Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 213

Mated to Her Alpha Instructor

Chapter 213

Regis

Something was off about Adrian.

I’d known him for years–fought beside him at the Alpha training camp, shared strategy over maps stained with blood and dirt. Adrian Cross was the kind of Alpha who could stare down a charging enemy line without blinking, whose decisions were as sharp and clean as a blade through bone.

But tonight, at the dinner before his own mating ceremony, he’d barely touched his food. He drank more than usual, his words carefully measured as he made conversation with those around him. To anyone else, he might have seemed composed, even relaxed. But I’d seen Adrian under pressure before–I knew the difference between calm and control.

What’s wrong? 1 asked through our Alpha link, keeping my expression neutral.

His response came with a slight laugh. Even Alphas get jittery before a ceremony this important.

He had a point. Maybe I’d feel the same way when my time came. Before I could respond, he raised his glass toward mine. “Try the wine- we had it specially aged for tonight. It’d be an insult to the vintner if my dearest friend doesn’t appreciate it.”

The wine was remarkable–smooth and rich, with layers of flavor that lingered on the tongue. I’d always kept my distance from alcohol, knowing I didn’t handle it well. But this was a celebration, in friendly territory, the night before Adrian’s mating ceremony. Refusing would seem unnecessarily cautious.

I finished my glass. Then accepted another when Adrian’s cousin came around with the bottle.

After dinner, we were all happy to join Morgan’s suggestion of a garden stroll–all except Nina, who still seemed unable to adjust to the

atmosphere.

The change was instant. His shoulders went rigid, and when he turned to face me his expression was carefully, too carefully neutral. “Your mate seems close to that healer,” he said, his tone light in a way that didn’t match the intensity in his eyes. “Nina, right? Quiet one.”

“Yeah, they’re classmates and friends,” I said, my voice even. “Why do you ask?”

We’d made nearly a full circuit of the garden and were heading back when Morgan and Eileen reappeared. Morgan’s smile looked a little strained, her usual confidence dimmed by something I couldn’t identify. Eileen caught my eye and gave a small shrug, her expression puzzled.

“Did she tell you anything?” Adrian’s question came out too fast, too sharp. He caught himself immediately, smoothing his features into something calmer. “I mean–is she settling in all right?”

“She said she was tired,” Morgan said slowly, studying her mate’s face with the beginnings of concern. “She thanked us for the visit but asked to rest. I hope I didn’t overwhelm her–I know I can be a bit much sometimes.”

The tension drained from Adrian’s shoulders so visibly it was almost comical. “I’m sure you were fine,” he said, reaching for her hand with a tenderness that looked genuine. “She’s probably just not used to social gatherings.”

But his relief had been too obvious. I hadn’t expected him to be so concerned about Nina’s comfort on their first meeting. Morgan’s influence on him ran deeper than I’d imagined.

Back in our room, I meant to share my observations with Eileen. Meant to comment on how profoundly mates could influence each other. But the moment the door closed behind us, the edges of the world started going soft. The cool evening breeze outside must have masked it, but now in the enclosed space, heat flooded through me.