Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder Chapter 811

Chapter 22 : The Truth Always Reveals Itself

Dinner passed in a blur of conversation. Archer and Brandt finished several helpings of food before they relaxed into a guarded examination of the people sitting with us at the table. I watched them, wondering what they were seeing and hearing that I couldn’t.

Jared gently refused Aeris’s offer of a nightcap in Aeris’s private library, saying our crew needed to rest.

I rose from the table and followed the men out of the room, but I could feel the stares grazing the back of my neck as we crossed into the hallway and walked back to the wing that housed our bedrooms.

“Goodnight–” I began, trying to turn into my bedroom, but Jared reached out and grabbed my arm.

He opened the door to his room and ushered all of us inside.

“So,” Jared said, crossing the room to the bar cart along the far wall. He poured four glasses of what looked like scotch, then handed them to us. “What did you find out?”

Archer drank deeply, extending his glass for another dram.

“There was some talk of Ambrose but no one in his circle seemed to know what Ambrose used his stolen money on,” Brandt began, swirling his glass. “There is a ball tomorrow night, and the Alpha King of Egoren has sent a warning to Aeris about what sounded like Suncrest spies in the capital. The spies were apprehended and are being held by Alpha King Alexander’s warriors.”

I looked from man to man, wondering how the hell Brandt was able to gather so much information in the dining hall when it was filled with chatter over the clanging of silverware.

“Aeris is looking for a breeder to replace the heirs he lost,” Archer mentioned.

My eyes snapped to Archer, who shrugged, sipping from his drink.

“Keep your ears and eyes open. I need to know everything,” Jared said, then drained his own glass.

I looked down at the glass he’d handed me. I didn’t think I’d ever even tried scotch before. I brought to my lips, taking a tiny sip, and grimaced. Jared took it from my hands, his fingertips brushing against mine.

“Get some rest, Eliza,” he said, then turned to Brandt and Archer. “The two of you go out into the city tonight; check the taverns and brothels. See what else you can find out.”

Archer and Brandt walked away, their muffled conversation swallowed by the sound of the door shutting behind them.

“I’m going to keep you safe,” Jared began.

I answered him with a soft smile. “I know, I trust you.”

He seemed a little shocked by this reply, the hard lines of his face softening a bit. He drank my serving of the scotch, his eyes still locked on mine.

We were alone… in his bedroom. I could kiss him if I wanted to. He’d let me, I was sure.

“Goodnight, Eliza,” he said, breaking the spell.

I pursed my lips and turned toward the door, hurrying across the hallway and into the darkened sanctuary of my own room.

***

in bed. I blinked into the golden glow pouring in through the windows on the far wall, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. A clock on the far side of the room sounded, little bells announcing the hour. I furrowed my brow as I threw

almost four o’clock in the afternoon. I’d slept the

I mumbled, wondering what I’d missed and what the guys were getting up to

I heard a knock on my door. I turned just as

breathed in exasperation, rubbing my

need to fix your hair for the ball, miss. We

ready myself, but thank you,” I said,

confused and turned to the other maids, who shrugged helplessly. They bustled out of the room as quickly as they’d

around the room for the dress I’d been wearing the day before but it was gone, as were my traveling

taking another bite of toast. I poured myself some coffee and walked to the window. There were still a few hours until sunset, but the city seemed to be perpetually

door to my room swung open wide and bounced against the wall, making

on the burn on my finger. “What the

tossing a large, flat box

I replied, eyeing

tucked behind his back, rocking on his heels as he tilted his head toward the

told me to go find you something to wear for the ball

me

“Yes, exactly.”

on the ribbon holding the box shut. I opened it, finding a gown made of pale blue silk. I set my coffee down on my bedside table and gently lifted the dress from the box, holding it up into the light. It was stunning, but simple. A sweetheart necklace faded into short sleeves made of sheer organza that was bunched, but

but compared to the long sleeves and high necklines of the dresses on the rack, it seemed rather scandalous. My arms, shoulders, and upper back would be

the box, as well as

must have cost a fortune,” I breathed,

to leave the room but paused at the doorway. “Oh, wear your hair down,” he added, his

closed

***

makeup. I just never bothered with it, having spent a good deal of time traveling from dig site to dig site over the years. I picked up a tube of

they’d behave. The dress fit me like a glove, and the shoes made me a few inches taller. I could walk in them easily, maybe even dance in them too. I smiled at my reflection, pleased with what

from the mirror, I ran my fingertips over the pearl necklace. Each pearl was different, slightly uneven and unique. They were warm to the touch. I wondered why they had been included in the box, and

the room, opening it wide. Brandt turned to face me, then stopped, his cheeks coloring as he looked

said, thoroughly surprised.

I took his arm, resting my hand in the crook of his

thought we’d stop to fetch Jared and Archer, but we continued walking. I looked Brandt over, noticing his fine, well fitting clothes. He’d brushed his hair back from his face and shaved. He was an incredibly handsome man, especially with those stunning blue eyes reflecting

you up several hours ago,

frowned. “So, what did I

now. We have

“Oh?”

“We’re going to spy.”

filled the air, a symphony of strings. It was lively, and as we turned into the ballroom, I found myself unable to release the breath I hadn’t realized

of the room, their

whispered, my cheeks turning a bright

he corrected, flashing me

ball gown with a neckline that touches