Wow, this is the biggest chapter I've written, but there's a lot of stuff that happens in this chapter. I hope everyone enjoys it as much I enjoyed writing it. Special shout out to PolarBearBaby for giving me some feedback as I was writing it. She has some stories on here that are really great if anyone is looking for other SOA stories to read.

Feel free to let me know what you think, we're getting close to the end of this little story. Thanks everyone for your support.

It was pitch dark, but then again it was after two in the morning and they were surrounded by trees. The long lane looked like it disappeared into the sea of trees as the guys continued to trek toward the house in the distance. There was no noise between any of the guys as they stayed focused on the task at hand. The only sound was the occasional tree branch breaking beneath their feet.

Jax had called Clay after they got the call from Abby. Before they even hung up, he had Tig on the phone waking up a guy that knew all the dog breeders in the area. When Jax heard what sounded like a pack of dogs in the background, he thought it might be something worth investigating. They were looking for someone who had a lot of dogs; specifically a Nord that had a lot of dogs. One name came back to them; Zack Beck. Juice jumped on the computer and before Jax knew it, they were on their bikes zipping out of Charming toward Mr. Beck's house.

Even though it was the middle of the night, Chibs, Happy, Kozik and Half Sack kept watch at the end of the lane in case they were surprised by some other Nord members. As they approached the clearing where the house sat in the middle of the large yard, Clay motioned for Jax, Opie and Juice to head to the back of the house while he, Bobby and Tig circled the front.

Jax plowed ahead being careful with every step. He could barely see a thing, but his eyes were peeled for any movement or sign of Abby. Every now and then, he would glance back at the other two with him. Opie was practically on his heels, trudging along on a mission to get his best friend back. Normally, Jax didn't worry about Opie because he could handle himself, but this mission was different. This one hit a nerve. He had to make sure Opie didn't bust into the house and start blowing people away; that could get a lot of people hurt.

He glanced back at Juice who he felt, at times, was a wild card. Juice did what he was told, but Jax sometimes wondered if he was cut out for this way of life like the others and now that Juice was emotionally invested in this situation, it made Jax even more uneasy. Between watching where he was stepping and making sure Opie and Juice stayed in check, he was getting dizzy from swiveling his attention in three different directions.

There was a shed at the far corner of the backyard. Jax waved for Opie and Juice to check it out as he slipped around the side of the back porch. Quietly, he made his way up the steps, being careful to keep low in case there were people lurking around the windows. Sliding along the cold brick, he glanced in the first window to nothing but a dark bathroom. He could see Opie's shadow circling the shed as Juice tried the door. Jax had a feeling she was somewhere inside the house. Jax was prepared for the worst and keeping those two far away from the residence for the time being was the best thing for everyone; especially Abby.

Turning his attention back to the house, Jax ducked down to make his way to the next window where there was a flickering light coming from inside. Taking a deep breath, he glanced quickly into the clear glass. He caught his breath as he saw the disheveled curly hair of Abby hanging over the back of a wooden chair. Glancing around the rest of the room, he saw there was no one in there with her. His eyes made their way back to the figure on the chair. He felt his heart skip a beat as he noticed there was no movement coming from where she sat. He stood there for what seemed like an eternity hoping for some sort of sign that she was okay, but got nothing.

Putting his back against the brick again, he waved for the guys to come to the back porch. Once they approached, barely above a whisper, he began, "Abby is in the room over there," he stopped and motioned to the window he had just looked in. "It doesn't look like there's anyone in there with her, but who the hell knows who is standing guard."

He grabbed Opie's arm as he was about to charge through the back door. "Ope," he growled, watching as Opie froze in place then turned to face his friend. From the twinkling light coming from the window beside them, he could see the rage burning in his best friend's eye. Looking to the other side of Opie, he could see Juice frozen in place with a blank look on his face. "Juice," he whispered, placing his hand on the man's shoulder. "Are you ready?" He watched as Juice shook his head yes robotically.

