Mated to Her Alpha Instructor Chapter 58

Regis

"So you half-shifted in the middle of the administrative wing and nearly ripped Andrew's throat out," Kieran said, not quite managing to hide his amusement. "Good thing it was during class hours and most people were elsewhere, or you'd be a legend by now. The terrifying combat instructor who lost his shit over a girl."

I shot him a look. "I didn't lose—"

"You absolutely did." But his grin faded into something more genuine. "And honestly? I get it. If someone did that to my mate, I'd do worse." He paused, then added more quietly, "You've changed, you know. The old Regis—the one who was all ice and tactics—he wouldn't have let anyone see him that raw. But now you're ready to tear down the Council for her. Valdor must be thrilled."

He was. Valdor had been contentedly quiet since Eileen had chosen us, since we'd marked her and she'd marked us in return—not with teeth, but with trust. "She's worth it," I said simply.

Kieran clapped me on the shoulder. "Yeah, she is. And for what it's worth? You did the right thing. Someone had to stand up to those bastards, even if it meant making enemies."

I nodded, but my mind was already elsewhere—on Eileen, on how she'd walked toward me when I was barely holding onto my humanity, on how she'd whispered my name and brought me back from the edge. On how she'd looked at me this morning with sleep-soft eyes and told me she loved me.

Those were secrets I'd keep close, sacred things that belonged only to us. But Kieran was right about one thing: I had changed. And I wouldn't apologize for it.

---

I was halfway to my office when the mental touch came—gentle, familiar, and carrying the distinct warmth of my mother's consciousness. I paused mid-step, then carefully lowered my mental shields to allow the connection.

*Regis, sweetheart. Am I interrupting?*

*No, Mother.* I resumed walking, keeping my physical movements steady even as I focused inward on her presence. *Is everything alright?*

*More than alright.* I could hear the smile in her voice, the Luna's natural grace that had always made her so beloved among our pack. *Your father told me you've found your mate. A young woman named Eileen?*

Something in my chest loosened at her tone—no judgment, no hesitation. Just pure maternal joy. *Yes. She's my mate, and she's carrying my child.*

*Oh, Regis.* The warmth in her mind-voice intensified. *I'm so happy for you. Your father said she's very special, and that you've been... quite protective of her.*

That was probably a diplomatic way of describing yesterday's near-violence. *She needed protection,* I said carefully.

*I know. Alfred told me what happened with the Blackwells.* A pause, then her voice softened even further. *I'd like to meet her, Regis. Not as the family matriarch evaluating your choice—I want to meet the woman who made my son willing to challenge the Council itself. I want to know the girl who's giving us a grandchild.*

My steps slowed as I processed her request. It was reasonable—more than reasonable. But the thought of Eileen facing my mother, facing the full weight of what it meant to be connected to the Vane family... *She's been through a lot,* I said quietly. *I don't want to add more pressure.*

*I understand.* And she did—I could feel her genuine empathy through the link. *I've already had gifts prepared. She'll know how much we want her here. I know she's wolfless, Regis, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that she's yours, that she'll be part of our family, and that she's carrying our grandchild.*

The tightness in my chest eased further. I'd known my parents would accept Eileen—they'd raised me to value character over bloodlines—but hearing it stated so plainly still brought relief. *Thank you, Mother.*

*There's nothing to thank me for.* Her voice took on a note of gentle insistence. *But I won't push, sweetheart. When she's ready to meet us, when you both feel the time is right, we'll be here. I don't want her to feel examined or judged. I want her to know she's welcomed, that she'll be loved and protected just as she already is by you.*

I leaned against the wall outside my office, letting her words sink in. *I'll talk to her. Make sure she understands this isn't a test.*

*Good. You know her best, and you've always been thoughtful about these things.* A pause, then softer, *Take care of her, Regis. And take care of yourself.*

*I will.*

The connection faded, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My mother's acceptance was a gift, but I knew Eileen enough to predict her reaction—she'd worry about being good enough, about fitting in, about all the ways she thought she might disappoint them. I'd need to approach this carefully, make sure she understood that my family already loved her.

Tonight, I decided. After dinner, when she was relaxed and safe in our home, I'd bring it up gently. Let her know my mother wanted to meet her not to judge, but to welcome her. That she had nothing to prove, that she was already accepted.

I pushed off the wall and headed into my office, already planning how to phrase it, how to make sure she felt supported rather than pressured. Because that's what she deserved—to be cherished, protected, and given every choice freely.

My mate. My Eileen. And soon, if I could help her feel secure enough, she'd meet the rest of the family that was already waiting to love her.