The One He Claimed by cooper (Sophie and Hunter) novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187

“What was that for?‘ 1 ask him

‘She needed levity. I don’t like our mate crying.‘

“Neither do I.

Hunter

We run hard to be the first ones there. We’re the closest to the mountain, with Kayce a close second. Carter and Dutton are on the opposite side of the mountain from where we are going, so it will take them a bit longer to get there. Robin is on the other side of Kayce, so unless they come together, he’ll be behind Kayce.

As we run up, I hear the sound of pounding paws coming from the direction of Kayce’s pack. Shaw lifts his head and howls a challenge, in case it’s not Kayce. Rodion, Kayce’s wolf, answers the challenge and the two of us meet at the spot where Ezra found the scout trails.

I shift, as does Kayce. “I take it your mate didn’t like you leaving any more than mine did?” he asks me, realizing we were both delayed for the same

reason.

“I left a very unhappy and upset mate behind,” I say, looking around.

‘As did I.” he says, turning around and sniffing the air like I am.

“Well, not that I didn’t believe him, but Ezra is right. These are definitely scout trails. I caught one that came much too close to my pack for my comfort. I’ve got my Beta checking them out and I wouldn’t be surprised if Robin has the same. I found a trail that veered off toward his pack as well.

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I sniff, finding the scents that Margot must have found.

“Margot said some of these scents are from Joshua and Elias‘ packs, but I also smell Koden’s scent, so I guess he’s working with Joshua now.

We turn as we hear another set of pounding paws, seeing Robin’s dark brown wolf. Derric.

He shifts and gracefully stands, nodding at both of us. “Aiden’s pack’s scent is up here too, so he’s definitely working with Joshua as well,” he says immediately, having heard our conversation. “I followed his trail from just outside my pack to here. I have Nikki making sure there aren’t any other trails around our pack,” he says, looking around.

He sniff’s the air and begins following one particular scent,

“What is it?” Kayce asks him when he begins to growl low in his chest.

“Alaric’s Beta, Camden, the one who wanted Nikki. His scent is here as

well.”

“So, they’re all working together,” I say.

Kayce frowns. “I don’t smell Zahn.”

“He’s closer to Calvin’s pack,” I say.

“Did you hear Zahn’s mate woke up?” Robin asks.

“No, how did you hear that?” Kayce asks him.

“Nikki has friends all over. We’re using her connections to keep in touch as best we can with what’s happening in those packs.”

“I was hoping Zahn would come around,” Kayce says as we hear two more sets of paws pounding against the earth. We all turn to see Carter and

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Dutton coming up the side of the mountain.

Dutton’s wolf, Orion, is snarling before he even gets to us. When they shift. I can see him seething.

“Alaric has been scoping our packs,” he growls.

“With Aiden’s assistance.” Carter says, leaning over and gasping for air

“You okay there. Carter?” I ask him.

“I’m not as young as you three, give me a minute,” he says, panting.

“So. Aiden and Alaric are working together,” Robin says, focusing on

Dutton.

“What do you mean?” Dutton asks.

“His Beta’s scent is up here. I recognize it from when he was at Hunter’s pack, looking for my mate,” he snarls.

“And Aiden wants my mates, but he’s not going to get them,” Dutton snarls.

“Well, thank goodness no one wants my mate, but they do seem to want my pack,” Carter says standing. He’s showing his age. If he’d had a son, he would have retired by now. Instead, he’s still running a pack with no end in sight. I realize that I need to talk to Calvin. We need to find a way to make sure that Carter’s pack stays strong until one of our pups can take it over. I should get Sophie and Amelia involved in that conversation as well.

“So, they’re coming after all of us?” Kayce asks, looking around.

“It looks like it, but the question is, will they all attack at the same time, or will they wait. We may have to rethink sending warriors to each other’s

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packs for the time being. I don’t want to say that we’re on our own, but if Joshua attacks me and the two of you send warriors to assist, it leaves you open to Aiden and Alaric attacking your packs,” I say to Kayce and Carter.

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