#MOTOR CITY FIVE

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

HEAD CULTURE MEETS MOTOR CITY MANIA AT ITS MOST BEST-DRESSED.

PIC INFO: Resolution at 1509x1766 -- Spotlight on a group portrait of American rock and roll/ proto-punk band, MC5 [MOTOR CITY 5], photographed by Raeanne Rubenstein, c. 1969.

PIC #2: The photograph was later repurposed for "MC5 Total Assault" (2018 UK/EU limited edition triple LP box set, released to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the world's most dangerous band, comprising the "Kick Out the Jams" [pressed on Red Vinyl], "Back in the USA" [White Vinyl] and "High Time" [Blue Vinyl] albums, issued in picture sleeves replicating the original artwork complete with a double-sided insert containing photos & essay by Jaan Uhelszki of "CREEM" Magazine, housed inside the hype-stickered picture slipcase.

Sources: https://wct.live/app/10789/enter-to-win-a-trip-mc5/sign-out & Rare Vinyl.

[biggreenhouse]

Kick out the jams motor fingers.

MC5 in London

[xrecordhoundx]

Almost indisputably my first post should be the first record that got me into collecting. It was years ago my thirteen year old self walked into a record store and purchased a copy of the testimonial Motor City Five’s “Kick Out The Jams”. I had never listened to MC5 before, but knowing of their influence of some of my favorite groups.

I headed back home to throw the record on and as soon as the needle hit the crowd began to roar, the MC introducing the band, Wayne Kramer going insane on the guitar… and then hearing “1,2, 1, 2 it’s time to kick out the jams motherfucker” coming from Rob Tyner for the first time. I was instantly hooked, this was rock n’ll and the sound of my teenage rebellion.

Many would agree with me and stay this is one if not the best live record ever to be recorded. It captures the band’s pure chaotic energy.

[automotiveamerican]

Ford Adopts Five Day Work Week - Motor Cities National Heritage Area

On May 1, 1926, Ford Motor Company became one of the first businesses in the US to adopt a five-day, 40-hour week for workers in its factories. The policy would be expanded to include Ford’s office workers in August. The decision to reduce the workweek from six to five days had originally been made four years earlier. According to an article published in The New York Times in March 1922, Edsel…

[the-birth-of-art]

They told you in school about freedom But when you try to be free they never let you They said, "It's easy, nothing to it" And now the army's out to get you

'69 America in terminal stasis The air's so thick, it's like drowning in molasses I'm sick and tired of paying these dues And I'm finally getting hip to the American ruse

[alpha-mag-media]

Five people arrested after public order incident on busy street in Galway city | In Trend Today

Five people arrested after public order incident on busy street in Galway city Read Full Text or Full Article on MAG NEWS

[ur-mag]

Five people arrested after public order incident on busy street in Galway city | In Trend Today

Five people arrested after public order incident on busy street in Galway city Read Full Text or Full Article on MAG NEWS

[lilacfiresoul]

spring, april 1 -- @jegulus-microfic -- 619 words

They’d slept with the window open last night.

It was partially Regulus’ fault; the clocks had turned forward an hour, and he’d been up late, perched on the sloping roof watching the stars pass by, without realising twelve o’clock had turned into two, bypassing one am completely and hurtling Regulus into the next day without a moment’s breath.

One of the best things about living in a small village, in the middle of rural England, is that the light pollution staining the sky from distant cities doesn’t touch here, and Regulus can stare up at the sky and see stars twinkling back.

He’d climbed back inside shortly after, drowsy, completely forgetting to close the windows and curtains as he’d fallen back into bed with James.

Now, as Regulus is pulled from sleep by the sounds of birds chirping, the full onslaught of the sun hits him square in the face as he opens his eyes. Squinting, blinking away bright impressions on his irises, he lifts a hand up to block the light as he leans over to check the time.

Nine o’clock.

Spring is definitely here, and it’s not holding back.

James is still sleeping, on his stomach, his face turned towards Regulus, one arm curled up underneath the pillow to bunch it closer to his cheek. The bedsheets are gathered around his waist—clearly, he got too hot in the night and kicked them off—and the sunlight plays across the surface of his back, ducking between the divots of his spine, smoothing over the slope of his shoulders.

Regulus stares at him, James’ lips slowly parted as he breathes, eyelashes dark against his cheeks. Rays of sunlight dance between the strands of his hair, and he is a Greek god sleeping after a weary battle, Achilles or Apollo, racing with his chariot to pull up the sunrise, every muscle and bone sculptured from pure gold.

“I can feel you staring,” James murmurs. He doesn’t open his eyes, nor move, but he inhales deeply, his back rising and falling with his breath.

Regulus presses his lips together and doesn’t even try to stop his blush of embarrassment. “Can I not stare at my husband whilst he sleeps?”

James cracks open his eyes then, just one, to grin at Regulus before closing it again, snuggling further into the pillow. His voice comes out soft, tired. “Bit creepy, don’t you think? Stalker-ish.”

“We’ve been married for two years,” Regulus reminds him.

With a noise of contentment, one of James’ arms comes out from under the covers to drag Regulus over to him, pulling him into his body. Regulus is all too happy to settle there, tucking his face under James’ chin, breathing in the smell that is just purely James that he can’t describe to anyone else. James, in turn, presses his cheek into Regulus’ hair, his fingers moving to slightly trace lines down his back. It makes Regulus shiver.

“Oh, the window’s open,” James comments, voice still laced with sleep. “Did you leave it like that?”

“Yeah, I forgot to close it.”

One of their neighbours outside starts mowing their lawn, the repeated growl of the motor infiltrating into their bedroom for a few seconds before it purrs to life.

“It’s nine o’clock, you know,” Regulus tells James gently.

James hums, still running fingers along Regulus’ back. “So?”

“So,” Regulus continues. “Don’t you want to get up? It’s sunny out today.”

Neither of them move. James just sighs, pulling Regulus closer. “Five more minutes.”

It’s around one in the afternoon when they both finally get out of bed.

[petoskeystones]

slava fetisov's brother died in a car crash. his teammate died in a car crash after fetisov begged viktor tikhonov for a safer car. slava kozlov never wanted to go to detroit until he was in a car crash and he had no choice. sergei fedorov came to detroit for the promise of a corvette. they were all supposed to be in the limousine. the limousine was only there because they were trying to take the safest cars. the crash happened on the oldest street in detroit where the cup parade was held. slava fetisov woke up in the middle of the night in the hospital and went to konstantinov's bedside and told him he had to live, because his brother died in a car crash, and his teammate died in a car crash after he begged tikhonov for a safer car, and

do you guys ever think about the russian five and car crashes and the motor city and lose your minds or is that just me

[seat-safety-switch]

So many "car people" argue about engine oil. Everyone has an opinion on what weight, brand, sub-brand, synthetics package, and filter to use. If you use the wrong $80-a-jug stuff for even five seconds, they shriek, your engine will be irreversibly damaged.

