Page 50 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Abel glanced up at him, his eyes wide with uncertainty. "It's almost time for my first official shift," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm nervous."

Rayla felt a pang of sympathy tug at her heart as she watched her son struggle with his fears. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently in reassurance.

"It's okay to be nervous, Abel," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "But you're going to do great. We'll be right there with you every step of the way."

They made their way to the sacred ground after the carnival as the full moon rose high in the night sky, casting its luminous glow over the land. The Moon Shadow Pack gathered for a momentous occasion, the first ceremonial shift of the alpha’s son.

The air was alive with anticipation as torches flickered to life, casting long shadows that danced across the forest floor.

The clearing where the ceremony would take place was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy overhead. The pack members stood in a circle around the edges of the clearing, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the torches.

Abel took his place in the center of the clearing, dressed in traditional attire for the occasion. Beside Rayla, Xander wore a cloak made of dark fur, its edges trimmed with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. Abel stood before him, his own cloak draped over his shoulders, the fabric adorned with symbols of the pack's ancient lineage.

As the ceremony was about to begin, the pack Elders stepped forward, their voices low and reverent as they recited ancient prayers and blessings. Abel stood tall and proud, his eyes fixed on the moon above as he prepared for the moment that would change his life forever.

The Elders moved in a line toward the center of the assembly, their faces etched with age and wisdom, their eyes watching them with intensity. She could feel the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on her, a silent reminder of their past doubts and reservations.

Eldress Lana stood tall among them all, her presence commanding respect and admiration. Rayla couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence in her presence, her wisdom and compassion shining through even in the dim light of the torches.

Elder Rook stepped forward, his gaze piercing as he studied Abel with a critical eye. "So this is the boy you claim to be your son," he said, his voice heavy with skepticism. "He doesn't look like much of an alpha heir to me."

Rayla felt a surge of anger rising within her at his words, but she held her tongue, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she glanced at Xander, silently urging him to speak on their behalf.

Xander stepped forward, his posture confident as he addressed the Elder. "Abel may not fit your preconceived notions of what an alpha heir should be," he said, his voice steady. "But he will prove himself time and time again to be a brave and capable young man."

Elder Rook raised an eyebrow. "Actions speak louder than words, Alpha Black," he said. "We shall see if the boy lives up to your praise."

Rayla felt a surge of apprehension as they continued toward the center of the gathering, the Elders' words echoing in her mind. She knew that they doubted Abel's worthiness as an alpha heir, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.

Elder Silvara, adorned with healing crystals and symbols of empathy, cast a critical eye over Abel. His silence spoke volumes, his doubts evident in the furrow of his brow and the set of his jaw.

As they reached the center of the clearing, Elder Thorne fixed his gaze on Abel. "You have a lot to prove, young man," he said, his voice stern. "We will be watching closely."

Rayla bristled at his words, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive. She opened her mouth to speak, but Xander placed a hand on her arm, silently urging her to remain calm.

"We have every confidence in Abel," Xander said, his voice firm. "He may not have had the easiest upbringing, but he has the heart of a true alpha."

Elder Ember nodded. "We shall see," he said before stepping back into the line in the center with the other Elders.

Rayla felt a surge of frustration wash over her as they stood before the gathered pack, the Elders' doubts casting a shadow over Abel's moment of triumph. She longed to prove them wrong, to show them that her son was worthy of their respect and admiration.

But for now, all she could do was stand by Abel's side and pray that he would rise to the challenge before him.

Xander took Rayla's hand in his own, and she felt a sense of reassurance wash over her, the warmth of his touch grounding her in the midst of uncertainty.

"I'm not going to let it be like it was the first time," Xander said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I won't back down. We're in this together, Rayla, no matter what."

Rayla looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his conviction reflected back at her. In that moment, she knew that she wasn't alone, that she had someone by her side who would stand by her through thick and thin.

"But what if they don't accept Abel?" Rayla asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "What if they try to push him aside like they did to me?"

Xander squeezed her hand reassuringly, his touch a silent promise of his unwavering support. "We won't let that happen," he said firmly. "Abel is a part of this pack, just like any other member. And I'll make sure that he gets the respect and acceptance he deserves."

Rayla felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, a sense of relief flooding her senses as she leaned into Xander's embrace. For the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of hope, a flicker of optimism in the face of adversity.

"We'll get through this, Rayla," Xander said softly, his words a soothing balm to her troubled mind. "Together, as a family."

Chapter 15 - Xander

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