1150.

1151.

Jungkook entered the ballroom, looking regal as ever. Shana fixed his makeup a bit more before accompanying him to the ballroom. The omegas that were talking shit about him earlier turned to scowl at him, but Shana stepped into their sight, glaring daggers with a flash of her fangs.

The omegas shrank back while loud cheers greeted them. The staff moved to close the doors. Now, no one would be able to enter or exit the place. Jungkook walked past the other pack delegates to the table reserved for the Jeon family.

A golden nameplate, bearing their name, stood in the center of the table. Adjacent to their table at the Parks, Kims, and the Mins. The table arrangement was organized in a way that separated the major packs from that of the minor packs. The four bigger packs occupied one side of the ballroom with their ruling families and important members while the minor packs filled the other side.

His gaze was automatically drawn to the alpha, who stood with his parents, talking to them with a serious expression. Jin-Young and Jin-Shan met his gaze, their grin widening. Jin-Young inclined his head in greeting while Jin-Shan winked, lifting both thumbs.

Jungkook gave a subtle nod as he went to sit at his table, greeting June with a high-five and hugging his aunt, Areum. Shana slapped June's back before the two shared a brief hug. The hacker pulled a chair to sit with June, and both immediately huddled together to stare into her phone screen, talking in hushed voices.

"Should I do it?" he heard Shana ask June.

"No. Let them close the doors first," June replied.

"What are you both up to?" Jungkook leaned to peep into their devices.

"Busan Daily statement is up. Shana has suspended internet access in the venue, so no one can check the news," June said. "I'm telling her to keep it that way until they lock the doors." She smirked, gaze flicking over his shoulder to stare at a group. "I don't want those bitches to make a run for it when they find out who your mate is."

Jungkook chuckled. "Why am I surrounded by people like you? You're worse than him."

"These people look down on you and try to put you down at every chance. Eighty percent are jealous, and the rest are salty because you rejected their proposals. So they bark at every chance they get. Today, my bro-in-law is gonna put them in their places and show them what it takes to be your mate." She sat straight, her soft, floral scent filling with pride. "He will show them why he is the only one worthy to stand beside you."

Jungkook flushed, pink coating his cheeks, and his gaze automatically flicked to where his mate was standing. Jimin looked stunning in a formal black checkered shirt and pants. The top few buttons were open, revealing the smooth plane of his collarbone and chest. When he moved, his shirt shifted, giving everyone a glimpse of the mating bite at the curve of his neck.

"Attention, ladies and gentlemen," the event organizer called, voice echoing through the several speakers inside the ballroom. "Please note you cannot withdraw from a challenge once your opponent has accepted it. The pack alphas fighting today intend to determine their pack's future, and hence, the winner will decide the fate of their packs as they have agreed. All the pack Head Alphas who are fighting today have signed the necessary paperwork that allows PRA to supervise and monitor the fight in a fair manner. It allows us full authority to execute the wishes of the winning Head Alpha per the government regulations."

Jungkook leaned back to cross his legs at the knee. The staff was going around taking official bets from interested members. For the online community, there were official sites where they could place their bets. Most of the collected amount tonight will go to public welfare and a few charitable organizations.

Some staff hurried to set up a temporary barrier around the space where the alphas were arranged to fight.

In his peripheral vision, he saw the security guards closing all the exits, locking it from the inside and standing guard on both sides. He reclined in his chair, finding a comfortable position. His table was closer to the front and had a better view.

"Thank you for your cooperation. The doors are closed now and will open once the alpha challenge ends. The alpha challenge will commence shortly. It'll be a one-on-one challenge and requesting the alphas to step inside the ring when their names are announced."

"Now!' June squealed in excitement.

Shana unlocked her phone, pulling up a screen and tapping a few buttons. Right then, Jungkook's phone beeped with several notifications.

"My guess was right. It's out already." June began to type on her phone. "Now everyone will know, but they will have no place to run."

"First in for the challenge: Song Pack vs. the Jeon Pack. Song Pack has nominated the three sons of the Head Alpha. Song Hyun-Suk, please step inside the ring," the organizer announced.

Several things happened at once. The people who started checking their phones paled, eyes growing wide, and fixed their startled stares at Jungkook while Hyun-Suk stepped inside the ring. The Song, Kwang, and the Kang pack head alphas waited just outside the ring with a smirk.

Hyun-Suk removed his suit jacket and then his shirt, leaving his torso bare, showcasing his ropes of muscles for the entire ballroom to see. Many unmated omegas eyed him with interest.