Jax moved his way to the door, slowly opening it before sliding inside. There was an overwhelming smell of stale beer and tobacco mixed with dogs wafting from the house. The scent hit him like a two ton brick, making him want to gag. The long, narrow hallway was clear as the trio moved stealthily toward the room he had seen Abby in. He could see the door where she was located He was surprised but relieved that there was nobody standing outside her room.

He knew there was nobody in the room with her so he pushed the door open and rushed inside with the other two close behind him. Abby was sitting in the middle of the room on the chair, gag in mouth, legs and hands tied to the chair. Her head was down, but the sound of the door opening caused it to snap up; a dazed look on her face. Jax made eye contact with her. Her eyes began darting around the room wildly as she struggled to move in the chair. She was mumbling something, but the tattered piece of fabric stuffed in her mouth was making the mumbling sound garbled.

Opie pushed past him to the chair. Jax wasn't about to stop him from getting her free, but someone needed to cover the door. Jax turned to Juice. He knew Juice was surely wanting to run to her side, but everyone had to stay focused on getting her and them the hell out of the house. "Stay at the door," he ordered, walking over to where Opie was cutting the ties loose from her. Jax pulled the gag down and looked at her eyes still darting all over.

"Jake and a couple guys went to the basement," she frantically said. "They're going to be back here any second."

Jax nodded as Opie pulled her up from the chair. "We're not waiting around for them darlin'," he answered with a chuckle.

He directed for Juice to head back into the hallway, putting Opie, who had Abby by the elbow, in front of him while he brought up the rear. Looking back over his shoulder, he didn't see any faces of any Nords so he followed the pace of the three in front of him.

As Jax saw Juice place his hand on the knob of the door, he heard footsteps hit the hallway. "Shit," he muttered under his breath. There was yelling behind him as the footsteps turned into quickened steps.

"Juice, take Abby and run," Jax yelled, grabbing Opie to head toward the men coming their direction. His fist met one of the guy's cheeks as he felt a sharp punch meet his gut. Opie was scuffling with the other guy as he heard his guy yell "Jake". Jax was knocked into the room they had just come from as he caught a glimpse of Jake Darby flying down the hallway to the back door.

Juice had Abby tight around the wrist as he stepped onto the porch, taking a quick look at the guys fighting in the hallway. As he looked at her grimacing he knew she had to be sore from being tied up and unable to move for hours, but they had to keep moving. He heard Jake's name being yelled by one of his Nord buddies. Juice looked at Abby. "I know you're tired, but we have to go now," he ordered. He stared in her eyes for a second wanting to just scoop her up in his arms, but Jake was going to hit the porch at any moment so showing her any affection would have to wait.

They ran toward the steps as he heard the back door fly open. The sound of their boots on the creaking wood came from every direction, disorienting Juice. As the pair reached the steps, he felt a jolt to the back of his head causing him to roll down the steps. Since he had a hold of Abby, she toppled down the steps with him, falling off the side of the steps onto the ground.

He rolled onto his back just as Jake leapt off the steps toward him. Struggling to get to his feet, he felt Jake's fist meet his chin knocking him back to the ground and leaving his head spinning. Jake floated above him like a ghost, but as hard as he tried he couldn't seem to get himself up, as he continued to get pummeled by the man straddling him. He was trying to see where Abby was, but couldn't catch his breath, let alone look for her. Luckily, just as Jake paused for a second, Juice was able to knock him in the jaw sending Jake backwards.

Pushing himself up, he stumbled backwards but quickly recovered, lunging toward the startled Nord. Ignoring the blood seeping into his mouth, he began to return the beat down that Jake had been giving him. The two rolled around the yard, Juice delivering more punches than Jake could get off. Just as he thought he had the upper hand, he caught sight of Abby curled up in a ball along the side of the porch steps. He was immobilized, focused on her in the fetal position. He was so fixated on her, he didn't see the right hand flying toward the side of his head. He fell back, looking up as Jake pulled a gun from somewhere on him. Juice couldn't see straight so he wasn't sure where it came from, but all he knew was it was now being pointed right at his head.

