The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 100: Convincing Margot Ezra

"Margot, may I have a word with you?" I ask, walking up to her, Beta Kinsley, and Luna Sophie.

I've never considered myself easily in midated, but Robin and Kayce are on to something. Intelligent, empowered women emit. a strength I'm not used to seeing or feeling. Put them together in a group, like now, and it's intimidating, even for an Alpha like

me.

Three pairs of eyes turn to look at me, one assessing, one questioning, one defiant. Guess which one is defiant.

"Go ahead," she says, and I look at the other two.

"I thought perhaps we could speak privately. But if you would prefer to have this conversation in front of your friends..."

She stands. I've obviously called her bluff. Oh, this woman is challenging. She's getting her wings back and rather than just trying to fly, she's continually flapping them in my face..

But I'm an Alpha and I love a good challenge. Whether she means to or not, she's only making my desire for her stronger.

"I'll be back in a moment,” she says to Beta Kinsley and Luna Sophie, breezing past me.

I watch both women's lips twitch before I turn and follow my mate out into the hallway.

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When she's found the spot where she wants to talk, she spins. around, her chin high and her hands clasped in front of her.

"What can I do for you, Alpha Ezra?" She continually uses my title to keep distance between us, even though I've asked her to call me Ezra.

Rather than answer, I take a moment to assess her. Sparring with her has given me time to see how her body moves, when it's sore and when it's not. Right now, she's standing just off center, meaning either

her leg or her hip is bothering her. She also rolled one shoulder when she clasped her hands, so I'd guess the shoulder that she fell on during our session today is still sore as well.

The longer I look her over, the tighter her lips press together and the brighter the pink stain in her cheeks becomes.

just want to ogle me, Alpha Ezra? You could do that from afar,"

snark before I could catch myself. Her eyes flash

was uncalled for. Your constant challenges of me have me on edge,

to

that makes you a

"What do you want?"

know if you want to go with me to Alpha

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is there, and I'd like to check on things since I'm staying here longer

leave," she says, once again challenging me. This time, I have me and Thorin under control. But that doesn't mean that I won't challenge her as much as

"No."

things and see if there is anything I need to address. There are a lot of women and children there who lost their mates and I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to help

and now that it is, I can see her subtly shifting her weight to relieve some of

chance to let Reyna run. We can go at her pace and let you stretch out those sore muscles. Third, I could use a Luna's eye and assistance. Those women will probably respond better to you than to me. I want them to know that they are safe and they're more likely to talk to you about their concerns than they are talk

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answer. I know she wants to say no, but the running part of the deal has her hesitating as I knew it would. I also think the thought of helping other women is intriguing to her. "I will say, I can't guarantee your safety. I will protect you with my life if someone attacks

"But I don't want

me, Ezra. My life will be too short to

the wall, my body pressed against

on her face. "I am. I've come to terms with that, Ezra. You need to as well. You need to let me reject you. You won't carry my mark, but my death will still impact you

a pack that relies on you. I have

my arms around her, holding her against me but pulling away from the wall. "Now you listen to me. I told you once, but I will tell you as many

her up, covering her mouth with mine. I feel her body go rigid, and as I angry as I am, I force myself to remain gentle, urging her to give in to the kiss. Her wolf is awake enough that I know she feels the bond. I'm nearly ready to pull away, thinking that I've made a huge mistake, when I feel her

Chapter 100. Convincing Marget

beginning to move with mine. Her hands slide up my arms, linking behind my

I let one hand slide into her hair, gently holding her as we kiss. I don't push for more, just 'happy that she's letting me kiss her, happy that she's responding to the

mine. When I

him I want to bring you over

she asks, pulling back to look at

my hands to her face, gently wiping the tears from eyes. I don't ask about them. I'm sure she's struggling with