Authors Notes: I hope you all can forgive me for taking so long on getting this chapter out. As many of you know this is my baby, and I started to over think it some. But thanks to my awesome new beta, she was able to slap me out of my funk!

Also, she brought it to my attention that in the last two or so chapters I changed the spelling of Ellie/Elli, I hadn't meant to do this. The correct spelling is 'Elli' and I will be going back and making the changes to the other chapters at a later date.

As always I hope you all enjoy the new chapter, and please review when you're done! I love reading your thoughts on what's happening.

Last time…

With the hard part out of the way, telling Hammer the plan, it came time to fill Addison in. Stone had moved forward to talk with her, when Hammer held out his hand to stop him, "Let me talk to her."

"Make it quick," Stone said smoothly.

"I ain't going to just drop a bomb on her, she's been through enough." Hammer said as he made his way back to the seat. Stone looked over to Happy, they both agreed that it was best to have him tell her the news.

"Let's get Ellie and Gemma out of the room," Stone said, "they are just going to bitch if they over hear what's going on."

"Bear," Happy called out, getting the man's attention. He had found his way back over to his wife and Gemma.

"I think Gemma and Ellie need to get something to eat." Stone finished, the tone in his voice left no room for auguring.

Bear looked over to the two old ladies and then back down to Addison, and Hammer who was seating beside her once again. He understood what was about to be said to the young lady, and silently agreed with Stone that it would be wise to get Gemma and Ellie away for the time being.

"Come on, let's get you ladies something to eat." Bear said lovingly as he led the two older women out of the room.

"What about Addison?" Gemma said, planting her feet and not taking another step.

"Addison will catch up with you in a few," Bear lied. He had the suspicion this would be the last time Ellie and Gemma would see the young woman. If Happy and Stone where smart, which he knew they were, they would get Addison out of the hospital and out of town while he had the two mother hens out of the way.

There would be hell to pay later when they learned what they had done, but it was for the best.

Born to Die

Chapter 24

"What?" Addison questioned in a soft voice. She couldn't quite recall how she made her way from the waiting room to the hospital Chapel, but as she sat down on the front pew she hoped she was back on the hard plastic chair.

"Look, I know it's not going to be easy," Jax said as he knelt down in front of Addison. "But this is the only shot we have right now of catching these guys and keeping you safe," he tried to explain to her. He knew it wasn't going to be easy for her. She had been through so much already. If there had been another option, he would consider it, however time was limited and not their friend at the moment.

Leaning back against the stiff back of the wooden bench, Addison looked down to her folded hands. "You want to send me away, while someone else takes my place," she stated. "You want me to be okay with putting someone else in the path of danger? Of death?" she asked, and then looked up and over to the other occupants of the room. It was hard to know what they were thinking; each one had a hard look set on their face. Other than Jax and herself, who were at the very front, Stone and Hammer rested against the back wall keeping close to the door.

With just the four of them, the room still felt crowed and Addison wanted nothing more than to leave the Chapel. She wanted to forget this conversation ever happened. She wanted Clay to be alright, and more than anything, she wanted those responsible to be found and dealt with.

"No," Jax said with a slight shake of his head. "We know you would never be okay with it, that's why we ain't asking you sweetheart." Jax said calmly. She may be family, but she had no say in what was going on. She was in the care of the club, and in order to keep her safe, they had to make the hard decisions for her.

"We're simply telling you what's going to happen. Bella is already on her way over, when she gets here you guys are going to swap clothes. Because we don't have a whole lot of time, and we need this to be believable, you can't take anything with you." Jax continued to say. He knew he was asking a lot of her.

"I'm supposed to leave with nothing? Just the clothes on my back, that won't even by my own." Addison said with a hint of frustration in her voice. It was clear to everyone in the room she wasn't happy.

With a deep breath, Jax looked up and over to Stone and Hammer. He knew they had nothing to say at the moment, but it was reassuring to see Stone nod firmly. If everyone was being honest, no one liked the idea of sending her away and using a replacement. The longer their farce went on, the better chance they had at the brothers figuring out what was going on. It would blow their plan of trying to catch them, and it would place even more people in danger. While everyone agreed that Addison's life was worth more to them than Bella's, the croweater was still connected to the club. Sons take care of what was theirs, no matter what their role.

"We need the brothers to believe Bella is you, which means she is going to have to wear your clothing. We are trying to make this work the best we can." Jax replied.

