My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Night had settled over the estate, casting a tranquil hush over the mansion. Inside the bathroom, Raelynn reclined in her bathtub, the warm water enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She exhaled slowly, allowing her body to relax as her mind wandered back through the events of the day.

Her thoughts drifted to the moment she had walked into the kitchen and found Hera and Reinhart talking. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but there had been something amusing about their dynamic—Hera's sharp yet composed demeanor contrasting with Reinhart's carefree charm.

Then, there was the backyard. She had intended to spend some quiet time with Hera, only to have Reinhart invite himself along. Not that she had agreed—she hadn't even given him a proper response before he casually joined them. She didn't have the heart to tell him to leave, nor did she particularly want to.

Reinhart was the complete opposite of Elion. While Elion was composed, speaking only when necessary, Reinhart seemed unable to stop talking once he started. He had spent most of their time together reminiscing about his younger days, enthusiastically sharing stories about how Elion had allegedly tormented him as an older brother. The way he animatedly recounted every detail had made Raelynn laugh more than she had in a long time.

She dipped her head slightly beneath the water and blew air out, watching the bubbles rise to the surface and burst. Reinhart was surprisingly fun to be around. He was easygoing, teasing yet not overbearing, and despite his tendency to talk excessively, there was something refreshing about his presence.

Finishing her bath, Raelynn slowly stepped out of the tub, grabbing a plush towel to dry herself before slipping into a soft bathrobe. She rubbed the towel against her damp hair as she padded toward the bedroom, only to freeze the moment she stepped inside.

A soft gasp left her lips.

Elion was sitting on the edge of her bed, his posture relaxed, one leg crossed over the other. His gaze was unreadable, his crimson eyes watching her with an unsettling calmness.

Raelynn's immediate reaction was to clutch the front of her robe tighter. "What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes slightly wide as she instinctively took a step back.

Elion tilted his head, his expression remaining indifferent. "Waiting for you to finish your bath."

Raelynn's grip on her robe tightened. "Why? And—" she shifted uncomfortably, aware of how exposed she felt under his gaze "—can you stop looking at me like that?"

Elion arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Like what?"

"Like you're about to do something to me," she muttered, cheeks flushing slightly.

He let out a quiet chuckle. "You're covering your chest as if I haven't seen you before."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Excuse me?!"

Elion simply smirked and leaned back on his palms. "I mean, I have, but your reaction is entertaining."

Raelynn let out a frustrated breath, her face heating further. "Whatever you need, can you wait outside while I change?"

Elion's smirk didn't fade. "Go ahead. You can use your closet." He gestured toward the large wardrobe on the other side of the room. "I won't peek."

Raelynn narrowed her eyes at him but didn't argue. She turned sharply on her heel and hurried to the closet, shutting the door behind her with a bit more force than necessary. Letting out a small breath, she quickly changed into a comfortable nightgown before stepping out again, only to find Elion exactly where she had left him.

"My feet are fine now, if that's why you're here," she said, pulling her damp hair over one shoulder as she walked toward the vanity.

Elion stood and took a few slow steps toward her. "That's not why I'm here."

Raelynn met his gaze in the mirror as she reached for her hairbrush. "Then what?"

Elion didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped behind her, his presence sending a light shiver down her spine. He leaned slightly closer, his lips near her ear as he murmured, "Close your eyes."

Raelynn hesitated. "Why?"

"Just do it."

Her brows furrowed slightly, but, for some reason, she found herself obeying. It wasn't until her eyelids fluttered shut that she realized—why did she listen to him so easily?

The moment she thought about opening them again, his voice stopped her. "Keep them closed until I say."

Raelynn stood still, her eyelashes fluttering briefly as she fought the urge to peek. A small part of her wondered if Elion was playing some kind of prank on her, and she had foolishly fallen right into it. But then again… this was Elion. He wasn't the type to joke around like that.

Still, the uncertainty made her chest tighten. How long was he going to make her stand here like this?

Her fingers twitched at her sides as she resisted the temptation to cross her arms. She hoped whatever this was would end soon—whether it was some strange test of trust or just another one of his antics. Yet, despite her impatience, she couldn't deny the faint stir of curiosity creeping in.

What was he planning?

Raelynn pouted slightly. "What are you doing—"

Then she felt it—something cool brushing against her skin, settling around her neck. A cold shiver ran down her spine as the delicate touch of his fingers grazed her collarbone. She instinctively reached up but paused when his hands lingered just long enough to adjust whatever he had placed on her.

"Alright," Elion's deep voice finally broke the silence. "Open your eyes."

Raelynn's lashes lifted slowly, and her gaze immediately dropped to the mirror before her.

Her breath caught.

A necklace—elegant and breathtaking—now adorned her neck. The chain was delicate, nearly blending with her skin, but the pendant was what drew her attention. A beautifully crafted silver emblem, inlaid with what appeared to be a deep, dark gemstone, rested just above her collarbone. The stone shimmered under the dim lighting, a mysterious glow emanating from its core.

Her fingers hesitantly brushed against it. "What is this?"

Elion met her gaze in the mirror, his crimson eyes unreadable. "A gift. One and only for you."