Summary: After leaving Charming four years ago, Harper Delaney arrives for the funeral of her mother and to help her older twin sister Harley run CaraCara while opening her own bar when she reunites with the Scotsman SON that caused her to run away after a painful misunderstanding but will they get back together? Co – Written with Maiihemm. Chibs/OC, Kozik/OC, Opie/Donna and Jax/Tara, Kerrianne/OC.

AN: I apologise for the delay in updating In The Blood, and that it took me so long. A lot of family drama occurred, and then I was depressed for a number of reasons. But I'm back now and have a lovely co-writer Maiihemm. Check out her SOA fics, they're amazing.

In The Blood

Chapter 22

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Harp. I was saying goodbye to Herman, Kendra, Tomas and Ronnie." Harley said apologetically, Harper smiler at her older twin sister with reassurance.

"It's fine, I just got worried. Chibs and the others are trying to figure out a way to get Jimmy O' from the Russian Mafia, without getting killed," Harper explained grimly, as she checked on the chicken lasagne that was in the oven. Harley smiled at her sister, as they both sat down on the black velvet sofa and she poured them a glass of red wine each. She'd only had one drink at The Midnight Bayou and had no intention of drinking until she threw up.

"So, what happened in Ireland? It sounded like a lot of bad stuff was going on over there, Harp and Chibs got pissed when Tig asked him about his ex-wife?" Harley asked concerned, Harper sighed heavily.

"Chibs' nephew, Padraic was killed in an explosion caused by Liam O'Neill and Keith McGee. Then...we found out that O'Neil was one of the men who attacked me and Caden in New Orleans, Father Ashby told us." Harper explained quietly, remembering how enraged and betrayed Chibs had been at hearing the news.

She knew that Chibs had considered SAMBEL his family, like he did with SAMCRO, but Liam's betrayal had hurt Chibs. No one but her, and Kerrianne saw how much the betrayal wounded him, along with Fiona's actions.

"Shit, did either of you kill him?" Harley asked stunned, she'd noticed how protective Chibs was around Harper and Kerrianne. But after hearing what Harper had told her, it made sense.

Harper nodded grimly, she remembered how Chibs had told her that he had shot Liam three times in the chest and stomach. She couldn't find it within herself to feel upset, Liam along with Jason, Edmond and three of Jason's gang had nearly killed her and killed Caden. Her heart ached with loss at thinking of Caden's fight for survival in those two weeks.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that. I wish I could have been there with you." Harley thought of everything that had happened in Charming while they were gone. She was sad that she didn't get to support her twin but at the same time there was a lot that needed to be taken care of there.

"It's okay, Harley. I missed you but I wouldn't have wanted you to be around all of that. It was a mess."

Harley nodded and sipped at her wine.

"You and Kozik though. Not going to say I'm surprised but how are you doing with everything?"

Harley sighed and pulled her legs up so she could turn to look at Harper. Even though mostly everyone knew or had an idea that she was with Kozik, she had been wanting to talk to her twin about it more. She was the only one that really understood her.

"I still miss Kip. He was the first man to treat me more than a piece of meat. He didn't care about my scars or past. He didn't even care that I was in porn. Even the nice guys I've met have had issues with it."

Harper nodded and remembered how hard it had been on Harley. Guys were always quick to jump into bed with her but keeping them around and respectful for more than a night seemed impossible at times.

"Even dad had a problem with mom being in front of the camera. That's why she started producing. He didn't want her working like that if he could help it."

"I know. I'm glad he could help her out though. I love my girls at CaraCara, but I wish there were a way I could keep them all off the camera and actually respect. Except Ima. Fuck that bitch."

Harper laughed, and Harley felt relieved to hear her laughing again. With the timing and everything going on she hadn't been laughing nearly as much as she normally did. It made he feel good to see her sister actually feeling happy for a while.

"Part of me feels guilty about Kozik. Like there hasn't been enough time in-between Kip dying and me falling into bed with Koz."

"Harley, if it feels right then go with it. Kip would have wanted you happy, not mourning for him for the rest of your life. Life can be short. Don't push someone away just because you think someone else is going to be mad. Plus, I really think it is more than just falling into bed with him. The man is crazy for you."

Harley smiled and nodded. She knew deep down Harper was right. She was concerned what people would think but she really loved Kozik. His attitude and compassion did remind her a bit of Kip, but she loved him for everything that he was, not just who he was like. His past was rough, but he was still able to work through everything and end up such a wonderful person. It gave her faith that no matter what they faced; he would be able to come out on the other side with her.

It reminded her of Harper and Chibs, how much her younger sister and her Old Man had gone through. The two loved each other deeply, and it made Harley happy that her younger twin sister had found happiness with Chibs.

