The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 109

The Council Chapter 16: Jara

Jara

When we returned to the pack, Mason goes to check with Elijah, and I checked in with Stella to make sure everything has run smoothly while I was gone. She said that everything went well, but that we are in need of a food run. She had made a list of items that we need.

“Stella, if we need food while Mason and I are away, just get it. We can discuss it later. I don’t want the pack to suffer because we aren’t here.”

“Yes, Luna.” She says.

“Truly, Stella, if there is a problem, we’ll discuss it. But I’ve kept you in charge of the kitchens because I know you can handle it. I trust you.”

“Thank you, Luna. That means a lot.”

After checking with Stella, I go to find Lewis. He’s the pack member I’m most concerned about and was the most worried about leaving so soon after arriving. When I find him, he’s in training, sparring with another warrior.

“Luna! You’re back!”

“I am. We just got back. How is everyone?”

They all stop sparring, finding a way to get closer to me. When I first arrived here, it made me uncomfortable, but after speaking to my mother and having a better understanding of my impact on all of them, I understand it. So even though they are sweaty and shirtless, I make a point of reaching out and touching each of

them, noting which ones need more of my time and attention.

Lewis, in particular, seems to have suffered in my absence. When I touch him, I feel the darkness rippling across his back.

So, I sit down, watching as they spar, taking turns having my pack. members come sit next to me.

“Why do I feel worry in your mind, love?” Mason asks through our mind link.

“Lewis. He didn’t do well with me being gone.”

“He was very close to going feral before the claiming this year. I’m sure it will take a while.”

“What do you think of assigning him as my guard next weekend when I go to Alpha Davis’s pack.”

It’s quiet a moment before Mason responds. “I would feel better if he were your second guard. Luke is a seasoned and tested guard. I know he would give his life for you. I don’t know where Lewis’s mind is. But, if you feel strongly about it, I’ll talk to him and see if I feel comfortable sending him along with you and Luke.”

“Thank you, Mason. And speaking of Luke, when do he and his mate arrive? And who’s pack were they a part of before, I never asked.”

“I believe they arrived last night. They are still getting settled in. I’ll have to make them an official part of our pack before he leaves to go with you to Alpha Davis’s pack. And, as to which pack he came from, Elder Carson brought him along from his pack.”

“Wait, you mean Luke and his mate were part of Alpha Shawn’s pack?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, that won’t sit well when Alpha Shawn gets home.”

“Too bad. You can’t force someone to stay in your pack. It’s against our laws.”

“Didn’t Hana’s guard and his mate move to Seth’s pack too?”

Mason chuckles in our mind link. “Sure did. And guess who’s pack he was from.”

“No!”

“Oh yes, Alpha Gunnar is going to love us that much more now. But I don’t care. Those guards are good men. Their mates are probably thankful to get out of those packs.

“You know what’s even better?” Mason asks me.

“What’s that?”

“Both of those guards have little girls. So, we aren’t just getting another female in our pack, we’re getting two and so are Seth and Hana.”

I burst out laughing and all the warriors stop to look at me. “Sorry, Mason is being funny.” I say out loud, and I hear him snort in our mind link.

“Anything else, my love?” He asks.

“Nope, you just made my day!”

“Always happy to oblige.”