Alright ladies and gents, after a considerable hiatus of several years I was encouraged to continue this story. My initial thought was how the hell do I pick up after so many seasons had flown by? If you're new to the story be sure to go back to the beginning of Sapphires and Whiskey to get caught up. I hope you enjoy the continuation of Kate and Tigs journey.

New: Since I have gotten to the end of season 7 in my story I have decided to keep writing and adding to it as long as it feels 'right'. At this point I have no idea what or when that will happen, I will just know it's time to stop.

Sisko

Warning: Strong language and sexual content

DISCLAIMER: This is purely fictional, not meant to be sold or make a profit from.

Book 3 Chapter 10

I Am Mine

Putting a layer of golden yellow on the tank she circled it checking for an even coat. Things were slowly getting back to an even keel. It had been a few days since all hell had broken loose in the club. She and Tig had settled in together at her place and she felt confident that he was healing.

The shop was banging with business again. She was scrambling to keep up with all the custom work. Even with Nona doing work it seemed like they just treaded water. She had been spending some long hours at work. Today she had a meeting with Chibs. He'd called asking her to come by. She was beyond curious as to what he needed from her. She checked her watch again noting it was time to clean up and head out.

Seeing Nona on her way to the office she walked up to her, "hey, I'm running by Red Woody for a few. Wanna join me?"

"Hell yes. All these invoices are making me crazy." She rolled her neck rubbing it, "We need help Katie. Serious help."

"I know." She grabbed her wallet and keys. "Common, we can talk on the way."

Walking into Red Woody was always interesting. The girls weren't shy, and would walk around in uniform, or in robes. Often the guys would watch filming, getting an eye full. It was a lucrative business and was making the club clean money. They were working on fixing it up so that the entry would be a bar/lounge area and the Chapel would be attached to that. In the rear would be all the Porn Studio set ups. An addition would house a small 'apartment' area for club members to use.

Tig met her at the door with a quick kiss and a warm smile. Happy greeted Nona in much the same way. Layla walked by stopping to give Kate a quick hug. The guys excused themselves and walked outside, obviously in the middle of something.

Enjoying seeing the younger girl who'd been married to Opie she stood talking with her not worry about what the guys were up to. Smart and energetic she'd taken to producing and running the company like a duck to water. "Hi Layla, how are you?" Kate saw the shadow of sadness flow through her. Pulling her back into another hug, "It will get better honey, just give it time."

"I know. I'm just tired of losing people I care about." She gave Kate a knowing look. "This has to end, we need time to heal."

"Agreed, we are going to have to help them." She looked around Red Woody with all the new faces in the club, and was shocked to see a black guy with a cut. 'Damn…never thought I'd see that.'

Layla reached out surprising Kate, touching her long hair. Smiling as she played with it a bit, "I love your color." She pulled at bits and pieces of her, with an assessing look. "You know, I need some hot Cougar's in my line up." Winking at her, "wanna give it a try?"

Totally floored and taken off guard she actually felt herself blushing, then realized she was old enough to be a cougar. 'Shit, I'm getting old.' At a loss for words she waved Layla off, laughing. "Right, sooo not me."

"It would be soft porn stuff, nothing heavy." Layla smiled at her. "Common Tig would love it for sure."

"Stop it Layla. You've lost your mind. And Tig doesn't share well with others." Layla laughed obviously having fun with Kate.

"Kate you're so amazing. You're eyes are smoking hot, you've got that bedroom eye thing going on that drives men nuts. Your athletic build can be played up with the right outfit." She paused, "look I know I'm surprising you with this but I had Nona do a bit the other day. It's a huge hit. We are reaching a whole new audience." Stopping she looked at Kate with a small sad smile. "Just consider it, ok?"

Funny thing was Katie wasn't shocked Nona had done it. She was smokin' hot in a non-traditional manor with platinum blonde hair cut in a cute pixie/punk cut. She had full beautiful lips, amazing green eyes, and was round in all the right places. With various tattoos adorning her, she was exotic and passionate. Katie often thought of her as a mix of Pink and Marylyn Monroe. "Uh, I don't think so. I'm considering another season with the bike build off, that might be a bit awkward." 'How bout no fucking way', she thought to herself, not wanting to hurt Layla's feelings.

"Katie," Chib's voice broke into the conversation as he pulled her into a hug. Relief flooded her, 'Thank god you came at the right time.'

Not giving up Layla continued, "Chibs tell her. She's perfect for a role in my Cougar series."

He choked, covering his reaction with a small cough. Raising his eyebrow at Layla, he shook his head stuffing his hands in his pockets. Giving her a long 'what the fuck' look, he grinned a long slow smile as he looked at Kate. It was obvious he agreed but his reaction was priceless, turning and mumbling he sauntered away. Catching some of his comment she was certain she heard, "Jesus H Christ..." Then louder he yelled. "Common woman! We need ta talk."

Giving Layla a shrug of her shoulders she walked away following Chibs towards the Chapel. "In here?"

He opened the door holding it for her. "Things are evolving around here." He pulled out a chair next to him at the head of the table. She sat as he settled into the head seat, leaning back with a deep exhale. Looking haggard she was worried about him. The past couple of weeks had rocked all of them. Chib's had loved Jax like a brother, he had to be grieving.

"Ya, I kinda noticed. Black in a cut," her soft smile let him know she approved.

"It was long overdue, as the Mother Charter we can set some precedence." He made that typical tsking sound, his mouth pulled tight. Looking down he played with his hand, rubbing his knuckles which were bruised, looking angry and swollen. "You're probably wondering why I called ya in here."

Nodding her head, "a little," leaning back she waited for him to continue.

"Can we talk openly? I'm gonna ask ya some vera tuff questions. I need ya ta give me the truth." He searched her face with his deep dark brown eyes.

"As long as you give me the same," waiting as she watched him thinking, he nodded solemnly.

"I don't have to tell you the club is torn up," his voice caught and he looked away. "What I need to know is if you and Tiggy are solid."

Looking at him in surprise she shrugged her shoulders. "It's only been a week Chib's." He kept looking at her as she continued. "It feels different this time, but Tig's not exactly predictable." She crossed her legs leaning back trying to figure out where this was going. "Why are you so interested in our love life?"

Tapping is thumb on the table his answer surprised her. "I know, here," he tapped his chest above his heart, "that Tiggy luvs you. It's here," he tapped his head, "where he gets lost at times." Looking out the window he sighed.

"Chib's just talk to me. You know I will do whatever I can to help." She reached out and took his hand gently.

Surprising her he squeezed her hand tightly, "alright, with Gem gone thur is a huge hole in tha 'family'. She kept the younger girls in line, helped out families in need, kept in touch with widows and such." Pausing he looked at her, "Ya get what I'm sayin?"

Thinking about his comments she asked. "And what does this have to do with me?"

"Wit you bein Tig's old laddy I was hoping you could step up and help us get our 'family' back in order. I donna have one, and he's the VP…so it would fall to you." He looked at her hopefully, picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles softly. "Everyone knows ya, you're strong and smart, and willna be afraid to stand up ta me or Tiggy if ya need ta."

Shocked she got up and paced. "You're asking me to fill some very big high heels."

"No, not fillin. I'm askin ya ta do it in your own way. I loved Gem, but she nearly took us all down in her mechanisms." His eyes glazed over, "I know you won't have any hidden agendas. You'd have my full support."

"Jesus Chib's," sitting back down heavily she looked out the window.

"Do ya luv him sweetheart?" He took her hand again, lightly squeezing.

Hesitating as she got lost in her own thoughts she knew the answer. It wasn't her feelings she was concerned with. "Yes, with every fiber of my being."

"Aye, than he's a lucky fucker." He let go of her hand. "Darlin, do this fur me, I need ya."

"I don't know the first thing about this…but I will try." She got up and stepped over to Chibs as he sat back in his chair. Hugging him from behind she kissed the side of his face, "You're my family Chibs. I will always be here for you." Leaning into her forearm with his forehead she felt him shaking. Running her hand through his hair with her hand she kissed his head. Hot wet tears fell onto her arm as he cried in her arms. She stood holding him for several minutes as he broke down. Realizing this was likely the first time he'd let go since everything had happened. Being the President he would have put up a strong front, just as Tig had as the Vice President. Stiffening he sat back and scrubbed at his face. "Shit, sorry I havana cried like that in a lonng time. Thank ya, you have a way of letting someone go without makin em feel weak."

"You're not weak, you're grieving. I'm here for you and Tig. Always." She patted his shoulder moving around towards the door.

"Katie, I know ya have had a rough go of things for quite a bit o time. I want ya to be happy. Ta see ya smile where it reaches your heart." He walked towards her pulling her into a hug. "I am determined to put the club back into a better frame o mind. No beefs, just peace. We have one piece yet to put into place and I think it will happen soon."

Looking up at him, "and what is that?"

His face got hard, his mouth grim as he answered her. "Tully, and the White Hate he pushes along with the drugs." He held her shoulders, kissing her forehead. "Tig told me how it was his bruther who shot ya. He also told me aboot the baby ya lost." Trying to pull away from him as the wave of pain shot through her he held her fast. "Whist, shhh." He pulled her back into his chest. She felt his soft kiss on her head as she fought through the tears that were threatening. "It was never in our best interests to be involved with white hate. Jax used them to gain an end. Our relationship wit them will be endin vera soon." He tilted her head up, gently brushing her tears away. "We will avenge your loss. Avenge the wrongs done to ya." He lifted the cross necklace she was wearing, he kissed it looking into her eyes. "I swear this to ya."

No words could express how she felt at that moment. She stood frozen in the moment. He kissed her forehead as the door opened. Hap, Tig and Rat all walked in laughing at something Rat had said. Tig shot her a look of 'what the hell?' and looked at Chibs bristling. "Thank you."

"Boys I need a wurd with my VP." He gave Tig a sly look. "Hap, call for church in a couple of hours."

Walking up to her Tig lifted her chin, wiping away a stray tear, "You a 'right?"

Shaking her head not trusting her voice, she kissed him on the lips. He tasted like weed and whiskey, she leaned in wanting more. Chibs cleared his throat. She pulled away with a smile. "I'll wait for a bit."

Laughing Chib's patted Tig on the shoulder, "we won't be long."

Heading out into the main bar area Nona met her with a cold beer and a questioning look. "You look upset, what's up baby girl?"

"Nothing bad, just a tad weirded out by Chibs request," she smiled thinking back on the conversation. Nona waited for her to continue, urging her on with a wave of her hand. "He wants me to step in and do the stuff Gem used to do." She looked around the clubhouse and realized she didn't know half the people here. "I don't even know where to start."

"Well, he's right. They do need a woman in touch with all the 'family', the wives and widows." She grabbed a bottle of Rum Chada and poured them both healthy shots. "You will do great at this. You're strong enough to keep the crow eaters in line, and trusted by all the guys. Once people see you helping out they will all fall in." She gave Katie her shot, and they tapped rims. "Get it up and get it in ya."

The vanilla and cinnamon taste burned on the way down settling in her stomach, "Nona?"

"Ya Mac?"

"Pour another, that shit tastes mighty fine." Taking a few big gulps her beer was done, and she was grabbing another for them both. She waited for Nona to pour and then they downed their shots again. "Okay, so who would have all the records of members and family?"

Nona's face fell a bit, sadness in her eyes unmistakable. "Bobby did all that. It's in the books."

"Well shit." Looking down she played with the empty shot glass. "If I can get a hold of the books will you help me make some sense out of everything?"

Surprise flitted across her face, "hell ya."

"Good," smiling Katie watched as Tig and Chib's exited the Church. She walked over to them intent on getting the books and start working. "I am hoping you can help me. Are there books with information on members and their families? Widows, kids and such?"

Smiling and looking relieved Tig and Chib's looked at each other. "Och aye. There is a box of that Shiite in the church. None of us has the patience that Bobby had for that. It'd be a huge help to us if it was taken care of." Once he finished he whistled at Rat, "fetch that box in the corner for Mac."

"Well that's what you asked of me, right?" She didn't want to overstep her tentative boundaries. She looked at Tig, wondering if he'd shared what they had talked about.

Nodding with a smile, "you're fine Mac. Just let us know if you need anything."

Rat walked out with a hug old box that was falling apart. He dumped it unceremoniously on a table letting a flurry of dust go as it dropped. "Holy shit," she mumbled. This could take a while. "Nona? Bring the bottle, some beers and let's get to work."

Hours later the box contents had been sorted through. Standing and stretching she downed the glass of water, needing to get sober enough to drive. It had been a long time since she'd drank like that. It was bowling night, damned if she'd miss just because her and Tig had gotten back together. "Thanks for the help Nona. Let's leave the rest for tomorrow. I gotta shower and pick up my shit for league tonight." Her phone vibrated on cue. Her team mate Rusty had sent her a text, 'see you tonight…big night…bring your big girl panties.'

