My Vampire Beloved Husband
Chapter 135: Leave

Chapter 135: Leave

They stared at each other for what felt like hours until Zeland finally spoke, shifting his gaze, to her surprise. He claimed his truth, speaking just as she had hoped he would. Naomi noticed the faint pinkness of his ears, and her cheeks flushed at the unexpected cuteness.

She wasn’t sure what it was about him—perhaps the contrast between his intimidating presence and these rare, almost boyish reactions. But something about it stirred warmth in her chest.

Zeland, as always, composed himself quickly, and whatever softness she had caught a glimpse of disappeared just as fast.

After finishing their meal, she took a sip of water before Zeland stood up and reached for her hand. Without hesitation, he led her out of the room, their fingers intertwining effortlessly as they stepped into the elevator.

Naomi felt the warmth of his palm against hers, his grip steady but not forceful. She swallowed, suddenly aware of just how natural it felt.

As they ascended, the soft hum of the elevator filled the silence. Naomi hesitated before bringing up the meeting.

"If it’s something private, I could simply stay behind," she suggested, her voice careful.

Zeland interrupted immediately, his voice firm yet reassuring. "There’s nothing private about the meeting. We’re in this together, remember?"

Her heart fluttered warmly at his words, while Zeland gently caressed the hand he was holding with his thumb before offering her a soft smile. A warmth spread through her as the elevator doors slid open, signaling their arrival at their destination.

The air shifted the moment they stepped out. Naomi immediately noticed several workers waiting in the hallway, their heads bowed in respect. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, but Zeland paid them no mind—his full attention remained on her, ensuring she was okay.

She almost asked if something was wrong, but before she could, they stepped outside, where the chauffeur promptly opened the car door. Zeland guided her in first, sliding in beside her before the door clicked shut.

The car moved smoothly, the city lights casting fleeting shadows over them as they drove. Naomi, lost in thought, barely noticed the silence stretching between them.

Then, Zeland finally spoke in a quiet voice.

"Stay by my side—always. This meeting is different. Just like this city. Most of the attendees are vampires."

Naomi’s breath hitched slightly, but she didn’t interrupt as he continued.

"Not that they would dare harm you, knowing full well that you belong to me. But to ensure your safety, stay close to me."

Everything unfolded so quickly before Naomi’s eyes that she barely had time to process it. Yet, two things stood out.

They were vampires?

And the part where he said... You’re mine.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, the weight of his words pressing down on her.

Zylan smirked as he leaned in slowly, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

"Oh, my little eaglet, your heartbeat is so loud—it sounds like a drum," he murmured softly, his smile widening.

Naomi’s cheeks burned at his words. She tried to mask her reaction, but his teasing expression told her he had already caught it.

Then, he continued, his voice low and deliberate. "You don’t have to worry about him, my dear."

Her brows furrowed in confusion until she noticed the way Zylan’s gaze flicked toward the chauffeur.

Instinctively, Naomi turned her head toward the man. He visibly stiffened under her gaze, his hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly.

But before she could react, Zylan gently cupped her chin and guided her gaze back to him, his touch feather-light yet commanding.

"What if I told you... he’s a vampire too?"

Naomi’s eyes widened in shock.

Her lips parted as if to speak, but for a moment, she couldn’t find the words.

"But there’s nothing to worry about," Zylan assured her, his grin stretching wider—yet it didn’t reach his eyes. "He’s harmless. A half-vampire. He knows better than to do anything reckless."

Naomi’s gaze flickered between them. The chauffeur’s eyes, which she now realized held a flicker of unease, remained focused on the road ahead.

"Half-vampire..." she echoed, testing the word on her tongue.

Zylan suddenly stiffened, a flicker of panic crossing his face. Had he said too much?

To his surprise, Naomi leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper.

"So... since you’re a pureblood vampire, if you were to turn me... would I be a half-blood?"

She was all smiles, her curious eyes glowing with admiration—almost as if the word vampire alone excited her.

Zylan could hardly believe this woman was his wife. She was human—fragile, breakable, so unlike his kind. And yet, here she was, speaking about turning with an almost childlike wonder.

