Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 161

Eileen

The third morning at the dispensary dawned cold and still. I woke with a vague sense of unease, the kind that settled low in my belly and refused to be shaken off. Through the bond, I could feel Regis stirring awake miles away–a distant warmth that steadied my breath even as worry gnawed at the edges of my thoughts.

By the time I’d dressed and made my way to the main hall, Dr. Hawthorne’s assistant was already waiting. “Miss Wylde,” she said briskly, “the doctor would like to see you in his office.”

My heart gave an anxious lurch. Had I done something wrong? Made a mistake in yesterday’s work that I hadn’t noticed? I smoothed down the front of my tunic, straightened my shoulders, and followed her through the narrow corridors to the administrative wing.

When I knocked and entered, Dr. Hawthorne looked up from behind his desk with his usual professional calm. But it was the man standing beside him who drew my attention–a middle–aged figure in the pressed uniform of a border council observer, his posture relaxed and his face arranged in an expression of benign warmth.

“Ah, Miss Wylde, Dr. Hawthorne said, gesturing me forward. “This is Mr. Silas Crowe, the observer sent by the council. Mr. Crowe, this is Eileen Wylde.”

So this was the man assigned to oversee me.

His smile deepened as he extended a hand. His grip was firm but not crushing, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that might have been kind. “Miss Wylde, he said, his voice smooth and pleasant. “I’ve heard a great deal about you. Your work saving those warriors at the academy–quite impressive for someone so young.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the praise. “Thank you, sir. I only did what needed to be done.”

He gave me a soft chuckle, his hand resting briefly on my shoulder in what seemed like an encouraging gesture. “The border needs healers like you.” His gaze flicked briefly–so briefly I almost missed it–to my midsection before returning to my face. “I do hope the conditions here aren’t proving too difficult. Pregnancy can be taxing even under the best circumstances.”

My throat tightened. He knew. Of course he knew–the council had access to all our records. But the casual way he’d mentioned it, the faint edge beneath his warm tone, sent a shiver down my spine.

“I’m managing well, thank you,‘ I said carefully.

“Wonderful to hear.” Silas’s smile never wavered. “I won’t interfere with your work, Miss Wylde. In fact, I encourage you to continue exactly as you have been. If any issues arise–professional or personal–please don’t hesitate to seek me out.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He inclined his head and moved toward the door, pausing just at the threshold to glance back. “One more thing,” he said lightly. “The border can be unpredictable. Accidents happen. Do take care of yourself.”

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

I stood there for a moment, unsure why my pulse was racing. Dr. Hawthorne returned to his paperwork as though nothing unusual had occurred, and after a moment’s hesitation, I excused myself and stepped back into the corridor.