"Great," Addison said under her breath. "I'm sure my clothing will see more action than me." The thought of a croweater wearing her clothing wasn't a pleasant one. Already thoughts of how much she would have to burn and replace crossed her mind. She didn't own a lot, but what she did she valued. The slight chuckle from Hammer told her they all had heard the comment.

Addison looked up at Jax. She could see the stress lines in his brow, the worry in his eyes. She knew he had a lot to deal with, and she didn't want to add to his burden. She knew the role of women in this type of life, and she was glad they had done so much for her already. However she was reaching her limit, there was only so much she could take before she broke.

Silence hung in the small Chapel.

"You gonna have to do your part." Jax said, trying to get her to see the larger picture.

"Do my part?" Addison asked, her voice soft yet cynical. Jax leaned back and rubbed his face with his hands. He looked over her shoulder to Stone and Hammer with a look of concern, worry and hurt. He didn't like the idea anymore than she, but it needed to be done. He couldn't focus on catching and killing the brothers with her so close to the kill zone.

Without being asked or told, Hammer moved away from his post by the door and made his way to Addison. Jax stood and made room for the larger Son. "Addi," Hammer said trying to get the young women to look up at him. "We know you've done more than enough, and the last thing we want is to ask you to do something you don't want to," he continued. "But, this has to happen. We won't be able to go after these sick fuckers if we are worried about you." Hammer rested his large hands on her slender shoulders.

Addison understood. This was going to happen one way or another. Either she could fight them on it every step of the way, making it difficult for whoever was going with her. Or she could own up to what was asked of her and make the best out of an already bad situation. Looking down at her hands, she voiced the one question that had been running around her head from the moment they told her she would be leaving. "Who's going with me?" she asked in a low tone.

"Bull," Jax said from where he stood behind Hammer. "He has the best record on the road. Happy also."

"It won't rise to many eyebrows to have two nomads leave, and between the two of them they know the roads the best." Stone added in his deep tumble voice. "They'll keep you safe, while on the move."

"Happ's one bad man," Hammer said, trying to reassure her. "Even I wouldn't fuck with him too much."

"Bull's good with women." Stone added bluntly. Addison felt her redden at his words. "Not like that, little lady." Stone said. "He grew up with sisters, he understands women." The man said trying to correct himself and put Addison at ease. The mood in the room lifted, if only a little.

"I'm not afraid of leaving, of being on the road." Addison said boldly, trying to convince herself more than the men in the room. "I've lived my whole life traveling, remember." She said. It was true; she lived most her life on the road, moving from one place to another. It wouldn't be anything new, but she had grown to enjoy being a part of a charter, having so many people around her. She missed being on the road, but she found her chest tightening at the thought of not knowing when she would be able to come back. Looking up, she met Jax's gaze. "I have a problem with someone taking my place, it should be me." she added.

"No!" Jax stated firmly, loud and angry.

"Not going to happen, sweetheart." Stone said at the same time Jax had his outburst.

Hammer, tightened his hold on her shoulders. "Over my dead body," he said firmly. His tone more caring.

Addison was startled by their comments and Jax's rage. She knew they were only doing what they thought was best, but the idea of someone taking her place didn't set well with her. It seemed cowardly. She was about to argue her case and question Jax more on the finer points of this plan when there was a solid knock on the door. Looking up, Addison didn't miss the way Jax reached behind his back for his weapon, both Hammer and Stone doing the same. With a nod from Jax, Stone opened the door to see Cooler poke his head in.

"Everything's set. Bella is in the waiting room," Cooler said.

"Okay," Jax said with a deep breath. "Let's get this done." Looking down at Addison, he held out his hand. "You have to trust us," he said as he pulled her up and into a strong hug. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"Promise me you won't let anything happen to her," Addison said as she pulled away. "Promise me nothing will happen to Bella, and that you'll catch them and this will be over."

Addison didn't miss the look Jax gave to his brothers, she knew it was a promise he couldn't make. In the short time she had known Jax, she knew he was a man of his word. "I promise we will do everything in our power to keep her safe." Jax said as he kissed her forehead. It was the best he could offer her.

With weak legs, Addison walked with Jax back to the waiting room. Hammer and Stone right behind them. She knew what was going to happen next, not all the details, but what was needed of her and she would be lying if she said she wasn't scared. She was terrified. So much was riding on this crazy plan working. Now it wasn't just her and Clay's life hanging in the balance, but Bella and whoever else was taking part. She worried for Hammer who would be staying behind to keep watch over Bella, her stand in. She worried about Jax and all the pressure he was now under because of the problem that followed her. How many more lives would be affected before this was all over? Her mind questioned if she was even worth it.

