After Giving Birth, All My Beast Ex-Husbands Suddenly Want Me Back

Chapter 198: Taking responsibility

Nina gently pried away the arms wrapped around her and pushed herself up slightly.

Then—hesitantly—she looked to the left.

Then to the right.

And finally... down at herself.

Oh. My. God.

So many... perfectly sculpted, dangerously alluring bodies. And not a single thread of clothing on any of them.

They lay there completely bare, without the slightest attempt at modesty.

Her memories came rushing back.

And Nina felt as though thunder had exploded in her mind.

Last night... She had completely lost control and... And not only that—she had been the one taking the lead.

At least in the first half of the night, she’d still been conscious...

But after that...

Her gaze swept over the marks on their bodies—scratches, faint bite marks––and her face burned.

Had she really been that... wild?

Even if the strange energy from that crystal had influenced her, she had still been aware.

While she was silently spiraling in self-reproach, a large hand suddenly wrapped around her waist.

"Nina, you’re awake so early?"

Aviel’s slightly hoarse voice came from behind her.

A moment later, his strong, warm body enclosed her completely, chasing away the morning chill.

"Did you sleep well? Want to rest a bit longer?"

After all... they had gone at it the entire night.

Soon, the others began to stir as well.

From her left, a large hand gently took hers. Kith smiled, his expression soft and deeply satisfied.

"Nina, are you getting up now?"

On her right, long, elegant fingers lightly hooked around hers. Finch lowered his gaze shyly, biting his lip.

"Good morning, Nina."

A sleek, beautiful tail brushed lightly against her leg.

Dian beamed, utterly delighted. "Nina, you were amazing last night!"

"Cough—!" Nina choked, nearly sputtering.

Sal shot upright, irritation written all over his face.

Those bastards had completely occupied the space around her—pushing him, her actual mate, off to the side.

The moment Nina coughed, all of them tensed.

"Nina, what’s wrong?"

Aviel tightened his hold, warming her further.

"Did you catch a chill last night?"

Kith and Finch both clasped her hands more tightly.

Sal smacked his own forehead. "It’s cold in the morning and we didn’t even dress her—how careless!"

Though she was covered with furs, she still wasn’t wearing clothes.

In their panic, they had completely forgotten that Nina had healing abilities. She wouldn’t fall ill so easily.

"I’m fine," Nina said, trying to sound natural. "Just a tickle in my throat. Did you forget I have healing powers? I won’t get sick that easily."

There was no way she was admitting she’d choked because of that comment.

Only then did they relax.

Still, Kith immediately took out a set of clothes from his storage, ready to dress her.

Aviel caught his wrist. "I’ll do it. You’re too far away."

She was in his arms—of course he should be the one to dress her.

"Too far?" Kith scoffed. "Are your eyes broken? With those clumsy hands of yours, what if you hurt her?"

At that moment, Finch produced another set of clothes. "Nina, let me dress you."

Let them argue—she could just wear what he made.

Not to be outdone, Dian quickly brought out a set as well. "Nina, wear mine! I made this just for you."

After all... he had worked very hard last night.

"You?" Finch frowned. "What if it doesn’t fit? It’s cold—do you expect her to keep changing clothes?"

"It will fit!" Dian shot back. "I followed her measurements exactly this time."

This fox just didn’t want her choosing his clothes.

Sal, for once, didn’t join in. He sat off to the side, watching the chaos with amusement.

A bunch of jealous fools.

At this rate, things were going to get very lively at home.

"Nina..." Kith held up the clothes, looking at her expectantly.

"Nina." Finch and Dian mirrored the same hopeful expressions.

Nina felt a headache coming on. Why was even getting dressed turning into a competition?

She turned to Sal. "Sal, is my purple dress with you? I want to wear that today."

"It is." He immediately took it out and stepped forward. "I’ll help you."

Nina nodded.

"Then I’ll help too," Aviel said.

"I’ll help as well." Kith put his clothes away.

Finch and Dian followed suit, stepping closer.

One lifted her arm, another supported her leg, one fastened buttons while another adjusted the fabric. The group of males worked together in a flurry of hands, dressing Nina all at once. Every so often, they bickered, criticizing each other’s technique.

Nina stiffened, letting them fuss over her, listening awkwardly to their quarrel.

She let out a quiet sigh. For the first time, a cold thought flashed through her mind:

"Even affection from too many beauties can be overwhelming."

At last, they finished. Nina exhaled in relief.

Once she was fully dressed, Dian gathered his courage and asked softly, "Sister Nina... does this mean I’m your guardian beast now?"

His bright, watery eyes were filled with both hope and hesitation.

Hope that she would accept him.

Fear that she would not.

He knew what had happened last night wasn’t entirely normal.

With Sal and Kith—who already had their place—present, someone like him, with no status, should have stepped away.

But he hadn’t.

He had stayed, following his heart.

If she rejected him... it would be fair.

But even so, he would not give up.

In this life, he had already chosen her.

When Nina didn’t answer immediately, Dian’s expression dimmed slightly.

But he quickly forced a smile. "Sister Nina, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just asking."

He lowered his gaze. "...Even though last night was my first time."

He bit his lip, then looked up again, a soft, lingering smile on his face.

"But I gave it to you willingly. Even if..."

He seemed to make up his mind.

"Even if I can only stay by your side as a lover for the rest of my life... I’m willing to do that. I just... hope you won’t abandon me."

The other males silently scoffed.

There he goes again—putting on an act.

As if theirs hadn’t been their first time too.

Nina looked at him, conflicted. If she walked away without taking responsibility... it would feel wrong.

And truthfully, she didn’t dislike him. She had simply never planned on taking more mates before.

"Nina, I..." Aviel tightened his hold around her slightly. "I also want..."

To stay by your side.

Even if not as a mate, he would be satisfied.

"Nina..." Finch gently tugged at her sleeve, his eyes silently pleading:

Don’t forget me.

Even if he didn’t feel worthy, he couldn’t deny what he felt.

Kith lowered his head, saying nothing.

He didn’t dare ask.

What he had now... was already enough.

Nina looked at them, thinking about it carefully.

Then she made her decision. "...Would you all be willing to form a bond with me?"

They froze.

Aviel’s eyes widened. "Nina... are you serious? You... want to bond with us?"

The others were just as stunned.

Straight to bonding? What kind of overwhelming happiness was this?

Nina nodded, her voice steady. "Yes. If you’re willing... then we’ll form a bond."

"Willing—of course we’re willing!"

They were practically beside themselves with joy.

Kith’s eyes grew moist as he tightened his grip on her hand. He had truly... waited for this moment.

Sal clicked his tongue and looked away. From now on, he’d have to take turns. That was going to be annoying.

"It’s getting late. Let’s head back first."

Nina tried to stand, but only made it halfway before collapsing back against Aviel.

Her legs felt like jelly.

Blushing, she murmured softly, "My legs are a bit weak..."

"Then I’ll carry you." Before anyone else could react, Aviel scooped her up in his arms, grinning as he carried her toward the cave.

Kith and the others followed behind, their steps light.

Not far away, hidden in the distance, Yanai watched Nina’s retreating figure.

A quiet sorrow filled his eyes.

He had no right to stand by her side.

One night––that was already more than he deserved.