The One He Claimed by cooper (Sophie and Hunter) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

I smile as my mother wraps her arm around my waist and leads me to the stairs and up to the Alpha floor where my bedroom used to be. It’s feels strange being back here again, after everything that I’ve been through.

“I didn’t touch anything, in case you ever returned home. I wanted it kept just as it was when you left,” my mother says, opening the door to my old bedroom. I walk in and a feeling of nostalgia washes over me. The room no longer smells like me, but I can tell my mother has it aired out periodically since it’s not stuffy.

I take a moment to look around the room, remembering myself at sixteen, seeing the things that were important to me then – pictures of musicians and actors that I found attractive, doodles of my name with a different last name, sometimes with hearts around it. I smile when I see a page that says Sophie Reynolds with hearts all around it. I smile, remembering that I hadn’t even met Hunter then.

I quickly throw away the other names I had written, in case Hunter comes here. I don’t want my mate getting jealous of a teenager’s musings, but I keep the one with my new name on it.

up

“Are you truly happy, Sophie?” my mother asks me, standing just inside

my room.

“Yes, mother, I am. It’s been hard. Looking around this room, I realize just how much I have changed.” I chuckle. “When Hunter first realized who I was, he called me ‘Little Sophie Meyers‘. I told him that girl was long gone. Seeing this room, I realize how true that is.

“But are you happy?” she says, walking up to me and putting her hands on

my arms.

Chapter 41

288 Vouchers

“I’m happy with Hunter, yes. But, if I’m being honest, I’m terrified of what the future will bring for us. What will happen mother? I was lucky to be mated to a man like Hunter. But what about everyone else. Amelia should have had the opportunity that I’ve had. My Beta, Kinsley, should have had this opportunity. Penny, that sweet Gamma, should have this opportunity.”

My mother hugs me tightly. “Sophie, I’ve never known you to not get something you put your mind to. You were always a strong–minded woman, who knew what she wanted. You now have a very powerful mate by your side, a man who obviously adores you and is willing to fight against the entire world for you. I think that the two of you will do great things together, my sweet daughter.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say as we hug.

I look around my room, realizing that there is very little that still feels like me in this room. I do get some clothes, just so I have something to wear, but even those are too big on me now.

“You really do need to put on some weight, Soph,” my mother says.

“Yeah, I’m sure I will now that I have good pack food to eat again,” I say, taking a last look around the room.

mother’s eyes

refocus. Then As we step out into the hallway, I watch my she turns and smiles at me. “I have a surprise for you. Your father agreed that it was okay to share it with you.”

“Ohhh, a surprise? I thought seeing Amelia was a surprise, which I’m really excited about. I’ve missed her. Well, I’ve missed all of you,” I say as we walk downstairs.

“We’ve missed you too, my sweet, tough girl. Not everyone could have survived like

you did.”

11

I shrug. To me, it was survival. I did what I had to do.

37.62%

12:00 1

Chapter 41

1288 Vouchers

Those are my thoughts as we enter the kitchen, so it takes me a moment to see my surprise.

“Sophie?”

“Penny?” I say when I realize my friend is standing in my family’s pack kitchen. “What are you doing here?”

“I accidentally crossed your parents‘ borders the other day. I was taken to your father, and I told him and your mother that I’d just left you and that you were safe. Then….they offered to hide me here,” she says.

I turn and look at my mother. “You aren’t the only ones who have considered taking in the she–wolves on the run, my dear.”

Hunter

When Sophie and her mother leave, Carter looks at me. “I know it’s early, but I could use a drink. Want one?”

“Sure. I’m sorry for the secrecy…”

“No. You were right not to tell me ahead of time. And you’ve done right by my daughter. I’m not sure I can ever repay you for that,” he says, handing me a glass of bourbon before clinking his glass against mine and downing his in one go.

Chapter 42