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.

and bending me over before removing his clothes and easing my ache. By the time he’s done and Hedda has marked him again, pushing her venom into his body,

get some more,” Hunter

to get ready for today,” I say

van when they came for the competition. When he arrived, he’d gone straight to Amelia’s cells which is where he’s remained for the last two

he’s technically still part of our pack. But he and Kinsley will be able to sit in and ask questions. Jake is obviously presiding, and hopefully Ezra has spent enough time with him that he feels comfortable with his role. It’s fairly straightforward, as long as Zahn doesn’t act

we all know that he WILL act like

the trial continues, if it has to stop, or if it continues without him there. And then, he’ll accept

a lot to ask of

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 new Alpha. However, the next time we have one of these, it will most likely be Lucas who

to find most of the Alphas and Lunas congregating in the back of the packhouse ready to head over to Lucas and Kinsley’s new pack. It was a smart idea of Amelia’s to just do it now, while

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

tell her. “I spoke to Hunter, and we can both stand beside you during the trial. Hunter said he’ll make sure to stand between you

just…I can’t go back there, Sophie,” she

he votes today,” Amelia says, looking at Calvin who is holding his daughter and looking like he’s afraid

arrives, we begin to make our way to Lucas’ new pack. When we get there, I realize the Alphas must have gotten up early to set up a trial room of sorts. It’s not like the committee room, but in the dining hall, they’ve pushed tables and chairs against the wall except for one large, long table where the Alphas and Lunas

take their positions at the head table, with Jake at the center. Hunter remains standing and a few moments later, Zahn is brought in by

head table before looking around and finding

this! You