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.

“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.

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.