My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Elion sat beside the bed, his eyes fixed on the sleeping figure before him. His broad shoulders were slightly hunched, his arms resting on his thighs as he observed Raelynn in silence.

She looked peaceful now, her breathing steady and her expression soft. The tension she carried yesterday had melted away in her sleep. Strands of her hair fanned out across the pillow, framing her delicate face. Her lips were slightly parted, and her brows, which always held a hint of worry, were finally relaxed.

His gaze dropped to her slightly parted lips. An unfamiliar thought crossed his mind—a temptation so small yet so persistent. Before he realized it, he had leaned in slightly, his face inching closer to hers. Her breath was warm against his skin. Just a little closer and—

Elion suddenly stopped. A low chuckle escaped his lips as he exhaled through his nose, shaking his head at himself. What was he doing?

Instead, he reached out and carefully took a lock of her hair between his fingers. It was smooth and silky, sliding through his fingers like water. He brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against the strands before letting go. A quiet smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood up.

He cast one last glance at her sleeping face before making his way toward the door. As he stepped outside, he pulled the door shut behind him with a soft click.

The moment the door closed, Raelynn's eyes slowly fluttered open.

She blinked, adjusting to the morning light as her mind slowly registered what had just happened. Her fingers curled slightly against the sheets, her heartbeat drumming in her ears.

He kissed her hair.

A sharp breath escaped her lips as heat spread across her face. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, as if that would somehow help slow the rapid beating of her heart. What was that? Did he really just—

Her thoughts spiraled in different directions. It wasn't a kiss on her forehead or cheek, but it was still—

Raelynn groaned, rolling onto her side and burying her face in the pillow.

Then, his words from last night echoed in her mind.

One day, I will make it something for you.

Her fingers instinctively touched her lips, her face burning even hotter. "Ugh," she groaned again, squeezing her eyes shut. What did he even mean by that? Was he teasing her? Or was he being serious?

She shook her head, forcing herself to push the thoughts away. No, no. I can't think about this anymore. It's nothing. It doesn't mean anything.

Just as she was trying to compose herself, the door suddenly swung open again.

"Raelynn—"

She jumped, sitting up straight as Elion walked back in.

Her breath hitched, panic rising in her chest. She must have still been red—he couldn't see her like this!

Elion's sharp eyes immediately caught the flush on her face, and his brows furrowed with concern. Without hesitation, he strode toward her, his long legs covering the distance in mere seconds.

His large, warm hand pressed against her forehead, his touch unexpectedly gentle. His fingers brushed against her temple, his palm cool against her burning skin.

"Are you sick?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Raelynn's heart skipped a beat. She suddenly noticed just how close he was—his scent filling the space around her. His piercing gaze studied her carefully, searching for any signs of illness.

"I-I'm fine!" she stammered, her voice an octave higher than normal. She quickly grabbed his wrist, trying to pull his hand away from her face. "I don't have a fever."

Elion didn't look convinced. His expression darkened slightly as he narrowed his eyes. "You don't look fine."

"I swear! I'm perfectly fine!" she blurted, flailing slightly as she tried to escape his touch.

Elion exhaled, shaking his head. "Raelynn, you're as red as a tomato. That's not normal."

Raelynn wanted to disappear. Why was he making this worse?! Her mind raced for an escape.

Before she could think, Elion leaned in even closer, their faces now inches apart. His forehead was nearly touching hers as he studied her up close. "Are you sure you're not—"

"AHH!" Raelynn let out a small yelp and instinctively pushed him—hard.

Caught off guard, Elion stumbled slightly, stepping backward.

Raelynn's pulse was all over the place. This wouldn't do. This definitely wouldn't do.

Elion being this close wasn't helping—at all. His presence was suffocating, messing with her ability to think straight. She could still feel the warmth of his breath, still see the way his eyes had narrowed ever so slightly, like he was reading her.

No. Nope. Absolutely not.

He can't be in the same room as me right now. It was too much.

Raelynn scrambled out of bed, pointing toward the door. "D-Don't you have work to do?! You're going to be late!"

Elion straightened himself, blinking at her sudden outburst. "I think you're really sick."

"I'm not!" she insisted, shaking her head so aggressively that her hair flew around her face. "You should go before you get in trouble!"

Elion crossed his arms, tilting his head. "You're trying to get rid of me."

Raelynn gulped. "No, I'm just—"

He took a step forward.

She took a step back.

The heat in her face only worsened as she realized the predicament she had gotten herself into. With newfound determination fueled by sheer embarrassment, she lunged forward and shoved him toward the door. "Go to work!"

He might have been confused, but he didn't put up a fight as she pushed him. "Hey, no need to be so violent."

Without responding, she pushed him forward, making sure he left the room.

Just before she shut the door in his face, he turned slightly. "Raelynn, don't you think Sloane should—"

Raelynn slammed the door shut.

She stood there, pressing her forehead against the door, her hands clutching the fabric of her nightgown.

Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it was trying to escape her chest.

Raelynn let out a shaky breath, her fingers drifting up to her chest, pressing lightly over her pounding heart. It was erratic, wild—completely out of control.

"Elion…" she whispered, her voice barely audible in the silence of her room. "What the hell did you do to me?"