Page 40 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Xander smiled, feeling a swell of pride for his son. "Yeah, they are pretty cool, aren't they?"

Abel nodded vigorously. "Yeah! And you're their friend, Dad. That makes you cool, too."

Xander chuckled, ruffling Abel's hair. "Thanks, buddy. I'm glad you think so."

Rowan leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face. "You've got a great kid here, Xander."

Xander nodded, his heart full. "I know. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Blake raised his glass in a toast. "To Abel, the coolest kid we know."

Everyone joined in, raising their glasses. "To Abel!"

Abel beamed, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn't felt before. "Thanks, everyone. You all have such cool stories."

Rowan ruffled Abel's hair. "Your dad has some pretty cool stories, too, you know. Don't let him fool you."

Abel looked up at Xander with admiration. "Is that true, Dad?"

Xander chuckled, feeling the warmth of his friends' camaraderie. "Yeah. Maybe I'll tell you some someday."

Rowan leaned back, a grin on his face. "You know, Abel, your dad is one of the toughest alphas around."

Abel's eyes widened. "Really, Dad?"

Xander nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Blake chimed in, "And he's got a heart of gold. Always looking out for his pack."

Callahan added, "And he's got great instincts. We all look up to him."

Fannar nodded, his expression serious. "He's a great leader. We'd follow him anywhere."

Asher, with his usual enigmatic demeanor, said, "Your dad's one of the best, Abel."

Articus smiled. "And he's a good friend. We're lucky to have him."

Abel beamed, clearly proud of his father. Xander's heart swelled with emotion. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."

The evening continued with more stories and laughter. Abel fit right in, asking questions and soaking up every word. Xander watched, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in a long time.

Xander knew this was just the beginning of many more memories to come. He looked around at his friends, grateful for their acceptance of Abel. This was his family, and now, it was Abel's family, too.

As the evening wore on, Abel grew more comfortable, occasionally glancing up at Xander for reassurance. Each time, Xander gave him a nod or a smile.

He's doing great.

Articus leaned over, speaking softly to Xander. "He's a good kid."

Xander nodded. "Yeah, he is. Thanks."

Meanwhile, Fanner noticed Abel's curiosity and beckoned him over. "Hey, little man, want me to show you something cool?"

Abel's eyes lit up with excitement as he eagerly nodded. "Yeah, sure!"

Fanner flashed him a grin and gestured for him to follow. "Come on, let me teach you how to meditate. It's something that might help you relax when you're feeling stressed."

Fanner motioned for Abel to sit down beside him in a booth at the back, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. "It's called meditation. It helps you relax and clear your mind."

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