The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)
Chapter 90
Mason
The next morning when I wake, I’m still wrapped around Jara. Somehow, even after my knot went down, I stayed inside her. It only takes a moment before I’m hard again, so I wake my mate, slowly, bringing her to her o*rgas*m before I release in her again.
The thought that she is already carrying my pup hits me hard and I nuzzle her neck, kissing her before I slide out of her and get out of bed. “Where are you going?” She asks me, her voice raspy from screaming last night and moaning this morning.
“I need to find out when the Alpha meeting will be and where it will be held this year. If only half of the unmated males came out of the claiming, it means some packs will have to be a*s*similated by others and we’ll have to rea*s*sess boundary lines again.”
She sits up, letting the sheet fall to her waist. I’m tempted to crawl back into bed and take her again, but I really do have work to do.
“Do you do this every year?” She says, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her
hand. I’m starting to realize that this is a very Jara thing to do in the morning. “Yes, every year after the claiming, we evaluate the pack standings and which ones are no longer large enough to survive on their own. There is also the issue of those that have lost their last ranked member and only warriors and omegas are left. They also need to be a*s*similated into a new pack.
I walk back to the bed and kiss her sweet lips. “And you, my mate, have a mother to meet with and a packhouse to ‘warm’.” I say, using air quotes. “Yes, and Seth and Hana will be leaving today. I want to make plans to get together with Hana soon.”
“And you and I need to start writing up our petition to change the claiming. You need to think about what you want changed from the female’s perspective. Talk to Hana before she leaves today and start making a list.”
“That’s a great idea. Mason.” She says, crawling out of bed.
I start walking to the bathroom but turn and look at her. “I know.” I say giving her an arrogant smile.
She just shakes her head at me before following me into the shower. We’re showered, dressed and downstairs 45 minutes later. I can tell my entire pack is dragging after the late night last night, but everyone is in good spirits.
Jara goes around to each table, saying good morning to everyone before finally coming to sit at our table with Seth, Hana and her parents. While Jara begins talking to Hana and her mother, I turn to Seth and Phillip.
“Before you leave Seth, I wanted to let you know that Jara and I plan to petition the Elder Council to change the way they manage the claiming. I’ve asked Jara to work with Hana to give me input on the female side, but I’d like yours from the Alpha side. I’ll add all of our complaints and suggestions into one petition and submit it to Elder Jason.”
“Who is Elder Jason?” Phillip asks.
“He came in after we basically insisted that Elder Carson be fired when that hole incident happened to the omega, Layan.” Seth tells him.
“Jason Newlan?” He asks.
“I’m not sure, are you Mason?” Seth asks.
“No, but I know he’s on the Council. He’s a good Alpha and a good Elder. He is just as unhappy with the events of this year’s claiming as we are and he agrees that if things continue as they are, that our species will be extinct in a couple of decades.”
“How many pack members did you lose this year?” Phillip asks me. “Thankfully, only a handful. How about you?” I ask Seth.
“Same. But if only half of the unmated males came out of Jara’s claiming, then some packs will be decimated.”
“I agree. I need to find out when the
Council meeting will be. I plan to give Elder Jason my petition at that time.” “Let me know what you need. I’m trying to get caught up after being gone so long. Thankfully, Dad watched over the pack and ran things for me, but there are still things I need to take care of.”
“Understood. My Gamma watched things here for me, but I have to get caught up.”
“I’m happy to help while I’m here. My mate will be helping Jara add ‘warmth’,” Phillip uses air quotes like I did earlier, “to your packhouse, so I won’t really have anything to do.”
“I’d appreciate any a*s*sistance you want to provide. I think this petition will be very important and it’s also going to be a big battle with the Elders.”
“You’ll need to get the other Alphas on board.” Seth says.
“I think Alpha Asher and Alpha Antonio will be on board. I don’t know which others are left. We’ll have to wait for the Alpha meeting.”
Seth turns and looks at me. “Will you be bringing Jara? I know I don’t want to leave Hana so soon after marking and mating, even for a few days.”
“That feeling never goes away.” Phillip says, looking at his mate.
I smile at that. I can’t imagine ever wanting to be away from Jara.
“Hey, Jara.” I say, getting her attention. “Yes.” She says, her smile radiant, her eyes full of love.
“Would you be willing to go to the Alpha meeting with me?”
She raises an eyebrow at me. “As an Alpha, I would be offended if I wasn’t invited.”
I can’t help but laugh at my mate. I turn to Seth. “I guess that’s a yes.”
“It better be a yes for me too.” Hana says, giving Seth a hard look.
He puts his hands up in front of himself in a placating gesture. “I’m the one that asked about it, baby.”
“It’s good to know that I raised a smart man and that my daughter has mated with one as well.” Nina says, looking at us.
“My sons, let me give you a piece of advice that’s well known, but is worth repeating. Words that I have lived by and have kept the peace all my life. ‘If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.’ Live by that manta and you’ll do just fine.”