Page 41 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Abel followed suit, mimicking Fanner's posture as best as he could. Fanner guided him through a few simple breathing exercises, teaching him how to focus his thoughts and find inner peace.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group gathered around Xander, their expressions filled with concern.

"So, Xander," Rowan began, his tone gentle yet probing. "How are things going with Rayla?"

Xander sighed, feeling the weight of their collective gaze on him. "It's complicated. She's kept Abel away from all of this," he said as he motioned to the bustling bar around them. "Because of what happened between us."

Blake placed a comforting hand on Xander's shoulder. "You've got to talk to her, Mate. Tell her you want to make things right, that you want to be a family again."

Xander nodded, knowing deep down that they were right. "Yeah, I know. I just… I don't know how to approach her after everything that's happened."

Asher offered a reassuring smile. "Just be honest, Xander. Lay it all out on the table. Tell her how you feel, and let her know that you're willing to do whatever it takes to make it work."

Callahan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and make sure she knows that Abel wants this too. That he wants his mom and dad to be together."

Their words resonated with Xander, stirring something inside him that he had long suppressed.

My son. Wow, I have a son.

Just then, Fanner and Abel returned, and Xander stood up, beckoning his son to him. "I think it's time for us to head home. My young son has had his fill of your old man stories for one day."

Everyone said their goodbyes, patting Abel on the back and promising to see him again soon. As they left the bar, Xander felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in years.

Abel looked up at his father. "Dad, can we come back and visit them again?"

Xander smiled, nodding. "Of course, Abel. Anytime you want."

Abel grinned as they Shadow Jumped into the forest close to the mansion, feeling a warmth in his heart. "I can't wait."

The night air was cool as Xander and Abel walked home hand in hand, their steps silent in the forest as the crickets and other noises of the forest drowned out their footfalls.

Abel clutched Xander’s hand tightly. "Dad, today was really fun."

Xander smiled, his heart full. "I'm glad you had a good time, Buddy."

Abel snuggled closer. "You have really cool friends, Dad."

Xander chuckled softly. "Yeah, I do. And now you know them too."

“Dad, I don’t know why Mom kept me away from all this,” Abel said suddenly, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of hurt. “I had such a fun time today meeting everyone.”

It’s not her fault.

Xander glanced down at his son, noticing the furrow in Abel’s brow. He sighed, knowing this moment would come eventually. “Abel, don’t be mad at your mom. It’s not her fault.”

Abel looked up, confusion deepening. “Then whose fault is it?”

Xander took a deep breath, preparing himself for the painful memories. “It’s mine. I was the one who rejected your mom when we were younger.”

Abel’s eyes widened. “Why, Dad?”

Because I was a coward.

But he didn’t say that. Instead, he began to recount the story. He paused, the memories flooding back. “It was the hardest decision I ever made.”

Rayla arrived at their meeting spot that day, her face aglow with happiness as she approached Xander.

His heart swelled at the sight of her, but beneath his joy, a heavy weight rested on his shoulders. She noticed the seriousness in his eyes, and her smile faltered.

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