Jackson had been conflicted for some time regarding his feelings for his mother. He felt sorry for her, she had lost her son, and she had lost her husband long before he had passed away. He knew that she was the type that needed to be needed. But what he didn't understand was why his father's best friend? Why be so open before his father's body was even cold. Jax was positive that his mother had been unfaithful to his father JT for years prior to his death, Jax would catch them in compromising positions from time to time in the office of Teller-Morrow, and he saw the longing stares and heard the whispers shared between them. This is how the hate for her began. Though he hated her, he loved her. And he didn't know what to do.

"Tara, I am so sorry I threw you into that situation. I needed you to see the nutcase my mother was. "Jackson was sure this would scare her off but he needed to know for sure. He waited patiently for Tara's answer, walking behind her a few steps as she stormed in the direction of her house.

"Fuck Jackson. Your mom is right, that is why I am so pissed! She's right." She was holding back and it scared Jackson, he could tell by her voice she was just as conflicted as he was. Only he was sure HE was the cause of Tara's confliction.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean Tara?"

"These." She stopped in her tracks and turned to him pulling at the collar of her shirt revealing all of the marks he had inflicted on her flesh. "These Jax. I am not the first, and I am not dumb enough to believe that I am going to be the last. I promised myself not to let you hurt me, and I am sure that this is where this is headed." She began to storm off again, this time running.

"Tara." He yelled after her. She wouldn't stop.

Tara reached the front door and flung it open and ran in. Stormed to her room and flew to her bed. She sobbed into her pillow devastated that this woman had gotten to her so badly. Eventually the loud sobs turned into quietly spilled tears and she brought herself to sit up. She held her knees close to her chest and paid close attention to her surroundings. It was her room, she had always found comfort here, but couldn't right now. Knowing this is where he made love to her for the first time, where they lay intimately holding each other and talking. Tara had decided there and then that it was over. She would accept that she was another notch in his belt and she was totally fine with that.

"What the fuck did you say to Tara mom?" Jackson was furious with her.

"I have no idea what you are talking about son." Gemma carried on washing dishes.

"You said something; she is fucking pissed at me for something I didn't do. Got can't you put a fucking filter on your mouth or something? Is it impossible for you to be nice for Christ sakes?"

"Hey, I am trying to save you both a world of hurt Jackson." She turned to look at him and placed her hand on her hip. "I see it Jackson, you don't. She isn't one of us! And she won't be able to handle the life, and that means hurting you."

"We are 16 for fuck sakes mom. How would you know what she can and can't handle." He hung his head not wanting to admit defeat but he was scared his mother might be right. The life he was destined for was hard; he knew that better than anyone. It had endless possibility of pain and heart ache. He saw it within his own family, and numerous other members.

"Listen Jackson, you ARE 16. You need play the field. Have fun while you can because before you know it, life will be business. She seems like a good girl Jackson. Too good." And her words stabbed him like a knife. She was too good for him.

The phone rang louder than normal. "Hello" Tara said in a small tired voice.

"Babe will you talk to me?" She could hear the hurt in his voice.

"I don't know what for."

"Because I need you."

"Well you know where to find me."

It felt like she had barely hung up and he was already knocking on the door. "Come in." She hung her head and let him in. She couldn't look at him because she knew how his eyes would pierce through her and she couldn't tell him what she needed to.

"Babe please don't do this. I love you, and I am not just saying that, I mean it. I know my mom made you feel like this was a bad idea; she made me feel like it to. I know you are to good for me, but I will do whatever I have to do…"

She interrupted him. "I am to good for you, ha" she was astounded that is what he though. "It is the other way round Jackson. I can't be whatever the fuck it is you need. I am inexperienced, still a child compared to you .Your mom is right, I am not gonna be the last girl you leave your lovely little marks on. I am never going to be everything you need. I can't be the biker chick Jackson, its not in me."

"Oh my God Tara." He was desperate; he needed her to understand but couldn't find the words. "Tara, I love you. I don't give a fuck about your experience, I love knowing I am the first, and I want to be the only. I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks but you. I need you to get it, that you are the only one who gets me. You've marked me Tara and you cant just send me away. I need you and I mean that."

"Oh Jackson." She had tears streaming down her face. She did exactly what she had promised she wouldn't. She looked him in the eyes, she saw the pain was buried inside himself. She saw his soul. She knew then that they were both broken and lost, and they completed each other. She practically leaped into his arms and their tongues met and they went stride for stride with each other.

This was so overwhelming for both of them, they were afraid of what they had felt for each and this was the moment that the fear went away, and the embraced what they felt. No more hiding from it or denying it. It was clad iron. They would be together forever.