Mated to Her Alpha Instructor Chapter 97

Eileen

A server appeared to take our orders—Aldric and Regis both chose heartier fare while I opted for something bland that wouldn't upset my finicky stomach. Once we were alone again, Aldric leaned forward, his expression turning more serious but no less kind.

"I won't keep you in suspense," he said. "I asked you here for two reasons. First, to formally thank you for your work on the parasitic infections. You've given us a treatment protocol."

My throat tightened, words stuck somewhere between gratitude and disbelief. Regis squeezed my hand, sending a steady stream of calm through our bond, even as I felt his fierce satisfaction at seeing me recognized.

"The second reason," Aldric went on, his tone gentling further, "is a bit more personal. Alfred is an old friend of mine. I admit I was more than a little annoyed he never mentioned having such an exceptional daughter-in-law here at the academy. I gave him a proper scolding, then told him I’d be more than happy to keep an eye on you—especially now, with you expecting. I know this is uncharted territory for you both."

The kindness in his voice broke through my shock. "I... I do have questions. About the bond I'm feeling with the baby."

I hesitated, then pushed through my embarrassment. "Professor—Aldric—I... these past two days, I've been able to feel the baby. Not movement, but... like it's aware of me. Responding to me. Is that normal? Should I be doing something specific?"

His expression softened immediately. "Not only normal—it's precious. Can you describe what you're sensing?"

"It's like..." I struggled to find the words. "Like there's a warm presence reaching back when I reach out. Almost like it knows I'm its mother." I paused, anxiety creeping in. "But sometimes I worry I'm not... giving it what it needs. What if I'm doing something wrong?"

"You're not," Aldric said firmly. "The fact that you're already forming this bond tells me you're doing everything right."

Regis's hand tightened on mine, his attention laser-focused on Aldric's explanation.

"In early pregnancy, the pup needs enormous amounts of energy and nutrients," Aldric continued. "For wolf mothers, their animal instincts handle much of that automatically. But you don't have that framework." His eyes crinkled warmly. "Which is where your mate's attentiveness comes in—and from what I can see, Regis has been quite diligent in that regard."

Regis cleared his throat, the tips of his ears reddening slightly. "We've been... managing."

I pressed my lips together to hide my smile, feeling my own cheeks heat.

"As the pregnancy progresses," Aldric went on, "the bond shifts from simple biological need to conscious recognition. The pup begins to know you—your heartbeat, your voice, your emotions. It's instinctive, primal. Not like a mate bond that requires ritual and marking. This connection exists simply because you share one body, one life force."

"So when I talk to the baby..." I started tentatively. "It can actually... feel that I'm there?"

"More than feel. It knows you're its mother. Knows you're safe." Aldric smiled. "And as you get further along, you'll become even more attuned. Some mothers sense their pup's discomfort before there are obvious physical signs."

Relief flooded through me, followed immediately by a new wave of worry. "What about stress? If I'm anxious or upset, does that hurt the baby?"

"The pup feels your emotions, yes, but occasional stress won't harm it. What matters is that you have support—" he glanced meaningfully at Regis, "—and that you don't carry everything alone."

Through our bond, I felt Regis's fierce agreement with that statement.

"Speaking of support," Aldric said, shifting gears, "let's discuss this border assignment. Hawthorne is demanding but fair—you'll learn a great deal. However, I need you to promise me something." His expression grew serious. "No overworking. No skipping meals because you're too focused."

I ducked my head, caught. "I'll be careful."

"She will be," Regis interjected smoothly. "I'll make certain of it."

Aldric's stern look softened into approval. "Good. Because if I hear Dr. Hawthorne is working my star student too hard, I'll be having words with him." He paused. "Though I suspect your Alpha here will handle that before I need to intervene."

Regis's mouth quirked. "I'll keep that option in reserve."

"What about travel?" I asked, thinking ahead. "Is it safe for the baby if we're on the road for days?"

"As long as you rest frequently and stay hydrated, you'll be fine. Just listen to your body—and to that little one." Aldric's expression warmed. "Trust that bond you're building. It will tell you when you need to slow down."

The conversation eased into lighter territory as our food arrived—stories of Aldric's early teaching days, gentle ribbing about Alfred's stubbornness, anecdotes about Regis's unreadable poker face in strategy sessions.

As we prepared to leave, Aldric stood and clasped my shoulder briefly. "Go show them what you're made of, Eileen. Prove that heart and mind matter more than blood. You're already halfway there."

My throat tightened. "Thank you, Aldric."

He smiled. "We're friends now. No need for formality."

---

By the time we left the restaurant, I was exhausted but lighter than I'd felt in weeks. Regis kept his arm around my waist as we walked to the carriage, and through our bond, I could feel his contentment mixing with a hint of something else. Wariness? Alertness?

"What is it?" I asked as he helped me into the carriage.

"Probably nothing." But his eyes scanned the street, and I recognized the way his shoulders had tensed slightly—the way they did when Valdor was close to the surface, sensing potential threats.

"Regis." I caught his hand, drawing his attention back to me.

He hesitated, then sighed and climbed in beside me, pulling me against his side. "I thought I saw someone watching us when we left the restaurant. It's probably nothing—this is a public area, people look at things."

"I'm safe," I said quietly, pressing closer to his warmth. "You're here, and I'm safe."

"I know." He kissed the top of my head. "I just wish I could give you a world where you didn't need protecting."

"I don't want a different world." I tilted my face up to meet his eyes. "I want this one, with you in it."

The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, and he pulled me into a proper kiss—gentle and claiming in equal measure. When we finally broke apart, his forehead rested against mine, and I felt the complexity of his emotions through our bond: love, protectiveness, determination, and underneath it all, a fierce joy that I was his and he was mine.