The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 186: Zahn’s Trial

Sophie

It was an exhausting day, but an incredible one to watch as Lucas won his pack. I’m so happy, so very happy for them, and also excited to know that my sister’s pack will be surrounded by two strong allies. But I’m also sad that another one of my best friends will be leaving my pack, and maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones again, but when Hunter and I finally went to bed last night, I cried in his arms again.

He didn’t say anything, just let Shaw purr at me, calming me down until I feel asleep. When I woke up this morning, he was already gone, having tucked his pillow against me so that his scent would still be in my nose. I smile, thinking of my thoughtful mate, breathing in his scent.

And then, my mind begins going through everything that needs to happen today and I nearly shoot up out of bed. Today is the trial for Alpha Zahn.

I’ve just waddled my way out of bed when the door opens and the scent of pancakes, maple syrup, and butter waft into my nose, followed closely by an even better scent, pine. The scent of my mate.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he says, walking in with a tray of food.

It’s bizarre. Even as pregnant as I am, even as uncomfortable as i I am, not having had my mate inside me in over a day has hot desire flaring to life, heating my core and making my arousal pool between my thighs. The man is so ridiculous gorgeous, so loving, so caring, and as he smiles a knowing smile, I know he’s also as connected to my thoughts and emotions as he always is.

He sets the tray aside. “Did you need something else before you eat this morning, my love?”

If I didn’t have our giant baby in between us, I’d leap into his arms. Hedda’s possessiveness flares, wanting to mark Hunter yet again.

“How about I take care of that ache, then Hedda can mark me as many times as she wants,” Hunter, or maybe it’s Shaw, purrs.

he says, walking to me, turning me toward the bed and bending me over before removing his clothes and easing my ache. By the time he’s done and

some

both need to get ready for today,” I

the competition. When he arrived, he’d gone

Jake is obviously presiding,

we all know that he WILL act like

has to stop, or if it continues without him there.

ask of

Like me, he includes his Beta on most of the decisions in the pack, so Jake has some knowledge of how to preside over something like this. But, yeah, it’s a lot of responsibility being thrust onto a

we’re done with breakfast, we head downstairs to find most of the Alphas and Lunas congregating in the back of the packhouse ready to head over to Lucas and Kinsley’s

than rushing over to see my niece first thing this morning, I go straight to Jocelyn.

to Hunter, and we can both stand beside you during the trial. Hunter said he’ll make sure to stand

just…I can’t go back

of these Alphas believe in forcing a mate to their will. Well, possibly one, but we’ll see how he votes

the committee room, but in the dining hall, they’ve pushed tables and chairs against the wall except for one large, long

positions at the head table, with Jake at the center. Hunter

the head table before

You are