Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 486

**Chapter 486: The Choice Is Hers**

“Let’s just say you made the right call. I appreciate it,” Calum remarked, his voice steady as he pivoted on his heel, his thoughts already drifting back to his task.

There was fruit to deliver to Emma, and he couldn’t afford to linger.

Suddenly, the sound of applause echoed behind him—clap, clap, clap!

Silas turned his head slightly, curiosity piqued. There stood Alaric a short distance away, a faint smile playing on his lips.

How long had he been there? What had he overheard? Silas couldn’t be bothered to dwell on it.

“Mr. Wynn, since when did you take up eavesdropping as a hobby?” Silas shot back, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping intentionally,” Alaric replied, his voice calm, though there was a hint of defensiveness. “I came to deliver a potion to Prince Lucien and happened to catch your conversation with Marshal Calum. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I opted to remain quiet.”

As he approached, Alaric jiggled the vial in his hand, the liquid inside swirling with a soft shimmer.

“Silas, honestly, you don’t need to be on high alert around me. We’ve faced life-and-death situations side by side. Surely, we’re on decent terms by now? You know my beast nature well enough.”

“That’s your assumption, isn’t it? Just because I’ve fought alongside many doesn’t mean I’m close to all of them,” Silas retorted, his voice firm and unyielding.

Alaric paused, a flicker of realization crossing his face. Nothing had changed; Silas remained as impenetrable as ever, and sweet words would never soften his resolve.

“Fine, whatever makes you happy,” he conceded with a resigned sigh.

“Here’s the thing,” Alaric continued, determination creeping into his voice. “From what I gather, Emma currently has five mates with her. If you count Calum and Malrik, who haven’t bonded yet, and Kieran, that makes eight males in total. Adding someone like me into the mix wouldn’t be too far-fetched, would it?”

“And let’s not forget, I’m a doctor. Should Emma fall ill, I can attend to her right away. I no longer rule the Emberfox; my abilities are at my disposal to stay by her side and protect her. You, Lucien, and Calum all understand that.”

“Staying close to Emma only brings benefits—no drawbacks. Even the Beast God would approve of this arrangement.”

Alaric was acutely aware that Emma wouldn’t pose a hurdle if he sought to join her circle. There were ways to negotiate with her other mates. The real challenge remained Silas.

Silas was a fortress, impenetrable and resolute.

Alaric considered revealing Emma’s secret—that she was a human female—to win Silas over, but he hesitated. It was a risk he wasn’t willing to take, and he deemed it beneath him.

Silas waited patiently for Alaric to finish his spiel, a smile creeping onto his lips.

Alaric didn’t seem to notice and pressed on, his voice a conspiratorial whisper.

“Look, in terms of raw strength, I’m above you. Strategically, we’re evenly matched. So, you’re worried that if I become Emma’s mate, I might challenge your position as her primary mate.”

Silas turned his head, locking his icy gaze with Alaric’s. They were close enough to see the reflections of their souls mirrored in each other’s eyes.

“You’re mistaken,” Silas replied quietly, his voice a blend of softness and sharpness.

“I don’t fear anyone’s threats.”

He stepped back with deliberate calm, creating a small distance between them, a barrier of resolve.

“Whether it’s Calum, Lucien, Marcus, Edric, or Kieran—even you—anyone who wins Emy’s favor with sincerity deserves it. The position of primary mate isn’t claimed through scheming or coercion. It’s Emy’s choice.”

Alaric had misread him entirely.

“I’m not afraid of threats to my position. I’m wary of those who are full of themselves.”

Silas’s gaze remained fixed on Alaric’s face, his tone laced with a sharp, mocking edge, challenging the very essence of Alaric’s bravado.