Page 42 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

"Xander, what’s wrong?" Concern laced her voice as she studied his expression.

Struggling to find the right words, Xander took a moment before responding. "Rayla, I was going to call you. I need to talk to you."

Her worry deepened, but she nodded. "Okay, talk to me."

Taking a deep breath, Xander steeled himself for what he had to say. "I’m sorry, but I can’t be with you."

Her eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"

Avoiding her gaze, Xander's voice was heavy with emotion. "Because you’re human. Our children wouldn’t be able to use Moon Shadow abilities. They would struggle, unable to fulfill their potential."

Rayla's face crumpled, her eyes filled with pain. "You’re talking about our children like they would be some kind of burden."

His heart ached at her response, but Xander remained resolute. She deserved the truth, no matter how difficult.

Reaching out, Rayla touched his arm gently. "Xander, please. We can find a way to make it work. I love you."

Closing his eyes, Xander felt the weight of her words. "I love you too, Rayla. But I can't do this to you. I can't condemn our children to a life of struggle."

Rayla's resolve wavered as she absorbed his words. Tears welled in her eyes, but she remained determined. "We can overcome this together, Xander. We don't have to give up."

“No, Rayla. This is something I don’t think we can overcome,” Xander answered.

Taking off the bracelet he had given her when they started dating, Rayla placed it in his hand before turning to leave. Xander watched her go, his heart shattering with each step she took.

Since then, Xander had been unable to forget her, haunted by the memory of their love and the pain of their parting.

“I never told her that the Elders were the ones who pushed me to break up with her. I never told her how hard I fought for our relationship.” Xander shook off the memories and looked at Abel.

“I wanted to suffer alone. That’s why, Abel. It was all my fault,” he added.

Abel listened quietly, absorbing his father’s words. “But why didn’t you fight harder, Dad?”

Xander sighed. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was protecting her from a life of disappointment and pain.”

Abel nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. “I get it, Dad. But I still don’t think Mom should have kept me away from you.”

Xander’s heart ached at Abel’s words. “She was just trying to protect you, Abel. She thought it was for the best.”

Abel looked up at his father, his expression serious. “I’m not mad at her anymore, Dad. I understand now. I forgive her for keeping me away.”

Xander felt a surge of pride for his son’s maturity. “Thank you, Abel. That means a lot.”

They continued walking in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Xander felt a sense of relief, having finally shared the truth with his son.

“Dad?” Abel’s voice broke the silence.

“Yes, Abel?”

“Do you still love Mom?”

Xander’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, I do. I’ve never stopped loving her.”

Abel smiled softly. “Maybe one day, we can all be together again.”

Xander’s eyes softened as he looked at his son. “Maybe, Abel. Maybe.”

Chapter 12 - Rayla

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