Xo Novel
Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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CARLYLE’S POV
My fist balled up as I listened to Raina’s taunts and tactics. Her words rang in my ears as she threatened me with hurting Donnie. She thinks she can hurt my mate and go scot free? Hell no! But at that moment, there was nothing I could do but listen while plotting a countermove I’d unleash soon.
Rex’s eyes suddenly went ablaze with anger as he confronted me at Raina’s revelation.
“You dare reject our agreement and spurn the alliance proposal because of another lady?” He barked, his fists tightening..
For anyone els
“I won’t be forced into a bond I don’t desire. Your dictate my choices, I shot back with resolution.
Meanwhile, Raina stood behind me, smirking at me.
“You may resist, but you’ll be wise to reconsider. Marrying me is the only way to avoid dire consequences.”
“Donnie’s safety hinges on your decision. Choose wisely, Carlyle, or face the wrath,” Rex added, supporting his sister.
“I won’t be blackmailed into a loveless union. Threats won’t change my mind.” I remained undeterred, standing firm on my decision.
The tension thickened as the battle of wills intensified, setting the stage for a clash of dominance and desires.
“The last time I checked, your sister wanted to marry me on her own will and not because of the alliance. I heard she was even the one who suggested getting married to me. So why the insistence?” I queried with a measured tone that Rex could understand.
“I should be the one to ask you a question. Why did you suddenly change your mind? I mean, this is not your style, Carlyle.”
“There’s no need to go back on that. I answered your question earlier. The problem lies. with your sister, Rex. I can’t afford to have someone like her as reality. And I know you. wouldn’t either. You know your sister more than I do.”
“That’s enough, Alpha Carlyle. I won’t have you say bad things about my sister.”
“It’s alright, brother. Are you sure you really not going to go ahead with the marriage.
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like you agreed on? Are you sure can you take what’s coming?” Raina’s sudden
interruption in the conversation after staying silent for a while got my brows furrowed. W does she
mean
Raina’s eyes sparkled with confidence as she queried my decision as a sly smile played on her l*ps.
My heart pounded in my chest as the door swung open, revealing the sight of two imposing figures dragging Donnie into the room. Donnie’s face contorted in a mixture of pain and fear as she was dragged into the room. Her eyes, wide with distress, searched around for explanations of if some sort. Strands of her disheveled hair clung to her damp forehead, showing the struggle she endured all the way down.
The pain that was etched across her features spoke volumes with her b*dy protesting against the rough treatment she was getting. A wince here, a fleeting grimace there cach movement of hers seemed to intensify her suffering.
In that moment, every fiber of my being screamed to intervene, to shield her from the rough handling, but I clenched my jaw instead, maintaining a stoic facade.
My fingers twitched involuntarily, aching to reach out to her, but I restrained myself as a mix of anger and helplessness coursed through me. The urge to break free from my composure warred with the need to protect Donnie by not escalating the situation.
My eyes traced every harsh movement inflicted upon her with my concern hidden beneath a mask of control. Each yank and jostle she was given felt like a punch to my gut. Deep down, I and Laryl yearned to be her shield, but the chessboard of power demanded I bid my time.
“Carlyle, darling, don’t you see the writing on the wall? Refusing me means risking Donnie’s well– being. Are you truly willing to take that chance?” Raina asked tauntingly.
Her expression oozed assurance as she was convinced that the power play was tipping in her favor. The glint in her eyes hinted at the belief that she held all the cards, and that my resistance would soon crumble as I wouldn’t have a choice.
“Would you like your little baby to get hurt in your presence?” She knew her words had an effect on me, but I didn’t show it. I acted against her wish.
“Is this the lady you denied my sister for?” Rex questioned, but I didn’t care to give an answer. They didn’t deserve my answer.
“That should be none of your business, I’ll take my leave now. When you deem it fit to have this discussion again, you let me know. Or when you deem it right to train your
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sister the right thing she should act, then we can repeat this discussion,” I said, not caring about Donnie. It took every ounce of strength in me not to falter.
Turning my back at them all, I reluctantly left them to themselves.
Raina’s frustration boiled over as I exited the room, leaving her with the unsettling aftermath. She turned to her brother, Alpha Rex, and with a venomous tone, yelled at him to salvage the situation. Her voice echoed with a mix of anger and desperation, a stark contrast to the confidence she had exuded moments before.
The weight of her thwarted plans pressed heavily on Raina’s shoulders, and the realization that things didn’t unfold as she envisioned fueled her internal turmoil. A torrent of emotions painted her expression – anger at the failed manipulation, regret for the missteps, and an unsettling sense of vulnerability.
In that charged moment, Raina, usually in control, found herself grappling with the discomfort of uncertainty. The walls of her calculated demeanor cracked, revealing a glimpse of the inner turmoil she rarely allowed others to witness. The thwarted ambitions and the unraveling of her carefully woven schemes left her feeling both exposed and infuriated.
Outside where I stood thinking of my next action, I couldn’t help but smirk.
18:43 Fri, 1 Mar