The Claiming by Cooper Book 2
The Council by Cooper (Jara & Mason)
Chapter 44
Jara
After leaving Alpha Jonas’s pack, Hana and I get the guards to agree to us riding together. It’s good to see her and catch up. We talk about our packs, our pregnancies, Isabella, Katerina, Layan and finally, the battle this weekend.
“What do you think is going to happen when they get to Alpha Emanuel’s pack?” Hana asks.
“I don’t know. But Mason said they hadn’t seen the she- wolves, so I’m guessing they are locked away somewhere.” “Where do you think we should put them? We’ve already got Celeste, you have Brynn, Zaire has his she-wolf, I need to get her name, Davis has Layan, and now these.”
“I think we should keep them separated into the different packs for now. Their fear might play off of each other if they are together. But we can set up a support group for them. Maybe mom or Isabella or even Gia might want to run it. Let’s see how many we have and what shape they are in. That might determine the best pack for them to stay in.” I tell her.
We pull up to Alpha Davis’s pack, noting the extra patrols and guards already in place. We say hello and head to the packhouse.
“I hope Layan’s doing better. I felt like last week she was, but I know sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back.” Hana says.
“I hope so too. She seemed okay with Elijah and Lewis, even if it was only for a few minutes. Maybe she’ll have started relaxing around her pack. I hope so.”
When we arrive at the packhouse, we’re greeted by Alpha Davis.
“Hello, Lunas. Welcome back.” He’s another one that is doing much better having us around. It’s good to see him feeling better. It’s impacting his pack as well. Even though there is an underlying tension with everything going on, the feeling of being out of control has significantly decreased.
“Alpha Davis. So good to see you again.” I tell him. This week, with everything going on, it’s only Hana and I that are here to see Layan.
We walk up hugging Alpha Davis. We’ve all become good friends. I notice that nearly all of his darkness is gone.
“I think you’ll be happy in what you see with Layan. She’s starting to come out of her shell.”
He walks us into the packhouse that we’ve become accustomed to. He guides us to the kitchen where we both stop. There is Layan, in a room with several of her pack members, helping to make lunch. When she sees us, she stops what she’s doing and rushes over to hug us.
“Hello, sweet girl.” I say and the three of us share a group hug.
“Lunas! I’m making lunch for us, want to see?”
“Yes, because I’m pregnant and hungry Layan! Show me what’s for lunch and tell me what that delicious smell is.” Hana says as we move into the kitchen.
We make a point of greeting the omegas working in the kitchen, but we also notice that they are keeping their
distance from Layan. But she’s in here, and that’s a step in the right direction. “Nick and Thomas are making grilled chicken and I made Caesar salad. We can either have them separate or I pulled out wraps and we can make grilled chicken Caesar salad wraps.” She says.
“Mmm, wraps sound good.” I say.
“Sit, I’ll finish making these and we can go outside. The weather is nice today.” Layan says. It’s the first time she’s mentioned going outside since we’ve been coming to see her.
I look over at Davis and he’s smiling at her. He nods at me before going back to his office.
“I’m making one for you too, Alpha.” Layan says as he walks away.
“Thank you, Layan.” He says, stopping to look at her. I can tell from his expression that this is new too.
“I hope you’re making a couple of me too.” Elijah says, coming into the kitchen having put our bags into our rooms.
“And me, Lewis says coming in right behind him. Hana’s guards also request lunch and Layan giggles, blushing prettily at our guards’ excitement for her lunch.
I watch as she expertly puts them together, making enough for all of us. The guys grab the plates and take them outside. A table has already been set up for us and Layan brings a pitcher of iced tea and glasses out after dropping off food for Davis.
“I feel like a princess.” Hana says, sitting at the table to eat.
“It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve done to help me.” She says.
“We haven’t done anything but visit our dear friend.” I say to her.
“Oh, my goddess, this is delicious.” Elijah says behind me. I turn and see his eyes closed as he chews the food.
“Seriously some of the best food I’ve eaten in a long time.” Lewis adds, his face mirroring Elijah’s.
“Seriously you two? You act like you’re never fed at home.” I say.
“Oh, no, Jara. You have to taste this. It’s so good. And I’m not just saying that because I’m hungry.” Hana says.
I take a bite of the wrap. Okay, it’s the best Caesar salad wrap I’ve ever had. “Layan, what did you do to make this so good?” I ask her.
“I make the dressing from scratch. It’s a recipe my mother taught me.”
“Feel free to make it again.” Lewis says.
“Every day.” Elijah says.
“Yes, please.” Hana’s guard says.
Thoroughly pleased with herself, we finish our lunch outside and enjoy the afternoon air. Layan agrees to go for a short walk around the pack lands, not venturing far. I can see the patrols constantly running and our guards are on constant alert. But, other than that, it’s a very nice afternoon. We talk to Layan about Katerina visiting.
“I’d be willing to have her visit, but do you think it’s a good idea? My experience wasn’t a good one.” Layan says.
“She knows that, but she still wants to come visit you. I told her it was your choice.”
Layan nods. “I’ll think about it.”