The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 178: Telling Jocelyn

Sophie

When Hunter and I return, the pack is so excited to see us. I know that Hunter is worried about me, but the pack would never hurt me, not even accidentally. I can feel how protective they are of me and of our pup. Hunter would be able to as well if it weren’t for his concern for me and little Hunt.

So, I helped to calm him while letting the pack know how proud I am of them. I love how responsive they are to me, and I loved that Hunter followed my lead and sent waves of pride to the pack as well. They did a fantastic job of protecting our pack. No one died and anyone who was injured is already healed. I do need to get away from the packhouse though. The scent of the dead is making me feel nauseous.

So, I get Kinsley, and we head to the Survivor Center to check on Jocelyn. On the way, I let her know about what happened.

“I’m happy for Jake and Letti, but Sophie, why do we need a trial? Do the other Alphas think that Hunter is wrong?”

“No, they don’t, but Nikki had a good point. It’s a good opportunity for us as the Lunas and for Jake, as a new Alpha, to learn how to participate in a trial. If Lucas wins a pack, Kinsley, the two of you will become part of that trial process, too. Wouldn’t you rather start with a trial that you already feel confident you know how it’s going to go versus something that’s a really difficult decision?” I ask her.

“I guess. I just…Jocelyn’s been through enough. She shouldn’t have to suffer any more or spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder and worrying about Zahn coming after her again,” she says.

“I agree. But the trial is the right way to go,” I say and explain to her the thought process of why Jocelyn and Zahn’s case is different from the others who were on the run.

“I guess,” she says, still not convinced.

When we arrive, I see that most of the survivors are out working in the garden. It looks like some of the new plants were trampled in the attack.

“You’d think those wolves were raised in a barn,” one of the survivors gripes as she looks over a small plant that doesn’t look like it’s going to make it. “All these carefully planted seedlings and they just trampled over them. Oh, hello Luna. Welcome home,” she says when she-notices me.

“Hello. It’s good to be home. How is everyone after the attack,” I ask, looking around at everyone, noticing that Jocelyn is absent.

“We’re good, Luna. We were all in the safe room. No one was injured. The pack warriors did an amazing job of keeping us safe,” another survivor says.

“And our Betas were excellent at running the pack while you were gone,” another says, smiling at Kinsley.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Not that I’m surprised. Lucas and Kinsley are born leaders,” I say, smiling at my Beta.

“Thank you,” Kinsley says humbly “Are you looking for Jocelyn?” the first woman asks me.

“Yes, do you where I can find her?”

long ago and he wanted to look

I’ll go

and I take a few moments to hug the pups, telling them how brave

we knock, and Sandy opens the door

today,” she says,

that Sophie?” Jocelyn

voice into the kitchen where she, Brooklyn,

seat, Luna,”

“Oh, I couldn’t…”

“I’ll get another one.”

Beta,”

to ache all the time

Dr. Caspian in a way I recognize. I lift my nose in the

‘Hedda?’

and nurse are going to have a pup of their own,’ she

say, making Brooklyn look

have a great sense of smell,” Brooklyn. “She smelled our pup the same day we

Brooklyn deserved to find happiness and Dr. Caspian looks like he’s about to burst from

I can’t be in the operating room this time. The scent of blood…” she cuts off as she covers

being in the packhouse, the scent of blood is so strong. I don’t recommend that you go over there until the bodies

see Kinsley’s eyes go

doesn’t bother you, Kinsley?” I ask

away from my nose or my eyes. Just the sight of them has me rushing

two more chairs.

Jocelyn. “I need to talk to you, but first, if you’re willing, do you want to update me and Kinsley on next steps for your

“Dr. Caspian says that my left side looks really good. I showed him how I can walk, but with a hobble because now my left

to the next pack to see how the competition is run. We’ve decided to wait until after Amelia has her pup, so your legs should be completely healed by then. Depending on how quickly we schedule it after that, you may

be great, and I would love to do

“Are you comfortable with me discussing it with everyone in this

can leave,” Brooklyn