Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Shadows in the Daylight

Pon hurried down the street, Aon securely strapped to his chest in a baby carrier. The day had started off well, with the sun shining brightly and the streets buzzing with life. But as he neared the garage, a strange sense of unease crept over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, and every passing car or stranger made his heart race just a little faster.

Pon had been keeping to himself more lately, the weight of his secret growing heavier with each passing day. Bank had begun to make his presence known in ways that were increasingly unsettling. The messages had started out as veiled threats, but now they were more direct, more aggressive. Pon had chosen to keep it all to himself, not wanting to burden Sailub or anyone else in the pack. They were all so happy about the baby, and he didn't want to disrupt that joy.

As Pon approached a crosswalk, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw another message from Bank: *"You can't hide forever, Pon. We need to talk. Alone."* The message sent a shiver down his spine, but he quickly shoved the phone back into his pocket, trying to focus on getting to the garage.

He crossed the street, his eyes darting nervously from side to side. The closer he got to the garage, the more he felt a prickling sensation at the back of his neck, as though someone was following him. He glanced over his shoulder, but saw nothing out of the ordinary—just people going about their day. Still, the feeling persisted.

Just as he reached the alleyway that led to the garage, a car screeched to a halt beside him. Pon's heart leapt into his throat as the window rolled down, revealing Bank's face. His eyes were cold, predatory, as he leaned out the window.

"Pon," Bank called out, his voice smooth but with an underlying edge. "We need to talk."

Pon's grip on Aon tightened instinctively. He didn't respond, trying to ignore Bank and continue walking. But Bank wasn't easily deterred. He revved the engine and followed slowly, keeping pace with Pon as he walked.

"Don't make this difficult," Bank warned. "You know we have unfinished business. I want to see my son."

Pon froze, his blood running cold. Bank knew. How had he found out? He had done everything he could to keep Aon's paternity a secret, but now Bank was using it against him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Pon finally said, his voice trembling as he resumed walking. He could feel Aon squirming slightly, picking up on his anxiety.

Bank laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Don't play dumb, Pon. I've been patient, but my patience is running out. You can't keep Aon from me forever."

Pon quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see the entrance to the garage up ahead, a beacon of safety, but it felt like miles away. "Stay away from us," Pon said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Bank's expression darkened. "You can't just brush me off like this, Pon. I'll get what's mine, one way or another."

With that, Bank sped off, leaving Pon standing there, shaken. He hurried into the garage, trying to calm his racing heart. The moment he stepped inside, the familiar sounds of the team working on cars surrounded him, a comforting hum that contrasted sharply with the chaos in his mind.

"Pon, you okay?" Michael called out, noticing the pale look on Pon's face as he walked in.

Pon forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, just tired. Aon's been fussy all day."

Michael didn't look entirely convinced, but he didn't press further. Pon was grateful for that. The last thing he needed was more questions.

As the day went on, the incidents didn't stop. Pon's car suddenly had a flat tire while he was on his way home, forcing him to pull over in a deserted area. When he tried to call for help, he found that his phone had no signal. A strange car passed by slowly, its occupants staring at him before speeding off, leaving him rattled.