My Vampire Beloved Husband
Chapter 128: The Eaglet

Chapter 128: The Eaglet

Naomi’s eyes widened all eyes turned to the bird on her shoulder, her gaze locked on the small bird. Rose let out a soft gasp before saying, "This is the highest he’s flown today."

Naomi could only nod in agreement, just as equally surprised. The little bird tilted its head, its tiny eyes gleaming as it regarded her. From the way it stood—head slightly bowed, body unmoving—it almost seemed like it was greeting her, as if it recognized her.

A small smile tugged at Naomi’s lips, and she couldn’t deny the warmth that bloomed in her chest. It was an odd feeling. Why did it feel like this bird knew her?

Rylan, too, appeared surprised, his sharp eyes darting between Naomi and the eaglet. He said nothing, but the way he observed them so closely made it clear that he found this interaction unusual.

The small alarm watch in his hand suddenly buzzed, breaking the moment.

Naimi glanced at it before looking back at the bird, reluctant to move.

The watch’s sharp beeping signaled the end of the bird’s training session. As if on cue, the eaglet fluttered its wings, preparing to descend. Just as it lifted its small talons off the perch and flew back down, the sound of heavy footsteps approached.

Naomi turned her head to see several men entering the training area. Their uniforms were crisp, their expressions unreadable as they walked in perfect synchronization toward Rylan.

Naomi found it funny. Why would several men come just to get the bird in its cage? It was amusing because it was a harmless, tiny eaglet—not a lion or some wild animal they’d seen. Yet here they were, all looking so professional.

She turned to him. "Is it time for the eaglet to go?" she asked, her voice quieter than before.

Rylan nodded respectfully. "Yes."

Naomi hesitated for only a second before waving at the small bird. "Goodbye, eaglet."

To their surprise, the eaglet stilled. Instead of immediately returning to its handlers, it remained where it was, watching Naomi with unblinking eyes.

A soft giggle broke the silence. Then another. Soon, all of them were laughing in disbelief.

Rose shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "It’s as if he already knows his owner. So, tell me, Naomi, what have you told him in secret?"

She leaned in, her movements slow and exaggerated, her face contorted into a teasing expression meant to mimic a monster from the movies they used to watch back in high school.

Naomi giggled, playing along as she placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "Nothing, I told him nothing, master," she said in a mock-serious tone, mimicking Eva’s voice from their favorite movie.

Rose gasped, feigning shock. "Lies! Do not deceive me, peasant!"

Naomi shook her head in playful disbelief, using both hands to dramatically cover her face. "No, sir. I beg your pardon. I said nothing, sir."

The two of them burst into laughter, their voices echoing across the open field. The tension that had settled around them moments ago seemed to melt away, replaced by the lighthearted joy of shared memories.

Meanwhile, the handlers had already begun tending to the eaglet, likely feeding it and ensuring it received the care it needed. Naomi was tempted to stay and watch, curious about how they handled such majestic creatures. But she knew she’d have to wait until later.

A familiar voice interrupted their laughter.

"I will take my leave now," Rylan said, his voice composed as always.

He realized that these two must need some privacy. A soft smile touched his lips as he recognized the impact this Rose had on Naomi’s life. Every time she was around, both of them were smiling, and she was always happy. Bringing her along wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Naomi and Rose turned toward him.

Naomi quickly added, "Thank you"

Rylan gave a short nod, his expression calm. "Anytime," he replied before heading out.

Naomi’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned back to Rose. The second Rylan disappeared from sight, their eyes met.

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "You have a lot of explaining to do, girl."

Rose shifted uncomfortably, her expression guarded. Then, in a barely audible voice, she muttered, "It’s a long story."

Naomi narrowed her eyes slightly, studying her best friend’s face. Rose was never one to be secretive—at least, not with her. If she was hesitating, that meant something was going on.

Something Naomi wasn’t supposed to know.

Testing the waters, Naomi tilted her head slightly and asked, "So... don’t tell me you’re already developing feelings for him?"

