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.”

she asks,

it weren’t. But you know how we’ve fought

was only

agreed to open a competition to our pack

competitors the pack lands, let them decide if they

it to everyone? Even

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

just your pack

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 with that, but if

would never have dreamed of such a thing. How soon will the

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

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

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

really like

returns, we’ll hopefully be able to get you scheduled for another

her face clouding again. “Do you think I’ll

tell her to hold on and I mind

“Luna?”

Frankie. They are your assigned guards for

to ensure that Alpha Zahn does not approach you, speak to you, or in any way harass you, unless you choose to interact with

Jocelyn look

while Hunter and I are away from the pack?” I ask, already knowing the warriors are itching to beat Zahn up

at me. “Alpha Hunter hasn’t yet given us our restrictions

“Restrictions?” Jocelyn asks.

if

at my explanation. “So, if he approaches you without your consent, he’ll be lucky to remain alive. Hunter said he was

not the kind of Alpha I would ever choose

respect for a man like him.

you, Luna. I know he’s your

choice,” Jocelyn says, and both warriors