Rebirth as The Vampire Lord's Wife
Chapter 146: Guardian

Chapter 146: Guardian

Xavier clenched his teeth, then spoke in a low but unwavering voice, "She will not! I have faith in her..."

Lucian slowly shifted his gaze to the lake as well.

"My dear friend Xavier, you must remember, she is no longer the young Iris who adored you like god. She is now a different individual. She may not be the one who loves you."

Xavier chuckled, "It seems you underestimate me, Lucian."

Lucian cast a sidelong glance at Xavier, his brow lifting slightly in curiosity about Xavier’s words.

"We are engaged, and we have been residing together for several weeks," Xavier replied with a charming smile when he noticed Lucian’s surprise. However, his smile waned upon hearing Lucian’s hearty laughter.

"Hahaha... Xavier, you must be jesting, aren’t you? How could you have shared a bed with her!? I can clearly sense that she is still a mere mortal. Xavier, don’t attempt to deceive me..."

Lucian was far from quick to trust Xavier, as he knew this man always harbored the desire to outshine him.

Xavier shook his head slowly, disregarding Lucian as he strolled toward the seating area. Once comfortably settled on the couch, he spoke to Lucian, who remained by the window.

"It appears you’ve been residing here for an extended period, Lucian, and your hearing has dulled. You should have your ears checked, my friend..."

Lucian’s lips twisted, but he chose to remain silent. He joined Xavier in the seating area and sat across from him.

"I didn’t say I was intimate with her. What I meant is that we’ve been living together," Xavier explained calmly, although he couldn’t help but feel somewhat frustrated. He had a woman, but he couldn’t touch her.

Initially, he had managed to restrain himself, but Lucian’s laughter had stirred an inexplicable restlessness within him. What concerned him was that Iris might think him odd or feel unloved if he didn’t act.

’Mmm... It seems I need to take action, perhaps share her bed,’ he talked to himself silently while trying again to think about finding a way to warm their relationship.

"My apologies!" Lucian smiled, his expression severe, before saying, "Xavier, I need to see her." His gaze clearly warned Xavier that he couldn’t be refused.

This time, he needed to impart some abilities to Iris. From this point onward, she would encounter far more formidable enemies. Her next target might not be a human, and she needed the skills to defend herself.

Xavier seemed a little hesitant to allow Lucian to visit Iris. Seeing the seriousness in Lucian’s expression, he sensed that his friend might have ulterior motives.

"If your intention is solely to see her, I must refuse," Xavier began. "I cherish her safety deeply—"

"For heaven’s sake, Xavier!" Lucian snapped, exasperated. "Why are you so protective of her? I have no desire to take her from you, my friend. You can relax..." He shook his head, observing Xavier’s obvious jealousy.

"I did not imply that, Lucian."

"You’re correct; you didn’t say it. However, the look on your face and gaze told a different story."

Xavier cleared his throat discreetly, averting his gaze and adjusting his expression.

"Perhaps you’re rehearsing? Practicing the role of a jealous husband," Lucian quipped, to which Xavier offered no reply.

Xavier rose from his seat and exited the room, saying, "You may follow me now if you wish to see her."

Lucian raised a wry smile, trailing Xavier as they ascended the staircase to the third floor.

"Xavier, couldn’t we take the elevator or simply teleport?" Lucian queried, clearly dissatisfied to know they would walk to the third floor.

"Iris is inside the house, Lucian. How could you even think of teleporting?" Xavier replied nonchalantly, intentionally subjecting Lucian to the stair climb as a form of punishment.

Xavier added, "I’ve put an extra shield here. Teleportation inside the house is impossible. Cease your attempts unless you desire adverse consequences."

A grin appeared on Xavier’s lips as he climbed the stairs hastily.

"Tsk! What an inconvenience," Lucian sighed softly, following Xavier. "You ought to reveal your true identity to her immediately, so you don’t need to continue this lie."

Xavier remained silent, ignoring Lucian’s words.

"Or," a sly grin surfaced on Lucian’s lips, "shall I tell her?"

"NO! Do not think about it, Lucian. I shall address it myself," Xavier responded swiftly, unwilling for Iris to discover his identity from anyone else. He intended to deliver the truth directly to her in a manner that would not shock or frighten her.

Soon, they both entered Iris’s bedroom.

Xavier positioned himself near Iris’s bed while Lucian remained a few steps behind, waiting for Xavier’s signal to approach.

From his vantage point, Lucian could clearly discern the severity of Iris’s injuries, empathizing with the immense pain she must be enduring.

Lucian took a deep breath, overwhelmed by a sense of guilt for not extending his support to Iris once he discovered Xavier’s involvement in her life.

He was well aware that Xavier was not human and had numerous enemies out there. With Iris by his side, she might become targeted by Xavier’s enemies, potentially becoming his weakness.

Luckily, this time, they discovered Iris’ danger at the right time. However, if such an incident were to recur in the future and require rescue, there was a possibility that this girl would die once again.

"Lucian," Xavier’s voice broke the silence. "What do you intend to do with her? Please inform me so I can be at ease," his voice remained tense.

Lucian advanced and stood next to Xavier, locking eyes with him. "Xavier, my dear friend, I wish to help her so she may stand alongside you..."

Xavier frowned upon hearing Lucian’s words, attempting to understand their meaning. And, before long, a warm smile graced his lips.

"Thank you, my dear friend Lucian, I’m grateful," Xavier expressed, then stepped back, allowing Lucian access.

While Xavier might surpass Lucian in strength, he cannot bestow his power upon Iris. That responsibility lies with Lucian, who serves as the guardian of Iris and guides her as the God Helper.