Jax tightened his grip on her shoulder as he walked her to the waiting room, pulling her out of the dark thoughts that were flooding her mind. The waiting room was fairly empty, Addison could only guess that Bear was keeping Elli and Gemma away until everything was done. She could almost see it in her mind's eye, both women putting up a fight if they learned about the plan before hand. She knew they weren't going to be happy when they found out what was happening and she was gone.

Looking around the seemingly empty room, she saw Cooler and Bull standing next to the young blond who would be taking her place. Addison was glad she wasn't wearing anything too revealing, she wasn't sure if it had been Bella's idea, or one of the Son's, but she was thankful. The idea of swapping clothing with someone wasn't very appealing, and even less with a croweater. The other young woman was wearing a pair of dark grey jeans, and thin white top under a blue zipper hoodie. A dark pair of sunglass held her hair away from her face, and a large studded purse hung on her arm. The clothing, while they covered her, also hugged her body tightly.

"Bella, why don't you go take Addison to the bathroom." Jax said. Everyone recognized what the request was, Jax wanted things done. There was no more time to sit around and talk, it was time for action.

"Sure," Bella said with a smile. "Come on sweetheart," Bella said as she approached Addison, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and leading her down the hall. Hammer and Cooler following them.

Addison bit her tongue, there was so much she wanted to say and ask, but she knew this wasn't the time. She allowed Bella to lead her away, noticing the heavy foot falls of their shadows. With a deep breath Addison tried to focus on what needed to be done. Step one was to have her and Bella swap clothing, and places. With this step she knew Hammer would be staying behind. He had been a strong rock for her during this whole shit storm and she was going to miss him.

"Here we are," Bella said with a light voice. Addison walked inside the washroom with the croweater, Hammer right behind them, leaving Cooler to wait outside. There wasn't anyone in the room thankfully, and Hammer took up his post by the door. Addison couldn't help but notice he hadn't even bothered to turn around; he simply crossed his arms and stood tall, like a statue.

"Make it fast," Hammer said with a deep voice. "If this takes too long, it may tip them off. We don't know if they are watching, or have someone watching." Addison had a strong feeling he was talking more to Bella rather than herself.

"Right," Bella said as she tugged off her light weight hoodie, tossing it over a stall door. She didn't waste any time in lifting her thin white top over her head, reviling a small waist with what looked like bite marks around her hips. She wasn't bothered at all by Hammer, and Addison found she slightly envied the other woman. Bella seemed so comfortable in her own skin.

Addison knew she shouldn't have been caught off guard by the other girl's openness, but she couldn't help but blush at her willingness to strip right in front of a man. Addison decided to walk behind the large stall before removing her own clothing. A voice also told her Hammer wouldn't care too much to see her strip down.

It wasn't long before they had stripped down and redressed, completely swapping clothing. Other than her bra and panties, everything she wore was Bella's. Addison found it shocking that they seemed to truly be the same size. Bella's clothing fit, they're style was a bit more tight than she would normally wear, but they fit. Rolling her shoulders trying to feel comfortable in her new wardrobe, Addison tugged on the hoodie zipper pulling it upward. With a deep breath, she walked out from behind the stall to see Bella messing with her hair in the mirror.

Looking up to the larger man standing by the door, Addison felt a small bit a relief as he nodded in approval. She was glad that the clothing covered her. She had been worried that she would have to change into a revealing outfit that would show off more skin than she was comfortable or willing to show.

Hearing water running, she looked back over to Bella and watched as she washed her face, the make-up she had worn rinsing away down the sink. Addison made her way over to the towel dispenser and gathered a good amount of the rough brown paper. Waiting for Bella to finish, Addison handed her the wad as she turned off the water. Addison was surprised at how much of a difference it made, Bella looked much younger. Without the heavy amounts of foundation, dark blush, thick eyeliner and bold eye shadow, her natural appearance was beautifully soft.

"Thanks," Bella said as she threw the used towels away.

"I should be the one thanking you," Addison said softly. "I'm…" she was unable to complete her thought as Bella reached out and held her shoulders.

"There's nothing to thank me for, sweetie. I'm glad I can finally do something helpful." Bella said with a smile. "The Sons offered me a place to stay, gave me a home when I didn't have one, I'm more than happy to do this for the club."

Addison wasn't sure what to say, she never thought Bella would be willing to act as her stand in. She still didn't like the idea, but something in her chest eased at the fact that the guys weren't forcing Bella into this role. The young woman seemed to genuinely want to play the part.