Part of this is because the internet exists. Back in the day, I am told, people with strong opinions on what motor oil to use would have very limited opportunities to speak about those opinions. It isn't polite, for instance, to hijack a city council meeting's public comment session to speak about how Fram oil filters are the devil. Now, all those widely-dispersed weird assholes can be concentrated in a single forum, where they yell at each other for free.

Personally, I've never been too much of a snob about it. Sure, there's oils that I won't put in my car. That's usually because a lot of modern oils are too thin to quiet a disintegrating 1970s engine made mostly out of pig iron and regret. Sure, they still lubricate, but try telling that to the guy in the McDonalds drive-thru who is having some kind of traumatic flashback to The War when he hears the state of your rod bearings. Better just put in the thick stuff.

When you go through as many engines as I do, it's hard to get anxious about the particulars of a maintenance routine. Sure, if the previous owner had put in something nice instead of sand and sawdust about fifty years ago, this engine would have about three-and-a-half psi more compression by now. I'd still be struggling to get up hills and clattering every time I start the car while facing east. That's why I hang out behind the oil change place in the middle of the night and run their "waste oil" tank into a couple milk jugs in my back seat. Like wine, this stuff only gets better with time.

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

THE MC5 MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR THEIR FIRST PERFORMANCES OVERSEAS.

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on front page coverage of American rock and roll band, the MOTOR CITY FIVE, from the "International Times," a.k.a., "it" issue #82. 3-16 (today is July 16) July 1970.

"After lengthy negotiations, Phun City organisers have arranged for the legendary U.S. revolutionary band, MC5, to make their first-ever European appearance. Negotiations are also in progress to finalise the first UK appearance of the entire GRATEFUL DEAD package show..."

-- "INTERNATIONAL TIMES," c. July 1970

Sources: http://denimdisco.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-rock-n-roll-revival-part-two.html & X.

[harrisonarchive]

At the Lafayette Motor Inn in Atlantic City, August 30, 1964. Photos © Mirrorpix.

If you’re familiar with the fan memoir A Date With A Beatle, you’ll recall this place and date… “The police took me downstairs to the lobby and the policeman was just livid. He read me a rash of charges and as I put my soggy wet beehive down in between my soggy wet knees, I heard a ding. I looked up and the elevator door opened and there, not five feet away from me, with me never looking worse in my entire life, was the man of my dreams. […] I thought, ‘My God, this man is so beautiful.’ There was a light shining behind him, and his hair was so shiny. Initially, I was probably making dolphin noises. He wanted to know what was going on, and I think what really sealed it for him to decide to help me was when the police officers said I was in trouble thanks to him and my bad taste in music. He asked me what happened and handed me a handkerchief that had the initials G.H. It was so beautiful and elegant, and I was blotting at my face and when I went to hand it back it was a mass of black Egyptian eyeliner. You can imagine what my face looked like. He said to keep it! […] George actually made the officer run down my list of relatively innocent charges, and then asked me if I was going to get into any more trouble. Of course I said no. My goal was achieved, no matter how it happened. The officer just gave up and allowed me to walk free—fly was more the word for it.” - Judith Kristen, “10 Questions with Judith Kristen,” SJ Magazine Be sure to read Judith’s book for the full story of her Beatlemaniac adventures and the moment she met George.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback

1969 was, effectively, the final year for the Shelby Mustang. By now assembly had shifted in Michigan from California where it was contracted out to A.O. Smith Corporation. Smith, an established Motor City contractor, had brought a level of serious manufacturing skill, supplier management, procedure and standards never seen at Shelby’s facility where LAX met the vibrant (and sometimes extreme) subculture of Venice, California.

Now largely designed and specified by Ford staffers, the 1969 Shelby Mustang was drastically different visually from the standard Mustangs, with a completely different nose and grille, a wide rectangular opening with blacked out grille flanked by 7” headlights and with Shelby’s characteristic driving lights now smaller rectangular pieces below the attractive, but largely ineffective, bumper. The special Shelby hood had five ducts, three NACA-style surface ducts replaced the complicated but entertaining shaker hoods of years gone by to supply cold air directly to the engine air intake and two extractors at the back of the hood relieving underhood pressure and exhausting heated air in front of the windshield.

A surface duct behind the headlights and a scoop behind the door and in front of the rear wheel arch that was ducted to the rear brakes continued the performance theme. The rear panel was completely different from the Mustang, housing a set of 1965 Thunderbird sequential taillights with the rear license plate placed between them and including a small ducktail spoiler. The area under the bumper where standard Mustangs carried their license plate contained two rectangular outlets for the Shelby’s dual exhaust system. Standard wheels were unique 5-spoke Mag Stars with alloy centers and chrome steel rims.

Under the hood lay the 428 Cobra Jet which had powered the ’68 Shelby GT500KR. Both Ford and Shelby recognized the superiority of the high performance CJ and made it the standard engine for 1969’s Shelby Mustangs. 

At the end of the 1969 model year 789 Shelby Mustangs were in-process at A.O. Smith. They were visually updated with black hood stripes and a chin spoiler and given new VINs. Otherwise the 1970s were exactly the same as the ‘69s making these two years essentially identical examples of the end of the Shelby Mustang series which had begun only a scant six years before.

Avidly sought by collectors and obsessively documented by the Shelby American Automobile Club, most Shelby Mustangs are well known and have well known histories. Occasionally, however, a example appears which has been out of sight for years. Even more rarely it turns out to have been little used and continuously maintained by a thoughtful and caring single owner for nearly forty years.

The Black Jade 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Sportsroof fastback offered here is one of those rare and highly desirable cars. It was delivered new to Ford’s dealer in Yokohama, Japan, Marubeni Motors K.K., and was sold thereafter to its first, and only, owner in Japan. It has been repainted in the original color once but is otherwise completely original, as delivered and has only 84,941km on its metric-calibrated export speedometer (52,779 miles.) Its sympathetic maintenance and care shows throughout in its clean, straight, rust-free condition.

