The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 189: Celebration

Sophie

I wake up in bed, not remembering Hunter moving me, but knowing it must have been him. Even with everything going on, he’s keeping close tabs on me. I look at the clock and realize that I need to get up and start getting ready. Lucas and Kinsley will be here soon. I’m so excited about seeing them, but I know I’ll probably cry when it’s time to say goodbye.

I get up and showered, finding a comfortable dress that is still a bit snug around my big belly. “Huntington, you need to make your entrance soon, so I don’t have to buy more clothes,” I say, rubbing my stomach as I try to make the dress fit better.

“I’m going to miss seeing your belly swollen with my pup,” Hunter says from behind me, his possessive tone sends shivers down my body.

I turn and smile at him. “I’m sure you’ll have another one in me very soon. But I won’t miss my clothes fitting me again, that’s for sure,” I say.

Hunter looks down at my stomach, coming forward and running his hands on either side. I feel my back arching, just enough that my mate realizes what I need.

“I’m going to miss that too,” he says.

“What’s that?” I ask, my eyes closed as the feeling of him touching me moves through my body.

“How very responsive you are to me. I like it that even my voice has you arching these days. I love knowing that your body responds so completely to me.”

I chuckle. “My body always responds to you. You are a master at making my body respond to you,” I tell him.

“Hmmm, we should test that,” he says, spinning me around and putting my hands against the door, easing the ache inside me that feels nearly constant these days. If I’m not sleeping, I want Hunter inside me.

When we’ve both found our release, Hunter takes my hand and leads me downstairs. I needed some space after the competition for Ålaric’s pack, so I wasn’t part of the party planning and decorations. However, the pack is going all out to say goodbye to their Beta couple and congratulating them on becoming an Alpha and Luna.

It isn’t long before we get the notice that Lucas and Kinsley have passed the pack border, and Hunter and I walk outside to greet them while the others position themselves to shout out congratulations when they walk in.

When they step out, I can see that Kinsley is already feeling the strong emotions of saying goodbye that I am. Because our baby bumps are so large, it’s impossible to hug, so we clasp hands, both of us fighting tears.

“Tonight is a celebration. Save your tears for tomorrow,” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion.

She nods, and both of our mates come to wrap their arms around us.

“Come on, the entire pack has put together a party for you. We have food, music, drinks for those of us who can drink…” Hunter says chuckling, kissing the top of my head.

When we walk in, Hunter and I let Lucas and Kinsley walk in ahead of us. When they do, the entire pack is there, yelling “Congratulations!”. A moment later, Kinsley bursts into tears.

It’s a beautiful night with lots of food, laughter, and talk of Lucas and Kinsley’s plans for the new pack.

“We need a doctor quickly. I’ve already talked to Dr. Caspian about coming to our pack once Sophie delivers Hunt. I’m only about a week or two behind her if this little guy stays put that long. He’s so big!” she says, looking at me.

“Feels like I’m carrying a watermelon in my stomach. A watermelon that moves and kicks,” I say, rubbing my stomach.

“Oh, the kicking, I remember those days. How do those babies know right where your bladder and kidneys are?” Leah asks.

“I know!” Kinsley says, rubbing her stomach and smiling. “I can’t believe my son is going to be an Alpha. I’m still a bit in shock about that.”

After dinner, we move out back, listening to the music as the evening wears on, Kinsley and I are given chairs to sit in while Lucas and Hunter hover nearby.

“Hey Lucas, what are you planning to do about your ranked members,” Brutus asks him. As usual when he’s not working, he’ s got Leah cuddled up against him.

“I’m so glad you asked that Brutus. As it happens, I don’t know Alaric’s pack well enough to make that decision. I’m looking for an interim Beta and I intended to ask you if you were interested in the position,” Lucas says. I watch as Hunter zeros in on the conversation.

“Are you stealing my pack members now, Lucas?” he asks.

