The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)
Chapter 26
Over the next couple of days, we periodically hear the claimants for Mignon howling in the claiming territory. Sometimes, it’s the howl of the hunt, sometimes it’s a howl of frustration, and occasionally, we’ll hear the yelp of pain.
Hana and I have made a point to be at the main house every day. I’ve requested that my social gatherings be outside, so I can keep track of Mignon’s claim.
It’s the third day after the claimants went into the territory when I hear an excited yip followed by the howl of the hunt. This time, it’s different. This person hasn’t just picked up her scent, they’ve found her. As one, we all stop to listen to the sounds inside the claiming territory.
Instinctively, Hana and 1 move closer to each other. I see Layan and Annabel also move closer together. It’s quiet for nearly 20 minutes, then we hear it. The howl of victory. Mignon has been caught.
I look at Lay an and see that she has gone pale. She’s up next. If everything has gone well with Mignon, Layan will enter the claiming territory tomorrow.
I hear him before I see him. He’s snarling at the other claimants, threatening them if they get too close to his mate. As soon as he breaks from the forest line, I have to smile. Beta Asher caught her.
He’s carrying her in his arms. She’s unconscious, her hair falling nearly to the ground. He’s nipping and snarling at the other males that have followed him out. I jog up to him, ready to check on Mignon. He stops, snarling at me.
“Stand down, Beta. I’m going to check her.”
“I would never hurt her.” He tells me.
“But she’s been in the claiming territory for four days. She could be injured, hungry, dehydrated. Let me check her.”
He nods and let’s me approach. I walk up and move Mignon’s hair from her face. I glance at Beta Asher and see the look of total adoration on his face.
“She gave me a good run.” He tells me and his pride in his new mate is obvious.
“She’ll be a good mate to you.” I tell him as I finish checking her over, feeling her pulse and finding it strong.
“And I’ll be a good mate to her.” He says and I step back, letting him pass.
As he begins walking her to the main house, the rest of the group begins clapping, howling and stomping their feet at him catching his mate. Because I am standing so close to him, 1 feel the change in him. There are too many unmated, excited males around his newly marked, unconscious mate.
His snarl is vicious, and the area goes quiet. Elder Carson steps up.
“Beta Asher, feel free to take your mate to your quarters. We’ll find alternate arrangements for your a*s*signed roommate.”
I already know this is not going to be sufficient. He can’t keep her safe from all these males and that’s exactly what he’s thinking. Until he completes the bond by mating with Mignon, he’ll be extremely protective of her.
“Elder Carson, why don’t you let Beta Asher take Mignon to our house. She has her own room there and it’s only us and the guards.”
“That is highly improper.” He says, puffing himself up importantly.
“Why? He’s got his mate. He doesn’t need another one. Your main house is filled with unmated males, but our house is not. After Mignon wakes and they complete the bond, if they want to move back here, fine. But for now, it will save fighting and keep Mignon from being put at risk.”
Elder Carson looks from Beta Asher to me and then to the group of males milling around waiting for his final word. The excitement in the air is still tangible.
“Fine. But if you step out of line in any way,
Beta, my guards will have orders to take you out.”
“No problem.” He says to Elder Carson before turning to me.
“Thank you, Alpha.”
“Be a good mate to Mignon and that’s all the thanks I need.” I tell him before leading the way back to our house.
When we arrive, I show him her room. I watch as he gently places her on the bed, covering her before looking around.
“I’ll have some food and water sent up for both of you. Make sure she gets both before you complete your bond, Beta.”
“Yes, Alpha. And thank you again.”
I nod before closing the door. I turn and nearly run into Luke. “That was well done, Alpha Jara.” “Thank you, Luke. Now, can you help me figure out how we’re going to get them food and water for the next couple of days?”
“Absolutely.” He says and we head to the kitchen.
It isn’t long before Lay an, Annabel and Hana all come in.
“Did you get them settled?” Hana asks me.
“Yes. I’m just getting some food and water to send up there for them.”
“I told Elder Carson that we needed the evening to ourselves, knowing Layan would be going into the claiming territory tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” I look over to where Annabel and Layan are sitting in the living room.
“How is she?” I whisper to Hana.
“Terrified.” She says quietly.
“Sounds like we need another girl’s night.” I say smiling.
“Pizza!” Hana says excitedly.
I turn and look at Luke. “I can make that happen.”
“You’re the best, Luke.” 1 say and he flashes me one of his rare, genuine smiles.
For the rest of the night, we pile on the couch, surrounding Layan and supporting her. Unlike Mignon, she isn’t thrilled with her ranked member, the Alpha that was aggressively guarding her a week ago. And he is the one most likely to catch her.
It’s late at night and Lay an and Annabel have fallen asleep on the couch. Hana and I pulled blankets from the closet to cover us up and we’re having a pajama party sleepover on the couches tonight.
As we lay there, we hear it. I look over at Hana and I can’t help the snicker that begins bubbling up.
“Is that…”
Just as she asks, we hear Mignon begin moaning Asher’s name, the bed in the room thumping against the wall. We can hear Beta Asher’s growling and the pace increases until Mignon is screaming his name. Then everything goes quiet.
“Well, I guess they completed the bond.”
Hana says and we both burst into giggles, trying to stay quiet so we don’t wake Layan and Annabel.
Tomorrow is going to be another big day.