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

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

flattering me. Does that mean you don't bring good news?" I

a sheepish

us ahead with a message,"

“What message?"

on his way. He just had to take care of a few

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

be

what?" Scarlett asked. She must have sensed my

I thought I'd feel hopeful. Instead, my stomach twisted uncomfortably, and I

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

late because he had to escort Zoe and her baby back home." Archer kept glancing around like he didn't want to make eye contact with me. “It is just

Zoe?" I

Archer

was pregnant when she came to Midnight Sun and she saw Jared as her savior, so he was

gurgled uncomfortably. If Jared was prioritizing getting some other woman

shoulders and guided me toward the stairs. “Your father and brother will

told them?" I glanced sideways at

course, I told them. They all want

“Thank you, Mom."

reminder that I could always

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

father to get the

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

good thing I hadn't

on his way."

“I know."

tears, not wanting my mom and Scarlett to see

in my room, my mom did my hair while Scarlett tried on different

to look good." She twisted back

look good

my reflection. I

back into the closet and

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

isn't wrong. Eliza, has your hair always been this unruly?" My mom groaned. She tried running

just haven't brushed it for a

I've got another idea."

right?" Scarlett twirled around, showing off the flaring skirt on the ballgown

that is the dress for you,"

she did a good job pinning it up in all the right places. She left

picked this out especially for you and for this occasion. I

dress my mom picked had a black lace bodice with an open back and long, lace sleeves.