The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 38. Jara

Jara

“Now, back to your question, Alpha Jonas, it’s because those Alphas are mistreating their she-wolves.”

Mom goes on to explain what has been happening, how Gamma Kira rejected her mate and how another

she-wolf ran with her pup to Alpha Zaire’s pack lands.

“So, what he said during the council, that wasn’t conceptual, it was already in practice?” Jonas asks.

“Yes, and according to Gamma Kira, it was only going to get worse.” My mother states.

It’s quiet for a moment. “Please continue.” Alpha Jonas says.

“The council has made decisions based on a few, not the majority. It was only a couple of weeks ago that

we were all together and voted for the new laws. I don’t know what the rest of you think, but if the council

does not work for the majority of us, then the council does not work for me.” Seth says.

“I will not be ruled by someone who thinks that he can come in and overthrow our ways just because he

doesn’t agree with them. Alpha Gunnar very clearly told me that he is in charge and he makes the

decisions for the council now. I am with Seth. If the council is being run by a tyrant, then I refuse to

acknowledge them as the leaders of me and my pack.” Mason agrees with Seth.

Alphas Asher, Antonio, Davis, Quinton and Zaire all agree.

“What do you propose? We cannot all live independently of each other and still have uniformity in things

like the annual claiming.” Alpha Saul says.

“And having an alliance is great, but if my rules and your rules don’ t align, does that mean that we are

no longer in an alliance and are now at odds?” Alpha Jonas asks.

I look at Mason, and he winks at me. He already has a plan for this. Of course he does.

“Seth and I had a few moments to discuss this. We have an idea and I will clarify that no one other than

the two of us have heard this proposal yet.” Mason says, looking at Elder Jason.

“We propose to the group that Elder Jason create a new council. One from our packs, one that will

provide oversight and ensure that our rules are followed. One that will also help us create laws to protect

our she-wolves and ensure the continuation of our species.” Mason says.

I’m not sure what he sees on my face. Love? Awe? Appreciation? Whatever it is, he smiles at me before

kissing my nose.

I turn and look at Elder Jason. “Elder, what do you say?” I ask.

“I….well, I’m honored, but I’ve never created a council.” He says.

“Oh, fooey. You’ll be perfect at it and if this group recognizes that about you too, then I’m in the alliance.”

Alpha Saul says. I swear I hear a soft ‘finally’ in the background.

I look at Mason and he’s smiling. He heard it too.

“Sounds like Tessa is glad you finally figured it out.” Alpha Zaire says, chuckling.

“What about the other she-wolves?” Asher asks.

“We need to at least know that they are safe and being well-cared for.” I say.

“You’re not going, Jara. It’s too dangerous. I’m not risking you and our pup.” Mason says firmly.

“You’re pregnant, Luna?” Alpha Jonas asks.

“We all are now, Alpha.” Annabel says. “Since the Alpha meeting, both Jara and I found out we were

pregnant.”

There’s another beat of silence. “That’s unheard of.” He finally says and the disbelief in his voice is clear.

“That’s why we are insisting on changing things, Alpha. We believe that if the she-wolves have a say, a

choice, in who claims them, it makes them more open, more willing to conceive.” I tell him.

“It makes sense, Jonas.” Isabella says, and I don’t miss the familiarity with which she speaks to him.

“So, we need a plan to get to the she-wolves in Alpha Emanuel’s pack.” Seth says.

“And we need a she-wolf to go with you. If they are in the same situation that Brynn, Kira and the she-

wolf in Alpha Zaire’s pack were in, they will not trust a male coming to take them.”

“I’ll go.” My mother says.

“I’ll go too.” Isabella says.

“Issy.” I hear Alpha Jonas say. Oh yes, definite familiarity there.

“It’s time we choose a side, Jonas, just as Alpha Mason said. I hope we will be in agreement on this. If

my daughter is going into the claiming next year, I intend to make it a better environment for her than it

was for me. My mate and I finally found a way to come together, but it wasn’t easy, and it took years for

me to conceive Katerina.”

I hear his sigh through the phone. “Fine, but if Issy is going, then I’ m sending my warriors to the fight as

well.”

“The more the better.” Antonio says.

For the next hour, the men decide how many of our warriors will attack, how many will stay to guard the

she-wolves in case they send a counterattack, and they decide that the attack will take place during our

visit to see Layan next weekend.

“That gives us plenty of time to get into place, do some reconnaissance, see what we may be up against

and hopefully enough time for them to become complaisant.” Alpha Zaire says.

“Let’s plan to reconvene before the attack. Elder Jason, in that time, please give some thought to how

you would like to structure a new council and if anything happens in the meantime, we’ll all come back

together.”

Everyone agrees and we’re about to disconnect when Isabella speaks again.

“Now, when do I get to meet you fine young women?” She asks.

“Alpha Jonas’s pack is on the way to Alpha Davis’s from here. Hana and I could come by and meet you

on our way to see Layan this weekend.”

“That would be lovely. Plan to stay a night. You can meet my daughters and Laney while you’re here.”

I look at Mason who shrugs. “As long as you are okay with me sending several guards for my mate,

Alpha Jonas.” He says.

“Mine as well.” Seth adds.

“I would expect nothing less, Alphas.” He says before we all

disconnect, ready to prepare for the busy week ahead.