Chapter 7 Heaven Sent

I do not own Twilight or SOA.

"I thought I made myself clear at the meeting…." Clay warned as he approached Bella and Jax the moment they entered the club.

Jax nodded and went to take another step. Clay put a hand up against his chest.

"Take her home."

"You said club members and old ladies only…."

Clay nodded as he was smoking his cigar.

"Then we're good." He smiled and wrapped his arm around Bella.

The older man shook his head looking irritated as Jax led Bella to the bar. Tig made his way over to Clay he nodded toward them.

"I thought she wasn't allowed here."

Clay didn't comment as he walked away. Tig rolled his eyes bitterly seeing as how cozy Bella and Jax were being with one another.

"I knew it…." Juice murmured whilst shaking his head.

"Man, you said she wasn't pussy!"

Bella reared back on Juice's words. And Jax made a tame it-down motion towards Juice.

"So not cool! So, is that what it takes? I had to play hard to get like blondie over here?" Juice continued to bitch as sat on the other side of Bella.

"I'm still stuck on the whole I'm not pussy bit."

Jax sighed and rolled his eyes at Juice.

"It means that he's a selfish little bitch and wanted you all to himself."

Jax shrugged, then tipped his beer toward Juice.

"All true except for the little bitch part."

Juice shook his head.

"Come on, you sure that's what you want?" Juice taunted with a snarky grin in Jax's direction.

"You know about us Puerto Ricans, right? We're all about the romance."

Bella laughed.

"Is that true?"

He nodded confidently.

"I could romance you all night baby."

"Watch yourself, Carlos…."

"See, that right there proves my case… He's worried now. See him sweatin' over there?"

Jax waved towards the bartender and ordered them each a couple of shots and a beer.

"I bet you're a lightweight…." Juice teased.

Bella raised her brows at this.

"Oh, do you now?"

"Guess we're about to find out," Jax said as he slid her first shot over.

"Think she's one of those women that projectile vomits?" Juice added.

Jax had a good laugh at this, and Bella elbowed him.

"And for your sake, you had better hope I'm not."

Jax wrinkled his nose at this, and they both laughed.

"If that's the case, I won't envy him so much."

Juice's eyes widened all of a sudden and Bella turned to see what it was about. Ima had welcomed herself into Jax's lap. He was whispering something in her ear and gently pushing her off him.

Whatever he whispered had her snapping Bella a look of utter hell.

"You're kidding me…." Ima hissed.

"Is that what you meant by finding someone else to entertain? You're done with me?"

Jax hopped up as everyone's eyes were on them now. That was something he was hoping to prevent. He took Ima by the arm, then led her into a corner. Juice ordered Bella another shot.

"Something tells me you're gonna need this."

"You're gonna pull that shit with me?" Jax said as he pointed at Ima irately.

"I made it clear from the beginning. Did I not?!"

Ima lowered her head, and Jax cupped her chin lifting her head back up.

"I'm sorry you got hurt. But I didn't lead you on. We both knew where this was going."

He looked over to Bella and nodded in gesture.

"It's done… understood?"

He sighed as Ima had tears streaming down her face before she stormed off. Jax pinched the bridge of his nose, then shook his head.

"Fuck…" he murmured.

To make things worse, he looked up to see Tig was in his spot now. He made his way over and took Bella by the hand. Jax led her to one of the pool tables and began setting up.

"Are you okay?"

Jax nodded and pulled her in for a kiss as he handed her a cue stick.

"All good…" he assured knowing this was just going to take some time.

Bella did her best to ignore the eating-out session that was going on at the other table as she took her shot. She covered her mouth in a giggle, however, once she realized who it was. Jax already knew and cut her wink as he took his shot. Afterward, he passed by, then leaned into her ear.

"Bobby loves that shit." He teased and popped her on the butt.

"I can tell. Going at it like a buffet..."

Jax had a good laugh at this. Bella was sipping from her beer when…

"Is that something you'd like to try sometime?"

