Chapter 13 - Xander
Xander pulled his sleek, black Aston Martin out of the garage to the front of the mansion as he waited for Rayla to finish her preparations. The car was a recent acquisition, a symbol of his success as a billionaire werewolf. He stepped out, smoothing his dark jacket, and walked up to the door. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
It’s just a date, but with Rayla, it’s more than that.
Rayla opened the door, her smile lighting up the evening. "Hi, Xander."
"Hi, Rayla. Ready to go?" He offered his arm, and she took it with a grin.
They drove through the town, the engine's purr filling the comfortable silence. Xander glanced at her occasionally, her familiar presence soothing his nerves. He couldn’t help but notice how time had added grace to her beauty.
Her orange hair glowed in the dim interior light of the car, and her light brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. He couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her.
She’s just as beautiful as ever.
"Where are we going?" Rayla asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You'll see," Xander replied with a wink, keeping the surprise alive.
They arrived at the bowling alley, a charming place with neon lights and a retro vibe. Rayla laughed in delight. "Bowling? I haven't done this in years!"
Xander chuckled. "I thought it would be fun. Something different." He got out of the car and walked around to open her door, offering his hand to help her out.
She took his hand, her touch sending a familiar warmth through him. "Alright, let's see if you've still got those bowling skills, Mr. Alpha."
Inside, they rented shoes and picked out bowling balls. Xander watched as Rayla examined the balls, her fingers testing the grip. She looked up, catching him staring, and smiled.
She's still the same, yet different in all the right ways.
The bowling alley was alive with the sounds of pins crashing and laughter. Xander rented a lane and Rayla stepped up to the lane first, her form perfect as she sent the ball rolling down the lane.
The ball rolled down the lane, knocking over all but one pin. "Not bad," she said, turning to him with a triumphant smile.
Xander clapped. "Impressive. Let's see if I can beat that."
He took his turn, focusing on the pins. The ball curved perfectly, striking all ten pins with ease. "Looks like I still got it."
Rayla laughed, a sound that warmed his heart. "That must be some luck… or your powers."
They played several rounds, teasing and cheering each other. Xander loved seeing her competitive side, the way her eyes sparkled with determination.
Rayla leaned against the counter, sipping a soda. "Do you remember the first time we went bowling?"
Xander nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I was terrible at it. You laughed so hard."
She grinned. "You got better. Practice makes perfect."
He looked into her eyes, feeling a familiar pull. "Rayla, I’m glad we’re doing this."
"Me too, Xander. It’s been too long."
Xander couldn’t help but marvel at how natural it felt to be with her again. He watched her celebrate a strike, her joy infectious.
She's always been amazing.
They continued their game, the competitive spirit between them growing. Rayla managed to knock down several strikes, but Xander always seemed to be one step ahead. Despite the competition, they were both laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Rayla threw her hands up in mock frustration. "Okay, you win this time. But I'm getting better."
Xander smiled, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in years. "You did great. Maybe next time, you'll beat me."
After they finished their game, Xander helped Rayla out of her bowling shoes, his hands brushing her feet. The touch sent a jolt through the both of them, memories flooding back.
Xander and Rayla left the bowling alley, their laughter still lingering in the air. Xander opened the door of the Aston Martin for her, and she slid into the passenger seat with a smile. He got in and started the engine, the soft purr of the car matching the mood of the evening.
This night isn’t over yet.
As they drove through the quiet streets, Rayla looked over at him. "Where are we going now? What’s next?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
Xander smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's a surprise."
She raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Another one? You're spoiling me."
"You deserve it," he said softly, glancing at her. "Just trust me."
As they drove, the memories of their past filled Xander's mind. He stole glances at Rayla, who was looking out the window, her face calm and serene.
I’ve missed this. I’ve missed her.
Xander drove through the town, heading toward the forest. The familiar path brought back memories, both sweet and bittersweet.
"Are we going to…?" Rayla started, recognition dawning in her eyes.
"Yes," Xander said softly. "To the spot where we first met."
