Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 219

Chapter 219

Eileen

We returned to packhouse just as the sun broke fully over the mountains. Mira was already waiting outside our quarters, her face tight with worry that melted into relief when she saw us.

“Goddess above, Eileen, I’ve been- She stopped short, her gaze landing on Nina. Then Adrian and Regis. Her nose flared slightly, scenting the air, and I watched understanding dawn across her features. What happened?”

“Inside, I said quietly, guiding Nina toward the guest room. She moved like someone in a dream, her steps mechanical.

Once we were alone–Regis and Adrian having the sense to give us privacy–Mira rounded on me. “Tell me everything. Now.”

So I did. The essentials, at least–that Adrian was Nina’s fated mate, that he’d already chosen Morgan, that the ceremony tonight would

sever the bond completely.

Mira’s eyes went wide, then fierce. “Fated mates? And he’s marrying someone else?” She looked at Nina, who sat motionless on her bed.

“Goddess, Nina-”

“She agreed to it,” I said quickly. “Nina wants him to be happy. We’re just here to make sure she survives the breaking.”

Mira went silent for a long moment, studying Nina’s too–pale face. Then she nodded once, sharp and decisive. “Then we stay close. No matter what.”

Nina’s lips trembled. “You don’t have to-”

“Yes, we do,” Mira said firmly. “That’s what family does.”

The Northridge ceremonial grounds glowed with silver lanterns and white moonblooms as dusk fell, hundreds of wolves in formal attire gathering around the ancient stone platform at the clearing’s center.

Nina stood near the back, half–hidden by the shadow of an enormous pine. She’d changed into a simple gray dress that made her skin look. almost translucent, her dark hair loose around her shoulders. I watched her hands clench and unclench at her sides, the only outward sign of her turmoil.c

I made my way to her side without hesitation. Mira followed.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” I said quietly, slipping my hand into hers.

She’s going to need you, Regis sent through our bond from where he stood with the high–ranking wolves near the platform. His ice–blue eyes found mine across the crowd. Stay close.

I will, I promised, tightening my hold on Nina’s hand.

She wasn’t trying to be a Luna. She simply was, the way a blade is sharp without effort.

I felt Nina’s hand spasm in mine. I held tighter.

The pack’s elder stepped forward, her silver hair gleaming in the lantern light. Her ceremonial words washed over us–promises of partnership and leadership, of building a future together through choice rather than fate. Morgan’s “I do” rang clear and unwavering when asked if she accepted the bond. Adrian’s response held the same certainty.

“Then let the Luna Mark be given, the elder intoned, “and let all who witness know that this bond is sacred and eternal.”

Adrian’s eyes flashed amber. He pulled Morgan against him, and she tilted her head to expose her neck–not submission, but trust.

When his teeth found the junction of her neck and shoulder, Nina’s entire body went rigid. Her breath hitched once, sharply, and her nails dug into my palm hard enough to draw blood. I didn’t let go. Mira’s hand found Nina’s shoulder, steady and grounding.

We didn’t say anything. Words would only make this worse. We just held on while something inside Nina’s chest tore itself apart.

The crowd erupted in howls and celebration. I felt Nina sway slightly and caught her elbow with my free hand, steadying her.