The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 116

The Council Chapter 23 Mason

Mason

Luke had contacted me to let me know that they had arrived safely. He had also let me know that Layan was in terrible shape, so I knew that I wouldn’t hear from Jara tonight. Her goal is to help Layan and that should be her focus. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss my mate or hate crawling into our bed alone that night.

The next morning, I wake and get ready for the day. Today is the first alliance meeting and it works well that Asher is with Alpha Davis. He will be there to gauge his reactions to what we want to discuss and having our mates in his pack.

This is a video call, and I have Elijah join me. Seth and I had talked about how we want to run these meetings. For now, one of us will take the lead, but eventually, we’d like everyone to take a turn facilitating the call and creating the agenda.

When the video feed begins to connect, I’m excited and antsy to speak with Asher to see how my mate is doing. I’m sure she’s fine, but it would make me feel better to see her. We didn’t plan for it, but a man can hope.

As soon as Asher and Davis connect, I don’t even have a second before Antonio is jumping in.

“Asher, how are our mates.”

Suddenly, Annabel is looking over Davis’s shoulder.

“You mean this mate?” She asks coyly and I watch the tension ease from Antonio’s face. I notice that Annabel has both her hands on Davis’s shoulders. It could be coincidence, but I don’t think so.

Behind her, Hana leans over Davis’s other shoulder. I can see that she is also touching him as she leans over him. “Or did you mean this mate?” Hana asks.

“That’s the mate I was hoping to see.” Seth says smiling, and the tension around his eyes also eases.

“Or perhaps, you meant this mate.” Jara says and her beautiful face enters the screen pushing between Davis’s and Annabel’s.

“Yes.” I say and I can feel my own tension easing.

Jara looks at me meaningfully. I know she wanted to make sure I knew she was okay, but I know what she’s going to say before she says it. I’m an Alpha too, so I understand. But I’ll still be glad to have her home.

“I can’t stay, I just wanted to see the hottest man on the planet.” She says, winking at the screen.

“And you’ve found him.” Antonio says cockily.

Jara smirks at him. “Sorry Alpha, you’re not my type.” And she gives me a smoldering look that tells me that I’m exactly her type.

“Call me later if you can gorgeous. Take care of my mate.”

“I will. I love you.” She says, blowing me a kiss.

“I love you more.” I say as she pulls out of the screen.

“Not possible!” I hear her say as her voice gets farther away, making me chuckle.

“I have to go too, and I know you all have work to do. Your baby and I love you, Seth.” Hana says and also blows a kiss.