Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 76

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley 76**

**Chapter 76: The Traumatized Lucien**

Corvin’s reckless behavior didn’t merely humiliate Lucien; it sent shockwaves of embarrassment rippling through the room, affecting every woman present. The spectacle of a therian parading around in his birthday suit was nothing short of scandalous. Regardless of Corvin’s strikingly handsome features, such behavior was simply intolerable!

Lucien, a figure known for his unwavering composure, felt a tempest of anger brewing within him. The heat surged to his cheeks, a stark departure from his usual calm exterior. This was not just a moment of irritation; it felt personal.

With a swift, determined motion, he disentangled himself from Emma’s comforting embrace, his remaining feather-tipped wing rising in a display of indignation. He marched straight toward Corvin, his heart pounding with the weight of his frustration. In one decisive moment, he unleashed a resounding smack across Corvin’s face—a slap that echoed not just through the room but also within Lucien’s own heart.

It was perhaps a stroke of fortune for Corvin that he was currently bound and unable to dodge the blow. However, the humiliation he felt was palpable, and he was far from willing to accept it in silence. He turned to Emma, wide-eyed and pleading, a pitiful whine escaping his lips that tugged at her heartstrings.

Emma, though unable to decipher his exact words, saw through the charade he was putting on. “You totally deserve this,” she stated flatly, her voice unwavering. “Look at what you did to Coalball! You’re lucky he only slapped you twice.”

Her indifference to Corvin’s whimpering was as clear as day.

Despite the fleeting satisfaction of having landed a blow, Coalball was still far from appeased. His glare at Corvin was fierce, an intensity that could melt steel. In his prime, Coalball had commanded respect and authority that rivaled even the formidable Drake. But now… well, it was better not to dwell on that.

With a swift motion, Coalball raised his claw and tugged sharply at Corvin’s whiskers. “Chirp!” he warned, “If you dare to do this again, I will eviscerate you, even if Emma tries to protect you!”

He had allowed many things to slide for Emma’s sake, but this? This was crossing a line that could not be ignored!

Once he had made his point, Coalball didn’t even spare a glance back at Emma. Instead, he dove under the nearest blanket, preferring the suffocating darkness over the humiliation of being exposed in front of her.

Corvin began to whimper, his torn whiskers clearly causing him distress. The sound he produced was so pitiful that it seemed he was on the verge of tears, a sight that tugged at Emma’s heart even as frustration simmered within her.

Still, Emma stood her ground, only untying him once she was confident that Coalball had finished exacting his revenge.

The moment the ropes fell away, Corvin hurled himself into her arms, whining the entire way, a desperate plea for comfort.

With a weary sigh, Emma felt the beginnings of a headache forming. At this point, she couldn’t shake the thought that she hadn’t acquired a husband; instead, she had unwittingly taken on the role of a caregiver to a child.

“Okay, okay,” she murmured, patting his head with a touch of reluctance. “You’re alright. Just stop picking on Coalball, okay? Be good for me now.”

She couldn’t help but think that Jimmy had fled so quickly because he didn’t want to babysit the cub version of Corvin. He certainly knew that the Corvin who had been forced into his cub form after draining his abilities was a complete menace.

“Awooo!” Corvin barked in satisfaction, nuzzling against her chest like a spoiled child, clearly reveling in the attention he craved.

Edric’s expression darkened as he observed Corvin’s behavior. Sure, he was in a cub form at the moment, but still! Where did he think he was rubbing against?

With a firm grip, he lifted Corvin by the scruff and pulled him away from Emma’s warm embrace. “Emma, you should really check on Coalball. He looks like he’s on the verge of throwing himself off a cliff because of what Corvin did.”

If anyone deserved a cuddle, Edric thought, it should be the unfortunate bird, not this overly clingy mutt.

“Arf!” Corvin barked in protest, but one stern look from Edric silenced him instantly. “Keep this up, and I’ll throw you in the cage.”

Emma’s lips twitched as she struggled to suppress a giggle, thinking to herself, I really should have known better than to trust a man’s eye for aesthetics.

With a quick resolution, she took over, selecting a set of matching black feathers from the pile. She carefully glued them onto the molds, one by one, her touch gentle and deliberate, as if she were crafting a delicate work of art.

While they weren’t perfect, at least Coalball was no longer exposed to the world in his nakedness.

Meanwhile, Coalball had resigned himself to his fate. This was still a better alternative than being completely bare.

Just as he began to recover from the trauma of his earlier humiliation, Edric spoke up again, “Emma, Coalball’s not getting any younger. Don’t you think it’s about time we find him a mate?”

Lucien felt his blood pressure spike once more at the suggestion, a wave of frustration washing over him.

In this chaotic chapter, the emotional arc of Lucien reaches a poignant climax as he grapples with feelings of humiliation and protectiveness. The reckless antics of Corvin not only draw out Lucien’s suppressed anger but also force him to confront the vulnerability of those he cares for, particularly Coalball. The slap across Corvin’s face serves as a cathartic release for Lucien, a moment where he asserts his authority and defends his friends against the absurdity of the situation. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there is a glimmer of humor as the group navigates the fallout, highlighting the bonds that hold them together even in the face of embarrassment.

As the chapter unfolds, Emma emerges as a grounding presence, embodying compassion and practicality in the aftermath of chaos. Her gentle reassurance to Coalball and her willingness to take charge of the feather restoration process reflect her nurturing spirit, juxtaposed against the tumultuous dynamics of the group. Edric’s light-hearted suggestion about finding Coalball a mate adds a layer of levity to the scene, hinting at the potential for growth and new beginnings. Ultimately, the chapter closes with a sense of camaraderie, as Lucien, Emma, and their friends navigate the complexities of their relationships, finding solace in their shared experiences and the promise of brighter days ahead.

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As the tension continues to simmer in the aftermath of Corvin’s outrageous antics, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional fallout from the chaotic events. Lucien, still reeling from his uncharacteristic outburst, must grapple with the implications of his actions and the precarious balance of power within their group. With Coalball still recovering from his humiliation and Edric’s unexpected proposition hanging in the air, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Lucien confronts not only his anger but also the vulnerability of those he cares about. Will he find a way to navigate his feelings and restore harmony, or will his simmering frustration lead to further conflict?

Meanwhile, Emma’s role as the reluctant caretaker is set to evolve. As she tends to Coalball’s wounds—both physical and emotional—she will be faced with the challenge of uniting her eclectic family. The suggestion of finding Coalball a mate could open a new chapter in their lives, forcing Emma to consider the complexities of relationships among therian creatures. With her heartstrings tugged in multiple directions, will she be able to balance her affection for Corvin and her desire to protect Coalball? The next chapter is poised to explore these intricate dynamics, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder how Emma will respond to Edric’s bold suggestion and what it might mean for their unconventional family.