he could

could walk unassisted. I realized just how much my daughter was doing in the hospital, helping out

know how thankful they were to Brooklyn and how they have made sure to protect her and me while I was unconscious. The massive outpouring of love from the pack had been incredible, nearly

in particular, Brutus, came to visit with me. The moment he had entered my room, I'd known. I don't know why the Moon Goddess does the things she does. I'd just gotten out of a miserable mate bond, and here, in front of me, was another warrior, another mate, only

was like with Michael, but I know I never had much respect for the way he spoke about you and Brooklyn. He was a fool. I am not a fool. I also know you just woke up after losing your mate and probably have no desire to take on another mate. But don't reject me, Leah. You're too weak. I won't do anything you don't want, but don't kill yourself after everything Brooklyn has done

me that first day, barely leaving my side

her for me while I was out, as had the other

that he's the real deal and telling the truth about taking it slow with Brooklyn.

lot,

and helped to get me back to my home. I told Brooklyn that it was fine for her to stay at the hospital. She seems to like it there,

shot Michael. I'm sure they removed the body, but my little house will

arrive, I see that the door

"What's this?"

and some of the other warriors came in and cleaned the place up for you. We didn't want you or Brooklyn to have to come back to this mess. It was the least we could do after she stitched up so many

of love, overwhelmed with the emotions that were

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all been too much

big giant warrior, had scooped me up as if I was a small pup and held me while I cried. For such a big man, he is

rubbing my back until I had cried myself

in my bedroom in my house. I can smell food cooking in the kitchen, so I carefully make my way out of bed, seeing my shoes neatly set against the wall. When I walk out of my bedroom, I see two things that surprise me. The first is

"Brutus?" I ask.

so I wanted to make sure you had something to eat. I was worried about what would sit easily on

how to cook?" I ask, stepping into the small area that

stove and smiles at me. "I used to cook for my mate all the time. But, well,

walk over to the

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them

bring me flowers,

and ducks his head. "I was hoping you'd like them. I

"I'm not sure anyone has ever brought me flowers before. They're beautiful.

food is surprisingly good, and

SO.

"Why surprisingly?" he asks.

a warrior. Usually omegas

for the people I care

blush and duck my head. "I'm