'K,' she hit send. Bowling with Rusty who'd she'd bowled with in the past, and three other new guys who were all competitive and fun to be around had made her Thursday nights a riot. She loved being the only girl in the league, and carried a higher average than a couple of the guys. Rusty had called last year a couple months after she'd broken up with Tig asking her to bowl full time. Now she had a spot until she dropped out.

The guys were still in Church, she'd heard some raised voices at times, and then they had quieted down. She grabbed her keys, "you coming with or waiting on Hap?" Nona grabbed her stuff, definitely coming with you. "Let's go."

XXX

Walking into the Paradise Lanes he instantly got a shot of De ja vu. After they had first met she had reached out to him, asking him to meet her at Hilt Lanes. He smiled remembering how she had kicked ass that night, winning a good wad of cash. The party after had been full of alcohol and her bowling friends showing him another side of the woman who had stolen his heart. The interior of Paradise Lanes was different yet the feeling was the same. He saw a bunch of good old boys, drinking and having a night out, 'This is what normal does.'

Heading to the bar behind the lanes he grabbed a cold one, looking for Katie in the mix. Nona had told him were to find her, she had sent him a simple text telling him she'd be out late. When he'd tried calling and texting she hadn't responded, it had pissed him off then worried him. After the Intel today he would be having someone with Katie at all times when he couldn't do it himself. Tully was making parole tomorrow and he knew first on his list would be Katie.

Leaning into the wall he scanned the alleys, it was a long building with over 32 lanes. Being at one end he hadn't spotted her yet so he started walking to the other end. He saw her then, on the end pair. Watching her, he stopped and stood at a table in the back. Wearing a pair of boot cut jeans that hugged her thighs and ass in all the right places along with a black pearl jam concert t-shirt she was drop dead sexy. He loved how she put her hair in a clip with pieces of hair that fell down around her face. After all these years they had been together she had aged well. In her mid-forties she still looked in her early thirties, a few extra laugh lines had appeared on her face but she remained the essence of Kate that he adored.

Turning slightly she looked past him then her eyes whipped back to him as a huge smile lit up her face. It was like the sun had come out, his heart beat thumped in his chest. He watched as she sat her beer down quickly then walked up to him stopping a few inches from him. Her whiskey eyes danced in the bar lights as she reached up tucking a hair behind his ear.

Catching her hand he pulled her into a gentle hug, his mouth eager to meet with hers he leaned in giving her a kiss. Moaning as his hand roamed down her back she shivered and slid up tighter to him. Knowing if this kept going he would be dragging her into a bathroom stall he broke off the kiss. "Miss me?" he couldn't help but tease her.

With a quick sly smile and laugh she pushed on his shoulder playfully, "who me?"

Moving gracefully away she returned to the lanes, and got ready for another shot. He heard the other team razzing the guy she was bowling against. She was beating him soundly, and could finish with a 269 is he was adding right. Ouch. Ending with three strikes she hit the 269 and the other team cheered her on good naturedly, including the guy whose ass she'd just kicked.

It was killing him watching her interact with all these guys. She was his goddamitt! Guys from 4 lanes away were stealing glances at her. He overheard a conversation in front of him between two guys probably in their late forties. 'Man if she fucks as good as she bowls I'm in.' Unable to stop himself he walked up to the pair, standing in close and putting his arms around their shoulders pulling them into him with a tight grip. He smiled, all teeth no warmth. "Hey boys…" They both looked at him at a loss, confusion on their faces trying to pull away. He held them firmly in place. "If I ever hear you talk about her or any other woman like that again I will fuck you up." He looked at each one, "we clear?" They shook their heads yes, eyes wide. Patting their shoulders as if they were longtime friends he ground out, "great talkin to ya." He felt them watching as he walked away towards the bar for another beer.

He knew then judging by what she was wearing and how he was feeling that he'd be making heads role tonight. He smirked wondering who his first contestant was going to be. It didn't take long for a bowler from another team to walk up to her from behind. Tig's hackles went up as he pulled her into him. He growled as the guy leaned down talking into her ear, rubbing against her back. As she leaned back into him his blood boiled. Turning her head she graced him with a laugh and a smile. His hand landed on her ass, Tig's blood pressure mounted as he saw red. She playfully moved his hand and put space in between them as she said something while she waggled her finger.

Backing away from him she danced out of his grasp and headed back towards Tig. Her face was flushed from alcohol her smile bright as she looked at up at him. Annoyance flashed across her face when she realized he was pissed. "What is up your ass?"

"Common Katie, don't tell me you are oblivious to the fact they all wanna fuck you." His reply was coarse. He regretted it the minute it left his lips.

Her response was pure Kate, and didn't surprise him in the least. "Are you serious right now? You are aren't you?" Shaking her head she pushed him away. "Thanks for the trust Trager." Waving her hand around her in an arcing motion, "they are friends. Sure some want more, mostly its playful flirting. I go home alone, just like I always have. I don't FUCKING SLEEP AROUND." Tears pooled in her eyes as he watched her unload.

When she turned to leave his hand snaked out he tucked in behind her, laying his chin on top of her head and she held her gently. "I'm sorry. It's not you I don't trust." She shook him off and walked away, chin in the air.

'Great job Tig, got her hackles up now.' He fought his inner green monster all through the evening, getting madder by the hour. He'd bought drinks for the table, making nice with her team and trying his hardest to be civil. Kate hadn't held onto her anger for long, she teased playfully with him and made small talk about work and what she'd been accomplishing the past year. It felt good to be involved with her again, and he was proud of how hard she had worked to build her business back up after her stint in the Pen.

As the evening came to a close another 'admirer' came around coming on to her. Stepping in front of her he pulled her into a hug and kissed her lips. His hand wandered down rubbing her ass as he picked her up. He watched as Katie forced him to end the hug and pushed his hand away. She was stiff and pissed.

'This time somebody is going to get hurt. Tig moved in quietly stepping in between them, he pushed the guy in the shoulder shoving him backwards into the lane area. "Is that your hand on my girlfriend?" His blood was up as he walked toward the guy. He was pushing 6'3, just a bit taller but Tig wasn't worried, he loved a challenge. The guy's eye flashed as he flexed his hands. "Is that your hand?"

"Tig, stop," he heard Katie's voice but he was gonna make an example of this nimrod so everyone would get the message.

He walked towards the guy, smiling with satisfaction as his body hummed with adrenaline. "You went too far with the wrong woman. I'm gonna fuck you up." The guy smiled back, walking towards Tig. He took the first shot, taking such a big swing that he read it long before it happened. Ducking neatly to the side Tig stepped in and landed a hard punch to the guy's midsection. Feeling the satisfaction of ribs cracking as he dropped to his knees. Finishing him off with an uppercut to his chin he fell sideways onto the floor groaning.

At this point all hell had broken loose. He felt arms pulling him back he was just about to go in for the kill. Seeing Katie in front of him he concentrated on her face, knowing she was talking to him he tried to calm down and listen to her. "Tig, common baby, you made your point." She grabbed one of the hands holding him back. He smiled when she got feisty yelling at the guys holding him back "let go of him. I got it."

"A 'right, a 'right, let me go." He shook off the rest of the hands, flexing his hands breathing heavily with his chest pounding. He still had plenty of anger in him. He needed to get the fuck out of here before he really hurt someone.

Taking his hand she pulled him towards a back exit door, they went outside and she put the piece of wood in it to hold it open. He immediately started pacing, then walked up to a shed and punched it a couple of times, till he felt the pain. Control slowly ebbed back into his system. Standing with his arms above him leaning on the shed he took big gulps of air forcing himself to settle down.

"Better now?" he noticed she was keeping her space as he came down. She knew him to well to get in his way when lost it.

"Yeah, sorry baby, I tried so fucking hard not to snap. But when he kissed you and put his hand on your ass I lost it." Looking at her sheepishly he hoped she wouldn't be too upset with him.

"You should probably leave, he's a cop." Did he hear laughter in her voice?

He smiled, watching her try hard to hide her amusement. "Shit."

The door swung open, he snapped his head around seeing the guy standing in the light spilling out. He raised a hand, "I just want to apologize. I was out of line." Walking towards him, and he had to admit he had some kahunas as he put his hand out to shake Tig's hand. "My name is Ben Walker."

Tig shook his hand, "Trager." Keeping his voice even he tried to be civil for Katie's sake. She turned heading back inside. 'Damn, she trusts me to be cool.'

"None of us knew she was seeing someone. You otta put a ring on that finger." Turning the guy walked back inside, leaving Tig in the darkness to ponder his words. Chib's had told him the same thing earlier today. Maybe it was time to man up.

The ring he had bought a couple years ago was tucked safely away in his safe at home. He'd never been able to get rid of it after the day she'd thrown it back at him. Would she put it back on? As he made his way back inside his head was spinning with indecision.

He walked towards the table where Katie was getting her shit together. Most everyone had cleared out. Ben was talking with a guy, waving his hands. The other guy looked down their way and seeing Tig he walked towards them.

He heard Katie, "that's the owner Steve."

The guy was bald, with a decent build, and looked to be in his forties. Walking up to Tig he got right to the point. "You get one chance with me. This is my business, and I don't suffer fools fighting in here. Are we square?"

Tig looked at him for a few seconds, the shrugged his shoulders. "A 'right," wearing his smartass smile he added, "if guys would have some respect that shit wouldn't happen."

Nodding, "Ben already admitted as much." He looked Tig over, "I know who you are. I don't want trouble."

"No problem on my end." Tig stood with his thumbs hooked in his belt, pure indifference oozed out. The owner turned and walked away. Tig looked at Katie, wondering what she was thinking. Her face was a mask of boredom. Obviously hiding how she felt, she was working hard at keeping it in. He felt like a heel, exploding like that. Goddamit, he just wasn't built like that. "I could use some food. Will you meet me at Anna's and Pete's?"

"Yeah, okay." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm gonna head out, gotta stop at the house real quick. I wanna pick up a gun to leave at your place."

"A 'right," She threw him a dubious look but didn't push it.

XXX

Sitting in 'their' booth she waited for Tig to show. It was late, so neither Anna nor Pete was there, and the diner was quiet. An older guy sat at the counter drinking a coffee and eating a piece of their legendary chocolate cake, and a younger guy sat in a booth on the other side of the restaurant, texting on his phone furiously.

Seeing his headlight pull into the lot she let out a breath. Not realizing she had been holding it worried about him. He parked next to her truck, backing it in. Enjoying the view she watched as he swung his long leg over the saddle. He took his time stuffing his gloves in his pockets and setting his helmet on the gas tank. He ran his hands through his hair and then patted his vest pocket with a grin on his face. 'What the fuck are you up to Tig?'

The door opened and he didn't even look, just headed towards the booth. His eyes met hers after he'd done a visual check of the restaurant and the people. "Mac," he sat down giving her his liquid silver smile.

"Tig," unsure if it would be the Tig from earlier or Alex she waited to gage his mood. Tonight had proven he was crazy for her, and it had been satisfying to see him snap. He needed to suffer tonight. On the drive over it had become obvious to her she still was mad at him for pushing her away. That hurt would take time to heal. She needed the proof that he was all in this time before she would forgive him in her head. Her heart and soul had let him back in, no questions asked.

Reaching out he took her hand, "I am sorry I lost my shit."

His face was priceless when she replied, "I'm not."

Sitting back he looked at her with a mixture of trepidation and pride. "I figured you'd be pissed."

"I was, am a little." She gave him a smile. "I needed to know you were all in. You hurt me so badly the last time Alex. So bad," she held back tears as her voice cracked. "I'm scared."

"You don't have to be afraid. I'm right here. I'll protect you from anything." His sat forward with a fierce look on his face.

Shaking her head, "I'm sacred of you. Scared you will push me away again."

Lowering his head, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm all in baby. From here on out, no more wavering no more hesitation. I am yours, and you are mine." He got up out of the booth, turning away from her a bit then turning back he went down on one knee. 'Oh fuck…no he's not doing this…' Watching him her chest pounded.

"Alex?" whispering she watched his face as he fought for control.

"Kathleen MacKinney, I love you. You're my heart, my soul, my best friend. I promise to be here, good and bad, thick and thin, to protect you with my life." He stopped taking a deep breath he held out a ring. "Will you marry me?"

With shaking hands she took the ring. It was the same one he'd given her as a promise ring years ago. "You saved it," her voice waivered as she fought tears. She slipped it on her finger and then looked at him as the tears flowed, "yes."

Pulling her out of the booth he gathered her into a hug lifting her off the ground and turning with her. He sat her down and held her face between his hands, "Love you baby." His lips met hers in a sweet slow kiss.

