Mated to Her Alpha Instructor Chapter 73

Regis

The previous night, after we'd returned home from the observation ward, I'd held Eileen close in our bed, still riding the high of watching her succeed.

"You were extraordinary today," I murmured against her hair, feeling Valdor's contentment rumble through our bond. "Watching you work, seeing you so completely in your element—I've never been more proud."

She'd turned in my arms, cheeks flushed. "I was terrified the entire time."

"You didn't show it." I traced the line of her jaw. "You were confident, competent, brilliant. Valdor and I both..." I paused, searching for words. "We love seeing you shine like this. Knowing your gift, watching others finally recognize it."

Her eyes had grown bright with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you believing in me first."

"No, love. This was all you." I'd kissed her then, slow and deep, pouring everything I couldn't say into the touch.

---

The next morning, Kieran's voice cut through my mind link before I'd finished my tea. *All the treated warriors showing continued improvement. Ward's already decided to award Eileen the advanced healer honors—this afternoon, apparently.*

I straightened, pride swelling sharp in my chest. *This afternoon?*

*She's not wasting time. Says Eileen's the youngest recipient in academy history.* A pause, then Kieran's tone warmed with genuine respect. *Your mate's really something, Regis. Makes perfect sense now that she's the one who saved you in the forest. That kind of instinct can't be taught.*

*No,* I agreed quietly. *It can't.*

An idea crystallized. Before I could second-guess myself, I reached out through mind link to Professor Ward.

*Professor. Kieran tells me you're recognizing Miss Wylde this afternoon.*

Her response came slightly surprised. *Alpha Vane. Yes, the ceremony is scheduled for four o'clock. Did you need something?*

*I'd like to present the award myself.*

A longer pause. *You want to present it? May I ask why?*

*Her research saved border warriors,* I said simply. *Having someone from the combat division recognize that achievement would underscore its significance. Show that this matters beyond academic circles.*

*I see.* I could almost hear her mind working. *That would certainly send a message. You're sure you want to be that publicly involved with a student's recognition?*

My jaw tightened. She was probing, trying to understand my interest without asking directly. *Miss Wylde's contribution deserves the highest acknowledgment possible. If my presence helps ensure that, then yes, I'm certain.*

*Very well, Alpha Vane. I'll announce you as our honored guest presenter.* A hint of amusement colored her mental tone. *I'm sure it will be quite memorable.*

After ending the link, I sat back, Valdor practically purring with satisfaction.

Today, I'd make sure Eileen understood exactly how extraordinary she was. But first, I had a ceremony to prepare for—and a mate to surprise.

---

The rest of the morning crawled by with agonizing slowness. I taught my scheduled combat class, put the students through their drills, and tried not to check the time every five minutes.

She had no idea what was coming.

Finally, mercifully, the afternoon arrived. The main lecture hall filled quickly—word had spread about some "special announcement" regarding the border infection crisis. Students crowded onto benches, faculty lined the walls, and I spotted several warriors from the observation ward who'd insisted on attending despite their injuries.

I'd positioned myself in an empty classroom adjacent to the hall, door cracked just enough to hear Ward's voice as she called the assembly to order.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," the professor began, her voice carrying clearly through the space. "We gather today to recognize an achievement that many of you have already heard about—the successful treatment of parasitic combat infections that were, until three days ago, considered terminal."

I watched through the narrow gap as Eileen sat in the front row beside Mira, clearly confused about why she'd been asked to attend. Her hands twisted in her lap, shoulders hunched slightly inward.

Soon, love, I promised silently. Soon you'll understand.

"Miss Wylde's research has already saved twenty-three lives," Ward continued, "with more warriors showing improvement daily. This breakthrough represents not only exceptional academic skill but the kind of practical innovation our people desperately need." She paused, letting that sink in. "For this reason, I'm awarding her the silver badge of advanced healer honors—the youngest recipient in academy history."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Mira grabbed Eileen's hand, squeezing hard. My mate had gone very still, eyes wide with shock.

"However," Ward said, a slight smile touching her usually stern features, "given the significance of this achievement—particularly its impact on our warriors—I felt the presentation should reflect that importance. So I've asked a special guest to join us today."

That was my cue.

I stepped through the doorway and into the hall, my presence immediately commanding attention. Students twisted in their seats. Faculty straightened. And Eileen—

Her head snapped around at the sound of my footsteps, those expressive eyes going impossibly wider. I watched surprise bloom into something softer, warmer, saw her lips part slightly as I walked down the center aisle toward the dais.

Through our bond, her emotions crashed over me: shock, confusion, then a burst of pure joy quickly followed by self-consciousness as she remembered where we were. Who was watching.

I kept my expression professionally neutral, even as Valdor purred at her reaction. Even as everything in me wanted to close the distance between us and kiss her senseless in front of everyone.

Later, I promised both of us. Later.

"Alpha Vane has graciously agreed to present this honor," Ward announced as I climbed the steps to join her. "As an Alpha, he can speak directly to the impact of Miss Wylde's work."

I accepted the silver badge from her, its moon-moss pattern gleaming in the afternoon light, then turned to face the assembly. My gaze swept over the crowd before settling—briefly, carefully—on Eileen.

"Professor Ward has eloquently described Miss Wylde's academic achievement," I began, pitching my voice to carry. "She deserves respect from us all."

I let my gaze linger on Eileen a fraction longer than strictly professional, saw color bloom across her cheeks. "Miss Wylde accomplished this through knowledge, observation, and the rare courage to trust her instincts when conventional wisdom failed. That is worthy of the highest respect this academy can offer."

Ms. Ward called Eileen forward. She rose on trembling legs, and I watched her climb the stairs—watched her try to maintain composure even as our bond thrummed with overwhelming emotion.

When she stood before me, I let myself smile. Just slightly. Just enough that she would see it and know: I'm so proud of you.

Her breath caught audibly as I pinned the silver badge to her collar, my fingers steady despite the urge to linger, to touch. "Congratulations, Healer Wylde," I said formally, for the audience.

Through the bond, I added what I couldn't say aloud: *You're magnificent. And I knew you could do this.*

Her eyes shimmered with tears she was fighting to contain. "Thank you, Alpha Vane," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The hall erupted in applause. Warriors stood, offering the fist-to-heart salute. Even students who'd dismissed her before were clapping, forced to acknowledge what she'd achieved.

But I barely registered any of it.

All I could see was Eileen, wearing her hard-won honors, looking at me like I'd given her the world instead of simply acknowledging what she'd earned herself.

Her lips curved in the smallest smile—one meant only for me—before she turned to face the applauding crowd.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations, clusters of students and faculty surrounding Eileen. I kept my distance, maintaining professional boundaries even as I tracked her every movement through our bond.

When she finally extracted herself from the crowd, I was waiting near the corridor that led to my office.