The Claiming by Cooper

Mason

I'm glad that Elder Jason is reassessing the claimants, but I'm not looking forward to it. I wasn't kidding when I told Jara it's a

grueling process. Last time, if left me with a blazing headache for days. However, the assessments can occur up to six months before the claiming, so it's possible there are more wolves that are going feral. It's the right call, even if it's a hard one.

At lunch, Elder Jason informs us that those in Beta Hana's lottery that are willing to begin their reassessment today can step forward. Elijah and Seth are the first to stand and move to the front. Several others join them.

I look across the dining hall and see Alpha Antonio rubbing his head. He's already been through reassessment. I'm not surprised, he has his eye on Annabel, just as Seth has his on Hana and I have mine on Jara.

Over the course of the day, the wolves from Annabel's claiming make it through. Most look like they've been put through the ringer. I can't imagine their social gathering tonight will be very exciting. They are all hurting.

After his reassessment, Elijah goes to our room and lays down before his social gathering with Hana. Less than 20 of her claimants will be assessed today, so they will all be in her social gathering, if they can manage to attend.

Word spreads quickly that two more wolves were disqualified because they couldn't pass reassessment today, both were ranked members. One was from Annabel's lottery, and one was from Hana's. Tomorrow, there will be another drawing for both of their lotteries and that's just what has happened today. I'm sure there

will be more tomorrow.

While Annabel and Hana have their social gathering at the main house, Jara's is back at the female's housing. There is a much smaller number of guards here this evening and the feeling, with only six is us, is much more intimate, even though Jara has set up food and drink along with music again.

This evening, we take advantage of our time and begin discussing ourselves, our packs and asking Jara questions about herself. During the evening, Annabel returns. She spends a few minutes speaking with us, checking in with Jara, before retiring to her

room.

Hana comes in a bit later. She also comes in to join us. "So, the assessment process is really terrible for all of you?" She asks.

"It is." We all agree.

"The few in my social gathering tried hard to pretend all was well, but I could tell, especially from those that were here last night, that they were struggling. How long does it take for the effects of the assessment to wear off?" She asks.

"A couple of days." Beta Luke replies.

"So, maybe tomorrow, those who submitted to reassessment today will be feeling better?" She asks.

"Hopefully." One of Seth's warriors comments. "Some of us take longer than others to recover."

"It's true, omegas take the longest, not being as strong as ranked members. However, it helps if their Alpha is here. He can help relieve some of their pain." I tell them. "You'll see tomorrow, many omegas will be huddling around their Alphas. Some warriors too."

"I'll definitely be near Seth. It helped me a lot when I was assessed earlier this year. He was great, always willing to let us be close to him while we were healing."

Jara looks at me. "What about Alphas like Typhon? I can't imagine him giving his time to his omegas and warriors so they can heal?" She asks.

"They will suffer longer and have more intense pain. Also, Alphas who are not true Alphas, those not born from Alpha blood, will not have as much of an impact on their pack as those of us that are true Alphas. If they have a true Beta, they can also help, but a true Alpha is the best medicine for a hurting pack member. That, or a Luna.” I say. I can see her surprise at my statement, but it's true. A Luna not only strengthens the pack by being the glue that holds us together, but their kind and gentle ways soothe the aches and pains of battle and things like assessment for both ranked and non-ranked members. Beta Luke turns to look at me. "So, I could help my pack? I'm a true Beta."

"Yes. Isn't your Alpha a true Alpha as well?" I ask him. I think there are five true Alphas in this year's claiming

"Yes." He presses his lips together but doesn't say more. I make a note to speak to him on our way back this evening.

Hana spends a little more time with us before heading to her room. It's early morning again before Jara tells us she needs to go to sleep. She walks us all out again. The warriors all kiss her cheek and begin heading back to the main house. Beta Luke sneaks a peck on her lips before smirking at her and turning to walk away.

I kiss her hand again, just as I did last night, but as I turn to walk away she calls to me. "Mason, did you mean what you said about a

Luna being able to help those that have been through assessment?*

"Jara, I never lie, especially when it comes to protecting pack members."

She looks down for a moment, then back up at me. "So, if I were to go around and see those who were in assessment today and those that are in assessment tomorrow, it could help them to heal?" "You're an Alpha, Jara. A true Alpha. It will definitely help them to heal. And for some reason, you being a female seems to surpass pack lines. So, I'd assume that you could help anyone that needs it, not just Seth's pack members."

I watch her thinking it through. "It can't hurt to try, Jara. What's the worst that can happen? Nothing, and then they are no better off than they are now."

"It's worth a try. I bet Hana would help too. She's a true Beta."

I turn, seeing that the others are out of sight I pull Jara to me and kiss her like I've been wanting to for days. I put one hand in her hair, the other wrapped around her waist and I slide my tongue into her mouth, moaning at her taste.

Before I get too carried away, I pull away. "If I haven't told you recently, Jara, you are one amazing woman."

She's panting with our kiss, but she cups my cheek with her hand. "You're pretty amazing too, Mason."

I kiss her nose. "Goodnight, Jara."

She looks in my eyes for a long moment. "Goodnight, Mason."

I pull away, turning to leave before I give in to temptation and kiss her again. I jog to catch up to Beta Luke. "Beta. A moment."

He stops, turning to look at me. "Yes, Alpha."

"What didn't you say earlier about your Alpha?" He presses his lips together, looking toward the main house.

"I won't speak ill of my Alpha. He's a good Alpha, or, he was."

"He's going feral?"

He looks at me and I see the pain in his eyes. "I don't think he'll pass reassessment. I hope he does, and I hope he catches Beta Hana because if he doesn't...."

He leaves the rest unfinished. "I understand." I tell him. And I do. I'm in the same boat. I'm not at risk of failing reassessment, but if I don't catch Jara, I'll be feral before next year's claiming.