Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221

Eileen

VPH

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The morning sun had barely crested the mountains when we gathered in Northridge’s courtyard to say our farewells. Owen stood close to Mira, their hands intertwined, both wearing expressions of poorly concealed misery.”

“I should be going with you,” Owen said for the third time, his voice rough. “You’re my mate. I’m supposed to-”

“You have duties here,” Mira interrupted, though her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “Adrian needs you. Your pack needs you.”

I watched them from where I stood beside Regis, my chest tight with sympathy. The mate bond was still so new for them, barely a day old, and already they were being forced apart. It seemed unbearably cruel.

Regis’s hand found the small of my back, steady and grounding. I leaned into him slightly, grateful that at least we wouldn’t be separated. Not now. Not with everything that lay ahead.

Nina stood a little apart from our group, her travel cloak wrapped tightly around her thin frame. She looked fragile in the early light, but there was something different about her eyes–a clarity that hadn’t been there before. The haunted, desperate look had faded, replaced by a quiet exhaustion that seemed almost peaceful.

Adrian emerged from the packhouse with Morgan at his side. The new Luna moved with easy confidence, already comfortable in her role. When she caught my eye, she offered a small, genuine smile that I returned.

“Before you go,” Adrian said, his commanding voice drawing everyone’s attention. He looked at Owen, then at Mira, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been considering the situation at the eastern border. Regis, you mentioned you could use additional support?”

Regis straightened slightly beside me. “Always. The tensions with the shadow packs haven’t lessened, and with Silas still unaccounted for…” He trailed off meaningfully.

“Then I’m reassigning Owen to temporary duty under your command, Adrian announced. His lips quirked at Owen’s sharp intake of breath. “You’ve proven yourself reliable, and frankly, I’d rather have you where you can be useful instead of here mooning over your mate and driving my other warriors to distraction.”

The effect was immediate, Mira’s face lit up like the sun breaking through storm clouds, and Owen looked as though he’d been given the greatest gift imaginable.

“Alpha,” Owen managed, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what to say–”

“Thank you‘ would be a start,” Adrian said dryly, but his eyes were warm. “You’ll report to Regis and follow his orders as you would mine. Consider it an opportunity to learn from one of the finest strategists I know.” He glanced at Regis with obvious respect.

“I won’t let you down,” Owen promised fervently.

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Chapter 221

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Mira practically threw herself at Adrian in an impulsive hug, shocking both him and Morgan. “Thank you, thank you, thank you-

“Alright, alright, Adrian said, though he was clearly trying not to smile as he carefully extracted himself. “You’re crushing my new

ceremonial tunic.”

Morgan laughed, the sound bright and genuine. She stepped forward to clasp Mira’s hand. “Take care of each other,” she said simply. Then her gaze shifted to Nina, who had been watching the exchange with a small, wistful smile. “And you, Nina. I meant what I said last night.

You deserve happiness.”

Nina’s throat worked. “Thank you, Luna,” she said quietly. “I wish you and Adrian every joy.”

There was a moment of understanding between the two women, a acknowledgment of the impossible situation they’d navigated with more grace than I could have imagined. Then Morgan stepped back, her hand finding Adrian’s.

“Safe travels,” Adrian said to our group. “And Regis–keep me informed. If the shadow packs are moving, I want to know about it.”

“You’ll be the first I tell, Regis promised.

The journey back to the medical outpost took most of the day. Our carriage rolled steadily along the forest roads while several of Adrian’s

warriors rode escort alongside.

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