Power of course comes from the 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet Ram Air V-8 engine which Ford and Shelby conservatively rated at 335 horsepower at 5,200rpm and a gut-wrenching 440 lb-ft torque at 3,400rpm. It puts the power through Ford’s highly regarded C-6 automatic transmission and Traction-Lok differential with high speed 3.00:1 gearing that takes full advantage of the CJ engine’s torque. In addition to the highly desirable drivetrain specification it is loaded with options including the Visibility Group, Goodyear white letter tires, Sport Deck folding rear seat, power front disc brakes, power steering, tilt steering column, Selectaire air conditioning, AM/8-track stereo radio, tinted glass, deluxe belts, tachometer and trip odometer.

It is finished in one of the Shelby Mustang’s most attractive colors, Black Jade. The interior and high back buckets seats are upholstered in black Clarion Knit/Corinthian vinyl that complements with Black Jade exterior.

It returned to the U.S. in 2006 but has never been titled by its current owner so it remains a one-owner car. Its absolutely clear history, one-owner provenance, highly original condition with known mileage and extensive options list are attributes shared by few Shelby Mustangs of this age. This is a rare opportunity for an astute collector to acquire a particularly significant, unmolested Shelby Mustang from the last, and most highly developed, series.

1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback

Powered by a 428ci V8 engine mated to a C6 automatic transmission, this beauty includes the original #Shelby owner card, a copy of the Shelby work order and Window Sticker.

1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback

1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback

[jellybelly-may]

[Prologue] [CHAPTER 1]

★彡[ᴄʟᴇᴀɴɪɴɢ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇ!]彡★

[BONTEN X TEEN! READER] PLATONIC!

tw: long omake lmao

The first rays of dawn pierced through the thin curtains of a small, cramped apartment. 

The young teen, stirred from her sleep at the sound of her alarm clock. It was 6 AM, and the city was still in the grip of a peaceful slumber. She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb the tiny figure sleeping beside her.

She moved quietly, picking up scattered toys from the floor and placing them in a small basket. The room was modest, filled with a mix of her professional tools and her little sister's belongings. Once the space was tidy, she headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

As the smell of sizzling eggs and toast filled the air, she checked her phone. A message from her employer lit up the screen: "Job for Bonten. Clean their basements. ASAP." She sighed, pocketing the phone, and focused on finishing breakfast. 

A soft yawn broke her concentration. 

Her little sister, a sleepy-eyed girl of about five, waddled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. She hugged her older sister's leg tightly, then looked up with outstretched arms, silently asking to be carried.

(Y/N)'s heart melted. 

She bent down, scooped Mei up, and kissed her forehead. "Good morning, my sleepyhead," she said with a smile. 

"Let's get you some breakfast."

She settled Mei into her high chair and placed a plate of food in front of her, making sure it was arranged in a cute and tasty way. As Mei began to eat, (Y/N) quickly got dressed and prepared herself for the day.

After breakfast, (Y/N) and Mei headed out to the grocery store. As they wandered through the aisles, picking up essentials, they bumped into someone.

"(Y/N)-chan! Mei-chan!" Inui greeted warmly. "Fancy seeing you here."

(Y/N) smiled back. "Good morning, Inupi-san. How are you?"

They chatted for a bit, catching up on the latest news. Eventually, Inui asked, "So, how's school going?"

(Y/N)'s smile faltered slightly, and she nervously glanced away. Inui, ever perceptive, noticed immediately.

"You haven't been going, have you?" he said gently. "You've been too busy working."

(Y/N) sighed and nodded. 

"I have to, Inupi-san. It's the only way to support Mei and myself." Inui's expression softened.

"You're doing your best, I know. But you need to take care of yourself too." He looked at Mei, who was happily munching on a snack. 

"Why don't you let me give you a ride back? You’ve got a lot to carry."

(Y/N) hesitated but eventually relented. "Alright, thank you."

They arrived at D&D Motorcycle Shop a short while later. Inside, Draken was busy repairing a motorcycle, grease staining his hands. He looked up and smiled as they walked in.

"Hey, (Y/N). Mei-chan," he greeted. "What brings you here?"

"Inupi-san offered us a ride," (Y/N) explained. "And we brought some snacks."

She set to work making cute snacks for everyone, arranging them in adorable shapes that delighted Mei. Inui and Draken exchanged amused glances, sweatdropping at the sight of the overly cute food, but they couldn't deny it was delicious.

(Y/N) then prepared to leave for her work. She knelt down to Mei's level and kissed her cheek. "Be good for Inupi-san and Draken-san, okay? Nee-chan will be back soon."

Mei nodded, her big eyes filled with trust. "Okay, nee-chan!"

As (Y/N) headed out, Inui called after her, "We'll take good care of her. Don't worry."

(Y/N) smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Inupi-san, Draken-san."

With a deep breath, she mounted her moped and set off towards Bonten's headquarters. Another day, another job in the shadows. She was ready to face whatever awaited her in the depths of Bonten's basements.

—————————————————————————————————

OMAKE: MEI'S DAY AT D&D MOTORS

Scene: D&D Motorcycle Shop

As (Y/N) rode off to her job, Mei waved enthusiastically until her sister was out of sight. 

Inui and Draken exchanged amused glances, both secretly charmed by the tiny girl who now had their full attention.

"Alright, Mei-chan," Inui said, crouching down to her level. "What do you want to do today?"

Mei’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Play! Play with the bikes!"

Draken chuckled, wiping his greasy hands on a rag. "How about we let you help us out a bit?"

Mei’s face lit up with a big smile as she nodded eagerly. Draken handed her a small, clean cloth. 

"Here, you can help clean the bikes."

Scene: The shop floor

Inui guided Mei around the shop, showing her the various motorcycles. She toddled around, wiping the bikes with her small cloth, her face scrunched up in concentration. 

Draken watched from his workstation, shaking his head with a grin.

"She's got more focus than some of the guys we've hired," Draken joked.

Inui laughed. "She's a hard worker, just like her sister."

As the morning passed, Mei became a little mechanic’s assistant, picking up small tools and handing them to Draken and Inui with a sense of purpose. The two men found themselves explaining the basics of motorcycle maintenance in the simplest terms, to which Mei nodded sagely, even if she didn’t understand half of it.

Scene: Snack time

Around lunchtime, Mei's stomach growled loudly, causing both men to laugh. 

"Alright, Mei-chan, time for a break," Inui said.

Draken pulled out the cute snacks that (Y/N) had prepared earlier. They set them up on a small table, and Mei’s eyes widened at the sight of the adorable food shapes.

