Sons of Anarchy - Angel of Death

Previously…

"If we drive a few hours tonight, we can make it there by tomorrow evening." Stevie offered, lighting a cigarette. Happy rolled his eyes up at her, cocking an eyebrow. That was probably the most civil she'd spoken to him in a week. "Used to make runs up to Vancouver for The Devil's Tribe all the time." Stevie shrugged, "Plus duty free liquor is always a nice bonus." She threw him a wink before returning her attention back to her iPod. Happy just grunted in response, turning his attention back to the map. Stevie rolled her eyes, then she got a wicked idea. Before should could talk herself out of it, she slid across the seat, getting up in Happy's personal space. She leaned over the open atlas, pretending to be oblivious to the fact she had literally just cuddled up to The Tacoma Killer.

Jesus, she smelled amazing. Even when the croweaters tried really hard, they only ever smelled like stale booze, cigarettes and desperate pussy. Her scent was clean, faint cigarette mixed with a floral that didn't remind him of his Mom or Grandma. He swallowed hard, telling himself she was only doing this on purpose to spite him, like he'd requested her presence on this godforsaken trip. Well, two could play that game. He leaned forward, his lips ghosting along her cheekbone, feeling her shiver.

"If we can get across the California, Oregon border, say, stop outside of Klamath Falls, we'll be golden." She slid her finger along the highway line, stopping just past the state border, below the city she'd named off. She was so close to Happy she could feel the heat radiating off his chest. The coolness of his kutte against her arm provided a contrasting sensation to anchor her from sliding herself in his lap and kissing him senseless. His hot breath fanned her cheek and she clenched the hand closest to him into a fist, nails biting into her palm.

"Sounds like a plan, co-pilot." He smirked at her, folding the atlas closed, snapping Stevie out of the haze she was in.

"Great." Stevie sighed, sliding back over to her side of the seat. She put in her earphones while Happy put the truck into gear. She could feel his gaze on her, as if he expected her to say more. She clenched her teeth, willing herself to ignore him. It was going to be a long trip.

Chapter Two: Me, Myself & I

Three hours passed without incident. Stevie was finding it hard to stay awake. She needed to walk around for a few minutes, maybe using the ladies room wouldn't hurt either. Cherry must've had the same idea. Suddenly what sounded like a closed fist, pounded on the small window that separated the cab from the bed.

"Can we have a pee break?" A feminine voice asked, her voice slightly muffled by the wall between them.

Happy rolled his eyes. Chicks and pee breaks. He glanced at the fuel gauge. They could use a fill up too.

"Sure, Cher." Stevie shouted back, then she turned to Happy. "Pull over at the next exit. There's a small gas station, no security cameras."

Happy looked over at her, eyes cold, virtually unreadable. His mouth gaped a little, like he wasn't sure how to react to her knowledge of their route. He was debating on whether or not to just shrug the ladies off, but one look at Stevie's face and he knew if he didn't pull over, she was going to make him. He gave her a single nod, turning his attention back to the road.

Stevie sat back against the seat with a sigh of relief. She was afraid she was going to have to make Happy pullover. He didn't seem like the type to stop, and he might've kept going just to spite her. Thank God for Cherry.

Happy pulled the truck up to the gas pump farthest from the building to help conceal their cargo, and jumped out of the truck. Stevie opened the window in the cab to address their fugitives.

"Alright kiddos, listen up." Stevie said, "Don't talk to anyone, don't look at anyone." Cherry nodded, biting her lip. "Get in, get out. We don't need anyone wondering why there are four people traveling in a two person-"

"Who the fuck ya think ya are, Lass?" Cameron started to protest. "I'm fucking IRA-"

"Shut your face, Cammie." Happy growled from the open tailgate. Cameron grit his teeth, turning away from Stevie to head towards the opening. "You heard her, get in, get out." He stepped back to let the Irishman through. Cameron huffed and climbed down from the truck, disappearing into the convenience store. Cherry waited for him to return before taking her turn.

Stevie secured them both back into the cargo area before jumping down from truck. She stalked over to the convenience store and picked up a Monster, two bottles and a pack of smokes.

"Hey, Patches."

Shit. Stevie continued her transaction with the cashier, hoping that the man who'd recognized her would realize the patches were different and he probably was mistaken. She grabbed the drinks and smokes and turned around, coming face to face with Trevor Lane. His smile widened. No dice.

Happy finished pumping gas after taking his turn in the bathroom. He watched as Stevie's shoulders stiffened when the man behind her spoke. Something was wrong. He made sure the truck was locked before striding over to the convenience store.

