The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 196

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 40

Layan

After I eat, and I devoured everything Elijah put in front of me, I realize he’s right. While I’m in his clothes which are clean, I’m not anywhere close to being clean. I’d been hiding in rock structures and hiding spots in the ground for days when Elijah found me.

I smile, watching as he gets the water going in the tub before moving to get some shampoo and body wash.

He found me, like I knew he would. And then, this man who I had already decided was going to be my mate, made sure that I claimed him first. I feel so lucky to have him as my mate.

He turns his head, flashing me a s*e*xy smile. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”

“You.” I say, unabashedly.

“Mmmm, I like the sound of that. Anything in particular about me that has you feeling all warm inside.” I blush. It will take some time to remember that he can feel my emotions.

I step up to him as he stands from the tub. “You found me, you insisted that I choose you, claim you first.”

He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I will always find you. And it was important for you to have the control this time.”

I cup his face in my hand. “It’s the reason I chose you to be mate even before you found me. Because that’s the kind of man you are, the kind of man I can happily bind my life to.”

He leans in, kissing my lips softly. I can feel his desire for me, it’s intoxicating, overwhelming. I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him to me as we kiss. His arms wrap around me, engulfing me in his love and protection.

I sigh into our kiss. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get enough of this.

He pulls back, looking at me. “Time for a bath. I can step out…”

“No, I want you to stay. I have to get used to being around you when I’m naked, right?”

“I just claimed you, Layan. We don’t have to rush into anything.”

“I want you to stay.”

“Okay, let’s get you out of these clothes.”

Now I know I’m blushing a bright shade of red. Other than when I shift, I’ve never been naked in front of a man.

I let him help me out of his clothes, then he steps back, keeping hold of my hands, holding them out, watching me at first, then taking his time to look over my body. I begin shifting uncomfortably at his gaze, but when it returns to mine, I see nothing but appreciation.

“You’re beautiful, Layan.”

My hand automatically goes to the scar from the mark the Alpha tried to give me last year. Elijah’s hand covers mine. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. This is me. Me and you. No one else matters.”

I let my hand drop away and he gives me an approving smile.

“In you go.” He says, holding my hand and helping me into the tub.

I sit, moaning at the warmth that is soaking into muscles that I hadn’t realized were sore. Elijah kneels beside the tub behind me. “Lean back. We’ll get your hair wet, and I’ll wash it for you.”

He takes his time, massaging my scalp, running his soapy fingers through my hair then rinsing it all away. He then puts conditioner on it before rinsing it out.

I feel deliciously relaxed and warm and safe. I turn, looking at Elijah who is letting the soapy water out while he replaces it with fresh, warm water.

“Will you join me, Elijah?” I ask. I’m not sure how far I will feel comfortable going tonight, but I know I’d like to at try to be skin to skin.

He looks up at me, frowning. “I’m not sure that’ s a good idea, Layan.”

Of course, he wants to be careful with me. I should have known I was moving too fast. I nod, ducking my head so he can’t see my embarrassment at his refusal.

He gently takes my chin and pulls my face so I’ m looking at him. “My body is very aroused being this close to you. I don’t want to scare you. That’s the only reason I’m hesitant. It has nothing at all to do with you, Layan.”

I frown at him. How did he know?

He taps his mate mark. “I can feel your emotions. They are pinging all over the place. Tune into mine, mine are very singularly focused on you.”

I watch him as I do what he’s asked and the moment I do, I feel it. A very, VERY strong desire to be with me.

I know I blush again. Wow. There’s no hiding his emotions, now that I’m paying attention. “Do you understand now?”

I nod. “Yes, but…. but I still want you to join me.”