Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 280

**Title: When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 280: Comforting Drake**

A deep, gnawing fear gripped Emma’s heart as she contemplated the potential chaos that could erupt if Drake were to lose control. The thought of him rushing out to confront Kieran, a confrontation that could escalate into violence, sent shivers down her spine. In that moment, it felt as if no one within the walls of Aquadome stood a chance against Drake’s wrath.

“I don’t dislike you,” she murmured, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Emma’s instinct was to soothe him, to bring him back from the edge of his fury. “Your tail is wrapped around me too tightly. I can’t comfort you like this,” she said, her tone gentle yet firm.

As she spoke, she lifted her hand, brushing her fingers against his cheek, hoping to bridge the emotional chasm that seemed to widen between them.

“Behave a little, and I promise I’ll come to like you,” she added, her heart racing as she watched his reaction.

At her words, a flicker of joy ignited in Drake’s eyes. He nuzzled his face against her palm, a soft purr escaping his lips, as if her words were a balm to his troubled soul.

“I’ll behave. I want you to like me,” he replied earnestly, his resolve momentarily calming the storm within him.

Though he ceased his struggles, the grip of his tail around her waist remained firm, albeit a touch more relaxed.

Emma pressed her palm against his forehead, feeling the warmth radiating from him. With a deep breath, she allowed her mental power to flow into his mind, sensing the turmoil that lay beneath the surface.

No wonder he said his head hurt, she thought, as she felt the magma of his emotions begin to surge once more, threatening to overwhelm him. With a concentrated effort, she calmed the roiling magma, her mental energy weaving through the chaos, soothing the tempest within.

As she focused, she noticed a delicate, transparent layer beginning to form over Drake’s battered mental landscape. Is this a new mental landscape? Her heart soared with hope. If this new landscape could fully materialize, it would mean a complete recovery for Drake.

After what felt like an eternity, the magma finally settled, but Emma could feel her mental energy waning. Gently, she withdrew her hand from his forehead, feeling the tension between them shift.

The moment her palm left his skin, Drake’s eyes snapped open, filled with a mix of urgency and desire.

“Emma,” he breathed, his voice low and intense as he stared at her, his tail tightening once more around her waist.

She felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks as he leaned in closer, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he swallowed hard. The raw emotion in his eyes sent a thrill through her, but instinctively, she took a small step back, her heart racing with uncertainty.

“Are you running from me?” he asked, his lips almost brushing against hers, the distance between them evaporating in a heartbeat.

“Drake, calm down,” she urged, pressing her hands against his chest, feeling the solidness of him beneath her palms.

“Don’t you like me?” His voice was laced with a desperate need, a yearning that made her pulse quicken.

He was insistent, a part of him craving her approval, her affection. He wanted her to be his mate, and the thought sent a wave of panic through her.

Suddenly, a deep, sleepy roar resonated from above, startling both of them.

“Daddy, what are you and Mommy doing?”

Kieran approached Emma immediately, a sense of urgency in his demeanor. “Ms. Tibarn, the meal is ready,” he announced, relief evident in his voice.

Earlier, Thero had mentioned that Emma was comforting Drake, and Kieran had wisely chosen to wait, not wanting to intrude on their moment.

Emma smiled warmly at Kieran. “Have you been waiting long?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Kieran shook his head. “No, I just arrived. Mr. Thero mentioned you were comforting Mr. Smith, so I didn’t want to disturb you,” he explained, glancing briefly at Drake.

Drake, however, was focused on Emma, holding her hand firmly, ensuring her attention remained on him rather than on Kieran.

“Emma, aren’t you hungry? Let’s go eat first,” he urged, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.

Kieran nodded in agreement, eager to move forward. “Ms. Tibarn, let’s eat first,” he echoed, trying to keep the mood light.

But Thero, who had been waiting patiently, suddenly interjected, his expression serious. “Mr. Smith, someone from Thunderland has arrived,” he stated, his tone brokering no argument.

Drake shot Thero a glare, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “Thunderland? I don’t care what that is. I’m going to eat with Emma. Don’t stop me,” he replied, irritation lacing his words.

This old man is so annoying, Drake thought, feeling thwarted in his desire to spend time with Emma.

“Mr. Smith, you must go,” Thero insisted, the weight of his authority making it clear that this was not a suggestion.