Mated to Her Alpha Instructor Chapter 89

Regis

The pre-dawn light filtered through the curtains as I woke, my internal clock tuned to years of military discipline. Beside me, Eileen slept deeply, her breathing slow and even, one hand curled protectively over the small swell of her belly. She needed this rest after the past days' emotional upheaval.

I rose carefully, tucking the blankets around her before padding to the dresser. The moonstone lay in its velvet pouch, still warm from last night's ritual, still carrying her chamomile-and-apple scent woven into its structure. My chest tightened as I lifted it, remembering how she'd trembled while speaking the ancient words, offering me this piece of herself when she believed she had nothing else to give.

I threaded the leather cord through the silver setting and tied it around my neck, letting the stone settle against my sternum beneath my shirt. Immediately, Valdor rumbled with deep satisfaction. *Mate. Ours. Safe.*

A soft sound from the bed drew my attention. Eileen had shifted upright, hair tumbling over one shoulder, her gaze finding mine with sleepy awareness.

"Morning," I said quietly. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore, but good." A faint blush colored her cheeks as memory of last night flickered between us through the bond.

I sat beside her, unable to resist tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was thinking about the stone. Would you mind if others noticed your scent on me?"

Her brow furrowed. "I don't think anyone would recognize it as mine. People don't really remember my scent—it's not distinctive like a wolf's. And those who aren't close to me wouldn't know it at all."

Before I could respond, Valdor suddenly whimpered—actually *whimpered*—a plaintive sound I'd never heard from him. Through our link, I felt his distress, almost like a pup seeking comfort. He wanted everyone to know we'd been chosen.

"He's pouting," I said, bemused. "For you."

Eileen's eyes widened. "Pouting?"

"You've turned my wolf into a lovesick fool." Her surprised laugh loosened something in my chest, and Valdor preened at having made her happy.

The levity faded as I covered her hand with mine. "Part of me wants everyone to know I've found you. That you're mine and I'm yours. But I don't want bloodline prejudice to hurt you. I don't want narrow-minded fools making your life harder."

She was quiet, then spoke with unexpected determination. "I want them to see me for what I can do. I want to become someone they respect—not because I'm your mate, but because I've earned it. Like you have. Then when we stand together, it won't be you defending me. It'll be two people they respect, choosing each other."

Pride surged through me. "You don't have to prove anything—"

"I know you see me," she interrupted gently. "But I need to see myself that way too. I need time to become someone who can stand beside you without always being in your shadow. I don't want to be known only as 'Vane's wolfless mate.'"

I pulled her against my chest. "I'll wait. I'll be here whenever you're ready."

Through the bond, I felt her quiet determination settling into peace. Valdor, too, had gone calm. The wait would be worth it.

"Come on," I said eventually. "Berry toast and warm oat milk, then we'll head to campus together."

Her smile made my heart skip.

---

The academy corridor was bustling when I arrived. Two Beta instructors passed near the training hall, and I caught their subtle double-take—the confusion as they detected female scent clinging to me despite my discretion. At the corridor's end, two senior students whispered, their gazes flickering between me and each other. I caught fragments: "—no mark though—" "—Vane never even—"

Valdor's hackles rose at the scrutiny, but I kept my expression neutral and my stride purposeful.

The combat class was already assembled. I led them through drills, but the atmosphere had shifted—sideways glances, hesitations. During a water break, one Beta warrior named Torven worked up the nerve to approach.

"Instructor Vane, is that new cologne?"

Several students went still, clearly eavesdropping. I gave him a flat look. "My personal matters have nothing to do with the class, Cadet. Back to position."

The whispering continued throughout the session. During cooldown, Lyanna—a senior Beta who'd approached me before—sidled up under pretense of discussing tactics, standing closer than professional courtesy demanded.

"Perhaps we could review strategies over dinner?" she suggested, voice pitched low.

I stepped back, putting clear space between us. "Submit your questions in writing. I'll review them during office hours."

Hurt flashed across her face before she retreated.

By lunch, I was barely holding my temper.

---

Kieran found me in my office, bursting through the door without knocking. "Is it true? Everyone's saying you've got a female companion now. Please tell me you're not throwing away what you have with Eileen, because if you don't want her, I'll—"

"Don't," I cut him off, voice dangerously quiet. "Don't even finish that thought."

He stopped, eyes widening at my tone. Then he leaned closer, scenting the air, and his expression shifted from indignation to surprise. "Wait. That's... that's Eileen's scent."

"Obviously."

Understanding dawned. "But there's no mark on you, so everyone thinks..." He paused, then grinned. "Oh, this is going to drive the campus insane. Why not just tell them?"

I reached into my shirt and pulled out the moonstone. "This is Eileen's gift. It carries her scent and her intention. She asked me to wear it."

Kieran stared. "So you're walking around broadcasting that you have a mate, but not saying who, and not completing the visible bond. That's... some kind of delayed courtship game?"

"Eileen's taking a brave step forward," I said evenly. "We're doing this at her pace. She needs to establish herself first."

He studied me, then nodded slowly. "You really love her."

"More than I knew was possible."

---

That afternoon, heading back to my office, I encountered three young female instructors who normally never came to this floor. They were "looking for files," they claimed, but the way they straightened when they saw me, releasing carefully crafted pleasant scents, told a different story.

The boldest stepped forward. "Instructor Vane, we heard you've been... seeing someone?"

The implication was clear: testing if I'd accepted a non-fated mate, implying their own availability.

I met her gaze directly. "The scent you detect comes from my true mate. I suggest you redirect your attention elsewhere."

All three paled and hurried away.

Alone in my office, Valdor snarled his approval. *Good. Make them understand.*

I touched the stone beneath my shirt, feeling its warmth. Soon, I would tell Eileen about today's encounters. Soon, when she was ready, we would face the campus together. But for now, I would endure the speculation, the approaches, the frustration.

Because she was worth the wait.

And I had promised her—however long it takes, I would be here.

The stone pulsed gently against my chest, carrying her scent, her choice, her trust. That was enough.

For now, that was everything.