The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 265

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 65 (Evangeline)

After spending a couple of hours talking with my parents, I promise we’ll come visit. I warn my father again about crossing me.

“I’m willing to give you another chance dad, but this is your last one. There won’t be any more chances. You either trust me and Jaxon, or that’s it. I want you in our child’s life, but not at the risk of my mate. He doesn’t deserve the treatment you’ve given him, and I won’t allow it.”

“I’ve been very honest with Jaxon, Evangeline. Someday, when we have more time, I’ll have the same conversation with you, if you’d like. In the meantime, I’ll just be thankful to have you around again and if you decide to give birth in your old dad’s pack, I know your mother and sisters will be thrilled.”

“What about you, dad?”

“I’d be thrilled as well, of course. I can’t wait to meet my grandson,” he says before pulling me into a hug. “I love you, Evangeline.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

It wasn’t much later before the announcement comes for everyone to meet outside to get the information on the next competition.

Nearly everyone has remained to get the information on the next competition. Flavia is the only Alpha that didn’t make it to round 3. Half of the remaining contestants are Alphas, many more are ranked members and then there are a few remaining warriors.

As we walk outside, Jaxon takes my hand.

“We should start paying closer attention to the remaining group of individuals. Ten of us will become Alphas, but after that, we’ll need to choose our Beta and Gamma. I’m not sure the remaining Alphas will compete, but I’d like to start making a list of the other ranked members and these last few warriors. Even if we don’ t choose one of them for a ranked member, we’ll need a Lead Warrior too.”

We walk outside to the stage, seeing Elder Jason walk up the steps and to the microphone.

“Congratulations to our top 30 contestants!” he announces and we all cheer. He waits for the applause to die down before continuing.

The next two contests will occur much more quickly as we, the council, do not feel that much additional preparation is needed. In these events, you either have the skills and knowledge or you don’t.”

He stops, looking at the group of us. “In one month’s time, we will complete the sensory portion of the contest. The thirty remaining contestants will arrive the day before the contest begins. You will be randomly selected for your slot in the contest and assigned a flag color. Each day 10 of you will have the opportunity to showcase your sensory skills as well as your speed. You will each have one hour to collect as many flags as you can get from within the old claiming territory. The only clues you will have will be visual, auditory and olfactory. You must use your senses to find and collect as many of your colored flags as possible while you are in the territory. The maximum number of flags will be 10, giving you six minutes in between to find the new station, collect your flag and move on. At the end of the hour, the number of flags you have collected will be counted and you will obtain one point per flag. If you collect all 10 flags and complete the task in under an hour, you will get additional points.”

“I’m not sure if this puts me at an advantage or disadvantage, being pregnant,” I say quietly to Jaxon. “You’ll be great, baby,” he says, putting his arm around me.

Councilman Jason continues. “In the event that there is a tie, and the top 20 individuals cannot be identified, day 4 will be a timed contest to see who can get all 10 flags the fastest. All contestants will run in at the same time and the first ones out will win, depending on how many are left to achieve the top 20.”

“So, ten individuals will be eliminated in the next contest?” someone asks.

“That is correct. And in the final contest, the top 10 contestants will become the new Alphas, and based on the rank in the final contest, they will choose their new pack lands.”

“Any additional questions?” Councilman Jason asks, looking around.