"How's Kerrianne settling in, she doing ok?" She asked concerned, Harper nodded and smiled as she thought of her stepdaughter who she had formed a close bond with in Ireland.

"Kerri's fine, she's out with Tristen at her house and coming back in an hour. Fiona isn't happy with her dad, apparently he was in Charming on business and supposed to come straight back but decided to see who had caused Fiona such heartache." Harper said dryly, recalling what Chibs had told her.

Harley grimaced, she knew that Chibs didn't harbour a lot of affection for his former in-laws. According to him, they hadn't liked him when he was in the IRA and preferred Jimmy O' for a son-in-law.

"I'm glad that she's doing good, I've noticed a lot of the kids are treating Tristen badly ever since what happened at Fun Town. She could use a friend like Tristen," Harley said softly, as she stood up and helped Harper cook dinner for when Chibs, Kozik, and Kerrianne came back.

Chibs sat silently next to Kozik as Clay informed them that the Russians had Jimmy O' and wanted two million dollars. Jax then explained to them about the deal that he'd made with Stahl, and how he would help her capture Jimmy O'.

"Where the hell are, we gonna get 2 million? What, are we robbing banks now?" Kozik asked bluntly, and Chibs privately agreed with him. The club didn't have that kind of cash right now, not after rebuilding the safe house and CaraCara.

"I might be able to help you guys, Clay." Chuckie spoke up suddenly, and everyone turned around to stare at the man. Clay nodded at him to continue, and he smiled in thanks.

Jax came in with a black box and placed it down on the table. All of them looked at him curiously, and Jax smiled.

"What's this?" Kozik asked curious, about what was in the box. Whatever it was, it seemed to be important to Jax and Chucky.

"Tell them." Jax said encouragingly, to Chucky and he nodded in thanks at the vice president.

"After Tara got kidnapped, I tried to tell you guys about this. When I was running the counterfeit operation for Lin, I was supposed to throw away all the misprints and dirty runs. I didn't." Chucky explained excitedly, as Jax moved to open the box.

Jax opened the lid of the box revealing imperfect counterfeit 50-dollar bills. All of them stared in disbelief at the counterfeit notes, that looked like real money.

"He's got 3 boxes full. 20's, 50's, 100's. Over 5 mil in fake currency!" Jax added smugly, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Gotta be kidding me!" Tig said incredulously, he couldn't believe that they had gotten a stroke of luck.

Chucky: Hey, don't bend them.

Tig then pulled Chucky onto his lap. "Sit down. I'm gonna lend you my hand so you can jerk yourself off. Go ahead take it. Come on, go ahead." He said amused.

"I accept that," Chucky said pleased, and relaxed.

"Don't you point that thing at me! Put it away!" Clay ordered sternly, not desiring to see his Sergeant at Arm's dick in front of him.

"Holy shit."

Chibs watched them horse around but he was having a hard time finding it funny. He had always wanted to pay Jimmy back for the pain he caused him but now it was even more important. Losing Fiona was had and having to leave Kerrianne was even worse. He knew that they would be at least be safe with him though.

Jimmy's vendetta against him had cost his son, his life. His Harper had almost died in the process. And he knew that she would never be the same. Even if she wasn't focusing on her scars or the loss of their son she was never as happy and carefree as she had been.

He needed to pay.

Harper was cleaning the bar and talking to Kerrianne about everything going on. She had decided exceedingly early on not to lie to her. If she was going to be part of the life she didn't want her not knowing what was going on or if there was danger around.

"Da has been busy a lot."

Harper nodded and ran her fingers through her hair.

"I'm sorry he hasn't been around very much. Things are still really hectic."

"He wants to kill Jimmy O', doesn't he?"

Harper sighed and moved so she was directly in front of Kerrianne. She leaned forward and took the girls hands in her.

"I won't lie to you, sweetheart, things are rough right now. And there is a really big chance Jimmy O' won't be around anymore. I know he was around for most of your life."

"He hurt you and my brother. Hurt my Da. He always wanted to be like a Da to me, but he wasn't the nicest. I always felt more like property than his daughter." Harper's heart was breaking watching her so devastated by everything that happened. She knew that Kerrianne saw everything that happened to her and it made her feel even worse. Even though it wasn't her fault, she didn't ever want anyone to have to see so much pain and violence.

"I won't let him hurt you anymore. Neither will your dad."

The young girl smiled up at Harper and she noticed just how much she had her father's eyes. They were darker like her mom but the way her face turned upwards when she was happy reminded her fully of Chibs. She smiled back at her and gripped her hands tighter.

"Are you doing okay though? I know it must be so much different here than it was in Ireland."

