Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 36

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

Emma found herself transfixed, her gaze locked onto the small vial in her palm. The liquid shimmered faintly, reflecting the dim light of the cave, but her attention quickly shifted to the imposing figure of the tall Rank 7 male Etherian standing before her. For a fleeting moment, her thoughts tangled into a chaotic mess, unable to process the reality of the situation.

“Why on earth did your leader send you to protect me?” she questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion and disbelief.

She was utterly unfamiliar with anyone from the Interstellar Hunter Alliance, so the notion of being guarded by one of their members felt surreal.

The male spoke with a calmness that contrasted sharply with her rising anxiety. “Our leader is Edric Lachman. He’s your suitor.”

Emma’s eyes widened in shock, her mind racing. Edric? The leader of the Interstellar Hunter Alliance? This was beyond her wildest imaginings.

Laura’s expression mirrored Emma’s disbelief, her mouth agape as if she had just encountered a specter. Meanwhile, a heavy dread coiled in Damian’s stomach, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

Oh, fantastic. Just fantastic.

If he recalled correctly, Edric hailed from the Violet Obsidian clan—an elite lineage of Ophidians. The very source of Nexus Prime Tech’s beast meat, energy cores, and rare herbs came from them.

Seriously, Edric? You couldn’t have mentioned the tiny detail that you’re an Ophidian? Just bury the headline, why don’t you?

Realizing that the Interstellar Hunter Alliance wasn’t their enemy, Emma’s facade of politeness crumbled. “It’s far too dangerous out here,” she stammered, urgency lacing her voice. “We need to get inside that cave and strategize.”

There was no time for idle chatter in the open where danger lurked.

With determination, she grasped Damian’s arm, her grip firm, and began to sprint towards the cave, the others trailing closely behind them.

Thirty grueling minutes later, they found themselves crammed together in the damp, echoing confines of the cave.

Outside, the ground trembled violently, the ominous rumbling escalating with each passing moment. The horde of beasts was closing in swiftly, their presence palpable and terrifying.

Emma retrieved two vials from the Interstellar Hunter Alliance team, along with her own Rank 8 scent-masking potion. With deft precision, she applied a few drops to each member of their group, then sprinkled more near the cave entrance, ensuring their concealment.

It wasn’t in her nature to merely look out for herself and Laura; that was not how she operated.

With unwavering confidence, she declared, “We arrived here as a team. We either survive together or not at all. No one gets left behind.”

Laura’s mate and the three members of the Interstellar Hunter Alliance had already steeled themselves for self-sacrifice if it came to that. Protecting the female was woven into their very code of conduct.

They hadn’t anticipated Emma would extend her potion to them, nor had Damian.

He stole a glance at her, watching as she held his hand tightly throughout their frantic ascent up the mountain—her grip unyielding, her determination evident. She never once faltered or considered letting go.

Laura’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She grasped her partner’s hand firmly and uttered, “Emma’s right. We stick together.”

Her mate’s throat constricted at the sentiment. Laura had always treated her partners like family, and now Emma had seamlessly woven herself into that fabric.

The Rank 7 male Etherian spoke again, his voice steady and reassuring. “We’ll make it. Mr. Lachman sent word—he’s already en route. He’s a peak Rank 9 powerhouse. He’ll arrive shortly.”

Damian thought to himself, That guy, Edric, sure knows how to move quickly. He doesn’t seem like the type to waste any time.

He tightened his grip on Emma’s hand, murmuring softly, “Ms. Tibarn, I’ve got you. I’ll keep you safe.”

If Edric doesn’t arrive in time, to hell with it. I’ll drop the act and show them who I truly am.

Ms. Tibarn has been my anchor this entire time—there’s no way I’m letting her take the fall for me.

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