The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 197

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 41

Mason

I’m still flying high on the information that Jara and I are going to have another baby when Elijah and Layan emerge the next day.

Jara is still at the other house with the kids when they come downstairs.

“Good morning, Alpha.” Elijah says, his arm wrapped around Layan.

“Good morning to both of you. Layan, how are you feeling?”

“Good, Alpha Mason, thank you. Jara left food and Elijah made sure I ate.”

Layan looks good. Her eyes are bright, she has a little color in her cheeks, and she doesn’t look scared or fearful at all.

“Well, Jara hasn’t arrived yet. She is feeding the twins and will probably be here within the hour. Do you want me to find someone to make you breakfast?”

She tilts her head to the side, giving me a funny look. “Don’t you remember my time in your pack, Alpha? I cooked every day.”

“My apologies, Layan. That wasn’t a good time for me. There’s a lot about that time that I try to block out.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” She says looking down, and Elijah pulls her closer, kissing the top of her head.

“It’s fine, love. Alpha just meant that he didn’t remember that you cook, that’s all.” Elijah looks at me over her head and I know that look. Even if that’s not what I meant, he wants me to ease his mate’s mind that she hasn’t upset me.

“Yep, that’s it exactly, Layan.”

“Well, do you want me to make you some breakfast too, Alpha? Jog your memory?” She asks.

“I’d love that. Are you taking my Beta with you, or can I borrow him for a bit?” I ask. I know how it is when you’re newly mated. You don’t want to be separated, even for a moment.

“You stay. I’ll make us some food.” She tells him.

He takes her face in his hands and kisses her more passionately than I would have expected so soon

She’s blushing when she finally pulls away. She glances at me quickly before ducking out of the room.

Elijah watches her go before turning to me. I raise my eyebrow at him.

“That was unexpected.” I say.

“She’s amazing. What can I say.”

“Take some credit for your role in that. You’re obviously giving her everything she needs to feel good, to feel safe.”

“My part is easy. I get to love her. She’s the one that has had to be strong.” He says.

“So, are you ready to go home and get back to work? And, you know you still have to answer to Jara, right?” I ask.

“Answer to Jara for what?” Layan asks, walking in.

Elijah is up in an instant. “Is everything okay?” He asks.

“Yes, I wanted to know what you like in your omelets.” She says.

“Surprise me.” Elijah tells her.

“I’ll take a surprise omelet too.” I say.

“Did Elijah tell you he was going to leave our pack if he didn’t claim you?” Jara says, obviously fully expecting Layan to take her side.

I watch the shock pass across Layan’s face before she turns to Elijah, cupping his face in her hand.

“He won’t be leaving now.” She says quietly, confidently. He shakes his head, agreeing with her.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that he was going to leave if he didn’t claim you, Layan. Without even telling me.” Jara insists.

“Jara, what kind of Luna would you be if you held every member of your pack accountable for things they considered doing but never did?”

My mate frowns. “What?”

“Did Elijah leave your pack? Or should I say, our pack now?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“Well then, what exactly were you going to yell at him for? Thinking about it? If that’s the case, then you should have yelled at me for thinking about killing myself last year. Or maybe yelling at Mason for thinking that he would kill for a moment’s peace and quiet.” She turns to me, and my eyes go wide. “Don’t even pretend you haven’t thought it, I can read that look on our face loud and clear.” She says before turning back to Jara.

“Or are you going to yell at yourself for wanting to give up on everything after you lost your child last year? You can’t hold people accountable for their thoughts, Jara, especially when they are in their darkest or most trying times. We all have negative thoughts, things we think about that we may regret later or that were thankful others never heard us say out loud. The difference is none of us have acted on those thoughts. Elijah didn’t leave and he won’t, I didn’t kill myself, Mason won’t snap someone’s neck because he’s exhausted and needs sleep, no matter how much the person is annoying him, and you’ve recovered and have two beautiful children.”

Layan looks between me and Jara. “So, are we done here?”

“Ummm, yeah.” Jara says frowning again.

“Good. Elijah, did you want to help me in the kitchen?”

“Absolutely.” Elijah says, his shit-eating grin has only gotten bigger as Layan was talking.

They walk out and Jara watches them, dumbfounded, “What just happened?”

“I think you just got your first dose of your Beta female.”