The One He Claimed by cooper (Sophie and Hunter) novel Chapter 173

I wake up later. in bed. My clothes are on, but my shoes are off and there is a blanket over me. I look around and realize that I am in my bedroom in my house. I can smell food cooking in the kitchen, so I carefully make my way out of bed, seeing my shoes neatly set against the wall. When I walk out of my bedroom, I see two things that surprise me. The first is Brutus with a large apron on, cooking in the kitchen. The second is a big bouquet of wildflowers on the table.

“Brutus?” I ask.

He turns, smiling at me. “Oh, you’re awake. I hope you don’t mind. My wolf was making me nuts about taking care of you, so I wanted to make sure you had something to eat. I was worried about what would sit easily on your stomach, so I made roasted chicken, rice, and roasted vegetables.”

“You know how to cook?” I ask, stepping into the small area that consists of a kitchen and breakfast nook. It smells delicious.

He turns his head from the stove and smiles at me. “I used to cook for my mate all the time. But, well, since she passed, I haven’t really done a lot of cooking.”

He watches me as I walk over to the flowers, leaning in the sniff them.

“Did

you bring me flowers, Brutus?”

I’m surprised when this big bear of a man blushes and ducks his head. “I was hoping you’d like them. I thought they might help to brighten your day”

I look at the flowers again. “I’m not sure anyone has ever brought me

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flowers before. They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

We sit down to eat. The food is surprisingly good, and I tell him so.

“Why surprisingly?” he asks.

“Well, because you’re a warrior. Usually omegas cook.”

He shrugs again. “I like to cook. I like to do nice things for the people I care about.” His eyes are intent on mine, and mouth

my

goes dry.

Now it’s my turn to blush and duck my head. “I’m not used to that.”

“Maybe you should get used to it,” he says, reaching over and taking my hand. I look up at him and he strokes his thumb over the back of my hand! sending little tingles through my body.

“There’s something you need to know,” he says, his voice much more

serious.

“What’s that?”

“Owen arrived today,” he says, growling. “He’s going to be executed

tomorrow.

”

“Brooklyn…”

“Has already said she wants to be there, but she doesn’t want to be the one to execute him. Personally, I think it’s a good idea for her to watch her tormentor die. If nothing else, it will give her some peace of mind and closure. But you have to decide if you want to be there too. I’ll go with you if…”

“Oh. I want to be there.” I say forcefully, anger and fury flowing through me. “I want to see that poor excuse of a man die.”

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He nods. “Do you want me there with you?”

I think about that for a moment. “Yes.”

He smiles as if I just gave him a gift that he’s been wanting for a long time. “Then I’ll be there. I have to run patrols tonight. We’re still expecting Joshua and his pack to attack at any time, but I’ve asked to be put in this quadrant of the patrols, so I can keep watch over you. I want about you to know that so you can sleep well. You don’t have to worry someone sneaking up on you.‘

After dinner. Brutus helps me do the dishes and then I walk him to the door. He turns, caressing my cheek and running his thumb over my lips.

“Can I kiss you, Leah?”

I would never have guessed that I’d be ready for another man to kiss me this soon, but I find myself nodding my head in agreement. He leans in slowly, watching me and giving me a chance to change my mind and then his warm lips are on mine, gentle and soft.

I lean into the kiss, drawn into it by this incredibly gentle man. His big arms come around me and I can’t ever remember a time that I felt so safe.

When he pulls back, he leans his forehead against mine. “That was perfect. I hope it was perfect for you too,” he says softly.

I nod, not wanting to break the spell this man has me under.

When he lifts his head, he smiles at me, then kisses my nose before turning and heading to work. I watch him leave, surprised when he turns and waves at me before disappearing from sight.

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