"I like it. I thought I would miss Ma, but I really needed the space. I just wish I could get a job or something. I was never allowed to back home."

"I could probably pay you under the table here in the mornings. We would need to talk to your dad about it though. Gemma could even use some help around the garage but again it would only be if your dad were okay with it."

"Okay! Do you know when he's going to be around again?"

Harper shook her head and checked her phone. She was waiting for a call from Chibs for a finalization on everything but knew there was a lot that needed to be worked out. She sent out a quick text to Chibs hoping that he would be alright with her taking Kerri to the store to get more clothes. It was way too hot in California for the clothes that she had brought with her.

"As soon as we can sit down with him, we will though. Let's go over to the clubhouse for a bit and see what kind of trouble we can get into."

They smiled at each other and grabbed their stuff. As they were walking out Harper frowned at her phone, getting incredibly worried that she hadn't heard from Chibs yet. She knew things were crazy, but she worried so much about her man.

She hoped he was alright, she knew Chibs was completely hellbent on getting revenge on Jimmy O'. She wasn't stupid, and a part of her wanted to see the Irish Kingpin suffer for killing Caden and hurting Chibs and Kerrianne.

She gave Kerrianne a reassuring smile, as she locked up the bar for the night. She goodnight to Tony, the owner of the local twenty-four-hour corner shop and got into the car. Kerrianne had already put on her seatbelt, and they began driving to the clubhouse in a comfortable silence. 'Paint It Black,' by the Rolling Stones playing on the radio.

Kozik was honestly happy to see Harley, she had been at CaraCara after speaking with Harper. Duke the guard dog, sitting by her with his tail twitching as he slept.

"Everything alright?" Harley asked curiously, glancing up from where she was looking over the bookkeeping books. So, far everything was fine, and business was doing well at CaraCara. She hoped that she was making her mother proud, and that Luann was proud of her for making CaraCara successful.

"Yeah, everything's fine. I just wanted to talk to you, about something if that's ok?" Kozik asked quietly, Harley nodded and Kozik sat down in a chair next to her.

"What is it, Herman?" She asked gently, she noticed that Herman was absently playing with his lighter. A nervous habit that he did, whenever he was nervous.

"Would you like to be my Old Lady, once this shit with Jimmy O' and Stahl is settled?" He asked quickly, praying that she would say yes to his question. He had guarded his emotions, after his failed and chaotic relationship with Laura, Kendra's mother.

Harley couldn't help but smile. She turned towards him and put her hand over the lighter in his hand. He looked up at her and gave her a nervous smile, knowing that she had picked up on his nervous ticks.

"I think it's really cute how nervous you are. Do you think I would say no?" She wasn't used to him being so nervous and timid around her.

"I don't know to be honest. I know that it was heading that way for you and Half-Sac. I know you love me but being an Old Lady is a lot different than just being together." He stuck the lighter back in his pocket and leaned forward, putting his forearms on his legs, and holding her hands.

"I know it's different, Koz. I mean I grew up in the life and everyone I'm close to is with a Son. If you're asking if I still love Kip, the answer is yes. But he isn't here anymore. You have shown me more love and compassion than anyone else ever has. I'm nervous about us and nervous about what others think, but in the end, I love you. I don't see that ever changing." She gave him a reassuring smile and he smiled back.

"So is that a yes?" Kozik looked hopeful and broke into a full grin when Harley nodded.

"Yes, Herman. Whenever you want me to get your crow just set the time up with Happy." Harley let out a small giggle when Kozik moved forward and pulled her into a bone crushing hug. Harley stood up as he pulled her up with him and wrapped her arms around his torso. He put one hand on the back of her head and the other tightly around her shoulders.

"You know, when all the shit went sideways with Sandie, I never thought I'd find someone that would really love me." Harley pulled back to look up at him and gave him another reassuring smile.

"I never thought I'd find someone to love me for who I am either. Especially not someone as handsome as you." She brought one of her hands up and cupped the side of his face. He smiled down at her before kissing her deeply.

"Nothing could possibly make me stop loving you, Harley."

She smiled at his words and happily returned the kiss, which was becoming more heated and intense by the minute. They both started getting carried away but stopped at the last minute. Neither of them wanted to get caught in the act, by the others or Harper, Chibs, Kendra or Tig.

Kozik waited outside for her, while she locked up the studio for the night and took Duke by the lead. After what had happened to Ruben, no one wanted the blue nosed Pit Bull to suffer the same fate, and Harley had been happy to take him. Intertwining their hands together, they entered the clubhouse to see Abel being fussed over. The crow eaters were managing the bar, while Harper had been convinced to play the piano and play Rolling in the Deep by Adele.

