1142.

1143. [Behind the leak]

1144.

Unlike the previous years, the PRA gala reported full attendance. Several round tables were set around the place, leaving enough space in the middle of the grand ballroom for the alpha challenge. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

Fortunately, Jinwan had nothing to worry about. He had Jimin on his side. There was a reason Jimin didn't want the others to know the entire details yet. The minor packs were well known for their sabotage and getting involved in other illegal activities to get their way. This way they could ensure a fair fight.

"All the best, Alpha Jeon and Alpha Park." Alpha Min raised his glass. "Let's toast for good luck."

They all toasted, downing their drinks in one go. Alpha Kim and Alpha Min's families seemed to be in good spirits. It was rare to see them all together in one place. Usually, it was only the Head Alphas and their mates, who attended such events. However, this time even their children had seemed to come.

As the time for challenge neared, Jinwan couldn't help the way his wolf grew excited. It had been a while since he enjoyed a good challenge. He couldn't wait to shut up the entire ballroom today. His wolf yearned to cut off the tongues that talked ill of his precious son.

He saw June taking her seat at one of the nearest tables with her mother, Areum. Jinwan lifted his glass at her mom in a form of greeting and inclined his head. Areum smiled, lifting her glass in response and tipping it in his direction.

The fire in June's eyes and the way her fingers swiftly typed on her phone told him she was up to no good. Not that he minded. These people deserved whatever she decided to deliver them.

"Looks like someone is in need of a lot of moral support today."

Jinwan glanced over his shoulder to see Alpha Song, Alpha Kwang and Alpha Kang together. Song smirked, nursing his drink. Of course they wouldn't be able to keep their mouths shut. They always get a rise out of things like this.

"Should you be drinking when the alpha challenge is about to commence?" Alpha Kwang asked.

Alpha Kang intervened, eyes glinting with malice, "Ah, come on, Alpha Kwang, and please be considerate. It must be to help with his nerves. He has to fight not one but three of Alpha Song's sons and then if he survived he'd have to fight yours. Did I tell you I'm challenging them too? I didn't?" He glanced at Jinwan. "Well, now you do. I challenge you too, Alpha Jeon. Don't drink too much, though. We don't want you passing out on the floor."

"He knows the rules," Alpha Song said. "Or are you trying to get yourself disqualified?"

"You know what happens if you purposefully violate the rule," Alpha Kwang said. "We could demand a challenge with your son."

Jinwan scoffed, but before he could respond someone spoke.

"Aren't you a little too overconfident for this, Alpha Kang?" Park Jihyun stepped forward with his drink in hand. "Does it stroke your ego when you pile on Alpha Jeon like a pack of pigs?"

Alpha Kang lunged with a snarl, only to be pulled back by Alpha Song. "Don't," he hissed under his breath.

"Ah, don't stop him now, Song," Jihyun chided. "Allow him."

"Oh, he wouldn't because he knows what will happen if he touches you," Mina stepped beside him. She tilted her head, eying him with a smug smile. "Heard your sons haven't woken up yet, Alpha Song. Kinda expected you to be at the hospital. Brave of you to bring your remaining sons for the fight."

Alpha Song growled, his eyes flashing with a tinge of red. "Your sons got lucky."

Jihyun chuckled. "No, your sons were incompetent. They had to ambush my sons when they were intoxicated and failed. Still they stood no chance when we paid back kindly."

"You wouldn't be talking with such arrogance if not for your eldest son," Alpha Kang snarled. "Step out and fight without his help, coward!"

Jihyun smiled. "Guess you have forgotten the time I used to wipe the floor with your ass. I can still do that with my eyes closed." He took an imposing step forward. "Don't try me, Kang. Especially don't start something you can't finish."

"That was years ago," Kang hissed. "You'll never know what I'm capable of doing now."

"Oh, don't worry, Ki-Jung. I'm about to find all your capabilities in a while." Jihyun glanced around them leisurely. "Perhaps, you should bid farewell to your sons. What if this is the last time you see them?"

Kang almost lunged but was pulled back by the other two. "I'll show you," he growled. "Once I'm done with this old goat here, it's you next Head Alpha Park." He wretched his hands free from the other's grip and pivoted on his heel.

The others followed, throwing a glare over their shoulder. Jinwan chuckled. Their aim to taunt them backfired. He couldn't wait for them to tuck tail and run. The cameras in the venue were focusing on every single interaction.

They started live telecasting the fights to keep the gala affairs transparent and to avoid any sort of misinformation from spreading. Also to ensure the packs were in good behavior knowing the entire country had their eyes on them.

"Do they not check their phones?" Mina asked, glancing at her wrist watch. "The Busan Daily must have released your joint statement by now."

Jinwan smirked. "No, they will post only after the alpha challenge has started." He sipped his drink, glancing around the hall. "I suppose your son is already here, considering mine has been missing for the past fifteen minutes."

Though Jungkook excused himself saying he wanted to use the washroom, Jinwan knew better. The telltale sign of blush creeping onto his cheeks betrayed his son.

"Bet they're onto baby number three—" Taehyung was cut off by Yoongi's elbow to his ribs.

"He means Jungkook has gone to greet his husband." Yoongi smiled. "They've been apart for a week and a pregnant omega needs a mate's comfort."

"That's right." Taehyung grinned, masking his grimace.

Jinwan chuckled in understanding. It was no secret how the wolves behaved during pregnancy. Right then, a gentle tap on the mic caught their attention.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen," PRA Chairman Park Iseul greeted. "Welcome to the 62nd Pack Regulatory Authority Annual Gala. It's a great pleasure to host you all today." She lifted a glass of champagne with a beaming smile. "The most anticipated moment is here. The alpha challenge."

Her speech was received with a huge applause. There was a burst of pheromones in the air, mixed with excitement and anticipation.

Iseul waited for the cheers to die down. She squared her shoulders. "Thank you." She grinned. "Three packs have issued a public challenge against the Jeon Pack, which was accepted by their Head Alpha. The participants are all here and have enrolled their names. As per our rules, the doors to the event venue will remain closed during the event. Every participant who had their names enrolled must fight or accept their defeat publicly. The winner will decide the fate of the other." She paused, allowing her words to sink. "Furthermore, today's fight gains more importance because it's going to decide the fate of the packs engaging in the fight. We will process the other challenge requests after the main fight."

Several murmurs of agreement filled the air.

"That being said. Please enjoy the fight and you may place your bets with our staff who will approach you in a bit." She raised her glass in the air with a beaming smile. "The best shall win."

"The best shall win!" the crowd echoed.

Jinwan spotted Jimin entering the hall. "Of course, the best shall win."

1145.

1146.

1147.

1148.

1149.

***

A/N: The Jeon and Park pack announcements were sent via email. Only the pack members would receive it and the public had no knowledge abt their mating. That's why they were all confused. Sohee wouldn't know about it since she isn't a part of either packs.

Didn't mean to leave you hanging but next part isn't ready for posting yet.

Past few updates were commissioned by Anon, Ze, Lights, Sara, Nyl, Stace, Sel & Chris. Written words 10.6k+