Hey guys, I hope you're all enjoying my story. Let me know what you think by reviewing. I'm gonna try to keep updating but the rest of my week will be really busy. Enjoy!

-Jennifer11

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sons of Anarchy or anything that Kurt Sutter created.

Kozik's POV

I had finished eating, played some pool, and was now doing some work for Teller-Morrow. I had finished working on a car, making sure it was tuned up and ready for pick up, about an hour ago. Now I was working on someone's bike, tightening things and changing the oil. I hadn't heard from the prospect, Mike, and before I came out to the garage I had checked on Charlotte and she was still asleep. I was starting to relax and take my mind off of everything. A couple of the guys had tried to talked to me but Happy or Gemma scared them off, letting me have some time to myself.

Tig hadn't said a word to me but I had caught sight of him a couple of times, him glancing over to me every now and then. I thought about confronting him about everything that went down but before I could, I heard a commotion near the clubhouse and someone running out of the corner of my eye. I turned and saw Mike frantically looking around. I immediately got up and felt panicked. Something's wrong with Charlotte. What did this shithead do to her.

He spotted me and started running in my direction, but he barely took two steps and I was sprinting across the lot, storming past him, nearly knocking him down. I bee lined for my dorm room, shoving the other prospects out of my way, I got to the door and saw it was slightly ajar. I pushed it open further and saw Tig leaning over Charlotte.

It was sickening to see him this close to her, "Get the fuck out of here." I snarled at him.

He looked up and held up his hands, "Yo, your girl was just screaming, I came to check it out." He slowly backed away and past me to leave.

I was furious but I tried to calm down to make sure she was fine. I put one knee on the bed and put one hand on either side of her, looking at her face. Her face was scrunched up with worry and fear; she was having or had another nightmare. I whispered to her, "Charlotte? Babe, wake up. You're safe now, don't worry."

I watched as a tear slipped from her eyes and rolled down her cheek. I brought my hand to her face, wiping it away gently before leaning down to kiss her forehead, "Baby, it's safe and sound. I promise."

Her eyes fluttered open, fear was evident behind her blue eyes. She brought herself off the bed and wrapped her arms around my neck, "Oh Koz." She sighed.

I eased her back onto the bed, holding her in my arms and laying next to her. "Do you want to tell me about it?" I asked her, trying to relief any pain she had.

She closed her eyes and buried her face into my chest and neck. She shook her head, "It was awful. We were at the carnival, in this maze of mirrors, I saw my mother, Tig killed David, James shot Tig, then you stabbed James, and then you left me behind and wouldn't wait." She was hiccupping from crying so hard. "You… you… left… me."

I ran my hands through her hair and cupped her face, making her look at me. "Babe, I will never leave you. I swear on my life, you will never be alone or have to worry about me not being there for you. I only let you sleep because I didn't want to wake you up. I'm so sorry. I promise you will always be protected and safe with me and the club." Her tears had slowed but she was shaking in my arms. I held her tightly to me, trying to comfort her. When I heard her breathing even out, I pressed my lips against her temple. "Babe, do you want to get some food? I know you haven't really eaten…"

She nodded and brought her hand up to rub her eyes. "Yeah that'd be a good idea." I helped her sit up and into the bathroom. I grabbed a washcloth and wetted it, bringing it to her face to alleviate her tension and tears. I pressed the cool fabric to her eyes and cheeks, after a couple of minutes, a small smile broke out across her face.

I smiled, set the washcloth down and led her out of my room, "C'mon, let's get you something to eat."

Charlotte's POV

I felt a rough hand on my forearm and then cheek. Whoever was in the room, I knew it wasn't Kozik. It didn't smell, feel, or sound like him. It only caused me to freak out more. Kozik left and wasn't coming back. My dream still felt like it was real and like I was stuck in it.

The next thing I knew, Kozik was kneeling over me on the bed. He was so caring and gentle, making sure I wasn't harmed or scared any more. He reassured me that my dream would never come true and he's make sure I would be taken care of at all times. He offered to get me some food because he remembered I hadn't eaten yet today. After sweetly cleaning my face to keep me feeling comfortable he put his arm around my shoulders and escorted me through the clubhouse and into the kitchen.

