Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 125

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

**Chapter 125: Plans**

“Emma, I’m off to the lab now. I’ll be back in a few days!” Corvin called out, his voice echoing with urgency.

Without even bothering to change out of his work clothes, he bolted through the door, moving with the kind of speed one might expect from someone fleeing a dire threat. The fear of being delayed for even a moment gnawed at him, a visceral dread that Lucien would impose a warding order on him if he lingered too long. That was a task he had no intention of undertaking—ever.

Once Corvin was out of sight, Lucien turned his focus to Silas, who was still slumped against Emma, his posture exuding a mix of exhaustion and reluctance.

“You shouldn’t just sit here like this,” Lucien said softly, his tone almost soothing. “The outer battlefield war has concluded, and both of us vanished at the same time. There’s a mountain of unfinished work waiting for us.”

“You’re a commander. You need to go back,” Lucien pressed gently, the weight of responsibility hanging heavily in the air.

Silas exhaled a long, weary sigh, his eyes fluttering open as he turned his head to look at Emma. The warmth of her presence seemed to draw him back from the edge of fatigue. He leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss across her cheek, his voice low and smooth, filled with sincerity.

“Emma, I might not have the luxury of time to be with you over the next few days,” he admitted, a hint of regret lacing his words. “But if you find yourself missing me, remember, you can reach out anytime through the lightcore. Or feel free to come see me whenever you wish.”

A soft smile played on Emma’s lips, but deep down, she felt a flicker of doubt. Would she really have the time to miss anyone with everything that was happening? Yet, the worry nestled in her chest refused to dissipate.

“How’s your injury? Are you sure you’re fit to go back?” she asked, concern etched across her features.

Silas offered her a faint smile, shaking his head lightly as if to dispel her fears. “Don’t fret. I know you’ll be thinking about me. I’ll rest when I need to,” he reassured her, though his words did little to quell her anxiety.

Emma frowned, her brow furrowing with concern. “Promise me you’ll take care of yourself. If anything goes wrong, contact me immediately.”

She understood that she couldn’t stand in the way of his duties. He was a commander, after all, and his responsibilities encompassed the safety of the entire Empire.

“Alright,” Silas replied with a firm nod, his resolve palpable. He stood, leaning down to press a tender kiss between her brows, a gesture that spoke volumes of his affection.

“Emma, I’m leaving now,” he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

“Don’t forget to text me. I want to know what you’re up to,” he added, a hint of urgency in his tone.

“I will,” she replied softly. “I promise I’ll keep in touch.”

Silas managed a reluctant smile, one that seemed to carry the weight of his reluctance to leave. Finally, he turned and walked out, each step heavy with the burden of parting. He was acutely aware that Lucien wouldn’t allow any of them to remain idle for long.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Lucien’s gaze shifted to Edric, who was seated nearby. Emma followed his gaze and noticed Edric’s weary expression, his face pale and drawn from fatigue.

Edric stood across from Lucien, his expression resolute. “I’ve wanted to thank you for saving my life back then. I never got the chance to say it,” he began, the gravity of his words hanging in the air.

Years ago, two elders from his clan had plotted to use him as a subject for their cruel experiments. It was his brother, Ethan, who had begged Lucien to intervene. Because of Lucien’s timely intervention, Edric had escaped the clutches of the Violet Obsidian Clan, alive and free.

Lucien waved a hand dismissively, his demeanor calm. “It was nothing, really. That’s not what I came to discuss.”

His eyes locked onto Edric’s, calm yet piercing. “Edric,” he began slowly, “I owe you an apology. I took your place as her first bond.”

Emma had never fully grasped the weight of that statement. To her, being Edric’s first bond had seemed merely a matter of affection, of who she held in her heart more dearly. But Lucien—and every therian across the stars—understood the deeper implications.

It didn’t matter how the bond was formed; the first bond always held precedence. That mate became the leader among all of the huntress’ partners. Every other male would answer to him. It sounded powerful, but it was a burden that came with its own trials.

Therians held strength in the highest regard. Each one was proud, fierce, and obstinate. None of them were inclined to take orders lightly. If the leader couldn’t assert control, then his authority was as good as meaningless. They might obey in front of the huntress, but behind her back, they would follow their own instincts.

Such chaos could unravel the very fabric of their family. It could even endanger the huntress herself. Edric’s fists clenched at his sides, his silence echoing the turmoil within him.

Lucien’s voice remained steady. “I’m apologizing for Emma’s sake. But if I had to make the choice again, I would do the same.”

“Edric, you can’t control them. Not Silas. Not even Corvin. He wouldn’t heed your commands.”