Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 151

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

**Chapter 151: The Taste of Trouble**

“Then, let’s make some more,” Emma declared with a spark of enthusiasm.

With the eager assistance of Lucien and Edric, Emma decided to procure yet another batch of sea beasts, tipping extra star coins for express delivery. She could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of what they would create together.

As evening descended and the sun dipped below the horizon, Silas returned home. The moment he crossed the threshold of the manor, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, wrapping around him like a warm embrace.

His steps quickened, instinctively following the rich scent that beckoned him closer. “Emy, did you whip up something delicious?” he called out, his voice filled with anticipation.

Emma emerged from the kitchen, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she carried a tray laden with golden-brown sea beast nuggets. The sight was mouthwatering. She picked one up and, with a playful glint in her eye, held it to Silas’ lips. “Try it. Edric, Lucien, and I made them together.”

She had crafted an array of flavors—honey glaze, smoky barbecue, and a zesty sweet chili that danced on the tongue.

Silas leaned forward, his lips brushing against her fingertip as he took a bite. “Mmm. That’s amazing,” he declared, his eyes widening in delight.

It truly was a culinary masterpiece. The sea beast nuggets were delightful, but even more captivating was the intoxicating scent of Emma, which lingered in the air, making his heart race.

Emma felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. Silas had an uncanny ability to flirt, and he never missed an opportunity, regardless of the setting. “If you like it, go wash your hands. Dinner’s ready,” she said, attempting to sound composed as she withdrew her hand and turned back toward the kitchen.

“Emy,” Silas called, catching her arm gently. His voice dropped to a low murmur near her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. “You didn’t forget what you promised me this morning, did you?”

As he spoke, he casually loosened the tie on his military shirt—a small gesture that somehow felt charged with an undercurrent of danger. Emma’s heart raced; she was grateful Lucien had been similarly relaxed earlier, or she might have melted into a puddle right there.

“I remember. Now, hurry up and wash your hands,” she urged, trying to maintain her composure as she nudged him toward the sink before slipping back into the kitchen.

Silas watched her leave, a frown creasing his brow. Was it just his imagination, or had she suddenly become distant? The warmth and longing he had glimpsed in her eyes that morning seemed to vanish like mist in the sunlight.

He pondered this as he made his way to the bathroom, curiosity gnawing at him.

Meanwhile, the dining room was transformed into a banquet of delights, the table set with a feast that promised to tantalize the senses. Edric, ever the dutiful friend, went off to summon Marcus.

Marcus, however, had a complicated relationship with food. To him, eating was more of a tedious obligation than a pleasure, akin to drinking nutrient fluid. Nevertheless, since the huntress had sent for him, he reluctantly climbed out of his crystal coffin.

He straightened his rumpled attire, knowing that meeting the huntress looking disheveled would be a grave insult.

Once he felt presentable, Marcus threw a weary glance at Edric. “Buddy,” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, “how long until you reach Rank 10?”

Edric hadn’t anticipated that question. He frowned, perplexed. “Why do you ask?”

Emma sighed inwardly; it was no secret that Marcus had the biggest mouth in the house and a complete disregard for self-preservation. His honesty was often laced with a venom that could cut deep.

Silas chuckled, though the sound held a chilling edge that made the atmosphere tense. “So what if I flirt? I only do it for my huntress. It’s called chemistry. You wouldn’t understand, Marcus. When your only goal in life is finding a way to die, jealousy doesn’t really suit you.”

“Enough,” Lucien interjected sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. His gaze swept across both men, fierce and commanding. “If you two want to fight, take it to my study later. You can scream your heads off there. But right now, you will keep quiet and let Ms. Tibarn eat in peace.”

The audacity of bickering in front of their huntress was unbelievable.

Silas and Marcus fell silent immediately, the air thick with unspoken tension.

After that, they ate in an uneasy quiet, each man wary of testing Lucien’s patience again.

Emma, unaffected by the earlier antics, calmly finished her meal, her mind clear. She knew Silas wouldn’t dare to confront Marcus; he wouldn’t stand a chance. And Marcus, for all his bravado, couldn’t be bothered to escalate things either.

It was all just noise—mild entertainment at best.

Once dinner concluded, Emma made her way to the training room, eager to practice and hone her skills.

The moment she left, Silas stood up as well. “I’m full. I’ll head back to my room and finish some work,” he announced, a hint of anticipation in his voice. Tonight, Emma was supposed to visit him, and he needed to ensure everything was just right.