Chapter 11 - Xander
Xander pushed open the heavy door of the Full Moon Bar, the familiar scents of aged wood and freshly brewed ale wafting over him. He looked down at Abel, his son, who clung tightly to his leg, eyes wide with apprehension.
This is it, buddy. Don’t be scared.
The chatter inside paused as his friends turned to look at him. Xander took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their stares.
Here goes nothing.
"Hey guys," Xander said as he led Abel to their spot, trying to sound casual. "I want to introduce you to my son, Abel."
Yes, my heir.
The room went silent for a moment before erupting into surprised murmurs. Xander's friends, the alphas of the other packs, stared at Abel with a mix of shock and curiosity. Abel pressed closer to Xander, half-hiding behind his father.
Xander placed a reassuring hand on Abel's shoulder. "These are my best friends, buddy."
Rowan was the first to step forward. "Hey, little guy!" His voice was warm and welcoming. "Nice to meet you."
"Hello, Abel," Asher added, his usually stern face softening. "Welcome. Have a drink with us." The barman had appeared with a glass of coke which he placed on the side of the table closest to Xander and Abel.
Abel peeked out from behind Xander. "Hi. It's nice to meet you."
The group collectively melted at Abel's shy greeting. "Oh, he's adorable," Callahan said with a grin.
"Wow, to think you are the one who has the oldest kid," Blake said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Who would have guessed? Definitely not me."
“I would have lost that bet as well,” Articus joined in.
Right? As would I.
They all chuckled, the tension easing. Abel looked up at the alphas, eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you all have kids?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Rowan nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yeah,. We all have very interesting families, and we all love our wives, you know? All of us except Articus. He is still yet to find his mate. My poor forlorn best friend."
Articus rolled his eyes. "Watch him talk like it was so easy for them when they are well aware of the struggles it takes in finding one."
“Finding a mate is hard?” Abel asked shyly.
“Hard is not the word I would use, young Abel. Tricky is the right word,” Rowan laughed. "I married a witch actually, Juniper, a very powerful one, I might add. Like Articus said, it is not so easy. I had to turn her away at first, but now, we're happy."
Asher chimed in, "Oh, you know, my mate turned out to be a witch as well. She ended up saving our lands and my pack."
Blake took his turn, smiling at Abel. "I actually married your dad's sister, Eleanor. She'll be excited to meet you and discover she is now an aunt. Your Dad will get an earful for not telling her sooner, though."
Shit. How did I forget?
Callahan followed, "I married the most inventive and beautiful woman ever, Josie. She's from Fanner's pack, actually. She saved us by helping with a potion when we fought in a war."
Fanner added with a rare smile, "I am married to Isla. As per the rocky pattern, we were enemies in school, but now, she's my everything."
Rowan laughed, wrapping it up. "Yeah, so we're all married, and your dad and Articus are the only ones who are single."
The group laughed, and Xander felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with pride. He glanced down at Abel, who seemed more relaxed now.
Xander settled Abel into a chair, the group of alphas buzzing to talk to his heir. Abel looked around, his eyes wide with curiosity and awe.
"You guys are all alphas?" Abel asked, his voice full of wonder.
Rowan chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, yeah, we all run different packs." He leaned forward, eager to explain. "I'm Rowan Zev, Alpha of the Moonwood pack. We don't have any special abilities like your Dad’s Shadow Jumping, but we're strong and work with timber. Our forest is very important to us. We hunt, build with wood, do construction work, and sell timber."
Abel's eyes widened with interest. "Wow, that sounds cool! Do you build a lot of stuff?"
Rowan nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, we do. We take great pride in our craftsmanship."
"And Rowan here is also a tech mogul. Don’t let his timber talk fool you," Xander added, proud of his friend's accomplishments.
Abel looked impressed. "A tech mogul and a builder? That's awesome!"
Blake grinned, his auburn hair catching the light. "I'm Blake Bennett, Alpha of the Yellow Cicada Pack. Long ago, my pack made the pact to unify all the packs, which made us all friends. So, basically, I'm the leader when we all join up."
Abel tilted his head. "So, you're like the boss of the bosses?"
Blake laughed. "You could say that. But we're all equals here."
Hehe. Diplomat.
Callahan, with his golden retriever personality, gave Abel a warm smile. "I'm Callahan Finn, Alpha of the Summer Rain Pack. My pack is a friendly bunch, and our wolves are very accepting. You can always find a friend in my pack."
Abel smiled back. "I like that. Your pack sounds really nice."
Callahan nodded. "They are. We're all about making everyone feel welcome."
Fannar, with his icy demeanor, introduced himself next. "I'm Fannar Agdluak, Alpha of the Frost Peaks Pack. My pack lives in the cold mountains. Our wolves are large and we often follow our brains before our hearts. They also call me the Yeti because my wolf can blend in with the snow."
Abel’s eyes lit up at that bit of information. "A wolf that blends in with the snow? That's so cool! Do you ever get cold?"
Fannar smiled slightly. "We're used to the cold. It's just another part of life for us."
Asher, mysterious as ever, leaned in slightly. "I'm Asher Grey, Alpha of the Ghostbound pack. We live in the cursed lands, built on the corpses of witches who were killed. It's a scary place for most people, but we protect the witches' graves. My pack is made up of Shamans."
Articus, with his white hair and blue eyes, smiled softly. "And I'm Articus White, Alpha of the White Moon pack. My wolf is albino, like me. We make sure the ghosts of the dead rest in peace."
Abel stared in amazement. "An albino wolf? That's amazing! Does it make you different from the other wolves?"
Articus nodded. "In some ways, yes. But it also makes me who I am."
Abel's eyes were wide as he took in all the information. "Cool. You guys are so cool."
