Jessica leaned back in her seat, arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on her face as she looked at the three guys across from her.
"Alright, you're all officially signed up," she announced, glancing at her holo-pad. "No backing out now."
Matthew groaned, rubbing his temples. "I still can't believe you got me into this. I mean, really? A death race?"
Jessica rolled her eyes. "You need money for your tech, don't you? Since you're too damn stubborn to accept Logan's stash of millions, this is the next best option. So quit complaining."
Matthew sighed, then looked at her with a small grin. "You know, this is why I love you."
Jessica smirked. "Damn right it is."
The rest of the team groaned in unison.
"Oh, come on," William muttered. "I didn't sign up for this PDA nonsense."
Logan smirked, shaking his head. "Yeah, get a room, you two."
Matthew just shrugged. "Whatever. You guys are just jealous."
William leaned forward. "Jealous? Bro, I signed up for this race because I actually want to do it. Unlike you, I'm here for the thrill."
Matthew shot him a glare. "Well, I don't want to die for some stupid thrill, thank you very much."
Logan, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "You're not doing this alone, Matt. That's the only reason I'm in. I don't need the money, but I'm not letting you go into something this dangerous without backup."
Matthew glanced at Logan, his expression shifting from annoyance to something softer. "Yeah... I know."
Jessica cleared her throat, getting them back on track. "Alright, back to business. You guys have two choices: use your own vehicles or pick from the organization's selection and modify them. So what's it gonna be?"
Matthew leaned forward, scanning the list before pointing at one. "Dodge Charger Hellcat. I'll take it. But I want it delivered untouched. I'll handle the modifications myself."
Jessica nodded, logging his choice. "Done."
William grinned as he scrolled through the options. "Oh, hell yes. Mercedes G-Wagon G63 AMG 6×6. I want this beast."
Jessica raised an eyebrow. "You sure? That's a big-ass truck for a race."
William smirked. "Yeah, but it's gonna be a monster once Matthew works his magic on it."
Matthew rolled his eyes but nodded. "Fine, fine. I'll make it work."
Logan barely hesitated before making his pick. "Lancer Evolution X."
Matthew blinked, then stared at Logan like he had just said something ridiculous. "Are you serious? Of all the cars you could pick, you go with an Evo X?"
Logan shrugged. "Old school and vintage are my thing."
Matthew scoffed. "Man, you are impossible."
Jessica smirked, finalizing the payments and entering their base address for the deliveries. "Alright, payments are in, and the vehicles should arrive in a few days. You guys have two weeks to get them race-ready."
Matthew cracked his knuckles. "That's more than enough time."
Logan smirked. "Good. Because we're not just entering this race—we're winning it."
The room went quiet for a moment, and then William chuckled. "Damn right we are."
Jessica grinned. "Then you boys better get to work."
With that, the countdown to the most dangerous race of their lives had officially begun.
A few days later, the team's vehicles arrived at their base, delivered in massive, armored transporters. The sound of hydraulic lifts hummed through the air as the cars were carefully unloaded one by one.
Matthew, standing with a wrench in hand, let out a low whistle as he walked up to his Dodge Charger Hellcat. "Damn… Even stock, this thing looks mean." He ran his hand over the matte-black finish, already picturing the modifications he was about to make.
William clapped his hands together as he admired his Mercedes G-Wagon G63 AMG 6×6. "Now this is a beast! I can't wait to see what you do with it."
Logan, standing next to his Lancer Evolution X, remained calm as usual, running a hand along the car's hood. He could already picture the kind of precision and speed he would need for the race. He wasn't here for the money—he was here to keep his team alive.
Jessica crossed her arms and leaned against a crate of supplies, smirking. "Alright, boys. You've got less than two weeks to turn these into death machines. Think you can handle it?"
Matthew grinned. "Oh, sweetheart, this is what I do."
For the next several days, the base transformed into a high-tech garage.
Matthew worked tirelessly, welding, modifying, and upgrading each vehicle with lethal precision. He installed reinforced armor plating, reinforced the frames, added nitrous boosters, and fitted each car with advanced sensor systems.
William's G-Wagon received a custom suspension system, military-grade bulletproof windows, and a high-caliber rotary turret attachment—something he called a "just in case" measure.
Logan's Evo X was modified for pure speed and maneuverability. Matthew tweaked the engine, reinforced the undercarriage, and installed retractable defensive countermeasures, including smoke screens and EMP disruptors.
Matthew, being the most hands-on with his own ride, went all out. His Hellcat was turned into a monstrous hybrid of power and destruction, featuring spiked wheels for traction, an upgraded turbo system, and a reinforced ramming bumper that could send other vehicles flying.
