The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 164: Circle of Protection

Sophie

I have a lot of concerns about leaving Jocelyn while she’s in her recovery stage. I know that Penny will look after her, check on her, and protect her, but it’s not the same. Jocelyn and I have begun to bond, and I don’t want to lose that by being away for a day or two.

I go to see her first thing on the morning before we leave. I already know that I need to go with Hunter. Whether it’s our bond, the pregnancy, or a combination of both, I know I can’t be away from him that long, and I definitely won’t be able to sleep. without him beside me.

When I walk into her hospital room, I can see that she’s improved overnight. She’s sitting up and having some breakfast when I walk in.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” I say, sitting down beside her.

“Sophie! Good morning! I think Dr. Caspian is going to release me today. I know I’m not healing at wolf speed, but I think I am healing faster than a human.”

“It definitely seems like it. How are you feeling?”

“Sore, but better. I think sitting outside and trying to reconnect with Cassidy will help me heal faster too.”

“Does that mean you’re going to help set up the garden with the others?” I ask her.

“Yes. Sandy came by last night and we talked about what I’d like to plant. I thought that was really nice, since this isn’t my pack. But she told me that anyone who is friends with you or Alpha Hunter will always be welcome here. And she said that after I leave, I could come by any time to visit.”

“She’s right,” I say. “It sounds like you and Sandy have already become friends.”

“She’s been through a lot. You bond quickly when you’ve been through the types of things that we have.”

“I imagine so,” I say, holding her gaze. “I wanted to talk to you about something. There’s this thing…” I sigh. I know Hunter isn’t telling Zahn, but Jocelyn isn’t the same as he is, and I want her to understand the importance of why we’re going. “Hunter isn’t telling Zahn, but I think it’s okay to tell you. We’d just like to keep it from him until we know for sure where he stands.”

“Where he stands?” she asks.

“Yes. In the past, he sided with the packs who have gone to war with us. Hunter and I don’t trust him. I think he might truly be here for you, but Hunter’s not convinced.”

“I honestly wouldn’t know, Sophie. If I thought he was going to do something to hurt you or this pack, I’d tell you, I swear.”

“I believe you, which is why I’m going to tell you why I have to leave the pack for a couple of days.”

me?” she asks, worry clouding her

tell her, taking her hand. “It’s important. I wouldn’t go if it weren’t.

I thought there was only the two, Joshua’s and

and others, have agreed to open a competition to our pack members to take over those packs. Today, we’re all

decide if they want to participate, and then we’ll schedule the

it to everyone?

eyes go wide. “Amelia is blazing the trail, and Nikki is paving the way behind her. Things are changing,

just your pack

and make changes to the entire werewolf community. Change has been needed for a

says, looking thoughtful. “My own pack. I would never have dreamed of such a thing. How soon

that Alaric’s pack will go up next. Joshua and Elias’ packs are farther from us, so they’ll come

I could go with you. This will be

warriors who want to compete. And, if you’re healthy enough, I’ll take you with us when we open up Alaric’s pack. You can

really like

able to get you scheduled for another surgery. Maybe by then, your wolf will be back, and you

at me, her face clouding again. “Do you think I’ll be safe while you’re

tell her to hold on and I mind link the warriors outside her door. They knock before

“Luna?”

is Caleb and Frankie. They are your assigned guards for today. Gentlemen, can

senior warrior. “Luna Jocelyn, our role is to keep you safe at all times. We are to ensure that Alpha

look

Zahn disregards that expectation while Hunter and I are away from the pack?” I ask, already knowing the warriors are

Hunter hasn’t yet given us our restrictions for how we are

“Restrictions?” Jocelyn asks.

Luna,” he says if that

or Hunter. Basically, they’re looking for any excuse to beat the crap out of him,” I tell her, watching my warriors nod their heads at my explanation. “So, if he approaches you without your consent, he’ll be lucky to remain alive. Hunter

the kind of Alpha I would ever choose to

respect for a

offends you, Luna. I know he’s

and both warriors