The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 14: Jara

Jara

I’m not surprised at the response of the Alphas. Declaring war, or the intent of war is a serious thing.

It takes the Elders several minutes to regain control of the room.

It’s Elder Rudy who stands up and looks at our table. “What is the meaning of this.” He says, his face

going red with his indignation.

“This is a way to ensure that these laws are actually implemented.” Mason says.

“We’re all aware that you, as the Elder Council, do not enforce the laws. Without the laws being

enforced, what’s the point of having them?” Alpha Antonio says.

“And I would add, what’s the point of having a council. It’s your job to uphold the law, if you don’t do that,

then you’re as useless as Alpha Gunnar feels a she-wolf is.” Seth says.

That stops everyone short. There’s a lot of blustering and grunting, but it takes a moment before anyone

can finally regain themselves enough to respond.

“The four of you are in agreement with this?” Elder Jason asks, looking at Mason and the others.

“We are.” Seth says. “We signed an alliance agreement yesterday. Our packs will enforce these laws if

you, as the Elder Council, fail to do so.”

“I joined their alliance as well.” Alpha Quinton says, and I swear I see steam coming out of Alpha

Gunnar’s ears.

“As did I. Things need to change. We’re dying out too quickly and with only a few females that are in

childbearing years, we’ll kill ourselves off if we don’t start protecting them.” Alpha Davis adds.

“Should I be offended that I wasn’t invited into this alliance?” Alpha Luke asks with a smile.

“I’ve got your paperwork right here, Alpha. In case you’re interested.” Alpha Antonio says, holding up

some documents.

Alpha Luke nods, looking satisfied.

Alpha Gunnar looks around. “Are you seriously going to sit by and let this happen?” He says, looking at

the Elders.

“There is nothing in the laws that says that packs cannot form alliances with each other. It used to be a

standard practice. However, in recent years, that practice has died out because leadership in our packs

changes so frequently.” Elder Jason says.

“As our leaders have died, so have our standard practices. Things like alliances and mate bonds have

fallen into the history books.” Seth says.

“You’re saying that we should let the females choose their mates now?” Alpha Conrad asks, looking

appalled.

“Not now, not today. But if we can rebuild our numbers, start birthing young faster than we’re killing each

other off, then maybe, one day, we could have the life that our ancestors had. But in order for that to

happen, we must make changes now. We are at the brink of extinction. I don’t know about you, but I

have no plans to go gently into the sunset. I’ll fight it every step of the way. Not only for our generation,

but for those of my children and their children.” Mason says, looking at every Alpha and Elder in the

room.

“So yes, I will fight for our few remaining she-wolves, whether or

Dividing into pages now

not they are part of my pack. They are all that stands between a future or the elimination of our species.”

He adds.

“Let’s vote.” Elder Jason says and it’s another close one, eight to six. Surprisingly, Alpha Saul voted

against this part of the petition. Alpha Zaire voted with us. It makes me wonder if he wants to join. the

alliance as well.

“This item will be put into law, although I would be ashamed if it ever comes to this because it would

mean that me and my Elder brethren are not doing our jobs properly.” Elder Jason says, looking at his

peers. I get the feeling he’s putting them on notice. that he would side with us if they don’t do their jobs

and start protecting the she-wolves. He’s part of Alpha Saul’s pack, so it’s even more interesting that his

side would be against his Alpha’s.

“And the final item for discussion today states, ‘At least two council members should be female’.”

I had thought that they room would erupt into chaos again, but instead, you could hear a pin drop. I’m not

sure if it’s shock or if it’s disbelief, but in the moment that it takes for the Elders to regain themselves,

Alpha Gunnar begins to laugh, clapping slowly.

“Bravo, Lunas.” He says looking up at the Elders. “I guess it’s not just the Alphas they want to overthrow.

How does it feel to be in our seats, Elders?” He asks sarcastically.

“I don’t understand.” Elder Colton says, looking over at us, frowning.

“What’s to understand, Elder? The petition states that two of the five seats on the Council will be held by

she-wolves.” Alpha Asher

says.

Elder Carson begins sputtering. “That is preposterous. The Elder Council is held by Elders.”

“The Elder Council has only been called that in the recent past because there were so many ranked

members going feral, that only those past a certain age could be counted on to survive a year on the

council. It was never meant to be a seat that was held indefinitely. It was meant to be a rotation of ranked

members. In that sense, why wouldn’t a Luna qualify?” Seth asks.

“And even if we decided that the council should remain a team of Elders, there are she-wolves that could

take a seat on the council. Seth and Jara’s mother, to name one.” Mason adds.

“Let’s take it to a vote.” Elder Jason states. The Elders are still sputtering because now it’s up to the

Alphas if their seats will be overthrown by a female.

In the end, the vote was an even split, seven and seven for the Alphas. When it was sent up to the

Elders, they immediately denied it, looking relieved that they had dodged a bullet.

“You may have saved your seats today, Elders, but let this meeting put you on notice. Many of us are

unhappy with the direction that the Elder Council is going. Your lack of responsiveness and care for the

people you supposedly oversee is appalling. I suggest that you make some changes amongst

yourselves before it’s too late.” Mason says, standing and reaching out a hand to me.

“Are you threatening us, Alpha?” I furious Elder Stanley asks.

“Yes, you moron, that’s exactly what he’s doing. And it’s about time too.” Elder Jason says, looking at his

fellow Elders. “We need to start doing our jobs instead of walking around acting all superior because

we’re Elders. We’ll have nothing to do and no one to oversee if we don’t make changes quickly.”

He turns back to the room. “Meeting adjourned.”