"On behalf of the Jeon Pack, we request Head Alpha J to step inside the ring."

Every eye in the room turned expectantly toward his father, Jeon Jinwan. However, the one who stepped into their line of vision was Park Jimin. Jungkook released a low whistle, feeling a shiver running down his spine at the sight of his mate.

Jimin's entire aura had changed, eyes a menacing red and shoulders stiff with tension. But instead of going to the ring, the alpha sauntered toward Jungkook.

"Honeybun, how about a good luck kiss?" He extended a hand to him.

June squealed beside him while Shana chuckled under her breath.

Jungkook slipped his hand into his hand, allowing Jimin to pull him up. The alpha didn't waste a second. He grabbed his face with both hands, tilted his head, and kissed.

This wasn't a chaste kiss they often shared in public. This was a claiming kiss, where Jimin devoured his mouth possessively in front of millions of people. Jimin wanted to put on a show, and Jungkook was only happy to oblige.

If anyone ever had a doubt, this would wipe it off completely. The alpha pulled back, one of his hands protectively cupping the small bump hidden underneath his suit jacket. He wasn't far along enough to be visible, but he'd filled out his shirt, and it wouldn't be hard to guess given the recent changes his body has gone through.

"Watch me," Jimin mumbled against his lips. "This is for you, baby."

"Excited." Jungkook grinned. "Put on a show, Alpha Mine. You have a promise to keep."

Jimin smirked, but once again, he knelt to kiss his abdomen instead of pivoting on his heel and walking away. "Hey, sweetheart, tell your Dada that your Papa always keeps his promises."

Then Jimin stood and walked to the ring with the grace of a lion. June made some excited noises in the back of her throat, and Shana tugged his suit, bringing him out of the trance to make him sit.

Jungkook let out a dreamy sigh. Just one kiss, and he craved more. Too bad he'd have to focus on the fight. It's more like focusing on his alpha. He licked his lips. Oh, this was going to be good. So so good.

1152.

1153.

The Head Omega knew exactly when everyone realized who Park Jimin was. He witnessed them go through denial, anger, acceptance, and fear. As funny as it sounded, the security guards stopped a few wolves who tried to escape and returned them to their seats.

He specifically looked for the group that talked shit about him when he entered the ballroom today and took pleasure in how they were shaking in their boots, huddled near the door. One was begging on her knees at the security to let her leave.

That wasn't how you were behaving a few minutes ago. You didn't think twice before calling me names and labeling me as someone I wasn't.

It was almost comical how the mood in the entire room had changed in a matter of minutes. This was what Jimin wanted. In their world, power and fear of their strength were what decided their future. It also ensured they stayed ruling for a long time. They were stronger until the other packs feared them.

That was what Jimin was doing today. He was going to display their strength and show them what would happen if anyone dared to cross them. Jungkook understood this. Everyone in the room did.

The majority of them underestimated the Jeon Pack's strength and questioned their future. It was the first time in decades the Jeon Pack finally had an Omega heir. Even if he had chosen to mate from a minor pack, their pack would still be considered weak and unstable.

No one expected a match like this. Today Park Jimin was going to show the world what would happen if someone tried to screw with them again. The Head Omega sat straight, feeling the tension rolling off his mate through their bond.

Jungkook had witnessed several fights and has been involved in many since his school days. The past six years had been relatively calm, but it had been a whirlwind since he married Jimin and became the Head Omega of the Jeon Pack.

This feud was expected at some point because he was aware of all the alphas fighting for his hand in marriage. The Jeon Pack mantle had always been a trophy everyone wanted to win, and he was just a bonus. He just didn't expect an alpha challenge out of this.

Jimin's casual strides were filled with purpose. He was purposefully slow, taking time and soaking up the tension radiating off the wolves in the ballroom. The scent neutralizers were on full blast, and the securities inside the ballroom were on full alert, talking into their earphones and eyes scanning the room like a hawk.

The opponents were scowling, furiously talking among themselves only if they hadn't been too full of themselves and overcome with greed.

His mate entered the fight ring, his aura imposing and fear instilling. He rolled his shoulders and clenched his fists. "Are you ready?" he asked Hyun-Suk. He cracked his neck with a smirk. "You can go first."

Hyun-Suk looked flabbergasted. "This is cheating," he yelled, pointing at Jimin. "Our fight was with the Head Alpha of the Jeon Pack, Jeon Jinwan." He pointed a finger at Jungkook's dad. "We never challenged him or accepted any challenge request from the Park Pack."

