The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 11

Jara

I look into Mason’s eyes before reaching down and taking his hand. This Alpha better know how to dance, or he will not only embarrass himself in front of all his peers, but he’ll ‘accidentally’ get kicked in his crotch. I love a good tango, but if your partner isn’ t any good, getting kicked is a definite possibility.

Since there are only five females, there isn’t a lot of concern about bumping into anyone. However, as we walk out onto the dance floor, I see Seth asking Hana to dance as well. None of the male omegas will know how to dance. It’s not something they are taught, mostly being the workers in the pack. And there are those. ranked members who think dancing is a waste of time and energy. So, the fact that Alpha Mason knows how to dance, let’s me know even more about this Alpha. And, of course, my brother is adept at dancing.

I specifically chose this dance because it takes a higher level of practice and effort than most ranked members are willing to exert to learn. As soon as we start, I realize my error. This man, who is radiating raw masculinity, knows exactly how to dance a tango. This dance requires you to be physically close and trust your partner. I can feel the heat of his body as I lean against him, flicking my leg around his as we move through the dance. This tango has you moving fast and then slowing down, giving the impression of a seduction as you go through the moves. Add to that the way our bodies connect and move together, and I hear the jealous growls of the other males in the room.

Alpha Mason surprises me by lifting me and spinning me around. Thankfully, I’m well trained and I’m able to keep up. I’m ready when he spins me around his shoulders, holding me as I slide to the floor

for a half split. You’re supposed to be demure during this type of dancing, looking away from your partner, but I’m caught in a trance as his intense gaze holds mine. As the song ends, he pulls on my arm, easily lifting me off the floor and into his arms. My arms instinctively go around his neck as he catches me, our lips only a breath away from each other.

I can feel rather than hear the pleased rumbling in his chest as I slide against him until my feet hit the floor. He holds my gaze for another moment before stepping back and taking my hand pulling it to his lips and kissing my knuckles as he holds my gaze.

“Thank you, Alpha Jara, for a very….intriguing dance.”

“Thank you, Alpha Mason.”

“Mason, Alpha. Please call me Mason.”

I raise my eyebrow at that. “Well, Mason,” I stress his name without the title, “if you’re okay with me not letting you claim me, then you’re welcome to call me Jara.”

“Jara. I would be offended if you let,” he stresses the word, “me claim you. Only a worthy male deserves an incredible woman such as yourself.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Alpha.”

He smiles again. “Mason. And its only flattery if it isn’t true.”

I’m caught in his gaze again, when I see his eyes flicker over my shoulder. He stands straight, squaring his shoulders. I feel them before I hear them.

“Alpha Jara, would you do me the honor of dancing with me.”

“Alpha Jara, would you like to take a walk with me.”