Ali led a customer out of the office with a polite smile plastered on her face. There were only some many times she could tell a man that he needed a new alternator and that she was just giving the hemorrhage the Band-Aid treatment until he gave her the go-ahead to order the part. He just would't budge on the subject, not wanting to spend the money on the old hunk of junk, so she let it go.

"If you have any more trouble with it, please bring it back in and I'll do what I can to keep her on the road." She assured him in her best customer voice.

"Thanks sweetness." He waved as he headed across the yard to pick up his car.

Ali let her face slip, glowering at his retreating back, "Prick."

She'd been in a fowl mood since the boys had left for Ireland a few days ago. Without the majority of the crew, or Gemma for that matter, around to run TM, Ali and Lowell had stepped up the plate. Tig and Piney took care of most of the club business, but they didn't know the first thing about running the automotive side of things.

Ali thanked god for all the times Papa had insisted she learn the administrative side of his shop, but she missed being able to focus on a broken-down engine without having to worry about the paperwork that would inevitably follow.

Frankly, she didn't want to have to think about anything, because thinking inevitably led to her thinking of Chibs. She hated herself for telling him to go after his family. Then she hated herself for thinking that. He was only doing what a good man should do. She had to respect that.

But respect didn't help her as she lay awake in her empty bed in her empty house. Without the distractions of work, her mind would always find its way to back to him. Sometimes the anger and sorrow would swallow her whole and she would cry herself to sleep. Other nights she's let herself indulge in a fantasy world where Fiona didn't exist and Chibs belonged to her… just her.

Ali would tilt her head to the side, imagining Chibs behind her holding her against his broad chest, his warm lips and gentle teeth nipping at the sensitive juncture where her shoulder met her neck. She'd cup one of her breasts in her hand, picturing his hand kneading her supple flesh, tweaking her hardening nipple between his calloused fingers until she whimpered hungrily for more.

He would flatten his other hand on the gentle curve of her stomach, sliding it teasingly slow down her torso and under her the top edge of her panties. She'd imagine the cocky smirk on his face as his fingers discovered the heat and moisture pooled between her legs. He'd whisper filthy things in her ear in his velvet brogue, making her shudder with anticipation.

She'd dream he'd stroke her slick folds, his fingers slipping into her heated core, the palm of his hand grinding rhythmically against her swollen clit. The increase in tempo as his brilliant fingers plunged into her depths, drawing an rapturous scream from her lips as an orgasm ripped through her, setting her very synapses aflame.

She'd come with his name dripping her lips, but as the euphoria melted away so did her over-active imagination. She was still alone. Chibs wasn't hers and probably never would be. Ali wanted to forget him, but she knew it was impossible. She couldn't forget the man she loved. What she needed was a distraction to take her mind off the scarred man who'd run away with her fragile heart.

She wondered if he was alright… if he missed her as much as she missed him or if Fiona had already reclaimed her lost husband.

Ali shook her head. She was doing it again. She filed those memories away for now. She was on the clock and there were plenty of vehicles that still needed her attention.

She had just picked up her clipboard to decide which car took priority next when a low rumble disturbed the peace and quite of the TM yard. Ali looked up with a furrowed brow as a lone rider cruised into the yard. He wasn't a son, but Ali recognized his kutte instantly… He was a European Assassin... and she knew him.

She put down her clip and walked out into the yard crossing her arms over her chest and popping a hip to the side to emphasize the annoyed look on her pretty face. She was pissed.

The rider came to a halt in front of her with a shit-eating grin on his perfectly sculpted Nordic face, "Hey, beautiful."

"What are you doing here, Viking?" She growled.

"What? No hug? No 'oh my god, Vince, I've missed you so much?'" The rider chuckled.

"Oh my god, Vince, I've missed you so much," Ali deadpanned without enthusiasm.

"What about my hug?"

Ali smacked him on the arm.

"Ow! Real mature, Princess!" Vince whined.

"What are you doing here, Vince?" Ali asked again seriously.

"Tony's out." Vince explained grimly as he dismounted his bike and removed his helmet.