"Quite the upgrade, Patches." Trevor teased, offering to carry the armful she had. "Leather and everything." He let out a low whistle. "You still look absolutely ravishing." He winked.

"Trevor?!" Stevie exclaimed breathlessly. "Fancy seeing you here." She shook her head slightly, trying to seem like she was in a hurry.

Happy stepped up to Stevie, sliding his arm around her waist like he'd done it a million times. "Hey, babe." He murmured before leaning down, claiming her mouth in a soul searing kiss. Stevie's head was spinning, first she did the very thing she told their fugitives not to do. Now Happy was kissing her like she was his fucking Old Lady. God Damn. At least it felt good. Who was she kidding? His kiss felt fucking fantastic.

Trevor's eyes widened when Happy materialized beside them. The man's appearance shouted 'dangerous' and he had that biker, 'cold blooded killer' vibe. Then the man leaned down and wrapped Stevie up in a kiss, obviously asserting his dominance. Stevie didn't pull away, in fact he caught her leaning into the embrace, her knees giving a little. Damn. He knew he should have made a move last time he saw her. He scrubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out a way to back out of this.

"Hey," Stevie breathed, motioning to the stranger in front of them. "T-this is Trevor Lane. He bartends at The Yellow Rose, just a few miles from here." She took a ragged breath, trying to draw enough air into her lungs to calm her racing heart.

Happy gave the man a nod. "Here, let me." He grabbed the bottles from her hands, cradling them in his left arm, keeping his right arm around her, sliding his hand into her back pocket.

Happy's touch ignited a slow burn low in her belly, radiating to where he casually gripped her ass. "Great to see you again, Trevor." Stevie flashed him a sympathetic smile, taking mental notes of how easily her and Happy seemed to fit together. She could see the shock on his face as he shoved his hands awkwardly in his pockets.

"Y-yeah." Trevor stammered, backing away. "See y-you around, Patches."

Happy swung them around so they headed back towards the truck. He handed her the keys before sliding his hand into her back pocket, so she could unlock the door. He handed her the bottles after helping her swing up into the cab. Stevie tried not to take note of how nice it felt for him to help her. She shook her head, clenching her fists; she was a kick ass biker, not some weak bitch. Happy shut her door and turned to look back to see that Trevor had split. Thank God for small favors. He was afraid he might have to make the kid disappear. Permanently.

Stevie popped the top on her Monster, passing a water to Cherry through the window. "How much further tonight?" Cherry asked, trying her best to not sound whiny.

"Oh, uh, just a couple more hours." Stevie assured her. "We'll stop for the night somewhere off the beaten track, grab a few hours and hit the road again." She glanced over at Happy as he climbed into the truck. "We're trying to make it to Vancouver by tomorrow evening."

"Okay." Cherry nodded, moving to sit down as Happy put the truck into gear.

Stevie drank her monster, ignoring the daggers Happy shot her across the truck cab. An hour into their journey, she pulled out the atlas. She found a small town a few miles off the highway where there was a motel they could grab a couple of rooms at.

"How much further." Happy murmured, glancing over at her.

Stevie glanced up at him. "Fifty miles, County Highway 875-A."

Happy nodded, not glancing her way again.

An hour later, they pulled up into a dusty parking lot of a no name motel just outside Klamath Falls, Oregon. Happy had to hand it to Stevie, she was at least useful in the navigation department. He stalked up to the office and returned with keys a few moments later. He opened the back hatch, handing a key to Cameron and another one to Cherry. "We're leaving at 6."

Stevie saw Cherry's eyes widen a little. "You can always sleep some more once we're on the road." She offered, placing a hand of comfort on Cherry's shoulder.

"Thanks, Stevie." She smiled sadly, and turned towards her room. Cameron had already disappeared into his room. Stevie took a moment to glance around the parking lot. It was mostly deserted. Frankly, the place looked like it probably had hourly rates, but it was off the beaten path, no cameras, no security. She lit a cigarette, waiting for Happy to secure the truck in front of where their rooms were.

Happy watched Stevie survey the area. He knew she was ex-military, so she was always vigilant. He wondered if she had trouble sleeping like he did. He was about to find out. The desk only had three rooms clean. He couldn't see asking Cherry and Cameron to share. He also didn't want Stevie sharing a room with Cherry, the old lady wanna be would just keep her up gabbing all night. He figured he'd take his chances, either she'd invite him to stay, or he'd sleep in the truck. Either way he made sure she got some rest. "Only three rooms." He held a key out to her.

