My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn relaxed on the bed, listening to the quiet rustle of curtains as the breeze played through the room. Her fingers played absently with the hem of the blanket draped over her, and though her body still felt heavy, her spirit yearned for something beyond the confines of her room.

Sloane poked her head through the slightly open door, her smile widening at the sight of Raelynn sitting up. "Well, look at you. Feeling better already?"

"A little," Raelynn admitted, shifting slightly to rest against the pillows. "But I'm so bored, Sloane. I've been cooped up here for days."

Sloane walked over while said, "Boredom is a good sign. It means you're recovering." She sat on the edge of the bed, her sharp eyes scanning Raelynn's face. "But you still look pale. Rest is what you need."

Raelynn shot her a pleading look, a tiny, hopeful smile tugging at her lips. "Just a little fresh air? I promise I'll sit still. We can go to the garden. Please?"

She stopped, her face clouded by a mix of concern and doubt. "The garden?" She sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. But only for a short while, and I'm coming with you. No arguments."

"None at all," Raelynn said with a grin, already swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Her steps were cautious, the blanket slipping around her shoulders like armor.

Sloane was immediately at her side, helping her to her feet. "Easy now. We don't want you collapsing before we even make it outside."

Raelynn's steps were shaky but determined as they walked, with Sloane staying nearby, ready to catch her if needed.

When they reached the garden, Raelynn let out a small gasp. She looked out at a vibrant garden, bursting with shades of green and bright blooms. A soft breeze brought the sweet smell of lavender, mixed with the cheerful sound of birds singing.

"This is perfect," Raelynn said, her voice soft with wonder.

Sloane guided her to a sunny spot near a fountain. The water sparkled in the sunlight, its soft splashes blending into the peaceful atmosphere. Sloane draped a thick blanket over a cushioned chair and helped Raelynn settle in.

"Comfy?" Sloane asked, her voice quick as she tucked the blanket tighter around Raelynn.

Raelynn laughed lightly. "Yes, Mom," she teased, earning an exaggerated eye roll from Sloane.

"Someone has to fuss over you," Sloane quipped, sitting in the chair next to her. She leaned back, her sharp gaze softening as she looked around the garden. "You're lucky I'm so patient."

Raelynn smiled, relaxing into the warmth of the sun. "So, Sloane, tell me something interesting. What's the history of this estate? It feels like the kind of place with a few good stories."

Sloane tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, it has its fair share of tales. Did you know a duke once owned this place? They say he lost a treasure beneath the mansion, buried somewhere in the foundations."

"A treasure?" Raelynn's eyes widened, her interest piqued. "That's kind of fascinating."

Sloane grinned. "If you believe the rumors. Another owner swore the estate was haunted. He claimed to see ghosts wandering the halls at night."

"Ghosts?" Raelynn chuckled, her fingers toying with the edge of her blanket. "What's next? Vampires?"

At the mention of vampires, Her smile wavered for a moment, her face going blank before she smirked and replied, "Maybe."

Raelynn tilted her head, squinting at Sloane. "You're not serious."

"Guess you'll never know," Sloane said lightly. "This place is old enough. Anything's possible."

Raelynn was about to press further when she heard footsteps. Elion entered, and a maid trailed behind him, carefully holding a tray with an elegant teacup.

"Interrupting something?" Elion asked as the maid set the tray down, nodded politely, and left.

"Not at all," Sloane said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smirk. "We were just talking about how this place might be crawling with ghosts and vampires."

Elion raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly flicking to Raelynn. "Fascinating topic."

Raelynn accepted the tea he handed her, her fingers brushing his briefly. "Thank you," she said, her smile softening. "And for the record, I don't believe in ghosts or vampires. Sloane's just trying to scare me."

Sloane laughed. "She's too clever for that."

Elion smirked faintly. "You're looking better," he commented.

Raelynn smiled, shaking her head. She sipped her tea, the warmth soothing her throat. "Honestly, though, I think Sloane's endless nagging deserves the credit."

"Endless nagging," Sloane repeated, narrowing her eyes playfully. "You're lucky I have thick skin, Raelynn."

They kept chatting, until at one point, Elion went to grab his tea but fumbled a little, spilling some onto his hand.

"Damn it."

Sloane stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Not as graceful as you like to pretend, huh?"

Raelynn's laughter died the moment she saw Elion wince slightly, his hand glistening with the spilled tea. Without thinking, she reached out, grabbing a napkin from the table.

"Here," she murmured, gently taking his hand.

Elion blinked at her in surprise but didn't pull away as she carefully dabbed at the hot liquid. Her fingers brushed his hand lightly, almost unsure, but the small touch seemed to change something between them. Raelynn focused intently on her task, avoiding his gaze, though her cheeks had begun to burn.

A small smile tugged at Elion's lips, and his silver eyes seemed to soften as he looked at her. "You don't have to fuss over me, you know," he said quietly.

Raelynn quickly looked up, her eyes locking with his for a fleeting, intense moment. Before she could respond, Sloane cleared her throat loudly.

Startled by the closeness, Raelynn pulled her hands away in a rush. "Sorry," she muttered, clutching the napkin in her lap. "I was just trying to help."

"Thanks for that."

Sloane let out a dramatic sigh, resting her chin in her hand. "What did I do to deserve being the third wheel in this heartfelt little moment?"

Raelynn's blush deepened, but she couldn't help the shy smile that tugged at her lips. Stealing a glance at Elion, she quickly turned her attention back to the tea, hoping her cheeks weren't betraying her.