After days of non-stop work, the team took their cars out for a test drive in an abandoned lot.
Logan sped ahead, weaving between obstacles effortlessly. William pushed his G-Wagon through a series of off-road terrains, testing its endurance. Matthew, in his Hellcat, slammed on the gas and let the engine roar as he drifted around corners, leaving a trail of smoke behind.
Jessica, watching from the sidelines, nodded in approval. "Looks like you boys might actually survive this."
William smirked. "Might? Sweetheart, we're winning this thing."
Logan, gripping the wheel of his Evo, narrowed his eyes. "We'll see."
With just over a week left until the race, the team was locked in. There was no turning back now.
With the Death Race only a day away, each team member spent their final hours in their own way—making peace with their decisions, tying up loose ends, and indulging in moments they might never get again.
---
Logan and Elsa spent their day away from the chaos, opting for a peaceful, scenic drive outside the city. They parked near a secluded cliffside overlooking the ocean, the sun beginning to set in the distance.
Elsa leaned against Logan's Stingray, arms crossed. "You really don't have to do this, you know."
Logan, sitting on the hood of the car, exhaled slowly. "I know. But I can't let them go in alone."
She turned to him, brushing her fingers through his hair. "You act like you're their guardian or something."
A smirk played on Logan's lips. "In a way, I am."
Elsa shook her head, stepping between his legs, placing her hands on his chest. "Just promise me one thing."
"What?"
She leaned closer, her voice soft but firm. "You come back to me. No matter what happens in that race."
Logan pulled her in, resting his forehead against hers. "I promise."
The two shared a deep, lingering kiss, neither wanting to let go. Because once tomorrow came, everything would be different.
---
William & His Mother – A Mother's Worry
William spent his day at the Bureau of Justice compound, visiting his mother in her lab.
She raised an eyebrow when he walked in. "I know that look. You're about to do something reckless."
William smirked. "What? Me? Reckless?"
She crossed her arms, giving him a knowing stare. "Spill it."
With a sigh, William explained the Death Race—what it was, why he was doing it, and who he was doing it with.
His mother didn't say a word for a long moment. Then she turned away, rubbing her temples. "I should be used to this by now. First, you refuse to join the Bureau. Now you're joining a bloodsport."
William chuckled. "At least I'm consistent."
She sighed, walking over and pulling him into a tight hug. "Just… be careful, okay?"
William hesitated for a second before hugging her back. "I will, Mom."
Before he left, she handed him a small reinforced pendant.
"What's this?"
"A luck charm. It's made of experimental alloy—it might stop a bullet or two. Not that I want you to test it."
William smirked. "No promises."
---
Matthew & Jessica – Meeting the Sister
Matthew spent his last day with Jessica, but she had a surprise for him—introducing him to her older sister, Helena.
They met at a high-end lounge, where Helena was already waiting. The moment Matthew saw her, he understood exactly what Jessica meant by 'ferocious'.
Helena was taller than Jessica, with piercing amber eyes and a more predatory aura. Unlike Jessica's playful and cocky nature, Helena had a more intimidating and dominant presence.
Jessica smirked as she introduced them. "Matthew, meet my sister, Helena. Helena, meet my pain-in-the-ass boyfriend, Matthew."
Matthew, never one to back down, grinned. "So, you're the famous older sister. Gotta say, Jess got the looks, but I see where she got the intimidation factor from."
Helena leaned forward, her sharp eyes analyzing him like prey. "And you're the tech nerd who's dating my little sister. I heard you're reckless, foul-mouthed, and like to piss people off."
Matthew smirked. "Guilty as charged."
Helena sipped her drink, then gave Jessica a look. "I like him."
Jessica laughed. "Told you."
Matthew exhaled in relief. "Damn, I thought I was about to get my throat ripped out."
Helena smirked. "Oh, don't worry. That depends on how you treat my sister."
Matthew chuckled but took the warning seriously.
As the night went on, they drank, talked, and shared stories. For once, there were no fights, no weapons, no missions—just a group of people enjoying the moment before the storm.
---
The Calm Before the Storm
As midnight approached, Logan, William, and Matthew all found themselves back at their base, standing outside near their heavily modified vehicles.
No words were needed. They all knew what tomorrow meant.
William finally broke the silence. "So… any last words before we risk our lives in this crazy-ass race?"
Matthew cracked his knuckles. "Yeah. I call dibs on the prize money."
Logan smirked. "We'll see."
Jessica and Elsa watched them from the side, both shaking their heads.
Jessica sighed. "Boys and their death games."
Elsa smirked. "They'll be fine. They always are."
As the team prepared for the deadliest race of their lives, the air was filled with unspoken determination.
Tomorrow, they either won… or they died trying.