Shaking his head, he finally spoke.

"You would be a half-blood. Not that vampire blood can’t turn someone into a pureblood—we can—but it would be dangerous for you, Naomi. It’s not impossible, but becoming a half-blood would be safer."

Naomi’s eyebrows arched in confusion.

"But what if I want to be a pureblood?" she asked, catching Zylan off guard.

His expression darkened instantly.

"No. It’s too dangerous."

His tone left no room for argument.

Naomi’s lips parted as if to push further, but then she hesitated, falling silent.

She studied him carefully, searching his face. The way his jaw had tensed. The slight shift in his eyes.

"I don’t want to risk anything, dear... please," Zylan murmured.

Her gaze shifted to him, her eyes narrowing in shock.

Was he... begging?

Did this mean he cared for her even more than she had realized?

She already knew he was protective, but this... this was different.

He truly didn’t want to take any risks with her.

The weight of that realization settled deep within her.

The car finally rolled to a slow stop in front of a breathtaking building—its sleek, glass-like exterior shimmering under the city lights.

Naomi stole a glance at Zylan just as the door opened. Without hesitation, he stepped out and extended his hand, as he always did.

Without a second thought, she placed hers in his, letting him guide her as she stepped out.

The cool night air brushed against her skin, but the warmth of Zylan’s palm kept her grounded.

Together, they walked toward the grand entrance, the doors gliding open as they approached.

Inside the meeting room, silence hung heavy in the air. The long table stretched before them, untouched by any movement.

A man let out a loud sigh—the only sound breaking the stillness—his frustration evident.

From the way the man carried himself, it was obvious he was a newcomer to the CEO world. His inexperience showed in his every move, yet no one spared him a glance as he stood there, fuming.

"Where is the man who’s supposed to be here?" he demanded, his voice rising in frustration. "None of you are saying a word—is this how you all operate?"

The tension in the room thickened. Some shifted uncomfortably in their seats, but no one spoke.

"I demand answers right now!" he roared, his voice echoing through the silent room. Yet, no one dared to meet his gaze.

Then, the door creaked open.

With a swift motion, Zeland stepped inside, his expression unreadable, his grasp firm around Naomi’s hand.

The CEO’s head snapped toward them, and murmurs filled the room. Eyes widened—both male and female—at the sight before them.

Zeland had brought a companion.

Not just that, he was holding her hand.

Was she his wife?

But that wasn’t all...

Without sparing a glance at the furious man, Zeland spoke, his voice calm yet firm.

"What took you so long?"

The man clenched his fists. Though Zeland’s presence intimidated him, his pride refused to waver. After his earlier outburst, he shouted once more, desperation lacing his tone.

"Please! I demand answers!"

Zeland remained unfazed. Walking forward, he pulled out a chair for Naomi. She sat quietly. A small smile graced her lips.

Then, he took his place at the head of the table.

Only then did his gaze shift to the man.

"Leave," Zylan commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "Your work here is done."

The man’s body began to tremble uncontrollably for an unknown reason.

Was it Zylan’s stare? The way he had spoken? Or was it the air itself, suddenly turning thick and oppressive?

Naomi’s eyes narrowed.

She had never seen Zylan this unbothered—yet so cold and unreadable.

The man was trembling visibly now, his fists clenched at his sides as if trying to regain control. But it was useless.

The silence in the room grew deafening. No one spoke. No one moved.

It was as if every single person had felt the shift in the atmosphere.

And yet, Zylan remained seated, one hand resting lazily on the arm of his chair, the other drumming idly against the table’s polished surface. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze locked onto the trembling man as though watching something insignificant struggle beneath his foot.

The man swallowed hard. His breathing turned ragged. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, rolling down his temple as he tried to hold himself together.

But it was futile.

Because Zylan wasn’t just looking at him.

He was suffocating him.

And Naomi could feel it too.

Even as she sat beside him, her own lungs felt as though the air had been sucked out of them. It wasn’t just the man who was affected—it was the entire room.

Zylan hadn’t moved an inch.

And yet, he was controlling everything.