“Borrowing, unless Brutus and Leah decide that they like my pack better,” Lucas says, smiling at Hunter. I know it’s more of taunt, but the reality is that this is why I wanted Lucas next to Amelia. I wanted our pack members, all pack members, to have an option of the pack that suits them best.

“A Beta? I’m not Beta,” Brutus says.

“Kinsley and I discussed it on the way here today. You’re a good warrior, strong but fair. You know how to test a pack member without decimating them, and when the need arises for something a bit more violent, you’re ready and able. I know you’ re old enough that having the position for twenty years probably doesn’t sound appealing, but something shorter term, maybe a year to help me get the pack settled and time to assess the others who may be interested in taking the position permanently.”

Brutus looks at Leah. “I don’t know anything about being a Beta female,” she says.

“I can teach you that. I don’t anything about being a Luna, so we can figure it out together,” Kinsley says.

I watch Brutus’ face and when it softens, I know Lucas has him.

“You’d make a fine Beta, Leah,” he purrs at her.

“Brutus,” she says, blushing.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Kinsley says.

“Any other pack members you want to steal from me Lucas?” Hunter growls, only partially playing. He hadn’t anticipated that some of our pack would follow Lucas.

“I’m not stealing them away, Hunter, and I’m pretty sure the ones I want have already been offered my old Beta position,” he says, still smiling smugly at Hunter.

“I haven’t announced it to the pack yet because I was letting tonight be about you and Kinsley, but if you’d like to announce your replacements…” Hunter says.

Lucas turns and looks at Penny and Jaime. “So, you two have accepted?” he asks.

Penny looks about ready to burst with excitement. “Yes!”

“May I have your attention please,” Lucas says, raising his voice and getting the pack’s attention. Someone turns off the music so everyone can hear.

“You all know why we’re here tonight, to celebrate Kinsley and I winning our own pack,” he says, and everyone cheers.

“I didn’t have anything to do with it,” Kinsley says.

Lucas winks at her. “I couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it without you. But tonight isn’t just about celebrating us. May I introduce our replacements, your new Betas, formerly your Gammas, Penny and Jaime!” he announces, and the pack begins cheering and howling wildly.

Everyone begins congratulating Penny and Jaime and I can feel their excitement and happiness about the decision. I know they’ Il both be great Betas.

Hunter finally turns back to Lucas. “So, you didn’t answer my question. Who else are you planning to steal from my pack. I know you. I know you have someone in mind,” he says.

Lucas smiles at Kinsley, then turns and looks around the pack.

“Beth?”

“Yes, Alpha,” she says.

“How would you like to come to my pack and be my Gamma?” he asks her.

“Me? I’m not Gamma,” she says, looking shocked.

“You want my sister to be your Gamma?” Jaime asks.

“I do.” Lucas says.

“You have the heart of a Gamma, Beth,” Kinsley says.

“But the strength of a Lead Warrior. I’ve seen you in training. Your brother isn’t the only one who learned from your father,” Lucas says.

She turns and looks at her brother. “What do you think?”

“I think you’d be fantastic. And, if you hate it, you can always come back here, right?” Jaime asks me and Hunter.

“Always,” Hunter says..

“What about Chloe?” Beth says, her smile fading.

“Chloe can pick which pack she’d like to live in. She’s welcome in my pack and I’m sure Hunter has no problem having her stay here,” Lucas says, looking at Hunter.

“Since I’m not thrilled that you’re stealing my pack members, I would prefer it if she stayed here, but that is up to you, Chloe,” Hunter says, finding her in the group of people near Jaime.

“I’d like to stay with my sister, if that’s okay,” she says softly.

“It’s fine, honey,” I tell her. I know she also bonded with Kinsley when she first arrived, so I’m sure that played into her decision.

“Well, we have a lot to celebrate tonight! Let’s turn the music back on and celebrate everyone’s new positions!” Hunter says, slapping Lucas on the back. “You don’t get William,” he says, so only those of us around him can hear.

“We’ll see,” Lucas says, still teasing Hunter.