My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn stirred awake, the sunlight spilling through her window warm on her face. She stretched lazily, the events of the previous night still lingering faintly in her mind. After freshening up and getting dressed for the day, she stepped out of her room. Hera was already waiting for her in the hallway, her usual calmness wrapped around her like armor.

"Good morning, Miss Moore," Hera greeted with a polite smile, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

"Morning, Hera," Raelynn replied with a yawn, smoothing her hair as they walked toward the dining room together.

A quiet buzz of movement filled the air as they walked in. Sunlight poured through the big windows, flooding the dining room with a warm golden light. Elion sat at the head of the table, calm and focused, a paper in hand and his intense gaze locked on it.

Raelynn slid into her regular spot opposite him, sneaking a quick look in his direction. He didn't look up, seemingly engrossed in whatever he was reading. She huffed quietly, picking up her fork and beginning to eat the breakfast laid out before her.

The room was quiet except for the soft noise of utensils against dishes as they ate. Hera stayed close to Raelynn, alert as always but keeping quiet.

When they finished, Raelynn set her fork down and leaned back slightly. Gathering her nerve, she called out, "Hey."

Elion looked up, meeting her eyes. He didn't give much away, but the raised eyebrow showed he was paying attention.

"I wanted to go to the mall today," Raelynn began, trying to sound casual but still a little stiff. "Hera mentioned I need permission to leave, so… here I am, asking."

Honestly, Elion should be grateful I'm asking for permission at all, she thought, crossing her arms. It's not like I'm some prisoner locked in his little kingdom. I could walk out that door and go to the mall without a second thought.

She looked at him, and the idea of doing something rebellious—like walking out without a word—almost made her smirk. But hey, she continued mentally, I'm just being considerate. Giving him the dignity of pretending he's in charge, you know? It's called respect. I'm practically a saint.

Elion's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he leaned back in his chair, his lips quirking in what might have been amusement. "You can remember that rule, yet wandering around at night slips your mind?"

Raelynn groaned, throwing her hands up slightly. "That was an exception! I was thirsty. Am I supposed to wait until morning to drink water?"

His kept a straight face, though the tiniest hint of amusement flashed in his gaze.

"And besides," she continued, crossing her arms, "Hera mentioned a ton of rules. You can't possibly expect me to remember all of them!"

Elion sighed, setting the document in his hand down on the table and sliding it across to her. "I anticipated you'd say that."

Raelynn blinked, frowning as she reached for the document.

"You'll find this useful," Elion said, standing and smoothing his jacket as he prepared to leave. He turned to walk out but paused at the door, glancing back at her. "Go ahead and buy whatever you want. Don't worry—you don't need to pay me back or anything."

Raelynn's jaw dropped slightly, caught between gratitude and suspicion. Her frown deepened as he walked away, his footsteps fading into the hallway.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she flipped open the document. Her eyes scanned the neatly typed lines, the rules talked about spelled out clearly and in way too much detail.

"Seriously?" she muttered, rolling her eyes as she skimmed through.

Rules of Residence (Raelynn Cassandra Moore)

No wandering outside the house after sunset.

Meals will be served at set times; do not request special accommodations.

All requests to leave the premises must be formally approved.

No unauthorized access to the study, cellar, or west wing.

...and the rules go on.

At the end of the document, a handwritten note caught her attention—definitely Elion's handwriting

P.S.: Try not to break the house while you're here. I know you could probably pull it off, but let's not. —EV—

Raelynn's lips parted in outrage. "Break the house? Seriously?" she exclaimed, slapping the document down on the table.

Hera looked over curiously, raising her brow. "Is everything alright, Miss Moore?"

Raelynn scowled, pushing the document aside. "Does he always have to be so… infuriating?"

Hera's lips twitched, though she quickly masked it. "Is there anything I can assist you with?"

"Yes!" Raelynn said, standing abruptly. "Do you have paper and a pen?"

Hera blinked but nodded, moving to a nearby drawer. She returned moments later with the requested items and handed them over.

"Thanks a lot," Raelynn said, sinking back into her seat and quickly jotting something down furiously.

Hera peeked over her shoulder curiously. "What are you writing?"

Raelynn ignored her, too focused on what she was doing. With a satisfied smile, she finished and jumped out of her seat.

"Miss Moore?" Hera called after her, but Raelynn was already halfway to the front door.

She yanked the door open just as Elion's car engine roared to life. Jogging up to the driver's side, she knocked firmly on the window.

Elion, his expression as calm as ever, lowered the window and raised a brow at her. "Is there something else?"

Without a word, Raelynn shoved the paper into his hand, turned sharply, and marched back into the house, leaving him staring after her.

Elion's gaze flicked down to the paper. He unfolded it, his lips twitching into what might have been a smirk as he read the bold words scrawled across it:

Rules for Elion Vaelorian

Stop being a jerk.

Stop underestimating people.

If you want me to remember all the rules, maybe try being nicer about it.

He let out a quiet laugh, tossed the paper onto the passenger seat and started the car. Driving off, he couldn't hide the smirk tugging at his lips.