Not my characters. I make zero dollars from this. Definitely AU! Just plugging our favorite characters into my original story.

WARNING! Some things will be alluded to and not described in excessive detail. I'm not a doctor or any medical professional. Which means there will be some creativity with the scenario to fit my goal. If something is a trigger for you. I apologize, this story will reference abuse, rape and domestic violence. There is a great deal of drawing your own conclusions on those fronts.

Thank you for all the reviews! I promise y'all we are going to burn the burg to the ground. Give it sometime. We have to torture the residents first.

Ask and you shall receive y'all!

Ranger POV

I was surprised to see how easily Stephanie took to Hector. With the teardrop tattoos he is usually never embraced by the local community. She seems quite lonely but more resigned to it. I know my scar will heal differently and on men it is vastly more appreciated. Still for me this gash is the first thing I see in the mirror.

Stephanie's scars have been something she has carried with her for years, hidden herself away from others. Only knowing her for such a short time and the size of her heart is unparalleled. I'm sure the rest of my men will feel the same.

"Did you have fun at dinner?" I ask her as we pull away from the restaurant.

"I did, I miss my dad and uncle Joe but never enough to move back. Hector was so nice." She replied.

We drove towards Trenton and Stephanie told me about different things as we passed by them. Pointing out homes of people she used to know. As we turned on Haywood I explained where she would be staying.

"My aunt and uncle live on the 6th floor, There is an empty apartment next to them. I thought you would be the most comfortable there. I am on the 7th floor if you need anything. All the men who live on site live on the 4th floor, gym on the 2nd and the control room is on the 5th. The 3rd and 1st floors have conference rooms. However, the 3rd is more secure for government meetings and where Hector has his office."

"Are you sure this isn't a problem? I could stay at the hotel in Newark." She questioned.

"Stephanie, I want you safe and this is the best option. You will have access to several floors in the building." I insisted as we pulled through the gate into the garage.

She sighed as I turned off the engine. She sounded like she would rather be anywhere else at this point in time. I understood that, it was the unknown.

Opening my door, I turned to her, "Ready to meet some more people?"

Ella POV

The boys explained about Stephanie and her needing the other apartment next to mine. They insisted she was not comfortable around other people. I stocked it with food and clean linens. She could tell me what she needed once she arrived. Tank said it would be for a court hearing.

My phone had been ringing off the hook all afternoon and I had no interest in answering it. I sat down with my cup of tea and decided to return the phone call.

"Hola Elena, Is there an emergency?"

"Of course there is. Rangeman took my car and Maria's. She also has to leave her condo. I haven't spoken to anybody else to see what Carlos has done to them. He is not answering his phone. What is wrong with him?"

"Perhaps, he was tired of your behavior. I know my mother didn't raise my brothers and I to act like that." I rolled my eyes. She had my brother wrapped around her finger.

"I raised my children quite well with the exception of Carlos. He made our lives miserable with that gang stuff for years. Now, he needs to take care of his family. His sister's are too busy to work. It doesn't hurt him to spend his money paying their bills."

I growled into the phone, "Now listen here, No child should have to buy the love of his family, even when he is an adult. You all deserve nothing. I'm thrilled he is standing up to you horrible people."

Elena made a squeaking sound over the phone.

"You also probably want to get Julio a lawyer, I hear things aren't going too well for him. Give my brother my love."

Hanging up on her like the boys do was satisfying. Glancing at the clock I realized my nephew and our new guest would be here soon. Grabbing my keys I headed for the door to meet her.

Vinnie POV

I heard about Aunt Helen's court appearance this week. That means Steph is coming into town. We've corresponded over the years via mail and more recently email. I'll never understand how she survived that witch. At least she got free from the burg. I wonder if she has any ideas on how to get back at Morelli. I bet my father-in-law would know.

There are some rumors going around about him and some visits to Stark Street. His family and especially his wife ignore them. Who knows perhaps the truth will finally come to light.

Mary-Lou POV

That wonderful woman Helen Plum is up for early parole. I am really hoping she gets it. Her daughter Valerie is doing so well. Practically royalty in the Burg with all those kids. The big downside is that Stephanie will waltz into town like she did not ruin so many lives. That former friend ruined my life. I was supposed to marry Lenny but he was working in the hospital after school for extra money.

"Mare, it's me. I'm at work and I can get in trouble for telling you this but they brought in Steph. She looks real bad. You should probably head up here."

"Why do you care about that Lenny? You are supposed to be doing this job so we can get married after graduation. Valerie said she slept with Joe Morelli right before he proposed to her. What kind of person sleeps with her sister's boyfriend?" I got progressively louder over the phone.

"You know that isn't true. She's your best friend and how long has she been talking about saving herself for marriage? That isn't her. Mare, The whispering is he raped her."

"Joe Morelli would never do that. He is a good man from the Burg. I forbid you from talking anymore about this and seeing her."

I heard a sigh on the other end, "You know what, this isn't going to work any more Mary-Lou. I cannot be with somebody who is this callous to their supposed best friend. I'm done."

Lenny refused to talk to me after that. Even our parents couldn't force him back to me. He works as a physical therapist at the hospital now. It's fine my husband is a lawyer. To everyone in the burg I am Mrs. Richard Orr.

Bear POV

I got a call from Tank about an assignment in Trenton. He told me it was a bodyguard posting for a short term. This doesn't make any sense. I 'm not the guy women feel comfortable guarding them for any period of time. Even expressing my feelings to Tank were ignored. He said Bossman specifically requested my presence for this OP. I get into Trenton tomorrow. Hopefully, Miss Plum won't be scared of the burns on my face and arms from the IED during my time in the military. Only time will tell.