She did a spit take and hit at her chest. Jax staggered back in laughter.

"You ass…" she muttered but was laughing.

Jax grabbed a napkin. Then he made his way over and wiped the beer off her blouse. Bella laughed as he was paying extra attention to her breasts.

"I don't believe that's where the beer went."

"Oh…" Jax muttered with a shrug and tossed the napkin into a nearby trash can.

He cupped her cheek as he kissed her. Afterward, he leaned into her ear once again.

"Your turn to break…."

She raised her brows at the seductive tenor he used.

After a couple of games and a few more beers…

"Where you off to?"

"I feel the need to release bodily fluids for some odd reason."

He laughed, then pointed toward the ladies' room with his beer.

Bella did her business and stepped out. As she was washing her hands, another woman stepped out from one of the stalls. But she didn't look to see who it was.

"You don't belong here. And there's not a chance in hell you can keep up with Jackson Teller!"

Bella lifted her eyes catching Ima's reflection in the mirror.

"I believe I'll be the judge on that one."

"He needs a real woman. You can dress the part all you want. But you're nothing more than a washed-up wannabe. You hate it, don't you? Knowing what really goes on behind these walls once the sun goes down. Knowing you can't always be here. There will be times he's all alone…." Ima smiled.

"And who do you think is going to take care of him when he feels the need for a little entertainment? Cause I assure you… these boys… don't wait. You heard the saying… A man's only as faithful as his options. Well, look around you, Hunny."

Bella nodded.

"Proud of yourself?"

Ima narrowed her eyes as Bella headed out. The porn star gritted her teeth, then followed her out.

Ima bolted over and shoved Bella onto one of the pool tables where there was currently some sort of threesome going. Jax caught wind of this and went to intervene only to have Tig grab ahold of him and slam him back against the wall.

"Let the ladies handle it. "

"You wanna join, baby?" The guy asked as he currently had two women going down on him.

"I'm good…." Bella murmured and rolled off the pool table.

Ima was walking off with this smug grin about her. Bella nodded among herself as she walked behind her. Bella grabbed Ima by the hair, then leaned into her ear.

"Let's take this outside."

Bella dragged the porn star out the front door and then shoved her down. She walked over, then forced Ima back to her feet. Bella jerked the girl up against her chest.

"You think I don't see what you're trying to pull here? And how stupid are you? Did you not think about the potential grave you were digging? Well, it's not going to be mine. It's funny when you think about it. All that fucking… Ended up fucking you over in the end."

Bella dropped her hold, then shoved the woman back.

"I'm right here. If you wanna do this, then let's go. And I hope you don't have a shooting anytime soon. I'd sure hate for you to lose your spot because I fucked up that pretty face of yours."

Ima gritted her teeth, then socked Bella in the face. Bella nodded as she rubbed her jaw. Jax rushed out and was just about to snatch Bella back, only to have Tig intervene once again. Only, Jax lost his cool this time and decked him in the face.

Bella returned the blow and with one hit - Ima went down and hard.

"Can't say I didn't warn you…." Bella said.

Bella turned back and rushed over as Tig and Jax were brawling just a couple feet away. Chibs was quick to grab ahold of Bella. "Nah, lass, better let this one play out…." She grimaced as Tig sent a couple of jabs to Jax's stomach. Jax came at him like a bull and drove him up against the wall. He was just about to sock him another one when Juice and Bobby grabbed ahold of Jax and dragged him away from Tig.

The other club members dragged Tig back inside. Chibs escorted Bella back in as well. Jax straightened out his kutte, then wiped the blood from his nose and lip.

"You were so proud to be a crow eater. Well, guess what? Now, that's all you're ever going to be." Jax coldly spat as he turned his back to Ima. She was currently lying on the ground, tending to her jacked-up face.

"You ready to call it a night?" Jax questioned as he made his way over.

