Alaric answered in a calm voice. Calum, Marcus, and Lucien all looked at Alaric at the same time. He had clearly come prepared this time. Before Lucien could speak, Calum spoke first. "Alaric, I remember how hard you worked to become the young island lord. As the young island lord of Starhaven, you could enter Beast God Mountain whenever you wanted. You had so many benefits. Are you really giving all that up so easily?" Starhaven was the closest to Beast God Mountain. As its young island lord, Alaric could communicate with the Beast God. He could also go to Beast God Mountain every year and receive the Beast God's blessing. Calum had met Alaric on Beast God Mountain. He had shamelessly stayed around the Beast God for five years. Even so, the things he got in all that time didn't compare to what Alaric received in just one year. Alaric ate the Beast God's fruit whenever he wanted.Beast God Mountain was basically his second home. On the surface, Alaric showed strength at the level ten peak. Calum didn't believe that was all. With how much the Beast God had fed him, there was no way he was only that strong. Alaric faced the shock, scrutiny, and curiosity in everyone's eyes. He only gave a faint smile. He looked at Emma. His eyes were calm and steady. They carried a quiet confidence that did not waver. "Some people and some things mattered more than all of that." The truth was that he had wanted to stay as the young island lord for two more years. There were already many mates around Emma. She had no interest in forming a bond with him right now. So he was not in a hurry. He could stay in his position for a few more years. He could save up gifts for himself and good things for Emma too. But the Beast God refused. The old man thought he had eaten too much and told him to get lost. He wanted a more obedient one to take the position. The old man even threatened him. If Alaric didn't find Emma to form a bond soon, he would match her with a few more powerful mates. By then, Alaric would not even qualify to be a follower. The worst part was this. The Beast God was angry that Alaric had taken too many good things from Beast God Mountain over the years. So he refused to help match him and told him to figure out his own way to become Emma's mate. It really made things difficult for him. Lucien listened to Alaric's words and rubbed his forehead in frustration. Are Marcus and Calum secretly working for Alaric? Every sentence they spoke helped him. "Lucien, are you alright?" Emma noticed Lucien rubbing his forehead and asked, concerned. "Emma." When he heard her caring voice, he leaned against her shoulder and spoke with a tired tone. "My head hurts a bit. I want to go back and rest. Can Calum and Marcus stay here with you?" He said he wanted the other two to stay with her. At the same time, the arm around her waist pulled her in even tighter. Emma rolled her eyes inside. She spoke to him gently. "I’m full too. I’m worried. I’ll go back with you." After speaking, she looked at Stella with an apologetic smile. "Stella, my mate doesn't feel well. I'm going back with him first. We can hang out another day." "Okay, Emma." Stella was simple-minded. She didn't hear the hidden meaning, honestly thinking Lucien felt unwell. Emma really envied Stella's innocence. She smiled and nodded at her. Then, she turned to Alaric. "Mr. Wynn, goodbye. I hope you find a female you truly like soon." Even though Alaric was no longer the young island lord, Emma didn't know what else to call him. So she kept using the same title. What she said made her meaning very clear. She had no intention of forming a bond with him. He shouldn't waste his time on her. At the same time, it was also meant for Lucien, Calum, and Marcus. She wanted them to know that she genuinely had no intention of bonding with Alaric. As Emma helped Lucien away and left with her two other mates, Stella carefully turned to look at Alaric beside her. "Alaric, are you okay?" Her older brother had been single for so many years. He had finally met someone he liked. Now, he had been turned down so directly. He must feel terrible inside. When Emma's figure disappeared, Alaric turned his head and looked at Stella in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be okay?" Stella looked at Alaric with concern. "Emma rejected you. You must feel really sad." By the end of her sentence, she lowered her head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Alaric. Even though Emma is my friend, I can't help you." Her brother was pitiful, but Emma was her friend. She couldn't go to her friend and say something like, "Please take my brother for my sake."That would put Emma in a difficult position. "What does that have to do with you?" Alaric smiled and sat back down by the campfire. He picked up a skewer of grilled mushrooms and ate slowly.