Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Eileen

The interior was luxurious–soft velvet cushions, glowing lamps, and a thick wool blanket folded on the seat.

The evenings are getting colder. Regis settled across from me, close enough that our knees almost touched. He reached for the blanket, and I caught myself watching the movement of his hands with far too much interest. “I thought you might need this.”

“I’m fine- But he was already leaning forward to drape it over my lap, and suddenly he was very, very close. Close enough that I could see the exact shade of his eyes–ice blue with darker rings around the iris. Close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his body.

His hands lingered on the blanket for just a moment longer than necessary, and I saw his nostrils flare slightly as he breathed in. Scenting me. My heart

kicked hard against my ribs.

“There His voice had gone rougher, and when he pulled back, I noticed the tension in his jaw, the careful control in every movement. He was affected too.

The knowledge sent a thrill through me that I absolutely should not be feeling.

The carriage lurched forward. I grabbed the seat edge, and Regis immediately leaned forward again, one hand bracing against the wall beside my shoulder.

“Are you alright? Should I tell the driver to slow down?”

“No, I’m fine. But my voice wavered, and not because of the carriage’s movement. He was so close I could feel his breath on my cheek, and could see the

way his eyes had darkened.

“Are you certain?” His gaze dropped to my lips for just a fraction of a second before snapping back up. “If you’re uncomfortable in any way-

“I’m comfortable. Too comfortable. Dangerously comfortable with how much I wanted him to come closer.

Oh, Eileen, get a grip–you can’t be thinking about your Instructor like that.

He pulled back slowly, settling into his seat again. Finally, I could breathe again.

“How are you feeling? Any nausea this evening?”

A little better, actually. I pulled the blanket closer, feeling the soft wool. “The fresh air helps.“\

“Good. I’ve had the kitchen prepare light meals–chicken broth, poached white fish, soft vegetables, and a bit of bread Things the healer recommended

The thought of someone preparing food specifically for me made my chest tight Am being a bother?

His gaze softened, but his tone stayed firm. No. You never are. Taking care of you isn’t trouble, Eileen It’s what I want to do

Through the bond, I felt the truth of it not obligation, but instinct

“Thank you, I whispered.

We rode in comfortable silence as the academy buildings gave way to quieter streets, then forest edges. I found myself stealing glances at Regts when i

thought he wasn’t looking–the strong line of his throat where his collar lay open, the way the lading light caught in his dark hatt

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2:38 pm pppp

Chapter 40

More than once, I caught him looking at me too, his gaze heating before he deliberately looked away.

We’re almost there, he said finally, his voice slightly strained.

A small house came into view–two stories, warm stone walls, windows glowing with light. A neat garden stretched in front, silvery moonflowers beginning

to open in the dusk.

It looked like a home. A real home.

The carriage stopped. Regis helped me down, and I stood staring.

“What do you think?” There was uncertainty in his voice.

“It’s beautiful. I didn’t expect something this… warm. I thought it would be more formal.”

He smiled, a real smile that crinkled his eyes. “I have rooms at the family estate if we need them. But I thought you’d prefer somewhere quieter. More

private. Somewhere that could feel like home.”

Home. The word sent a shiver through me.

Inside was cozy–a fireplace burning, comfortable furniture, soft rugs. The smell of food made my stomach rumble despite lingering nausea.

“Kitchen and living areas are down here. Bedrooms upstairs.” He set my trunk down carefully. “But first, you should eat.”

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