Bella peered back as she was talking to Chibs. She started to say something about Jax's busted lip, but something else caught her attention. Her head snapped toward the direction of the club door. For reasons she couldn't explain, Bella hopped off the bar stool and headed in that direction. Chibs and Jax reared back in wonder. The door flew open, and Piney entered the room. He regarded the room as if he were looking for someone. No one noticed the gun in his hand until they heard the gunfire. Bella shot her hand out in the direction of the bullet. She put up another hand and aimed it toward Piney. A couple more were heard, and everyone witnessed as the bullets hit an invisible wall, then landed on the ground.

"ENOUGH!" Bella shouted Clay's direction as he was about to shoot yet again.

Clay tilted his head and regarded the young woman in marvel. He bent down picking up the bullet that could've ended his life. Piney staggered back, then reached to his heart. Bella darted in that direction and hurriedly braced him back against the wall.

"It's you…." Piney said as if in shock.

Bella smiled, then put her hand on the man's cheek.

"Yeah… it's me."

Jax swallowed back as Piney grabbed ahold of Bella and teared up as he hugged her close.

"What are you doing here?"

"Long story. But I do believe we had a deal…."

Piney sighed "I'm sorry…" and looked in Clay and Tig's direction.

"But they murdered my daughter-in-law."

The other club members glanced toward Clay and Tig, but they were still in shock over what they'd just witnessed.

Bella nodded. She took Piney by the hand, then led him outside. She saw Opie pulling up on his bike and ran up to him. He hopped off his bike and was about to storm into the building when she put a hand stopping him.

"You talk to Jax before you even think about going in there."

"I told you I was handling this!" Opie pointed at his father.

Piney shook his head but wasn't looking so great.

"Let me get Jax, and we can discuss this elsewhere…." Bella said.

Bella turned back taking notice of the way Piney was sweating profusely. He was holding his left arm. "OPIE!" Bella shouted as Piney's eyes rolled back and he was swaying. They rushed over and barely managed to get Piney on the ground.

Opie retrieved his phone, then called for an ambulance. Bella took his father's hand and dropped to her knees beside him.

Bella and Jax shot to their feet when Opie entered the waiting room. He nodded.

"It was a minor heart attack. He's going to be okay though."

They sighed in relief. The rest of the club was there too but were in another waiting room. Jax figured it best if he and Bella were in another area. Jax hugged Opie and patted him on the back. Bella hugged him as well. Opie cupped her chin afterward, then looked her in the eyes.

"He told me… Apparently, this makes twice now, or should I say three?"

Bella drew back a breath on this. Opie hugged her once again.

"Thank you…"

She nodded but noticed the peculiar look Jax was giving her. When Opie left the room, Jax tiredly rubbed his face.

"You wanna explain what's going on, darlin'?"

She half-laughed, then leaned back against the wall. She shut her eyes for a brief moment as she thought about where to even begin.

"What was that Matrix shit you pulled back at the club? And how do you know Piney? And I don't wanna hear how you know everyone. I need something a little deeper than that. Like the truth for starters."

"I was going to tell you."

"Are you sure about that?"

She narrowed her eyes at this.

"It was just today I spilled out my damn heart. I told you things I'd never told anyone. Yet, you didn't think it was the right time to let me in?"

"Jax…"

He shook his head looking pissed.

"And what would you have said if I told you I could somehow shield myself and others? That I can also deflect bullets or anything flying at me? I can sense certain things such as Piney before he even entered that club… I tend to have a higher tolerance for pain and heal faster than most…" she sort of laughed.

"You'd have probably thought I was full of shit or batshit crazy. It's not something I can just tell you. I knew it would be something you needed to see rather than hear. I wasn't going to keep this from you. That was never my intention. There's so much I need to tell you, but I knew I couldn't do it all in one setting. Just as you can't… We have a lot of ground to cover, and that's going to take some time."

Jax paced the room and shook his head.

"And Piney…?" he questioned softly.

"He attempted to take his own life after Donna was killed. I just happened to be there and shield him just in time to keep the bullet from launching into his skull."

