Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 149 : What Took you So Long?

*Eliza*

I finished nursing and rocking the baby to sleep. As I put the baby down for a nap, Lena came into my room waving a piece of paper around.

“What's that?" I arched an eyebrow.

“This is the guest list–at least, the most up-to-date one. Do you want to see?" She held the paper out to me.

“That depends. Has Jared responded?"

Lena frowned, and I already knew the answer before she shook her head.

My chest panged and I clutched my heart. It seemed that Jared wouldn't be attending the welcoming, naming ceremony for his own child.

“There's still time, Eliza. Don't give up hope yet."

I shook myself out of my moment. “It doesn't matter. The naming ceremony isn't even for Jared. It is for my baby."

“That's true." Lena peered into the bassinet and smiled fondly.

“I'm sure he has a lot going on with the pack. With all the renovations Archer told Scarlett about in his letters, I'm sure he's busy. I'll let you know if he RSVPs."

“Thank you, Lena."

The morning of the ceremony arrived and Jared still hadn't responded. Other guests had arrived days in advance to get settled and give me their personal congratulations. I tried to keep my smile on, but I couldn't help but feel like one of the most important people in my child's life had no interest in being here.

Did Jared hate me that much? Had he never gotten his memories back? Did he think if he didn't come, I'd return to the Light Realm and our child would be safe there?

I just wanted to talk to him.

“He's here!" Scarlett burst into the room.

“Shh, the baby is napping!" I jumped off the edge of the bed, my heart in my throat.

“Sorry," Scarlett whispered, crouching down slightly. “I'm sorry, I can't help it, I'm just so excited. He's here!"

A moment of hope flared in my chest.

“Jared?"

Scarlett's excitement drained quickly. “Oh, I'm sorry, Eliza. I… I didn't mean to get your hopes up. Archer just arrived with Gage. Jared isn't with them."

I sighed and nodded. “Well, we should go greet them."

Scarlett's smile returned and she jumped up and down.

We headed to the entryway of the palace. A lot of guests were arriving since it was the day of the ceremony. Scarlett quickly picked Archer out in the crowd. She ran right over to him and threw herself into his arms.

I watched as Archer grinned and spun her around. It was hard to watch them, knowing that Jared wasn't even coming. But I smiled. I couldn't help but be happy for them.

them, joining

took my hand and

don't bring good news?" I arched an eyebrow at

gave a sheepish

us ahead with a message,"

“What message?"

care of a few things along

could be so important that he would

shouldn't be long," Archer

what?" Scarlett asked. She must have sensed my unease with the

Jared was on his way would be uplifting. I thought I'd feel hopeful. Instead, my stomach twisted uncomfortably, and I got the feeling I wouldn't like

you better tell us the truth!" Scarlett demanded. She pointed sternly at

escort Zoe and her baby back home." Archer kept glancing around like he didn't want to make eye contact with

is Zoe?" I crossed my

Archer said

Midnight Sun and she saw Jared as her savior, so

other woman and her child home, did that mean there was something more personal between

My mother put her arm around my shoulders and

You told them?" I

I told them. They all want

“Thank you, Mom."

little with tears. It was a good reminder that I could always fall back on my mom and

to the

my baby's father to get the chance to be a part of their

didn't think Jared was coming. He was off with some other woman. It was a good way to show me that he didn't care. I thought of how

was a good thing

on his way." Scarlett tagged along

“I know."

tears, not wanting my mom and Scarlett to see them.

did my hair while

I'm not a guest of honor, but I still want to look good." She twisted back and forth

look

eyes through my reflection. I stuck my tongue

into the closet and pulled out

I want to make a good impression." Her voice was muffled and far away as she rifled through

always been this unruly?" My mom

haven't brushed it for

I'm not going to keep trying to comb it. I've got another idea." She grabbed a bottle of

twirled around, showing off the flaring skirt on the ballgown she'd

dress for you,"

good job pinning it up in all the right places. She left a few curls hanging loose and made

makeup and then went to retrieve my dress. “I picked this out especially for you and for this occasion. I think

lace bodice with an open back and long, lace sleeves. The skirt flared out at the waist