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.

Gage." I nodded to them, joining

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

me. Does that mean you don't bring good news?" I arched an eyebrow at

gave a sheepish grin. “Actually,

ahead with a message,"

“What message?"

He just had to take care of a few

to take care of a few things? What could be so important that he would risk showing up late to

shouldn't be

asked. She

Jared was on his way would be uplifting. I thought I'd feel hopeful. Instead, my stomach twisted uncomfortably, and

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

late because he had to escort Zoe and her baby back home." Archer kept glancing around like he didn't want to make

is Zoe?" I

Archer

Sun and she saw Jared as her savior, so

nodded, but my stomach gurgled uncomfortably. If Jared was prioritizing getting some other woman and her child

my shoulders and guided me toward the stairs. “Your father and brother will be here soon. The whole family

I glanced sideways at

course, I told them. They all want to be here

“Thank you, Mom."

It was a good reminder that I could always fall

should return to the Light Realm. I'd have my family and their support, and my child would

wanted my baby's father to get the chance

he didn't care. I thought of how when I first planned

thing

up, Eliza. He said he's on his way." Scarlett tagged

“I know."

and Scarlett to see them. They'd both done so much to help make this ceremony

mom did my

but I still want to look good."

to look good

through my

ran back into the closet

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 as she rifled

My mom groaned. She tried running

has. You just haven't brushed it

another idea." She grabbed a bottle of detangler and spritzed it

the dress. This one, right?" Scarlett twirled around, showing off the

dress for

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

then went to retrieve my dress. “I picked this out especially for you and for this occasion. I think you'll really love

picked had a black lace bodice with an open back and long, lace sleeves. The skirt flared out at the waist like a true ballgown, all the way to my