My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

The pale morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns across the ceiling. The room was quiet—too quiet. Raelynn's eyes fluttered open slowly, her gaze fixed on the ceiling above. She didn't move, her body still buried beneath the warm sheets.

Her mind stirred as fragments of last night's conversation drifted back—Elion's low voice, his stern warning.

Don't go meet with Axel anymore.

Her brows faintly furrowed, replaying those words in her head. The way he'd said it—firm, almost desperate—like there was something more behind it. But thinking about that so early in the morning? Ugh... not now.

With a quiet sigh, she shut her eyes again, trying to push the lingering thoughts away. For once, she just wanted a peaceful morning without complicated things swirling in her head.

But peace never lasted long here.

After a few more moments of staring at nothing, she finally dragged herself up. Her limbs felt heavier than usual, but she ignored it. With slow, sluggish steps, she padded toward the bathroom. The cold tiles beneath her feet made her shiver as she turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her tense shoulders. It felt good—the heat soothing her stiff muscles, washing away the heaviness clinging to her skin.

By the time she finished, the morning sun had brightened the room a little more. Raelynn wrapped herself in a towel, her damp hair sticking to her neck as she walked to the closet. The large wardrobe stood silently before her, filled with rows of neatly hung clothes Elion had prepared for her.

Her fingers traced along the fabric, picking out a loose white blouse and soft pants. The simple outfit felt comfortable—easy—something she could relax in.

After slipping into the clothes, she caught her reflection in the tall mirror by the vanity. Her damp hair clung to her flushed cheeks, and there was a softness in her features that hadn't been there before. Her gaze slowly drifted downward, her hand unconsciously moving to her stomach.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

Her palm rested gently over the barely-there curve, warmth blooming in her chest. The baby. Her baby. It still felt surreal... but at the same time, she couldn't deny the quiet happiness that flickered beneath all the fear and confusion.

But then... her smile slowly faded.

Something... wasn't right.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the hem of her blouse, turning to stand sideways before the mirror. Her breath caught in her throat.

Was that... a bump?

It was faint—barely noticeable unless she really looked—but it was there. A small, subtle curve pressing against her flat stomach. Her heart skipped a beat, confusion flickering across her face.

Isn't it still too early?

Her mind scrambled, trying to remember how far along she was supposed to be. She knew she was pregnant—but wasn't this... too soon? Was her mind playing tricks on her?

No... she could feel it now beneath her fingertips—firm, unfamiliar.

Her brows knitted, unease creeping into her chest. Maybe she was imagining things... or maybe it was just normal. She needed to ask Sloane later. She would know, right?

A small breath escaped her lips, shaking off the strange worry as best she could. Whatever it was... it was fine. The baby was fine.

At least, she hoped so.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Raelynn let her blouse fall back into place. The smile slowly returned to her face as she glanced at herself one more time.

You're really in there... aren't you?

Her hand lingered over her stomach for a second longer before she finally turned away, ready to leave the closet.

But just as her fingers touched the door handle—

A sudden, sharp jolt shot through her stomach.

Raelynn's entire body froze.

Her breath caught, pain lancing through her abdomen without warning. It wasn't like anything she'd ever felt before. Not a kick... not a flutter. This was different—deeper, sharper.

Her hand instinctively clutched at her stomach as her knees buckled beneath her weight.

"Ah—!" A choked gasp slipped from her lips, her forehead pressing against the door. The pain throbbed through her belly, making her whole body tremble.

W-What... what is this...?

Her heart began to pound, panic rising in her chest. Another wave of pain crashed through her, stronger this time—like something was twisting inside her.

"No... no, no..." she whispered shakily, one hand still clutching her stomach. Sweat broke out along her forehead as her breath quickened.

Her mind spun.

Was this supposed to happen?

It couldn't be... right?

A third jolt seized her—violent, sharp—forcing a cry of pain from her throat. Her legs gave out completely, sending her crumpling to the cold floor. The impact jarred through her, but she barely noticed—her arms wrapping protectively around her stomach.

Her breathing came in ragged gasps, panic clouding her thoughts.

"P-Please..." she whimpered weakly. "No... please..."

Her head was spinning, the pain coming in relentless waves. Tears blurred her vision, streaking down her flushed cheeks. Her fingers clawed at the fabric of her shirt, desperate to hold onto something—anything.

And then—

The door slammed open.

"Raelynn!"

Elion's voice echoed sharply through the closet, his eyes wide with panic. His hair was still slightly disheveled from sleep, his shirt half-buttoned, as if he'd rushed straight from bed.

The moment he saw her sprawled on the floor, clutching her stomach, all the color drained from his face.

"Raelynn—what's wrong?!"

His voice cracked, but she couldn't answer—another cry slipping past her lips as the pain ripped through her again.

Elion was by her side in an instant, dropping to his knees. His hands hovered over her trembling body, his heart pounding so loudly he could barely hear anything else.

"What is it? What's happening?!"

Raelynn's glassy eyes blinked up at him, her lips trembling.

"I-I don't know..." she choked out. "It... it hurts..."

Her face twisted in pain, her hands gripping his shirt weakly. The sight of her like this—helpless, suffering—sent a bolt of something terrifying through him.

He'd never felt fear like this before.