Vince towered over Ali. He was just as tall if not taller than Opie and build just as strong. His naturally bleach blonde hair was neatly braided and tied off with two leather straps at the nape of his neck and at the end, which sat between his shoulder blades. Hi goatee was trimmed short against his chin and his ice-blue eyes shone with concern as Ali paled at his words.

"When?" She blurted out when she found her voice again.

"Last week. Skipped town before we could pick him up. The Boss sent me down to keep an eye on you in case the bastard tries to come after you again. He thought you needed more protection, especially now Kip's… well…"

"…Dead?" Ali finished for him, "Thanks for the reminder, but I'm perfectly safe here with the Sons. I don't need your protection."

Ali turned to walk away, but Vince caught her arm before she could get too far, "Ali wait! Costa's nervous the Sons don't have enough men to keep you safe. He's worried about you, Princess." Vince tried to reason with her, "Please let me do this. I know we don't have the best history, but I still care about you. I wish I could have stopped Tony the first time he hurt you, but I swear if he does try that shit again, he won't get close enough to give you a paper cut."

Ali saw the sincerity in his eyes, but was hesitant to accept his offer.

"Everything alright, Ali?" Tig called out as he marched in their direction from the clubhouse, his hand already resting on the butt of the handgun tucked into the back of his jeans.

Vince released his grip on Ali's arm as the sergeant at arms approached.

Ali waved him off, "I'm fine, Tiggy."

Tig glared at Vince, "Who the fuck are you?"

Ali stepped in before Vince could speak, "Tig this is Vince. Vince… Tig. He came by to let me know that Tony got out of prison and is probably on his way to kill me. Papa sent Vince to be my new babysitter."

Tig raised a cocky eyebrow, appraising Vince, "Did he now?"

"Play nice." Ali warned her dark-haired friend.

Tig plastered a fake smile on his face, "Welcome to Charming. Don't let the population sign hit you in the ass on your way out of town."

"Tiggy!" Ali screeched causing Tig to wince.

"Come on Ali, we don't need help keeping you safe from your Ex."

"The boss knows the majority of your crew is overseas looking for your VP's son. He knows you're short-staffed and just wants to help. Ali means the world to the old man. It would kill him if she got hurt again...or worse." Vince elaborated.

Ali sighed. It made sense, but she didn't like it.

"Fine." Ali conceded.

"Ali?" Tig questioned

"I don't really have much of a choice, Tig. You need as many of the boys to help you with club business. I'm a lower priority. This way you can focus on the club, I'm protected and my Papa won't give himself a heart attack thinking about my safety."

"You mean I can stay?" Vince smirked at the little brunette.

Ali turned on him, "Let me get a few things straight… you don't fuck with the Sons, you don't get in my way and you don't piss me off. Got it?"

"Yes ma'am." Vince nodded. "I can live with those terms. Um what do we do now?"

"We do nothing. I have work to do. Why don't you park your bike over with the rest of them over there and get comfortable. It might get boring… unless you want to be my tool bitch or something." Ali suggested.

Vince smirked, "I'm sure I can amuse myself."

As the blonde biker climbed on his bike, started the up the engine again and moved away to the row of bikes closer to the clubhouse Tig moved closer to Ali's side.

"You trust him?"

Ali nodded, "Papa trusts him and we've know each other since we were kids. He's annoying as hell, but he'll do his job. He's too scared of Papa to risk my wellbeing… it would be bad for his health."

Tig picked up on something in her voice, "You slept with him didn't you?"

Ali's eyes widened, "How did you…?"

"When you fuck around as much as I do you can just sense these things. " Tig smirked.

"Once, "Ali admitted, "When I was eighteen and didn't know any better."

"Popped your cherry, didn't he?"

Ali grimaced but nodded, "Like I said, I was young and stupid."

"Why'd you break up... assuming there was a relationship?"

"He treated me like a trophy… caught him bragging to some of the other prospects about how he'd done the Boss' little Princess. That was the end of it."

"Well that sucks."

"Tell me about it. Papa wouldn't let me have him whacked."

