Page 38 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

One night, she overheard them talking about how to send her away, but her father objected. He had a better idea; to leave her in the town so she would suffer the shame and disgrace alone while they moved uptown to his parent’s place.

Her heart broke upon hearing that. She felt rejected again… unwanted. But all these rejections weren't enough to kill her. Instead, they made her stronger.

The sound of her phone getting a text drew her back to the present. She picked it up, and her breath ceased as she saw the context of the text from her blackmailer.

‘Five thousand dollars or the video gets out!’

She swallowed hard, thoughts racing as she tried to think of a solution. Should she sell the house? It was the one thing her parents had left her when they passed away. She had no real sentimental attachment to it, but it was all she had. The idea of losing it felt like losing the last piece of her old life.

Sure, Xander might take care of her for Abel’s sake. But what if he didn’t? What if he decided to kick her out? She would have nowhere to go, and Abel would suffer for it. But it would be better than not giving the blackmailer the money and facing the consequences of that video being released.

Rayla took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. The house was her only real option as it was all she had. She couldn’t let Ralph ruin her life and Abel’s. If selling the house was what it took, then that was what she would do.

She picked up her phone again, determination hardening her resolve. She would contact the agents, and she would find a way to get the money.

She had to.

Chapter 11 - Xander

Xander pushed open the heavy door of the Full Moon Bar, the familiar scents of aged wood and freshly brewed ale wafting over him. He looked down at Abel, his son, who clung tightly to his leg, eyes wide with apprehension.

This is it, buddy. Don’t be scared.

The chatter inside paused as his friends turned to look at him. Xander took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their stares.

Here goes nothing.

"Hey guys," Xander said as he led Abel to their spot, trying to sound casual. "I want to introduce you to my son, Abel."

Yes, my heir.

The room went silent for a moment before erupting into surprised murmurs. Xander's friends, the alphas of the other packs, stared at Abel with a mix of shock and curiosity. Abel pressed closer to Xander, half-hiding behind his father.

Xander placed a reassuring hand on Abel's shoulder. "These are my best friends, buddy."

Rowan was the first to step forward. "Hey, little guy!" His voice was warm and welcoming. "Nice to meet you."

"Hello, Abel," Asher added, his usually stern face softening. "Welcome. Have a drink with us." The barman had appeared with a glass of coke which he placed on the side of the table closest to Xander and Abel.

Abel peeked out from behind Xander. "Hi. It's nice to meet you."

The group collectively melted at Abel's shy greeting. "Oh, he's adorable," Callahan said with a grin.

"Wow, to think you are the one who has the oldest kid," Blake said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Who would have guessed? Definitely not me."

“I would have lost that bet as well,” Articus joined in.

Right? As would I.

They all chuckled, the tension easing. Abel looked up at the alphas, eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you all have kids?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Rowan nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yeah,. We all have very interesting families, and we all love our wives, you know? All of us except Articus. He is still yet to find his mate. My poor forlorn best friend."

Articus rolled his eyes. "Watch him talk like it was so easy for them when they are well aware of the struggles it takes in finding one."

“Finding a mate is hard?” Abel asked shyly.

“Hard is not the word I would use, young Abel. Tricky is the right word,” Rowan laughed. "I married a witch actually, Juniper, a very powerful one, I might add. Like Articus said, it is not so easy. I had to turn her away at first, but now, we're happy."

---