Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 74

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

“Even if he’s just a bird, he’s still male. It wouldn’t be right for him to watch you change.”

Lucien stood frozen, a whirlwind of disbelief swirling within him as he processed the shock of Emma defending him against Corvin, her suitor. It felt as though he had been pulled from reality and thrust into a surreal dreamscape, where the boundaries of loyalty and vulnerability blurred. How could she stand up for him, a mere shadow of the strong individual he once was? In this moment, he felt the weight of her unwavering support, and yet, it filled him with a cocktail of gratitude and embarrassment.

There he was, diminished to a state where he could hardly recognize himself—a feeble bird unable to fly, much less defend its own territory. And yet, this brave female, who had every reason to prioritize her own interests, chose to advocate for him. In their world, affection was often dictated by strength, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that gnawed at his insides. With his current vulnerability, he felt almost lucky that she even acknowledged his existence, let alone defended him.

But then, Edric’s words sliced through his thoughts like a sharp blade, bringing him back to the present.

Right, he reminded himself, he was still a male. Despite his yearning to follow Emma, he hadn’t earned the right to be called her mate. The mere thought of being present while she changed was not only inappropriate; it was utterly mortifying.

Heat surged to his cheeks, but the dimness of the room masked any visible signs of his embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Emma was cradling Coalball in her arms, and a sudden realization washed over her—he was, in fact, a male. The thought struck her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, igniting questions within her. She recalled the moment she had bathed Coalball; at that time, the distinct characteristics of gender had eluded her.

“Edric,” she began, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity, “how did you know Coalball was male?”

With an air of confidence, Edric responded, “I could smell it!”

His expression shifted to one of mild astonishment as he continued, “Emma, didn’t you notice? Males and females have different scents.”

It was a well-known truth among the beastfolk; they could discern gender through scent from a young age, an ability that seemed as natural to them as breathing.

Emma, however, was not a beastfolk. Despite the enhancements her powers had granted her, her sense of smell could never rival that of a true beastfolk. Even if Edric were to transform into a snake right before her eyes, concealing his features, she would remain oblivious to his gender.

“I… Of course I could smell it,” she replied, her voice steady but betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Deep down, a hesitation brewed within her, a reluctance to reveal her secret, even to Edric. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him; it was simply that she wasn’t ready to share that part of herself—the part that felt fragile and exposed.

With a playful smile dancing on her lips, she looked up and handed Coalball to Edric. “I was just testing you. Congratulations, you got it right,” she said, her tone oscillating between serious and lighthearted.

Both Edric and Coalball were left momentarily speechless, their eyes wide with surprise as they watched Emma saunter into the dressing room, lost in her own thoughts.

Edric pondered, Did Emma genuinely not realize Coalball was male?

Coalball, on the other hand, contemplated, So she really can’t tell a beast’s gender by scent?

With a casual flick of his wrist, Edric tossed Coalball onto the bed and swiftly activated his lightcore. His fingers danced across the screen as he typed furiously, ‘When would a female be unable to tell a beast’s gender? Reward: 10 million star coins for useful answers.’

Almost instantly, the screen erupted with responses.

One particular answer caught Edric’s attention.

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