My Baby Daddy Isn't Human-Chapter 116: Missing Book

Raelynn couldn't get Axel's question out of her mind. The way he had said it, with that teasing edge layered over something more serious, haunted her thoughts.

What if vampires exist?

His words played on repeat, like a broken record in her brain. She shook her head as she dove back home from the library, trying to focus on something else, anything else, but it was useless.

Her footsteps echoed faintly as she climbed the wide staircase of the mansion, her thoughts a tangled mess. By the time she reached her room, her frustration had grown. She hadn't borrowed a single book because she felt too guilty about the one she hadn't returned—Vampire: 10,001 Myths and Facts. She could feel the other librarian's judgment in her mind, even if no one had said a word.

"I just need to find it," she muttered to herself as she pushed open the door to her room.

The faint scent of lavender from her diffuser filled the air, soothing yet doing nothing to calm her racing thoughts.

Raelynn tossed her bag onto the chair by the vanity and immediately set to work. She began with the obvious spots—the bedside table, the drawer beneath it, even the pile of books stacked neatly by her reading lamp. She flipped through each one quickly, her brow furrowing when the familiar book cover wasn't among them.

"Where is it?" she muttered, moving to the vanity. She opened every drawer, pulling out hairbrushes, bottles of perfume, and trinkets she hadn't touched in a while. Still no book.

Her movements grew quicker, more frantic. She checked the closet, flipping through clothes and pushing aside shoe boxes. She even went into the bathroom, her hands on her hips as she scanned the space. "There has to be a time I accidentally brought it in here," she said aloud. But there was nothing—not on the sink, not on the shelves, not anywhere.

Standing in the middle of her room, Raelynn let out an exasperated sigh. She pressed her hands to her temples, trying to think. "Where the hell is that book?" she mumbled, her voice tinged with frustration.

A knock on the door broke through her thoughts. Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and Hera peeked in. Her sister wore a soft smile, her hair swept into a loose braid over one shoulder.

"Hey, Raelynn, how was the library?" Hera asked, stepping inside with the easy grace she always carried.

"It was nice," Raelynn replied shortly, not bothering to hide her distraction. She grabbed Hera's wrist and pulled her further into the room. "Good thing you're here. I need your help."

Hera raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "Help with what?"

"I'm looking for a book," Raelynn explained, already pulling open another drawer. "It's called Vampire: 10,001 Myths and Facts. Hardcover, black with gold edges, about this thick." She held her hands apart to indicate its size.

Hera tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "That's... a specific title. What do you need it for?"

"I want to read it," Raelynn said simply as she opened the trunk at the foot of her bed.

Hera let out a small laugh. "You're this worked up over a book?

Raelynn groaned, her hands diving into her hair as she paced the room, a picture of dramatic frustration. "I borrowed it from the library, Hera," she said, her voice rising a little with each word. "Do you know what happens if I don't return it? That's called irresponsibility!" She turned abruptly, holding up her hands like she was pleading her case. "And worse, what if my friend who helped me check it out gets in trouble? What if—" her voice dropped, eyes wide in mock horror, "—he get fired because of me?"

"Raelynn, you're spiraling."

"No, I'm not!" Raelynn protested, tugging at a strand of her hair. "It's a real possibility, Hera. What if the library pin it all on him? I can't live with that guilt!"

Hera chuckled softly, shaking her head. She raised a hand, palm out, like she was trying to soothe a panicking child. "Okay, okay, stop right there," she said, her tone light and teasing. "Calm down, Raelynn. I think your imagination just ran a marathon."

Raelynn paused, squinting at Hera suspiciously. "You're not taking this seriously."

"Okay, fine. When's the last time you saw it?"

Raelynn paused, straightening up. "The last time I saw it..." Her voice trailed off as she tried to recall. Her eyes widened slightly as the memory surfaced. "It was when I was sick. Elion read it to me."

"And after that?" Hera prompted.

"After that... I don't remember seeing it again," Raelynn admitted, a note of frustration creeping into her voice.

Hera hummed thoughtfully. "Alright, let's look around again."

The two of them searched every corner of Raelynn's room. They checked under the bed, behind the curtains, and even in the laundry hamper. When it became clear the book wasn't there, Raelynn threw her hands up in defeat.

"It's not here. We need to check somewhere else," she declared, already heading for the door.

Hera followed with a shrug. "Lead the way."

The two of them moved through the mansion, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. In the living room, they combed through the bookshelves, the coffee table, and even under the cushions of the plush sofas. Raelynn even peeked behind the curtains, just in case.

When the book wasn't there, they moved to the other room. Raelynn enlisted the help of one of the maids, who seemed slightly bewildered by the request but joined in nonetheless. They opened all drawers, cabinets, checked the bushes, pantry, and even looked inside the oven for good measure.

By the time the afternoon sun was high in the sky, Raelynn was leaning against the kitchen counter, wiping a hand across her forehead. Hera stood beside her, sipping a glass of water.

"Are you sure you didn't lend it to someone?" Hera asked.

"I don't lend books," Raelynn replied, her tone flat.

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"Okay, just checking," Hera said, raising her hands in mock surrender.

The sound of the front door opening drew their attention. Elion stepped inside, his coat slung over one arm and his expression unreadable as usual. He glanced between the two women, his brow furrowing slightly.

"What are you doing?"