"I loved her first," Jake spoke clearly, eyes drilling into Juice's.

He put his hands up across his face, feet pushing wildly to back away from Jake, but that was stopped as Jake's knee dug into his ribs keeping him trapped. "Abby, I love you," Juice whispered, waiting for the shot.

A gunshot echoed into the distance as he heard a thud beside him. Juice thought he was still alive, but he blinked through the darkness a few times just to be sure. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, blood rushing to his ears, as his eyes darted to see Jake Darby lying face down beside him, bullet in the head. He shot his gaze back up to see a grim Opie standing just steps away from where Juice had pushed himself up on his elbows. Opie's stare was chilling, his eyes dark as he stared with no emotion at the dead body in the dirt.

"Ope!"

Juice glanced behind Opie's hulking figure to see Jax sprinting toward them. Opie snapped out of his daze and reached a hand out, helping Juice up. Brushing his pants off, Juice began to offer a thanks to his brother, but was cut off by the bearded man. "Go get Abby. Make sure she's alright."

Opie didn't have to say it twice as Juice dashed to where she was lying motionless. As he reached her, he heard the other guys come running from the front of the house, Clay yelling to Jax to see if everything was clear. He brushed her curls from her face. "Abby," he paused, watching as she twitched. "Abby, can you hear me. Please, please, be okay."

"Juice," she answered her voice raspy and straggled.

He felt a tear slip down his nose mixing with the blood that was still dripping into his mouth. "I'm here. Can you move?" He asked, watching as she shifted herself up onto an elbow, grimacing with every movement. She had a huge cut on the side of her forehead and she was reaching for her side.

With her free hand, she reached out and touched the side of his face. "I'm so glad to see you. I didn't think I'd see you again," she stuttered as she began sobbing.

Wrapping his arms around her, being careful not to touch her side until they got her checked out, he began stroking her hair. "I wasn't going to let anything happen to you because I…" He was cut off as he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back from Abby. He looked up as Bobby wedged himself in between the two of them.

Watching with wide eyes, frozen in place, he saw Bobby help Abby to her feet. He was trying to hear what they were saying to each other, but there was talking going on behind him about disposing of the bodies that were strewn throughout the property which was keeping him from understanding what uncle and niece were saying.

Looking up as a hand touched his shoulder, he saw Jax and Opie staring down at him. "You did good," Jax spoke. "Let's get you stitched up."

Juice rose to his feet and stood beside his VP while Opie loomed behind them. The three watched as Bobby ushered Abby off toward where Half Sack was waiting with the van. Bobby put himself in a position that kept Juice from making any sort of eye contact with Abby. He felt like he had been kicked in the gut as he watched Bobby and Chibs help her into the van.

"It's okay brother," Jax spoke. "We'll make sure you get some time with her at the hospital."

Juice nodded slowly, sucking the tears back. He didn't want the rest of his brothers to see him getting emotional over the situation, but all he wanted to do was curl up and cry.

Abby groaned, gritting her teeth as she tried to position herself better in the bed. Bobby had finally left to go get a cup of coffee and a cigarette. They hadn't talked about what had just happened. In fact, Bobby had been strangely quiet and she was somewhat surprised. She figured that he was tired and still reeling from her being a victim of club business. She didn't blame him; she was still in shock over the course of the past six or so hours.

Finally finding a comfortable spot in the hospital bed, she shut her eyes trying to push out the images that kept flashing through her head. She couldn't remember everything that happened, but the events she did were so vivid it felt like it was still going on. She hoped that the pain medication the nurse just gave her kicked in soon because there was no way she was going to get any sleep without some help.

The soft light from the hallway hit her face causing her to squint. She opened one eye expecting to see Bobby had returned, but was surprised to see the face of Jax looking down at her with a crooked grin on his face.

"So, I guess we did manage to stick around long enough to greet those bastards," he said with a chuckle.

Abby snorted. "You know I've been involved with a lot of ridiculous shit with you and Opie, but this truly tops the cake."

Running a hand through his hair, he nodded. "Yeah, a kidnapping trumps all of those crazy ass things."