"Cute!" Mei clapped her hands in delight.

Inui and Draken joined her, albeit a bit reluctantly at first. As they ate, they couldn't help but enjoy the cute snacks, which seemed to bring a bit of light-heartedness to their usually gritty work environment.

Scene: Afternoon nap

After lunch, Mei began to feel sleepy. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, leaning against Inui. "Tired..." she mumbled.

Inui gently picked her up and carried her to a makeshift bed they had set up in the back of the shop. He covered her with a soft blanket, and she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Draken watched from his workstation, a soft smile on his face. "She's a tough kid, just like her sister."

Inui nodded, looking down at the sleeping Mei. "Yeah, she is."

Scene: End of the day

As the sun began to set, (Y/N) returned to the shop, looking tired but relieved to see her sister safe and sound. 

Mei woke up and ran to her, hugging her leg tightly.

"Nee-chan! I helped Inupi-san and Draken-san with the bikes!" Mei exclaimed proudly.

(Y/N) smiled, picking her up.

"Did you now? That’s wonderful, Mei. Thank you so much, Inupi-san, Draken-san, for taking care of her."

Draken waved it off. "No problem at all. She's welcome here anytime."

Inui nodded. "Yeah, she was a big help today."

(Y/N) smiled gratefully as they headed home, Mei chattering excitedly about her day at the shop. 

Despite the challenges, moments like these made everything worthwhile. 

————————————

Inside the shop, Draken and Inupi started clearing the garage. 

“...she’s a lot like him, don’t you think?” The taller male asked. 

Silence enveloped the two men. 

“Yeah, she is,” 

“She’s a good kid, just like him…” And with that, the two men closed up for the night. 

@mysouleaten @bloobewy @camslut7 @yaoona-mi @wakasaishot @tala-bez-i @syrupyfruity @chexrybloss0m @wutap

omgg i forgot to update this chapter LMAOOO, animation classes are no joke im at the verge of dying but my fanfics need me T-T

also i have no idea why i cant seem to tag some people?? pls send help

lemme know if you wanna be added to the taglist! have a nice day/night darlings xoxo

[shelbgrey]

So, I was wondering if it would be cool to request a Ray Stantz fic with either prompt 0.7 or 2.1?

Something strange(Ray Stantz)

Paring: Ray Stantz x Spangler!Reader

Summary: during a ghost bust ray gets possessed. This has never happened to any of them before and his girlfriend of just a few months may have to admit something she hasn't yet.

Prompt: 2.1) “i love you in every universe”

MasterList

It was late in the afternoon, Ray was working on the Ecto-1, music blasting. Between the booming sounds of the Beatles and the clinking of tools he didn't hear y/n sliding down the fire pole.

“Ray..” she said a little loud so Ray could hear her.

He didn't hear her and continued to tinker under the hood of the car.

“Raymond!” she shouted louder.

This time he heard the sudden noise startled him, making him smack his head on the inside of the hood when he heard a noise. “shi- HMmmm that hurt!” he mumbled, pulling away from the car.

She covered her mouth, trying not to sinker. “Sorry Honey, I didn't mean to scare you” she said, rubbing my boyfriend's head gently.

“Ah don’t sweat it Doll, and ya didn’t scare me too bad.” Ray pecked her on the cheek then turned back to the car, he pulled the keys out of his pocket and got behind the wheel. He turned the key, the car engine skipped and made sickly noises. “Dammit not again.” Ray sighed and got out of the car before slamming the door shut.

Y/n cringed at the sound Ecto-1 made. “So it's probably a bad time to say we just got a call to bust a class-5 ghost…”

Ray paused, throwing his head back in frustration. “Oh you’re kidding!”

“yeah… Peter wanted me to tell you and see how the car was doing”

Ray rubbed his forehead, frustrated. “Okay, don’t worry about the car… where was the sighting?”

“Just outside of the city... But if the car isn't working…”

“It’s alright babes, I'll get this old rust bucket runnin in 5! Just let me tinker with this a bit..” Ray took various pieces out, placing them on the hood, then he noticed a loose wire and chuckled. He quickly put the hood back on and the car roared to life, seemingly out of nowhere. “Damn I’m good.”

She smiled ���okay, I'll tell the boys the car is runnin’”

“Good.. Hey do me a favor?” Ray Said, making y/n stop in her tracks, she climbed back down the steps and faced Ray. “What's up?”

“Kiss me.” he requested, giving his girlfriend his usual adorable smile.

Y/n laughed and playfully shook her head. “You're covered in motor oil” she playfully backed up and put her hands up in defense.

“So what? A few drops of motor oil has never killed anybody… And you've been covered head to toe in slime before” His voice was playful as he started walking towards her. She giggled and continued to back up away from him.

“Come on Honey” He followed her till he had her trapped between the wall of the garage and his body, “what ya gonna do now?” he smirked, placing his palms flat on the wall on either side of her, caging her in. He had her right where he wanted her.

She playfully rolled her eyes and leaned up and pressed her lips to his. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled them closer together, kissing her much more passionately.

The kiss didn't go very far because Peter slid down the fire poll that led to the garage In his Ghostbusters uniform. “Hey, less kissin' more bustin', that class five isn't gonna trap itself” Peter said to the both of them as Egon and Winston slid down the poll in their Ghostbuster uniforms as well.

“Damn Peter, you gotta have the worst timing ever” His voice was still lighthearted as he pulled away from y/n, a grin still on his face.

Y/n playfully rolled her eyes and left his arms to get her Ghostbusters uniform and proton pack, as she was getting her gear Peter spoke. “ya know the rules Bug, class-5 ghost... You stay home” Peter told her.

Y/n rolled her eyes at Peter. Peter and the boys were way over protective of her since she was the only girl on the team that actually busted ghosts.

Peter and the boys would always call her Bug. Mostly because she was the total opposite of her older brother Egon. As Peter would put it, y/n was always ‘buzzing’ around so the name kinda stuck.

“That's a stupid rule, I can take care of myself and a class-5 if I can take care of you boys” She said pointing at all four of the Ghostbusters. “... Hell, the four of you would starve to death in your dirty laundry if I wasn't around”

Ray laughed at this. “You know I think she might have a point” Ray had finished putting on his gear, and he and the team were preparing to leave, he walked over to y/n and gave her a quick kiss. “Just promise not to do anything dangerous, ok?”

