Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Eileen

I woke to pale dawn light filtering through the curtains, my body sore, yet somehow I felt more whole than I ever had. The ache between my thighs was a reminder of yesterday–of Regis’s careful hands, his reverent whispers, the way he’d made me feel precious and chosen and utterly safe even as he claimed me completely.

He was still here, his arm a warm, solid weight across my waist, his breath steady against my hair. Through the deepened mate bond, I could sense Valdor sleeping deep within him, occasionally rumbling with satisfaction. The sensation made my chest tight with an unfamiliar warmth–this wasn’t just about me anymore. His wolf always accepted me, wanted me, and that knowledge settled something restless I hadn’t known was still searching.

I turned my head carefully, not wanting to wake him, and just looked. In sleep, the sharp edges of his face softened slightly, though he still looked every inch the powerful Alpha he was. There was a faint shadow of stubble along his jaw, and I found myself wanting to trace it with my fingertips, to memorize every detail of this man who’d somehow become my entire world in such a short time.

My mate, I thought, testing the word in my mind. My Alpha.

The bond hummed in response, a warm pulse of recognition that made my breath catch. I’d spent so long believing I didn’t deserve this. But lying here in the quiet morning, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my back, I started to believe maybe I did deserve it after all.

I shifted slightly, intending to slip out of bed and let him rest, but the moment I moved his arm tightened instinctively, pulling me back against his chest. ‘Don’t move, he murmured, his voice rough with sleep and impossibly attractive. “Stay a while longer.”

Heat flooded my cheeks even as I melted back into his embrace. “I was just going to wash up,” I whispered, hyperaware of how bare we both were beneath he sheets, how intimate this was–waking up in his arms, his skin warm against mine.

The relief that washed through the bond was palpable, and I realized he’d been genuinely worried. That he’d spent the night holding me, probably barely leeping himself, just to make sure I was okay. The knowledge made my throat tight.

I should let you rest more,” he said, but made no move to release me. “You need to take care of yourself.”

I’m not made of glass, Regis.” I surprised myself with how steady my voice was. I’m stronger than you think

‘I know you are.” His eyes held mine, serious and warm at once. “But that doesn’t mean you have to carry everything alone anymore”