Page 48 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Xander took a deep breath, his eyes distant as he remembered. "It was hell. Every day without you was a struggle. I tried to focus on my responsibilities, on leading the pack, but nothing felt right. I missed you so much."

Rayla's eyes softened. "I missed you too. Every single day."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with love and regret. "I thought about you all the time. Every decision I made, every step I took, I wondered what it would be like if you were by my side."

"I felt the same way," Rayla said, her voice trembling. "I tried to move on, to live my life, but there was always something missing. You were missing."

Xander reached out and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "We're here now, Rayla. We have a chance to start over, to make things right."

She squeezed his hand, a small smile forming on her lips. "I want that, Xander. I want to build a future with you."

He smiled, feeling a sense of hope and determination. "We can do this. Together."

Rayla nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I just wish it hadn't taken so long."

"Me too," Xander said, his voice soft. "But maybe we needed that time to grow, to become the people we are now."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and hope. "Do you really believe that?"

"Yes," he said, his voice firm. "I believe everything happens for a reason. And I believe we're meant to be together."

Rayla smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I believe that too."

They sat together, the night wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Xander felt a sense of peace and resolution, knowing that they were finally on the path to healing.

"I love you, Rayla," Xander said, his voice filled with emotion. "I never stopped loving you."

"I love you too, Xander," she replied, her voice steady. "And I always will."

He leaned in and kissed her, the connection between them stronger than ever. They had faced their demons and come out the other side, ready to build a future together.

The picnic ended, but neither of them wanted to leave. The stars seemed to shine brighter, a sign of the good things to come. He knew there would be challenges, but he was ready to face them as long as Rayla was by his side.

She leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Thank you for tonight, Xander. It means more than you know."

He kissed the top of her head, his heart full of love. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, Rayla. I promise."

As they sat together in the clearing, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment, Xander knew that their journey was just beginning. They had a lot of work to do, but he was ready to face it all with Rayla by his side.

As they packed up the picnic, Xander couldn’t help but feel grateful for this second chance. They walked back to the car hand in hand, the night filled with promise. Xander opened the car door for Rayla, and she slid in, her eyes shining with hope.

Driving back, Xander glanced at Rayla, her face peaceful and content. He was determined to make things work, to build a future with her and Abel.

I’ll never let you go again.

Chapter 14 - Rayla

Rayla sat on the edge of her bed in her room at the mansion, her legs crossed beneath her as she absently flipped through the pages of a magazine. The soft glow of the morning sun cast a warm, comforting light across the room, illuminating the elegant furnishings and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.

Dressed in jean shorts and a crop top, Rayla exuded a casual elegance, her tousled orange hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders as she leaned back against the plush pillows propped up against the headboard. Despite her outward appearance of calm, her heart raced with anxiety as she waited for Ralph's next message.

As her phone buzzed in her hand, Rayla's stomach clenched with apprehension. She knew that ignoring the message was not an option, Ralph was relentless, and he wouldn't hesitate to carry out his threats if she didn't comply with his demands. With a deep breath, she steeled herself and unlocked her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she navigated to the new message.

"Time is ticking, Rayla. Tick, tock. Don't forget our date."

She clenched her jaw, frustration boiling inside her. How could he be so callous, so heartless? Didn't he realize the torment he was putting her through?

"I'm begging you, Ralph. Please, just a little more time," she pleaded, her fingers flying over the touchscreen.

---