Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 162

‘He seemed… fine,” I said, though even as I spoke, doubt crept into my voice. “Polite. Professional. He said if I needed anything, I could ask him for help.

Mira raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Nothing creepy?”

“No,” I said, though the memory of his too–smooth smile made my skin prickle. “He was just doing his job, I think. Checking in on me.”

She leaned back, munching thoughtfully on her bread. “Well, at least he’s not some hardass who’s going to make your life miserable. Regis was probably just

being overprotective.”

I wanted to believe that. But as I sat there, staring at Nina’s closed door, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Regis was worried for a reason, I thought. I just don’t know what it is yet.

Looking back now, I realize how naïve I was. How easily I let his warmth disarm me, how quickly I dismissed the warning signs. If I had trusted my instincts and

helped Nina out, maybe things would have turned out differently.

Maybe we wouldn’t have suffered what came next.

But I didn’t. And by the time I understood the truth, it was already too late.

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Mated to Her Alpha Instructor

Chapter 163

Regis

I should have been at the medical station to see Eileen two days ago.

The plan had been simple: arrive at the training camp, settle the students into their rotations, then ride to Hawthorne’s medical station under the pretense of checking on wounded warriors. Clean, efficient, above suspicion. But on the second night, the perimeter alarms had shrieked through the darkness–rogue wolves, three of them, testing our defenses. By the time we’d driven them off and secured the breach, dawn was breaking and Commander Garrick was demanding a complete overhaul of our patrol schedules.

“Can’t have holes in the line, Vane, he’d said grimly. “Not with students under our watch.”

So I’d stayed. Reinforced the weak points, reassigned sentries, drilled the response teams until they could react in their sleep. Professional. Necessary. The kind of leadership expected from me.

I hadn’t told Eileen about the incident. Telling her about rogue wolves prowling near the border would only add worry she didn’t need, not when she was already navigating Silas Crowe’s surveillance and trying to prove herself to Hawthorne’s staff.

But now–finally–the camp was secure, the rotations were running smoothly, and I was free.

Valdor had been pacing restlessly in my mind for days. She needs us. Why do we keep waiting?

“We’re going now,” I told him, swinging into the saddle as the afternoon sun slanted through the pines. “No more delays.”

The medical outpost was a low building that smelled of herbs and lye soap when I pushed through the entrance. Dr. Hawthorne glanced up from a treatment table, his weathered face creasing into a look of mild surprise.

“We had a reprieve. I glanced briefly at Hawthorne, then back at her, letting my expression soften just slightly. I came to see the injured soldiers. And you.”

Pink bloomed across her cheeks. Around us, a few of the off–duty healers exchanged knowing glances, but no one looked particularly surprised. Most of the staff seemed used to the fact that she was my mate.

Alpha Vane, what a pleasant surprise.”

The smooth voice made me tense. Silas had emerged from Hawthorne’s office, his expression genial and his movements unhurried. Everything about him looked harmless–pleasant smile, relaxed posture, eyes that crinkled at the corners like he was genuinely pleased to see me.

Valdor’s hackles rose anyway. Something’s wrong with him.

I know

“Mr. Crowe, I said neutrally. “I trust Miss Wylde’s work has been satisfactory.”

“More than satisfactory.” Silas inclined his head toward Eileen with what looked like genuine approval. “Dr. Hawthorne speaks very highly of her skills.”

“Good.” I kept my tone clipped, professional. “I’d like to assess the condition of the warriors now, if that’s convenient.”

“Of course, of course. Silas gestured toward the recovery wing with an open–handed flourish. “Dr. Hawthorne can show you the way. I’m sure Miss Wylde will want to accompany you–she’s been their primary caretaker.”