Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 436

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

**Chapter 436: Primary Mate Selected**

Emma found herself standing resolutely in the heart of the room, the atmosphere thick with a palpable tension that seemed to hang in the air like an uninvited guest. The topic of selecting a primary mate had transformed into a contentious issue, one that everyone regarded with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. It was as if the very idea had become a hot potato—something no one wanted to grasp too tightly for fear of getting burned. Yet, amid the swirling uncertainty, Emma’s determination blazed brightly. “I can handle this,” she reassured herself, her mind racing with possibilities. “Even if it feels overwhelming, I can break it down and make it something they’ll want to embrace—something worth fighting for.”

Her gaze shifted toward Silas and Edric, her expression serious and unwavering. “With Lucien stepping back from his role as the primary mate, it’s crucial that we fill that position. I’m considering one of you three, along with Corvin.”

With a decisive flick of her wrist, Emma activated her lightcore, summoning a video call to Corvin. As the screen illuminated, revealing Corvin in a disheveled state, her heart tightened with concern. His attire was ragged, one lens of his glasses was missing, and his hair looked as though it had been through a windstorm—chaotic and unkempt, suggesting he had recently emerged from a grueling battle with his work.

“Emma.” The moment his eyes met hers, the weariness that had clouded his features began to dissipate like morning fog giving way to sunlight. There was a flicker of life in his gaze, a stark contrast to the exhaustion that had previously overshadowed him.

“Corvin, do you have a moment?” Emma’s voice was steady, though she felt a tight knot of worry in her chest. His current state tugged at her heartstrings. He had been so engrossed in his work lately, and she couldn’t help but notice how much he had thinned out. “I’ll swing by the lab tomorrow to check on him,” she promised herself silently.

“Emma, I’ve got some time now. What’s on your mind?” Corvin asked, his brow furrowing as he noticed the seriousness etched into her features. *I’ve never seen Emma this focused before. So assertive. I like it.*

“Actually, I have something important to discuss.” Without hesitation, she laid out the situation clearly, explaining how Lucien had opted out of the primary mate role.

“Now, I’m going to choose the primary mate from the three of you—Silas, Edric, and you.” Her gaze swept over all three of them, the weight of her words hanging in the air. “So, which one of you is willing to step up?”

At the mention of the primary mate, Corvin instinctively took a step back, startled and engulfed in uncertainty. *It’s not that I don’t want to take on the role,* he thought, *but I’m really not the right guy for it. Every time I see Lucien, a knot of fear tightens in my stomach, and Calum? He’s even more intimidating. If I end up as the primary mate, I’m sure I wouldn’t last more than three days.*

“Emma…” Corvin hesitated, caught in a web of conflicting emotions. He wanted to refuse but felt an invisible weight pressing down on him, making it difficult to articulate his thoughts.

Edric, standing nearby, glanced at Emma, his mind racing. Should he speak up?

“Emy, I want to give it a shot.” Silas stepped forward, surprising everyone with his unexpected boldness. “If one of us has to be chosen, I believe I’m the best fit for the role.”

Edric’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Silas as if he had sprouted another head. He hadn’t anticipated such courage from him.

Corvin turned to Silas, a wave of relief washing over him. “Emma, I think Silas is the best choice, too.”

*I knew it; Silas is definitely the strongest candidate in this group.*

Emma focused her gaze on Silas, searching for any hint of uncertainty. “Are you absolutely sure about this?”

Silas nodded, his expression earnest and unwavering. “I’m sure.”

She then turned her attention to Edric and Corvin, seeking their confirmation. “Are you both genuinely in agreement with Silas being my primary mate? No regrets?”

“Emma, I don’t regret it,” Corvin replied without hesitation. “Silas is the perfect choice. I’m all in.”

Emma regarded them with a knowing smile. “Second, as my mates, suitors, and followers, I don’t mind if you’re competing for my attention. But it needs to be a healthy competition. No fighting, no scheming, and absolutely no harming anyone.”

Immediate nods of agreement followed her words. They understood the stakes. Even if they had reservations, they wouldn’t dare voice them. They all listened to Emma.

She continued, her tone unwavering. “Third, if you have any ideas or plans, you must share them with me. No secrets. I can’t read minds. If something arises, we handle it together.”

Another round of nods affirmed her directive.

“Fourth, Silas is my primary mate. This means he takes on extra responsibilities and ensures the household runs smoothly. He works hard.”

As Emma stood in the center of the room, the weight of her decision settled around her like a warm embrace. She had faced the uncertainty head-on, transforming her fear into a powerful declaration that not only solidified her role as a leader but also forged deeper connections with those around her. In choosing Silas as her primary mate, she had not only made a strategic decision but had also signaled her commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. The tension that had once permeated the air was replaced by a sense of shared purpose, as everyone in the room recognized the strength of unity over individual fear. Emma’s resolve had ignited a spark of courage in her mates, allowing them to step beyond their insecurities and embrace the roles they were destined to play.

In the aftermath of her bold declaration, Emma felt a surge of empowerment coursing through her veins, a reminder that she was capable of shaping her own destiny. The laughter and camaraderie that followed her instructions were a testament to the newfound trust and respect among them. No longer were they merely suitors vying for her attention; they had become partners in a shared journey, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. As Emma looked around at their faces—Silas, Edric, and Corvin—she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She had opened the door to the life she had once feared, and in doing so, had created a space where love, loyalty, and collaboration could thrive. The future was no longer a daunting unknown but a vibrant tapestry woven from their collective hopes and dreams.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a rise in tension as Emma’s newly established rules begin to take effect. With Silas now in the role of primary mate, the dynamics within the group will shift dramatically. How will the others adjust to this new hierarchy, especially with Emma’s commanding presence looming over them? The guidelines might bring order, but they also set the stage for potential conflicts and rivalries, particularly as Edric and Corvin grapple with their feelings of competition and camaraderie. Will they support Silas wholeheartedly, or will jealousy and resentment bubble to the surface?

Moreover, Emma’s resolve to check on Corvin adds another layer of intrigue. As she prepares to visit the lab, the question arises: what will she discover about Corvin’s state of mind and his relentless work ethic? Will this visit reveal deeper emotions and hidden vulnerabilities that challenge her perception of their relationship? The anticipation builds as readers wonder how her interactions with Corvin and her leadership will intertwine, potentially reshaping the fabric of their bonds. As tensions rise and alliances are tested, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the choices that define their lives.