Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 158

“Commander Garrick. 1 gestured to the chair across from me. ‘Sit.”

He did, his posture rigid, his hands resting on his knees. “I want you to coordinate logistics for the training exercises.”

“Among other things. I kept my tone measured, professional. “For the next three months, the training camp and medical outpost will need to work in close

coordination. I’ll need your full support to make that happen.”

“You’ll have it, Alpha Vane. His voice was steady, but there was something guarded in his expression. I know the border. I know what works.”

I nodded, studying him carefully. “Good. I need your men to ensure supply routes to the outpost remain secure–Dr. Hawthorne’s medical supplies are critical, and any disruption could cost lives. I also want regular patrols around the outpost itself. The healers there need to focus on their work, not worry

about security.”

“Understood. I’ll assign rotating patrols. He paused, then added with a slight edge to his voice, “Though Hawthorne runs a tight ship over there. He’s got his own rules, his own way of doing things. I try not to interfere.”

There was something in the way he said it–a note of caution, perhaps even warning.

I leaned back slightly, keeping my expression neutral. “Speaking of the outpost… I understand Silas Crowe has been stationed at the border for some time.

You’ve worked with him?”

Garrick’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. The silence stretched for a heartbeat too long before he answered. “Five years,” he said carefully. *Silas has

been here two years.”

“And?” I prompted, watching him closely.

“He’s competent, Garrick said slowly, choosing each word with evident care. “But…” He trailed off, his scarred face unreadable.

“But what?”

He exhaled through his nose, a sound caught between frustration and resignation. “I’m just a garrison commander, Alpha Vane. I don’t make judgments

about Council appointees. But I’ve learned to be… cautious around certain people.”

*Meaning?”

“Meaning Silas Crowe is not a simple man. Garrick’s voice dropped lower. ‘I’ve heard he was assigned to monitor your mate. All I’ll say is–he’s not someone

I’d turn my back on.”

The words landed like a stone in my gut, but I kept my expression calm. “If he’s problematic, why hasn’t he been removed?”

Garrick’s mouth twisted into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “I don’t have that kind of authority. And even if I did…” He shook his head. Men like Silas Crowe don’t get removed easily. They have protections. Connections,”

Cornelius. Of course.

My hands curled into fists beneath the desk, but I forced my voice to remain level. I see. Thank you for your candor.”

Garrick’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw something almost like sympathy there. If you’re asking my advice, Alpha Vane–watch him carefully. But

1/2

:08 pm PMM.

Chapter 158

don’t give him a reason to report back to whoever sent him. Men like that… they’re always looking for leverage.”

I nodded slowly, my mind already working through the implications. If I went to the outpost now, if I openly monitored Silas, it would confirm Cornelius’s

narrative–that I was interfering with the evaluation, that I couldn’t be trusted to let Eileen prove herself fairly.

But if I did nothing…

No. I couldn’t do nothing. But I had to be strategic.

“Thank you, Commander, I said finally. “Your insight is valuable.”

Garrick rose, inclining his head. “I’ll make sure the patrols are in place by morning. If you need anything else-

Actually, I said, an idea crystallizing in my mind, “there is one more thing. In a few days, I’ll need to visit the medical outpost–to check on any students

who’ve been injured during training. It’s standard procedure.”

It wasn’t, really. But it was plausible enough.

Garrick’s scarred face split into something that might have been approval. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll make sure my men know to expect you.”

After he left, I sat alone in the dim light, turning the problem over in my mind. I couldn’t go to Eileen now–not without raising suspicion. But in a few days, under the guise of checking on injured students, I could observe Silas without making it obvious I was watching.

In the meantime, I would need to gather more information–quietly, through other channels.

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