"Alex?" whispering she watched his face as he fought for control.

"Kathleen MacKinney, I love you. You're my heart, my soul, my best friend. I promise to be here, good and bad, thick and thin, to protect you with my life." He stopped taking a deep breath he held out a ring. "Will you marry me?"

With shaking hands she took the ring. It was the same one he'd given her as a promise ring years ago. "You saved it," her voice waivered as she fought tears. She slipped it on her finger and then looked at him as the tears flowed, "yes."

Pulling her out of the booth he gathered her into a hug lifting her off the ground and turning with her. He sat her down and held her face between his hands, "Love you baby." His lips met hers in a sweet slow kiss.

"Well now, ain't that sweet Roy boy? A deep rusty voice followed the loud clunk of boots on the floor. She felt Tig stiffen and then pulled away from her shoving her behind him. Peeking around him she saw the young kid who'd been texting earlier. He was hanging behind an older man who had a swastika tattooed on his neck at his shirt line. He had deep set, dark brown eyes under a set of heavy dark eyebrows. His dark black hair was cut short in a military style. "We got ourselves a couple of love birds."

"Stan, I told ya it was her…that's the MacKinney bitch who killed my brother Randy!" With nasty dark black eyes that jumped between her and Tig, her skin crawled. He looked just like Tully. 'How many brothers did this asshole have?' Her body hummed with her anger, she wanted to make him hurt like she had.

Moving she tried to get around Tig, he stepped sideways blocking her advance. With venom in her voice she spat out, as she tried to climb over Tig's shoulder. "You little cocksucker, you're brother deserved the fucking bullet between his eyes." Trying to go the other way Tig stepped neatly in front of her. Getting seriously pissed she poked his back.

"While I beat the shit out of Stanley here," he gave a cold smile towards the older man, then he hooked a thumb towards Katie, "I'm gonna let her go. You really shouldn'a called her a bitch. I'm gonna enjoy watching her destroy you."

Exploding forward Tig tackled Stan, taking down both of the white hate at the same time. Sliding past Tig as he held Stan down and worked on demolishing his face, she reached Roy trying to gain his feet. She kicked him in the ass knocking him forward into a table. It toppled over spilling its contents in a loud crash. His squeal of surprise echoed in the empty diner as he sprawled onto the floor. Following him she kicked him in the ribs hearing the satisfying crack of ribs. She kept kicking him, hearing his grunts of pain. In an instant she was back inside the Pen, fighting for her life. The red hot anger, desperation and the need to survive took over. Voices and yelling echoed in her head, 'Hollywood', 'take down that white bitch.' Reaching up she covered her ears, "No! Stop it."

His foot shot out and knocked her feet out from under her. Landing hard on her ass she rolled sideways as he tried to kick her. Missing he fell backwards, slipping on creamer that had spilled off the table. His head made a sickening thud as it hit the hard floor. Her insides churned at the all too familiar noise. She sat staring at the kid, blood pooling on the floor under his head. 'Shit Katie, shit, shit, shit…' a steady mantra in her head as she froze caught in the trap of the memories. After leaving prison she had worked hard to leave that other person far behind. The minute she'd gotten mad and had to defend herself there was no stopping the switch.

"Miss," whipping her head towards the counter she saw the cook pointing outside. A truck full of white hate was pulling into the lot. "You best get on outta here."

"Tig!" the flash of a pig sticker caught her eye as Roy moved to bring his arm up. He blocked the blow and then fought for the knife. Thinking on the fly she grabbed a metal napkin holder off the floor and staggered to her feet. Walking over to where the two men rolled around on the floor she smacked Roy as hard as she could on the back of his head. He fell onto Tig, out cold.

"Awe, common Katie," Tig shoved the big man off him. "I was just warmin up."

Reaching down she pulled him to his feet. "We gotta go. Now!" she led the way towards the kitchen, and the back door. They could make it to their vehicles before they realized where they'd gone.

"Go Katie, head to Red Woody, don't fucking stop. I'll be right behind you." He urged her on, pushing on her hips as she got to the back door. She busted ass to her truck, reaching into the center console finding her keys and jamming them into her ignition. Closing her door she saw Tig getting his bike started. Looking out behind her she saw them running out into the parking lot, guns drawn.

Knowing then she needed to buy time for Tig to get out before lead started flying she threw her truck into reverse gunning it straight towards them. She heard them yell, and felt the thud as she hit someone. She threw it into drive and spun out throwing gravel and dirt at them. Tig drove by, shooting at their truck tires as he gunned it for the exit. She followed him ducking low as her back windshield got shot out. A few more thwacks of bullets hit the back of her truck as she sped away following Tig out to the main road.

Desperate to remain strong she ruthlessly pushed the real Kate down staying in the Prison Kate state of mind. Feeding off the anger and pain of everything that night had done it hadn't been a hard thing to do as she headed to Red Woody. Pulling into the lot, she parked next to the building. Opening her door she got out gingerly, brushing broken glass off her arms and legs. Bending over she shook her hair out, making sure there was none in her hair. Tig walked towards her, his face hard as his eyes searched for damage.

Grabbing her shoulders gently, "are you hurt?"

"No. I'm fine," His eyes softened, as he pulled her into a bear hug.

Pulling back he gave her a small shake. "I said to go straight to Red Woody, not back up into them taking a chance at getting hit."

Shaking off his hold she held her ground giving him a ruthless smile. Still in full out hardass mode she bit back at him. "Admit it. It bought us time, and kept the bullets away from you." He bristled, and she braced for his explosion.

Before the argument could get heated they were interrupted by Rat. "Holy Shit! What did I miss?"

Tig stood staring at her, "this discussion is not over."

Smiling she leaned in whispering in his ear. "Let's find someplace private." She licked and nibbled his ear, blowing gently into it. Her hand slipped down between them, going for his crotch. He neatly caught it before she connected, but he pushed his hard on into her hips and turned finding her lips. Moaning just loud enough for him to hear her, she felt the fire building deep inside of her, "Tig…please." Unsure of where her feelings were coming from, she just knew she needed him, his touch, instinctively knowing he would save her, ground her, bring her back.

He wrapped his arms around her placing his hand under her ass. Opening her legs she hopped up as he held her firmly against his hips. Feeling the bulge of his hard on she continued kissing his neck, nibbling on his ear as she held on to the back of his head. He walked into the building holding her his lips kissing her neck and chest.

Busting through a door, she realized they were in a small office. Chucky sat behind the desk, "Get the fuck out." Tig's voice was thick with desire as he kept walking her towards the desk. Chucky hesitated watching as he swept all the contents of the desk off in one swipe. Papers floated down, as she heard objects crashing to the floor.

"Hey! That took me all morning." Chucky stammered obviously upset.

"Nimrod, get the fuck out. Now." Tig turned looking at him.

Ducking his head Chucky shuffled towards the door, "I can accept that."

Grabbing his shirt she pulled it over his head, kissing his chest as she worked on his belt. She felt his hands slip under her shirt, pulling it off gently he kissed the hollow point on her collar bone. Groaning as the heat continued to build her hips started a soft urgent rhythm. "God Katie, wait baby." Holding her hips his hands worked their way to her belt. In no time he had her jeans and panties off.

Picking her up again he impaled her in one swift motion, as she held herself up on the desk. Throwing her head back she arched into him as he pumped into her. Within minutes she was on fire, making soft grunting noises with every thrust. He pulled her upper body close, meeting his cool lips with hers, his tongue mimicking the motion. The rush of heat uncoiled deep inside of her, the vibrations rocking her as she called out his name. Answering her release he cried out her name as he came, pushing into her so hard the desk was moving with each thrust. Finally he eased up, lifting her onto the edge of the desk kissing her deeply.

Holding on to her as they caught their breath his deep rumble of a chuckle vibrated on her shoulder. "I'd forgotten how well suited you are to me. Not everybody understands sex after a rush of adrenaline like that." Nuzzling her collarbone she felt his cool lips kiss her. Changing the subject he surprised her. "I didn't think you'd say yes."

"Alex," she touched his cheek gently turning his head towards her. "I will wear your ring, marry you, and declare my devotion in front of the whole world, proudly with no hesitation, for all to see." Smiling as understanding dawned in his sapphire blue eyes. "I love you."

"Katie," she felt his body shudder as he stared into her eyes. "My love, my heart, my world," his smile melted her heart as he moved in for a long slow kiss. She felt him deepen the kiss, his hands worked their way lower as he pushed into her hard again.

A loud rapping noise on the door interrupted them, "Tig! Church," Happy's voice shook with laughter.

He groaned yelling back. "Go the fuck away!"

Chibs voice followed his laughter, "Tiggy. She's had nough bruther. Get your asses dressed, we got shiite to discuss."

"A 'right, a 'right," more laughter and unintelligible comments came through the closed door. He shrugged his shoulders, "rain check?" Giving her a hopeful waggle of his eyebrow she smiled and laughed.

They dressed quietly and quickly, both lost in their own thoughts. She was finally thinking like herself, no longer in survival mode, and it occurred to her that something was happening with White Hate, SAMCRO and her. "Tig?"

"Yeah," looking at her he must have sensed she was putting two and two together. He gave her a solemn look and finished putting on his clothes.

"What aren't you telling me? Why did they come after us? It's me right, because I killed Tully's brother…" pacing, trying to put it all in perspective. "Oh shit," she swallowed hard as she picked up her t-shirt. "Tully, he's behind this."

"Now Katie," looking at Tig, his tone put her hackles up. "Just listen. He's getting out on parole today." He walked towards her as the news sunk in. 'Tully…the diner,' his cold black eyes and dead voice called out to her as she remembered that day when she'd faced him down after losing the baby.

The room began spinning as she doubled over, her fear a kick in the stomach. She fought to breathe, to stay in control. She felt hands grab her shoulders, pulling her up. Fighting against them she stumbled backwards into the wall holding on to herself as her body shook. She was lost in a flashback, the same one she always dreamt. It always started with the attack on the shop, her getting shot then Tully taunting her, chasing her as she bled, as she lost everything. No way out, no one to stop him. Alone, so alone, as he smiled with dead eyes, she would give up sitting alone in a dark room.

"Katie?" hands gripped her shoulders harder, shaking her.

"No," she screamed. "No, he took it all away." She held her hands out in front of her seeing blood dripping from them, feeling the hot pain in her side from the bullet. The floor was flooded in red. "No, no, no… I didn't know, oh god…should have never…"

"Oh baby, common sugar. No come back." Arms held her tighter as she heard the familiar voice push through the flash back. Strong arms picked her up, holding her securely. A hand held her head to a chest, rubbing her neck as they talked to her. Through the haze of fear she started to feel safe, the soft deep voice helping her fight through the painful scene playing out in her head. "Shh, easy baby. That's it Katie, come back to me."

Concentrating on his voice, knowing she was in Tig's arms she felt her body give out. Totally drained she couldn't move, couldn't talk. Feeling him sit down against the wall, laying her in his lap as he kept her head tucked into his chest, she focused on trying to catch her breath.

"Awe Katie, I will protect you honey, just like today. He won't get anywhere near you." His voice was soft and deep calming her racing heart. "It's a 'right. I got you."

A cool cloth wiped across her sweaty forehead, "What happened Tig?" Layla's soft whisper filtered through.

"She panicked when I mentioned Tully. Had some sort of fucked up flash back." Rubbing her head she felt him kiss her temple.

It felt weird hearing them talk about her and not be able to talk or move. Her eyes felt heavy, and her mouth and brain just wouldn't function together. A horrible head ache was mounting, it always happened after the dreams. She knew she needed to get to a bathroom or she would puke all over him. "Tttig, oh gggoodd," she tried to get up out of his hold. Feeling the shakes hit her hard, her muscles clenched.

"Layla, I need a hot shower and a room for her." His voice rumbled through his chest into her head.

"Follow me. You can use the shower. I will get the room cleaned up and fresh linens."

Feeling him stand up with her in his arms she felt his chin rest on her head. "It's alright baby, I got you." Tremors rocked her from head to toe. She managed to look as he walked into a large modern shower. He turned the knobs testing the water, and simply carried her into the stream holding her as the hot water enveloped her. He eased down the side of the shower sitting with her cradled in his arms. She let him comfort her.

Scared, her fear came in waves. Memories bombarded her, with no meaning or reason. Faces floated just out of reach, Wes, Max, Kirill, even Tig's, faces of the women she'd hurt to survive in the Pen, and of Momma and that horrible day. Blood was everywhere, the walls, the floor, and her hands. She tried to rub off the blood, but it kept flowing. She heard herself screaming, felt the hot tears stream down her face.

She gagged, felt someone holding her as she threw up over and over till nothing came out. It hurt to breath, to think, to be. "Just make it go away," she pleaded with the faces, "go away." Her sobs tore through her, "I'm sorry, so sorry."

