The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 189: Celebration

Sophie

I wake up in bed, not remembering Hunter moving me, but knowing it must have been him. Even with everything going on, he’s keeping close tabs on me. I look at the clock and realize that I need to get up and start getting ready. Lucas and Kinsley will be here soon. I’m so excited about seeing them, but I know I’ll probably cry when it’s time to say goodbye.

I get up and showered, finding a comfortable dress that is still a bit snug around my big belly. “Huntington, you need to make your entrance soon, so I don’t have to buy more clothes,” I say, rubbing my stomach as I try to make the dress fit better.

“I’m going to miss seeing your belly swollen with my pup,” Hunter says from behind me, his possessive tone sends shivers down my body.

I turn and smile at him. “I’m sure you’ll have another one in me very soon. But I won’t miss my clothes fitting me again, that’s for sure,” I say.

Hunter looks down at my stomach, coming forward and running his hands on either side. I feel my back arching, just enough that my mate realizes what I need.

“I’m going to miss that too,” he says.

“What’s that?” I ask, my eyes closed as the feeling of him touching me moves through my body.

“How very responsive you are to me. I like it that even my voice has you arching these days. I love knowing that your body responds so completely to me.”

I chuckle. “My body always responds to you. You are a master at making my body respond to you,” I tell him.

“Hmmm, we should test that,” he says, spinning me around and putting my hands against the door, easing the ache inside me that feels nearly constant these days. If I’m not sleeping, I want Hunter inside me.

When we’ve both found our release, Hunter takes my hand and leads me downstairs. I needed some space after the competition for Ålaric’s pack, so I wasn’t part of the party planning and decorations. However, the pack is going all out to say goodbye to their Beta couple and congratulating them on becoming an Alpha and Luna.

It isn’t long before we get the notice that Lucas and Kinsley have passed the pack border, and Hunter and I walk outside to greet them while the others position themselves to shout out congratulations when they walk in.

When they step out, I can see that Kinsley is already feeling the strong emotions of saying goodbye that I am. Because our baby bumps are so large, it’s impossible to hug, so we clasp hands, both of us fighting tears.

“Tonight is a celebration. Save your tears for tomorrow,” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion.

She nods, and both of our mates come to wrap their arms around us.

“Come on, the entire pack has put together a party for you. We have food, music, drinks for those of us who can drink…” Hunter says chuckling, kissing the top of my head.

I let Lucas and Kinsley walk in ahead of us. When they do, the entire pack is there, yelling “Congratulations!”. A moment later, Kinsley

of food, laughter, and

to Dr. Caspian about coming to our pack once Sophie delivers Hunt. I’m only about a week or two behind her if this little guy

A

kicking, I remember those days. How do those babies know right where

can’t believe my son is going to be

to the music as the evening wears on, Kinsley

members,” Brutus asks him.

I don’t know Alaric’s pack well enough to make that decision. I’m looking for an interim Beta and I intended to ask you if you were interested in the position,” Lucas says. I watch as Hunter zeros in

my pack

at Hunter. I know it’s more of taunt, but the reality is that this is why

Beta? I’m not Beta,” Brutus

it on the way here today. You’re a good warrior, strong but fair. You know how to test a pack member without decimating them, and when the need arises for something a bit more violent, you’re ready and able. I know you’ re old enough that having the position for twenty years probably doesn’t sound appealing, but something shorter

Leah. “I don’t know anything about being

a Luna, so we can figure it out

watch Brutus’ face and when it softens, I know Lucas has

fine Beta, Leah,” he purrs

“Brutus,” she says, blushing.

agree more,” Kinsley

me Lucas?” Hunter growls, only partially playing. He hadn’t anticipated that some

Hunter, and I’m pretty sure the ones I want have already been offered

was letting tonight be about

and Jaime. “So,

ready to burst

have your attention please,” Lucas says, raising his voice and getting the pack’s attention. Someone turns off the music so

why we’re here tonight, to celebrate Kinsley and I winning

didn’t have anything to do with it,” Kinsley

it without you. But tonight isn’t just about celebrating us. May I introduce our replacements, your new Betas,

Jaime and I can feel their excitement and happiness about the decision. I know they’

turns back to Lucas. “So, you didn’t answer my question. Who else are you planning to

at Kinsley, then turns and looks around the

“Beth?”