"Edric's build isn't as sturdy as mine. What if Marcus ends up wrecking him? This kind of smackdown should be handled by someone thick-skinned like me. I can take it." Corvin crossed his arms, dead serious. Snake beasts are not nearly as tough as lions or tigers. Dragged behind him by Corvin, Edric's calm facade cracked for the first time. Not sturdy? Really? Did Corvin even hear himself? A vein twitched at Edric's temple. He yanked Corvin back. "Emma, don't listen to him. I'm fine. I can do it." This wasn't some minor backlash anymore. "Edric, stop arguing," Corvin said, thinking Edric was just trying to protect him. He gripped Edric's arm and spoke solemnly, "Edric, I know you stepped up because you don't want me to get hurt. But how could I just stand by and watch? Do I look like someone who doesn't have his friend's back?" He was determined to take the hit first.But that wasn't what Edric meant at all. "Corvin, don't fight me on this. Let me go first." He wanted to prove he wasn't weak. "No way," Corvin shot back. "I'm going first." And just like that, the two of them started tugging and shoving each other in front of Emma. One wanted to prove his strength. The other wanted to prove his loyalty. Emma pressed her fingers to her forehead, speechless. It is just a light tap on Marcus. No one said they are fighting him for real. Off to the side, Lucien and Silas watched the scene, struggling not to laugh. Marcus looked ready to curse. Are these two out of their minds? Is he really that terrifying? "Enough. Quit bickering." Emma's voice cut through their squabble. Corvin and Edric froze instantly, turning toward her at the same time. She pointed at them. "You two, fight him together." They were speechless at her words. Emma lifted Marcus' arm, exposing his forearm. "You just need to pinch him here. Lightly. There's no need to go all out." "Just a pinch?" Corvin asked, relieved. He'd thought there'd be blood. "Just a pinch," Emma confirmed with a nod. The two reached out at once and pinched Marcus's arm. Hiss! Hiss! Pain shot up their arms like a spark of lightning. Corvin winced, looking at Emma pitifully. "Emma, Marcus's power is still active. It hurts like hell." He hadn't even pinched hard, and it already stung like crazy. Edric nodded grimly. "It hurts for me too." Watching their reactions, Emma frowned and pinched Marcus' arm herself. She felt nothing. Not even a twinge. "Marcus, does it hurt?" she asked. Marcus looked at her, nodding slightly. "A little, Ms. Tibarn. But not much." Lucien stepped forward, glancing at Corvin's and Edric's reddened arms. "Emma, looks like Marcus' ability doesn't affect you anymore." Silas added thoughtfully, "Could it be because you two are bonded?" Emma had never actually hit Marcus before. Today, teasing him, she'd only tugged his ears a few times, so she'd never realized his ability didn't work on her. Marcus thought for a moment, then nodded. "It's possible." He smiled at her. "Either way, it's a good thing. If my ability doesn't affect you, Ms. Tibarn, you can hit me whenever you're mad." Corvin blinked, scandalized. "Wait—Emma hits you when she's mad? Why doesn't she hit me?" Is that really something to compete over? Emma sighed. "Corvin, I haven't hit Marcus. And I'm not hitting you either."I am not some violent maniac. What is wrong with these guys? Marcus leaned closer, twitching his wolf ears that still hadn't disappeared. "Ms. Tibarn literally just tugged my ears, though." Hearing that, Corvin instantly perked up. "Emma, I want that too!" "What's 'ear-tugging'?" Remy's soft voice suddenly piped up. "Daddy and I want it too!" Emma didn't know how to respond. Silas chuckled, patting the little sprout perched on his head. "Remy, you're still small. You haven't grown out your ears yet." "Oh." Remy's voice turned small and disappointed. "Then, when my ears grow out, Mommy can tug them. For now, Mommy can tug Daddy's first." Emma remained silent. What on earth are they teaching this cub? Emma knelt beside Silas, gently explaining, "Remy, ear-tugging isn't a good thing. Only beasts who did something wrong get their ears tugged.""I don't want to be a beast who messes up." The little sprout wobbled his round body. "Mommy, I don't want you to tug my ears anymore." He wanted to be Mommy's good little one. "Good boy," Emma said softly, smiling. "Mommy loves you most."