The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 23 Mason

Mason

Luke had contacted me to let me know that they had arrived safely. He had also let me know that Layan

was in terrible shape, so I knew that I wouldn’t hear from Jara tonight. Her goal is to help Layan and that

should be her focus. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss my mate or hate crawling into our bed alone that night.

The next morning, I wake and get ready for the day. Today is the first alliance meeting and it works well

that Asher is with Alpha Davis. He will be there to gauge his reactions to what we want to discuss and

having our mates in his pack.

This is a video call, and I have Elijah join me. Seth and I had talked about how we want to run these

meetings. For now, one of us will take the lead, but eventually, we’d like everyone to take a turn

facilitating the call and creating the agenda.

When the video feed begins to connect, I’m excited and antsy to speak with Asher to see how my mate

is doing. I’m sure she’s fine, but it would make me feel better to see her. We didn’t plan for it, but a man

can hope.

As soon as Asher and Davis connect, I don’t even have a second before Antonio is jumping in.

“Asher, how are our mates.”

Suddenly, Annabel is looking over Davis’s shoulder.

“You mean this mate?” She asks coyly and I watch the tension ease from Antonio’s face. I notice that

Annabel has both her hands on Davis’s shoulders. It could be coincidence, but I don’t think so.

Behind her, Hana leans over Davis’s other shoulder. I can see that she is also touching him as she leans

over him. “Or did you mean this mate?” Hana asks.

“That’s the mate I was hoping to see.” Seth says smiling, and the tension around his eyes also eases.

“Or perhaps, you meant this mate.” Jara says and her beautiful face enters the screen pushing between

Davis’s and Annabel’s.

“Yes.” I say and I can feel my own tension easing.

Jara looks at me meaningfully. I know she wanted to make sure I knew she was okay, but I know what

she’s going to say before she says it. I’m an Alpha too, so I understand. But I’ll still be glad to have her

home.

“I can’t stay, I just wanted to see the hottest man on the planet.” She says, winking at the screen.

“And you’ve found him.” Antonio says cockily.

Jara smirks at him. “Sorry Alpha, you’re not my type.” And she gives me a smoldering look that tells me

that I’m exactly her type.

“Call me later if you can gorgeous. Take care of my mate.”

“I will. I love you.” She says, blowing me a kiss.

“I love you more.” I say as she pulls out of the screen.

“Not possible!” I hear her say as her voice gets farther away, making me chuckle.

“I have to go too, and I know you all have work to do. Your baby and I love you, Seth.” Hana says and

also blows a kiss.

“Watch out for my loves, baby.” Seth says to her.

“I will.” She says before standing and leaving the room.

“Time for me to go too, Tony. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your mate and I love you too.”

“Have a good time but come home soon.” He tells her.

When they leave, I see Asher watch to make sure the door closes before he turns back to the video. He

scrubs his hands over his face before turning to look at Davis.

“I don’t know how Davis feels about this, but I don’t think that poor girl would have lasted another week

without them here. I’ve never seen a she-wolf or any wolf look like she did when we walked in. She’s not

my mate or my pack member and I still felt a strong urge to protect her.”

Davis looks at the screen. “I can’t thank you all enough for allowing your mates to come here and look

after Layan. And, if I’m being honest, it’s not just Layan. Having them here is helping the entire pack.”

“I noticed them touching you.” Seth said.

“Yes, I hope that’s okay…”

“I don’t mean it in the possessive way. I know what my mother told Hana and Jara. I mean it more that I

hope that it is helping you as well.” Seth says.

“What am I missing?” Quinton asks, having joined as we were saying hello to our mates.

“The Lunas can feel when someone is going feral. Mignon said is feels like a dark ripple.” Asher says.

“They can feel it?” Zaire asks.

“And they can push it away.” Davis says. “It’s not even been a day and I feel incredible.

Η

“How?” Quinton asks. He and Davis are the only ones in our group that are still unmated.

“Touch, proximity. I have a pack member who is on the verge of being put down. Last night, he cooked

pizzas for everyone in my pack.” Davis tells them.

I see Quinton thinking. “When can they come to visit me? I have she-wolves. They could come spend

time with them and also. assess my pack members. And if they can push the feral-fever away, even

better.” He says, and I know Jara will be thrilled that he is inviting the Lunas to his pack.

“Let’s let them decide how they want to prioritize the needs of the packs, but I will say, your sister offered

up your mother, Seth. I plan to contact her before we leave here.” Asher says.

“So, you’re saying that my Gia could help keep the feral-fever away from my pack members?” Zaire

asks.

“Not indefinitely, but yes.” I answer him.

“When are your mates planning to have their first Luna meeting?” He asks.

“I’m not sure, but you’re always welcome to come visit my pack. Jara would be happy to work with Gia.” I

tell him.

“We will talk more about this. I know it wasn’t meant to be a part of today’s discussion.” Zaire states.