Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

Eileen

Morning sunlight slipped through the gaps in the cabin’s curtains, casting warm patterns across the wooden floor. I woke in Regis’s embrace, his arm

wrapped around my waist, palm resting gently on the slight swell of my belly. I could feel his steady breath against my neck, bringing with it a sense of

calm security.

I turned carefully, not wanting to wake him. But his eyes opened almost immediately, those ice–blue irises soft with tenderness in the morning light.

“Good morning, Eil,‘ he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.

“Good morning.” I reached up to touch his cheek, feeling the slight scrape of stubble. I liked the realness of it.

Regis shifted to lean over me, careful to avoid my abdomen, then bent to kiss me. The kiss was gentle and lingering, carrying that particular languor of early morning. My fingers threaded through his hair, taking in its softness and the scent of cedar and mint that clung to his skin.

“I have to return to the training camp today,” he said against my lips, reluctance heavy in his tone. “I thought we could stay here together every other night

-that way it won’t interfere with work.”

I nodded, though the idea of two full days without seeing him brought a pang of loss. Still, I understood it was necessary. “All right. Be careful.”

He looked at me deeply, something complex moving behind his eyes. “You too.”

“I will,” I promised.

Regis prepared a simple but nourishing breakfast for us.

“You need to eat well, he reminded me, using his thumb to wipe away a bit of honey at the corner of my mouth. “Don’t skip meals because of work.”

I won’t. I caught his hand and pressed it to my cheek. “You either.”

On the ride to the medical station, I leaned against Regis’s chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of the horse beneath us. Morning mist still clung to the birch forest, making everything look hazy and beautiful. I closed my eyes and sensed his emotions through the bond-

reluctance, worry, and a deep, abiding love.

“Regis, I said softly.

‘Mm?‘

“Thank you.” I paused, searching for the right words. “Thank you for helping me understand… that home isn’t a place. It’s the feeling of being with you.”

His arm tightened slightly around me, and he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. You are my home, Eileen. No matter where we are

The words made my eyes sting with emotion. Yes. That was it exactly. Even here in this harsh borderland, even facing unknown dangers and challenges, as long as Regis was beside me, I felt happy and safe. This place had his scent, his protection, the small world we’d built together this was honte.

When we reached the medical station, Regis helped me dismount, his hands lingering at my waist for a few extra seconds. He leaned down to place a restrained kiss on my forehead, though his gaze suggested he wanted to do for more.

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4:09 pm

Chapter 167

“Tomorrow night,” he said quietly.

“Tomorrow night. I echoed, forcing myself not to throw my arms around him.

I watched him ride away, his tall figure gradually disappearing down the forest path. That familiar hollowness opened in my chest, but alongside it came a

warm certainty—he would return, we would be together again. This wasn’t separation. Just a temporary goodbye.

The following week passed as if on fast–forward. I adjusted to the rhythm of work at the border medical station, assisting Dr. Hawthorne daily with treating

wounded soldiers, preparing medicines, and recording case notes. The warriors‘ injuries varied–some were scrapes and sprains from training, others serious

wounds from patrol skirmishes. I learned to maximize our limited resources and how to stay calm in emergencies.

What relieved me was that Nina seemed more settled than before. She remained cold and distant, her words always sparse, but at least she no longer locked

herself in her room.

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