“I promise…”

Ray smiled, nodding in appreciation. “That’s my girl.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and began walking towards the Ecto-1, he climbed in, taking off down the road.

~~~~~~~~(.......)~~~~~~~~

The team stopped outside of a run down house, “Now, this is a class 5, so watch yourselves.” Egon said in a serious tone as the rest of the guys made their way out the car. “Alright, Everybody keep your game faces on.” Ray added.

“We should split up... And keep your walkie-talkies on” Peter told us all.

Y/n and the guys all nodded in agreement, Ray and Winston went left towards one end of the house, while Egon and Peter went right towards the other. They could all hear Egon speaking into his radio “You guys hear me?”

“I can hear ya Egon” y/n told her older brother as she walked down the dim hallway. “Do you guys see anything?” y/n asked the four boys through the walkie-talkie.

Y/n could hear Ray through the walkie talkie yelling

“Oh yeah! I got a big bastard in front of me!” Ray said he was walking out of the room, suddenly a dark poltergeist tackled him. He fell to the ground and was grabbed by a dark, hissing ghost. Ray screamed into the walkie talkie* “Help me god dammit! It’s got me!”

“Ray!” y/n's heart pounded when she heard him struggling through the walkie-talkie, she ran down a few hallways till she found him on the floor struggling with the ghost. Before she could reach him the ghost turned into a puff of black smoke that surrounded him, then within a blink of an eye, Ray was panting and the ghost was gone. Ray looked down, darkness surrounding his eyes, he wasn't his normal self anymore. “Ray…” she said softly, touching his cheek.

“y/n don't touch him!” Egon shouted, running up to him. He pushed y/n back, not realizing the force he used. Y/n tumbled to the ground as Egon scanned Ray's body with his EMF reader, it screamed and blinked with ghost activity.

Ray continued to struggle, he was breathing very heavily and his eyes were dark and cloudy. The ghost had a tight grip around him, Egon aimed his phaser gun but hesitated to fire. “This thing is attached to Ray, move y/n! I don’t want to hit you by accident!”

She pushed the proton gun away so it wasn't pointing at Ray. “Ray's possessed! If you shoot him it could seriously harm him!” y/n said to Egon.

“And if I don’t shoot it’ll kill him!” Egon yelled back angrily. “I know he’s possessed! But the only way to free him is to destroy the ghost using the proton gun!”

“Are you willing to risk Ray's life!” y/n shouted back at Egon. Ray's eyes were dark and he just looked at us menacingly as the ghost took over his body.

Egon was getting frustrated, but he wouldn’t give in. “Look I know this is bad, but that thing is just using his body as a vessel. If we kill it, Ray will come back to his senses!” Egon said sternly while aiming the gun at Ray.

Before y/n could fire back at her older brother, Peter and Winston ran towards them in a panic. “What happened?” Winston asked.

Peter went to touch Ray but saw his eyes were black and immediately jerked back. “okay... This is bad” *

Peter said.

“We know!” Egon said angrily. “This thing won’t let go of him!”

Ray was struggling against the grip the ghost had on him, he couldn’t move or speak, all he could do was stare at them with those dark eyes.

“This has never happened before, what do we do?” Winston asked.

“He's too dangerous to touch,” Peter added.

Egon sighed, he knew he had to do something before the ghost took total control. “You guys, move back! I’m gonna shoot it, if Ray gets caught in the crossfire it’s the only way”

“Hold it!” Peter shouted.

“What?!” Egon shouted. “It’s the only way, I’m not gonna let this damn thing control him! We have to take the risk!”

“I'll be right back and don't go anywhere and don't do anything!” Peter said and ran out to Ecto-1.

“What the hell are you doing!?” Egon yelled at Peter as he ran out to the car. “I’m not waiting!”

The ghost continued to hold Ray in its evil grasp, Egon aimed his gun. Peter came back, he snapped some black gloves on and started to duck tape Ray's hands together as Ray struggled in Peter's grasp.

Ray struggled and fought against him, trying to get free, but with his hands tied he couldn’t do much. Egon hesitated.

““This thing is really making this harder than it has to, should I take the shot? Peter? Or do you have an idea!?”

Peter huffed and wrapped tape around Ray's middle, securing his arms to his side. “we're gonna take him back to headquarters and you're gonna check him out in the Lab” Peter told Egon.

Ray probably would have ran off had he wasn't tied up, but he had no choice other than to let this happen. Egon looked annoyed, this wasn’t how this was supposed to go down. He sighed. “Fine.. I guess that’s the best course of action now.”

“Good, Winston help me carry Ray to the car” Peter told Winston then turned to y/n. “Bug, you're driving... I'm not risking you sitting in the back and getting hurt” Peter told her.

~~~~~~~~(.......)~~~~~~~~

“Sorry, Janine we need this!” Peter called out and took her office chair. Before she could protest or ask what was going on, Peter had already wheeled the chair to Ecto-1. Janine's curiosity got the best of her and she followed Peter, her eyes widened when she watched Winston and Peter move a struggling Ray into her office chair.

The three men grunted and fought, Winston held Ray down and Peter quietly secured Ray to the chair with more duct tape.

Egon and Peter pushed Ray into the lab and started reading the ghost activity. Ray grunted and tried to break free from the duct tape.

“Ray…don't make me use this” Peter pointed the proton gun at Ray and spoke to him like he was a child.

“Will you guys stop with the guns already?” Y/n snapped and pushed the gun down.

“G-guys…. Y/n?..h-elp m-me” Ray grunted for the first time. Y/n's heart shattered and she ran to his aid just out of instinct. Egon tried to stop her but she broke free from his grasp.

“Ray? Honey, look at me” She said holding his face in her hands, she didn't see his brownish-green eyes when she stared into his eyes. They weren't his eyes and she wasn't gonna stop till she saw his normal goofy gaze.

“Ray… You gotta fight this” I said sternly, he fought in my hold but I wasn't gonna let him go. “I know you're in there”

“y/n… Honey, help me” Ray then screamed like he was in pain while he fought off the ghost’s deathly hold.

“Ray? I love you! Do you hear me!” she cried, just wanting him back. It would also be smart to note that's the first time she ever told him she loved him, even though they had been best friends since college they just only started dating.

“I love you in every universe”

Smoke then started to surround both Ray and y/n. The ghost started to pull away from Ray's body. Egon and Peter scrambled around from the back of the lab and quickly got a trap and the proton gun.

One last scream ripped from Ray's mouth and ghost cannonball out of Ray. The ghost screamed and hollered as it flew around the lab.

