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.

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 Hedda

get some more,”

today,” I say and over breakfast

passenger van when they came for the competition. When he arrived, he’d

able to sit in and ask questions. Jake is obviously presiding, and hopefully Ezra has

all know that he WILL act like a

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

a lot to ask of

is a good Alpha. 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 new Alpha. However, the next time we have one of these, it will most likely be

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 new pack. It

I go straight to Jocelyn. She’s standing

to be fine,” I tell her. “I spoke to Hunter, and we can both stand beside you during the trial. Hunter

go back there, Sophie,” she says, wringing

mate to their will. Well, possibly one, but we’ll see how he votes today,” Amelia says, looking at Calvin who is holding his daughter and

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

the other Alphas and Lunas take their positions at the head table, with Jake at the

table before looking

stop this! You