Those meds must have been kicking in because before Abby knew it she burst out laughing, getting louder as he joined her. There was just something insanely funny about the whole thing and she couldn't control herself.

Taking a deep breath while holding her side, she groaned and stared at the guy who was practically her brother. "Thank you for finding me."

He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I wouldn't know what to do without you being a pain in my ass." He smiled and leaned against the railing on the bed. "So, how's Bobby?"

Sinking into the pillows, she shrugged her shoulders. "Fine, I guess. He hasn't said much, but I'm sure he's not sure what to say. I was kidnapped by the Nords to get your guns so they can prove themselves to that Hispanic group that hates you guys; I'm thinking Uncle Bobby is at a loss for words."

"Among other things," Jax muttered.

"What does that mean?" She asked, watching as Jax's eyes grew wide. "Jax, what did you mean by that? There's something you're not telling me."

Clearing his throat, he sat down on the chair beside the bed. "Do you know how we found out that you were taken?"

"From my phone call," she answered.

"Not exactly," he replied. He began to open his mouth just as the door opened again. Glancing over his shoulder he was greeted by Opie and a solemn looking Juice.

"Someone wanted to see you," Opie announced. He walked over to the side of the bed with Juice in tow and looked at Abby with concern in his eye. "You alright?"

"I'm going to have a nice scar and the bruised ribs should get better each day. They want me to stay overnight to make sure I don't have a concussion." She looked past Opie to Juice who hadn't taken his eyes off of her. Reaching her hand out, she smiled as he grasped it quickly and tightly.

Jax spoke up. "So, Abby thinks we knew about her being taken from her phone call."

Opie slid his hat off and leaned against the wall. "Bobby hasn't said anything?"

Abby darted her eyes between Jax and Opie who were staring at Juice. "What am I missing?" She squeezed Juice's hand and looked him directly in the eye. "What is going on?"

"When you didn't show in the parking lot, I went to find you. I found out Jake had you. I got back to the clubhouse and told Opie then Jax then…" he trailed off. "I had to tell them."

Abby groaned and heard Juice say he was sorry for telling their secret. She couldn't be mad at him; he was concerned like a good boyfriend would be and he did what he thought was best. Juice wasn't like the others which was why she loved him. "It's okay," she paused and stroked his hand. "I'm not upset. It was going to come out eventually. I'm just surprised he hasn't said anything."

"No shit," Jax grunted. He stood up from the chair and walked over to Opie. "Let's go grab a smoke and head to the waiting room." He elbowed him in the ribs. "You know, let these two alone."

She smiled at Jax as he winked at her before disappearing in the hallway. She motioned for Opie to leave as he lingered at the doorway staring at her with the protective look in his eyes. She sighed, turning her attention back at the dark eyes of Juice. "So there was something that I wanted to discuss with you."

Sliding onto the bed with her, he cradled her in his arms. "What's that?"

"When we started this whole thing between us, I always figured there'd be two outcomes."

"Yeah, you stay or you go," he replied with a hint of sadness in his voice at the last option.

"Well, there's a third option," she stopped, taking a deep breath trying to ignore the stabbing pain from her side with the inhalation. "You could come with me." She listened to his breathing; slow and steady, waiting for him to say something. She had planned to talk to him about this the previous night while they were curled up in his apartment, but that didn't quite happen. Maybe it was the pain medication, but the hospital bed seemed to be the best possible place to bring it up.

Looking up at him, she laughed. "Are you still there?"

"What would that look like?" he questioned.

"I brought back a brochure from an outstanding college that has a great computer program. You could take classes toward computer and find a part time job as a mechanic while I start my job at the law firm." She nestled her cheek against his chest. "Abby and Juan Carlos take Chicago." She hoped that he would laugh at the last comment, but when he didn't respond she felt her heart sink.

"Abby, I don't think I could be anything other than a Son," he paused, swallowing hard. "It's all I know."

