The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 222

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 22 Evangeline

When my sisters pulled me onto the dance floor, Maggie went in for the kill. “You know he thinks you’re his mate, right? I mean, he’s not showing anyone any attention but you,” she says.

“I know.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“And how do you feel about him?” she asks, giving me a look like I’m being purposefully dense.

“I like him. I like him a lot.”

“Are you going to dance with him again?” she asks. I turn and look at him on the edge of the dance floor, talking to his sister.

“He told me to save every slow dance for him.”

She stops dancing and stares at me. “Evangeline! Super Hotty wants all your slow dances. He is definitely on the mate track. Have you thought about what you want to do?”

“What do you mean? I’m not going to DO anything,” I tell her. “Well, I mean, I’m going to date him, but I’m not quitting the competition.”

“Does he know that?”

“Yes, I’ve been very clear about that. And

I’m going to talk to Alejandro about having him and his sisters train with us. Jax already asked Alpha Jordan and she agreed we could come train with them. Now I just need to find out who dad got and who Alpha Jordan got for the fighters and see if we can convince dad to let us train with them as a tradeoff.”

“That’s really smart,” she says.

“It was his idea,” I tell her as Makayla hops over to us.

“Can we get some water?”

I nod and we head to where they are providing drinks and cocktails.

I’ve just gotten my water when I hear the song change, becoming slower. Maggie nudges me and I look up to see Jaxon heading my way. I finish off the water before he gets there.

I extend my hand and without a word, he takes it and guides me back to the dance floor.

We spend the rest of the night the same way. In between slow songs, I dance with my sisters, or get something to drink, but the minute a slow song comes on, Jaxon is right there.

As the night goes on and people begin to head off to sleep before they have to get up and leave, Jaxon pulls me outside, near the entrance of the old claiming.

“What time should I plan to pick you up tonight?” he asks, tugging me close and continuing our dance even though we can no longer hear the music.

“That’s a lot of driving for you, Jaxon, first to get home then to come see me. Are you sure you don’t want to wait a day?”

“Evangeline, I’m positive I don’t want to wait a day before I see you again. I’m already dreading leaving. Once we’re back in our packs, it will be much harder for me to see you.”

I trace the outline of his jaw, just visible in the moonlight. His short hair tickling my finger until I slide it up his chin to his lips.