The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 102: Sophie's Lament

Hunter

As soon as I got off the phone with Erza, I call Carter and conference Kayce in.

"Hunter, I'm guessing there's a problem?" Kayce says.

"Ezra went to check on Owen's old pack today. He took Margot with him, and they came across what he called scout trails. He gave me general coordinates as to where they are, but he said it looks like they spread out to all three of our packs."

Kayce growls low in his chest. I understand the sentiment very. well. My mate is pregnant too and the thought of anyone. coming after her and my pup had my hackles up the moment that Ezra told me what he'd found.

"I think we need to include Dutton and Robin on this call," Carter says. "If Alpha Ezra says the trails were headed in our directions, it could be one or both of the packs in our area." "That's a very good point, Carter, give me a moment and I'll try. to conference them in," I say.

Once I've gotten the other two Alphas on the phone, I tell them what I told Kayce and Carter. Both of them snarl, just like Kayce did. I know from experience that if their mates aren't yet pregnant, it's only a matter of time.

"I'm going to check it out, but I can't cover all of the packs," I -begin.

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"I'll join you," all four Alphas say at once.

"Good, that's what I was hoping. If they are checking out our packs, mine may not be the first one that's attacked. I expect Joshua will attack me, but we still have Aiden and Alaric who are a risk. And we don't know if they will plan a unified attack, or if they will attack separately."

I give everyone the coordinates, and call Lucas into my office, letting him know.

"I'm leaving you in charge of the pack. I have no idea what we'll find or how long I'll be gone, but I want to know where they've been and what they've seen in our pack before I come back. Keep the patrols tight and at current scheduling capacity. I know it's tough on the pack, but it's better than getting

awakened in the middle of the night by wolves crashing into our packhouse because they got through our patrols. Also, pull Penny in if you need help."

"I'll keep the pack safe, and our Luna safe as well," Lucas says.

"I know you will," I say, going in search of my mate.

When I find her, she and Kinsley are working on the safe rooms. I pull her to my side, wrapping my arms around her, and taking a moment to see what they are doing.

"It already feels warmer in here, cozier," I say.

"That's the goal," Sophie says, smiling up at me. When she sees my face, her smile fades.

"What's wrong?" she asks, and Kinsley turns, focusing on me as well.

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"Ezra found scout trails. I've called the other Alphas and we're going to meet to sniff them out and see where they lead. I may not be back tonight, but I don't want you to worry about me," I say to her, already feeling her worry s**e.

I take her face in my hands. "I will be safe. I'll be with four other Alphas."

"And they want all of you dead!" she exclaims.

"Sophie..."

"Hunter," she says, tears welling in her eyes as she grabs my shirt, f**g it in her hands. From the corner of my eye, I see Kinsley silently leave to give us a moment.

"If something were to happen to you..." she says and a tear escapes, sliding down her cheek until I swipe it with my thumb.

"It won't. I'll be safe. And I need you to be safe too. I won't let anyone hurt you, but if they attack while I'm gone, you get in the safe rooms."

My mate wraps her arms around my waist, pressing her face. against my chest as she fights her tears. I wrap my arms tightly around her.

"I can't live without you, Hunter. I can't. I don't want to. I didn't know that love could feel like this, feel this good. Please, Hunter. You have to be safe. You have to come home to me. Promise me, Hunter. You've never broken your promises to me, and I want your promise that you'll be safe and come home to me. Promise me!" she says, getting more and more worked up.

"Sophie, honey, calm down. You're getting worked up and it's

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not good for our pup. I love you," I say, kissing her tear-streaked face. "I hate the thought of not sleeping beside you tonight, but I need to know that you, our pack, and our allies are safe."

She looks up at me and I see the fear in her eyes. It makes my heart hurt to see her sad, but it also tugs at my heart that my mate loves me this much. "I didn't know love could feel like this either. I didn't know that you would become more important to me than my own life. Not because I'm an Alpha, but because you are such an incredible woman, and I love you so much that it hurts. But right now, the pack needs you, Sophie. They will look to you as much as they look to Lucas while I'm away. I need you to be strong."

"I can't be strong if I don't know that you will return to me," she says fiercely.

"I promise. One way or another, I'll find my way home to you. I don't expect anything to happen, but if it does, I'll make my way home to you," I say, giving her what she needs.

I watch as she takes a deep breath. I truly don't expect anything to happen, but if it does, I better make good on my promise.

She slowly calms herself, taking deep breaths while I kiss forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, and finally her lips.

"I have to go. The others will beat me there at this rate, but I need to know that you're going to be okay, Soph. I need you to help lead this pack while I'm gone.

She nods, taking another deep breath before opening her eyes. "One more kiss."

I smile and lean down, her arms come around me and I take

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precious moments to deepen the kiss, giving my mate what she needs. I pour my love for her through the bond, feeling her relax in my arms. "Take care of my mate and my pup," I say to her.

"You take care of MY mate, or you'll answer to me, Alpha."

I smile. There's my tough girl. "Yes ma'am," I say, walking to the back of the packhouse. I quickly strip, keeping only a pair of shorts before shifting. Shaw turns his head to grab my shorts, only to find Sophie holding them for us.

"I love you, my mate and wolf," she says, Hedda's voice mixing with hers.

Shaw purrs at them, then licks Sophie from chin to forehead, making her sputter.

"SHAW!" she complains, pulling back and wiping her face. He chuckles before turning and racing in the direction that Ezra gave us.

'What was that for?' I ask him.

'She needed levity. I don't like our mate crying.""

'Neither do I.'

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