Tig chuckled, "Just be careful. Loverboy might be looking for round two and Chibs isn't here to…"

Ali's eyes flashed dangerously and Tig bit his tongue.

"To do what, Tig? Mark his territory? Save me from the big bad wolf?" Ali sneered.

"Shit, Ali, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Tig back-tracked quickly.

"No you weren't. I don't belong to Chibs, remember? He already has a wife, so if I want to fuck my way down memory lane with that goddamn Viking I will and it won't be any of his business or yours!"

Ali stormed off towards the garage as Tig called out to her, "Ali! Wait! That's not what I meant. I…"

"Shut it Tig!" Ali snapped at him.

Tig sighed, knowing better than to follow her. He watched the tall blonde biker join her in the garage. He leaned against a wall and didn't bother to hide the fact he was looking down Ali's shirt as she bent over another busted car engine. Ali didn't seem to notice the hungry way Vince was looking at her. Tig shook his head. He already didn't like the guy, but Ali had made her choice. Tig just hoped the motherfucker could keep him hands to himself and focus on keeping the Princess safe.


Chibs watched in anticipation as the black van door slid open and out stepped Fiona. He let out a startled gasp when his baby girl, Kerrianne, stepped out behind her mother. He wanted to rush and pull his girls into his arms, but he noticed how unsure Kerrianne was. She was scared and she didn't really know him. In truth, he didn't really know her either.

He was stunned by how much Kerrianne had grown into a beautiful young woman. She had been a toddler when he was forced out of Ireland. He'd barely heard her first words or seen her walk before he'd left and now she was fifteen and he had no place in her life. It was a bittersweet moment and he was forced to realize just how much of her life he'd missed….because of Jimmy.

He didn't miss how his daughter had been hesitant about accepting his embrace. It tugged painfully at his heart and he promised himself he'd fix their relationship once Jimmy was out of the picture.

He felt Fiona wrap her arms around him and his baby. His family was together again. He wished it was under better circumstances, but he'd take any time with them he could get.

Yet, even as he held his girls in the SAMBEL parking lot, even though he knew he shouldn't be, Chibs found himself thinking about the blue-eyed Princess he'd left behind.


With Vince living at her house to provide her with twenty-four hour protection, Ali got used to him being around. She was surprised to find herself enjoying Vince's company. He was less of a jerk than she remembered. He'd matured a lot since their brief teenage fling.

Ali smiled at the thought. Vince was the type of guy she should be with. He was sweet and attentive and it helped that he was incredibly good looking… not really Ali's type, but he was still nice to look at.

When he asked her to dinner, Ali decided what the hell. If Vince wanted to try and make her happy, she should let him. Even if it didn't last, it might help her get back on the dating pony and help put Chibs behind her.


It had been music to Chib's ears when Father Ashby, speaking for the IRA counsel, had given Jax his permission to kill Jimmy in exchange for them returning Abel. It was a no brainer, but Jimmy was a slippery bastard.

The plan was to draw Jimmy into the open for a protection run and take him out. But Jimmy somehow found out and everything went to shit. Chibs watched in horror as poor Padarick, his own nephew, died in his arms after being blown to pieces by their delivery truck, which had been rigged with enough explosives to kill them all. Someone was helping Jimmy and Chibs had a bad feeling they were involved with the club.


The feelings Ali started having for Vince snuck up on her so gradually she didn't notice until he kissed her… and to her surprise, she kissed him back. Next thing she they were sort of dating. Then after a night of pleasant but forgettable drunken sex they were officially a couple.

Vince always seemed to have to be touching her. He'd hold her hand in public, wrap an arm around her waist or shoulders whenever he could as if declaring to the world she was his. Ali kind of liked the feeling, but there was always that voice in the back of her mind that reminded her that Vince was not Chibs.

Ali often berated herself for comparing the two men. Chibs was one in a million. He was the gentle rogue: toughness, heart, humor and unconventionally beauty all rolled into one badass outlaw biker package. He drew her to him like electricity to a tesla coil, but he'd chosen to try and make things work with his family… like any good man should.

