Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 156

We didn’t speak. There was too much to say, and no time to say it.

Instead, I met his gaze and placed one hand over my heart. He understood. His expression didn’t soften, but his eyes did–just for a breath–and he lifted his own hand, gesturing toward my abdomen in a silent reminder: Keep them safe. Keep yourself safe.

I nodded, pressing my fingers briefly to my belly before placing them back over my heart.

I will. I promise.

The carriage began to turn, wheels groaning as we took the left fork. Regis held his position for a moment longer, and then he was gone–his silhouette receding into the trees as the road carried us in opposite directions.

I sank back against the seat, chest tight, and closed my eyes.

Through the bond, I still felt him. Distant now, but there–steady and unshakable, like a star I could navigate by even when I couldn’t see it.

“You okay?” Mira asked softly.

I opened my eyes and nodded. “Yeah,” I said, and meant it. “I’m okay.”

The road ahead stretched long and unfamiliar, the border looming somewhere beyond the horizon. But I wasn’t the girl who’d trembled in silence anymore. I wasn’t the girl who apologized for taking up space.

I was Eileen Wylde–mate to an Alpha, mother to a child not yet born, and healer in my own right.

And I was ready.

The carriage finally jolted to a halt before a sturdy wooden building. I pressed one hand to my belly–the child had been restless during the final stretch- and took a slow breath.

Through the window, I glimpsed neat rows of herb beds and canvas tents arranged beyond them. The medical outpost was smaller than I’d imagined, but its simplicity felt reassuring. No grand halls–just functional structures built to save lives.

“Not bad, Mira murmured beside me. Better than rotting shacks.”

A tall, weathered man approached as I stepped down. Im Dr. Dennis Hawthorne,‘ he said warmly. “Welcome to the border medical outpost.

Dr. Hawthorne gestured toward the compound. “The main building handles office work, surgery, and storage. Eastern tents are for minor injuries. Western cabins isolate serious cases. His tone was brisk but warm. ‘We’ll get you settled first, though. Cora?”

Through the bond, Regis’s presence flickered–distant but steady, still riding toward his encampment. I pulled out the communicator, running my thumb over the repaired crack. Mira had quietly gotten it fixed after the Blackwell incident, never asking for repayment.

I typed quickly: “We arrived safely. The outpost is clean and organized, and Dr. Hawthorne seems kind. The baby and I are both fine. Don’t worry.”

I hesitated, then added: “I miss you.”

The reply came almost instantly: “I’m glad you’re safe. Rest when you can, and don’t push yourself. Let me know immediately if anything feels wrong.”

Then: “I miss you too.”

I pressed the communicator to my chest, warmth spreading through me. Through the bond, I felt him–distant but constant, like a star to navigate by.

Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting everything in golden light. Tomorrow the real work would begin.