Page 52 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Abel stepped back into the shadows, his form blurring slightly as he concentrated. Moments later, dark shapes began to form in his hands—first a shadowy sword, then arrows, each one solidifying into ethereal, albeit tangible, weapons.

He raised the shadow sword high, and the pack marveled at the creation, the moonlight reflecting off its dark surface.

"Impressive," Elder Silvara murmured, clearly taken aback by Abel's skill.

"Finally, call on the shadows to hide someone," Xander instructed, his eyes meeting Abel's.

Abel nodded, focusing on his mother, Rayla. With a graceful movement, he summoned the shadows around her, enveloping her form until she disappeared from sight. The pack watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with amazement. Moments later, the shadows dispersed, revealing Rayla unharmed and smiling proudly at her son.

The ceremony was coming to a close, and Xander felt a deep sense of fulfillment. He turned to the Elders, who stepped forward, their expressions solemn but approving. "Abel, you have proven your worth and mastery over the shadow abilities—and at such a young age, I might add," Eldress Lana proclaimed, his voice resonating through the clearing. "We mark you as the heir to the Moon Shadow Pack. I sense a prodigy in you."

The Elders approached Abel, each marking him with the traditional symbols of heirship, their approval and respect clear in their actions. Xander watched, his heart swelling with pride and love for his son.

"You’ve done it, Abel," he said, feeling the weight of the moment.

You’ve truly earned your place.

As the ceremony concluded, the pack erupted in cheers once more, celebrating Abel's achievements. Xander approached his son, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, Abel," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Abel looked up at his father, his eyes shining with pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Dad," he replied, his voice steady. "I couldn’t have done it without your guidance."

"Tonight was just the start," Xander said, his voice filled with determination. "There's so much more to achieve, and we'll do it together."

Abel nodded, his eyes shining with resolve. "I won't let you down, Dad," he promised.

"I know you won't," Xander said, his heart swelling with love and pride. "You're destined for greatness, Abel, and I'll be right here, guiding you every step of the way."

As the echoes of the pack's cheers faded, Xander felt a different kind of resolve settle over him. The night had been monumental for Abel, but there was still unfinished business he needed to address. He turned to the gathering of Elders, his expression hardening with a mix of determination and lingering resentment.

"There's something we need to discuss," Xander began, his voice firm. The Elders turned their attention to him, sensing the gravity of his words. "The past—our past—has left scars that can't be ignored."

Elder Rook frowned slightly. "What do you mean, Alpha Black?"

Xander took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the faces of the Elders who had once held sway over his every decision. "You all pressured me, pushed me to make choices that weren't mine to make. Choices that cost me thirteen years with my son."

A murmur rippled through the group, some of the Elders shifting uncomfortably. Xander's gaze was unyielding, his tone resolute. "Your insistence on traditions and control led to my estrangement from Abel and Rayla. You forced my hand, and for that, there must be accountability."

Eldress Lana's expression softened, a flicker of regret in her eyes. "We did what we thought was best for the pack, Alpha Xander."

"But at what cost?" Xander retorted, his voice rising slightly. "You broke my family apart. You deprived Abel of his father and Rayla of her mate. We can't move forward without acknowledging that."

The silence that followed was heavy, each Elder absorbing the weight of Xander's words. Xander glanced over at Rayla, who stood a short distance away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

This has to be done.

Elder Ember stepped forward. "Alpha Black, you're right. We were wrong to pressure you the way we did. Our actions were misguided and caused more harm than we realized."

The other Elders nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting varying degrees of remorse. Elder Rook spoke again, his tone earnest. "We apologize, Alpha Black. To you, to Abel, and to Rayla. We hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive us."

Rayla's tears finally spilled over, her emotions raw and palpable. She had waited years for this acknowledgment, and now that it had come, it was overwhelming. Xander moved to her side, taking her hand in his and offering silent support.

"I accept your apology," Xander said, his voice steady. "But know this. Things will be different from now on. I won't let the past repeat itself. My family comes first, and that includes Rayla."

He turned to Rayla, his expression softening. From his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box. The murmurs among the pack quieted as he opened it, revealing a stunning diamond necklace. The gems sparkled brilliantly in the moonlight, casting a soft glow around them.

"Rayla," Xander began, his voice filled with emotion, "I know I haven't fully made things right between us, and I can't change the past. But I want you to know that I am committed to you and to our family. You are the mother of my heir, and I want to honor you as the luna of our pack."

Rayla's eyes widened in surprise and emotion. She hadn't expected this public declaration, this tangible symbol of his commitment. Xander gently placed the necklace around her neck, the diamonds catching the light and adding to her radiance.

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