Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 196

**TITLE: When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley 196**
**Chapter 196: Lessons Delivered**

Corvin felt no urge to engage in a debate; his tone was devoid of any softness. “Take Marcus with you. He’s Rank 11—having him by your side will ensure your safety,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Emma didn’t hesitate to agree.

With a playful flick of her wrist, she tossed Cotton Candy over to Corvin. “He’s yours for the time being. I’m off to find Marcus,” she declared, a hint of determination in her voice.

As Emma stepped out of the rest pod, a familiar sight greeted her. Marcus had efficiently stored the crystal coffin and was standing by the entrance, waiting for her with an air of calm readiness.

The moment their eyes met, he stepped forward, reaching out to take her hand in his.

“Ms. Tibarn, where are we heading to pick fruit?” he inquired, his voice steady and warm. “Should I shift into my beast form so you can ride?”

The book had been explicit on this matter. Before a male could bond with his huntress, he needed to keep her in high spirits, prevent her from becoming fatigued, and maintain ample physical contact. Proximity was essential—when the moment for bonding arrived, she mustn’t instinctively reject him.

Marcus gently kneaded Emma’s hand, his touch soft and warm—perfect for holding. In that moment, she couldn’t help but compare it to the fluffy rabbit she had briefly held. It was no contest; his touch was far more inviting.

He leaned in slightly as he spoke, their shoulders nearly brushing against one another.

Emma could feel the coolness of his palm pressing into hers, a faint chill that slipped between their fingers, impossible to ignore. His touch was deliberate, with slow pressure and pauses at each knuckle, offering a precise, careful squeeze. A tremor raced up her spine, a rush of sensations she wasn’t quite prepared for.

Her first instinct was to pull away, but his grip tightened, holding her steady.

His thumb traced lazy circles on the back of her hand, a motion that felt both steady and comforting—almost possessive.

Something about Marcus seemed off today, though.

Emma stole a glance at him, noticing how dangerously close he stood. A frown creased her forehead. “Are you feeling all right?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Why is he standing so close? And why is he toying with my hand like that? What exactly is he trying to accomplish?

“I’m all right,” Marcus replied, his expression serious. “Ms. Tibarn, are you uncomfortable?”

Am I making her uneasy? Perhaps the way I’m holding her hand is too much.

He hesitated, contemplating whether to release her, but Emma’s calm demeanor reassured him. “I’m fine. If you’re fine too, let’s go find Aria,” she stated, her voice steady.

Ms. Tibarn hasn’t expressed discomfort—so that must mean she’s not, right?

Marcus didn’t let go; instead, he intertwined their fingers, walking beside her toward Aria’s location, their steps in sync.

Meanwhile, inside the rest pod, Corvin was engrossed in typing a message to Silas, his fingers flying over the keys.

Corvin: ‘Silas, I finished all the books you sent yesterday. Got anything else? I want to learn more.’

Silas had just wrapped up a stack of reports from his subordinates when Corvin’s message appeared on his screen. He frowned, a hint of skepticism creeping in.

Is this guy really that adept at learning?

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