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.

joining only after Archer

you're looking lovely." Archer took my hand and kissed the back

you don't bring

gave a sheepish grin. “Actually,

right, Jared sent us ahead with a message," Gage

“What message?"

to take care of a few things along the way." Gage nodded

of a few things? What could be so important that he would risk showing up late to his child's naming

be long," Archer

with what?" Scarlett asked. She must

hopeful. Instead, my stomach twisted uncomfortably, and I got the feeling I wouldn't like

the truth!" Scarlett demanded. She pointed

home." Archer kept glancing around

I crossed

nobody," Archer

her eyes. “She's a refugee from the capital. She was pregnant when she came to Midnight Sun and she saw Jared as her savior, so

gurgled uncomfortably. If Jared was prioritizing getting some other woman

in your dress." My mother put her arm around my shoulders and guided me toward the stairs. “Your father and

them?" I glanced

told them. They all want to be

“Thank you, Mom."

I could always fall back on my mom and my family, no

I should return to the Light

to get the chance to be a

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 when I first planned to come to the Dark Realm, I was going to run straight back to

thing

Eliza. He said he's on his way." Scarlett tagged along with me

“I know."

Scarlett to see them. They'd both done so much to

my mom did my

to look good." She twisted back

want to look good for Archer,"

eyes through my reflection. I stuck my tongue

into the closet and pulled out

that so wrong? I haven't seen him in a while and I want to make a good impression." Her voice was muffled and far away

always been this unruly?" My mom groaned. She tried running a comb through

has. You just haven't brushed it for

trying to comb it. I've got another idea." She grabbed a bottle

think I found the dress. This one, right?" Scarlett twirled around, showing off the flaring skirt

the dress for

the right places. She left a few curls

picked this out especially for you and for this occasion. I think you'll really love

black lace bodice with an open back and long, lace sleeves. The skirt flared