Hated by her Alpha mate

A stranger

It's been over a month since Rachel moved to Ramirez's house. One morning, Rachel was about to leave for work when Avery stopped her.

"We are throwing a party next week!" shrieked Avery jumping.

"Party for?"

"It's Alfred's birthday! Didn't you know? Nevermind. So as I was saying, we should start prepping for the party. Can you help me?"

"Definitely. Just let me know what I need to do."

"Yeah. Your dad will be the event organizer."

"Nice." Rachel hid her displeasure.

"It's his 25th birthday, so we will be rolling out a lot of invitations. To other packs as well."

"That's amazing."

"Do you know what is our main task?"

"What?"

"Shopping!" Avery winked. She was very thrilled. Rachel went along with her enthusiasm.

A week flew by in a blink of an eye. Rachel tried her best to manage her work along with all the preparations for the party. They spent a whole weekend shopping for it, and this time Rachel decided to spent her own money to buy a dress of her choice.

The day of Alfred's 25th birthday arrived. Mrs. Heather was literally hopping from one place to another making sure everything is ready for the guests.

Rachel peeked through her window and saw many posh cars driving in.

The guests have started arriving. I am not good with this type of crowd. I wish I could just skip it.

Rachel started getting ready for the party. She wanted to delay it as much as possible. But Mrs. Heather came and persuaded her to go downstairs as most of the guests have already arrived.

Rachel stood at the railing near the stairs and looked down at the swarm of people who came to attend. She had always felt uncomfortable in front of the rich and high-class crowd. She saw the food being served and her stomach gave out a growl.

Just focus on the food for now.

She started walking down the stairs. Few eyes turned towards her.

Rachel wore a rose gold georgette gown with an off-shoulder neckline. It flared towards the bottom. She accessorized it with a thin white stone necklace and a white stone bracelet. She styled her hair towards her left side and tightened it with a floral hair brooch. As always, a few strands of hair covered her temples. She looked simple but elegant enough to turn heads.

Alfred was greeting some elders of the pack when he saw Rachel near the exit of the stairs. His heart skipped a beat. He got distracted for a moment. He recovered immediately and continued his conversation with the guests.

Rachel moved towards the food stall. On the way, she grabbed a glass of champagne. Before she could reach the stall, a man interrupted her.

"Excuse me, Miss. Do we know each other?"

Rachel was startled. A tall, grey-haired man stood in front of her. He was very handsome looking. He wore a navy blue tuxedo and his intense blue eyes peered at her with curiousness. It reminded her of the first time she met Alfred.

"I don't think so."

"Are you sure? By the way, I am Jason Peters."

I have heard this name before.

"Rachel Carter." They shook hands.

"Sorry to startle you like this but when I saw you near the stairs, you looked like someone I knew. I cannot recollect though."

"I am pretty sure we haven't met before." Rachel confirmed with a smile.

"Are you related to the Ramirez?"

That's a simple question, but how do I tell him the answer is complicated.

"Not directly. I work for them."

"Got it. Let me not interrupt you anymore. See you around."

And he walked away. She turned around and suspected if that was all an act and if his actual intention was to simply hit on her.

Alfred saw the interaction between Jason and Rachel and wondered how they knew each other. His thought was interrupted when John, Lily, and Samuel Carter came to wish him.

"Best wishes for your birthday, Mr. Alfred. Hope you like the party and the arrangements."

"I really appreciate your efforts. Thank you, Mr. Carter."

"Anything for the Ramirez family. It's also our daughter's family now, isn't it?"

"Absolutely", said Alfred with a hint of sarcasm.

"Our daughter is very lucky. Who would have thought that she would find a mate far beyond her reach." Lily said with an extremely sweet smile. Alfred didn't find it necessary to reply to her comment.

"He is lucky too", said Samuel winking at him. Alfred felt irritated.

"Yes my brother is!" said Avery who barged into the conversation. "Sorry Carters, but our father is looking for Alfred. I can keep you company instead."

Thank you for saving me. Alfred mind linked Avery.

You owe me, chuckled Avery.

"Samuel is it? You are very fond of your sisters, aren't you?"

"Of course, especially Rachel." She noticed the change in his tone. It intrigued her.

"This place is getting crowded. John and Lily, you should get seated. I can show Samuel around."

"That sounds great. Mom, dad, call me if you need me."

"Sure", said John looking at Lily with uneasiness.

Avery and Samuel ended up at the bar. Samuel had already taken three vodka shots.

"Would you like a whiskey shot?" offered Samuel.

"Please go ahead but count me out. I don't have the luxury to get drunk tonight." Avery whined. Samuel immediately took another two shots.

"It's great to see how much you care for your sister, even though she is adopted."

"Of course! I love her. Your brother must be very satisfied." he said in a drunken tone.

"Yes, he is. But I think they have problems. Every couple has."

"They have problems?" he asked excitedly.

"I think so. Was she very outgoing when she was young?

"Not really. She wasn't allowed to hang out much. Wait... are they having problems because Alfred is insecure?"

"And what made you think that?"

"Come on, you know! She is pretty, sexy, nice to everyone. Most of the men want to sleep with her."

"Maybe. Has she slept with a lot of men?"

"Rachel? No way! I would never let her. She is a virgin unless something happened between those two." he sounded angry and jealous.

"Don't worry about that. I can vouch that nothing has happened between those two."

"Really? I knew it, she is too innocent", he said relieved.

Haha... This family is full of idiots! I must commend Rachel for tolerating a guy like him.

"Do you miss your sister?"

"Maybe."

"You can intern at her workplace. Then you will see her every day."

"Dude, is that even possible? And how did you know I was looking for an internship?"

"We are family. That much we know. Don't worry, I can arrange for it."

"I will be the happiest man!"

"Haha... I can understand. Now if you excuse me, I suddenly remembered that I need to take care of something."

"No problem! You are amazing Avery. Thanks man!" his words were slurpy.

Avery left him with a big grin on her face.