The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 104

The Council Chapter 11: Jara

Jara

The morning had been long and arduous. I’m beyond ready to take a break when they tell us to take time for lunch.

Mason takes my hand, looking at the others at our table. “Let’s go find a quiet spot and grab some lunch. I have something I want to share with our Lunas.”

Before we leave the conference room, Hana grabs me. “Jara, I’m so sorry. I really wanted to tell you first, but…”

“It’s okay. I’m really happy for both of you.”

“Thank you!” She looks at Seth and Mason, before lowering her voice. “Wouldn’t it be great if you were pregnant too and our children were raised together?”

“We’ll hope for that.” I tell her and mean it. Our children will be cousins. They should grow up together as friends.

We all make our way to the dining room in the hotel. Thankfully, they have a table large enough to seat us all. I’m surprised when Mason asks for a table for ten rather than eight.

“Mason, who else is joining us?” I ask, just as Alphas Davis and Quinton walk up.

“Alphas, please join us.” Mason says and we all sit down.

He waits until we order our food and drinks before he turns to me.

“I invited Alpha Davis to join us because he is Layan’s Alpha. I thought maybe you would all like to hear how she is doing. But I have to tell you,” he says, looking at each of us, “it’s not good.”

I turn, looking at Alpha Davis. “Tell us.” I say quietly.

He looks at all of us before starting. “Well, you know the condition she was in when she returned home?”

We nod.

“Unfortunately, word like that travels fast and my entire pack knew what had happened to her. They probably would have found out anyway, since she wasn’t supposed to return to our pack. But the way she returned caused quite an uproar.”

He looks up at me and I can see his sadness. Even if Mason hadn’t prepared us, I would have known that she wasn’t doing well.

“I told Alpha Mason and Alpha Seth that I got her a counselor, but he is a male.”

“That won’t work for her. Not after what she suffered.” Annabel

says.

Alpha Davis nods. “And it hasn’t. She isn’t getting any better. I’ve tried, as her Alpha, to try to comfort her, help her feel safe and protected, but again, she won’t accept it from me.” He looks down and I can tell that he feels like he’s failing her.

“An Alpha did this to her. She would shy away from you.” Hana

says.

He nods, looking back up. “In talking with your mates, I was hoping that maybe, you’d be willing to come spend some time with Layan. We all know you developed a bond…”

“Yes.” I say, cutting him off.

“Absolutely.” Hana says at the same time.