Hearing a deep voice she clung to the reassuring tone, its mesmerizing cadence sucking the fear out of her, leaving her numb. "Shh, shh, you're ok, no baby you're ok, you didn't do anything wrong." Strong hands held her tight, "you're safe, they are all gone, no one's here baby." Lips kissed her forehead, "come back sweetheart, I know, I know where you went. You can't stay there, come back to me."

Her vision blurred, blinking she focused on his face, his eyes "Oh god Alex." She moaned as he supported her. Gently cradling her she felt his soft touch as he stroked the wet hair out of her face.

Feeling another sweet kiss on her forehead as he took a deep breath, "That's it sugar, just take it slow."

Lost and unsure she remained quiet, her head buried in his chest. It had been a long time since she fallen apart so completely. He'd never seen it, and she wondered what he thought. What was happening to her? After breaking it off with him the nightmares had continued, but slowly they'd lost their grip with her. Until now, suddenly all the triggers were back, leaving her raw and open. She'd felt the subtle changes in her life, the need for less drama, just less. It hadn't bothered her walking away from Dom's crew, the boost had been exciting, but the risk just wasn't worth the days it took to get rid of the nerves. She just wanted to settle down and live a somewhat normal life. Was that too much to ask?

"Katie, talk to me. What's goin' on? His voice was soft and patient, his hand pulled her wet hair out of her face. Looking into his Sapphire blue eyes, her heart melted. Here they sat in a steaming shower, soaking wet as he held her. He should be in Church with his brothers, yet he'd stayed with her. Taking care of her, asking her what was happening. His actions openly admitted, in front of everyone, that he'd chosen her. Reaching up she touched his face gently with her finger tips, lost in the wonder, lost in his eyes. He kissed the tips of her fingers as she gently ran them across his moustache, reaching up he held her hand gently as her hand shook. "Let's get out of this shower, you're freezing."

Nodding her head she let him get her on her feet. Holding her steady he shut off the water and led her out. She watched him take a towel wrapping her in it gently, then grab another towel as he began drying her hair. With strong arms he picked her up again walking out into a small room with a large bed. Pulling the covers back he sat with his back against the wall and held her to him. Pulling the covers over them both the warmth began creeping its way back into her bones. Her shudders slowly died down, as her lids grew heavy.

Feeling out of sorts, and upset that she'd lost it she felt awful that he'd had to take care of her. Mustering enough strength to talk she looked up at him, "I'm ok, go."

Giving her a raised eyebrow he just shook his head at her. "They can handle whatever it is. I stay with you until I am satisfied you are all right." He adjusted them a bit lying her down on a stack of pillows as he lay next to her. "What happened Katie, you have to talk about it, don't keep it locked away. It's tearing you apart."

"I don't know, ok?" She turned her face into the covers. Embarrassed to the core, she just wanted him to go.

The cover gently lifted away, his face next to hers on the pillow. "I think I have an idea of what's happening, I wanna help you, but you have to tell me." Shaking her head no, she pushed his hand away. "Goddamit Katie, don't' shut me out," his voice cracked as he sat up and slammed his palm on the wall.

Jumping with his outburst her heart raced giving her a burst of adrenaline. She sat up pushing herself away from him. "Don't Alex. Please don't."

He turned on her, his eyes hard and feral. "Don't what Katie?" His hand hit the wall again.

Cringing she coiled into herself trying not to react. "That."

"This?" he hit the wall again. "Why?" He challenged her. "Does it make your heart race? Does your fear make you want to run or to fight?"

"Stop it Alex," She looked away not wanting to admit he was on the right track. Afraid he would think she was crazy. Afraid he would walk out and not come back.

"Answer me!"

"Fight! Goddamitt Alex." She sat on her knees facing him down, the burn of the anger a familiar fuel. She took a deep breath, upset she'd fallen for his bait so easily. "Fight," she added softly, looking down in defeat.

"Why fight?" his voice stabbed at her, pushing her to answer him.

"I…I can't stop…I had to fight so hard to survive in the Pen." Rocking on her knees she hit the bed. "I don't want to remember, I don't want to go there again…please don't make me…" her plea ended on a sob. "Don't you see? That fight tonight in the diner I wanted to kill that kid. Something inside of me snapped, I saw red and then my mind snapped. It was like I was back inside. Kill or be killed." It was as if a rubber band snapped and everything she had been holding in came out in a rush. "I'm broken. Something inside of me," lifting her hand she pointed it at her chest. "Something is so wrong. That sex we had? It was still her. Not me." She looked at him then, seeing understanding, not pity reflecting in his eyes. "When we finished and… and I realized what had happened I panicked." A bitter laugh escaped, "When those panic attacks hit me it's a bum rush of all the bad things I've done or had done to me. I can't make sense of anything, it's all disconnected voices, faces and blood. So much blood." Looking down at her hands she could see it, smell it. She wiped at them with the towel.

Hands held her arms taking the towel away from her he held it brutally in front of her face. "Look at it Katie." When she wouldn't look he pulled her face towards him, "look goddammit!" She opened her eyes seeing only the white of the towel. "See, it's white. No blood." Taking a shaky breath his voice broke and he whispered, "No blood baby."

"How do I make it stop? How can I ever be normal again? I…I don't think…shit…" looking around the room she saw a pile of her clothes laying on a chair. She walked slowly to the chair and started getting dressed. She had made up her mind, somewhere along the line of the past months even before she'd gotten back with him that it wasn't in her to fight anymore. She only managed to hurt those she loved…her ignorance and stupidity in believing that she could handle anything had taken an innocent baby away from her. Her fault. The familiar numbness settled in. This was better, it didn't hurt. Oh how she longed for a bottle and some pills to get lost in.

Looking across the room she saw him dressing as well. He turned towards her, his face no longer distant or harsh. It was an open wound of emotion. His eyes were pools of pain reflecting back to her. He pulled his shirt on, donned his cut and slipped into his boots.

Neither one spoke, the air heavy with unspoken words.

She walked into the bathroom and found a comb to work out the rats in her hair. She looked into the mirror, staring into her eyes, the eyes of a stranger. Suddenly sick she groaned and dry heaved into the sink.

Warm hands pulled her hair back and rubbed her shoulders as she fought to catch her breath. "Sugar, I understand. I of all people get it." He waited as she heaved again, then gently spoke, "God baby you have a beautiful soul, and a black soul. There is a duality in you, and that's your struggle, what you need to accept." He handed her a towel to wipe her sweating face off after she rinsed. "I remember someone giving me solid advice when I was struggling with some bad shit that I had done."

She stood looking in the mirror at his face. He had this wistful look as he thought back. She remembered…it had been after the Donna episode. "I remember," she nodded at him. "I thought I had it…thought…but I can't do it. I'm not as strong as you. It's just so much." She looked down, feeling sick again. "What if I can't fight it anymore? I just want to go to sleep…and…" she heaved again, laying her head on the cool faucet.

"And…what Katie?" with a soft sigh he watched her in the mirror.

"And never…"

Interrupting her he slammed his hand on the porcelain top. "No! Don't you fucking think it or say it." She could feel his anger pulsing in the tiny bathroom as his eyes bored into the mirror meeting hers. She watched as he ran his hand through his hair as he pinched his nose, a sure sign he was upset. "I used to think I needed you to be strong. You would help me be strong enough to face my wrongs, but I've learned it had to be for me, from me. I had to want to get my shit back together and learn to live with my demons. They never go away, and some days my struggle is like yours today. But everyday gets a little bit better and I get a little bit stronger."

She looked at his reflection in the mirror. She knew he was right. "I don't know where to start Alex." Holding his gaze she was surprised when he gather her into his chest his arms around her midsection.

Whispering as he kissed the top of her head, "you start here." She watched him cover her chest gently with his hand, "you have to learn how to accept who you are, and what you've done. Forgive yourself, learn to love yourself again." Closing her eyes, she leaned back into him taking a deep breath. His body gave her strength, his words hauntingly astute. "I will always be here, I am walking beside you, step for step, stuck between heaven and hell."

"Through all the bad things in my life I have pushed the bad, the evil done to me the evil I did into a little black box. The lid stayed slammed shut, never thinking about what was inside." Taking a deep breath she went on, trying to put into words her feelings. "The lid is wide open, I feel brittle, like I will break into a million pieces if someone touches me." Locking eyes with him in the mirror she admitted how much it hurt. "Today I broke and you saw what it did to me."

Shaking his head, he gently turned her towards him. "The other day you did the same for me. I've been having a hard time managing my own demons. You didn't pressure me. You just understood and took care of me." With a small smile he kissed her forehead, "I will always be here for you, to help you and make sure you're okay. Together we can muddle through this."

"Alex," she looked up with tears in her eyes. "I love you."

His smile, bright and strong put a flicker of light deep within her dark soul. "Whiskey, I love you like crazy." He tipped her chin up towards his lips, "We will get through this together, but you have to promise me you won't give up on yourself…on us."

"I might need a smack upside the head once in a while," she smiled at him.

Playfully he smoked her upside the head, "Ya mean like this?"

Pushing against him with a small snort and a giggle, "go. Catch up with the guys. I'm better now."

He looked at her doubtful, not budging. "I want you to wait for a few. Lemme see what is going on. I'd like to go home with you tonight." She started to bristle, hating that he thought she needed watching over. She started to say something and he cut her off. "Please."

"Alex, I'm fine now, really." Crossing her arms in front of her body she stared him down.

"It's not about that, though it does worry me. It's about the diner and what happened. With Tully making parole we have a big problem." He reached up holding the sides of her face as the fear skittered up her spine. "You will be protected at all times."

"Ok, I get it now." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I'm gonna cleaned up, while I wait."

"A 'right," he kissed her softly at first and then he turned up the heat. Feeling stronger and safe within his arms she responded in kind, moaning with want. He ended the kiss to soon, "Katie, you're killin me." Taking her hand he led the way out into the main room.

Most of the crew had drinks in hand and were sitting around talking quietly. Red Woody had long since shut down, it was well past midnight. "Tig, Chibs is in the Chapel. He wanted to see you." Quinn handed him a cold beer. "Want a beer Mac?"

"Sure, thanks," she wanted a smoke so she headed outside to go to her truck. Realizing someone was following her she turned and saw Quinn quietly standing in the shadow. Her truck had been cleaned up, no sign of the broken glass anywhere. 'Wow, they didn't waste any time.' Walking back towards Quinn she lit up and took a pull from her beer. The smell of weed and whiskey tickled her nose.

"Wanna hit?" he offered her some.

"Oh yeah," putting out her cigarette she took a long hit, holding it in and enjoying the mellow feeling it gave her.

"Mac…" he paused shoving his hand in his pocket looking out over the parking lot. "You don't have worry about Tully. We will protect you. His time is short."

"I don't want anyone hurt or dead because of me." She looked at him meaning every word. It would leave a scar that nothing could fix.

Giving her a big smile he shrugged his shoulders. "We gotta plan, trust Chib's and Tig, it will all be ok."

The door swung open and Tig walked out lighting up. Quinn nodded to him and went inside. Her phone vibrated as a text message came through so she grabbed it out of her back pocket. Noting it was from Doug she opened it right away. 'Katie can't make it tomorrow for business trip. Sarah was in a car accident tonight. She is fine, just a small concussion. I want to keep an eye on her. Get someone to go with you."

'Well shit.' Thinking on the fly she knew it would be a wasted trip for anyone else to go, being an industry expo on paint and body work. She'd completely forgotten about it with all the excitement of the past week.

Tig interrupted her thoughts. "Tomorrow we are having all the charters in for the wake and funeral for Jax. I'd love to have you there with me."

"Oh crap. Tig I have had plans to go to the Expo in San Diego for months. I have to give a presentation. I'm actually getting paid to do this." It hurt watching as he hid his reaction. "I'm so sorry baby, I feel awful." Feeling rattled, wanting to be there for him she kept thinking out loud. "I will call the guy tomorrow and beg off, I will think of something."

"No." His voice was firm and full of conviction. "You absolutely will not." Stepping up to her he pulled her chin up towards him. "I want you to go. I am so fucking proud of you and all that you have accomplished."

"What?" astonished that he'd said that.

"Do you know how good it feels to brag about you? Your work is amazing, and I get to ride it every day. I get comments all the time, and it always reminds me about how we met. You could have given up on more than one occasion yet you have risen from the ashes twice." He stopped running his hand through her hair and rubbing her face with his thumbs. "My beautiful, resilient Phoenix," kissing her lips gently. Her heart thumped in her throat as his words sunk in. "Your work is important to you, and it's important to me as well." He gave her a huge grin.

"Oh," this was the first time he had ever told her this and she was a bit stunned.