June booed, and Shana slapped a hand over her friend's mouth. "Shh..."

"What the hell is going on?" Alpha Song bellowed. "Our fight is with Jeon Jinwan. What is he doing here?"

The organizer, Yun-Jin, who was closer, approached them immediately. "Sir, what's the problem?"

"Him." Song Beomseok pointed at Jimin. "He's the problem. What is he doing here? We challenged the Head Alpha of the Jeon Pack and not a disgraced son of the Park Pack," he growled. "What is he doing here? Fucking the Head Omega of the pack doesn't give him the right to fight on his behalf!"

Yu-Jin blinked. "Um...I think there has been a misunderstanding here, sir. Alpha Park Jimin is the Head Alpha of the Jeon Pack," she said. "He also officially took over the Park Pack as their Head Alpha two days ago. This fight is on behalf of the Jeon Pack."

"W-What?" Song's eyes went impossibly wide. "T-That's ridiculous." Spittle flew from his mouth. "It's impossible. He'd have to leave the Park Pack and h-he...What the hell?!" He took a step forward but was held back by the Kwang Pack Head Alpha. "Who are you trying to fool?"

"I guess you haven't seen the announcements this morning," Yu-Jin replied, straightening her shoulder. "I suggest you check the latest news before you disrespect two of the honorable leaders of a pack any further."

Song Beomseok clenched his jaw, immediately pulling his phone. He looked like he wanted to speak more but typed away on his phone. The others who were so engrossed in plotting against them earlier followed suit like sheep.

His eyes grew wide as he read the news, and Jungkook saw the shock and surprise filling his face.

"Shall we begin? I don't have all day," Jimin said, advancing toward Hyun-Suk. "You can work through the different stages of denial once this is all over, but I have somewhere to be." He folded his shirt to his elbow and clenched his fist. "Come on, asshole. Show me what you got!"

Hyun-Suk took several steps back, but Jimin didn't give him a break. He closed the distance between them, grabbed him by his neck, and landed the first punch. And then the second. His face whipped to the side at the impact.

"Fight back, you coward!" Jimin growled. "You and your pack put me and my mate through so much. The least you could do is give me a decent fight."

"I object to this fight!" Beomseok thundered from outside the ring. "Hyun-Suk, exit the ring right now! My challenge is with Jeon Jinwan. He cannot change the fighter like that. Who authorized this?!"

Yu-Jin frowned. "You challenged him publicly, Alpha Song. Alpha Park is the one you issued the challenge to, and he accepted it."

"What the hell?! Why were other packs not informed of this change? What were the Jeon and the Park Pack trying to achieve? They planned all this," Beomseok accused. "I won't accept this."

"Mr. Song, a Pack has every right to withhold information from the public if it concerns the safety and peace of their pack. Alpha Park Jimin became the Head Alpha on the same day the Jeon pack announced there was a new Head Omega in the house. They kept the news private since the Jeon and the Park packs were trying to devise an amicable solution that benefited both the packs."

However, Beomseok was beyond reasoning. He wasn't ready to accept the defeat just yet. It didn't help that his son was no match for Jimin. The Head Alpha wasn't stopping to listen to Beomseok's arguments. He continued to hit Hyun-Suk, who was swaying and stumbling. He tried to block the hits but failed miserably.

"That's still cheating. How could he become the Head Alpha out of the blue? He should have come forth, at least after the challenge. He purposefully withheld this information to fool us," he yelled. "Stop him." Beomseok tried to enter the ring. "He's hitting my son. Tell him to stop right now."

"Sir, you cannot stop the challenge once it starts," Yu-Jin warned. "Alpha Song, you know the rules. You cannot step inside recklessly. It's a violation of the alpha challenge." Yu-Jin tried to stop him.

"Violation? He's gonna kill my son, and you claim me wanting to protect my son is a violation?" He pushed the organizer away and jumped into the ring.

"Fuck, yeah!" Jungkook clenched his fist, leaning forward with interest.

"Damn!" Shana leaned forward with interest. "Wasn't expecting this."

"He's gonna regret this," June murmured. "Oh, this is gonna be good."

Beomseok wasn't considering the consequences of his actions when he recklessly strode toward the alpha who was beating his son up. "Hey, you, stop hitting him. You already hurt two of my sons. Wasn't that enough?!"

Hyun-Suk's punches were futile. He swayed in his position, unable to avoid the punches raining down on him. Jungkook wondered why he would even step inside the ring if he couldn't protect himself.

