Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Soon, love, I promised silently. Soon you’ll understand.

“Miss Wylde’s research has already saved twenty-three lives,” Ward continued, “with more warriors showing improvement daily. This breakthrough represents not only exceptional academic skill but the kind of practical innovation our people desperately need.” She paused, letting that sink in. “For this reason, awarding her the silver badge of advanced healer honors—the youngest recipient in academy history.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Mira grabbed Eileen’s hand, squeezing hard. My mate had gone very still, eyes wide with shock.

“However,” Ward said, a slight smile touching her usually stern features, “given the significance of this achievement—particularly its impact on our warriors—I felt the presentation should reflect that importance. So I’ve asked a special guest to join us today.”

That was my cue.

I stepped through the doorway and into the hall, my presence immediately commanding attention. Students twisted in their seats. Faculty straightened. And Eileen—

Her head snapped around at the sound of my footsteps, those expressive eyes going impossibly wider. I watched surprise bloom into something softer, warmer, saw her lips part slightly as I walked down the center aisle toward the dais.

Through our bond, her emotions crashed over me: shock, confusion, then a burst of pure joy quickly followed by self-consciousness as she remembered where we were. Who was watching.

I kept my expression professionally neutral, even as Valdor purred at her reaction. Even as everything in me wanted to close the distance between us and kiss her in front of everyone.

Later.

“As an Alpha, he can speak directly to the significance of Miss Wylde’s work,” Ward announced as I climbed the steps to join her.

I accepted the silver badge from her, its moon-moss pattern gleaming in the afternoon light, then turned to face the assembly. My gaze swept over the crowd before settling—briefly, carefully—on Eileen.

Through the bond, I added what I couldn’t say aloud: You’re magnificent. And I knew you could do this.

The hall erupted in applause. Warriors stood, offering the fist-to-heart salute. Even students who’d dismissed her before were clapping, forced to acknowledge what she’d achieved.

I barely registered any of it.

All I could see was Eileen, wearing her hard-won honors, looking at me like I’d given her the world instead of simply acknowledging what she’d earned herself.

Her lips curved in the smallest smile—one meant only for me—before she turned to face the applauding crowd.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations, clusters of students and faculty surrounding Eileen. I kept my distance, maintaining professional boundaries even as I tracked her every movement through our bond.

When she finally extracted herself from the crowd, I was waiting near the corridor that led to my office.