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.”

leaving me?” she asks, worry

wouldn’t go if it weren’t. But you know how we’ve fought several Alphas and that has left pack lands open

many? I thought there was only the two,

Alphas in our alliance, Hunter, Robin, Kayce and others, have agreed to open a competition

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

opening it to everyone?

her eyes go wide. “Amelia is blazing the trail, and Nikki is paving the way behind her. Things are changing, Jocelyn, for the better. Who knows, if you get healthy enough, you could compete for your

so it’s not just your pack that you’re

but now it’s time to branch out and make changes to the entire werewolf community. Change has been needed for a long time. Hopefully, Zahn will be on board

never have dreamed of such

is first and I believe everyone has agreed that Alaric’s pack will go up next.

wish I could go with you. This will be exciting,”

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 meet my sister and see what it’s like for a female Alpha to run a pack of her

really like that,

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

thoughtful for a moment, then looks at me, her face clouding again.

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

“Luna?”

guards for today. Gentlemen, can you tell

up as the senior warrior. “Luna Jocelyn, our role is to keep you safe at all times. We are to ensure that Alpha Zahn does not approach you, speak to

see Jocelyn look at me in

Zahn disregards that expectation while Hunter and I are away from the pack?” I ask, already knowing the warriors are itching to beat Zahn up again. I heard they weren’t gentle when they

at me. “Alpha Hunter hasn’t yet given us our restrictions for how we are to

“Restrictions?” Jocelyn asks.

Luna,” he says if that answers her

my explanation. “So, if he approaches you without your consent, he’ll be lucky to remain alive. Hunter said he was more worried about Zahn than me if I’ went with him and I see he’s right. Somehow, Zahn has managed to

kind of Alpha I

no respect

you, Luna. I

by choice,” Jocelyn says, and both warriors