“I got it!” Peter shouted and pointed his proton gun at the ghost, he trapped it with no trouble then quickly kicked it away from Ray and y/n. I bounced off this wall and landed in a dusty corner.

“What happened?” Ray panted, he looked around confused. His brows knitted together when he saw he was covered in duct tape. “why am I covered in tape?”

Y/n immediately wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight. “it doesn't matter… your back, that's what matters”

She kissed both of his cheeks then his forehead. “I love you”

“I love you too” Ray mumbled and nuzzled his face into her neck. He kissed her cheek then looked at his friends.

“could ya untape me now?” the boys quickly nodded and set him free, relieved they have their fun loving friend back.

[pxnsneverland]

Something Immortal | Biker!Austin Butler x OC (part 11)

(gif source: austinbutlerslovers)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13

plot summary: In the gritty underbelly of a city ruled by werewolf biker gangs, Austin Butler reigned supreme as the ruthless leader of his pack. A man of unwavering ferocity, he lied, killed, and stole without remorse, living by a code of violence that defined his kind. Yet, even Austin harbored a secret weakness – his childhood friend Bonnie Barlow, the one woman he had loved in silence for years. Bonnie's father had once been part of Austin's gang, but after his death, she fled the treacherous world of the werewolves, unable to stomach the endless cycle of crime and brutality. For five years, she remained a fugitive from her own nature, until a fateful night when her life took an irreversible turn. Freshly released from a two-year prison stint, Austin returned to his pack, reveling in the debauchery of their den. But his revelry was cut short by a frantic call from Bonnie, pleading for his aid. Rushing to her side, he uncovered a grim truth – in a desperate act of self-defense against her abusive boyfriend, Bonnie had taken a life, awakening the dormant werewolf within her. As the next full moon loomed, she would undergo her first agonizing transformation, a fate she had always dreaded. Defying the pack's ruthless code, Austin sheltered Bonnie, guiding her through the excruciating metamorphosis that tore through her body each lunar cycle. In the depths of her torment, their bond rekindled, blossoming into a love they had long suppressed. Nights of shared laughter and reminiscence gave way to stolen moments of tenderness, their connection deepening with every passing moon. Yet, their newfound bliss was a fragile thing, forever threatened by the harsh realities that governed their world. For Bonnie was branded a deserter, her very existence a betrayal in the eyes of the pack. If Austin's treachery was uncovered, retribution would be swift and merciless.

pairings: biker!austin butler x oc

word count: 3404

warnings/notes:

Chapter 11: A Game of Trust

Just as the comforting silence wrapped around them like a warm blanket, a sudden, sharp knock at the front door shattered the fleeting tranquility. Austin's body went rigid, his instincts immediately springing into high alert, every muscle tensing like a coiled spring. Bonnie sensed the shift in his demeanor, her eyes wide and shimmering with a blend of fear and understanding. "It's probably Bear," she whispered soothingly, attempting to calm him, though her voice wavered with an undercurrent of uncertainty that betrayed her own apprehensions.

Austin's tense nod was a warning, his finger pressed to his lips in a hush gesture as he briskly stepped out of the steamy shower and quickly enveloped himself in a plush towel. His movements were precise and measured, designed to make as little noise as possible as he crept towards the door with the stealth of a specter. Bonnie, trembling like taut violin strings, trailed behind him, hastily wrapping herself in a fluffy bathrobe in an attempt to conceal her nakedness and nerves.

Pressing his eye against the peephole, Austin's tense body visibly relaxed as he caught sight of Robert "Bear" Johnson standing on the other side. With a deep breath, he opened the door just enough for Bear to pass through. The large man entered with heavy footsteps, his usually jovial face now set in an uncharacteristically solemn expression.

“Thanks for coming.” Austin said, his voice still carrying traces of the shower's steam. The tension hadn't quite left his shoulders, evident in the taught line of his posture as he led Bear into the living room. The scent of rain mingled with the lingering aroma of motor oil from Bear's leather jacket, a familiar comfort in the otherwise charged atmosphere.

Bear glanced around, his eyes finally settling on Bonnie. Surprise flickered across his features, replaced quickly by a respectful nod. "Bonnie," he greeted, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. Bonnie offered a tight-lipped smile in return, clutching her bathrobe closer around her.

Bear's eyes softened as he took a step toward her, his massive form dwarfed the small living space, making him seem like a gentle giant caught in a too-small cage. "It's good to see you again," he said, his voice tinged with sincerity and a hint of sadness for the time lost between them.

Bonnie moved forward, her initial hesitation dissolving under his warm gaze. "I've missed you, Bear," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Despite the tension that bubbled beneath the surface of her reunion with the pack, there was an undeniable relief in seeing a familiar and comforting face from her past.

“Bonnie triggered her wolf side a few days ago,” Austin started to explain, “She called me to help her.”

Bear nodded knowingly. Austin would have never passed up Bonnie if she needed him. It had been that way since they were kids. “Did Victor find out?” It only made sense. Victor was missing and Austin had called Bear to his house. He must know something.

“He did. But he found out by walking in on Bonnie mid transformation. And…he got too close.”

Bear glanced at Bonnie who refused to look him in the eye. Sweet Bonnie, this must be killing her. Austin walked over to Bonnie placing a hand on her upper arm. She covered her hand with his finding a solid ground in his touch. Bear found himself intrigued by their reaction to each other. “She’s…your mate?”

Bear’s question hung heavy in the air, his deep-set eyes judging none but probing all the same. His tone was soft but laden with implications that could change everything in their tightly-knit pack.

Austin met Bear’s gaze squarely, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before he finally nodded. “She is,” he confirmed with a gravity that matched the importance of this revelation. The weight of his admission seemed to settle on his shoulders like a mantle.

Bonnie's heart hammered in her chest. The word 'mate' resonated with a primal instinct she had long tried to bury. Her eyes lifted to meet Austin's, finding there an intensity that both scared and comforted her. It was as if acknowledging their bond openly had solidified something sacred between them, something unspoken but deeply felt.

Bear exhaled slowly, the sigh containing remnants of wariness and concern, but also acceptance. "Alright." His simple affirmation carried a promise of support that was characteristic of the man; always loyal, always protecting his pack, even when new truths came to light. "What do we do about Jerry?" He shifted slightly, bringing up the one person who could potentially unravel everything they held dear.

Austin's face hardened at the mention of Jerry "The Butcher" Thompson. “Jerry doesn’t know, and we need to keep it that way for now,” Austin replied, his voice low and serious. "He’s getting dangerous, Bear, more suspicious by the day. He’s probably the one that sent Victor after me.”

