Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Nina rode alone at the rear of our small convoy, her hooded cloak pulled low. She’d barely spoken since we’d left camp this morning, though I’d tried to draw her into conversation over breakfast. The prospect of attending a Luna ceremony seemed to have unsettled her more than I’d anticipated.

“She’s safe here,” Regis murmured, following my gaze. “The guards know to keep watch.”

I nodded, but couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at me. Bringing Nina into a gathering of unfamiliar wolves felt risky, yet leaving her behind with Silas still at large felt worse.

Northridge territory exceeded my expectations. Stone buildings rose alongside carefully tended gardens, their spring colors vibrant. Wolves moved through the streets with purpose, pausing to bow their heads as our carriage passed.

When we stopped before the Alpha’s residence, a woman waited at the entrance to the main hall, flanked by a broad-shouldered Beta whose stance radiated the authority of a first lieutenant. She was striking—not beautiful in a delicate way, but commanding. Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and she wore riding leathers that had clearly seen use. When she smiled, it reached her eyes.

“Welcome to Northridge!” Her voice carried authority tempered with warmth. “I’m Morgan Reid. Adrian sends his apologies—there was a breach on the eastern border, some rogue wolves testing our perimeter. He’ll return before dinner.” She gestured to the Beta beside her. “This is Declan, Adrian’s second. He’ll see to your lodgings.”

Regis inclined his head. “Thank you for the hospitality. This is my mate, Eileen, and our friends Nina and Mira.”

Morgan’s gaze swept over us, lingering briefly on my barely-visible belly before moving to Nina’s hooded figure. Something flickered in her expression—curiosity, maybe, or concern—but she didn’t pry. “You must be exhausted. Declan will show you to your rooms. Dinner’s at sundown in the great hall. Casual dress—we’re not formal here unless it’s ceremony night.”

The suite they’d given us was larger than our quarters at the medical camp, with windows overlooking the gardens and a private bathing room. Regis immediately checked the locks and window latches—his protective instincts never quite settling, even in allied territory.

Nina’s room adjoined ours, connected by a small sitting area. I knocked softly before entering to find her standing motionless by the window, staring out at nothing in particular.

“Nina?” I approached carefully. “I thought I might help you get ready for dinner. We could pick out something nice together.”

She turned, and I caught the exhaustion in her eyes before she masked it. “I don’t have anything suitable for a formal dinner.”

“I brought an extra dress.” I’d anticipated this, packing one of the simpler gowns. “Gray would look lovely with your coloring. And maybe I could help with your hair?”

“Beautiful,” he said simply, offering me his arm. “Both of you.”

We found Mira in the hallway, practically glowing in a soft pink gown. Owen hovered beside her, looking both proud and anxious.

“My parents are going to love you,” he assured her for probably the tenth time.

“What if they don’t?” Mira’s voice pitched higher. “What if I say something stupid, or use the wrong fork, or—”

“Then they’ll laugh about it later and tell embarrassing stories at our bonding ceremony,” Owen said calmly. “Breathe, Mira. You’re my mate. That’s all that matters to them.”

I caught Mira’s eye and smiled. Despite my own nerves about the evening ahead, seeing her find happiness with Owen eased something in my chest. At least one of us was getting the joyful mate bond experience I’d always imagined.