Gemma was waiting for us when we got there. I smiled at her and hugged her. Kozik gave her a quick kiss on the cheek then asked, "Can you make Charlotte something to eat? I gotta take care of something real quick." She nodded and Kozik kissed me before walking out of the clubhouse.

Gemma smiled down at me, "Don't worry, baby girl. He'll be right back. Now, what do you want to eat?" I shrugged and was unsure of what to ask. "I'll just heat you up some leftovers, how's that sound?" I nodded and she started rummaging through the refrigerator.

"Thanks Gemma." I said as she set a plate of pasta and a can of soda in front of me. I started to dig in, finally realizing how hungry I was. I was about half way done when Opie walked into the kitchen.

"You doin' okay, Sis?" He asked, as he looked me over, glancing between my cast and my eyes.

I nodded, "Yes, Opie. I'm fine. Just had a weird dream…"

His eyes bore into me like he wasn't sure if he should believe me or not. After a couple of minutes he relented, "Alright but if you need anything, I'm right here for you." He gave me a bear hug and then left me to finish my food.

Just as I finished, the woman I had punched the night before came in. She avoided eye contact me with but picked up my empty plate and took it to the sink to wash it. I watched, bewildered and unsure of what to do. She kept her eyes cast downward as she did the dishes and then grabbed two beers and disappeared without a word. That was weird. I felt bad for what I did but she had been rude to me first. I wonder where Kozik is?

Gemma caught my eye; she was smiling at me from just outside the kitchen area. I got up from my seat and walked over to her. We exchanged a hug before she spoke, "You know, you did a number on that chicks face." I looked away, my cheeks flushing. "It's a good thing too. Making a name for yourself. You're the new girl around here and you gotta let those women know you're here to stay. Speaking of… you are gonna stick around, right? We'd love to have you and I know Kozik especially wants you here."

I smiled as she brought up Kozik. I'm really falling fast for this guy. Gemma must think I'm such a naïve girl. I looked up at her, she had a knowing look on her face. "I want to stay." I choked out, unable to stop from tearing up. A family that really wants me to be a part of them.

Kozik's POV

After making sure Gemma would take care of her, I left Charlotte's side to go find Tig and yell at him. I caught up with him by the picnic tables right outside the clubhouse. "Yo, Tiggy, can I talk to you?"

He stood from his seat, "What is it blondie?"

I got in his face, standing just inches from him, our chests almost touching. "Don't you ever look at Charlotte or go near us again. We may be brothers but I'm not running away this time."

He nodded and stroked his beard, "Fine. I get it. Pussy over the club. I'll tell Clay."

Tig started to walk around me to go back into the clubhouse but I put my hand on his chest, pushing him back, "Oh no you're not. I'm still here and I still know the goddamn rules. Club comes first. I'm just saying, what you did last night and this morning will never happen again."

"Alright, alright. But here's a warning, she don't have your crow. Still fair game." He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest.

I grabbed his beer and threw it against the wall, "She's Piney's daughter, Tig! You can't treat her like any old tramp that comes through here. And don't worry, she won't be without a crow for long."

He shrugged, "Better hurry, brother. Girl like that…"

I quickly threw my fist into his jaw, as hard as I could, knocking him to the ground, "I hope you've learned your lesson and that bruise on your jaw will show up this time. Just stop it ok, Tig?" Tig chuckled and nodded from the ground, touching his jaw.

Happy had been watching the whole exchange and waited for me to be done. I walked back towards the clubhouse and waved at him to follow me. Once inside, I grabbed a couple of beers from Phil. I turned around to hand one to Happy, seeing Roxie in the kitchen with Charlotte. I was about to go over to her but Gemma got my attention, waving me off while giving me a reassuring smile.

Happy took a swig of his beer, "What is it, brother?"

"Can you do me a favor?" Once he agreed, I continued. "Charlotte's cast… I got her to agree to let you decorate it. You're the best tattoo artist I know and I thought you could maybe draw her a little something. A crow. I want you to put my crow on her cast. I know it's nothing official, but…"

He didn't let me finish my rambling, "Done."

I took a sip of my beer, then shook his hand, "Thanks Bro." I looked around the room and saw Charlotte talking to Gemma. They looked serious until I saw the smile on Charlotte's face. Damn she's gorgeous. Unlike any girl I've ever known. She's the one. "I gotta go find Piney and Ope, will you keep an eye on Charlotte? Wait til I come back to start working on her cast. Why don't you play pool with her and try to win back some of the money she took from me." He barely chuckled but agreed. He's the one guy here that I know where I stand with him. The other guys keep flip-flopping but Happy is always the same. Now I gotta go find Piney and ask for his permission to put my crow on Charlotte.

