Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

“That’s ridiculous,” I said before I could stop myself. “You’re the most controlled person I know.”

His smile was crooked, self–deprecating. “Now, maybe. Because of you.” He shifted closer, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. “Meeting my parents isn’t about them judging whether you’re good enough, Eileen. If anything, they’re terrified they’ll say something wrong and scare you off. In their eyes, you’re the most important person in the territory.”

The words should have been reassuring. Instead, they made the weight on my chest heavier. “I’m not… I don’t know how to be that.”

“You already are.” His hand drifted to my stomach, where the small swell was just beginning to show through the dress. “This little one has already made my parents so happy they can barely sleep. And you- His ice–blue eyes held mine with an intensity that stole my breath. “You’re already everything I need.”

I leaned into him, letting his warmth and the steady pulse of the bond calm my racing heart. Outside the carriage window, the forest was beginning to thin,

and I knew we were close.

The Vane estate wasn’t what I’d expected.

I’d braced myself for something cold and imposing–a fortress of stone and status that would make it clear exactly how far beneath them I was. Instead, the carriage emerged from a tree–lined lane into a clearing where a sprawling manor sat bathed in afternoon light, surrounded by gardens that seemed to glow with moonflowers ever in daylight.

The architecture was elegant but warm: honey–colored stone, arched windows, climbing vines that softened the edges. Smoke curled from one of the chimneys. Somewhere nearby, I could hear the faint sound of a fountain.

It looked like a palace.

“Eileen? Regis’s voice was gentle. ‘We can turn around if you need more time.”

I realized I’d frozen, one hand gripping the carriage door frame. “No,” I managed. “No, I… I want to do this.”

He helped me down, his hand lingering at my waist as we approached the main entrance. The massive oak doors were already open, and standing just beyond the threshold were two figures I recognized instantly from Regis’s description: Alfred Vane, tall and broad–shouldered with silver threading through his dark hair, and beside him, Kristina–graceful, poised, with the same ice–blue eyes as her son.

They weren’t sitting in some formal receiving room, waiting to be announced to. They were here, at the door, as though we were family returning home after

a long journey.

Kristina stepped forward first, her expression radiant. Eileen,‘ she said warmly, and before I could stammer out a greeting, she’d pulled me into a gentle embrace. Thank you for coming. Thank you for trusting us.”

I stood frozen in her arms, utterly bewildered. No one in my life had ever greeted me like this–like I mattered, like my presence was a gift rather than an obligation.

When she pulled back, Alfred stepped forward, his expression kind but serious. Eileen. I owe you an apology At my confused look, he continued, “Thomas Blackwell’s abuse of power happened under my watch. You should never have been put in that position threatened, pressured to sign a false statement. That failure is mine, and I’m sorry.”

“No–1 shook my head frantically. “You don’t need to–it wasn’t your fault.”

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Chapter 81

“Hush, Alfred, Kristina said, though her tone was fond. “You’ll have plenty of time to bore her with council politics later. Right now, I want to show her around her new home. She linked her arm through mine as naturally as breathing. ‘Come, dear. Let’s get you settled.”

And just like that, I was swept inside.

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