Being with Vince had its ups and downs. Ali found she had a hard time reading him and the passion was nowhere near as engulfing as Ali thought it should be. She wasn't sure if it was a bad sign when her mind wandered during sex, but she wasn't willing to give up on them just yet. Some people believed that love and passion only grew with time… maybe that's how things would be with Vince. She just needed to give it some time. For now she had a boyfriend who put her first and she was determined to enjoy the experience… even if it didn't feel quite right.


Betrayed by their own brothers, Liam and McGee… Chibs was gutted by the idea. Now both traitors were dead and the SAMCRO boys were hot on Jimmy's trail. Chibs was afraid Jimmy would try to get to his girls and use them as leverage during his escape, but it soon became clear they weren't his targets… he was after Abel.

They boys arrived only minutes after Jimmy had killed Abel's adoptive parents and taken the baby hostage. Chibs had looked down on the young couples' bodies and shook his head. They were innocent in all this, just wanting to bring a child into their lives. They didn't deserve this, but there was nothing to be done now. Jimmy had Abel and they had to get him back.


Vince looked over at Ali sleeping soundly in her bed. It was their bed now, he smirked to himself. She was quite beautiful… when he couldn't see her scars. It was a bit of a shame… he'd really liked fucking doggy-style, but he couldn't get off when he was looking at those raised welts trailing up and down her spine. They just made his skin crawl. At least she had some decent tits he could focus on instead.

He just wished she'd stop moaning and calling out for someone named Chibs while she was asleep. It didn't sound like she was having sex dreams about the guy either, which would have at least been fun for him to watch. Her voice sounded lost and desperate to find this Chibs guy. But Ali belonged to him now and he wasn't letting her go, especially for someone with a fucking stupid name.

Vince checked the bedside clock, which read two in the morning. He slid from the sheets careful not to wake his bedmate. He pulled on a robe from the hook on the back of the bedroom door and snuck through the darkened living room and kitchen. Silently he slid open the patio door and stepped out onto Ali's back deck.

Looking around to make sure he wasn't being watched, Vince pulled out his cell phone and hit speed-dial. Holding it up to his ear he heard the other end ring twice before Costa's deep voice answered.

"Yeah?"

"Its Vince, Boss. Checking in," Vince explained.

"Is everything going to plan?" Costa questioned.

"She doesn't suspect a thing, sir," Vince smirked.

"Excellent. She belongs with me, not with the fucking SOA in some shit town. Did you get the ring?" Cost inquired.

"Yes, sir. It's a real beauty too." Vince announced proudly.

"Good. Only the best for my Princess. Just make it convincing or she'll see right through you. She always was a smart girl." Costa warned.

"I know, sir. I'll make her love me and I'll have her home before you know it," Vince assured him.

"You better. You know what's at stake, boy. If you ever want to see Presidency you better not blow it." Costa threatened.

"I won't, sir." Vince confirmed.

"Has Tony surfaced yet?" Costa asked.

"No, sir. Are you sure he'll even try to go after her?" Vince questioned.

"He'll be wanting to finish what he started… never did like loose ends. Just do your job and keep her safe, but don't kill him. I want that son of a bitch alive." Costa growled.

"Understood, sir." Vince nodded

"Check in again in three days." Costa ordered, not waiting for Vince to respond before he hung up on his end.

Vince shook his head slightly and decided to do a quick perimeter check of Ali's house. When everything looked to be in order, he slipped silently back into the house, shutting the sliding door behind him with a soft thud and click of the lock.

He never noticed the dark figure lurking just beyond the back fence of the property or the demonic sneer that took over the man's already menacing features as he whispered to the night, "Soon."


A/N: Well my darlings, This has been a bit of a jumpy chapter. Sorry about that. Consider it a little bit out housekeeping to get bring Chibs back to Charming a little bit faster. I know I'm glossing over the Abel/Ireland storyline and I'm going to be doing the same with Tara's abduction since... well... my story isn't about them. Stay tuned cause Chibs and Ali are in for a bumpy ride... cause its always darkest before the dawn... or some shit like that. Thanks for all the encouraging reviews. They've become my crack and they really do keep me scribbling away. So if you like my story let me know.

Until next time.

MissAliVee