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drabbles-mc · 5 months ago

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Even if You Don't

Benny Cross x Johnny Davis

Warnings: 18+, pining, angsty feels

Word Count: 1.8k

A/N: went and saw The Bikeriders and immediately became unwell about it. won't be normal about them for a long time, i think.

Johnny’s first mistake was thinking that it would mean anything to him.

That was half the reason he fell for Benny in the first place. Before he even realized that he fell for him, he saw the way that Benny never seemed to bat an eye at anything and immediately Johnny knew that he wanted, needed, to keep him close by. Everything that they’d gone through, everything they’d done for the club, it never seemed to break the skin. Not Benny’s. Other guys, yeah, but not Benny. Never Benny.

His real mistake was thinking that he would be the one thing that would get underneath Benny’s skin. He wanted to. More than almost anything else he wanted to be the thing that put a crack in Benny’s armor, the thing that protected him more than the denim and patch on his back. But he wasn’t, even though he tried.

“It’s yours,” Johnny said, standing so close to Benny that Benny could feel his breath fanning across his skin. “Just…think about it.”

Benny didn’t look at him. Johnny’s lips were practically brushing against the impossibly smooth skin of Benny’s cheek and it was like he didn’t even notice. Johnny felt like his breath was catching in the back of his throat and he didn’t want to think that he was alone in that.

Maybe, he thought, his first mistake wasn’t thinking that it would matter to Benny. Maybe his first mistake was saying something other than what he really meant. If Johnny had plucked up the courage to say what he was really feeling, maybe then it would’ve mattered to Benny. The truth, laid out bare and vulnerable the way it should’ve been, might have gotten Benny to at least meet his eyeline.

It shouldn’t have been any harder to say, really. The truth in its totality was no longer of an explanation than the sliver of it that he’d offered to Benny in that moment. But he just couldn’t do it. Johnny could take a lot of beatings and still come out on top, keep getting back up again. He could wipe out on his bike and not hesitate to throw his leg back over it again once he got it upright. He could take all of that and then some with almost no complaints. But he knew he couldn’t take the toll of telling Benny everything and still having him walk away.

Kathy’s words rattled relentless around his skull. It was easier to blame his hesitancy on her so that was exactly what he did. It was her, not his own cowardice, that made him flake in the moment when it mattered most. He held his tongue and watched Benny hobble away on his crutch, not even sparing Johnny a backwards glance as he did. He wanted him, even if he couldn’t have him.

Benny never brought it up again. Johnny had to fight the urge every day to ask him about it. If the two of them hadn’t been men of such few words, he never would’ve been able to stop himself. He should’ve just been honest from the start. It’d make for one less weight on his shoulders. Late at night when he was laying in bed staring up at the ceiling, Johnny could swear that he felt the warmth radiating off Benny’s cheek still lingering on his skin. They’d been so close.

It was the middle of the night when Johnny tried to tell him again. The two of them cloaked in darkness, just like last time. Only this time their privacy wasn’t secured by an empty field, but by the close confines of Johnny’s car. They were still so close, and Benny still wasn’t looking at him.

“I can’t run this on my own anymore,” Johnny said. Not a lie but still not the full truth.

Benny wasn’t looking at him. His eyes were locked on the windshield, or rather on the street in front of them. Johnny was no mind-reader but he was still willing to bet that Benny was probably thinking about how quickly and easily he could get out of the car and make his way back over to his bike. Johnny couldn’t let him slip away without saying what he needed to. Not again.

“This club…it needs someone like you.” He was kicking himself for each word as it came out but he didn’t stop. “Not even someone like you,” he said as he shook his head. “It needs you. You.”

Benny raised his eyebrows slightly and Johnny thought that maybe they were getting somewhere. He was thinking that maybe Benny would turn and look at him and he’d see it all in Johnny’s eyes so he wouldn’t have to say it all out loud. Benny would just know what to do because Benny always knew what to do. Then Benny’s gaze just dropped to his own hands instead.

Johnny rested his hand on the console between them. He drew in a deep breath as slowly and quietly as he could, not wanting to give himself away although he briefly considered the fact that it was already too late for that. His hand clenched into a fist, grip tighter than it’d ever been wrapped around a handlebar, blunt nails digging into the meat of his palm.

He was able to look at Benny all the way up until the moment he started to speak again. Right as the first word started to tumble out, he stared at his clenched fist with more intensity than Benny was staring at his hands. If he looked at his hand, he wouldn’t be able to see the reaction or lack thereof on Benny’s face as he said, “I need you.”

The pause was agonizing. Silence hadn’t ever caused Johnny’s ears to ring quite so loudly before. His hand started to tremble as it stayed clenched on the console. He didn’t know what he was expecting. But he wanted it to be something. There wasn’t even the click of the door handle to let him know that Benny was walking away all over again.

