Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 41

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

“I do know someone,” Evie said thoughtfully, tapping her chin as she pieced together her memories. “But her lightning is a striking pure blue—not the blue-white you might expect. She’s a Rank 4 Etherian. She joined us for the beast hunt this time, but when the beast tide surged, she headed north. If you’re interested, I can guide you to her right now.”

Pure blue lightning? A Rank 4 Etherian? The words echoed in Kael’s mind, but they failed to ignite the spark of hope he had been searching for.

His expression darkened, disappointment washing over him like a cold wave. “She’s not the one I’m looking for,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with finality.

Kael’s heart ached with a singular focus: the woman who had saved him. In that moment, nothing else mattered. The thought of anyone else, any other Etherian, was a distraction he could not afford.

Without sparing another glance at Evie, he turned sharply and strode away, his men trailing behind him like shadows. Where could she possibly be? The question gnawed at him, relentless and unyielding.

He had scoured F–268 for days, combing through every photograph of Rank 3 females, yet none of them bore the face he remembered so vividly. The female who saved me… Where is she now? Could it be that she isn’t even from F–268 at all? The realization sent a chill down his spine.

Watching Kael depart, Evie’s mate approached her with a furrowed brow, concern etched across his features. “Ms. Graham, may I ask why Mr. Auris left so abruptly?”

Evie, still simmering from his sudden exit, snapped back, “How should I know why he left? Do you think I wanted him to go?” Her frustration flared, a flame stoked by the chaos that had unfolded.

He ducked his head, clearly taken aback. “I’m sorry, Ms. Graham. I didn’t mean to pry.”

Evie dismissed him with a wave of her hand, allowing her anger to bubble just beneath the surface. Useless men. They had nearly gotten me killed by that Rank 8 beast. If Kael hadn’t intervened in time, I’d be dead. The thought sent a shiver of gratitude mixed with irritation through her.

“Clean up,” she commanded, her tone sharp. “We’re meeting Laura next.”

What luck, she thought bitterly. I ventured south to evade the beasts, only to encounter a carnivorous vine instead. We barely managed to incinerate that thing before crossing paths with a Level 8 beast. All that chaos—Emma could have warned us about the vine before fleeing north.

Meanwhile, not far from Evie’s group, one of Kael’s subordinates approached, his expression serious as he waited until Evie’s party was out of sight.

“Mr. Auris,” the man began, his voice steady, “we’ve confirmed it. That female was indeed hunting beasts alongside a group of Etherians. She wasn’t lying.”

Kael’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the information. “I see,” he replied quietly, a single nod acknowledging the report.

The subordinate hesitated for a moment, then ventured cautiously, “Mr. Auris, I might have an idea, though I’m not sure if I should say it.”

“Speak freely,” Kael urged, his attention sharpening.

Emma had already cleaned and marinated the beast meat, her hands deftly working as she pulled the grill from her storage band. Damian, with his fire-based ability, was the perfect partner for this culinary endeavor.

Laura had her own grill, having learned the art of barbecuing from Emma in the past, even if she still relied on Emma to handle the marination.

Soon, the rich, mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat wafted through the air, so tantalizing that even Edric and Damian, who typically couldn’t stand each other, found themselves side by side, captivated by the grill.

“Emma, you’re incredible,” Edric exclaimed, practically salivating. “I’ve never caught a whiff of anything so delicious.”

The meat wasn’t even finished cooking yet, but the scent alone was enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble in anticipation. He could only imagine how delectable it would be once it was fully cooked.

Before Emma could respond, Damian puffed up with pride. “That’s nothing. Ms. Tibarn can whip up all sorts of delightful dishes! Have you ever tasted her pancakes or dumplings? They’re so smooth and tender, soft and fragrant!”

“And her fruit oatmeal—sweet yet light. Pair that with her fluffy white rolls, and it’s pure heaven!”

Watching Damian boast so smugly, Edric clenched his fists, fighting the urge to strangle him. Then, turning his gaze back to Emma, his voice softened. “Emma… will I get to taste those too someday?”

Emma nodded eagerly, her smile brightening the moment.