The Shadow's Inheritance

Chapter 24 - The Final Claim

Chapter 24: The Final Claim

One Year Later

The scent of cedarwood, lemon, and cinnamon was now the official, uncontested scent of the Deluca headquarters. It permeated the glass tower, clung to the leather of the executive chairs, and dominated the sterile air of the political meeting rooms. It was the smell of absolute, unified power.

Taehyung Deluca—no longer Rossi, the name officially reinstated one month after the re-bonding—stood in the commanding position at the panoramic window, exactly where Jungkook had stood during the Enzo decree. He wore a stunning, fitted white suit, the color of defiance and purity, and held a secure data pad.

Beside him, no longer relegated to the role of passive support, stood Jungkook. The Alpha King was fundamentally changed. He was more focused, less prone to emotional overreach, and his powerful cedarwood scent was always perfectly harmonized with Taehyung's lemon and salt—a subtle, constant reassurance of their unified front.

"The Deluca Security Systems acquisition is complete," Taehyung announced, without turning from the view. "Fabrizio voted against, but Salvatore and the rest of the council are now completely compliant. The Shadow's demands are officially fulfilled. We are secured from all internal threats."

Jungkook wrapped his arms around his Omega's waist, pulling him back against his chest. His chin rested on Taehyung's shoulder, a gesture of intimate devotion that would have been unthinkable a year ago.

"The financial recovery is ahead of schedule, Darling," Jungkook murmured, his voice a low thrum against Taehyung's neck. "They fear us now, not just me. You were right. Only devastation could achieve this total reorganization."

Taehyung leaned into the powerful support, allowing the brief, deep comfort before turning the conversation back to duty. "And Enzo?"

"He and the child are safe in the Swiss villa," Jungkook replied, his scent remaining calm and steady. "He is provided for, secured by iron-clad non-disclosure, and he will never lack for comfort. He is no longer a factor. My debt to him is paid, and his legacy remains neutralized."

Taehyung nodded, satisfied. Jungkook had handled the collateral damage with the cold, protective efficiency he had once only reserved for his company—a sign that his priorities had permanently shifted.

A sudden burst of cheerful, strong cinnamon and pine exploded into the office as Luca, now six, raced in, perfectly dressed in a miniature suit, clutching a report card.

"Papa! King! I got a perfect score in Structural Engineering! The teacher says I am a prodigy!" Luca declared, his inherited Alpha arrogance already fully present.

Jungkook knelt, effortlessly catching his son in a hug. "Of course, you are, Alpha. You are a Deluca. And you are a Hunnie." He sniffed Luca's hair, breathing in the precious, young Alpha scent. "Your scent is strong. You are ready for your next phase of training."

Luca immediately looked to Taehyung for approval.

Taehyung smiled warmly, a rare, genuine expression of joy that only his family witnessed. "The training starts tomorrow, tesoro. But today, the entire council is due for the annual Family Summit. They need to see the strength of the three of us."

He gave Luca a gentle push toward the doors, where Giannis, now fully devoted to the family's security, waited. "Go and make your entrance, Alpha heir. Show them who you are."

As Luca trotted out, Jungkook rose, pulling Taehyung close again, their scents wrapping around each other in a powerful, undeniable braid of ownership and love.

"We won, My Love," Jungkook whispered, his lips tracing the scar on Taehyung's shoulder—the faint mark left by the accidental cut during their first, tumultuous bond.

"We did not win, Darling," Taehyung corrected, resting his head against the Alpha's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of the heart he now possessed. "We claimed what was ours. And now, we rule."

He tilted his head back, his eyes catching the sunlight—the cool, ruthless intelligence of The Shadow now tempered by the powerful love of the Omega Queen. The Deluca empire was whole again, forged stronger by fire, betrayal, and the unbreakable bond between the Alpha King, his Omega, and their undeniable heir.