Johnny’s voice had a bare hint of a tremor to it when he spoke up again, most of it disguised underneath the usual rasp. “I can’t do this without you.”

Benny shrugged, looking at Johnny’s clenched fist. “You’ve been runnin’ the club fine so far.”

Despite the passive nature of Benny’s words, they still breathed confidence into Johnny that had been slipping away in the silent moments before. He found it in himself to look at Benny even if he wasn’t going to return the favor. “I don’t mean the club. I can’t…” he trailed off for a moment, forcing his hand to open, palm flattening against the console again. “Club’s yours if you want it. I’m yours even if you don’t.”

That was what did it. Benny’s eyes flicked up from the console. He kept his expression trained, neutral the way that it so often. But the unwavering eye contact that he was finally giving said more than a blush or a frown or a smile ever would have. Johnny felt the air get stuck in the back of his throat again, felt the flashback of warmth from Benny’s skin despite the distance between them.

Slowly, almost methodically, Benny brought his hand up. He dragged the pads of his fingertips across his lips, like the action was coaching him into whatever his next move was going to be. Johnny couldn’t take his eyes off of Benny’s, but even so he was painstakingly aware of the fall of Benny’s hand. It didn’t land on top of Johnny’s. He didn’t get the reward of the warmth of Benny’s palm coating the back of his hand the way he desperately yearned for. But Benny’s hand did land in such a way that the tips of his fingers hooked against his. A ghost of a touch but somehow still more than Johnny felt like he’d ever gotten from him before.

It was always Johnny, really. Johnny’s hand out in an offer of help from the ground after a fight. Johnny’s arm tucked against Benny’s back helping him limp away after wiping out of his bike. Johnny’s hand firm against his chest pulling him back before Benny took things a few hits too far. It was always Johnny. Reaching. Starting. Hoping.

Now he could feel the pull of Benny’s fingers against his own. Touch that he didn’t initiate. Touch that Benny wasn’t pulling away from but rather leaning into. Johnny didn’t know when Benny’s face got so close to his, the two of them drawing closer and closer like a pair of magnets. Always pulling despite it all. There was no barrier this time, no safety net of Johnny’s lips beside Benny’s cheek, breath against his jawline. He couldn’t hide. Benny wasn’t letting him.

“Think about it,” Johnny said, repeating his words from before. He wondered if Benny would see it now, the way that it’d always been about this. Or maybe he always knew. Maybe he just wanted Johnny to say it so he knew he meant it.

Benny’s lips brushed against his in a way that somehow managed to be soft but still knock the wind out of him in a way that a landed punch never had. Soft in a way that Johnny hadn’t felt deserving of for longer than he could remember.

Then he was gone again. Hands in his lap, leaning back in the passenger seat like none of it had even happened. Eyes fixed forward once more while Johnny was still fighting the urge to lunge across the console to finish what they were finally starting.

Benny didn’t care about anything until he did, and even then he didn’t show it. Johnny reminded himself of that as he felt the chilly air winding its way between his fingers where Benny’s had previously been. He fixed himself so that he was properly back in the driver’s seat. There was a slight frown tugging at his lips as he tried to think about anything other than the rapid beat of his heart. Meanwhile Benny looked like he was thinking about his next cigarette.

Johnny’s tongue darted out along his bottom lip, gathering up the last traces of Benny he’d have for now, or for good if the cards didn’t fall just right. It wasn’t until he saw Benny mirror the same action, the fleeting but pensive look on his face as he did so, that Johnny allowed himself to entertain the thought that maybe Benny wasn’t as impenetrable as he’d originally thought. Benny who never batted an eye, Benny who acted first and thought about it later, Benny who didn’t bother asking questions. Benny who never flinched when it came to the club. That was the Benny that Johnny knew.

But now this wasn’t about the club anymore. He watched Benny, for the first time in a long time, think before making his next move. Then Johnny watched Benny reach for the handle of the door and he just hoped that he wasn’t making another mistake. The tightness in his chest was soothed only by the look Benny cast back over his shoulder at him as he walked to his bike. A ghost of a smirk on his face.

Bikeriders Taglist: currently nonexistent because i just saw the movie and started writing for it today 😂 benny and johnny will be living in my head rent free for the foreseeable future though so if you wanna get tagged please let me know! xo

#the bikeriders #the bikeriders 2024 #the bikeriders fanfiction #benny cross #benny cross fanfiction #johnny davis #johnny davis fanfiction #benny cross x johnny davis #johnny davis x benny cross #my writing #fanfiction #drabblesmc

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pxnsneverland · 5 months ago

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

(gif source: austinbutlerslovers)

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

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