Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 190

Chapter 189

“Someone with significant backing orchestrated this. I finished his thought, political dimensions clicking into place. “And Silas was just one piece of a larger apparatus.”

“Cornelius. Kieran said the name with quiet certainty. “The timing is too perfect. Undermine border security, create instability, position his faction as the solution. And now you’ve publicly challenged him by exposing Silas-

A knock interrupted us. “Sir, Commander Garrick is here as requested.”

I exchanged a glance with Kieran before responding. “Send him in.”

Garrick entered with the rigid posture of a man expecting censure. Grief had carved deep lines around his eyes–a commander who’d lost not just a subordinate but a friend, and blamed himself for it.

At ease, Commander.” I gestured to a chair, letting authority soften into something more human. “I know about James Hartley.”

The name hit him visibly, careful control cracking to reveal raw pain underneath. “Sir?”

I know you lost your second four months ago. I know there was tension between you before his death.” I paused, watching him process. And I know you’ve been carrying that weight, believing his concerns about being overextended were valid.”

Garrick’s throat worked. ‘He was right. I should have listened-

“He was manipulated.” Kieran placed the file in front of him. “And so were you. Hartley’s recommendation of Silas, the public disagreement, the ‘accidental death that seemed to prove his point–all orchestrated.

I watched Garrick’s expression transform from grief to shocked comprehension as he scanned the evidence. “Someone… targeted him?”

“Targeted both of you.” I met his eyes, letting him see the certainty in mine. “They needed a commander with your authority and integrity. Someone they could break with guilt and manipulate into creating security gaps.

‘I investigated Silas, Garrick said hoarsely. “I suspected, but could never find proof of evil.

*Because you weren’t looking for this. Kieran turned the tunnel schematic toward him.

Garrick’s face went white. “Moon’s mercy. That’s directly under-

Areas you delegated after Hartley’s death, yes.” I kept my voice neutral. ‘But you maintained his rotation system. That decision probably saved us.”

The bitter irony–loyalty to a dead friend had inadvertently thwarted the conspiracy that killed him. Your integrity may have saved lives, Commander. Don’t let them turn it into a weakness.”

Garrick’s hands clenched, his wolf rising as grief crystallized into rage. “What do you need from me?

“Full accounting of every supply transfer for the past six months. Every person who touched those materials, every transport route, every requisition. I leaned forward. “This wasn’t your failure, Garrick. You were targeted because you’re good enough to be worth destroying.”

Kieran’s eyes narrowed. “You think they were trying to weaponize witch abilities?”

“The stolen supplies, the underground construction, a captive witch for years…” I met his gaze. “What if that’s the real goal? Not just destabilizing the

border, but creating something using magic we thought extinct?”

“Moon’s mercy.” Kieran’s hand flattened on the table. If Cornelius has found a way to harness that kind of power-

“Every pack in the region is at risk.” I straightened, decision crystallizing. “Double the guard at the medical station. Keep eyes on Nina, but subtle–she’s

been through enough. And Kieran, if Silas surfaces anywhere near there, you capture it.”

He nodded once, understanding. “Where will you be?”

Riding back to confront Cornelius.” I rolled the maps with sharp movements. “He’s going to answer for this. And I need to warn Eileen exactly what we’re dealing with.