My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

The night wrapped the mansion in a heavy silence, broken only by the soft echo of Elion's footsteps on the marble floor. The grand hall stretched before him, shadows dancing across the high walls as the moonlight filtered through tall windows. His sharp eyes swept the corridors as he walked, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his dark coat.

Turning a corner, Elion nearly collided with Hera, who appeared with her usual calm demeanor, a stack of books in her hands. He stopped abruptly, his towering figure casting a shadow over her.

"Where's Reinhart?" Elion's voice was low, commanding.

Hera barely flinched. "I don't know, sir," she replied, not even looking up from the books.

Elion narrowed his eyes. "How can you not know? He's been wandering around here all day."

She finally raised her head, arching an eyebrow. "I'm not his babysitter."

Elion exhaled sharply through his nose, irritation flickering across his face. Without another word, he brushed past her, his long strides carrying him toward the backyard. The cold night air met him as he stepped out, his gaze landing on Reinhart strolling casually toward him, hands in his pockets, a grin already tugging at his lips.

"Reinhart," Elion called, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "My study. Now."

Without waiting for a reply, Elion turned on his heel and disappeared into the mansion. Reinhart chuckled under his breath, following at a slower pace, clearly unbothered.

Inside the study, Elion sank into his leather chair behind a massive desk, the scent of aged books and ink filling the room. The fireplace crackled softly, casting a golden hue over the dark interior. Reinhart strolled in, settling into the seat across from Elion with an easy grin.

"Yes, brother?" Reinhart's tone was serious, but there was a spark of mischief in his eyes.

Elion didn't bother with pleasantries. "Don't act stupid. I want the report. Now."

Reinhart leaned back in his chair, his lips curving into an infuriatingly lazy smile. He tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming with mock innocence. "Report?" he echoed, tapping a finger against his chin. "What report?"

Elion's gaze darkened. "Don't play dumb, Reinhart." His voice was sharp, cutting through the warm glow of the study. "I want to know everything. And I mean everything."

For a moment, Reinhart simply stared at his brother, as if considering how far he could stretch this game. Then, suddenly, his eyes lit up in mock realization. "Oh, of course, brother!" He sat forward, clearing his throat dramatically.

"Let's see… My day started as all great days do. I woke up in the magnificent Walton estate, the morning sunlight spilling in through those grand windows—really, Elion, you should appreciate the beauty of this place more." He grinned when Elion's expression remained unimpressed.

"After freshening up, I greeted the ever-lovely Hera. Ah, she looked radiant today, as always. Truly a vision." He sighed wistfully before continuing, "Then, Raelynn and I decided to pay a visit to the library."

Elion's fingers drummed impatiently against the desk, his expression unchanging as Reinhart went on.

"But, alas," Reinhart sighed dramatically, "it was dreadfully dull. Books upon books, but not a single exciting thing among them. So naturally, I found myself seeking better entertainment. That led me to this small café—lovely place, really. You should visit sometime. The coffee is excellent, and the—"

"Reinhart."

Elion's voice was dangerously low, his gaze like a sharpened blade.

Reinhart glanced up, only to find his brother glaring at him with the kind of intensity that could silence a room.

"From all people, you should know my patience isn't limitless."

For a brief second, there was silence. Then, Reinhart chuckled, leaning back with a careless ease that only made Elion's irritation deepen. "Ah, brother, you make it too easy," he said, amusement lacing his words. "It's been a while since we've done this. Let me have my fun."

Elion's glare didn't waver, but Reinhart wasn't the least bit fazed. If anything, the spark of mischief in his eyes burned brighter.

Reinhart scratched his chin, his grin widening. "Right, right. Well, like you heard this morning, Raelynn and I went to the library. Interesting place, really. But guess what? She has a dear friend working there."

Elion's jaw tensed. "Dear friend?" he repeated, his voice tightening.

Reinhart nodded enthusiastically. "Yup. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't a woman."

Before Reinhart could continue, Elion raised a hand, silencing him. "She called him a dear friend?"

The irritation in Elion's voice was thick, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk. Reinhart, spotting the growing fire of jealousy, couldn't help but fan the flames.

"Yeah," Reinhart said, dragging the word out. "But don't worry. The guy wasn't there. Sick leave or something."

Elion muttered under his breath, "Serves him right."

Reinhart barely stifled a laugh but kept a straight face. "Still, Raelynn looked pretty sad when she heard. I think she almost cried."

Elion's fist clenched on the desk. "What?" His voice was sharper now, his frustration tangible. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair. "I literally almost got my hand chopped off the other day saving her, and she wants to cry over some idiot with probably just a cold?"

Reinhart smirked, watching his brother unravel. "I mean, she did seem really worried. You know how she is—soft-hearted and all."

Elion's eyes darkened, his jaw ticking as he imagined Raelynn frowning, her soft eyes filled with concern—for someone else. The idea gnawed at him.

Reinhart, seeing the perfect chance to stir the pot more, leaned in. "You should've seen her. All pouty and quiet. I bet if he'd been there, she would've given him a hug or something."

A low growl rumbled from Elion's throat. "Enough."

But Reinhart wasn't done. "Or maybe she'd have brought him some soup. You know, the kind of caring stuff."

Elion slammed his palm onto the desk, the sound echoing through the room. "I said enough!"

Reinhart threw up his hands, barely holding back a grin. "Alright, alright. My report's done anyway."

Elion glared at him, the tension thick in the air, but Reinhart only stood, his smile smug. "You're fun when you're jealous, brother."

"Out," Elion growled.

Reinhart saluted lazily before strolling toward the door. Just before he stepped out, he glanced over his shoulder, his grin widening. "Goodnight, Elion."

With that, he closed the door behind him, leaving Elion seething in the heavy silence, the dark flames of jealousy burning hotter than ever.