The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 282

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 09 (Nolan)

I watch the exchange between Jordan and Jace. Something has changed between them recently and I’m not sure what it is. I had thought, when she called yesterday, that her getting away had just as much to do with him as it did with me, but now, I’m not so sure. Now, I’m wondering if he’s somehow gotten into her head. His animosity toward me has been clear from the beginning, but now, whether through something he’s done or the threat to her pack, Jace is finding a way to get closer to Jordan.

I know that the mate bond is a strong and powerful thing, but I’m a man and it aggravates me that this woman that I have feelings for is starting to show feelings for someone else.

“Nolan, why don’t you take a seat here? That way, it won’t feel like the council is surrounding you at the table. This is a fact-finding mission, not an interrogation and I want you to feel comfortable,” Jordan says to me, directing me to the corner of a table. “Where will you be sitting?” I ask her.

She smiles at me. “I was planning to sit right here,” she says, putting her hands on the back of the chair beside me. “That would be great,” I say, feeling relieved.

She leans in, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Did you need an Alpha to protect you, Nolan?”

I hold her gaze. “I just need to know that I have your support, Jordan.”

“Of course, you do.”

The council members start filing in and they greet each other, and Jordan. She introduces me as they come in and when they are all seated, Jace goes to close the door when Jordan’s twin, Jaxon, steps into the doorway.

“Is it possible for me to sit in? I know this is why you called the Alpha meeting, but I have a mate due to deliver our pup in the next few weeks and I’d really like to know what we’re dealing with.”

Everyone turns to Councilman Jason, deferring to him.

“Alpha Jaxon, you may come sit and be a silent witness. However, if you become disruptive, if your concern for your mate interrupts this meeting, you will be removed,” he says sternly.

I like this guy already. I haven’t had a lot of interaction with the council over the years. Mostly phone conversations about my experience, my background and all the things that put me into the top fighter status along with other five fighters that have been named top in their divisions.

Jaxon comes in and sits next to Jordan while Jace stands near the door, his arms crossed as if he’s guarding the room.

“Nolan, thank you for staying so that we could meet with you. The information that you provided to Alpha Jordan is very concerning and we, the council, wanted to hear it firsthand from you and have an opportunity to ask you questions. So, please, if you would, start from the beginning and tell us what you know and what you’ve heard.”

I go through the story that I already told Jordan. As I tell the story, Councilman Jason’s eyes never leave mine, but I see the others becoming more agitated, shifting in their seats.

It’s quiet for a moment when I stop talking.

“So, the banished wolves didn’t die. They actually found a way to survive and also have seemingly mated with humans, making this generation much more dangerous.”

“Do we know how many were banished?” Councilwoman Jara asks.

“Not exactly. At that time, many Alphas told us they killed their pack members that had gone feral. We took them at their word, but we heard the rumors, especially in packs such as Gunnar’s or Emmanual’s where they told us they killed their pack members, but we heard they didn’t.”

“It wasn’t easy. I remember my father and I both struggled when we had to put one of our pack members down,” Councilman Antonio says.

“Mason has said the same thing. I know he did it, but he hated it every time,” Councilwoman Jara says.

“So, we have no way of knowing how many wolves were banished and no way of knowing, beyond what the bears can tell us, about how many human females were bred,” Councilwoman Gia says, looking at me.

“I didn’t specifically ask the bears how many human females they found. I was more concerned about the rumors that impacted Alpha Jordan,” I tell them.

“About the leader of these rogues coming for the female Alpha. But we don’t know if this self-proclaimed Alpha was speaking of Alpha Jordan or Alpha Taylor. It’s possible, since it appears that these packs have been displaced that they could be speaking of Alpha Taylor. Do we know what has been done to ensure the new Alpha’s safety?” Councilman Saul asks.

“Her brother and father are looking after her, making sure she’s not alone and protected. In addition, Griffin and I are alternating patrols around her pack,” Jordan says.

Councilman Jason turns back to me. “Tell us more about the bears. What’s the name of their leader?”

“Balor is the name of their leader,” I tell them.