Alpha’s Second Chance Mate (Sidonie & Carlyle)

Chapter 20
CARLYLE'S POV
Entering the restaurant kitchen, an immediate sense of tension hung thick in the
air. Pots and pans clattered to the floor as Raina hurled questions at Donnie,
their faces contorted with anger. The kitchen looked nothing than a chaotic
battleground.
Dishes lay shattered, remnants of the escalating confrontation. The acrid scent of
spilled sauces mixed with the metallic tang of panic filled the air. Every
employees were frozen in their respective spots as glanced nervously at one
another, uncertain of how to act since it was thier princess in front of them.
A particular man dressed in a chef outfit stood with a furrowed brow, silently
assessing the escalating chaos, their eyes wide with a blend of fear and
confusion.
As I stepped into the maclstrom, the intensity of their argument escalated.
Raina’s gestures were sharp and accusatory, while Donnie’s responses were
defensive, each word a verbal parry in their emotional duel.
“What's going on here?” I directed my gaze to Raina.
“Whatever you see fit. She replied, rolling her eyes at me.
“Is this how to act like a princess that you are? Is this?”
“And who are you to question me? Meet me at my brother's when you're done.”
She said and left with her minions.
I took a momentarily look at Sidonnie, who gazed at me hardly. Her eyes, once
warm and welcoming, turned icy, and she fixed me with a death glare that could
freeze time.
My stomach churned with realization, a knot tightening as I fought my wolf inside
me too. I sensed the gravity of my unintentional offense, a cold sweat forming on
my brow. The room seemed to hush, amplifying the tension between us.
She clenched her fists, a subtle yet powerful sign of her displeasure. The air
around us thickened, and I felt an invisible barrier of resentment. Every step I
took was met with her unyielding stare, a silent accusation that cut deeper than
any words could.
Attempting to salvage the situation, I stammered out an apology, but the damage
had been done. Her body language spoke volumes, a ballet of restrained anger
and wounded pride. I would have have had the chance to speak to her but that
time. wouldn't be the best of times to do so.
I tried mind-linking hef since she was someone from my park but it wasn't going
through. It seemed she had something blocking the connection between us.

With one last look, I took my leave without another word.

“Alpha Carlyle, my sister here just told me you said you won't be able to marry

her. I feel like I heard wrongly. I need an explanation from you.” Alpha Rex
uttered immediately I stepped in.
“She’s right. She didn't lie, Alpha Rex. I said that.”
“And what do you mean by that? What do you take us for?”
“You should hear from the horse’s mouth before asking such questions, Alpha
Rex. I've reconsidered the alliance and my intended union with Raina.” I no
longer cared about honorifics and he followed suit.
“Carlyle, this is unexpected. Our packs have worked towards this alliance for the
benefit of our people. Why the sudden change? Is this some kind of joke to you?”
“After meeting your sister, I've realized our connection is lacking. I can't bind
myself to a union with someone like her.”
“Elaborate your point, Rex. What do you mean by you can't get married someone
like her? Isn't she beautiful enough to be the Luna of your pack? Or are you
trying to say she doesn't have what it takes?"
“You've known me before now, I'll go straight to the point. Yes, you are. She
doesn't have all it takes to be the Luna of my pack. She's so mannerless and
lacks human approach. She might be a beauty but she doesn’t have the right
attitude of a Luna.”
“This is a grave insult, Carlyle. Our packs’ future hangs on this alliance. Your
change of heart jeopardizes everything we've worked for.”
“I understand the implications, Rex, but I won't compromise the happiness of two
individuals for nothing. Especially my happiness. And I won't do something that
will jeopardize my tenure as an Alpha. If I'm going to get married to your sister,
that's going to be a very big mistake to every member of my pack. She won't
treat them right.”
“Happiness? This is about duty and responsibility! You dishonor our agreement
and disrespect my sister.”
“Rex, I didn’t anticipate this reaction either, but I won't be coerced into a silly
union. We must find a resolution that doesn’t lead to conflict. If you have a better
option for an alliance in mind, you can let me know but marrying your sister is out
of it. I uttered. with complete defiance.
“The only resolution I see is for you to honor the alliance. My sister's happiness is
secondary to the greater good of our packs.”

“Rex, I won't make stupid sacrifices for the greater good if it means leading our
packs into a union built on resentment.”
“Your selfishness puts our packs at risk. There will be consequences for this,
CarlylesWe are now at odds.” Rex uttered, really angry.

I regret the strain this places on our packs, Rex, but I won't compromise on this matter, Better still, you find someone else from your pack if that'll solve the problem.” I suggested,
leaving Rex at a loss for words. 

All the while, Raina stayed silent as I battled words with Rex. Her expression exuding sadness but I didn’t care one bit. It's all pretence.

For a while, the room went silent as Rex stared at his sister. From the expression on their faces, they were communicating.

Suddenly, Raina burst out.

Why will you blame me just because he said he wouldn't marry me because of my attitude? Don't you think he's could be lying? Don't you think he has an another reason. for rejecting the marriage after signing? She yelled at Rex. 

Raina! Keep shut at this moment. As a royal that you are, you should know that Alphas don't go back on their words once they've taken a stance. Tell me what happened this instant!"

“I have nothing to say. But if you really want to know, perhaps you should go ask
the lady he was staring at all day long at the restaurant!” Raina blurted
carelessly.