"Oh," Bella said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out her sunglasses. "These should help cover your face when you leave," she said slipping the sunglasses into place on Addison's noise.

"Thanks," Addison said, it was thoughtful of Bella.

"Also," Bella said handing over her purse. "I stuffed it with a few of your more 'personal' things before I left the clubhouse. After all, I don't think I need to wear your bra and underwear for this to work." She said with a light laugh.

"Thank you," Addison said softly taking the bag and slipping it on her arm.

"Okay, times up." Hammer stated as he opened the door.

Bella walked out ahead of Addison, and it didn't go unnoticed how the large Son watched the croweater as she walked past him. Walking toward the door, Addison stopped next to Hammer and quickly gave him a hug. Knowing this would be the last time she would see him for a while, she thanked him. "Thank you, for everything you have done for me," she said into his cut.

"You don't need to thank me, sweetheart." Hammer said as he returned the hug and rested his chin on her head.

Pulling away, she walked out of the bathroom making sure the sunglasses were pushed up in their proper place. Bella stood next to Cooler, keeping her head down and allowing her blond hair to cascade around her face. Making her way next to the other woman, Addison turned and took a step toward the waiting room, only to have Cooler reach out and grab a hold of her upper arm.

"We go this way," Cooler said as he looked back to Hammer, giving him a silent nod.

"But," Addison said as she looked back between the two large men.

"Bear wasn't able to keep Gemma and Elli away for long, their back in the waiting room. Saw them pass while you guys where changing. Jax doesn't want them to know what's going on yet, so you are coming with me, and Hammer is going to take 'Addison' down to get something to eat." Cooler said, letting Hammer know he had to wait a while longer before returning to the waiting room, it would buy them a little more time.

"Right," Hammer said tugging his 'Addison' down the hall, away from the waiting room.

The real Addison allowed herself to be lead down another hallway to the back entrance of the hospital. She wasn't surprised to find a dark grey van waiting with Ax and Twitch inside. She could only guess they were to be her escorts. She wasn't sure how this was all going to work out, but she had faith in the Sons to know what they were doing.

The sound of the van door sliding shut was deafening, and she was thankful for the silence. Neither Son said a word, and she was thankful they weren't trying to convince her everything was going to be alright. Glancing up, she caught Twitch peek back at her while he drove. Ax looked like he was keeping an eye out for anyone following or anything strange. She wasn't sure how long they drove, or where they were taking her, but she knew they were getting close to their destination when they pulled off the main road. The van pumped up and over the gravel path, and Addison could hear tree branches scrap along the side of outer van. Wherever they were, it was secluded and offered cover.

"Now we wait," Ax said as he adjusted himself in his seat.

"Here," Twitch offered a wrapped bar. "They won't stop until sundown, you should eat."

Addison reached out and took the bar with a thankful nod. She wasn't hungry, her stomach feeling like it would drop any time. Holding the bar in her hand, she rested her head back and tried to calm down. Closing her eyes she found herself offering up a prayer. She asked for strength, protection for the club and Bella, and justice for her father and Clay.

The thundering rumble of motorcycles brought her back, and her chest clenched.

S.o.A

He knew why they picked him, just as he knew why they choose Bull. They didn't have to voice their reason or concerns. It was well known that Bull had a strange knack for understanding women, and he was glad to have the other man along. It meant he wouldn't be forced to worry about the girl, he could keep his eyes and ears open for any danger.

Happy knew the likelihood of this plan actually working, and the odds were not in their favor. Happy knew his orders were to keep Addison moving and safe, while SAMCRO dealt with the treat. He wanted to be there with them, he was a man of mayhem. He was a killer. That was his role in the club, to eliminate danger and threats.

He wanted to take part in the search; however deep down he knew his task was much more important. Whispers echoed in his mind that he would see his own share of bloodshed.

Now he would take on the role of protector, and he wouldn't fail. His brothers trusted him to keep Addison safe, and on the road there were a lot more dangers than two sick brothers. Between himself and Bull they had their work cut out for them. Welcomed the challenge and he welcomed the fuckers to try and take her away from him.

Authors Notes: I struggled with this chapter for a while, because I wanted to get to the Addison/Happy, but I didn't want to disrupt the flow of the story. This may be a filler chapter, but there are some things that needed to be flushed out. The next chapter is going to be full of Addison/Happy/Bull.

Please leave a review, I love to hear what you guys think!