Vic met Chase’s eyes.“Even if my blood keeps trying to start wars?”
“Especially then,” Chase said.“Bear talks about you.So does Hurley.Even Mason’s noticed what you’ve been for me.You’re not just some fill-in drummer anymore, Vic.You’re one of us.The club sees that.They’re not gonna turn on you because your half brother’s an asshole.That’s his mess, not yours.”
The words landed like a steady backbeat—solid, reassuring, exactly what Vic hadn’t realized he needed to hear.
He let out a long breath, some of the tension bleeding out of his shoulders.“Thanks, kid.I needed that.”
Chase shrugged, but there was a quiet pride in his expression.“Anytime.Now let’s run that bridge again.You were rushing it because you’re in your head.Loosen up.I’ve got your back on the lead.”
Vic nodded, picking up his sticks again.This time when they started the song, the groove settled.Not perfect—nothing ever was—but closer.Stronger.
He still didn’t know what Conner would do next.
But with Chase’s words echoing in his chest and the pulse of the kit under his hands, Vic felt a little less alone in the fight.
***
Bonnie
Bonnie stood just inside the side door of Slate’s studio, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, nerves buzzing under her skin in the best possible way.The late-morning sun poured through the high windows, turning dust motes into floating gold.She’d changed her shirt three times before settling on a simple black tank and her favorite jeans—professional but stillher.Today felt important.Like the kind of day that could change everything.
Bethany Mason-Taylor had driven up from Nashville that morning, and she was already inside talking with Benny.Bonnie could hear their low laughter drifting down the hallway—warm, easy, like they’d known each other longer than twenty minutes.
She took a deep breath and stepped into the main room.
Bethany turned at the sound of her boots on the floor, and Bonnie’s first impression wasstrength.The woman was sharp-eyed and put-together in a tailored blazer over sleek jeans, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail.There was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself—the kind that came from surviving things most people never had to face.
“Bonnie,” Bethany said, smiling as she extended a hand.Her grip was firm, warm.“It’s good to finally meet you in person.Mason’s been singing your praises.”
“Only the good parts, I hope,” Bonnie replied, grinning.
Bethany laughed.“All of them.He doesn’t waste breath on people who don’t earn it.”
Benny stood off to the side, arms crossed, looking more relaxed than he had in weeks.“She already likes our new material.Told me the label’s excited about the collaboration possibilities.”
Bethany nodded, pulling a sleek tablet from her bag.“That’s why I’m here.Iron Indian Records wants to make this official.We’re prepared to offer coordinated management and touring support for both your solo band and the work you’ll be doing with Occupy Yourself.We can align schedules, handle logistics, and make sure you’re not burning yourself out in the process.Creative control stays with you and the bands.We’re partners, not dictators.”
Bonnie felt a rush of warmth bloom in her chest.This wasn’t some small-time deal or a favor from Meg.This was real.A label that believed in them—in her—enough to invest time, resources, and strategy.
Bethany continued, her voice enthusiastic.“We’ve already blocked out some strong support slots for Blazeborn on the upcoming comeback tour.Nothing that conflicts with OY’s headline dates.We want both acts to shine.”
Benny caught Bonnie’s eye from across the room and gave her a small, proud nod.She felt her throat tighten with something dangerously close to tears.
“I don’t know what to say,” Bonnie admitted, laughing a little.“This feels like...more than I ever let myself hope for.”
Bethany’s expression softened, but her eyes stayed sharp and knowing.“You’ve earned it.I’ve read the reports, listened to the tracks, and watched the live footage.You bring fire.Vic brings steadiness.Together with Benny and the rest of OY?It’s special.We’re not here to tame that.Our goal is to amplify it.”
They spent the next hour going over details.All the dates, logistics, and promotional ideas, with the conversation flowing easy and fast.Bethany was sharp, funny when she wanted to be, and clearly passionate about the music.By the time they wrapped up, Bonnie felt lighter than she had in months.
As they walked Bethany back to her car, the label owner paused and looked between Bonnie and Benny.
“This is going to be good,” she said, smiling.“For all of us.Welcome to Iron Indian Records.”
Bonnie watched the sleek SUV pull away, then turned to Benny, unable to keep the grin off her face.
“We’re really doing this,” she said, half laughing, half disbelieving.
Benny bumped her shoulder with his.“Yeah, we are.And you’re a big part of why.”
