Page 22 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

“Eldress Lana,” he sketched a slight bow.

“I know we said that we would give you some time to find a mate…”

“We also said that we would intervene should you take too much time doing that,” Elder Rook intercepted.

“That was barely twenty-four hours ago.”

“A lot can happen in twenty-four hours,” Elder Rook replied.

“This was just a friendly reminder that you need to get married,” the Eldress said to him.

“It is not proper for an alpha to stay so long without a mate,” Elder Ember chipped in.

“Or an heir,” Elder Rook added.

“You know,” Xander began, scratching his jaw. “Funny that you should mention that.”

“Mention what, mate or heir?” Elder Rook asked.

“Both, really.”

“Have you found a mate… is that what you're trying to tell us?” Elder Silvara asked him, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope.

“That's not far from the truth, actually,” Xander replied.

“Speaking in parables should be our thing, young Alpha,” Elder Thorne said to him.

“What I'm saying is that I have an heir,” Xander declared proudly.

Immediately, there was a hush of whispers arising amidst them as they marveled at what he had said.

“Not just any heir… but one who has already manifested the Shadow Jumping ability,” he added.

“Fascinating,” the Eldress declared with a joyous tone. “But wait. How is it possible? When did you have the time to father a child we didn't know about?” she asked curiously.

“That's the thing; I only just found out recently,” he replied.

“Amazing,” Elder Ember said.

“Aren't you going to ask who the mother is?” He inquired, frowning as he waited patiently to see their reaction to what he had to say.

“I have a feeling you're going to tell us, anyway,” Elder Rook said.

“Yes. You're right. I will.”

“I can sense your pain, young Alpha,” the Silent One finally spoke. His voice was thunderous, like the sound of running water.

Xander's heart skipped a beat as he heard the voice, and he fixed his gaze at the Seventh Elder, whom he had never heard speak before now.

“I know you think that we are the cause of what you consider a misfortune, but I can assure you that everything worked out for your own good,” he added.

“Okay… what is going on here?” Elder Rook asked, a bit confused.

“For my good?” Xander scoffed in disbelief. “You all told me that the human girl that I was seeing thirteen years ago wouldn't be able to give me a worthy heir. You asked me to end my relationship with her, to give up on my love.” The words escaped him angrily, but he was composed enough not to lose control because, despite how pissed he was. He understood his place.

“Hold on, are you saying what I think it is that you're saying?” Elder Rook asked.

“Depends on what you think I'm saying,” Xander responded.

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