"I won't be much company this weekend anyway. It's gonna be a long day, and a huge wake after." A wave of sadness swept through his eyes. "I will be passed out drunk well into Sunday if I have my way."

"I want to be here, beside you." This was an impossible situation, and she would feel guilty on either decision.

"No. You will go." Hating his tone and bossy attitude she bristled. "Please."

"Since you asked so nicely I guess I will be going on the trip." Leaning closer she kissed his lips.

"Mmmm, you taste like weed and Stoli." Coming back for more she giggled and let him.

Suddenly breaking off the kiss he grabbed her by the shoulders, "You don't go unprotected. I will send Quinn with you."

"Nonsense, Doug will be with me." She hated lying, yet with the circumstances as they were she did not want to take anyone away from the wake.

Looking at her quietly for a moment she saw the wheels working as he toyed with it in his head. "A 'right. Doug will be good. Ya he will be good." He nodded, satisfied with the arrangements.

Breathing an inner sigh of relief she felt guilty about her little white lie, but hid it well. "I have to get on the road about 8 a.m. Let's go home and get some sleep. It's been a hell of a long day."

"Leave your truck here, I asked Chucky to take it to Teller Morrow tomorrow to get the window replaced." He smiled sweetly down at her. "You can drive your Stang down to San Diego."

"That'll work." She looked at his bike, "guess I'm riding bitch."

With a wink and a slap on her ass, "Yep I guess you are."

XXX

Nodding off Katie swerved back into her own lane. 'Shit! That was to close.' Sitting forward on her seat she rolled the window down then turned up her music. Forcing herself to sing along she managed to stay awake. 'Dammit, I wanted to make it home tonight. I'm so fucking close.' A few miles later, about a half hour south of Lodi, she found a truck stop. It was quiet, a few trucks parked, and just a scattering of cars in the lot. The lights from the restaurant glared into the night, reflecting on the wet pavement. The silhouettes of a few people sitting at the counter broke through the glow welcoming travelers to come in and rest for a while.

Finding a spot to park under a light, she opened her glove box and pulled out her 9 mil. Sliding it into her purse she fluffed her hair out and put on some sheer lip balm. She grabbed the trash from her road trip and hit the barrel with it on her way in. 'First a pit stop and then some coffee, you got a long drive yet.'

Noting all the exits, she ran a visual check over restaurant. One old man sat at the counter, putting away a healthy slice of cherry pie. He looked at her, nodding his dark brown eyes twinkled in the neon light sign. He was on the thin side, with weathered wrinkled skin above his well-kept salt and pepper beard. He seemed harmless enough, probably the driver of one of the trucks parked outside.

In a booth at the far end of the restaurant the only other patron sat looking down at his computer. Most of his face was hidden by medium length dirty blonde hair. She noted he looked fairly clean, with jeans a t-shirt and a flannel shirt. A plate of half eaten food sat next to him, along with a can of Monster.

Satisfied that neither one were white hate she continued walking towards the restroom. The computer guy watched her above the edge of his screen, his light gray eyes following her as he turned his head. His hand and leg were tapping a nervous beat as his other hand went beneath the table. "Hi," she gave him a smile noting he held a steak knife in the hand clearly nervous.

"Hey," obviously taking a deep breath he relaxed as she continued on past him. 'He must be in some trouble, and he's scared.' His reaction was more flight than interest in her so she wasn't too concerned with him.

The bathroom was surprisingly clean. Splashing some cold water on her face she looked into the mirror. Her eyes were clear, but the purple marks under them told the truth. It had been a very long weekend, but her trip to an industry expo in San Diego had been extremely productive. She dove into her purse, grabbing a hidden pill case and popped a couple uppers. Cupping some water she swallowed, looking into the mirror again she shook her head. Disappointment coursed through her as she regretted giving in.

Finding her makeup bag she took some time and fixed herself up. Hiding the purple marks beneath her eyes, she put on her full ensemble, ending with her eye makeup. She brushed through her hair, sprayed in some hair spray and pulled it into her messy up do, pulling a few strands to fall around her face. Satisfied she looked human again she headed back out into the restaurant.

She wouldn't have made the trip with everything that had happened inside Sam Crow recently but Alex had insisted. This trip had been planned a couple months before they had reconnected. She hated leaving him, he came home every night exhausted both mentally and physically but she was proud of him and Chibs. Working very hard at getting the club back on even ground, they had been thinking outside the box. The last piece would be to end the threat of Tully and his band of white hate. He'd gotten out on parole two days ago.

Originally she had been traveling with Doug to the expo, but Sarah had gotten into a serious car accident the night before they were leaving. Telling a couple little white lies to keep her plans, she'd told Doug that someone from the Son's would go with her as protection. Guilt niggled at the back of her brain for being so deceptive with him, but she wanted him home with his wife. Everyone was being careful with Tully out of the Pen after the scuffle at Pete's the past week. The second lie had been to Alex, he still thought Doug was with her. Knowing that the truth would surface eventually hadn't stopped her from doing what she thought was right, the club was short guys and they didn't need to baby sit her. If her hunch was right it would take him a few days to make a move. The bonus had been getting a few days off by herself to gain some clarity and balance.

The long road of her life had taken many turns. It was up to her to put it all in perspective and get level. For now she was treading water, every day the water got a bit calmer. Drinking and pills was her crutch, again. It hurt knowing she'd slipped back down that path. 'One issue at a time, one foot in front of the other. You can't fix it all at once Katie.' She and Alex had been drinking hard, and she wasn't sure if he knew that she'd gone back on the pills to keep up.

Finding a seat in a booth facing the doors, with a wall to her back she played in her purse, pulling her 9 mil to the top within easy reach. Just because she had gone by herself she had remained alert. Now that she was so close to Tully's territory it wasn't unreasonable to be super careful.

A young waitress approached the table with a fresh pot of coffee. Turning her coffee cup over Kate gave her a soft smile. Deep blue eyes surrounded by gorgeous dark eyelashes looked at Katie a sadness echoing within them. Giving Kate a tentative smile back she filled up her cup.

"What can I get you?" her voice was a bit hoarse, and she spoke softly.

"Just coffee for now thanks," sitting back as she walked away Katie thought about all the crap she had to do. Looking down at her left hand the blue stone of her engagement ring twinkled back up at her. Soon she and Tig would have to figure out shit and get it all set.

A big white truck pulled into the truck stop, Katie's heart jumped. It looked familiar, like the one from the other day. She pulled her hoody up and kept her head ducked low as a tall well-built young man got out and walked into the restaurant like he owned the place. Wearing long sleeves it was hard to see if he had any white hate tattoos, although she was fairly certain she'd seen one on his lower neck. He walked up to the young waitress grabbed her arm and yanked her out the side door. It took everything Kate had not to take her gun and go shoot the fucker, her inner demon was trying to come out again.

Watching them argue through the window it was obvious they knew each other well. She was trying to stand up to him, but Katie could sense she was afraid of him. He stood leaning into her menacingly his voice loud enough to hear inside, "I need money! Give me your godamm tips!" It was plain to see the girl was upset. Slowly she reached into her apron and pulled out a small wad of cash. Snatching it out of her fingers he placed both hands on the brick wall leaning in to kiss her. She turned her head away, enraging him. He slapped the wall above her and said something to her as he stalked away.

Seeing the waitress looking around Katie made it look like she hadn't seen a thing. Her heart bled for the girl. She obviously wanted out of the relationship, but was likely stuck. As she walked in she scrubbed tears off her face. A few minutes later she came to refill Kate's cup, not making eye contact. It broke her heart seeing the red face and eyes on the girl. Noting the restaurant had cleared out Katie decided to try and help the girl. "Can you sit for a few?"

Looking at Katie with her deep blue eyes, she shook her head no. "I got stuff to do."

Not taking no for an answer she flipped over the other coffee cup, "sit, coffee is on me." It was clear she wanted to desperately, but was leery. "I don't bite. You look like you could use a break." Easing into the booth quietly Kate watched her take a deep breath. She introduced herself to the girl. "Hi, I'm Kate MacKinney."

"Hi, I'm Jackie Collins," she filled her cup and grabbed the sugar. "Aren't you the girl from that bike build off show?" Nodding Kate waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, not wanting to talk about it. Jackie gave her a smile, "I loved watching it." Her phone beeped and she pulled it out, looking at a message. Her face hardened as she typed.

"Everything ok?" it was a long shot, but she hoped the girl would open up to her.

"Same shit, different day," she shook her head rubbing her temples. "My babysitter is getting tired of the baby's daddy not showing up when he says he will."

"You have a baby?" Katie smiled at her trying to break the ice.

Flashing a huge bright smile she shook her head yes, "he is 14 months old. Brody is my world. I am trying to save up money to leave here and find a better life for us." She looked out the window as her face fell.

"Hard to save money when assholes come and take it all the time," she watched her for a reaction.

"Oh, you saw that?" looking embarrassed she cringed. "That was Rafe, he is Brody's dad."

"Jackie, does he hurt you?" She fought not reaching out to take the younger girls hand, "or the baby?" It was strange. Normally Katie didn't butt in to other people lives. Something about her drew Kate in. A niggling feeling kept telling her that she needed to help her. 'What the fuck is going on?'

"No, he'd never hurt Brady. He really loves him." She looked out the window, "He hits me once in a while when he's high or drinking."

"Do you love him?" Knowing full well the girl didn't. It was easy to read her.

"I thought I did, once." She looked at Kate funny, "why do you give a shit?"

Shaking her head she admitted, "I don't know. Honestly I don't usually sit down and talk with a complete stranger." Sitting back she looked again at the girl and realized she reminded her of a younger version of herself. "I think you could use some help, or just need to talk to somebody who isn't involved in your shit." She smiled at her, "I don't even know how to give good advice, cause my life is pretty fucked up too."

She made a scoffing sound looking at Kate with disbelief. "You've had a hard life?" I ran away from home to get away from…stuff." Her face became impassive. "I met Rafe, and he seemed so sweet at first. Then he got stupid, got mixed up with some bad people." She shook her head, "he changed."

"Don't judge other people. You don't know their struggles or their stories." She gave the girl a stern look.

"Really? Like what?" Her doubt fueled a fire inside of Kate.

Deciding to share with her in hopes of getting her to listen she continued. "l have made tons of bad decisions in my lifetime. My first serious relationship ended in a bad way. He died and I was…" 'what the hell, tell her'…raped." Looking directly at Jackie she saw the echoes of a similar pain.

"Oh…"

"…I was shipped off to New York to 'grow up', see I never shared with my family everything that had happened. I met someone who wasn't what he seemed, it was complicated. I ran, he ended up finding me and kidnapped me." Stopping to take a drink of coffee she got lost in a memory as Max's face reflected in the window. Jackie sat quietly stunned, listening intently. "Long story short he ended up dead. I had to rebuild my life. In the midst of all that I met someone, he's complicated but I love him so very much." She looked down, the last part needed to be told but it hurt so much.

"What's he like?" her big blue eyes bored into Kate.

"Loyal, funny, smart, tough, strong and a bit crazy," she smiled thinking of his eyes. "He has amazing blue eyes that look like sapphires."

"How do you know you love him?" looking doubtful she crossed her arms and sat back.

"After all we've been through…he was in jail and then I was. I lost our baby because of a break in at my shop. We lost our way for a while and didn't see each other for well over a year. Yet through all that I knew. Here," she touched her chest, "that I still loved him. We are back together and stronger because of it." Sitting here talking about it with a total stranger had made her see that they were really stronger, and meant to be together. They had survived and found each other again.

"I'm sorry, I was wrong to look at you and see someone famous who never had to work for anything." Watching the girl fidget as she turned red Kate knew she was embarrassed.

"You seem smart, and you're not afraid to work. I know you've endured some bad things, but I also think you're a survivor. Leave him, take Brady and make a new life. Only you can change what happens to you." Pausing lost in her own mistakes she added. "I know only too well, I've been there."

"I have tried. He threatened to kill me if I try again." She twisted her hands, obviously upset.

"Shit. Get a restraining order, go get help. Come see me, I can help." Kate's gut burned angry for the girl and at the people who were abusing her.

"He keeps Brady as a leverage tool." Her face hardened with anger. "We live in that old trailer park off Moony road. It's filled with all his friends who watch me all the time. They follow me to work, everything." Even the old lady who watches Brody while I work is in with them."

"Who's them Jackie?" Waiting in trepidation she hoped it wasn't the answer she thought it would be.

She looked away, "It, it doesn't matter." Standing up she turned to leave. "I can't go anywhere. I'm stuck now." Taking a deep breath she looked Katie in the eyes adding. "Leave it alone. You seem nice, like you really care, however I don't know you. Just stop."

