Page 51 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Xander stood at the edge of the sacred clearing, his eyes fixed on Abel. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery light over the assembly of the Moon Shadow Pack. Tonight was the night Abel would undergo his ceremonial shift, and Xander's heart swelled with pride and anticipation. He could see the mix of nerves and determination on Abel's face, mirroring his own feelings from years ago.

You can do this, Abel.

Xander's gaze never wavered from his son. "You're ready."

As the Elders began their ancient chants, Xander stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Abel's shoulder. "Remember what we've practiced," he said softly. "Focus on the moon, feel its energy. Let it guide you."

Abel nodded, his young face set with resolve. He closed his eyes, taking deep, steadying breaths. The air around them seemed to hum with energy, the anticipation of the pack glaring. Xander took a step back, giving his son space to concentrate.

The first signs of the shift were subtle. Abel's body trembled, muscles tensing as he drew on the lunar power. Xander watched intently, his own memories of the painful but exhilarating transformation flooding back. Abel's breaths grew heavier, his hands clenched into fists as he fought to control the process.

With a sharp gasp, Abel's body began to contort. His bones shifted, lengthening and rearranging beneath his skin. Xander could see the strain on his face, the mix of pain and determination. He wanted to reach out, to comfort his son, but he knew this was a journey Abel had to take alone.

"You're doing great," Xander murmured, his voice carrying a note of pride.

The change accelerated, Abel's form twisting and morphing with alarming speed. His clothes tore as his muscles expanded, fur sprouting from his skin. The pack watched in awe, their collective breath held in anticipation. Xander felt a swell of emotion as he witnessed his son shift.

Finally, with a powerful shudder, Abel completed the transformation. Where a boy had stood moments before, a juvenile wolf now crouched, panting heavily. His pelt was a striking grey, darker around the muzzle and paws. Abel's eyes, still the same shade of brown, looked up at Xander with a mix of triumph and exhaustion.

"Abel, you did it," Xander said, his voice thick with pride. He stepped forward, placing a hand on the wolf's head, feeling the soft fur beneath his fingers. "You're a full wolf now."

A chorus of cheers erupted from the pack, their voices raised in celebration. The Elders nodded approvingly, their skepticism giving way to admiration. Abel stood tall, his grey fur shimmering in the moonlight as he took in the adulation of his pack.

The cheers suddenly quietened as Xander stretched out his hand over the crowd. The night air was charged with anticipation as the pack awaited Abel's demonstration of his shadow abilities. Xander's gaze fixed on his son, who stood ready, his grey pelt fading away as he transformed back into a teenager wearing the ceremonial robes.

"Abel," Xander called out, his voice steady and clear, "show them what you can do."

Abel nodded, his wolf eyes locking onto his father's. He took a deep breath, focusing his energy. Xander could see the determination etched on his son's face, his heart swelling with pride.

You’ve got this, Son.

"First, Shadow Jumping," Xander instructed, stepping back to give Abel space.

Abel closed his eyes, concentrating on the shadows cast by his family. With a sudden burst of energy, he leaped into Xander's shadow, disappearing into the darkness. The pack gasped, eyes wide in amazement. Moments later, Abel emerged from the shadow of his mother, Rayla, who stood on the opposite side of the clearing.

The pack erupted in applause, impressed by the display. Xander couldn't help but smile, his pride evident in his expression.

That's my boy.

"Next, hiding in shadows," Xander continued, his voice carrying authority and encouragement.

Abel nodded again, this time stepping into a large shadow cast by an ancient oak tree. His form melded seamlessly with the darkness, becoming almost invisible. The onlookers strained their eyes, trying to spot him, but Abel had vanished entirely.

After a few moments, Abel stepped back into the moonlight, his presence greeted by another round of applause. Xander's respect for his son's abilities growing.

He's mastering this faster than I did.

"Now, shadow teleportation," Xander instructed, his voice calm and steady.

Abel focused on a point across the clearing, his eyes narrowing in concentration. With a swift movement, he vanished from sight, reappearing instantly at the desired location. The Elders exchanged impressed glances.

"Excellent," Xander said, his voice filled with pride. "Now, show them how you can look through shadows."

Abel approached a young member of the pack, Irina, and handed her a small object—a ceremonial totem. She held it and ran into the forest. Abel closed his eyes as he tapped into the shadows around the item.

In his mind's eye, he could see where she was and where she hid it. On her return, Abel made his journey into the forest and retrieved the totem in mere moments. The pack was struck with awe, the Elders nodding in approval.

"Next, materialize shadows," Xander directed, his voice strong.

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