My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn's heels tapped gently on the marble floor as she walked beside Elion, her hand brushing his arm lightly. The grand ballroom stretched before them, golden chandeliers spilling a soft light over the elegantly dressed guests. Polite voices and the light ring of glasses filled the air, blending with the distant melody of an orchestra.

With Elion by her side, every gaze seemed to follow their path, drawn to his charisma. His suit fit like a second skin, the dark fabric gleaming faintly and highlighting his sharp features.

A quick peek revealed his sculpted jaw, his eyes scanning the room with that predatory focus in his eyes.

The moment they stepped in, a group of men and women in designer outfits made their way over to greet them with smiles. "Elion!" one of the men greeted warmly, raising his glass in a casual toast. "It's been too long. And might I ask, who's the beautiful lady accompanying you tonight?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"This is Raelynn," he introduced casually.

Raelynn forced a smile, her lips stretching until her cheeks ached. She felt like her mouth was drying up, resembling the tiny dried anchovies she used to snack on. She mentally repeated Hera's instructions: Smile. Be polite. Don't speak unless spoken to. Let Mr. Vaelorian lead the conversation.

"Raelynn," the man repeated with a grin, extending a hand toward her. "You're absolutely radiant tonight. How did Elion manage to keep someone like you hidden for so long?"

She shook his hand briefly, her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you," she replied with a faint smile, determined to keep her cool despite the awkwardness.

Another woman in the group leaned in with a sly smile. "Elion, you're full of surprises. I thought you didn't date?"

Elion returned her teasing tone with a small, enigmatic smile but didn't answer. His silence made Raelynn's stomach twist. She couldn't blame him; what could he possibly say? That she was a nobody carrying his child? That her presence here was as much a mystery to her as it was to everyone else?

Instead of dwelling on the awkwardness, Raelynn continued to smile, her face beginning to feel like a mask. She shifted slightly on her feet, hoping they wouldn't press further.

"Elion always keeps things close to his chest," another man said, laughing as he clapped Elion on the shoulder. "But I have to say, Raelynn, you're the most beautiful woman I've seen him with."

Elion's gaze flickered toward her for a brief moment, his lips curving into a subtle smirk. "Excuse us," he murmured, guiding Raelynn deeper into the gathering.

The crowd parted easily for them, whispers and lingering stares following in their wake. Raelynn's fingers curled around the fabric of her clutch, her knuckles white. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and every curious glance making it harder to hold herself together.

"Elion," a familiar voice called out.

Raelynn turned, surprised to see Kade approaching them. His appearance was sharp as always, his suit perfectly tailored, and every move he made radiated quiet confidence.

"Kade?" Raelynn blinked. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Kade gave her a small smile. "I get that a lot," he replied. "But this isn't just a party for me. It's part of the job."

Raelynn raised a brow. "Job?"

Sure, Kade was Elion's assistant, and honestly, events like this pretty much counted as work for him. Then why was she even here if Kade could've easily tagged along with Elion?

Kade turned to Elion, a knowing smirk on his face. "So, is the idea working?"

Elion glanced at Raelynn briefly before replying, "So far, so good."

Raelynn frowned, her confusion growing. "What are you two talking about?" she asked, her gaze shifting between them.

Before he could elaborate, Kade's gaze shifted to a point beyond her. His lips curved into a knowing smile as he gestured slightly with his chin. "And here comes the man of the hour."

She glanced where he was looking, her pulse quickening as Arthur Weston walked toward them. Charisma seemed to flow from him, his graying hair giving him an aura of wisdom and power. His piercing brown eyes swept over the crowd before settling on Elion, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Ah, Elion," Arthur's deep voice rang out as he stepped closer. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it."

"Arthur," he returned with a short nod.

Arthur's gaze shifted to Raelynn, his brows lifting slightly. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

She was about to say something when Elion cut in smoothly. "She's Raelynn," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for elaboration.

Arthur studied her for a moment, his smile widening. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Raelynn. Elion, you've outdone yourself."

"Thank you," Raelynn said softly, feeling her cheeks flush under Arthur's sharp gaze.

The conversation continued, but Raelynn found herself growing restless. The lights seemed too bright, the air too warm, and the voices around her too loud. Her heart began to race, and a strange dizziness began to creep over her.

She blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but the edges of her vision blurred.

"Raelynn?" Kade's voice broke through the haze, his brow furrowing as he looked at her.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, forcing a smile. But the sensation didn't pass. Instead, it deepened, as though something unseen was pulling at her very core.

She grabbed Elion's arm for balance, his eyes darting to her with a flash of concern. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice low.

"I think so," she murmured, though she wasn't convinced herself.

As she stood there, struggling to regain her composure, a chill ran down her spine. It was as though someone was watching her, the unseen gaze pressing down on her and so intense. She turned her head slightly, scanning the room, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

And yet, the feeling remained, growing stronger with each passing moment.

Behind the dazzling lights, someone—or something—seemed to be observing her.