Sitting back putting her hands up and she let the girl leave. Hoping she would contact Katie later after she'd had a chance to think. "Your right, I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry." Walking quickly away Jackie disappeared into the back. Unable to leave it alone, Kate dug into her purse finding a piece of paper and wrote a note for the girl. 'I didn't have anyone to talk to in my life when I needed them. Please take this money and make a difference for you and your little boy. Call me if you need help getting out. I have friends who aren't afraid of who and what your boyfriend is.' Feeling around in the inside of her purse she found the secret hole where she kept her emergency stash, she counted out a thousand in hundreds and put in in an envelope. She put a $20.00 with the bill on her table and headed to the cash register.

Jackie met her at the register, "Look…I'm sorry. I'm just not strong like you."

Katie smiled at her, "its ok. And I think you have the strength, you just haven't reached deep enough for it. Here keep the change." She handed her the bill and the envelope with the note, turning and walking quickly away. Getting her truck going as quickly as she could she looked back in her mirror and saw her standing outside watching her drive away.

Lost in thought about the young waitress she jumped as her phone rang. Tig flashed on her sync screen and she answered it happily. "Hey baby," she couldn't hide the happiness in her voice.

"Mac," she took a deep breath. He didn't sound happy. In fact his voice was very cold. "Where the fuck are you?" She heard the noise of the club house in the background and it was way louder than usual. The clock on the dashboard said 10:30, making her figure there was a big party going on.

"On my way back," she fought to keep her cool. "You know that."

"I also know Doug isn't with you. You are A MULE KATIE! GODDAMIT!" she heard Chib's in the background, telling him to calm his shit down. "Where exactly are you? We are riding out to meet you and escort you back to Red Woody. NO is not an option."

"I'm about 10 minutes south of Lodi." She answered him quietly. She knew something must be up, and she immediately felt bad for handling it like she had.

"You see anything out of the ordinary you keep driving. You hear me?" His voice was harsh and clipped.

"Fuck Tig I'm not deaf. I heard you." Reaching into her purse she pulled out her 9 mil and set it out on the seat. "I'm sorry."

"We will talk later. Call me if you feel something is off. We will see you in about 15 minutes, just keep driving and we will hook up with you." She heard his Dyna fire up, then a few more. 'Shit, something must have happened. The connection ended, her heart was racing as she continued on, watching for anything out of the ordinary. It hit her then that she'd had a close call with Rafe at the restaurant. Had he spotted her it would have been over. Clamping down on her emotions with all she had she concentrated on the road and watching for trouble.

Eventually on the other side of Lodi, she was sitting at a traffic light. She saw the headlights of the bikes as they approached from the other direction. Flashing her headlights they pulled off and let her pass, then turned and rode up to her. She saw Tig and Chib's pass her gunning their Dyna's as Tig motioned for her to keep up.

They made it to Red Woody with no problem. The guys all dismounted quietly as she got out of her truck. None of them would make eye contact with her as they walked by. 'Shit.' She watched as Chib's and Tig approached her, both of them looked positively pissed.

Chib's pulled her into a stiff hug, holding her head he touched his forehead to hers. "Donnna ya ever do tha again. Ya canna be so pig headed, it puts him in a bad place." He pointed to his head, "here." She knew he was upset, his accent was thicker than usual. Unable to answer him, she shook her head yes. "No, I need ta hear ya say it." He shook her in anger.

"Ok, I promise." Her eyes pooled with tears of embarrassment. She'd never thought about how it would affect Tig, or anyone else for that matter. "I'm sorry."

Kissing her forehead gently he whispered softly "If anathing would'a happened it wud hav ended him. I wouldna liked it much either luv."

She watched Chib's walk away, afraid to look at Tig. He stood a few steps away, running his hand through his hair and pinching his nose. A sure sign he was upset. She really couldn't blame him. Approaching him slowly she stopped in front of him, he wouldn't look at her. "Alex, I handled this wrong and I see that now. I'm sorry I worried you, sorry I put you and the club in that position." Her voice ended on a whisper as she looked at the ground. He hadn't looked at her yet, still holding his head high, his silence hurt worse than him yelling.

"Get inside. We are in a lock down." He didn't touch her, just waited for her to walk. She hesitated, lost and upset and a little pissed that he wasn't acknowledging her apology. Stepping in front of him she got into his personal space, pulling his favorite move, bound and determined to get some sort of a response out of him. He held his hand out, "Christ, I'm hangin on by a thread…go inside…we can hash this out later." He stepped back his eyes pleading with her to do as he asked. Backing up she turned and slowly walked towards the back door.

A loud crashing noise made her jump and turn around quickly. He'd taken an empty beer bottle and thrown it at the brick wall. He stood with his back to her, flexing his hands with his head bowed. Wanting to go to him, to make it right she turned back to him. He must have sensed what she'd done. He turned slightly pointing to the back door. "Get the fuck inside Mac. I can't…just go."

Her heart did a little flip. Embarrassed and feeling the sting of his rejection she walked inside and headed to the bar. Looking through the bottles she grabbed the Stoli then took a couple pills out of her purse, downing them with the alcohol. Soon it wouldn't matter, she wouldn't feel anything.

Chibs walked over and grabbed her by the elbow leading her to a quiet corner. Red Woody was packed. All the families and girls were here. "We go afta Tully tamorrow, it's all set. Lock down til it's over. No bullshit Katie…I need ya ta be straight." His tone and censure added to her embarrassment, she bit back a retort and nodded looking away. "Lass, look at me. I need someone ta step up and organize this chaos a bit." He bit his upper lip looking at her sideways as he waited for her to answer.

"I will get Nona and Layla to give me a hand. We will get on it. I will need someone to make a grocery run." Her face burned with disappointment in herself, she felt like she was 16 again and made her dad angry. She looked away again, fighting for composure.

"Give em time Mac, he'ill come around once he is over tha scare." He pulled her face towards his, looking into her eyes. "Tho likely he will giv ya a bit o punishment for it." He gave her a wiggle of his eyebrows and a sly smile.

Crossing her arms she didn't smile back at him, instead she stuck her toungue out at him and walked away. Hearing his laughter follow her she smiled just a bit. Heading over to the small office she made a list of things to grab from the grocery store and a small list of camping supplies like cots and extra blankets. There was no sense in everyone being uncomfortable during the stay. She'd noticed quite a few young children so she made another list for the dollar store for toys and such.

After sending Quinn and Rat off to pick up the supplies Katie talked with Layla, commandeering some of the sets with beds to be cleaned up and cleared out of all the 'questionable' stuff so the families with kids could share a bed. Layla got her girls working and they had it cleared and ready to go by the time the guys got back with the food and supplies.

Nona, Katie and several of the other women worked on getting a large spread of food out for a late night snack, and put the rest away for tomorrow. Getting the guys to set up cots, and putting extra blankets out, she had a space set up for all the families and set up places in the Chapel for the guys to get some shut eye as well.

The whole time she'd been working on getting everyone settled she hadn't seen Tig once. She wondered what he was up to, and fought the urge to check and see. She really wanted to trust in him, and tried hard not to think about all the times after they'd argued how he'd pulled stupid stunts thinking they were better off apart. It hurt deep inside this time, knowing she'd messed up so badly.

The pills were wearing off, so she was actually getting tired. The small office had been set up for her and Tig, and Happy and Nona. It was just big enough for two queen size blow up mattresses, she'd made sure they were made up comfortably and even hung a curtain from the ceiling to divide the beds for some privacy. Walking towards the bedroom she noticed all the guys were just getting out of Church. Watching she waited to see Tig.

He came out, holding a bottle. With glassy eyes, he looked positively tanked. Talking with some of the guys he ignored her. Knowing he'd seen her she decided not to make a scene in front of everyone. She opened the door to the office and went in. Grabbing water off the desk she took a sleeping pill. Stripping down to her undies and a t- shirt she climbed in and pulled up the covers. 'God I hope I don't have any fucking nightmares tonight', she didn't need that embarrassment as well. Feeling alone, and disconnected she curled into a ball and tried not to cry while she waited on the pill to kick in.

A few minutes later she heard Happy and Nona come in. They settled in quietly with a few words and some laughter. Surprisingly she heard the door open again, hearing the light footsteps of Tig. She could hear him taking off his clothing and all his rings, then heard him take another hit off the bottle before he set it down.

"A 'right, which fucking side are you on Hap?" his voice was low and husky.

"Left asshole," she could hear the laughter in Hap's voice.

The mattress moved as he climbed in cool air hit her as he got under the sheets. Feeling his hand reach out to find her he moved closer spooning her as he pulled her into him. Smelling weed and whiskey she took a deep breath and relaxed. Knowing he was with her, even if he was still mad at her it made her happy as hell.

Some old school Led Zeppelin began drifting over from their side and then she heard some noises knowing they were getting busy. Smiling to herself she was surprised it didn't bother her. Tomorrow brought danger and the possibility that someone might not make it home. It was a sobering thought. It wouldn't surprise her if this was a common theme tonight among everyone gathered.

It was quite obvious that he was thinking along the same lines she felt his hard on pressing into her ass as his hand wandered across her body finding her undies. Sliding his hand inside he worked his fingers into her as her body responded to his. He rolled her onto her back and helped her slide out of her panties, as he lost his. With a crushing kiss he pushed into her in one violent thrust.

Her last coherent thought was that this was to be her punishment then. A message that he loved her with a fierce need, and that she had hurt him with by pulling this stunt he was controlling tonight with utter will. She tried to use her hands and he gripped her wrists holding them above her head as he nuzzled and kissed her. Fighting him she tried to buck loose, she wanted to touch him, to hold on. He held her firm, his feral grin visible in the dim light of her charging phone.

Bucking her hips as her orgasm ripped through her she bit her lip trying to be quiet. Thrashing her head side to side he used his head to hold hers still. Lips cool and firm, met with hers as his body tensed, he grunted, the sound muted in her mouth. Breathing through his nose he made small puffing noises as he pumped through his release. Holding her wrists he lifter her arms and pinned them next to her sides.

Slowly moving his mouth down her body she writhed under his cool lips. Her body still humming from her release, she bucked as his mouth found her wet slick mound. Shifting his hands quickly he held her legs firmly above his shoulders and worked his mouth with expert intentions. A slow hot fire built within her as he played, driving her towards another orgasm. He found her nub and held it between his teeth as he sucked.

Grabbing her pillow she muffled a scream that she couldn't stop. Exploding as he held her firm, milking her through each contraction of her release. It was so intense she tried to get her legs free. It went from amazing to punishment in the blink of an eye. He was showing her, holding her in a manner that would prove too her that she was his. Her body kept responding as she whimpered into the pillow. She quit fighting him, close to passing out. He released her legs with a slap on her ass he flipped her onto her side and spooned up to her back again.

Lifting his leg he pinned her neatly into the air mattress and wrapped his arm around her resting his hand on her breast. Being held in his arms in the aftershocks of sex like she'd never had she gave in to the pull of sleep as he whispered into the darkness. "Love ya Mac."

Grabbing his hand and squeezing she whispered back to him, "ditto." Then promptly fell to sleep.

XXX

Tig and Chibs rode side by side as they headed to the outskirts of Lodi. Some of the crew rode and a few followed in the van with their AK's and ammo. He had tried to distance himself from the distraction that was Kate. He'd failed miserably, still fighting to get her out of his head so he could do what had to be done.

Smirking he remembered how she had used a pillow to muffle her screams. Being brutally rough and gentle with her in his anger and need he had pushed her into oblivion. Fuck he was getting hard just thinking about it. She had responded in kind, fighting him and then surrendering. He was still pissed about what she'd done, yet his primal need for her had won out last night.

While leaving for this last blast against Tully he had found her doing something in the kitchen, pulled her into a crushing embrace and a mind numbing kiss that had completely backfired. He was fucking horny again. He'd left her clutching the back of a chair with a bemused grin on her face.

They hit the turn slowly, and found a small empty barn to hide their bikes in. He and Chibs grabbed some ammo and their AK's heading out on foot towards a farm house about a half mile up the road. With any luck no one had seen them turn down the road.

They followed a natural creek bed that was sunken a few feet right up to the back of a large barn. There were a few guys out feeding some dogs in a pen. Tig gave a hand signal of 2, and moved along the side of the barn towards the two men as Chibs came in from the other side.

Peeking around the corner he found his mark. The guy was turned with his back to Tig as he fed the dogs. The other guy had gone into the barn. Catching Chibs following the bastard into the barn, he sprang into action quickly. Moving in behind the man he reached around him with his knife and slit his throat as he pulled him backwards towards the barn. With a churning gut he realized this had only been a kid as he laid him next to the other one in a stall.

Exchanging distasteful looks with Chibs they worked their way towards the back door. Ending Tully and his crew would finally put them in a position to put an end to the bloodshed. For him it would mean that a threat to Katie would be taken out as well. He went into full 'Tig' mode as they eased the door open.

