Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

No response.

Another knock, slightly firmer. Still nothing.

The door wasn’t locked, had felt the small surge of warmth that she trusted me enough not to bolt it shut. Slowly, giving her every chance to object, I pushed it open.

Sunlight streamed through the window, catching in her hair where it spread across the pillow in a wild tangle. She’d clearly been restless at some point in the night, her dark locks escaping whatever tie she’d used and now forming a chaotic halo around her face. The blankets were twisted around her curled form, and one hand rested on her stomach in a gesture so unconsciously protective that something in my chest pulled tight.

Beautiful. She was absolutely beautiful like this–unguarded, peaceful, her face soft with sleep.

I moved to the bedside before I could think better of it, kneeling down so I was at her eye level. My hand reached out of its own accord, fingers brushing gently over the crown of her head, smoothing down the sleep–mussed strands. They were incredibly soft, warmer than I’d expected, and the simple touch sent a wave of contentment through both me and Valdor.

“Eilean. I murmured, keeping my voice low and gentle. “Time to wake up.”

She stirred, a small sound of confusion escaping her throat. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused and hazy, and for a heartbeat she simply stared at me in sleepy bewilderment. Then awareness crashed in–her eyes went wide, color flooding her cheeks in a rush that I could actually see spreading down her neck.

1-1 overslept?!” Her voice cracked with panic as she tried to sit up, one hand flying to her hair in a futile attempt to tame it. “What time is it?!”

The fear in her tone cut through me. This wasn’t simple embarrassment about sleeping late–this was genuine terror, the kind that came from being punished for the smallest mistakes.

I turned her hand over in mine, running my thumb across her knuckles in what I hoped was a reassuring gestme. It was the most contact Id allowed my self. since the marking, and the touch sent electricity singing through the bond. I promise Youre sale here, Eileen. You re not going to be late. You’re not in trouble. Just breathe.”

Something in her expression shifted–fear giving way to fragile trust. …Okay. I believe you.”

Those three words hit me harder than any combat blow. I believe you. For someone who d clearly learned not to rely on anyone, who carried the weight of the world on her own shoulders, choosing to trust me with even this small thing felt monumental.

“Good.” I released her hand slowly, fighting the urge to pull her close instead. ‘Ten minutes. I’ll be downstairs.”

I made myself stand, made myself walk to the door, made myself leave her privacy intact even though every instinct screamed to stay, to help, to simply be near her. At the threshold I paused. And Eileen? You slept well. That’s more important than anything else.”