"Jesus!" He uttered, then staggered back.

Bella nodded, then wiped a few tears off her face. She sat down and rested her elbows on her knees, looking at the floor.

"You haven't any idea… The things I've seen and heard. This town… So many secrets…" Bella said while shaking her head.

"I remember hating it when I first came here. I thought something along the lines of … man, everyone around here is FUCKED up! It's the things you hear when they assume they're alone and speaking with their loved ones. But there was this guy… The way he spoke of his loved ones and Charming itself… And the way he acted as if his father was right there with him. He sat there for hours on end carrying on a conversation. Well, that got me thinking. And it was through that man that I learned not only to appreciate but to love this town. It was like seeing through a new set of eyes or something. So, that's when I decided that the least I could do was put my shield to use and use it to protect this town. I hadn't anything else to do. And for once, I wanted to feel as though I was a part of something. It didn't matter if the things I did went unnoticed. That wasn't why I did those things in the first place. The way I saw it? I have this ability that no one else has. I needed to put it to use. So, if that keeps a man from committing suicide and talking some sense into him afterward. Then that's all I needed to feel…." Bella drew back a breath, then lifted her head.

"To feel as though I at least existed…."

Jax took her by the hand, then brought her to her feet.

"Just give me some time… I promise to tell you everything. It's just a lot to cover…."

He nodded and pulled her in for a hug.

"I'll give you the time you need, darlin'…."

"It should be me getting you flowers…." Piney said as Bella entered the room with a vase of them.

She smiled as she made her way over and kissed his cheek.

"How are you feeling?"

"Alive… thanks to you. What are you, my guardian angel?"

Bella sort of laughed.

"Far from it, I'm afraid."

She glanced toward Opie as he was sitting in a chair across the way.

"And you?" She questioned as she made her way over.

"Tired…"

Bella nodded.

"Have the others been in here yet?"

"Chibs, Juice, Bobby so far…."

She nodded once again, then sat in the empty chair beside him.

"Think we'll be canceling our plans." Opie hinted seeing as how it was already five in the morning.

"They're with Gemma anyhow."

"Well, whenever you need me just holler."

"Will do…"

"Have you talked to Jax yet?"

"Not yet…"

They lifted their heads as Jax entered the room. He nodded their way as he pulled the door too.

"Ears must've been burning," Opie muttered under his breath.

Bella smiled at this.

"Must've…"

Jax made his way over and hugged Piney.

"How you holding up, old man?"

"Through that angel over there…" he pointed to Bella, and she blushed.

"That she is." Jax agreed, then sent her a wink.

He leaned against the wall and folded his arms about his chest.

"We need to talk…"

Bella came to her feet. She went to exit the room in order to give them their privacy.

"Stick around. You need to hear this as well."

Bella removed her hand from the door handle.

"Have a seat, Angel… A bit more fitting than Angie don't you think?" Jax hinted with a smirk.

Once she seated. Jax began his story. The truth behind Donna Winston's murder – and Clay, Tig, and Agent Stahl's involvement. Jax explained how Agent Stahl set Opie up as a rat. And even though Jax defended Opie and the club made a mutual decision on declaring Opie's innocence. Clay and Tig went behind their backs and decided Opie was indeed a rat that needed to be dealt with. So, when Donna drove home in Opie's truck that night. Clay had ordered Tig to take care of Opie. He never looked to see who was behind the wheel. Tig just assumed it was Opie since it was his truck. He shot Donna in the back of the head. It wasn't until he drove around that Tig realized his mistake. And that's what Agent Stahl wanted all along - to break them. To make the club turn on one another and see who would rat the other out first. When Clay and Tig found out the truth and what they'd done they tried making amends by offering to help Opie in any way they could. That included offering him more jobs and part of a cut of what they earned. That was their way of dealing with the guilt on what they had done. Jax explained as he continued.

"So this was all on that bitch agent?" Opie murmured.

Jax nodded in return. His gaze met Bella's.

