The Claiming by Cooper

I see Katerina nudge her as Councilman Phillip walks to the microphone.

Katerina shows Layan the slip that she got, watching me as she does. I see Layan jerk back in surprise and she turns back to me.

I take my hand and tap it over my heart before pointing at her. My heart belongs to her.

Even from here, I can see the beautiful blush of her cheeks, even though she ducks her head and tries to hide it. Katerina gives me a knowing look before turning back to watch Councilman Phillip. I notice that McKenna still has a frown on her face.

They begin the pomp and circumstance of the claiming, having each female introduce themselves. It’s easy to see that McKenna is a flirt. She reminds me a bit of Hana. She would make a good Luna and be best suited to someone that would appreciate her mischievous nature.

Next up is Katerina. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Layan, I’d have gone for Katerina. I know about the conversation that she had with Jonas and it takes some guts to tell a man like him that she isn’t wiling to have him as a mate because of his actions. Jonas has been reeling since that conversation. Katerina is strong. I would be shocked if one of the Alphas doesn’t catch her. She will make a great Luna.

And then there is my sweet Layan. She walks up and quietly introduces herself. She looks up and makes eye contact with Alpha Davis and I just catch myself from snarling out loud. But then, she looks at me and my wolf calms.

“Now, let’s draw names to see which order the claimings will occur.” Councilman Phillip says.

Councilwoman Gia brings out the bowl with all three names and without looking, Councilman Phillip reaches in and pulls a name.

He looks at it then looks at us. “Katerina.”

Cheers go up all around and I watch as Katerina inclines her head to the

crowd.

“Next.” He reaches into the bowl again, pulling a name.

“McKenna.”

The cheers go up again. I sigh. I was hoping to get Layan out of here sooner rather than later, but it looks like she’s stuck here for the entire

process.

“And our last contestant, Layan, with be third.” Phillip confirms, looking over at her. There are more cheers and I can tell all this attention is making her uncomfortable. I see her look up at me and I wink at her. I see a smile twitching on her lips.

“Now, Katerina, if you will join me, I’d like to know if you have decided on any of your claimants yet.” Phillip says, bringing Katerina to the microphone.

“Yes, Councilman, I have.” She says into the microphone. You could hear a feather drop it’s so quiet on this field right now.

“Go ahead.”

“Alpha Davis, Alpha Quinton, Alpha Luke, Warrior Jake and Warrior Thomas.” She says.

I hear a whoop from one of the warriors and several chuckles from the crowd.

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Katerina steps back and Phillip gestures for McKenna to join him.

“Do you have any males that you’d like to invite to your claiming, McKenna?” He asks her.

“Yes.” She says, her eyes on me, frowning.

“Go ahead when you’re ready.”

“Alphas Jonas, Quinton, Luke and Davis. And Beta Jared.” She says, finally turning her attention away from me.

“Excellent. Now, Layan dear.” He says as McKenna steps back.

“Have you had a chance to decide on any of the males you want to invite to your claim, Layan?”

“Yes.” She says quietly.

“And who would you like to invite?” He asks her.

“Elijah and Alpha Davis.”

My heart drops, but I force a smile when she looks at me. Alpha Davis. I knew that she’d chose him, but I wasn’t expecting it as quickly as she chose me. He is definitely my biggest competition. But, I refuse to let her see anything other than my happiness that she chose me to be part of her claim.

“There you have it gentlemen. I would suggest that you get to know this year’s females. We will allow them to announce each day who they would like to invite to their claiming. There are several events planned today that will allow all of you to get to know this year’s females. I would suggest that you take part in as many as possible so that our females have a chance to get to know you. Have a nice day.

I turn to head over to Mason when I hear McKenna calling me.

“Beta Elijah. Beta Elijah.” She jumps off the stage and comes rushing over to me. I can see Layan out of the corner of my eye watching me a moment, but she doesn’t linger. Damn, I wanted to walk back with them.

“Hi McKenna. What can I do for you?” She looks at me and then around us before stepping aside, out of easy earshot from the males walking

around.

“I wanted to know why you excluded yourself from my claiming. I had intended to call your name today.

Okay, this is a surprise. I honestly figured with nearly 400 males, me excluding myself wouldn’t matter, but apparently to her, it does.

“McKenna, I’m sure you are a wonderful person. And if one of the Alphas catches you, you’ll make a great Luna. But my heart belongs to Layan. There can be no one else for me but her. I would be doing you and me a disservice by entering your claim. I have no intention of claiming you or anyone other than Layan.”

“But, Beta, even with a small number of claimants, it’s still a possibility that someone else might claim her. Are you sure you’re willing to risk it, only entering one claim?”

“I am. She’s worth it to me. Thank you very much for your interest, but I need to go.” I tell her, walking away. If I hurry, I can catch up to them and walk with Layan.

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I barely notice that McKenna stands, watching me, as I race off toward Layan.

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