Harley saw Chibs and Kerrianne watching Harper play the piano, with Chibs's eyes showing intense emotion. She knew how much the Scotsman loved Harper and was relieved that the two had talked about everything that had happened, especially Caden.

Harper sat down next to Kerrianne after playing the piano, from the corner of her eye she saw Chibs coming over. Both of them looked up at seeing him sit down, and he ran a hand through his dark brown hair, that had streaks of grey.

"Everything alright, Filip?" Harper asked gently, Chibs nodded and stroked her fingers tenderly. He then kissed Kerrianne on the head and hugged them both tightly. His girls, he'd do anything to keep them safe. So, god have mercy on the bastard who tried to hurt them or anyone who tried to harm them or his family.

"Aye, everything's fine love," he said reassuringly, Harper and Kerrianne smiled at his words, the two women leaning into him.

Harper knew that there was more going on than Chibs was telling her. She wanted to ask him but figured he may be waiting to tell her once Kerrianne was doing something else. She glanced up at him and caught the fact that he was thinking about something else.

"Hey, Kerrianne? I was thinking about how you wanted to work a bit. Maybe Jax and Tara are looking for someone to fill in when normal nanny can't be there."

Kerrianne's face lit up and she glanced up at her father. Chibs looked down at her and felt bad that he had no idea she was feeling like she needed to do more. He looked over at Harper and felt so much love and appreciation for her. With everything going on he hadn't been able to be the dad he normally would want to be, but she had stepped up like there wasn't even a problem.

"What do you think Da?" Chibs smiled at her and nodded.

"Aye, I think that would be good. Why don't you go talk to Jax and Tara? I can talk to them more later." His daughter jumped right up and walked over to where Tara was holding Abel. Chibs looked back down at Harper and smiled. His face fell when she looked at him without returning the smile.

"Tell me what has you worried, Filip." She looked at him with intense eyes and he sighed.

"I can't hide much from you, huh?" Harper shook her head and patiently waited for him to answer. She knew that pushing him would be an issue, but she wanted to get the conversation started at least.

"We're getting Jimmy O'. The Russians have him and when we go after him, we need to go into lock down. I don't want to scare you or Kerrianne, but I need both of ya safe." Harper glanced over at Kerrianne and couldn't help but smile watching her holding Abel and talking to Jax.

"I know that you want us safe. I appreciate it. I know this is what you need to do. All of you. Jax has just as much of a reason now to want him dead too. I just want you to be careful and for you know you can talk to me." Harper placed her hand gently on Chibs face and ran her thumb across his scar. He shut his eyes and sighed.

"Aye, I know Harper. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just don't like worrying ya. I'm glad you and Kerrianne have each other. Makes me worry just a lil less having you two together." Chibs turned his head to the side to kiss Harpers hand.

"I'm happy she's here too. She would have been so good with Caden." Without realizing it Harper's hand ghosted over her abdomen. Chibs noticed and pulled her closer. He put his fingers under her chin so her head tilted back to look at him.

"And once I take care of that bastard Jimmy O', I'll give ya all the babies that ya want. Kerrianne can show us how good of a big sister she can be, and I'll get to hold your hand through the whole thing." Harper smiled at him and felt her face flush. No matter how many times they talked about having more kids it still surprised her. It was hard for her to believe that he actually wanted to grow his family with her.

"Just be safe, okay? Don't let him take more away from me. I couldn't bear to lose you too." Chibs kissed her deeply, not caring that they weren't even close to being alone. He wanted to tell her that he would never let Jimmy hurt her again. He wanted her to know that he meant every word, but no words could portray just how much he loved her. Nothing he could say could show her just what he would do and who he would kill to make sure she was safe.

Harper kissed him back just as deeply before they pulled away and she sat down next to him as Kerrianne rejoined them. They talked about Kerrianne starting school in September, giving her plenty of time to settle and get things that she needed.

"How the hell did you come up with the money, Filip?" She asked quietly, as Kerrianne talked to Kendra and Ellie. Harley was talking to Kozik, and they were sitting next to each other at the table next to them.

Chibs smiled slightly at her question, as he told her about the plan to give the Russians a mixed bag of counterfeit and real money. Harper looked dumbfounded, but at the same time impressed.

"It'll be fine, love. Don't worry," he said reassuringly to her, and she nodded in response as she leaned into him. She'd taken off her black leather jacket, and was now just in a grey tank top and blue faded skinny jeans that were ripped at the knees.

Her crow tattoo could be seen from her right shoulder, and Chibs loved seeing his crow on her. His old lady was beautiful, and fierce, he didn't know what he'd done to deserve her and Kerrianne.

He'd keep them safe, all of them.

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