Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Eileen

The corridor outside Owen’s room smelled of antiseptic herbs and something sweeter—Mira’s lavender scent tangled with Owen’s amber and cedarwood, creating a blend that spoke of new beginnings and mate bonds barely hours old.

Regis’s hand settled warm at the small of my back as we walked away from the closed door. “Didn’t expect Owen’s message delivery to include finding his mate,” he said quietly, a rare smile tugging at his mouth.

I laughed softly, leaning into his warmth. “Mira was so flustered she could barely speak. I’ve never seen her like that.”

“First meetings tend to scramble the brain.” His fingers traced idle patterns against my hip. “I remember a certain healer who ran away rather than face me the morning after.”

Heat flooded my cheeks at the memory—waking in that moonlit clearing, panic sending me stumbling through underbrush in nothing but his torn shirt. “That was different. I thought you’d hate me.”

“I could never hate my mate.” His voice dropped to that rough, intimate register.

We reached the rest quarters—a modest room with a bed barely large enough for Regis’s frame. He immediately went to the kettle, moving with easy efficiency.

I sank onto the bed, suddenly aware of how exhausted I was. The rush of Owen’s arrival, Mira’s bond snapping into place, the constant tension about Silas—it all caught up at once.

“You need rest.” Regis poured hot water over chamomile and lavender, then crossed the room and knelt before me, hands finding my ankles with gentle pressure. “You were running in the dark on uneven ground while pregnant.”

Guilt twisted in my stomach. “I heard you needed help—”

“I know.” His thumbs traced circles over my ankles. “But you can’t forget to protect yourself and our child.”

My hand drifted to the small swell of my belly. “The baby’s fine. Actually… I think they’re excited about all the emotional energy tonight.”

His expression softened in that way it only did when we talked about the baby. His hand covered mine over my stomach, and through our bond I felt his fierce, protective adoration for the life we’d created.

“If we went,” I said slowly, “would Mira be able to come? Since it’s Owen’s pack?”

Warmth flashed in his eyes. “I’m certain Owen would want her there.”

“And Nina? Would she be safe?”

“Safer than here, where Silas knows exactly where to find her.” Regis squeezed my hand. “Adrian’s territory is well-defended, and he has a reputation for being unusually progressive about unconventional situations.”

The pieces clicked together—a chance to escape the camp’s oppressive atmosphere, let Mira explore her bond, give Nina respite from fear, and attend something joyful for once.

“You’re worried about Silas making a move while we’re gone,” I said.

“Kieran will remain with full patrol rotation. If anything happens, he’ll contact me immediately.” His thumb traced circles over my knuckles. “The ceremony is only two days. But if you’re not comfortable—”