Jimin was ready for Beomseok when he swung his fist. He ducked to avoid the blow and punched Beomseok in his ribs. When the alpha doubled over with a painful grunt, Jimin grabbed his hair, kneeing him in the nose.

Hyun-Suk could barely stand. He didn't even move from the position Jimin left him to fight Beomseok. The young alpha stood as if he were in a trance, blood dripping from his injuries.

Jungkook shook his head, snorting with a pinch of sympathy. He was a fool, just like his father.

Beomseok flung his arms, trying his best to retaliate the blows. The head omega could admit he was a better fighter than Hyun-Suk, but he was rusty due to lack of practice, and Jimin was a devil incarnate. He showed no mercy or hold back.

The sound of his fist connecting with Beomseok's body made everyone flinch. Beomseok grunted but continued to fight, fueled by his rage and desperation. There was a cut over his right eyebrow and then on his lips. He was bleeding.

A kick sent Beomseok crashing to the floor. The alpha lifted himself on his elbows but didn't get up immediately.

"You're a cheater. I knew Jinwan was a coward!" Beomseok grunted, his chest heaving. "He made you the Head Alpha because he didn't want to fight."

Jimin smirked. "Wrong. He retired as a Head Alpha long ago and you just weren't aware that there was a change in the pack management." He grabbed Beomseok's collar and lifted him up. "Should have asked this question when I took charge as the Vice Chairman of the Jeon Group. Should have wondered why Park Jimin is the second major shareholder in the company." He punched his jaw, eliciting a satisfying crack as Beomseok's face whipped to the side.

"Jimin, stop that!" Head Alpha Kwang shouted. "Let's talk! Beomseok was mistaken."

Jimin snarled. "Beomseok continuously attacked my mate publicly." He threw him to the ground, wiping his face with the back of his sleeve. "He used every chance to throw shade at him through tabloids and used every minuscule opportunity to assassinate his character." He kicked his ribs. "Answer me, asshole! What did my mate do to warrant such action from you?"

"Listen, Jimin, please stop." Alpha Kang rushed to the side. "W-We didn't know he already had a mate. It was nothing."

Jimin scoffed. "So he's free real estate if he's unmated." He gripped Song Beomseok and hoisted him up. The other alpha swayed, hands feebly trying to grip Jimin for support. "Being a single omega gives you no right to do all those things you did to my mate!"

The punch he delivered elicited a gasp from Jungkook. Song Beomseok's eyes popped and jaw went slack, blood seeped out of his mouth. The echoing crack rendered everyone in the room speechless. Jimin still had his fist buried in Beomseok's sternum and the other alpha looked ready to pass out.

"You harassed him, bullied him and tried to corner him," Jimin hissed. "He rejected your mating proposals, so you hurled disrespectful words and accusations at him, trying to put him down. You didn't just stop there. Sending your men to steal his hospital documents, leaking private info." The next punch was aimed for the side of his head and Beomseok went down like a stack of cards.

"D-Dad!" Hyun-Suk stumbled to grab his father but Jimin sent him down with a kick to his ribs.

"Who's next?" Jimin growled.

No one moved a muscle. They all stood frozen to their place.

Jimin rolled his eyes and pointed at Song's last son. "You," he beckoned.

Jungkook crossed his legs, shifting in his seat a little and clearing his throat. Jimin looked so menacing that he felt his heart race for different reasons. Someone dabbed his chin with a tissue and Jungkook blinked.

"You're drooling," June snickered.

"I wasn't," he hissed, patting his chin. He wasn't. The omega sent a hiss her way because he didn't want to tear his gaze away from his mate.

"You wear." She poked his side.

"I wasn't." He huffed and growled under his breath, "I'm not looking away."

He tuned out June's snickers and focused on the fight. Jimin stood over the father and son, beckoning the other to the fight.

"I don't have all day. Come in and fight me like a man!" he growled. When no one moved, he tilted his head to the side. "Guess, no one has a functioning knot here." He stalked toward them, standing a few feet shy of the ropes that marked the ring. "What? You're only good at ambushing? Come on. Step inside the ring."

One shook the head while the other stood fuming.

"What? You won't move?" Jimin, however, moved to Hyun-Suk. "Maybe you guys need a little bit of motivation." He kicked Hyun-Suk.

"Hey, stop!" The fourth son growled. "He's already down."