Stevie eyed him warily. Bullshit. She was too tired to stomp over there herself and get another key. Happy knew that. She was also too tired to argue. That energy drink helped keep her awake, but she was definitely feeling the effects of late night partying settling in. "Okay, this one got two beds?" She asked, moving to unlock the door. Nope. One double bed. Shit. She didn't want to go knock on Cherry's door. The girl would have her up half the night gabbing. While Cherry was sweet, she was just a little too much of a 'girly girl' for Stevie.

Happy shook his head, darkening the door frame with his shoulders. "No, I'm gonna-"

"Sleep in the truck?" Stevie finished for him. Happy shrugged, crossing his arms. Stevie shook her head, "No." She motioned for him to come into the room. Happy felt his lips twitch as she shut the door, locking and deadbolting it, throwing the security chain in place.

Stevie busied herself with unwinding for the night. She stripped off her kutte, hanging it on the hook beside the door. Next came her double shoulder holster, she secured both guns, placing one in her waistband, the other went in her bag.

Happy settled on the edge of the bed, stripping off his boots. He set them neatly at the foot, and stretched out, lying back against the pillows, arms behind his head. He watched as Stevie got settled, stripping off her kutte, securing her guns. Then she pulled her long golden hair up, piling it up on top of her head, exposing her neck and the striking Fleur De Lis tattoo at the base of it. He wondered who she knew that did such gorgeous ink. Her wing tattoo was one of the best he'd ever seen. This newly revealed tat was no exception.

After securing her hair, Stevie stripped off her boots, placing them beside Happy's at the foot of the bed. She pulled out her toiletry bag and a pair of sleep shorts from her go bag, and locked herself in the bathroom. She leaned against the door for a moment, trying to get herself to calm down. Why didn't she just let him sleep in the truck? What possessed her to share a bed with him? Maybe she would just go see if Cherry would share, she could always threaten to slit the girl's throat if she didn't shut up. Stevie shook her head, staring hard into the cracked mirror on the wall. No, she was going to have to face him sooner or later. Didn't make sense to keep pushing off the inevitable. Plus, Clay would ring her neck if they weren't at least friends by the end of this trip. Shaking off her anxiety, Stevie finished getting ready for sleep.

Happy's breath caught when Stevie emerged from the bathroom. She'd always worn long pants around him, he never saw her legs bare. She had more ink, a floral design with a skull and crossed rifles. This one spilled over her left thigh, looking like it might continue up towards her hip. Now that he could see all three pieces, he'd bet fifty bucks they were all done by the same artist. He took his turn in the bathroom, emerging to find the room plunged into to darkness, save for a single lamp by the bed. Steve sat on the window sill, smoking. The wind changed direction, and the fragrant aroma of her joint filled his nostrils. He crossed the room and settled beside her, gazing out into dusty lot.

Stevie gave Happy a once over. He no longer wore his kutte, it hung next to hers on the wall. He was stripped down to jeans and just a plan wife beater, giving her sleep deprived brain all kinds of wicked ideas. She offered him the joint, releasing a long drag.

Happy studied her for a moment, then accepted, his fingers brushing hers gently. The touch sent a jolt of electricity up his arm. He only ever felt like this once before. He was young, barely sixteen. The girl was shy, but had begun to blossom beautifully. They were best friends, and a few years later, when she needed him most, he was off on club business. She was killed and there was nothing he could do to bring her back. He took a drag, watching Stevie pick at her nail polish. He definitely felt a similar connection with her. It terrified him. He desperately wanted to keep her at arm's length, so when she was hurt or killed, he wouldn't feel that pain again. He knew she'd gotten under his skin, and for the club's sake, he was going to have to face it.

"Patches?" Happy scoffed, offering the joint back.

Stevie felt her cheeks flame, she took the joint back and took a puff. "Yeah, patches." She laughed on soft breath, the weed really helping mellow her out, "Trevor's a good kid, just has a bit of a crush 's all." She smirked, passing the joint back.

"Hmm." Happy mused, "Can't blame him." His dark eyes glittered in the lamplight.

Stevie bit her lip. "How's that?" He offered her the joint and she put up her hand in refusal. He set it down, moving a little closer to her. Happy didn't answer, he just reached out and gripped her wrist, extending her arm so he could study the feathers covering it. Stevie gasped at his forwardness, but let him inspect the ink. "Hap…" She tried to take her arm back when she realized he was counting them. He met her eyes and realized he might have crossed a line and immediately released her arm. She rubbed at her wrist where his fingers had been, praying there wasn't going to be a bruise.

Happy sighed, leaning away from her. "Stevie, I'm-"

"Don't." Stevie stopped him, her hand resting on his knee. "Don't apologize." She sighed, "I'm sorry, I should just tell you instead of having you count them." She bit her lip. He nodded. She took a deep breath. "29."

