Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 208

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley 208**

**Chapter 208: The Night That Changed Everything**

The flickering images on the screen danced before Emma’s eyes, a kaleidoscope of laughter and cherished memories that seemed to weave a spell around her. As her eyelids grew heavy, she found herself drifting into a dreamlike state, the world around her fading into a soft blur. It was as if she were floating on a cloud, suspended between reality and the sweet embrace of sleep.

Suddenly, a warm sensation curled around her calf, a familiar touch that stirred her from her reverie. It was a gentle tug, a beckoning that pulled her back to the surface of consciousness.

With a slow blink, Emma’s eyes fluttered open, and there he was—Edric, his figure looming above her like a guardian in the night. The sharp angles of his face were illuminated by the dim light, and his dark eyes held an intensity that sent a thrill racing through her. The warmth radiating from him enveloped her, igniting a mix of fear and exhilaration deep within her chest.

“Edric,” she murmured, her voice thick with the remnants of sleep, the syllables slipping from her lips like a secret meant just for him. The sound resonated in the stillness, echoing softly in the space between them.

“Emma,” he replied, his voice low and gravelly, as if he were still caught in the haze of dreams. “What do you want?”

With a newfound boldness, she took a breath, her heart racing. “Hug me,” she commanded, her voice steady, though a flutter of nerves danced in her stomach.

He hesitated, the muscles in his throat tightening as he processed her request. The storm brewing in his eyes hinted at desires unspoken, a tempest of emotions just beneath the surface. “How do you want me to hold you, Emma?” he asked, his tone rough, laced with an undeniable allure that sent shivers down her spine.

As he leaned in closer, his fingers brushed lightly against her ankle, a tantalizing caress that felt both teasing and electric. His palm glided along her calf, inching upward until it lingered just above her knee, igniting a fire within her that she had long kept at bay.

A tremor coursed through her body, a primal urge to pull away battling with the magnetic pull of his presence. But he caught her effortlessly, pressing her back down with a quiet strength that both frightened and exhilarated her.

“Didn’t you ask me to hold you?” His voice was soft yet held a dangerous undertone, sending ripples of anticipation through her. One arm braced beside her head, while his body pinned her in place, the bed dipping under his weight.

Her heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears, breaths coming in uneven gasps. With a surge of courage, she curled her fingers in his collar, lifting her chin defiantly. “Well… are you going to or not?”

A ghost of a grin danced across his lips as he effortlessly scooped her up, cradling her against him as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

Emma gasped, her arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders, her legs encircling his hips as she clung to him. In that moment, she felt weightless, as if she were floating, suspended in a blissful dream.

“Like this?” he asked, his voice husky, laced with a smoky edge that made her shiver. His fingers danced along the curve of her waist, teasingly light, barely there yet electrifying.

Heat flooded her cheeks. Pressed against his chest, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—hard, hot, and fast—matching the frantic pace of her own.

“Dinner’s ready,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a growl that sent a thrill coursing through her. “Do you want to eat first… or have me for dessert?”

The air caught in her throat, her heart racing at the implication of his words.

Her lips parted, voice trembling with anticipation. “You already know the answer.”

In that moment, it was impossible to think about anything but the intoxicating connection they shared.

His laughter resonated against her skin, deep and commanding, sending ripples of warmth through her. With a fluid motion, he turned and laid her back gently on the bed, the world momentarily spinning before his lips found hers.

The kiss was electric—intense and commanding, leaving her breathless and disoriented. Her fingers roamed up his back, nails grazing his skin, igniting a fiery sensation that made her pulse quicken.

He pulled back just enough to speak, his lips brushing against her ear, his breath hot and ragged. “Say my name, Emma.”

“Edric…” The name slipped from her lips, soft and broken, filled with longing that echoed in the stillness.

“Again.” His hand glided down her side, his touch slow and deliberate, coaxing shivers from her skin.

“Edric…” This time, her voice melted like honey, sweet and inviting. She was the first to reach out, her lips meeting his once more as her fingers ventured lower, tracing the ridges of his abs.

He caught her hand, guiding it further down, a playful smile dancing in his voice. “Didn’t you want to know how many I’ve got?”

How do I even tell Ms. Tibarn without her losing it?

He’d wrestled with these questions all afternoon and still had no answers.

Finally, Corvin broke the suffocating silence.

“Edric went up to get Emma and still hasn’t come back. Guess he’s not planning on it either,” he muttered, glancing over at the others—Lucien’s blank expression, Silas’ lazy half-grin, and Marcus’ unconvincing act of sleep.

No one reacted. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Corvin groaned under his breath. “This is ridiculous. We’re just sitting here doing nothing. You guys want to play something, or should we all just call it a night?”

Either way, it was clear that Emma wasn’t going to bond with any of them tonight.

He turned toward Marcus. “You haven’t gone back to your room since we got home. Don’t you want to check out how I set it up for you?”

**Conclusion**

As the night unfolded, Emma found herself teetering on the brink of a life she had long feared to embrace. Wrapped in Edric’s arms, she surrendered to the intoxicating blend of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins. The warmth of his touch and the electric chemistry ignited a spark within her, illuminating the corners of her heart that had long been cloaked in doubt. With each kiss, each whisper of his name, she felt the weight of her insecurities begin to lift, replaced by a burgeoning sense of self-discovery and acceptance. The barriers she had painstakingly constructed around her heart began to crumble, revealing a vulnerability she had fought so hard to protect.

Meanwhile, the world outside their intimate cocoon remained oblivious to the transformation taking place. The tension among their friends lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the closeness shared between Emma and Edric. As laughter and camaraderie faded into the background, Emma realized that she was no longer the girl who shied away from love and connection. Instead, she was becoming someone bold enough to embrace her desires, to live the life she had once feared. In that moment, as they intertwined under the moonlight, she understood that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them—hand in hand with Edric, her heart finally open to the possibilities of love.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can anticipate the tension that has been building in Chapter 208 to erupt into a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. As Emma and Edric navigate the intimate connection they’ve forged, the boundaries between desire and vulnerability will blur even further. However, just as they seem to lose themselves in each other, the outside world will come crashing back, bringing with it the weight of their respective truths. The presence of their friends downstairs looms large, and the unspoken dynamics among them promise to complicate the already charged atmosphere. Will the comfort of their newfound intimacy withstand the scrutiny and expectations of their companions?

Moreover, Malrik’s internal struggle will take center stage, tugging at the heartstrings of readers who have witnessed his transformation from a brooding figure to someone grappling with the harsh realities of his feelings for Emma. His desperation to confront her about his true nature will create a ripple effect, challenging the fragile balance within the group and forcing everyone to confront their own fears and desires. As secrets come to light and alliances shift, the stakes will rise dramatically, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how love can thrive amidst chaos and uncertainty. What choices will Emma and Edric make when faced with the truth, and how will these decisions shape the future of their relationships? The next chapter promises to deliver a thrilling blend of passion, conflict, and soul-searching moments that will leave fans breathless.