They reached the end of the pathway, and Xander parked the car. He got out and walked around to open Rayla's door, offering her his hand. She took it, and they began to walk down the path together, the moonlight guiding their way.
The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a magical glow. Xander felt the weight of the years spent apart, the regret and longing. But tonight, he wanted to focus on the present.
This is our chance.
The forest was alive with the sounds of the night—crickets chirping, leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Xander held Rayla's hand firmly, feeling the warmth and softness of her touch.
Just like old times.
Rayla walked beside him, her grip firm and reassuring. "I can’t believe you remembered."
"How could I forget?" Xander replied. "This place changed everything for me."
She followed him, curiosity evident in her eyes. They walked hand in hand through the forest, the sounds of the night surrounding them. The path was familiar, and soon, they arrived at the spot where they first met.
Xander had created a small shrine here. He led Rayla to a clearing with carefully placed rocks and a small bench. "This is where I come to think about you," he said softly. "Whenever I go for a run, I stop here and remember."
Rayla looked around, her eyes filling with emotion. "You made this for me?"
Xander nodded. "Yes. This place is special to me. You’re special to me."
Rayla’s eyes glistened with tears. "It’s beautiful, Xander."
He pulled out a blanket and a picnic basket from a nearby tree. "I thought we could have a picnic."
She smiled through her tears. "You always were the romantic type."
They sat on the blanket which he spread out on the bench, the night wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Xander watched her, the years of separation melting away.
Rayla's eyes lit up as she saw the spread. "You remembered all my favorites."
"Of course," he said, handing her a plate. "I wanted tonight to be special."
They ate and talked, the conversation flowing easily. Rayla noticed how worn the ground was, evidence that Xander had been here often. "You’ve been here a lot," she said softly.
"Yes," he replied. "I think about you all the time, Rayla."
Rayla looked around the clearing, noticing the well-worn path that led to the shrine. "You've been here a lot, haven't you?"
Xander nodded. "Whenever I needed to clear my head or feel close to you, I came here. This place has been my sanctuary."
She reached out and touched his hand, her eyes filled with emotion. "I had no idea you felt that way."
"It was the only way I could cope," he admitted. "Losing you was the hardest thing I've ever been through."
Her eyes filled with tears, and she reached out to touch his hand. "I’ve missed you, Xander."
"I’ve missed you too," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
As they ate and talked, Xander felt a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years. Rayla’s laughter filled the clearing, mingling with the sounds of the forest. He shared stories of his life, his pack, and the challenges he faced.
They continued to talk, sharing stories about their lives during the years they were apart. It was emotional, and Xander found himself opening up more than he had in a long time.
Rayla listened intently, her hand resting on his. "You’ve been through so much."
"So have you," Xander replied, his voice soft. "I’m sorry for everything, Rayla."
She shook her head. "Let’s not dwell on the past. We’re here now, and that’s what matters."
"But there's something I have to tell you before I can fully move on from the past," Xander said.
"Okay, talk to me." Rayla leaned back on the bench.
"I broke up with you because I was afraid," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was afraid of what the Elders said, that our children would be shiftless. They didn't think they would be able to inherit my abilities."
“I tried to fight for us, but I was forced to choose between you and the pack, which was no choice at all," he continued.
Rayla's tears flowed freely now. "You never told me about that terrible choice. You let me think it was because you didn’t want a future with me."
Xander took a deep breath, struggling to keep his own emotions in check. "I loved you, Rayla. I still do. But I thought I was doing the right thing."
"It hurt so much," she said, her voice breaking. "I thought I wasn’t good enough."
"You were always more than enough," he said, his heart aching for the pain he had caused her. "I’m so sorry, Rayla. I thought I was protecting you, but I was wrong."
"But you weren't," Rayla said, her voice breaking. "You hurt me more by keeping the truth from me."
"I know," Xander said, his voice filled with remorse. "And I've regretted it every day since."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared pain hanging in the air. Rayla wiped her tears away, her voice steadier. "Tell me about those years, Xander. What was it like for you?"
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.