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

o Her Alpha Instructor

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.

Ishifted 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.

In a minute. His hand splayed across my stomach, careful of the small swell there, and I felt his wolf stir at the contact. “Let me hold you first.”

couldn’t have said no if I’d wanted to. Instead I turned in his arms, shy but wanting to see his face, and pressed a tentative kiss to his jaw. His eyes flew open at the contact, the ice–blue depths immediately brightening with flecks of gold as Valdor responded to my touch.

Good morning, I said softly, and was rewarded with a smile that made my heart stutter.

Good morning, sweetheart. His hand came up to cup my face, thumb brushing my cheekbone. How do you feel? Are you sore? Did I hurt you?”

I’m fine, I assured him, though my body definitely ached in unfamiliar ways. “A little

sore, but.. good. Really good,

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”

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