The One He Claimed by cooper (Sophie and Hunter) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Hunter

It’s strange feeling my mate’s emotions so strongly. Maybe it’s because I want to be close to her, want to be connected to her, but the moment I felt her sadness, I felt the need to go to her to make sure she was okay. A lot has changed for her in a very short amount of time. She’s been thrust back into pack life after being mated and claimed. Then to find out that she’s become a legend for the ranked she–wolves on the run, I can only imagine how overwhelmed she must be feeling.

So, I’m surprised when her sadness is about remembering the night she ran, because of a dress. I’m not sure I fully understand why she’s sad about that, unless it’s just the memories of that time in her life. Hopefully, it’s not about the dress itself.

I had to leave the room quickly. My mate is sexy as fuck and the mate bond between us is already hard enough to resist. Seeing my mark clearly displayed on her neck, with the gold material draped round her gorgeous body, had me going instantly hard, which is the opposite of what my mate needs when she’s feeling sad.

I’m glad that I got a hold of her father and that he agreed to meet with me tomorrow. He wanted to know why, but I just told him that it was a private matter that needed to be discussed in person. He had agreed, if a bit reluctantly. I know that tomorrow when I show up with Sophie, he’ll receive the shock of a lifetime.

“Alpha,” Lucas says, walking up to me as I head back to our offices.

“Head count?” I say as Kinsley walks up from the kitchens.

He looks at her. “By my estimation, I’d say about a quarter of the pack are

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readying themselves to leave.”

“I’d agree,” Kinsley says.

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“So, around 50 pack members. How many omegas versus warriors?” I ask.

Lucas looks at Kinsley again. “Even split?” he asks, wanting her opinion.

“Yeah, probably more warriors than omegas, but many omegas are mated to warriors and the warriors seem to be the ones making the decision to leave. From what I can gather, the omegas don’t want to leave.”

“They have more to lose if they don’t find a pack quickly,” I say, walking into my office.

“And if the pack doesn’t treat their omegas well, even more to lose,” Kinsley adds.

“I

“A good point,” I say.

“I expect we’ll see many coming back eventually,” Lucas says.

“Maybe, maybe not. If we go to war, they may not have the opportunity to return. Fifty is doable. Have you looked over the patrols?” I ask Lucas.

“Yes, and since many are still in their off rotation, Kinsley and I have agreed that we’ll each take a shift. I’m going to take a shift tonight and she’ll take one in the morning. That way, I can run the pack while the two of you are gone tomorrow.”

“I can run patrols tonight.” I say.

“No, spend the night with your mate. Once word gets out, you don’t know when you’ll have a chance again to enjoy time with her and your bond is still fresh. Take another night with her Kinsley and I have got this.”

“Thank you, both of you. I know this is a lot, especially without a Gamma

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here to help.”

“Honestly, I’m happier that he’s gone. It will make my job that much easier,” Kinsley says.

That makes me pause and I turn to look at her.

“You should have come to me about him,” I tell her.

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I watch as Lucas turns and looks at her with an ‘I told you so‘ look on his face.

When she doesn’t respond, Lucas does, but his eyes don’t leave his mate. “Apparently there are others making my mate uncomfortable. I’ve told Kinsley to feel free to break their noses as well, but I’ve also asked for a list of names.”

“I’ll take a copy of that list, especially of those individuals who remain in the pack. That won’t be tolerated, Kinsley, not by any of us. We’re going to be bringing more she–wolves into the pack. I won’t have them leaving again because they feel uncomfortable This isn’t just about you any longer. Although, I’m disappointed that you didn’t trust me enough to bring it to my attention sooner.”

My words are soft, but I know the meaning behind them will hit Kinsley hard. Everyone wants the approval of their Alpha. For me to tell my

Beta female that I’m disappointed in her, will impact her more than anything else I can say.

“My apologies, Alpha. I never meant to disappoint you. I’ll have the list to you and Lucas by tomorrow.

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