Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 487

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

**Chapter 487: By Her Side**

Silas leaned forward slightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes, and said, “Just like this, right now.”

For a fleeting moment, Alaric’s smile faltered, as if a shadow had passed over the sun.

Finishing his statement, Silas shifted his gaze away from Alaric, redirecting his attention to the kitchen, where Corvin and Kieran were engrossed in the task of preparing a meal.

Alaric, without a doubt, was a formidable candidate for a mate. He was not only capable but also exceptionally skilled in the field of medicine, and at this very moment, he was unoccupied—able to be present by Emma’s side at any hour she might need him.

Yet, there was a significant flaw in his character: his incessant scheming. Such a mindset had no place in a tranquil family environment.

Alaric was always plotting, his mind racing several steps ahead of everyone else. Each action he took seemed to be layered with hidden contingencies, as if he were playing a game of chess against an unseen opponent.

In the short term, he could indeed offer tangible benefits for Emma. With his medical knowledge, he could keep a vigilant eye on her health throughout her pregnancy, ensuring her safety and well-being.

However, the prospect of having someone so perpetually calculating and on edge in Emma’s presence could become utterly draining, especially for someone as gentle and emotionally attuned as she was.

As Silas stepped into the kitchen, he was immediately embraced by the warm, inviting aroma of the food being prepared, which chased away some of the lingering chill from the air.

Kieran was focused intently on slicing vegetables, each cut deliberate and precise, while Corvin meticulously arranged the ingredients, his expression serious and concentrated.

The small kitchen radiated a sense of warmth and tranquility, a slice of ordinary life that felt so comforting.

This was the kind of life Emma yearned for—the simple, peaceful existence they all needed.

“Silas, you made it!” Corvin exclaimed, his face lighting up with a genuine smile that was free from any ulterior motives.

Silas returned the gesture, his expression softening in response.

“Thanks for all the hard work. Need an extra pair of hands?” he inquired, rolling up his sleeves, eager to contribute.

“No need at all. We’re almost done here,” Kieran replied, his tone calm and steady as always.

Silas hummed in acknowledgment, his eyes catching sight of the freshly picked greens resting beside Corvin. Without hesitation, he began washing them, his hands working methodically.

Corvin observed him quietly for a moment before leaning in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Silas, do you think Alaric has feelings for Emma? Is he looking to form a bond with her?”

Silas raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by the question. “You picked up on that, did you?”

Corvin rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Don’t act as if I’m oblivious. He’s been quite obvious about it. Even Kieran noticed—how could I possibly miss it?”

Kieran, who had been silently cutting vegetables, paused, his attention now drawn to the conversation.

Silas chuckled softly but chose not to provide a direct answer.

Corvin sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “Alright, I admit I might not be as perceptive as you, Lucien, or Edric when it comes to these matters. But I really need to know—what does Emma think about Alaric? Is there a chance she’ll bond with him?”

Calum sat beside her bed, his gaze soft and tender as he watched her sleep. His large hand moved gently over her back, as light as a feather, ensuring she remained undisturbed.

“Emma’s asleep?” Corvin whispered, tiptoeing closer to catch a glimpse of her serene face.

Edric instructed calmly, “Let’s leave the dishes in the kitchen for now. We’ll eat once she wakes up.”

“Alright,” Kieran agreed, but he and Corvin were about to take the plates back when Emma stirred, blinking awake.

“Is dinner ready? I can smell it,” she said, her voice thick with sleep.

The scent wafting through the air was utterly irresistible, and a wave of hunger hit her all at once.

“Emma, you’re awake? Did we disturb you?” Corvin asked, setting the dishes on a nearby table alongside Kieran before rushing to check on her.

“Yes. I’m absolutely starving,” Emma admitted, nodding fervently. “I want to eat.”

“I’ll help you over,” Calum offered without hesitation, rising to his feet.

“Take it slow,” he added, his voice softening as he looked at Emma, her eyes still hazy from sleep. “Don’t sit up too quickly.”

Emma rubbed her tired eyes and glanced up at him, grateful for his presence.

Calum leaned down, one arm sliding gently under her bent knees for support, steady and strong. His other arm wrapped around her back, cradling her with a tenderness that felt as careful as a whisper.