My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

The last rays of sunlight had disappeared, leaving the sky a deep indigo speckled with stars. In her room, Raelynn sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing over the soft fabric of the quilt. She looked around at the few things she owned, now unpacked and neatly tucked away. It hadn't taken her long—her life packed neatly into a single suitcase.

"Guess I travel light," she muttered to herself, a dry smile tugging at her lips.

The room suddenly seemed even emptier. Shaking her head, she stood and stretched, rolling her shoulders. Her muscles ached slightly from the tension of the day, and she decided a bath was exactly what she needed.

Heading toward the bathroom, she had just reached for the doorknob when a knock echoed through the room. She froze, blinking in surprise, before Hera's voice came from the other side.

"Miss Moore, dinner is almost ready," Hera called.

Raelynn sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Come in," she replied.

Hera stepped inside, her expression as composed as ever. "Dinner will be served shortly. You're welcome to come downstairs and join us."

"Thanks, but I really need to clean up first," Raelynn said, gesturing toward the bathroom.

Hera inclined her head. "Of course. I can assist you."

Raelynn blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what?"

Before she could protest, Hera had already turned and was heading toward the bathroom. She moved with confidence, as if this was entirely routine. Raelynn followed, flustered and unsure how to stop her.

Once inside, Hera quickly got to work, reaching for Raelynn's blouse.

"Hold on!" Raelynn exclaimed, stepping back and covering her chest as Hera started to help her undress. "What are you doing?"

Hera looked at her, relaxed as ever. "Helping you bathe."

Raelynn's jaw dropped. "Helping me bathe?!" she repeated, her voice pitching higher with each word. Heat rushed to her face as she scrambled to pull her blouse closer, holding it like her life depended on it—which, to be fair, it absolutely did. "Nope. No way. That's not happening. I can do that myself, thanks!"

Her words came out fast and sharp, her cheeks flaming so red she felt like a human tomato. Who even did this? What kind of bizarre rich-people protocol was she stuck in now?

Hera's face remained neutral, as calm as ever, like Raelynn's reaction was just a curious anomaly in an otherwise normal day. "Mr. Vaelorian asked me to assist you in all ways necessary."

"Assist me?" Raelynn gasped, her eyes nearly popping out of her head. "You're not a butler! This isn't Downton Abbey! I'm just taking a shower, not— I don't know—installing a chandelier or something!"

Hera blinked slowly, her cool and collected attitude a little too unsettling. "You're pregnant. Mr. Vaelorianwas quite clear that I am to ensure your safety at all times."

"Well, unless you think I'm going to drown myself in two feet of water, I'm pretty sure I've got this covered!" Raelynn shot back.

Her annoyance turned to disbelief when Hera's only response was a faint, patient nod, as if Raelynn's protests were merely a delay in the inevitable. "Hera," she added, almost pleading now, "please, just… wait outside, okay?"

The whole thing was so absurd it made her want to laugh, cry, and scream all at once. "Nothing's going to happen. Just wait outside, okay? I promise I'll be fine."

Hera hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly as she studied Raelynn's determined expression. "If you insist," she finally said.

"Thank you," Raelynn muttered, rolling her eyes as Hera left the bathroom.

Once the door clicked shut, she let out a huff and began to undress, grumbling under her breath. "Who needs help taking a shower? This is ridiculous."

The water flowing over her helped relax her a bit, though her mind still lingered on the strange situation. Is this what my life's going to be like now? Constant surveillance, like I'm some porcelain doll?

When she was done, Raelynn wrapped herself in a soft robe and cracked the bathroom door open, peeking into the room. To her surprise—and mild annoyance—Hera was standing near the door, waiting patiently.

Raelynn stepped out, tightening the robe around her. "You're still here?"

Hera nodded. "Of course."

Raelynn shook her head, muttering something under her breath, and headed for the walk-in closet. Inside, she picked out a comfortable dress, the soft fabric flowing easily over her figure. After changing, she walked out to find Hera waiting to escort her downstairs.

The dining hall was a sight to behold. The long table was adorned with gleaming silverware, crystal glasses, and an array of dishes that made Raelynn's stomach growl. There were platters of roasted meats, steaming vegetables, fresh bread, and more varieties of food than she could name.

Raelynn paused, her eyes widening slightly. "Wow. That's… a lot of food."

Hera gestured toward a seat near the head of the table. "Please, have a seat."

Raelynn slid into the chair, her hands resting lightly on the edge of the table. "This feels a bit too much. I mean, it's just me eating, right?"

Hera gave her a small smile. "You're eating for two now, Miss Moore. Mr. Vaelorian wanted to ensure you and the baby are well-nourished."

Raelynn glanced at the spread again, a mix of awe and unease flickering across her face. She picked up her fork, ready to dig in, but paused, looking up at Hera.

"Am I eating alone?" she asked.

"Mr. Elion hasn't returned yet," Hera replied.

"Busy guy, huh?" Raelynn said, her tone dry as she stabbed a piece of roasted potato with her fork.

Hera inclined her head. "Mr. Vaelorian has many responsibilities."

Raelynn sighed, a small smile curving her lips despite herself. "Well, tell him thanks for all this. It's more than I'm used to."

Hera's gaze softened slightly. "He cares deeply for the baby's well-being."

Raelynn glanced down at her plate, her hand resting lightly on her stomach. A strange warmth spread through her chest, softening her earlier irritation.

"Alright, little one," she murmured, her fingers brushing against her belly. "Let's eat up and keep your dad happy."