Hated by her Alpha mate

The dance

Rachel's head was already spinning thinking about the dance. Dancing was the last item on her list of skills. Moreover, she had to dance with Alfred in front of everyone. The lights changed and slow music started playing. Everyone had cleared the dance floor expecting them to make an entry. Alfred came forward and put out his left hand as an offering. He left out a sigh indicating that he had no choice either but to comply with the expectations.

Rachel took his hand and he escorted her to the middle of the dance floor. Rachel tried to blur out all the watching eyes and just focus on Alfred.

"I can't dance." She whispered to Alfred.

"Just follow my lead." He whispered back with another sigh.

He placed his right hand on her waist. Because of the cut in her dress, his hands touched her bare skin. A shot of current ran through her body instantly. Alfred signaled her to place her left hand on his shoulder. She did without thinking twice. They started slowly swaying and moving backward and forward step by step. She tried to focus on his leg movements and to follow them. Unfortunately, her mind was getting distracted because of his hand on her waist.

"Ouch!" Rachel stepped on Alfred's left foot.

"Sorry! I am so sorry."

Other couples had joined the dance floor and it was getting crowded. Rachel felt more and more embarrassed as seconds passed.

"How long do we have to do this?"

"A few more minutes, for courtesy", replied Alfred.

Because of the difference in their heights, her face was at his chest level. Rachel was slightly pushed by another couple that was dancing behind her. Her face bumped into his chest. Alfred protectively wrapped his hand around her waist. She looked up at him startled.

He was expressionless. But his mind was in turmoil because of the closeness that he was sharing with her. Her eyes looked like the most beautiful moon he had ever seen. Her lips were calling out to him, asking him to devour them.

Why is my mind playing tricks on me now? Ray, just keep your f*****g horniness to yourself.

(Ray) Not just me. The only thing you even want right now is to mate with her.

"Is it hurting?" Asked Rachel, observing his change in expression.

"Huh? What? Oh... no, no." He shut out Ray and tried to discard the unwanted thoughts. Rachel noticed him looking at her lips. She blushed and immediately looked away. The music did a great job of setting the mood. They got closer. She liked the smell of his cologne. She felt the heat radiating from him, somehow it made her feel happy and safe. Unknowingly, she rested her head on his chest. Alfred too tightened his hold. It had been ages since he felt this comfort and warmth. He didn't want to let go of their embrace.

"Brother! Long time no see!" came a voice unknown to Rachel. She cursed whoever that was for interrupting their rare moment.

A bulky man with blonde hair approached them. Alfred's expression changed and he released his embrace. Rachel couldn't make out the expression on his face, which was a mixture of guilt, embarrassment, and anger.

"Lucas."

"How have you been, brother? We haven't met since the anniversary last year."

"I am good. Thank you. How have you been? How are mom and dad?"

Who is this blonde guy? Wondered Rachel, giving him an annoyed look.

"Eh... Managing. Don't you want to introduce me to your beautiful mate?" eying Rachel with a wicked smile.

"Rachel, this is Lucas Fern, Head of operations in France."

"Hi, Rachel Carter."

"I know. I know", laughed Lucas mockingly. He turned towards Alfred.

"I am happy to see you with your new mate. I never thought this day would come again."

New mate? What does he mean by "new mate"? She glanced at Alfred with a doubtful expression.

"I prefer not to talk about it right now", Alfred told him with a forbidding look.

"Alright! Let's catch up once before I take off to France."

"Sure." Alfred and Lucas shook hands and the latter left. Rachel turned to Alfred at the next second.

"What did he mean by new mate?"

"Nothing of your concern."

"Did you have a mate before me?" She asked him with confusion in her eyes.

"I told you it's none of your business", stressing every word he spoke. He was upset now. He couldn't believe he got lost at the moment with Rachel and forgot about his past, his resolution. He was engulfed with anger again.

"I need to use the restroom, excuse me", and he excused himself from the dance floor.

What the hell was that? Rachel too stormed off the dance floor in the direction of the bar.

Rachel saw Avery and Ryan with a few others hanging out at the bar. She decided to join the group. However, before she could reach them, she was halted by Samuel, who popped in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" She was already annoyed and didn't want to further spoil her mood by talking to Samuel.

"Did you forget, sis, that I am an employee of yours?" Rachel just rolled her eyes and tried to walk past him. But he shifted in front of her again.

"What do you want? I have nothing to talk to you about."

"That hurts. We miss you. Ask Elliot. She misses you the most", said Samuel, trying to make a puppy face.

"Of course." Scoffed Rachel, rolling her eyes again.

"Just kidding! I am here to ask for a dance". He offered his hand in a stance. Rachel just closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She folded her hands and gave an unamused expression.

"No, thanks." Samuel was infuriated by her response.

"Then why are you dressed like a slut? Whose pants are you trying to get into?"

"Watch your mouth. It's not your home where your parents can babysit you." Rachel warned him. He got hold of Rachel's arm and pulled her closer.

"I will say what I want!" Rachel tried to shake off his grip on her arms.

"Samuel! For god's sake, please don't make a scene!"

"Rachel?" came Ryan's voice from the bar. Ryan had noticed their unusual interaction and wondered what was happening. Samuel released her immediately. "The night isn't over yet," he whispered into her ears and walked away.

"Rachel!" exclaimed Avery in her usual enthusiastic tone. "What was that?" asked Ryan, indicating her unfriendly interaction with her brother. Avery looked at them clueless.

"Nothing." Rachel wasn't in the mood to explain anything.

"Two bourbon on the rocks, please" ordered Rachel to the bartender. Avery whistled at this.

"At least someone is planning to get drunk today." she teased, looking at Ryan. She introduced everyone in the group to Rachel. Rachel simply smiled and shook hands. Slowly, the group got scattered and it was just Ryan and Avery.

"I wanted to ask you guys something," Rachel said with a hint of hesitation.

"Go on", replied Avery.

"Umm... Did Alfred have mates before me?"

Avery and Ryan's eyes went wide open. They looked at each other and gulped.