Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 364

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 364: Tangled Intentions**

Malrik had an unwavering belief in her, a trust that felt almost sacred.

“If you say so, then I must have remembered it incorrectly,” he replied, a hint of confusion clouding his features.

His gaze shifted to Emma, and in that moment, a wave of injustice washed over him.

“Ms. Tibarn… Daddy says we can’t sleep together yet. Is that true?”

Emma met his eyes, her expression solemn as she nodded. “Yes, we haven’t bonded yet.”

So it is true. Daddy wouldn’t lie to me.

Malrik’s heart sank, a heavy weight settling in his chest as he felt his spirits dim.

“Is it because you don’t like me? Is that why you won’t bond with me?”

Emma shook her head vigorously, flustered by his question. “No, no. You’re adorable—how could I not like you?”

“Then why not bond with me?” Malrik pressed, his voice tinged with desperation.

Emma found herself at a loss for words. Is he genuinely confused… or is he just pretending?

His reasoning seemed far too clear for someone who was supposed to be mentally impaired.

“You’re not answering. Is it because you never planned to become my mate? You don’t like me at all, do you?”

Suddenly, tears began to cascade down his cheeks, each drop falling silently onto the back of her hand.

Emma froze, her heart racing.

She hadn’t anticipated this reaction; he looked like a small, abandoned puppy, lost and forlorn.

In an instant, her heart melted.

“Malrik, I like you. I’m not refusing you. But the doctor says your condition isn’t stable yet. Once you’re better, I promise I’ll bond with you, okay?”

Her words were sincere.

Lucien had consulted the doctor, and the verdict was clear: Malrik wasn’t ready for bonding yet.

Malrik’s eyes flickered with hope. So it wasn’t that Ms. Tibarn didn’t like me after all.

Without hesitation, he enveloped her in his arms, his grip tight and reassuring.

“I’ll take my medicine… if you promise me one thing.”

“What is it?”

Emma hesitated, uncertain of what he might ask, cautious not to make a promise she couldn’t keep.

Malrik believed his request was simple and straightforward.

“I want to join the drawing lots too. Next time, include me, okay?”

Even without bonding… I want to stay with you like the others.

Before Emma could respond, a voice interjected, cutting through the moment.

“That’s my arrangement. Asking Emma won’t help you ask me.”

Lucien had been listening for who knows how long. He stepped forward, gently pulling Emma out of Malrik’s embrace.

“Emma, it’s getting late. You should go rest. I’ll have a word with Malrik.”

“And what makes you think I prefer this?”

The teasing warmth of her breath sent a shiver down Marcus’s spine, freezing him in place. His ears flushed a deep crimson.

I plan to seduce her. How am I the one feeling flustered?

He leaned in to kiss her, but she nimbly dodged his advance.

“Ms. Tibarn…”

He gazed at her, a look of devastation washing over his features. Does she not like it?

His ears drooped slightly as he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, “You promised to make it up to me tonight.”

Emma fought back a laugh, almost bursting but managing to hold it in.

“I did,” she murmured, her fingers trailing lightly over the cold golden chains encircling his wrists, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

“But I never said I’d make it up to you this way.”

Marcus looked even more wronged, his expression a mix of confusion and disappointment. So Ms. Tibarn isn’t planning to compensate me like this?

He looked at Emma, his eyes wide and pleading. “Then… how do you want to compensate me?”

Emma studied his pitiful expression for a moment, then reached out to stroke the wolf ears that peeked out from his tousled hair.

She held back a laugh, leaned in, and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Then, with a mock-serious tone, she pretended to ponder.

“I’ve been thinking about that all day.”