The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 115

The Council Chapter 22. Jara

Jara

I hear the pack members carrying their pizzas to the dining room where they will eat while we have our movie night and sleepover in the living room.

When I get there, Mignon moves over, and I sit down beside Layan.

“Did you eat?” I ask her.

She shakes her head, no, at me. I grab a plate and put two pieces on it, sitting in on my lap, then tucking her under my arm.

“What did we decide to watch?”

“Some rom-com about a girl who has no short-term memory and can’t remember that she falls for this guy every day.”

“Sounds fun!” I say and pick up a piece of pizza. I lean my head against Layan’s. “Will you try to eat for me, please?” I say quietly, but I know all the Lunas can hear me.

Layan looks at the pizza for a moment then picks is up and takes a bite before putting it down. It takes her awhile to chew and swallow it, Hana giving her a drink to help her wash it down. But, as we watch the movie, Layan slowly eats the piece of pizza.

We’re about halfway through the movie when I realize she’s sound asleep. I lean sideways, Annabel helping me tuck some pillows under my body and pull Layan against me so she’s in a more comfortable position.

Asher has been giving us space, but always keeping us in eyesight.

“You all did a great job with her tonight.” He says and Mignon goes

to sit on his lap.

I watch him, seeing that he has something else he wants to say.

“Look, it’s not my place and I’m not your mates, but, I don’t think. Mason or Seth would appreciate knowing that the two of you are touching every unmated male in this pack.” Asher says.

Hana and I look at each other before turning back to them. “You don’t know?” Hana asks.

“Know what?” Asher asks and Annabel turns to look at us.

“I noticed you touching all of them too. What don’t we know?”

Just then, Alpha Davis walks in, and a small smile crosses his face when he sees Layan sleeping against me. “I sent her mother to bed. I told her Layan would be safe with your four tonight.”

“Good.” I say, making a decision.

“Alpha Davis, would you mind helping us for a moment?” I ask him.

It’s touchy. Having others know he’s close to going feral could be dangerous, but he’s in an alliance with all of our packs. And I have every intention of helping him and his pack as much as I can.

“What can I do for you?” He asks, walking into the room.

“I’m sorry for asking so publicly, but Alpha Asher, Mignon and Annabel don’t know about how to tell if someone is going feral. Would you mind if…” I break off, not wanting to reveal his secrets.

“If you tell them that I’m going feral?” He finishes for me.

“No, not tell. Show. You know how you felt it when I touched you today? I can feel it too.” I tell him.

“I guess that makes sense. You seemed to recognize right away that it has started in me.” He says.

“Please, if it will help others, I’m more than willing to do what I can. What do you need?” He asks.

Hana stands up, walking to him. “Let us touch you.” She says.

“Don’t tell Alpha Seth you said that.” He jokes.

Hana laughs. “He already knows. His mother is the one that taught me.” She tells them.

“And me.” I say.

“Taught you what?” Annabel asks, moving to stand beside Hana. Hana puts her hand on Alpha Davis’s back, and I know she feels his darkness.

“Put your hand on his back.” Hana tells Annabel. Annabel hesitates a moment, then complies. Immediately, she sucks in air and pulls. her hand away.

“What was that?” She asks, looking between Alpha Davis and Hana.

Alpha Davis looks at her sadly. “I’m close to going feral. At best, next year is my last chance to claim my mate before it’s too late for me.” He tells her honestly.

Slowly, Annabel puts her hands back on his shoulder, looking at Hana.

“Do you feel it?” Hana asks. I notice that now that he has two Lunas touching him, Alpha Davis’s body is relaxing.

“I do. It…..ripples.” She says.