Happy let loose a low whistle. That meant she'd killed for the MC 6 times. He reached for her arm again, this time she let him pull her arm into his chest, so he could look at the ink more closely. "This is dope work."

Stevie could feel his hot breath against her skin, causing it to break out in goosebumps. "Still need to get two added." So 8 more kills. Not too far off his personal 11. She shrugged. "My tattooist was blown up last week in Iraq." She scoffed, "Everyone I get close to gets hurt, Hap. You should run the other way." She warned, clenching her teeth.

Happy just shook his head once. Then he shrugged, "I'll do it." He released her arm, but didn't move away.

Stevie bit her lip, blinking rapidly against the tears threatening to spill over. She hadn't told anyone that James, her tattoo artist and fellow marine, had been killed by an IED. She planned to go see his Mom once they arrived back in Charming. She wanted to be the one to inform her, but that night she was stuck in jail after her temper got the best of her with Agent Stahl. Stevie took a deep breath, exhaling through her nose. "Sure." Stevie said, clearing her throat.

"Sorry about your friend." Happy murmured, drawing her into his chest. One hand gripped her hip, the other cupped the back of her head, fingers playing in her hair. Stevie gripped the front of his shirt, as a few tears escaped down her cheek. He pulled back slightly, drawing her gaze back up to his.

"Thank you." Stevie murmured, breathing in his scent. He was so close to her, his lips hovering just inches from hers. If she just tilted her chin up just a little-

Happy clenched his teeth, his jaw twitching with the effort to control himself. He had this all planned out. He was going to get her all worked up, then break her. He'd kiss her, fuck her, get her out of his system. Then in the morning, he'd act like nothing happened. His solution to this whole situation was to return to the Tacoma, request transfer to the Nomads and stay the hell away from her.

Except he found himself not wanting to leave. For once, a woman wasn't throwing herself at him. Seemed like she was more interested in him and not just his dick. She wasn't after his patch, already had one of her own. She was an equal and that simple fact scared the shit out of him.

Then he had to go and offer to finish her tattoo. That definitely required for him to stick around. Then there was the issue of his mother. She insisted he bring Stevie with him the next time he visited. She said seeing Stevie brought her great joy. Who was he to deny his mom that?

Damn it all to Hell.

He closed the distance between them, claiming her mouth in a hard kiss. Stevie whimpered, her hands releasing their grip on his shirt to wrap around his body, nails scraping down his back. His hands wandered from her back down to her ass, pulling her more firmly against him. Stevie bit down on his lower lip and Happy let loose a growl that made her toes curl. Happy moved to stand up and drag her to the bed when his phone buzzed. Stevie slumped against the glass, watching Happy's eyes flash with anger as he dug his phone out his jeans pocket.

"Yeah." Happy growled, turning away from her.

"Just making sure my favorite duo is still alive and kicking." Clay was calling just to check in.

"Yeah, we're good, Pres." His voice sounded deadly.

"Good, good." Clay smirked, he could tell he'd interrupted something just by tone of Happy's voice. Thank God. "Cargo still intact?

"Yeah." Happy answered, dragging a palm over his bald head and down his face.

"Great." Clay chuckled. "Let me know when you're on your way back."

"Will do." Happy answered, flipping the phone shut.

"Clay?" Stevie asked, already knowing the answer. She hadn't moved from the window sill.

Happy took a deep breath and nodded, "I-I'm gonna check the truck." He grabbed his piece from the bed, "You should get some sleep." Then he unbolted the door and disappeared outside, locking the door behind him.

Stevie brought a trembling hand to her bruised lips, letting out a shaky breath. God damn, if kissing him felt like that, what would fucking him feel like? Would she even be able to survive it? She moved away from the window, double checking her gun was still under her pillow before settling under the covers. She stared at the ceiling, willing herself to stay awake until Happy returned, but the smoke, paired with her fried emotional state had her drifting swiftly off to dreamland.

Dearest Readers,

Whoa. What a rollercoaster with these two! I'm loving the tension. I think these two need a little more time to get to know each other before we have them tumble into bed together. I love that fact that Stevie isn't after Happy for his patch. She's really not after him at all, really. It seems that Happy is the one doing the pursuing for once.

Me, Myself & I - G-Eazy - I started listening to G-Eazy a few years ago. I'm not a huge hip hop fan, but I really did this kid. He's legit. Creative, talented and a fine entertainer. Plus, it helps that Theo Rossi, and David Labrava like him too ;). Kind of picture Happy thinking Eazy was legit too…

Time for day two of our trip. Time to drop the kids off in Canada!

Xoxo

Lumora The White