Pulling his 9 mil out of the back of his jeans he held tight to the wall. He heard talking, and some laughter directly in front of him. "Yeah I showed that bitch, she'd been holding out on me. She had over a thousand bucks saved up, and tried to leave with my kid. Fuck that, I messed her up real good," anger coursed through Tig as he listened. Sneaking a quick peek he saw three guys sitting around the table eating. He signaled 3 and then stepped into the kitchen shooting. He worked from right to left, as Chibs worked left to right. Within seconds they heard shots in the front of the house. Footsteps running above them told Tig they needed to get up there quickly.

Flying down a hallway it was total pandemonium. He kept his pistol ready and nailed an older guy with tats all over his face as he turned the corner. Happy and Rat were already heading up the steps. Tig looked back into the main room and saw four more white hate fuckers dead or dying on the floor. Quinn and T.O. were taking the next room.

The basement door opened slowly, he tucked back against a side wall waiting for them to come out into the open. Satisfaction poured through Tig when he saw Tully's beady black eyes scan the room. Stepping out he fired catching him in the chest. Hearing Tully's grunt as he hit the door frame and slid down onto his ass he approached him slowly. Tully tried to lift his gun, but it fell to the floor beside him. Taking the last couple of steps closer to him Tig kicked the gun out of his reach and gave him a feral smile.

"I miss that Porte Rican hot mess," hearing him talk about Juice like that made Tigs gut burn.

"Yeah, I bet you do." For some reason he waited watching Tully as he died, almost entranced.

"I was gonna fuck up your bitch." He laughed as he spit up blood. "Guess you got to me first."

"Your brother deserved that fucking bullet. She lost a baby because of their stupidity."

Tully looked back at him with soulless black eyes, "One less stupid white biker to kill."

"Fuck you," Tig shot him between the eyes, watching him slide to the floor with satisfaction. "That was for Katie and the baby."

Shots rang out upstairs as Tig headed down the steps to the basement carefully listening for movement. When he reached the bottom, he panned the small space. In the far corner he saw the feet of a person sticking out from behind a stack of boxes. Hearing a whimper he cocked his head trying to figure out where it came from. Slowly he moved towards the body coming around the boxes he nearly went to his knees. A young girl was bound and gagged beaten and bloody.

Moaning again she tried to move away from him shaking her head in fear. "Easy honey, I'm not gonna hurt you," gently he undid her wrists from behind her, gathering her into his lap. Taking the gag out of her mouth he laid her head in his lap stroking her head. "What's your name?" her deep blue eyes fluttered as she fought to stay awake. Seeing a bullet hole in her stomach and how much blood she'd lost he knew she wasn't going to make it. He sent the pain below and concentrated on trying to ease her.

"Jackie Cccolins…ohh god…Brody, ppplease…" she coughed bringing up blood.

"Shh don't talk, I got ya," he wiped the blood away from her mouth.

"No…closet…hiding…" another bout of coughing left her shuddering.

Knowing she was trying to tell him something he nodded, "tell me."

"Hid my baby…help him." Her eyes glazed over as she struggled to breathe. He held her hand as she died in his arms. Rocking as the brutality of what they had done to her rolled through him, he struggled to stay in the moment. His ghosts haunting him from beyond, calling out to him making him loose his grip on reality. Dawn's face, replaced hers as it hit him how much she resembled his girls.

Another whimper followed by an all-out wail brought him back. He shuddered wondering what the fuck was making that noise. It sounded like a baby. 'Fuck! That's what she was trying to tell me.' He looked around and saw a closet on the other side of the room. Laying her down gently next to him he picked up his 9 mil and carefully crossed the room.

Opening the closet door he didn't see anything at first. It was dark, clothing hung on hangers, and a few boxes littered the floor. Then he caught sight of little feet, and bright blue eyes peeking around one of the boxes. "Oh fuck." Kneeling to get on his level he could see the baby had been crying. Clinging to a raggedy old bear he watched Tig with wide eyes. His gut clenched wondering how long the little one had been in the closet. "It's ok…" he reached out and picked up the child gingerly feeling the wetness in his clothing.

The little boy reached out for him to hold him with a trembling lower lip. Tig snatched a sweatshirt off a hanger and wrapped him in it as he crooned to him to keep him from crying. "It's a 'right. You're ok." Then it hit him. He had dark black hair with a slight curl to it, with striking blue eyes. It was crazy how he looked like what he'd seen that night at Kates place. He even held the same ratted teddy bear.

Big blue eyes pooled with tears, Tig let him touch his face. The little boy tried to say something that sounded like "mine" and at that moment his heart shattered into a million pieces. Anger coursed through him 'how the fuck could they do this to a baby?'

Having been so wrapped up in finding him he nearly dropped him in surprise when Chibs spoke. "Shiite, what is all this?"

The little boy ducked his head into Tigs chest and whimpered, clutching his collar. "I think he was hers." He nodded to the far side of the basement. He thought back remembering the name she'd told him. 'Brody', "she died in my arms. The fuckers mistreated her and then shot her."

"Och, well he will hav ta go to the authorities," Chibs frowned running his hand through his beard.

"The fuck he will," unsure why he felt connected to the little guy he refused to consider letting him out of his sight. Giving him the high eyebrow Chibs looked at him as if he had two heads. "I can't explain this"…struggling to explain he just decided to tell him straight up. "Look Katie and I have seen what we think is the spirit of our baby." Chibs eyes got wide, "I know, I know this is fucked up. Just listen, ok?" He nodded as Tig continued. "The girl told me where to find him", he pointed to the bundle in his arms. When I pulled him out I realized he looks just like the spirit we keep seeing, the hair, the eyes hell even the fucking teddy bear." He rubbed the baby's head realizing he'd fallen asleep on his chest. "His name is Brody, and as crazy as this sounds I'm not giving him up to anyone." Frustrated at how crazy it all sounded he looked at his friend hoping for some support. "You think I'm fucking crazy, right?"

Chibs bit his lip and then tilted his head looking closely at the boy. "I'm Scottish, we believe in ghosties, and things that go bump in the night. I dunna think ya are daft." He rubbed his arms and shook himself as he turned to go up the stairs, "let's go. It's all over, we will figure out what ta do wit him later. We need to get the fuck out of here."

Tig carried Brody up the stairs, looking around at the carnage. He didn't feel an ounce of regret, which in a way bothered him. He shook it off and kept Brody's head buried in his chest. He didn't need to see all the blood and bodies. Stopping in the kitchen he reached into the pocket of the asshole who'd been bragging, finding the wad of money he shoved it into his pocket.

Walking outside Hap and Rat stood in shock, staring at Tig. "What," he walked past them to the van, "you never seen a baby?" Quinn was finishing up putting the guns back into the duffle and they all loaded up to head back to the barn and pick up the bikes.

"Uh, Tig?" Rat sat next to him looking at him like he had two heads. "Where the hell did you find him?"

Loud enough for the whole van to hear him he made it clear for them all. "He was locked in a closet in the basement. His Mom died in my arms, they fucked her up bad. I am taking responsibility for him, everyone clear?" Looking around the van he saw incredulous looks on everyone's faces but Chibs. He knew why, he nodded letting him know his secret was safe with him.

When they reached the barn Tig handed the sleeping baby off to Rat. "When we get back to Red Woody you stay put, I will take him."

"But," he stammered, "w what if it starts crying or something?"

Giving him a bright smile he laughed messing with Rat, "It is just a little boy. Figure it out Nimrod."

Handing him over to Rat for the ride home had served two purposes. One was simple, no one rode his bike. Two, he needed time to think about this surprise. He wondered what Kate would say and do when he revealed Brody to her.

He knew she see the resemblance right away. There was no denying it. He looked just like the little spirit they'd seen on more than one occasion. And that bear, he got the chills thinking about that. It was the same one from the grave. How the fuck was that even possible?

He knew she would make a great Mom. And honestly he hadn't considered being a dad to anyone this late in his life. The most distressing aspect was how he had already formed a connection with the boy. He knew deep down inside that he would never let Brody go. Truth be told he loved kids, and had loved it when the girls were little. The fucked up relationship he'd had in their later years was a direct result of a hateful ex who told them lies. A pang of regret shot through him as he thought of Dawn.

Was this a chance for him to do something good for once? He knew that his past wrongs could never be made right. Nothing could erase them. He had to live with the knowledge every day. Maybe, just maybe this could tip the scale a bit.

The ride back to Red Woody was short. They had split up from the van on purpose in case the cops saw them and would try to connect them to the scene. Quinn had taken another van and went to a remote barn they stored their weapons in. He and Chibs knew Jarry would be all over them when the shit hit the fan. The trick would be to remain elusive.

He and Chibs backed up their bikes as the van pulled in. Hanging back he let him go in and let everyone know that lock down was over. The van door opened and Rat hopped out holding the baby as he slept clutching the teddy bear. "Here, give 'em to me," Tig took him suddenly nervous about how this would go with Kate. Several Old Ladies had spilled out to greet their men, he watched feeling good that everyone had come home whole.

Keeping an eye on the door he saw Nona and Kate come out together. His heart did a little flip, an odd beat as he drank in the sight of her. Feeling like he finally had settled an old debt, he could rest knowing the threat was gone. Sweeping the lot she finally saw him. When she realized he was holding a baby her head tilted sideways, with a look that he couldn't define. She faltered. Looking away then turning around went back into the club house.

Confused by her actions he walked towards the door, heading inside to find her. Layla stood talking to Quinn, and nodded her head in the direction of the kitchen. He found her there, pulling food out of the refrigerator. Turning she realized someone was standing there, and wiped furiously at tears streaming down her face.

At a loss he searched her face. "Mac, what gives?"

Looking at the floor she shrugged her shoulders, "I saw that you were okay and then saw you holding him. It hurts seeing you hold a baby. It should be ours, mine." Closing the door to the fridge softly she tried to walk past him.

He stepped in front of her, "wait. Please Katie look at me." He reached out with his free hand and tipped her face towards him. "It's been a hell of a day. I held his Momma while she died. She made it long enough to tell me she'd hidden him." Unable to help it, his eyes filled with water, as he fought his emotions.

Immediately Kate's demeanor changed. "Jesus Tig, I thought he was Amy's little one." She looked closer at the bundle in his arms. He saw the moment when she recognized the bear.

"He has bright blue eyes." His hand stroked her hair way from her face. "And yes I see it too. He looks exactly like…him." His voice cracked as she looked up at his face. "I can't explain it Katie, but I feel like I was supposed to find him."

The baby stirred in his arms and picked his head up looking at him with his big blue eyes. Solemnly he reached up with his finger and touched Tig's moustache. Then he looked at Katie, as he gurgled some nonsense words reaching out to her.

Watching the emotions flood her face he knew she was as gone as he was. She gently took him, tucking a stray curl behind his ear. "His name is Brody. She told me before she died."

Looking at him shaking her head, "Alex, oh god. No…no…no…please," holding the baby tightly she backed up into the counter.

"Hey, hey what is it. Mac?" he followed her holding her shoulders. Tears were rolling down her face, as he tried to figure out what the fuck was happening.

"Did she have black hair and blue eyes?" Pale and shaking she stood protectively holding the baby. Worry skittered up his spine, she was acting strange for reasons he couldn't identify.

"She told me her name was Jackie…"

"Oh god, why didn't she come to me for help," stroking Brody's dark hair over and over tears ran down her face. "I met her last night at the restaurant in the truck stop south of Lodi. We talked, she told me about Brody, and how she wanted out of a bad situation. I gave her money, a way to get out and start fresh. What the fuck happened. I should have never left her there. Oh god…" looking at him with her haunted green eyes chills skittered up his spine.

"The boyfriend must've been with Tully's crew. He got off to easy." He didn't tell her about hearing the nimrod bragging or that he'd taken the cash. That could come later. Pulling Kate into a soft hug he rested his chin on her head. "You tried baby, you can't change the world." Shuddering she took a deep breath and nodded her head.

"What do we do about Brody?" His heart melted as she kissed his dark little head.

"Keep him." He felt her stiffen and then look up at him. "I don't think I can let him go Kate."

She turned looking at him with confusion on her face. "Alex, he's not a stray dog. We can't just keep him. He probably has family out there worried about him. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles…I don't know…somebody."

He stepped back holding her by her shoulders. "No fucking way I am giving him back to anyone associated with White Hate. NO Fucking way. And what do we know about her Katie? How do we even look into it?"

"She said she ran away from home," she looked down at Brody as he fussed. "Alex, I am pretty sure he's dehydrated, and hungry."

