Albus was sitting in his study. He was busy going through some reports when Alfred stormed in. He looked annoyed and furious.
"I expect you to consult me before making any decisions for me, Father!"
"What is it? Is it about the Carter girl?"
"Why did you bring her to our home?"
"She is the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess for you and our pack's destined Luna. Where else does she belong if not here?"
"I told you, I don't want a mate! If a Luna is your concern, then I can choose any woman, someone even more capable than her."
"She might be below your expectations, but you know how it is, son. Any woman will not make you as strong as your chosen mate."
"You don't understand. In my case, it will just make me weak!"
"Alfred! Don't let your emotions and your past cloud your judgment. An alpha who rejects his fated mate becomes weak and may come under scrutiny by other packs. I hardly have a couple of years left, and you have to prepare yourself to take the responsibilities. You have already lost a year in rehabilitation. A Luna is an asset and a partner without which alpha cannot last long."
"You lasted for a long time without mother."
Albus's face turned pale in an instant. Alfred regretted his words immediately.
"Son.. your mother was the strongest woman I have ever known in my life. She passed away after becoming my Luna and serving the pack for 10 years."
"I am sorry."
"Just think about the future of the pack and make your decisions, that's all I say."
Alfred left the room with his mind in turmoil.
Avery was on the phone when she saw Alfred leaving the alpha's study.
"Bye darling, I'll talk to you tomorrow." And she disconnected.
As soon as Alfred entered his room and was about to shut the door, Avery appeared.
"What is it, Alf? You look disturbed."
"Nothing, just tired."
"Yeah, and I will just ignore that I saw through your lie." Alfred was silent. He turned back, went in, and sat on the couch.
"Is it about Rachel?" Alfred just sighed. She followed him inside and fastened the door of the room.
"You don't need to accept her. Forget what dad says, you follow your heart." Avery said and sat next to him on the couch.
She started slowly massaging his shoulders. His scent felt very soothing and delightful to Avery.
"Are you thinking about Abigail again?"
"I don't know."
"It is in the past, Alf. I know how precious she was to you."
Alfred's eyes lowered, anybody could see the loss in them.
"You have me and father. You are never alone." You only need me. She hugged him from the side and placed his head on her chest.
I need to control my heartbeat, else Alfred will know.
"Did you hear me?"
"Yeah, I...am fine." he turned his head away.
"Uhh! You stink". She started unbuttoning his shirt. She felt a tiny wave of excitement when her fingers touched his skin. She slid the tips of her fingers slowly down his chest. A sudden knock on the door. Avery literally jumped up from the couch.
She opened the door and saw Rachel. It took her all her strength not to show the frustration on her face.
This b***h again.
"Hey there Rachel, you need something?"
"I wanted to talk to Alfred... just for a minute."
"Sure, he's all yours." Avery left the two alone and marched to her room disappointed.
"May I come in?"
Rachel waited for a response from Alfred. When she got none, she knocked on the door again and entered the room. Alfred finally got up from the couch and walked towards the door.
She saw his unbuttoned shirt and his bare chest. Her heart started pounding and Grace was literally doing ballet in her head. His skin was smooth, he hardly had any chest hair. He had broader shoulders and a thinner waist. His body was well-built with strong chest muscles and abs. Rachel's mind started playing tricks on her. Down there, she felt the tickling.
"What do you want?" asked Alfred, annoyed, which brought her back to reality.
"I.. I just wanted to apologize. I am sorry that I slept in your room without asking you first. I didn't know that.."
"That's all?"
"No. Also.. I wanted to ask... do you dislike me?", her voice cracked a little.
Alfred looked at her. For the first time, he was actually paying attention to her face. Her brown wavy hair was tied in a ponytail and two strands of hair covered her face from both sides. Her cheeks looked a bit hollow and ruddy over her pale skin. She had a strong chin and neckline. Her lips were neither plump nor tiny.
Alfred's wolf Ray was suddenly awake and jolly.
(Ray) Isn't she cute? Come on give her a hug now.
Shut it, or I won't let you out again.
(Ray) Haha.. You are the last person who scares me.
"That's right!" exclaimed Alfred. Rachel's face lost its glow immediately.
"May I know... why?"
"Simple, I don't need you. But I can very well see how much you desire me." He said with a smirk. Rachel blushed and averted her eyes. All of a sudden, he pinned her to the door by her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" He was too close. Rachel could feel his breath and heat. He didn't answer. He just stared at her. He was making her nervous and excited at the same time. His face came closer.
In the next instant, his lips were on hers. He was pressing her very hard against the door and his hands dug into her shoulders. Rachel opened her mouth to yell, but using that opportunity, his tongue found its way inside her mouth. It was everywhere inside her mouth. He sucked her lips very hard and bit her. He was kissing so roughly that she could hardly breathe, and her lips were hurting. She placed her palms on his chest and tried to push him away. But he was too strong for her.
After half a minute of action, his mouth backed from hers. She felt breathless and turned her head sideways to avoid another attempt. This was miles away from what she had imagined her first kiss with him to be. She didn't feel excitement or pleasure but felt violated and hurt. She didn't feel any passion or love in that kiss, but just anger and resentment. Her eyes started tearing up.
He held her jaw and turned her face towards him. Their eyes met again. His heart sinked.
(Ray) Is this how you will make her fall in love with you? Ray was furious with what Alfred just did to their mate.
This is my idea of making her hate us.
He pushed Rachel out of the door. "You stay away from me, understand? Don't keep pestering me. Mind your own business as long as you live in this house."
And he shut the door in her face.