Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 26: The Unveiling

Chapter 26: The Unveiling

Jungkook's hand stilled on the table, his gaze locking with Taehyung's. The air between them crackled with a sudden tension, the weight of unspoken truths hanging heavy.

“It wasn't a mistake,” Jungkook said, his voice low, a hint of a tremor running through it. “He's right. You are my mate.”

Taehyung's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. He had known, deep down, that something was different about their connection, something that went beyond ordinary affection. But he had been hesitant, afraid to believe it, afraid to embrace the truth.

“But... but I don't feel it,” Taehyung whispered, his voice laced with confusion. “I don't feel the pull, the connection that everyone talks about.”

Jungkook's expression softened, a mixture of tenderness and frustration swirling in his eyes. “It's not always that simple, pup,” he said, his voice gentle.  “Sometimes, the bond is hidden, masked by other emotions, by fear, by doubt.  And sometimes, it's hidden by something else entirely.”

He reached across the table, his hand gently cupping Taehyung's cheek. “I've felt it from the moment we met,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “The pull, the undeniable connection. It's been there, even when we were both trying to deny it.”

He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the delicate chain of the necklace Taehyung was wearing. “This,” he said, his voice low and serious, “this is what's been blocking the bond.”

Taehyung's eyes followed Jungkook's fingers, his gaze falling on the silver pendant that hung from his neck. He had been given the necklace by his grandmother when he was a child, a cherished heirloom that he had never taken off. He had always thought it was simply a symbol of his family's lineage, a reminder of his heritage.

“What do you mean?” Taehyung asked, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of fear. “What does this necklace have to do with anything?”

Jungkook's expression turned somber.  “This necklace,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet intensity, “was designed to protect you. It was meant to conceal your scent, to make it difficult for Alphas to sense your presence. It was meant to protect you from danger.”

He paused, his gaze meeting Taehyung's. “But it also concealed your ability to find your mate,” he said, his voice filled with deep regret. “It blocked the natural connection, the pull that draws mates together.”

Taehyung's mind reeled. He had been living a lie, a carefully constructed illusion that had kept him from finding his true destiny. He had been protected, yes, but he had also been isolated, cut off from the one person who was meant to be his soulmate.

“But why?” Taehyung asked, his voice filled with a mixture of confusion and anger. “Why would anyone do that?”

Jungkook's expression hardened, his eyes filled with fierce determination. “Someone is trying to hurt you, pup,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “They're trying to break us apart. They're trying to keep you from finding your true destiny.”

“That person must have been very dangerous, I don't have any idea who will be capable of harming me. I don't remember being in trouble with someone. It's kinda frightening to know that someone wants to hurt me.”

Jungkook's gaze locked with Taehyung.  “I'm not going to let anyone hurt you,” he said, his voice firm, his eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. “I'll keep you safe.”

“Thank you, I'm glad to know the truth,” Taehyung smiled.

“Let's forget about that and enjoy the food; I want you to forget this stressful day going to you.” Jungkook told him and poured wine on Taehyung's glass.

“That's right, this supposed to be a date,” Taehyung chuckled, enjoying the conversation with Jungkook.

“If there's anything you want, just tell me, I'll give you anything you want.” Jungkook wanted to spoil him; after all, he was glad that Taehyung knew they were mates, and maybe he could use it to be obvious that he was hitting on Taehyung, that he wanted him even though they were mates, but he wanted Taehyung to truly see that he genuinely loves him.

“I'm fine, but if you wouldn't mind treating me something sweet, I would appreciate that.” Taehyung said that as a joke.

“Sure, just tell Hyung which one you'd like and I'll order them for you.” Jungkook was seriously whipped to him.

“I'm just kidding, you don't have to do that,” Taehyung giggled.

“I will do whatever makes you happy, so please, enjoy my treat for you. I want to spoil my pup so I can tell you that I'm worthy as your mate.” Jungkook smirked.

“You being this kind to me was enough for me to trust you, I could feel that you are worth being my mate.” Taehyung laughed softly and Jungkook played along with him.

The night hung heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth as a lone figure, shrouded in darkness, approached Jungkook's sleek black sedan. The figure moved with silent grace, their steps barely disturbing the fallen leaves beneath their feet.

A flicker of moonlight illuminated the figure's face, revealing a determined set of features, eyes burning with a mixture of jealousy and possessiveness. They reached into a bag, their fingers closing around a small, metallic box. It was a bomb, a powerful device that would send a clear message.

The figure carefully slid the bomb beneath the driver's seat, their movements swift and precise. They stepped back, their gaze lingering on the car, a cruel smile playing on their lips.

They had given Jungkook a warning, a taste of what was to come. They would show him that Taehyung was not his to claim, that he was not his to possess. They would show him that Taehyung belonged to them, and only them.

The figure vanished back into the shadows, leaving the bomb ticking away, a silent threat waiting to explode. They had sown the seeds of chaos, a dangerous game they were willing to play to the very end.