He's taking this all so well.
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."
Abel followed suit, mimicking Fanner's posture as best as he could. Fanner guided him through a few simple breathing exercises, teaching him how to focus his thoughts and find inner peace.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group gathered around Xander, their expressions filled with concern.
"So, Xander," Rowan began, his tone gentle yet probing. "How are things going with Rayla?"
Xander sighed, feeling the weight of their collective gaze on him. "It's complicated. She's kept Abel away from all of this," he said as he motioned to the bustling bar around them. "Because of what happened between us."
Blake placed a comforting hand on Xander's shoulder. "You've got to talk to her, Mate. Tell her you want to make things right, that you want to be a family again."
Xander nodded, knowing deep down that they were right. "Yeah, I know. I just… I don't know how to approach her after everything that's happened."
Asher offered a reassuring smile. "Just be honest, Xander. Lay it all out on the table. Tell her how you feel, and let her know that you're willing to do whatever it takes to make it work."
Callahan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and make sure she knows that Abel wants this too. That he wants his mom and dad to be together."
Their words resonated with Xander, stirring something inside him that he had long suppressed.
My son. Wow, I have a son.
Just then, Fanner and Abel returned, and Xander stood up, beckoning his son to him. "I think it's time for us to head home. My young son has had his fill of your old man stories for one day."
Everyone said their goodbyes, patting Abel on the back and promising to see him again soon. As they left the bar, Xander felt a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in years.
Abel looked up at his father. "Dad, can we come back and visit them again?"
Xander smiled, nodding. "Of course, Abel. Anytime you want."
Abel grinned as they Shadow Jumped into the forest close to the mansion, feeling a warmth in his heart. "I can't wait."
The night air was cool as Xander and Abel walked home hand in hand, their steps silent in the forest as the crickets and other noises of the forest drowned out their footfalls.
Abel clutched Xander’s hand tightly. "Dad, today was really fun."
Xander smiled, his heart full. "I'm glad you had a good time, Buddy."
Abel snuggled closer. "You have really cool friends, Dad."
Xander chuckled softly. "Yeah, I do. And now you know them too."
“Dad, I don’t know why Mom kept me away from all this,” Abel said suddenly, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of hurt. “I had such a fun time today meeting everyone.”
It’s not her fault.
Xander glanced down at his son, noticing the furrow in Abel’s brow. He sighed, knowing this moment would come eventually. “Abel, don’t be mad at your mom. It’s not her fault.”
Abel looked up, confusion deepening. “Then whose fault is it?”
Xander took a deep breath, preparing himself for the painful memories. “It’s mine. I was the one who rejected your mom when we were younger.”
Abel’s eyes widened. “Why, Dad?”
Because I was a coward.
But he didn’t say that. Instead, he began to recount the story. He paused, the memories flooding back. “It was the hardest decision I ever made.”
Rayla arrived at their meeting spot that day, her face aglow with happiness as she approached Xander.
His heart swelled at the sight of her, but beneath his joy, a heavy weight rested on his shoulders. She noticed the seriousness in his eyes, and her smile faltered.
"Xander, what’s wrong?" Concern laced her voice as she studied his expression.
Struggling to find the right words, Xander took a moment before responding. "Rayla, I was going to call you. I need to talk to you."
Her worry deepened, but she nodded. "Okay, talk to me."
Taking a deep breath, Xander steeled himself for what he had to say. "I’m sorry, but I can’t be with you."
Her eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"
Avoiding her gaze, Xander's voice was heavy with emotion. "Because you’re human. Our children wouldn’t be able to use Moon Shadow abilities. They would struggle, unable to fulfill their potential."
Rayla's face crumpled, her eyes filled with pain. "You’re talking about our children like they would be some kind of burden."
His heart ached at her response, but Xander remained resolute. She deserved the truth, no matter how difficult.
Reaching out, Rayla touched his arm gently. "Xander, please. We can find a way to make it work. I love you."
Closing his eyes, Xander felt the weight of her words. "I love you too, Rayla. But I can't do this to you. I can't condemn our children to a life of struggle."
Rayla's resolve wavered as she absorbed his words. Tears welled in her eyes, but she remained determined. "We can overcome this together, Xander. We don't have to give up."
“No, Rayla. This is something I don’t think we can overcome,” Xander answered.
Taking off the bracelet he had given her when they started dating, Rayla placed it in his hand before turning to leave. Xander watched her go, his heart shattering with each step she took.
Since then, Xander had been unable to forget her, haunted by the memory of their love and the pain of their parting.
“I never told her that the Elders were the ones who pushed me to break up with her. I never told her how hard I fought for our relationship.” Xander shook off the memories and looked at Abel.
“I wanted to suffer alone. That’s why, Abel. It was all my fault,” he added.
Abel listened quietly, absorbing his father’s words. “But why didn’t you fight harder, Dad?”
Xander sighed. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was protecting her from a life of disappointment and pain.”
Abel nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. “I get it, Dad. But I still don’t think Mom should have kept me away from you.”
Xander’s heart ached at Abel’s words. “She was just trying to protect you, Abel. She thought it was for the best.”
Abel looked up at his father, his expression serious. “I’m not mad at her anymore, Dad. I understand now. I forgive her for keeping me away.”
Xander felt a surge of pride for his son’s maturity. “Thank you, Abel. That means a lot.”
They continued walking in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Xander felt a sense of relief, having finally shared the truth with his son.
“Dad?” Abel’s voice broke the silence.
“Yes, Abel?”
“Do you still love Mom?”
Xander’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, I do. I’ve never stopped loving her.”
Abel smiled softly. “Maybe one day, we can all be together again.”
Xander’s eyes softened as he looked at his son. “Maybe, Abel. Maybe.”