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 only

lovely." Archer took my hand and kissed the back of

bring good

sheepish grin. “Actually, the

Jared sent us ahead

“What message?"

just had to take care of a few things along the

be so important that he would

shouldn't be long," Archer

She must have sensed my unease with

feel hopeful. Instead, my stomach twisted uncomfortably, and I got the feeling I wouldn't like the reason he was running

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

nobody," Archer

refugee from the capital. She was pregnant when she came to Midnight Sun and she saw Jared as her savior, so he was helping

uncomfortably. If Jared was prioritizing getting some other woman and her child home, did that mean there was something more personal between

to get you in your dress." My mother put her arm around my shoulders and guided me toward the stairs. “Your father and brother will be here soon. The whole family is

You told them?" I glanced sideways

all want

“Thank you, Mom."

that I could always fall back on my mom and my family,

the naming ceremony, I felt like I should return to the Light Realm. I'd have my

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

was coming. He was off with some other woman. It was a good way to show me that he didn't care.

was a good thing I hadn't done

way." Scarlett tagged along with me and my

“I know."

not wanting my mom and Scarlett to see them. They'd both

in my room, my mom did my

not a guest of honor, but I still want to look

just want to look good for Archer," I

eyes through my reflection. I

into the closet and pulled out another

haven't seen him in a while and I want to make

been this unruly?" My mom groaned. She

haven't brushed it

not going to keep trying to comb it. I've got another idea."

Scarlett twirled

that is the dress

my hair and she did a good job pinning it up in all the right places.

this out especially for you and for this occasion.

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