Bear nodded slowly, the furrow in his brow deepening as he processed the implications. "Victor's always been a loose cannon, but Jerry... he's another level," Bear murmured, his tone grave. The room seemed to tighten around them, the tension palpable.

"We've got to be careful," Austin continued, his eyes darkening with determination. "Bonnie's safety is my priority. We can't let Jerry or anyone else from the gang find out about her being my mate — not until we figure out our next move."

Bonnie squeezed Austin's hand, seeking reassurance. Despite the danger looming over them, his presence provided a tangible sense of security. It was a bittersweet reminder of why she had initially fled from this world; the violence was pervasive, but so too was the profound bond shared among members of the pack.

Bear's voice brought her back from her thoughts. "What about relocating Bonnie? At least till things cool down with Jerry." His suggestion was practical, yet Bonnie could hear the reluctance in his tone. Separation was never ideal for mates, especially newly acknowledged ones.

Austin shook his head, his grip tightening around Bonnie's hand. "No, we stay together," he asserted firmly. "Running isn't going to solve anything. We face this head-on, as a pack."

His resolve was palpable, mirroring the intensity Bonnie felt every time their gazes locked. Her fears, while far from vanquished, were tempered by the strength she drew from Austin’s unwavering presence.

Bear nodded solemnly, understanding the risks involved yet respecting the bond and decision unfolding before him. "All right," he agreed, his voice carrying a protective gruffness. "We make a plan, then. We stay tight, watch each others' backs."

The room was thick with strategies unspoken as each of them retreated back into their thoughts, considering their next moves in this precarious chess game. Austin's mind whirred with tactical possibilities – ways to fortify their defenses, ensure Bonnie’s safety, and manage the growing mistrust within their pack.

Bonnie ventured a step closer to Austin, her expression softening as she reached up to touch his cheek lightly. It was a small gesture but laden with meaning; a thank you for his protection, an acknowledgment of his sacrifice, a silent promise of support. He turned his face to press a kiss into her palm, his eyes closing for just a moment longer than necessary — reinforcing the sanctity of their bond.

Austin finally turned back to Bear. “We keep our meetings discreet. Eyes and ears are everywhere.”

Bear nodded. “And I’ll handle the patrols, make sure we’re not being followed or watched too closely.” His gaze shifted to Bonnie again with a protective sternness that belied his earlier gentleness. “You keep close to Austin at all times.”

Bonnie swallowed hard, her voice a whisper of steel and silk intertwined. "I can fight if I need to.”

Austin's expression softened slightly at Bonnie's declaration, pride flickering in his eyes. "I know you can," he acknowledged quietly, yet there was a firmness in his tone that suggested he would do everything within his power to ensure it never came to that. "But let's hope it doesn't get to that point."

Bear nodded in agreement, his eyes flicking briefly to the door as if expecting trouble to walk through at any moment. "We're stronger together," he murmured, a mantra that had held their pack together through countless challenges.

The air seemed to thrum with the weight of their resolve, a silent pulse that wove through the room, binding them more tightly than any spoken vow. Bonnie felt a surge of fortitude, borrowing from the collective strength of Austin and Bear. Her past fears—ghosts that haunted her since fleeing the violent world she was born into—began to dim under the luminous force of their unity.

As dusk approached, the thickening shadows seemed to echo the growing tension within the walls of their hideout. The evening brought a cool breeze that carried whispers of impending conflict, rustling through the leaves outside like cautious footsteps. Inside, Austin stood by the window, his silhouette framed against the waning light, watching for any signs of intrusion into their sanctuary.

Bonnie joined him, her presence a quiet comfort as she stood silently beside him. He glanced at her, a storm of emotions momentarily clouding his usual steely demeanor. "We'll get through this," he murmured, more to affirm his own conviction than to reassure her. Bonnie nodded, her hand finding his. Their fingers intertwined, a tangible symbol of their interdependence.

In that shared silence, something unspoken passed between them—a deeper acknowledgment of their reliance on each other not just for survival but for the essence of life itself. Bonnie's heart swelled with an emotion so potent it nearly overwhelmed her senses; not just love, but a fierce comradeship forged in the fire of shared tribulations.

Later that night as they prepared for rest in the safety of their secured room, Austin lay awake, his mind a whirlwind of strategies and scenarios. Beside him, Bonnie slept fitfully, her brow occasionally creasing in the dim moonlight that slipped through the blinds. He watched over her, protective and pensive, knowing that the challenges they faced were bigger than either of them but also knowing they were stronger together.

Outside, the sound of a motorcycle engine cut sharply through the night, its roar slicing through the stillness like a warning signal. Austin's body tensed, and he was instantly alert, his senses sharpening as he listened intently. The engine noise faded as quickly as it had appeared, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

Getting up quietly to not disturb Bonnie, Austin moved to the window and peered through the narrow slit between the curtains. His eyes scanned the dark streets, searching for any sign of movement or threat. The quiet was unsettling — too much silence had a way of foreshadowing trouble in his experience.

He knew that Jerry's growing suspicions and aggression could lead to an imminent confrontation, and he needed to be ready. Austin's thoughts drifted to Bear's loyalty and the measures they would need to implement to safeguard their pack. Trust was their greatest defense, yet it was also their most vulnerable target.

Lost in the reflective tides of his thoughts, Austin couldn’t help but drift into the memories of a gentler time—a time when the world seemed vast and filled with mysteries yet to be uncovered. He remembered the first day he met Bonnie; it was during one of those golden summers that stretched endlessly, full of promise and warmth.

They were just kids, wild with the energy of youth and unmarred by the harsh realities that would later color their lives. Austin had been exploring the woods behind his house—an area all the local children were warned to avoid because of old, frightening tales of creatures lurking in the depths. But Austin, always more curious than cautious, had ventured deep into the thicket.

That day, the sun was high and filtered through the dense canopy of leaves, casting a kaleidoscope of light and shadow upon the forest floor. The air was alive with the sounds of nature—the calls of distant birds, the rustling of small animals scurrying about, and the whispering leaves that seemed to tell stories of ancient times.

As he pushed forward, drawn by the lure of discovering secret places, he stumbled upon a clearing. And there she was—Bonnie, with her wavy hair cascading down her shoulders like a chestnut waterfall, her delicate hands intently working on a small floral wreath. She looked up at him with those expressive eyes; large, bright, brimming with a kind soul's quiet strength. At that moment, Austin felt something stir within him—something deep and compelling. He knew she was a member of the pack, a daughter to one of the more feared members, but he had never really looked at her until then.

