Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195

Regis

The horse’s hooves struck the cobblestones in a rhythm that matched my racing heartbeat as I guided my mount through the academy gates at dusk. Several hours of hard riding had left both beast and rider bone–weary.

I dismounted in the stable yard, tossing the reins to a startled groom. ‘Walk him cool, then extra grain.” The words came out rougher than intended, Valdor’s impatience coloring my tone. My wolf had been prowling beneath my skin since we’d left the border, agitated by the distance from our mate, by the puzzle pieces that refused to form a coherent picture.

The council building loomed dark against the night sky, but a single window glowed on the third floor–Father’s office. He’d received my message, then. Good.

I took the stairs three at a time, my body protesting the movement after a day in the saddle. The door stood ajar, warm light spilling into the corridor. Alfred sat behind his massive desk, still fully dressed, a tumbler of amber liquid catching the lamplight.

“You look like hell, he observed mildly, though his eyes were sharp as he assessed me. “Sit before you fall down.”

“No time.” I braced my hands on the desk, leaning forward. “Silas Crowe has disappeared from the border station. Three days ago, right after we discovered

evidence of sabotage in the supply lines–someone’s been systematically weakening our defenses.”

Father’s expression hardened. “And you think Cornelius is involved.”

“I know he is.” I pulled the folded parchment from my coat–one of Kieran’s reports, hastily penned before I’d left. “Medical supplies redirected, patrol

schedules leaked, maintenance on the underground tunnels delayed just long enough for someone to use them undetected. It’s too coordinated to be random

incompetence.”

“But you don’t have proof connecting Cornelius directly.”

“Not yet.” I met his gaze steadily. “That’s why I need your help with a bluff.”

Understanding flickered across his features, followed by something that might have been approval. “You want to make him think Silas has already confessed.”

‘Exactly.” Valdor stirred, predatory satisfaction bleeding through. “Cornelius is arrogant, but he’s also paranoid. If he believes his co–conspirator has betrayed

Father’s face went very still. “You think the target is your mate.”

“I think the target is our child. The admission tasted like ash. A pregnancy between a wolfless woman and a pureblooded Alpha–it shouldn’t be possible, Father. Which makes it valuable to the wrong people.”

He was silent for a long moment, then reached for the bell pull beside his desk. ‘Let’s see what Cornelius knows about his hired snake.”

Regis? I didn’t realize you’d returned from the border so soon. His smile was oily, ingratiating. I trust our Luna–in–training hasn’t failed her practical examination already? I’d be willing to show leniency if certain… arrangements could be made.”

I remained silent, watching him with the same cold focus I’d use tracking prey through the forest. Father moved past him to secure the door, the heavy lock

sliding home with an audible thunk. The sound echoed in the windowless space.

Cornelius’s smile faltered. “What’s the meaning of this?”

“Silas Crowe has confessed. I kept my voice level, almost bored, as I delivered the lie. “We know everything.”

The color drained from his face so quickly I thought he might faint. “Confessed to what? I barely know the man-

“He says you authorized his activities at the border.” I took a step forward, letting Valdor rise close enough to the surface that my eyes caught the lamplight, reflecting gold. “Sabotaging supply lines. Passing information to hostile packs. He was quite detailed in his testimony.”

“That’s absurd!” Cornelius’s voice cracked slightly. “I never authorized any such thing!”

“He also mentioned,” I continued as if he hadn’t spoken, “that you specifically instructed him to monitor my mate. To find opportunities to make her ‘disappear.”