Mated to Her Alpha Instructor (Eileen and Regis) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Regis

Today marked the official launch of the reforms–every sitting Elder was required to undergo a new qualification review. My father had warned me yesterday about what we might face. He knew there were plenty who resented Eileen’s presence in my life.

I’d made Thomas swear to keep the truth about Eileen being my mate strictly confidential, and so far, there hadn’t been a whisper of it among the student

body But the Council was another matter entirely–they would dig, and they would find out.

I’d faced hostile packs with less tension coiling through my spine than what I felt now, standing beside him as Elder Cornelius regarded us with the air of a

man convinced we were already wasting his time.

“Your proposal to reform Elder appointment processes, Elder Cornelius began, his tone carrying just enough condescension to set my teeth on edge, “is

certainly… ambitious. One might wonder what prompted such sudden concern for institutional oversight, Regis.”

My father’s presence beside me was a steadying weight. “The recent incident involving Elder Blackwell demonstrated clear gaps in our accountability structures, Alfred said evenly. “This reform benefits the entire community, not just individual families.”

Does it? Another Elder–Grayson, I thought, though these men blurred together in their shared disdain–leaned forward with a smile that held no warmth. “Or does it simply protect certain… personal interests? His gaze flickered to me meaningfully. “I understand congratulations are in order, by the way. A mate bond. Despite such unusual circumstances.”

Inside me, Valdor surged against the mental barriers I’d spent years perfecting, fangs bared at the insinuation buried in those words. But I’d learned long ago to wear civility like armor, even when every instinct screamed to tear out throats.

“My mate has no bearing on this discussion,‘ I said, keeping my voice level despite the fury simmering beneath. “If the Council wishes to debate policy, let’s debate policy. Personal commentary serves no one.”

Cornelius’s smile turned venomous. “But everything is connected, isn’t it, Regis? You assault a student in defense of a girl, strong–arm a fellow Elder into resignation, and now propose sweeping reforms that would conveniently prevent similar scrutiny of your own… ehoices.” He leaned back, fingers steepled in mock contemplation. “Tell me–does your mate even possess a wolf? How can one without that most basic qualification ever hope to represent our people as

Luna?”

The chamber seemed to contract around me. My vision narrowed to Cornelius’s smug face, and I felt claws threatening to burst through my fingertips. Every instinct howled to leap across that space and demonstrate exactly what an Alpha did to those who dared insult his mate. The wolf inside me was already calculating angles of attack, imagining the satisfying resistance of flesh giving way beneath fangs.

But I’d made Eileen a promise–had sworn to be the strength she could lean on, not the rage that consumed everything in its path. She needed me controlled, capable, present. Not dragged before a tribunal for butchering an Elder in his own Council chamber.

“My mate,” I said, and each word came out edged in frost, is under my protection and that of my family. Any insult to her is an insult to House Vane. F suggest you consider that carefully, Elder Cornelius, before you speak again.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s a statement of fact.”

My father’s hand settled on my shoulder–brief, grounding, a reminder to breathe. “Gentlemen,” Alfred interjected with practiced diplomacy. “personal attacks serve no purpose here. The proposal stands on its own merits. Let’s return to discussing those merits.

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2:42 pm Pppp.

Chapter 88

But Cornelius wasn’t finished twisting the knife. “You’ve made enemies with this crusade of yours, Regis. Those of us who value tradition and proper bloodlines won’t simply roll over because you’ve decided your mate’s questionable honor requires dismantling centuries of carefully maintained order.” He

gestured dismissively at the reform documents. “We’ll take this under advisement. For now, I believe we’re done here.”

The meeting dissolved into bitter murmurs as Council members filed out, most refusing to meet my eyes. I stood motionless in the center of the chamber, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles had gone white, feeling Valdor’s frustrated snarl reverberate through my bones.

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