The pack watched in respectful silence, understanding the significance of the moment. Xander took Rayla's hands in his, looking deeply into her eyes. "You deserve this and so much more. I don't plan to have any other woman by my side. You are my luna."
Tears streamed down Rayla's cheeks as she nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, Xander. This means more to me than you know."
Xander pulled her into a gentle embrace, his heart full. He knew that this was just one step toward mending their relationship, but it was a crucial one. He turned back to the Elders, his arm still around Rayla.
"Let this be a new beginning," Xander declared. "For our pack, for my family, and for the future we're building together."
The Elders bowed their heads in agreement, a silent promise of support and respect for Xander's leadership and his family.
As the pack members began to disperse, including Abel, who left with some other young wolves, Xander and Rayla remained standing together, their bond strengthened by the night's events.
Xander knew there were still challenges ahead, but with Rayla by his side and Abel stepping into his own power, he felt more confident than ever.
He leaned down, his lips brushing against Rayla's ear. "We'll get through this. Together," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction.
Rayla looked up at him, her eyes shining with love and determination. "I believe in us, Xander. We can face anything as long as we're united."
As the night deepened and the echoes of the ceremony faded, Xander and Rayla found themselves alone in their home. The weight of the day’s events hung in the air between them, charged with a mix of emotion and unresolved tension. Xander felt a powerful urge to close the gap, to bridge the distance that years of pain and separation had created.
Rayla turned to him, her eyes glistening with a mix of vulnerability and longing. Without a word, Xander moved closer, his heart pounding in his chest. He reached out, cupping her face in his hands, and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration, but it quickly deepened as their shared desire surged to the surface.
Rayla's hands played with the area just above his waist, grazing her fingers on sensitive skin and sending shivers down his spine. She was determined to keep him close. Xander responded by wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
Her touch ignited a fire within him, and Xander couldn’t help but growl his approval as Rayla’s hands roamed over his body. He dragged her gown over her head, his movements swift and sure, and made quick work of her bra until her bosom hung bare for his viewing pleasure. He took a moment to admire her, his eyes dark with desire.
Rayla wrapped her hand around his head, guiding him to her sensitive nipples. His lips latched onto one, sucking gently while his hands continued their journey, divesting her of the rest of her clothes until she stood completely naked before him.
She mirrored his actions, pulling his shirt over his head just as he turned them around, laying her down on the bed. Xander's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her, spread wide open, welcoming him.
He dipped his head between her thighs, his tongue exploring her moistness with deliberate, teasing strokes. Rayla’s back arched, her lips parting as she moaned his name, urging him on. He attacked her clit with a ferocity that had her screaming in pleasure.
Her hips bucked wildly against his mouth, her movements erratic as she ground herself against his stiffened tongue. When she came, her release was a flood of warmth and sweetness, and Xander lapped it up eagerly. “Never tasted anything more delicious,” he croaked out, his voice thick with need.
Positioning himself between her legs, Xander slid into her, his own moan mingling with hers as her sensitive folds parted to welcome him.
She moved beneath him, her hips twirling in slow, rhythmic movements that drove him to the edge. He groaned, quickening his pace but sticking to her rhythm, letting her guide him.
Rayla lifted her hips and clenched around him, drawing out a deep groan as he slid back down. She continued her actions, quickening and slowing her pace, creating a tantalizing dance that left Xander on the brink.
Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer, and he could feel the tension building in his core. He worshipped her body with each thrust, his movements becoming harder and faster as he felt her tightening around him.
Rayla's breaths came in short, gasping moans, her body trembling as her orgasm built slowly, inexorably. With a final, powerful thrust, Xander pushed them both over the edge.
Rayla moaned with pleasure, her body shuddering beneath him as he collapsed atop her, completely spent. They lay there, tangled in each other's arms, their breaths mingling in the stillness of the night.
Xander rolled to his side, pulling Rayla with him. He kissed her forehead, his heart swelling with a fierce, protective love. "You mean everything to me," he murmured against her skin.
Rayla looked up at him, her eyes soft with affection. "And you to me," she replied, her voice a tender whisper. They lay in silence for a moment, savoring the intimacy they had rediscovered.
As they drifted off to sleep, Xander held Rayla close, his mind replaying the events of the day.
This is just the beginning.
Chapter 16 - Rayla
Rayla sat up in bed and stretched, looking around the empty room. Last night turned out to be more wonderful than she could ever have imagined it to be. A part of her had been worried about what would happen and if the Elders would reject her son just like they had rejected her.