Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 15

“Vam,” she said, the pen clearly trying to remember the exact words. “He said he checked the student records and found out you haven’t manifested your wolf. Something about academy policy requiring emergency communication devices for wolfless students.” Her brow furrowed. “He wants you to come to his office to get the equipment and learn how to use it.”

The world tilted sideways.

My office. This afternoon. Him.

“That’s the weird part,” Mira continued, oblivious to my rising panic. “I asked why he didn’t just tell you himself. And he said…” She shook her head, looking genuinely impressed. “He said he wanted me to tell you because going through a friend would make you more comfortable.”

She put a hand on my shoulder, her expression softening. “Honestly, Eil, I know you’re nervous about the new instructor being an Alpha and all, but that was actually really thoughtful. Most instructors wouldn’t bother thinking about that kind of thing.”

I could barely breathe. He wanted to see me. Alone. In his office. And he’d created this perfectly reasonable, professional excuse to make it happen without raising suspicions or making me look singled out.

It was considerate. Careful. Exactly the kind of thing someone would do if they were trying to protect my reputation while also desperately needing to talk to me about something they couldn’t discuss in public.

Like, for instance, the mate mark currently hidden beneath my scarf.

“Eil?” You’re doing that thing where you go really pale and stop breathing.” Mira peered at my face worriedly. “It’s just picking up a communication device. You’ll be fine. And honestly, it’s probably a good idea—what if there’s an emergency and you can’t reach anyone because you don’t have mind-link?”

“Right,” I managed weakly. “Good idea. Very… practical.”

Mira beamed. “See? I told you the new instructor seems reasonable. Maybe this mandatory combat class thing won’t be so bad after all.” She started walking again, chattering about how impressive Instructor Vane’s demonstration had been, how his wolf must be massive based on the way he moved.

I followed numbly, and the mark was warm again, pulsing in a rhythm that felt almost like… anticipation?

No. No, this is bad. This is very bad.

I dropped onto the bed to rest for a bit before going to Instructor Vane’s office, the appointment looming like an execution date.

I lay back on my bed and curled up on my side, facing the wall. From next door, I heard Mira getting into her bed.

I’d remember that night—claim I’d been too drunk, that it was all a blur. But that felt dishonest, and besides, the mate bond probably made things complicated. Could he sense my emotions through it? Feel my fear, my confusion?

I could apologize for approaching him in the woods, for touching him when he was vulnerable. But that seemed wrong too—I’d saved his life. I shouldn’t have to apologize for that.

Maybe he wanted to ask me to break the bond, if that was even possible. But the thought made something in my chest twist painfully, and I didn’t want to examine why.

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe, counting down the minutes until I would have to stop hiding and face whatever came next.