Jimin kicked him again. "This isn't a sport show. An alpha challenge won't end until I have said so. Either you step inside and fight me like the alpha you claim to be or I'll keep hitting your father and beloved brother until they take their last breath. What is it gonna be?"

Jungkook swallowed. This time the cold shiver he felt running down his spine was definitely not because of arousal. His eyes were wide like saucers as realization dawned on him. He always wondered why someone would call Jimin savage. But now, this instant, proved to him why.

He was merciless and ruthless. The alpha standing in front of him was a beast who didn't back down at any cost. He showed no fear as he taunted the alphas in front of him. On any other day, Jungkook would have told Jimin that he was reckless.

Jimin continued to kick Hyun-Suk, who coughed blood and tried to shrink back from Jimin's reach to no avail.

"Stop! I'll come in. Just stop. You'll kill him." Il-sung, the fifth son, entered the fight ring. "I'll come in. Just let him go."

He hadn't finished talking but Jimin already closed the distance between them, knocking him to the floor with a punch. Il-sung fell down, holding his chest and coughed.

"Looks like your fourth brother doesn't care for you." Jimin kicked him. He glanced at the organizer. "Yu-Jin, I can either bring the fight outside the ring or you can bring it to me inside."

Yu-Jin glanced around. "Yes, Alpha Park." She beckoned the security guards loitering around. "We will escort them inside." She clasped her hands in front of her.

"W-What?" Jae-sung, the fourth son of Alpha Song screamed, but the security guards hooked their hands under his armpits, hoisted him in the air before dropping him inside the ring. "Let me go. Let me go!"

"Here you go, sir," one replied sarcastically before stepping back.

Jimin grinned. "Welcome to hell."

Jae-sung pivoted on his heel and tried to jump over the rope but Jimin caught him by his scruff and dragged him back into the ring.

"Not so fast, asshole. At least show me an ounce of courage and I'll let you leave."

Jae-sung whirled around and threw his fist at Jimin with a loud roar. Jimin ducked with a grin and punched his ribs. But he didn't give him time to recover, though. He rained more punches until he went down, wheezing for breath. But Jimin didn't stop. He continued to hit him.

"You, fucking pricks. You would have kept going if he wasn't mated," he growled.

Jae-sung wasn't fighting back. He tried to push Jimin off him and escape, but Jimin brought him back every time. He even tried to crawl under the ropes to leave the ring but Jimin pulled him inside by grabbing his leg.

Jungkook held his breath.

Il-sung rushed to Jimin. "Please..." He went on his knees and held his leg. "Alpha Park, please. He will die. No more," he cried.

Jimin stopped kicking Jae-sung and grabbed Il-sung by his collar. "Yeah? You should have warned them when they were talking shit about my mate."

"I did," Il-sung immediately said. "After the Head Omega rejected our proposal, I told them to let go. But they wouldn't listen." He gripped Jimin's hand with both his hands. "I was there on the day you paid a visit to our media office. I never told dad or anyone about the real reason."

Jungkook tensed, knowing exactly what incident Il-sung was talking about. Jimin had hit the guy, who refused to hand over the hard copies of his scandalous photos and videos. It had happened right in the Korean Times media office.

"He was going to call my dad, but I had stopped him from doing so and told him that I'll inform dad. I was trying to talk him out of it when you showed up," Il-sung quickly explained. "Please. They had learned their lessons. Please let us go. I promise. We won't ever bother you."

Jimin pushed him back with a scoff. "There won't be anything left of your pack when I'm done." He straightened. "Leave before I change my mind. I'm not leaving you because I believe your words. I'm leaving you so you can drag their asses to wherever you want to. Don't dare show your faces to me in this lifetime."

"Yes." Il-sung bowed. "I accept." He bowed again. "Thank you." He backed several steps. "Thanks a lot, Alpha Park. I'll remember this kindness."

Jimin scoffed with a roll of his eyes but said nothing. Jungkook watched as Jimin strode the area of the fight ring with a ferocious look. Il-sung dragged his father and brothers outside the ring, ducking under the ropes.

The security guards helped him carry the injured alphas, taking him through the staff exit.

Jimin waited until they disappeared before turning to face the Kwang and Kang pack head alphas. He tilted his head to the side. "Who's next?"

1154.

1155.

1156.

1157.

***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNGKOOK!

JIKOOKERS ARE WE FUCKING OKAY???!!! I WANNA PLASTER THIS IN EVERY WALL AND SCREAM!!!!

COLORED SO WE CAN COLLECTIVELY LOSE OUR SANITY!