My Baby Daddy Isn't Human-Chapter 231: Demand

Axel pushed through the heavy glass doors of Vaelorian Enterprises, stepping into a grand lobby bathed in soft, golden light. The air smelled of polished wood and expensive cologne, the faint hum of conversation blending with the rhythmic tapping of heels on marble floors. The entire place radiated an air of control, of power carefully maintained, which only made Axel’s jaw tighten.

He wasn’t here to admire the architecture.

His boots echoed with each step as he walked toward the front desk, where a young receptionist sat behind a sleek counter. She wore a perfectly tailored blazer, her dark hair pinned back in an elegant bun. As soon as she noticed him approaching, she greeted him with a polite, professional smile.

"Good morning, sir. How can I assist you?"

Axel stopped in front of the desk, his hands casually slipping into his jacket pockets. He didn’t bother with pleasantries. "I need to meet with Elion Vaelorian."

Her smile didn’t falter, but there was a brief hesitation before she replied, "Do you have an appointment with Mr. Vaelorian?"

Axel tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. "No."

Her expression remained composed, but he could see the way her fingers tensed slightly against the keyboard. "I’m afraid Mr. Vaelorian doesn’t take unscheduled meetings. If you’d like, I can arrange for an appointment at a later date."

His eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the receptionist. Her expression remained entirely professional, but Axel could almost feel the tension radiating off her, like she was trying her best not to let the situation spiral out of control. He hated this kind of protocol—the sterile, formal nonsense that kept people like him from getting what they needed when they needed it.

Axel’s fingers drummed playfully in the air, his gaze still fixed on the receptionist as he weighed his options. He could just let it go, play by the rules, act like some polite visitor who didn’t mind waiting for an appointment. But damn it, he wasn’t here for pleasantries.

If I could, I’d make this whole place a mess. I’d tear down every freaking wall.

He hated that he was even considering it. Getting in there, wreaking havoc, forcing his way into Elion’s personal space, would probably feel good—satisfying, even. He could practically see the chaos in his mind: the receptionist’s face going pale, the guards scrambling to control the situation, the looks of disbelief when he made his way through the building, demanding Raelynn’s release.

But he knew better than to give in to the impulse. Not yet. As much as he wanted to, as much as it burned in his chest, he couldn’t afford to go down that path—not while he was still trying to figure out what the hell Elion was up to. Making a scene here would get him exactly nothing but the attention of the wrong people.

Axel only smiled, slow and knowing. "Just call him for me." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as he added, "Tell him the hunter has come to see him."

For the first time, her composure cracked—just a fraction. A small shift in her gaze, a flicker of uncertainty before she quickly masked it.

She gave a short nod, picking up the phone and dialing.

Axel took a step back, watching as she murmured softly into the receiver, occasionally glancing in his direction. It didn’t take long. After less than a minute, she placed the phone back down and turned to him with a practiced, neutral expression.

"Please have a seat in the lobby. Someone will escort you shortly."

Axel smirked. "That wasn’t so hard, was it?"

The receptionist didn’t respond, only offering a polite nod before returning to her work.

Axel exhaled through his nose and turned away, heading toward one of the plush leather seats in the waiting area. He sat down, stretching his legs out slightly as he drummed his fingers against his knee.

The minutes ticked by, but Axel wasn’t impatient. He knew Elion wouldn’t turn him away. This was a challenge, and if there was one thing men like Elion couldn’t resist, it was asserting control.

Then, he heard it.

Footsteps—calm, measured.

Axel turned his head, and there he was.

Kade, Elion’s aide.

The man walked toward him with the same silent intensity he always carried, his eyes fixed on Axel like he was an uninvited guest at a private event.

Axel stood up smoothly, flashing an easy grin. "You must be here to take me to your boss."

Kade didn’t respond immediately. He simply stared, his expression blank, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes. There was no welcome in his gaze. Only restrained hostility.

