The Claiming by Cooper novel Chapter 294

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 21 (Jordan)

I know my mother’s threats aren’t idle.

They never have been. My mother is a strong, powerful wolf, one that my father doesn’t trifle with, whether because of the mate bond or my mother’s strength. So, I know when she says that she expects me and Taylor to be civil for the next 24 hours, she means it.

My problem is, this is my pack and Taylor disrespected me. I have enough problems with the males not taking me seriously, I really don’t need this shit from my cousin who hasn’t had to deal with the bullshit I’ve been dealing with for years.

“Am I clear?” My mother asks. “Crystal clear mother, but I will not be disrespected in my own pack,” I say. “No, you will not, or your cousin will face the wrath of her mother,” Aunt Hana says. “Not only do Alphas not disrespect each other, but family doesn’t treat family like this.”

I stand to leave, Jace standing beside me.

“I’m sorry, Jordan,” Taylor says as I move toward the door.

I stop and nod, but I don’t say anything. Nothing that comes out of my mouth right now is going to sound like an Alpha and my father taught me that if you can’t say something like an Alpha then you shouldn’t say anything at all.

When I step outside the room, Jace grabs my hand. “Are you okay?”

“No, Jace. I have to go do f*ucking damage control because my cousin challenged me in front of the pack, then my mother and Aunt basically took over the situation and now I have to make sure everyone knows that I’m still in charge, just in time for me to leave and let my brother, who I’m sure is the perfect Alpha, take over my pack for me,” I say sarcastically.

I take a step away from him, ready to head into the dining room and face whatever backlash I get, but he holds onto my hand.

“I’m coming with you, Jordan. She challenged my Alpha too. Don’t you think it would be better if we presented a unified front?” he asks.

“You know everyone heard me.

Everyone knows now that you were my mate, Jace.”

“Am your mate, Jordan. I AM your mate. And I don’t care. I made the mess, I’ll deal with whatever cleanup is required,” he says and honestly, I don’t have the energy to argue with him. I need to save that for the pack.

I turn, heading to the dining room. Jace moves into position just behind me and to my left. When I walk into the dining room, everyone gets quiet.

“Is there a problem?” I ask, my voice ringing out in the room.

Several people turn and look at Jaxon.

“What the f*uck are you looking at me for? She’s your Alpha,” he says, supporting me like he always has.

“There’s no problem, Alpha,” most everyone in the room mumbles.

I stand there, looking at each individual in the room. Some of the other Alphas wink at me, making me want to smile at their support and some of their mates give me a thumbs up.

Once I’ve made eye contact with everyone in the room, or stared them down, I walk in and grab my food.

Once we have our food, Jace and I go to sit with Jaxon and Evangeline. “You always keep it interesting, don’t you sis?” he says, smiling at me.

“Not by choice,” I say, and I change the subject, asking Evangeline about her pregnancy.

“Jordan, can we talk. Please.”

I don’t have the energy for this, and I swear if Taylor sees us talking and acts out again, I’ll rip her a new one, but I owe it to Nolan to speak to him. And in truth, he owes it to me too.

I find an empty room and turn, making sure to keep my distance from him. I notice that he does the same.

“Jordan,” he begins, “I want you to know that I meant everything that I ever said to you. I think you’re an incredible woman and an amazing Alpha, but…”

“But you need to see if things can work out between you and Taylor,” I finish for him.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I understand the pull of the mate bond. And I know you well enough to know that you thought you didn’t have a mate. You waited a very long time to find Taylor and I believe that if you’d have known that she was out there, you’d have waited forever. The two of you have a lot to discuss and I’ll tell you what I told her. Take the time while Jace and I are away and figure things out. Good or bad, figure them out, Nolan.”

He looks at me and a sad smile spreads across his face. “You truly are an amazing woman, Jordan.”

“Meh,” I say and shrug.

“I would have been a lucky man to have you as a mate. I hope your Gamma is realizing the error of his ways,” he says. “I guess we’ll see. This trip will definitely give us time to talk and hopefully, figure things out,” I say. “Thanks for understanding,” he says before turning and walking out of the room.

I turn and walk to the window. I know I need to get back to the conference room. The Alpha conference will begin again shortly, but I just need a moment.

I close my eyes and then I smell it. Honey roasted almonds.

“Jordan.”

I turn and without saying a word, I walk into Jace’s arms, leaning into him as his arms wrap around me and I let him, his warmth and his scent, calm and comfort me.