Her presence in that sunlit clearing was like a beacon, drawing him nearer despite the rumored warnings and the boundaries set by their elders. He approached slowly, his movements cautious, not wanting to startle her or disrupt the serene moment. Bonnie didn’t flinch or run; instead, she smiled, a simple curve of her lips that felt as warm as the sunlight pooling around them.

“It’s dangerous to be here alone,” Austin found himself saying, his voice low and somewhat entranced by the girl before him.

“I know,” Bonnie replied softly, her eyes never leaving his. “But the flowers are so pretty here.”

That encounter marked the beginning of countless secret meetings in that hidden glade. Over time, as they grew from children into young adults, those meetings deepened their bond, weaving their fates together with every shared secret and whispered dream. They learned each other's fears and hopes, understanding the dual nature of their lives intertwined with both ordinary and supernatural threads.

Back in their current refuge, Austin shook off the nostalgia with a heavy sigh and returned his focus to the present dangers. The night was too quiet, and his instincts screamed that it was the calm before a storm. His thoughts turned back to Jerry, whose suspicion could be their undoing. Trust within the gang was essential, but Austin knew all too well that fear could turn even a loyal man into a threat.

He glanced over at Bonnie sleeping peacefully for now and felt a renewed sense of purpose. Protecting her was more than duty; it was a deep-seated need stemming from those long-ago days of innocence and discovery in the forest. He understood that their past, intertwined as it was with both love and darkness, forged a bond that was unique and unbreakable.

With a final look at Bonnie, Austin slipped out of the room quietly, making his way to where Bear had fallen asleep on the cough. The gentle giant was awake, as Austin had expected, sitting with a concerned look on his face.

“We need to talk,” Austin whispered as he entered. Bear nodded, pushing aside the maps and strategies spread across his table.

“It’s about Jerry, isn’t it?” Bear's voice was low but filled with an unwavering strength.

“Yes,” Austin admitted, his gaze hardening. “His distrust is growing. He’s going to challenge the hierarchy soon. I can feel it. And I already know there are some people in the pack willing to back him. He’ll fight me for the position of alpha.”

Bear rubbed his chin, the scruff of his shaved beard making a rasping sound in the quiet room. "We need to be careful how we handle this. If Jerry senses weakness, he'll pounce without hesitation."

Bear leaned back, his large frame making the chair creak under him. "What's your plan?" he asked, his eyes never leaving Austin's.

“We prepare.” Austin knew a fight was inevitable. Even if Jerry couldn’t prove anything, suspicion was enough. And when Victor didn’t come back, it would just add fuel to the fire. “Find out who would be willing to fight for me if it came down to it. Keep it under the table. We don’t need anyone going to Jerry saying you’re asking around.”

Bear nodded slowly. "I’ll talk to the others. But what about Bonnie? If Jerry decides to strike..."

Bear's voice trailed off, the weight of the unspoken consequences hanging heavy between them. Austin felt a knot tighten in his chest at the thought. Protecting Bonnie wasn't just about shielding her from physical harm; it was also about preserving the peace and innocence that still lived within her, despite the chaos that surrounded them.

"We keep Bonnie out of this," Austin said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "No matter what happens, she stays protected. That’s non-negotiable." He paused, his mind racing through various scenarios. Bear nodded in agreement. Austin rubbed his temples. "And Bear, this stays between us.”

"I understand," Bear replied solemnly. Bear's loyalty was unwavering, and Austin trusted him implicitly. Yet as he left Bear's presence, the weight of leadership pressed down upon him.

Navigating the treacherous paths of loyalty and leadership had never felt more burdensome. Austin knew that with each step he took, the risks grew, not just for him, but for everyone he cared about. He walked to the porch, each footstep echoing against the bare walls, a stark reminder of the solitude his position often entailed.

Outside, the moon was full, casting a silver glow over the landscape, transforming the forest into a spectral realm. It was on nights like this that Austin felt the pull of his dual nature most acutely—the wild, untamed instinct clashing with his human desires and duties. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and a faint hint of danger. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted—a lonely sentinel in the night.

Suddenly, his acute hearing picked up the sound of footsteps approaching stealthily from behind. Keeping his movements slow and deliberate, Austin silently shifted his stance, preparing for confrontation. His senses were heightened, every nerve in his body taut as the quiet steps grew closer. As the figure drew nearer, Austin spoke without facing them. “I can hear you.”

The footsteps halted abruptly. There was a tense silence, broken only by the whispering wind rustling through the trees. After a moment that stretched too long into the night, the sound of running and feet hitting falling leaves came through the brush.

Austin reacted instinctively, his body coiling with the readiness of a predator. He turned sharply and caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadow darting through the underbrush. The moonlight flickered off what could only be a leather jacket – a member of their own gang, perhaps, sent to spy by Jerry. His heart pounded not just from the adrenaline but also from the sting of betrayal.

He set off in pursuit, his feet barely touching the soft earth as he moved with a speed that was supernatural. Branches snapped beneath his weight and leaves hissed under his swift passage. Despite his quickness, the figure ahead seemed to dissolve into the darkness, knowing just how to maneuver through the forest’s dense thicket.

Austin knew this part of the woods well; he had played here as a child and later used it as a retreat when the burdens of leadership grew too heavy. But tonight, it felt foreign, as if every shadow harbored an enemy. Up ahead, he spotted the faint outline of someone clambering over a fallen log and disappearing into a thick copse of trees.

Pushing himself harder, Austin reached the copse in seconds but found it eerily quiet. He scanned the darkness, nostrils flaring as he sought out any scent that might give away the intruder’s position. There was nothing but the earthy aroma of damp foliage and pine – and something faintly metallic, like blood.

"Show yourself!" Austin commanded into the silence, his voice carrying through the trees. The forest remained stubbornly silent, mocking him with its peaceful rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze.

The echo of footsteps had faded into oblivion, leaving Austin enveloped in a thick silence. He strained his senses but could no longer catch the elusive scent of whatever he had been pursuing. The air was heavy with the earthy aroma of damp leaves and pine needles, masking any trace of his quarry. All that remained were the distinct paw prints embedded in the soft soil—clearly those of a wolf. His heart pounded as realization struck; his secret, long guarded and closely held, had just been laid bare to the world.

Stay tuned for part 12!! Click HERE to view!

Taglist: @droopycoquette @buckysteveloki-me