Chapter 16: The Stepmotherâs Humiliation
Lady Haejin was livid.
Her carefully laid plansâyears of effort to secure Jungkookâs Luna position for her friendâs daughterâhad gone up in flames. And the worst part? It wasnât because of some grand political maneuver or even Jungkookâs stubbornness.
No.
It was because of Taehyung and his disrespectful, sharp-tongued, impossible-to-intimidate self.
And to make matters worse, instead of listening to her, Jungkook was still standing by his side.
Something had to be done.
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The Royal Gathering â A Stepmotherâs Last Attempt
The palace was hosting a grand feast, with nobles and high-ranking wolves from different packs gathering to discuss alliances, politics, andâmost importantly for Lady HaejinâJungkookâs future.
She had planned everything.
The seating arrangement? Perfectly crafted so that Jungkook would be forced to interact with Minah, the oh-so-graceful and obedient Omega she had chosen for him.
The conversation topics? All subtly designed to highlight how an Omega like Taehyung was a liability to the pack.
The atmosphere? Filled with whispers about how Jungkook deserved better.
Everything was perfect.
Or at least... it should have been.
Because once again, Taehyung had other plans.
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Taehyung vs. The Delusional Nobles
Taehyung had barely sat down before Minahâthe ever-so-lovely candidate for Jungkookâs Lunaâflashed him a pitying smile.
âIt must be exhausting,â Minah began, voice oozing fake concern. âTrying to keep up with an Alpha as powerful as Jungkook.â
Taehyung smiled sweetly. âNot as exhausting as watching you embarrass yourself.â
Minahâs smile twitched. âIâm just sayingââ
âNo, no, please, continue,â Taehyung gestured dramatically. âTell me more about how Iâm the one struggling, when itâs you whoâs been throwing yourself at my mate like a lost puppy.â
Minah went red.
Lady Haejin stepped in quickly. âTaehyung, you should be more graceful. We are in the presence of important figures.â
Taehyung didnât even blink. âI am being graceful. I havenât flipped this table yet, have I?â
Jungkook, who had been drinking his wine, choked.
The nobles murmured amongst themselves, some clearly trying (and failing) to suppress their laughter.
Lady Haejin, furious, changed tactics. âRegardless, this is a serious matter. You must admit, Taehyung, that an Alpha of Jungkookâs status needs a Luna who commands respectâsomeone who is seen as graceful, nobleââ
âOhhh, I see where this is going,â Taehyung nodded mockingly. âYouâre saying I donât fit the role?â
Lady Haejin smiled tightly. âWellââ
Taehyung leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered. âThatâs funny. I donât remember you being the one to choose the Luna. Did Jungkook step down as Alpha? No? Oh. Then why are you still talking?â
The room froze.
Lady Haejinâs face twisted in fury.
Minah looked horrified.
And Jungkook?
Jungkook was doing everything in his power to not burst out laughing.
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The Aftermath â Jungkook is Terrified
Later that night, Jungkook was hiding.
Specifically, he was hiding in their bedroom, watching as Taehyung paced back and forth, still fuming from the dinner.
âThat woman!â Taehyung seethed. âShe really thought she could humiliate me in front of the entire court?â
Jungkook cleared his throat. âWell, uh... technically, you humiliated her.â
Taehyung spun around, eyes narrowing. âAnd you just sat there!â
Jungkook put his hands up in defense. âI was enjoying the show!â
Taehyung huffed, crossing his arms. âYouâre lucky I love you.â
Jungkook smirked, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around Taehyungâs waist. âI know I am.â
Taehyung rolled his eyes. âShut up.â
Jungkook kissed his forehead. âNever.â
And just like that, the fire in Taehyungâs eyes softened.
Because no matter how many people tried to tear them apartâno matter how many plans Lady Haejin madeâJungkook would always choose him.
And that was a battle no one could ever win.
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To Be Continuedâ¦