A flood of emotion hit her with that statement; mainly anger. Pushing herself up to face him, she could feel the blood rushing to her face. "You are more than a Son. You are the sweetest, most kindhearted, caring person I have ever met in this town. Why do you think I was attracted to you; because you aren't like all of them. You deserve to get a chance at a normal life with someone who loves you." She could feel the tears burning her eyes as she sucked them up. She smiled as he stroked her curls. She could see by the anguish in his eyes that he didn't believe what she said.

"I can't leave," he paused. "I'm sorry."

She felt a knot in her stomach as he slid off the bed and started to stand. Swiftly, she reached out and grabbed his forearm. "Then I'm staying."

"What?"

She sat up, placing her free hand on his chest. "I love you and I don't want to be away from you. If you don't feel you can leave then I'll stay."

She watched as a tear slipped from his eye. "Are you serious?" he asked, wiping the tear with back of his hand.

Nodding, she took his hand and kissed it. "As long as I'm with you I'm happy." A sense of contentment washed over her as he scooped her up in his arms, being careful to not aggravate her side, and kissed her passionately. After a few seconds, he helped her get comfortable in the bed and told her to get some rest. He was going to check in with the guys in the waiting room and would try to sneak back before he left.

XX

Juice slipped out of the hospital room and ran his fingers over his head while placing his back against the wall. He was flooded with so many emotions. A few hours ago, he didn't think he'd ever see Abby again, but they found her and now she was telling him that she would stay in Charming just to be with him because he made her happy. He couldn't remember a time in his life that anyone said that about him. It felt completely unreal to him that anyone would want to give up their dreams to stay with him, but Abby proved him wrong. He had to convince himself he was worthy of all of this because he didn't want to sabotage the relationship that he desperately wanted to protect.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he pushed through the double doors and turned the corner toward the waiting room. He was exhausted and wanted to get some sleep in hopes that a few hours of rest would get his head back together.

He saw the guys milling around in the small area as he approached. He smiled as Opie walked toward him. Maybe after a got some solitude, he would talk to Opie about what just happened. He wanted some validation that this was for real.

"Did she pass out on you?" Opie asked with a chuckle.

With a small laugh, Juice nodded. "She was probably out cold before I reached the door."

Jax snorted. "I wish I had some of those drugs."

Juice began to open his mouth to make a goofy comment when he heard someone yell "You son of a bitch." As he turned to see where the loud footsteps were coming from, he felt a rush to the side of his skull as Bobby's fist connected with him. He fell backwards, barely missing the corner of the coffee table. He scrambled backwards as Bobby charged him, eyes blazing and curls flying wildly. Juice put his hands over his face, trying to shield himself from the fist coming toward him.

"Whoa, Bobby," Jax yelled, pulling the big man back as Opie tried to step in front of the stout club member.

"She isn't staying here, I heard what she said to you in her room," Bobby yelled forcefully. "Over my dead body will Abby stay in Charming."

Juice pulled himself to his feet and rubbed at the side of his head. "That's for Abby to decide," he grumbled.

Bobby freed himself from Jax as Opie stepped beside Juice. "What did you say?" he spat.

"That's for Abby to decide," Juice answered, voice steady and with conviction.

"Bastard," Bobby yelled, lunging forward. Juice jumped back as Opie grabbed Bobby, pushing him back as he continued to yell obscenities in Juice's direction.

"Hey!" Clay boomed, coming down the hall toward the waiting room with Chibs and Tig in tow. "I leave to talk to Chief Unser and all hell breaks loose." His eyes darted between the four guys standing in the waiting room. "Everyone needs to get the hell home and cool off. Get your heads on straight and deal with this later."

Juice watched as Bobby eased back toward Clay, not taking his eyes off of the young man. Exhaling deeply as the older man finally turned and left, he fell into one of the chair.

"Man, I thought I rocked the fucking boat with my news," Jax chuckled.

Opie looked down at Juice with sympathy in his eyes. "Get some sleep. Bobby will cool off and things will be back to normal."

Juice nodded as everyone left him alone with his thoughts in the waiting room. If only that statement was so simple.