"A 'right. We will look into her past, but if she was a runaway it's likely we won't be able to find much on her." He walked to the fridge and grabbed the milk, pouring a bit into a cup he offered it to Brody. He let Tig tip it up to his lips and he greedily drank. "Easy buddy, slow down." Smiling he ruffled his hair and looked at Katie. She was pale and upset, but he knew deep down she was all in.

Several women busted into the kitchen rushing up to them oohing and awing about the baby. They quickly had supplies lined up from various moms. Sitting back drinking a beer he watched as they put him in the sink for a bath, checking him over to make sure he was okay. They got him in a fresh diaper after coating him in a cream to make his diaper rash better. He was dressed and then they gave him a full bottle. He grabbed it, tipping it back as he rested in Kate's arms. She looked up at him, smiling with bright happy eyes, not the haunted shadowed ones he'd seen all too often. An odd sensation twirled through him as he watched confirming in his head as well as his heart that he was never letting Brody go knowing he'd been sent to heal them both.

XXX

Holding Brody as he drank his second bottle of formula she realized he'd probably been locked up in the closet for a couple of days. His poor bottom had been raw from being in a dirty diaper for so long. Such a good baby, he'd hardly ever cried, and had smiles for everyone, making him a huge hit. Looking down at his face she looked into eyes that looked exactly like Alex's. His dark hair curled up at the ends and his big chubby checks held a healthy glow. For all the neglect he'd suffered at the hands of Tully's crew he was a happy baby, and she didn't think there would be any lasting effects from the temporary abuse.

Walking out into the main clubhouse she found a rocking chair and finished feeding him. He fell sound asleep on her chest, the smell of baby enveloping her. Whispering into his hair she wondered aloud, "what are we going to do about you little one?" Trying hard not to get attached she knew it was already too late. He looked like him, and even held the same tattered teddy bear that had been laid upon their child's grave over a year ago. How strange was that? Was this her second chance at having a child? It would completely tear her apart if they did find some family that wanted him.

Feeling a strange mixture of protectiveness and awe she looked over at Tig who was talking quietly with Chibs. When she'd first seen him holding the baby as she'd walked out to meet him upon their return it had hurt her on a couple different levels. The first thought had been confusion, why hadn't he come to see her right away? Then a strange feeling had enveloped her watching him hold the baby protectively. It had been like a knife to the middle of her back, hurting with stabbing cruelty that she would never have that with him. Running from feelings she didn't understand she'd gone to the kitchen to get food ready, figuring a celebration of sorts would be happening with everyone coming home whole.

The party was in full swing, kids were running around as drinks flowed and groups of people gathered talking. Looking down at Brody she realized he was out cold. Amy, one of the moms with little ones, came by. "I have a portable crib set up in the corner. Why don't you lay him down?"

"That would be great. Thank you." Carefully placing him next to another sleeping baby, she patted his back till he settled in.

"You're a natural, and he is adorable." She smiled at Kate.

"He really is a good baby." Seeing Tig across the room he crooked his finger at her beckoning her to come over to him. "Sorry, 'gotta go see what he wants."

As she approached him he put his fingers to his lips and let out a piercing whistle. The club house stilled, everyone looking towards him. "Everybody, grab a shot." She looked at the bar where they were all lined up. Happy brought them each one with a huge smile on his face. Alex took her hand winking, "Here's to the SAMCRO family." They all raised their glasses and did the shot. "And since we are all celebrating I think this is as good a time as any to announce that Katie and I are getting' hitched."

Various shouts of teasing and congratulations filtered through her overloaded brain. She stood smiling. Accepting hugs and comments, completely taken by surprise by his impromptu announcement. Looking satisfied with himself he pulled her into an embrace and kissed her with a tenderness that melted her bones.

Releasing her from the kiss he whispered in her ear. "Love ya Mac."

Pulling back a bit she playfully poked him in the chest. "Maybe you could have asked me before you made this big announcement." A clouded expression flitted across his face. She immediately regretted her comment, not wanting to hurt him. "Tig its okay, I really don't mind that you shared it with everyone." His grin turned into a feral snarl as his hand shot out smacking her ass with a loud thwack. "Hey! What the fuck."

"You know. Katie this can only work if you understand I need the truth at all times." Eyes glittering in the dim lights he held her stare. "I am giving you the truth, no holding back."

Looking around she realized everyone had seen him reprimand her in public. It had been his way of telling them that she had to answer to SAMCRO and its rules just like everyone else. Many times it was life or death, they couldn't suffer pride and fools. It was hard to swallow her anger. Fighting her instincts to argue and be pissed she realized he was right. Yet she couldn't hold back why she did it. "Your right, I just thought since the club would be going after White Hate you would need every body available. If they went with me and something went down you'd be one less. I was super careful, carried my piece and didn't take any risks. It was all good."

Shaking his head no he held onto her shoulders, shaking her a bit in his anger. "Do you hear how stupid you sound right now? After what happened at the diner a couple of days ago?" The grip on her arms was painful, but she was too proud to tell him. His next comment struck home, "Baby, I know you can back up your shit. Nona has told me about what you did inside, how you fought to stay alive." She swallowed hard as his face twisted in pain, "I'd spare you having to make those choices again, spare you the pain that comes with them."

Defeated, looking down at the ground her soul laid open to him she shook her head yes. It hurt knowing he knew those details that she didn't want anyone beyond Nona to know. Those days, and the fight to survive a painful memory that she wanted to bury. Her black box was wide open once again.

"Look at me," he waited until she raised her eyes to his. "I need to hear it. Katie." Astounded at how harsh his voice was, she looked into his eyes seeing nothing but anger and resentment.

Raw and aching she gathered her anger and hid it deep inside. Answering him loud enough for everyone still watching their very public argument she gave him deference, "I was wrong to lie. It won't happen again." Shaking his hands off she turned and walked away, heading to the door. Feeling the burn of embarrassment on her face some fresh air should help her cool off and recover.

Walking out to the far side of the lot away from all the people packing up to leave she lit a cigarette. Knowing what he had done and why didn't take the sting away. Taking a deep breath she rubbed her arms, they'd have bruises tomorrow for sure. Tears stung, rolling freely down her cheeks.

Hearing familiar footsteps she wasn't surprised to hear Nona's voice. "Hey baby girl. You all right?"

"I'll live," she smiled through her tears.

"Mac, you know why he had to do that right?" Nona's big green eyes connected with hers, showing compassion and understanding. Kate held still when she reached out and wiped the tears off her face.

"Yep," dropping her cigarette she snuffed it out with her boot.

"If it's any consolation he's downing a bottle of whiskey. It damn near killed him to do that to you." Giving Katie a huge grin, "bastard deserves it."

"I felt like I was 16 again and my Dad was whipping my ass." Shaking her head she smiled, finally able to relax and accept what had been done.

"Man that was some heartbreaking story about that babies momma." Katie watched Nona, knowing she was up to something. "Hap was shocked at how Tig took him, instead of leavin him behind for the cops to find."

Burning inside she tried to remain somewhat calm. "What leave him for the system to raise? So he could turn out just like his deadbeat dad?" Pacing she kept going, wanting to make a point, and letting Nona know this was not a topic for debate. "I met the momma a day before by chance at the truck stop. Her name was Jackie, a runaway with no family she trusted. She loved that boy, wanted to get out and make a better life. I left her with enough money to do it, she must have tried to leave with Brody and he stopped her. She died for him."

"Oh fuck. I had no idea." Looking at Nona's face she realized it had really rocked her to hear that.

"Now you do. Set people straight when they talk, would ya?" Throwing Nona a heated look she pounded her fist on the nearest wall. "I will not let him go. I feel like I owe her. I should have taken her that night, drove over and gotten Brody and helped her get away." Wiping away fresh tears she faltered. "But she wouldn't let me, she was too proud." It hurt deep inside that she hadn't realized how desperate that young girl had to have been.

"Katie, you can't just keep him. There are records, paper work. The cops will be looking for that baby." Knowing Nona was right didn't make her think any differently. "You know they will shake down the Son's just because of who they are."

"We will figure it out. There are ways, and I have the fucking money." Giving Nona a determined smile, she walked up to her holding both her shoulders. "You have to contact all the families and tell them to keep their mouths shut. They never saw him."

Nodding Nona pulled her into a hug. "There is more to this story, and I want to hear the rest of it soon." She pulled back giving Kate a solemn stare. "I will take care of it, and no one will talk."

"Thanks Nona." She turned heading back to the clubhouse. She and Tig had some more talking to do. It was time to discuss Brody and what they were going to do.

Her phone vibrated, looking at the caller I.D. she saw Dom's name. 'Jesus, he has some shity timing.' Hesitating, she almost didn't answer, however her feelings of guilt made her hit send. "Hey, what's up?"

'I just wanted to call and make sure you're doing ok. I was thinking about you." He sounded like he was drinking. His words were a bit slurred.

"I'm ok Dom. It's been a rough week, and there was some trouble so I had to sit tight for a few days." Hearing him swear softly under his breath she added, "It's all good now. Shit should settle down from here on out."

Huffing he bit out a reply, "I don't like your back with Trager."

Softly trying to let him know it was permanent without shoving it down his throat she went on. "It's not your decision Dom. I love him, and we are getting married."

A harsh laugh made her heart hurt, "that was fast. Fuck Katie, you didn't waste any time."

"Dom, your drunk, if you want to talk that's fine, but call me when you're sober. I never loved you, but I will always care about you. I'm sorry." Dead silence on the other end was followed by the crash of a beer bottle.

"I'm sorry too Katie, I thought I had this. You got under my skin, and I fell." His voice was soft and raspy. "You ever need anything you call me first. I will be here."

Dead silence on his end let her know he'd hung up. Turning she yelped in surprise nearly running into Tig. "Fuck, really?" Knowing by the look on his face he'd heard most of the conversation she waited for him to make a snarky comment.

"That Dom," crossing his arms he waited for her to answer.

"Yes," she didn't hesitate. He wanted the truth, he was gonna get it. No sugar coating it.

Nodding he surprised her. "You handled that well. How'd he take it?"

"He was drunk, and pissed. What do you think?" Hurting and upset she let him pull her into a hug.

"Give it time, he will come around." Resting his head onto hers he added playfully, "but he'd be smart not to." Leaning back she smacked him on the shoulder, laughing at his joke. He smiled than sobered, "Katie, about earlier..."

Holding her head high, she interrupted him. "Stop, I get it. I deserved it, and it had to happen that way so everyone would see." She rubbed her sore arms, "But that doesn't mean I have to like it. Now leave it be, I'm still sore over it."

"A 'right," he stuck his hands in his pockets. "About Brody…where are you with that?"

"I'd ask the same of you." In her heart she knew she would fight for him, but wasn't sure where he landed.

"The little shits already stolen my heart." A real smile full of love and hope lit his face making her heart sing.

"Oh," she returned his smile. "Can we…do you…shit this is hard to say."

"Yes, we can and yes I want to." His eyes shimmered in the sunlight as he searched her face. "I can't explain it, it just is right. I watched you today as you took care of him. It's the first time I've seen you smile without the shadows lurking. Seeing you happy…it was…it is everything to me."

Hearing him say that nearly brought her to her knees. Had she been so transparent? "I love watching you with him. You're so good with kids."

Winking he played with her, "shh, don't let out my secret. I worked too hard to be the whack job."

His eyes flashed with a hidden pain, showing her that he hated not being able to just be himself. "So now what Alex, how do we make this work? They will know she had a baby, the cops will be looking for him."

"First of all, we made the hit on White Hate look like black." He grinned, obviously happy with their plan. "We keep it quiet that he's with us until we find someone who can make us some bogus adoption papers. We will get him a new social security number, and a fake birth certificate." Shaking her head, it all sounded so unreal and she didn't know anyone who could do that. "Hey, I got this. Believe me?"

Afraid to believe, knowing the plan had a zillion holes she tried not to let herself go all in. They needed a plan B just in case. It was something they could work on, but at least he was already thinking and making plans. "Ok, yeah."

"Baby, I've already got Lowen working on the papers. She knows the truth, and knows someone who will work it out for the right price." He pulled her chin up looking at her closely. "I won't let anyone take him from us."

"I know," and she did. He never promised anything he couldn't do. It would be done, or he'd die trying. It was one of his strongest traits, one she loved about him. He sealed his promise with a long, sweet kiss.

"We got nothin' at the house for him." He pinched his nose and then played with his mustache. "I will keep him occupied here. Maybe you could go shopping for some supplies?"

"Sounds like a plan. I will need some muscle." She was already making a list in her head.

"Take Rat and Quinn," they will do whatever you say.

"I will have them bring you a car seat, after we finish at the house. Have them bring him home in my truck since it's fixed."

"A 'right," he pulled her back in for a quick kiss. "It's gonna be okay Mac."

"I hope so, cause if this goes bad I don't know if I will be okay."