Rose’s reaction was immediate. She shook her head far too quickly, her movements stiff. "No!" she said, but her voice cracked slightly.

Naomi caught it.

Her lips parted slightly as realization dawned.

"You are," she breathed, her tone filled with amusement and surprise.

Rose looked away, her cheeks tinged pink.

Naomi couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Rose—her best friend, the same girl who had always scoffed at romance and rolled her eyes at love stories—was flustered.

Back in high school, if Naomi had ever accused Rose of liking someone, Rose would have scoffed, denied it with an unwavering poker face, or simply told her to mind her business.

But now...

Rose was quiet.

Almost dreamy.

Naomi’s grin widened.

"Fine, then," she said playfully. "Explain everything to me."

Rose sighed, knowing there was no way out of this conversation. She motioned for Naomi to follow her to a nearby bench.

The moment they sat down, Rose began recounting everything—though Naomi had a feeling she was leaving some things out.

Still, what she did reveal was enough to make Naomi giggle.

"Oh, my baby," Naomi teased, nudging her best friend. "No wonder you’re so shy."

Rose huffed but said nothing, clearly regretting her decision to share anything at all.

Of course, Naomi didn’t know that Rose had conveniently skipped over certain details—like sneaking out of her room to sleep on Rylan... and slapping him.

If Naomi ever found out, she would never let Rose live it down.

Their laughter soon faded as they prepared to leave the field.

Then, out of nowhere, Naomi spoke.

"Come to think of it... I haven’t really tried alcohol before." She paused, as if mulling over the thought. "I would love to have some today."

It wasn’t that Naomi had never had alcohol before. Of course, she had—on the cruise ship, during She and Zylan’s honeymoon. But that was during a game of Truth or Dare, and she hadn’t drunk much. Plus, the alcohol wasn’t as strong as usual. So, she wanted to try it again, to see for herself how it felt to truly drink.

Rose’s head snapped toward her.

Her mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again.

She looked utterly lost for words.

"Naomi," Rose finally said, her tone slow and careful, "you have no idea what you’re saying."

Naomi merely shrugged. "I do."

Rose exhaled, exasperated. "You just heard what I told you about my parents, what happened, and why I’m living with him now. And after all that, you suddenly want to drink?"

Naomi nodded. "I know, but I won’t take much."

Rose rubbed her temples. "I can tolerate alcohol, but I’m sure you can’t. I’d advise you to wait until your husband is back."

Naomi’s expression shifted slightly, a small frown settling on her lips. "What would be wrong if I do it when you’re with me? I’m safe with you, right?"

Rose hesitated.

She didn’t want to get into trouble.

It had already been difficult enough convincing him to let her come here, and she had caused enough problems already. The last thing she needed was to create more.

After a moment of silence, she finally caved in.

"Okay then... fine."

Naomi’s face lit up. Without hesitation, she pulled her friend into a tight hug.

Rose stiffened slightly before sighing in defeat.

After a beat of silence, she hesitantly asked, "Did you and your husband... uh, quarrel?"

Naomi shook her head. "No. Why?"

Rose shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Just asking... there must be a reason why you suddenly want to—uh..." She trailed off, struggling to find the right word.

Naomi giggled. "Oh, I see what you mean. No particular reason. I just felt like it."

But Rose wasn’t convinced.

"Wait..." She narrowed her eyes. "Don’t tell me it’s because of what I said. Did it remind you of wanting to try it?"

Naomi gently interrupted, "Nope just want to try it properly Besides, we’re at home. What’s the worst that could happen?"

Rose sighed, already regretting agreeing to this.

"Oh, Mimi," she muttered, shaking her head. "I thought marriage would make you a little more mature, but..."

She stopped mid-sentence.

Naomi looked at her, surprised.

Rose finally shook her head. "Trust me, you aren’t," she said.

A moment of silence stretched between them.

Then, at last, Rose asked, "So... when would you like to try it?"

Naomi turned to her with a serious expression.

"Tonight."