I went over to Charlotte, placing my hand gently on her midback, "Hey babe, I'm gonna go run an errand, I'll be back in less than an hour. Why don't you play pool with Happy. Taken him for all he's worth." I said with a wink.

She giggled and kissed my lips, "I'll do my best. Hurry back, ok?" I nodded and kissed her again before leaving to find Piney.

Charlotte's POV

Kozik said he had to leave, he didn't tell me what he was going to do but I knew I should trust him and just let him go. After he left, Gemma was nodding in approval with a smile on her face. "What?" I asked her, trying to figure out why she was acting so weird.

"Oh nothing. Just that you two are so cute together. Let me know if you need anything, I'll be across the compound in the office."

"Ok thanks Gemma." I said as we hugged and she walked out. Phil walked by and asked if I needed anything. I asked him for some water and he returned a couple minutes later with a cold bottle for me. I thanked him and noticed Happy was watching me from the pool tables. I went over to him, "So Koz told me to play some pool with you…"

He nodded, barely saying a word while he racked the balls, "You ready?" He asked me in a low, scratchy voice.

"Sure, you can break. I'm still not sure how I'm going to play with this thing on." I said as I held up my hand.

He shrugged and handed me a cue, "I'll try to take it easy on you."

Kozik's POV

On my way out of the clubhouse, Jax told me that Piney was at his cabin. I nodded and hopped on my bike. Twenty minutes later I had pulled up next to two bikes, Piney came outside with Opie right behind him. He was carrying a shotgun but Opie was trying to get him to put it down. I shut off my bike and swung my leg over to close the distance between us.

Piney lowered the gun as I got closer, "Hey Kozik. Sorry thought you were someone else."

I was confused but I didn't push my luck, after all he was holding a loaded gun. "Uh, I just wanted to come talk to you both for a minute."

Opie nodded, "Come on in then." He led me and Piney inside and to the round wooden table in the middle of the room. I sat across from both of them and leaned onto my elbows. Opie and Piney sat and crossed their arms across their chests, "Alright, what is it?"

I folded my hands together and tried to collect my thoughts, "Uh, as you know… I've gotten closer to Charlotte…"

Piney grunted, "Yeah, we've barely gotten to know her 'cause she's been with you."

I rubbed my hand against the back of my neck, "Sorry about that. I don't know how to explain it… we just click and have so much chemistry."

Piney grimaced, "That's my daughter you're talking about."

Opie spoke in his deep voice, "Pop, don't you remember but he did to Tig? He's good for her right now."

Piney looked heated but seemed to agree, "You better not force her into anything. Her life hasn't been great, shit none of ours has."

Opie nodded, "She's been through a lot and doesn't trust a lot of people. The only person she seems to trust is you, brother."

"I know, you're both right. But I'm pretty sure she's the one. I want to put my crow on her and I came here for your permission. I know she hasn't been your daughter for long, but I wanted to do this right." I blurted out.

Opie asked, "Pretty sure?"

While Piney cocked his gun, "I thought I said not to do somethin' like this to her."

My eyes widened at Piney, "I know and I promise I won't do it until she's ready. I guess I'm just asking if I can start seeing her and eventually make her my old lady." They both looked at me skeptically. "I've felt so slimy the past week being so close to her without askin' first. But she needed me and I wanted to keep her safe and comfortable. Now I'm begging for your permission to continue."

Piney kept the shotgun pointed at me while he and Opie started whispering to each other. I seriously hope they say yes. I'm trying to do this the right way. I really am falling fast for her. I've never felt like this before.

After what felt like forever, Piney dropped the gun and put the safety on. He grumpily said, "Fine. But if you ever hurt her, and I mean in the smallest way, you're out."

I nodded and stood to shake their hands, "Thank you so much. I swear I'd never dream about it. And I promise I'll take it slow."

"You better." Opie warned as he gave me a quick man-hug. "Now get back there and watch over her."

Charlotte's POV

After an hour and a half of playing pool against Happy, Half Sack, Juice, and Chibs, they all owed me money. I smiled as they reached into their jeans and forked over the hundred that they owed me total. I was trying not to gloat as I counted the money and put it into my pocket.

