Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 499

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 499: Quiet Moments With Edric**

Edric halted abruptly, caught off guard by Emma’s response. After a brief pause, he took a deep breath and said, “Emma, I realize now that I didn’t phrase my question properly. Let me try again. This time, let’s set aside Alaric entirely. I want to know your feelings about Calum and Malrik. Did you have any immediate affection for them?”

Emma found herself at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

Fortunately, Edric seemed to anticipate her uncertainty, continuing on with a thoughtful expression. “You didn’t feel a strong connection to them initially, did you? Yet, over time, you began to accept them. After all, the Beast God chose them for you, and they treated you with kindness.”

His gaze locked onto hers, and he spoke with a gravity that made her heart flutter. “Emma, perhaps humans experience emotions in a way that’s different from us. That could explain why you tend to overanalyze everything.”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “Maybe human emotions are more complex than ours. That’s likely the reason behind your worries. Therians, on the other hand, are straightforward beings. When we say, ‘I like you,’ that’s the entirety of our sentiment. The same goes for the reverse.”

“Emma, you really don’t need to be so anxious. Alaric likes you, and that’s what matters. I don’t believe he cares about the reasons behind your acceptance; he simply wants to know that you see him as a mate. What he truly desires is to remain at your side.”

With that, Edric swept her up into his arms, carrying her gently toward the bed.

“It’s getting late, and you need to rest. There’s no rush to figure everything out right now. Alaric isn’t going anywhere. You have the time to sort through your feelings, and you can have a conversation with him when you feel ready. There’s absolutely no need to hurry.”

Emma couldn’t resist the urge to cup his face in her hands, pressing a soft kiss against his lips, overwhelmed by the tenderness he showed her.

“Edric, I’m so sorry. It feels like ages since we’ve spent quality time together.”

Edric grasped her hand, nuzzling his cheek against her palm, drawing comfort from her warmth.

“Emma, you’re with me every day, aren’t you?”

A smile broke across his face as he added, “To me, companionship doesn’t need to be a grand proclamation. You don’t have to go out of your way to perform elaborate gestures or whisper sweet nothings. Emma, I find joy simply in your presence. I’m content as long as you’re here with me each day.”

“I’m perfectly fine just watching you when your thoughts drift far away. As long as I can see you smile, feel your breath against my skin… that’s all I need. To me, that’s what true companionship means.”

“Edric…” Emma’s voice was barely a whisper, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she enveloped him in her embrace.

“Emma, please don’t cry.”

The sight of her distress tugged at Edric’s heartstrings, and he quickly sought to console her, murmuring, “I didn’t say any of that to make you feel guilty. I certainly don’t want you to feel indebted to me.”

He lowered his head, cradling her face with utmost tenderness until their eyes met, filled with understanding.

“We have a long journey ahead of us, a lifetime to share. I’m working diligently every day to become stronger. I’ll whisk you away once I’m strong enough. What do you think? I promise to be sneakier than Lucien—so stealthy that no one will ever find you.”

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