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.”

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