Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 130

**Chapter 130: An Unpleasant Meeting**

He reclined slightly, his eyes glinting with a cold intensity that could freeze flames. “You won’t get another chance to see her.”

If there had been any remnants of pride left in Drake, he would have seized that crystal and exited the room without a second thought. But he remained motionless, as if rooted to the spot.

Thero felt a tightening in his chest, a knot of anxiety forming. He had never anticipated that Lucien would be one of Emma’s potential matches. The revelation shifted the entire landscape of their situation.

With Lucien now ranked at 11, the stakes had escalated dramatically. The Aurelias boasted another Rank 11 fighter as well, which meant that if this confrontation spiraled into violence, their Mr. Smith would be utterly outmatched.

“Mr. Smith,” Thero whispered, his voice trembling, “Ms. Emma Tibarn doesn’t wish to see you. Perhaps it would be wise for us to retreat for now.”

Drake didn’t even flinch; his jaw clenched tightly, a sign of his determination.

“Emma mentioned that she still owes me a mental comfort session,” he insisted, his tone stubborn yet tinged with desperation.

Lucien’s laughter rang out again, this time louder, infused with a chilling fury.

“Drake, do you even hear the absurdity of what you’re saying?”

His words sliced through the air like daggers, sharp and unforgiving.

“You put my huntress—a Rank 4 female—in a position where she had to risk her mental stability to stabilize you, a Rank 11 male. I overlooked that once, but now you dare to bring it up again?”

He advanced a step, his gaze dark and merciless.

“You possess no sense of shame.”

Drake felt his throat constrict painfully. That wasn’t the message he intended to convey.

He didn’t crave the session; he simply yearned to see her. Yet, this was the only justification he could muster.

*I just—*

Before he could finish, Thero clapped a hand over his mouth, panic flashing in his eyes.

“Mr. Smith,” he hissed urgently, “if you ever wish to see Ms. Emma Tibarn again, cease all references to mental comfort. And for the love of everything, do not provoke Lucien further.”

He turned to face Lucien, forcing a polite, albeit shaky, smile.

“Prince Lucien,” Thero spoke softly, his voice almost pleading, “my lord didn’t mean it in that manner. He simply wishes to see Ms. Emma Tibarn, if only for a brief moment.”

He bowed his head respectfully, hoping to diffuse the tension.

“It is true that he acted thoughtlessly before; that was his error, and we sincerely apologize for it.”

His tone grew more earnest, almost desperate. “Please, allow them to meet just once. I assure you, this will be the final time. He won’t trouble her again.”

Lucien regarded him with a calculating silence, the sharpness in his gaze softening ever so slightly.

Thero had indeed assisted them in dealing with the Violet Obsidian Clan, a fact that weighed in his favor.

“Second Elder,” Lucien finally said, his voice steady, “I appreciate your assistance with the Violet Obsidian Clan yesterday. You have my respect. Should you ever require help, I will gladly return the favor.”

But then, his demeanor hardened once more.

“However, this matter is not open for negotiation. I will not allow my huntress to see Drake. Both of you are to leave.”

He didn’t glance at Drake again, his dismissal clear.

With that, Lucien turned and strode away, the sound of his boots reverberating against the marble floor, each step echoing the finality of his words.

A moment later, a male attendant entered the room, gesturing toward the door in silence.

The intent was unmistakable.

Thero felt a dryness in his throat as he looked at Drake, still sitting there, seemingly frozen in disbelief.

“Mr. Smith,” he said quietly, “perhaps it would be best for us to leave. Ms. Emma Tibarn is upset at the moment. Let’s allow her some time to cool off before we return.”

Thero bent to pick up the black crystal that Lucien had thrown.

“Mr. Smith…” Thero murmured under his breath, rushing forward to retrieve the crystal before it could roll off the edge.

He grasped it tightly and hurried after him. Even if Drake intended to leave it for Emma, he knew Lucien wouldn’t return it. That man was far too cunning for that.

If it had been Silas instead, Thero was certain he would have crushed the crystal without a moment’s hesitation.

As the afternoon sun began to wane, Emma finally stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

Her strength had returned, and her skin radiated warmth, glowing with vitality.

Edric appeared in the doorway, holding a neatly folded set of clothes. “Emma, look at these,” he said, his voice bright with enthusiasm. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

The fabric shimmered under the soft light, smooth as flowing water and softer than the finest silk. It seemed to glow with an ethereal light as she touched it.

She slipped into the dress and twirled, the hem swirling around her like a silver mist. It felt weightless, so light that she could hardly tell she was wearing anything at all.

Edric’s voice was gentle as he continued, “Lucien sent these this morning. He chose them himself and ensured everything was cleaned and pressed.”

Emma looked down at herself, a smile spreading across her face. “He has excellent taste.”

Better than Silas, without a doubt.

She grinned and added, “But you have great taste too. Out of everything, you still picked the one I love the most.”

Her words elicited a quiet laugh from him, a sound that warmed her heart.

He brushed his fingers through her hair, his smile radiating kindness. “You don’t need to flatter me. I’m not that petty. I don’t get jealous over things like this.”

Males, she mused, were often possessive creatures, each wanting to be their huntress’s favorite.

But their competition was never with her; it was always with one another.

Emma reached up, brushing her fingers against his cheek tenderly. “That’s why I adore you.”

Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his softly, warmth enveloping them. Then she pulled back, her expression suddenly thoughtful. “Oh, right,” she exclaimed, “I forgot to mention this morning. When you level up, I want to give you some of my blood.”