Gemma had come over to check on things and started laughing when she found out. "She seriously beat you guys? With that thing on? Wow and you all thought you were good at pool."

We were all laughing when Kozik walked over to us. "What's so funny?"

Chibs threw his cue against the wall, "Girlie here, just conned us."

I smiled and bit my lower lip, "I was just doing what you told me to."

He came over and wrapped his arm around me, "That's right! My girl can kick ass in more ways than one." He announced while the rest of the guys nearly fell to the floor in fits of laughter. "What's the damage?"

I pulled the cash out of my pocket to show him the hundred bucks I had just won. I smiled as he kissed my cheek, "Whoa now, Koz you owe me too remember?"

He shook his head, "Damn, I was hopin' you woulda forgot. How about I make it up to you?"

"What do you have in mine?" I asked puzzled.

"Why don't you just fuck her already?" a prospect yelled and laughed.

Kozik's POV

As soon as the words left Mike's lips, it reminded me of what happened earlier and then I saw Charlotte's cheeks get red. Shit, she's embarrassed. I'm fucking pissed. No one is gonna talk like that to my girl. Especially not a damn prospect.

I whirled around, letting go of Charlotte and marched over to the skinny bastard. I grabbed him by the cut and shoved him backwards. "Take it off, asshole."

He stumbled backwards, "What? Why?"

"I told you earlier. If anything happens to her, you're never gonna get patched in. Now take it the fuck off."

He still didn't move or attempt to slide the leather from his shoulders. The rest of the guys were looking at each other, confused at first but then decided to back me up. "Kozik, what did I do, man?"

"You left her alone to be terrorized by Tig. Plus your damn comments are fucking annoying. You are done here." I moved so fast, he didn't have time to react. I ripped the cut from his back and threw him onto the ground. "Get the hell out of here."

Charlotte's POV

When I heard the guy's remark, my cheeks started to burn. I could handle most of what guys say but after the past week, I just felt like I couldn't any more. Kozik left my side and started to pick a fight with the younger man. I was torn, should I try to stop this or… before I could figure out what to do, Gemma gently tugged my arm, moving me from the middle of the action, to behind all the guys.

Once we were a safe distance away, Gemma explained, "Just gotta let them work it out. These guys are very protective over the women they love. If someone disrespects you, they are disrespecting him. Kozik can handle his own, don't you worry about him."

Happy intentionally moved and placed himself in front of me and Gemma, as if to stop anyone from getting close, just in case. After Kozik took the man's vest, he gripped his shirt and threw him outside. When he turned around, the other guys patted him on the back as he made his way over to me.

He wouldn't meet my eyes. I put my hand under his chin, lifting it so he'd look up. He studied my face to figured out if I was angry or upset with him. Upon seeing my smile, he cautiously smiled, "Sorry you had to see that, babe."

"Don't be." I said as I kissed his lips, proving I was glad he did that.

"So do you feel up to letting Happy take a crack at your cast?" He asked me. I nodded and flashed him another smile. He turned to Happy, "Hey Hap, you ready?"

Happy grabbed some permanent markers and pulled a chair over to where we were standing. "Charlotte, can you lie on the table?" He asked me.

I sat on the pool table and then laid down, resting my right arm on the raised edge of the table. Kozik sat on the table next to me, holding my left hand. Happy squatted onto the chair, uncapping several markers and reading himself. Kozik kept my attention on him while Happy worked. I barely noticed that time had flown by because when Happy said he was done, I was a little taken aback. Kozik was beaming as Happy scooted the chair back and tossed the markers onto another table. I sat up and looked at my cast, it was almost covered with felt tip art. The major piece was a large bird, a crow that was holding a scroll with Kozik's name written on it. The rest of the space was filled in with the words 'SAMCRO', 'First 9', and 'Charlotte Winston'.

"Wow, Happy, it looks amazing! Thank you!" I breathed as I hugged him. He awkwardly hugged me back. I looked over his shoulder and saw Tig glaring across the room at me. I tensed but tried to forget about everything that had happened.

I pulled back and noticed that the room was filling up and it was getting dark. The nightly party was starting and guys were starting to get restless and wanting to have fun. Kozik goofily held out his arm for me, "C'mon, let's go grab dinner."