"She's been poking her nose around town again as well."

"But the case is closed."

"Exactly. Which means she's working on digging something else up. We all need to watch our backs. She's determined to take SAMCRO down one way or another. All the more reason you two need to figure out how to make this work with Clay and Tig. If not… the bitch wins, and we're giving her everything she ever hoped for."

Opie and his father eyed one another as if in silent conversation.

SOA meeting with Piney on speakerphone…

"So, if we could just sum this up to a moment of insanity…." Opie said in a finish once the club was done discussing the truth behind his wife.

"Something any of us would've done given the circumstances," Jax added with a nod toward Opie.

He nodded in return. Clay drew back a breath and looked at the phone.

"And you and I Piney?"

Piney thickly swallowed before answering.

"We're good." He said but hated the very words as they left his mouth.

But Jax was right… If they fought this - they'd be joining Donna soon enough. So, for now, they put their differences aside, followed Jax's lead, and did as he saw fit. When finished Clay had the club vote on whether Piney and Opie could stay. To their and Jax's relief, everyone was in favor.

Then came the subject of Bella, something Jax knew was coming. He merely sat back and listened as the others discussed what all took place.

"That's some crazy ass voodoo shit." Tig uttered.

"Well, whatever it is… it's saved numerous lives. If it wasn't for that girl, you'd be having an entirely different meeting and arranging two funerals." Piney threw out there.

"More than two… We understand how she was able to save the kids now." Opie added.

"And what's to say she won't use that to turn against us all one day?"

Jax eyed Tig down as he was the one to say this. Clay sighed and lit up one of his cigars. After taking a long drag, he leaned back in his chair.

"I see both points."

Jax shook his head at this.

"She wouldn't do that."

"And you know this how?" Tig challenged.

"I just do."

"We're gonna need a little more proof than that," Clay said.

"Are we really going to do this? Again? Did we not just have a meeting over something that happened because the two of you decided to handle something behind the club's back? We all had a mutual understanding and agreement!"

"Watch yourself, son." Clay warned.

Jax's hands balled up into a fist as he tried pushing all that anger back.

"So, what is it you're saying exactly?" Jax questioned Tig through gritted teeth.

"That we test the little lady. See what she's capable of. Maybe go as far as to test her loyalty as well."

Jax shot up at this knowing damn well what that meant.

"You're not touching her!"

"I'm sorry, son. But Tig's right. She's got something we don't truly understand. We need to see what it's all about. And considering what she's capable of… That gives us even more reason to see where her loyalties lie. Especially considering the obvious…."

"And what would that be?" He practically hissed.

"Well, is she your old lady or not, son?"

"Yeah, she's my old lady! All the more reason we're not pulling that shit! Bella is family! We're meant to protect the ones we love."

"As to why this is needed…." Clay muttered.

"It's not."

"And if she proves to be otherwise?"

"Then you can be the one that puts a motherfucking bullet to my head!"

Jax lip curled as he sent an ashtray flying across the room. Then he stormed out and slammed the door behind him.

"Let's go…" Jax said as he met Bella outside the club.

Clay sighed and twirled around in his chair.

"All in favor of testing the young lady?"

Opie reared back on this.

"You can't be serious. Jax isn't here to vote. And he made it clear how he felt."

"We don't need him in order to vote. We already know what his is. But we're doing this. We have to go about this like she was any other member's old lady. Not even Jax gets special treatment in that department. So, I'm gonna need some yay and nays…."

Each member looked to one another as if lost on what to do. Clay nodded towards Chibs. The Irish man drew back a breath before answering.

"Yay…"

Opie shook his head at this.

"Nay…" Juice.

"Yay…" Bobby said but looked ill as he said this.

"Nay!" Opie spat.

"And you Piney?"

"Nay." Piney.

"Yay for me. Nay for J.T." Clay said as he slammed his clever down, looking displeased with the outcome.

(Be a sport and leave your comment/review. Thanks!)