Collateral | Taekook

"Disgusting."

That was the only word the alpha spared Taehyung during their first encounter.

Only later does Taehyung discover that the alpha who looked at him with such contempt is his mathematics professor.

From the moment their paths cross, Jungkook humiliates him and even tries to force him out of the university.

Taehyung wonders why the professor Jeon hates him so fiercely without even knowing his name.

Jungkook swears he despises Taehyung's existence.

But the moment someone dares to harm Taehyung, he sets the world on fire.

Despite the professor's contradictory behavior, Taehyung convinces himself that if he endures long enough, he can graduate peacefully.

Until fate leads them to the doorstep of a marriage neither of them ever wanted.

"You might think marrying me will make you live like a queen for the rest of your life. But you know better than anyone how much I hate you."

"The day you take my hand, I will make sure you never smile again. I will strip away every piece of who you are until nothing remains but an empty shell."

His voice drops into a quiet promise. "So tell them you refuse me. Tell them you don't want to be my mate."

When Taehyung finally finds the courage to meet his gaze, a chill crawls down his spine.

He knows exactly what accepting this marriage means. It is not merely the loss of his freedom. Not merely the death of his dignity.

It is the surrender of his very soul.

Yet, standing beneath the sacred light of the Moon Goddess, he makes his choice.

"Under the sacred light of the Moon Goddess, Kim Taehyung, do you accept Jeon Jungkook as your lawful Alpha, to bear his mark, obey his word, submit and belong to him in body, scent, heart, soul and duty, and walk the path he lays before you until your final breath?"

Taehyung closes his eyes.

"...I do."

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Image used in cover is not mine. Credits to the rightful owner.