Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder novel Chapter 943

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.

“Archer, Gage." I nodded to them, joining only after Archer set Scarlett down.

“Eliza, you're looking lovely." Archer took my hand and kissed the back of it.

“You're flattering me. Does that mean you don't bring good news?" I arched an eyebrow at him.

Archer gave a sheepish grin. “Actually, the opposite."

“That's right, Jared sent us ahead with a message," Gage added.

“What message?"

“He's on his way. He just had to take care of a few things along the way." Gage nodded and grinned.

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

“He shouldn't be long," Archer agreed.

“Shouldn't be long with what?" Scarlett asked. She must have sensed my unease with the situation.

I thought hearing that 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 the reason he was running late.

“Archer, you better tell us the truth!" Scarlett demanded. She pointed sternly at the floor.

“Alright, Jared is running 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 a detour."

“Who is Zoe?" I crossed my arms firmly.

“She's nobody," Archer said quickly.

Scarlett rolled 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 he was helping her out. She's nothing to worry about, trust me!"

I nodded, but my stomach gurgled uncomfortably. If Jared was prioritizing getting some other woman and her child home, did that mean there was something more personal between them?

“Come on, honey, it is time 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 coming."

“How? You told them?" I glanced sideways at her.

“Of course, I told them. They all want to be here to support you."

“Thank you, Mom."

My eyes stung a little with tears. It was a good reminder that I could always fall back on my mom and my family, no matter what.

If Jared didn't come to the naming ceremony, I felt like I should return to the Light Realm. I'd have my family and their support, and my child would be safe.