Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126

Eileen

Regis opened the door before I reached it, his eyes scanning me with that instinctive protectiveness. “Eileen. How was your day?”

“Fine,” I said automatically, climbing in. “Just… tired.

It wasn’t entirely a lie. The emotional weight of the afternoon sat heavy on my shoulders. But as the carriage started moving and I settled against his side, I

felt his concern deepen through the bond.

“Just tired?” His hand found mine, thumb tracing gentle circles. “You seem… troubled.”

I leaned my head on his shoulder, buying myself time. His scent wrapped around me–cedar and mint and home. Three months without this. Could I really

do it?

“Long day, I murmured. “I’ll tell you about it at home.”

He didn’t push, just held my hand and let me rest against him. But I could feel his worry, his questions held back out of respect for my space.

The carriage ride passed too quickly and too slowly at once. When we finally stopped in front of our house, Regis helped me down with careful hands.

“Go rest on the couch,” he said gently. I’ll make dinner. You can tell me everything when you’re ready.”

I nodded, grateful for the reprieve even as guilt gnawed at me. I couldn’t seem to form the words.

Inside, I curled on the couch, watching him move around the kitchen with practiced ease. He’d rolled up his sleeves, and there was something achingly

domestic about the scene.

Tell him. Just tell him.

But each time I opened my mouth, the words stuck. My hand found my stomach again, that constant anchor.

“Almost ready, Regis called, not turning around. Giving me space even as he checked on me.

I watched him work, this man who’d chosen me against all logic, who’d fought for me, who wore my scent proudly despite the whispers. He’d given me

everything. And now I was about to ask for three months apart.

Through the bond, his concern deepened. A moment later, he set down the spoon and came to sit beside me.

“Eileen. His hand cupped my face gently. ‘What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” I said, then corrected myself. “Something happened today. Something good, and also bad. I don’t know how you’ll

“Tell me,” he said simply.

I took a deep breath, his cedar scent steadying me.

*Professor Ward offered me an apprenticeship. At the Eastern Border Treatment Center, with Dr. Hawthorne. The words came out in a rush now Three months. If I pass the evaluation, I can graduate early. It’s an incredible opportunity, Regis. The kind of position students wait years for.

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Chapter 126

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He went very still. Through the bond, I felt a complicated tangle of emotions–pride, concern, something that might have been fear.

‘The border,‘ he said quietly.

“Yes. I know it’s dangerous, and I’m pregnant, and it’s three months, and-” My voice cracked. “If you don’t want me to go, I’ll understand. I’ll turn it down. But I need you to know that this matters to me. That I want this.”

His thumb brushed across my cheek, catching a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen.

‘When did Ward approach you?” he asked, his voice oddly gentle.

“This afternoon. Why?‘

A small smile touched his mouth. She works fast. I only spoke with Aldric Thorne this morning.”

My brain stuttered to a halt. “What?”

The Healing Department chair. He’s an old friend of my father’s.” Regis shifted, taking both my hands in his. “I told him about you–about how you saved me that night in the forest, about the parasite research, about Marcus and the other soldiers. He was impressed. Said it was a shame you were buried in the

academy when you had such talent.”

“You… I couldn’t form words. “You arranged this?”

*I suggested you deserved better opportunities,‘ he corrected. “Thorne contacted Ward, who contacted Hawthorne. The rest was you, Eileen. Your work, your

research, your results.”

I pulled my hands free, needing space to process. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wanted you to hear it from Ward. To know it came from your own merit, not because of me.” His expression was carefully neutral, but through the bond I felt his uncertainty. “If you’d known I was involved, you would have doubted yourself.”

He was right. I would have, But still-

I know you meant well. My throat tightened. “But when people find out you helped me get this opportunity, they’ll say I only have it because I’m your

mate.”

“Then they’d be wrong. His certainty anchored me. I opened a door, Eileen. Whether you walked through it was always your choice. And what you accomplished after–your research, your results–that silenced every doubt.”

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R Visitor

Next chapter is a duplicate of this one. Don’t buy if if you are buying chapter by chapter.

7 days ago

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