Then, without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Axel chuckled under his breath, shaking his head as he followed.

The guy didn’t say a word, but Axel could feel the tension in the air—the subtle, crackling hostility that practically radiated off him. Kade wasn’t fooling anyone. He knew exactly who Axel was, and the guy probably couldn’t wait to throw down, to take a swing and make him pay for the things Axel had done in the past. But Axel wasn’t worried.

Bring it on, Kade, Axel thought, his smirk widening. You want a fight? You’ve got one.

Kade had that air about him, that tight, coiled-up rage that Axel had seen too many times before in people who thought they were tough. Sure, Kade was probably trained, probably a decent fighter, but Axel wasn’t exactly worried. If the guy wants to take a swing, it’ll be a good warm-up exercise for me. Not that Axel was looking for a fight, but if it came to it, he wasn’t going to back down. He wasn’t the type to run from trouble, and Kade was just another obstacle standing in the way of getting what he wanted.

Axel’s fingers itched, but he kept his hands at his sides, forcing himself to stay calm. He’d been in enough tight spots to know when to pick his battles, and right now, Kade was just an annoyance—nothing more.

The walk through the halls was quiet, but the air between them was heavy with this tension. Kade didn’t spare him another glance, and Axel didn’t push. He had no doubt the man wanted nothing more than to throw him out, but this wasn’t his decision to make.

At the end of the corridor, Kade stopped in front of a set of double doors. He knocked twice before pushing them open and stepping aside.

Axel walked in without hesitation.

The office was vast, the floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The room was bathed in natural light, illuminating the desk at the center, the shelves lined with leather-bound books, the pristine order of everything inside.

And behind that desk sat Elion Vaelorian.

His presence alone commanded attention. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he exuded effortless authority. His posture was relaxed, but there was something razor-sharp beneath that calm exterior—something calculating.

He looked up, his eyes cool and unreadable.

"Axel," he greeted, his voice smooth but distant. "What an unexpected visit."

Axel shut the door behind him, striding forward. "Unexpected, maybe. But I doubt you’re surprised."

"I have to admit, Axel. I do applaud your bravery. Not many would walk through my doors, especially alone." His eyes flickered with something darker, something that Axel couldn’t quite read. "Not that I’m surprised. You’ve always had a certain… confidence about you."

Axel’s eyes narrowed, irritation creeping into his chest. He didn’t need Elion’s praise—fake or real. Not now, not ever. He wasn’t here for any of that. He wasn’t here to play games or listen to empty words.

"I don’t need your fake praise, Elion. You can save the applause for someone who gives a damn about it."

Elion chuckled before leaned back slightly, observing him with mild interest. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Axel didn’t waste time. His tone was firm, unwavering. "I want to see Raelynn."

Something flickered in Elion’s gaze, a subtle shift that disappeared almost instantly. His expression remained composed, his fingers loosely interlaced on the desk.

"She’s resting," he said simply.

Axel’s jaw tightened. "I’ll decide that for myself."

Elion’s lips curled slightly at the corner, but there was no amusement in his expression. "I’m afraid that’s not your decision to make."

Axel stepped closer, his hands braced on the edge of the desk. "She’s not a prisoner, Elion."

Elion didn’t flinch. His voice remained steady, almost indifferent. "She’s safer with me than anywhere else."

Axel let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. "That’s not for you to decide. She has a life. Friends. She deserves to choose for herself."

Elion exhaled softly, tilting his head. "And you believe you know what’s best for her?"

Axel’s patience was wearing thin. "I know she’s not safe with you."

A slow pause.

Then—

Elion smiled.

Not a warm smile. Not a friendly one.

"You don’t know what you’re involving yourself in, Axel."

Axel clenched his fists. "I don’t care what game you’re playing. I’m not stopping until I get Raelynn out of your mansion."

Elion remained silent for a moment, his gaze unwavering, assessing.

Then—

The smirk deepened.

"I’d like to see you try."