Happy reading and please review :)

-Jennifer11

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sons of Anarchy or anything that Kurt Sutter created.

Weston's POV

I got back to the Dirty Pig at 2 pm. Darby greeted me before I went into Ethan Zobelle's office.

"Thanks for getting me out."

"It was the least I could do. After all you did that to the girl for us."

"How'd you find out about her?"

Darby walked into the office answering the question, "Her stepfather is our lawyer."

Zobelle spoke up again, "His wife recently passed and knew his daughter would be headed to Charming with a friend. He just wants her back home, you see. He tipped us off that she was a bartender and would probably look for a job soon. I didn't anticipate her coming to us this quickly but her father will be here soon to collect her."

Kozik's POV

We had all decided that retaliation needed to take place but we would wait until we could get Charlotte more protected. We planned on going on lockdown soon, making sure every member of the family was safe before we did anything.

Clay was about to dismiss us when Juice interrupted us. "Uh guys? There's one more thing… this guy James? Charlotte's stepfather? He's been off the grid for a couple weeks. It'll be hard to track him down…"

Clay nodded. "Jesus Christ. Alright, just keep us posted Juice." The gavel hit the table, telling all the guys to clear out and get back to the garage.

I got up and was about to walk out of the room but I ran into Opie, literally. I just wanted to get back to the hospital to check on Charlotte. Opie looked me dead in the eyes while the rest of the guys left.

"What, man?"

"Anything happen last night while you were at the hospital with the old man? He was giving you weird looks during Church."

"Nah man, everything was cool."

"Alright brother, thanks for staying there last night." He gave me a slap on the back before turning to go.

That was awkward, there's nothing going on between Charlotte and me but still… I thought to myself as I walked out into the clubhouse. Piney was sitting at the bar watching me closely. I decided it'd be best if I went out to the garage, maybe work on a bike for a little bit.

I barely made it half way across the lot when my phone rang. My stomach dropped when I saw it was Gemma. Did something happen? I thought as I panicked. "Hello?"

"Hey Koz, how was Church?"

I didn't want to give her any lip, knowing that Gemma and Clay could make my life hell if I did. "Uh… it was ok. Shouldn't you be asking Clay or Jax this?"

I could hear her chuckle over the phone. "Alright Koz, easy. I really called to tell you that Charlotte's doing fine, in fact she asked me about you…"

She did? What'd Gemma tell her? I was about to ask Gemma what she said when she cut me off, "Don't worry. I didn't tell her any of the bad shit. I'm just letting you know she may be interested in you." Gemma hung up before I could find out any more.

I was thoroughly confused and worried when I slid my phone back into my pocket. What was Gemma telling Charlotte about me? If Charlotte didn't mind the good things about me, how would she feel about the horrible things I've done. I gotta stop thinking about this and her. It'd never work out between us… I thought to myself as I pulled on my work shirt and pushed my bike out of the line up to tinker with it.

I got caught up in my thoughts and reminiscing about what I've done in the past, whether it was military or club business, I had failed to notice Bobby leaning against the wall a few feet from me, smoking a cigarette. "Hey Koz."

I jumped slightly, "Uh hey Bobby."

"Since when are you the jumpy type?"

"I was just …"

"Thinking about Piney's new baby girl?"

"How'd you... What are you talking about?"

"Please. You may be fooling all these other idiots, but you ain't fooling me."

I just hung my head. "Bobby, I'm not gonna lie to you, man." I stood up and leaned against the wall next to him. "I can't get her out of my head."

He nodded. "It's happened to the best of us. Just make sure you keep things kosher, if you will, with Piney and Opie." He patted me on the back before heading back into the office.

Charlotte's POV

David had to leave and go back to work around 12 pm, leaving me alone. Or at least I thought I was. At one point I looked up at the door, hoping someone would come in to talk to me but instead I caught the glimpse of a bigger, young looking guy standing near my door. I saw his cut and realized that he must be one of my father's, brother's and Kozik's friends.

I was just wondering what they were going to feed me when the door opened and Gemma walked in. "Hey baby girl, how are you feeling?"

"Better. Tara said I can go home tomorrow."

"That's great, I'm so glad you're gonna be ok. You had us worried for a minute. But how are you doing, up here?" She asked while pointing to her head.

"Well… I had a bad dream last night." Gemma nodded and patted my hand. "When I woke up, Kozik was standing over me making sure I was alright." Gemma gave me a small smile. "Is there any way you can tell me more about him?"

She thought about it for a moment before telling me a little about him, "Well, he lived in Washington for about ten years and before that he was part of SAMCRO. Before that, he was in some part of the military. That's about all I know. He's a sweetheart. I can see why you like him."

Even with the bruising on my face, I could tell that Gemma saw my cheeks flush red. "I don't… I barely know him."

"It's ok baby girl. It's happened to all of us old ladies."

"What's an old lady?"

This made Gemma laugh lightly, "You have a lot to learn but I think you can handle it, from what I hear."

We were interrupted by Tara bringing a tray of nearly inedible food. I scrunched my nose but thanked her so I didn't seem rude. I tried to take a couple bites but I couldn't finish the food. While I attempted to eat, Gemma and Tara were trying to fill me in on some of the terminology that I didn't understand. I nodded and sat back, absorbing the new information. I wanted to learn more about my new family so they would want me to stick around. After all, they were all I had left.

Gemma and Tara left around 2 pm, telling me they'd be back later tonight. I sat back against the pillows trying to get comfortable again. My mind was racing as thought after thought swirled through my head. My new family, the news David gave me about AJ, James, my mother, and finally Kozik. There was so much to sort out. Everything was making me tired but I was afraid to go to sleep. I didn't want my mind to play tricks on my and I get stuck in a dark, spiraling nightmare again. And this time, Kozik wasn't here to save me. Before I knew it, my eyelids were getting heavier and heavier. I couldn't fight sleep off any longer.

James' POV

That little slut thought she could just leave like that? No way. I'm gonna get this bitch back. She's mine. I don't know who that cop thinks he is. I know some powerful people, he doesn't stand a chance.

As I watched Charlotte get into some strangers car, I knew exactly what I needed to do. The car pulled out of the drive way as I pulled out my cell phone.

"Mr. Darby. How are you doing? You know you owe me for getting your last sentence reduced. I need to talk to your friend, Mr. Zobelle."

Kozik's POV

I spent the whole afternoon sitting in near silence by my bike, pretending to work on it. I wonder what they guys would say if they actually came over to me. I was going to catch a lot of shit if the guys found out. I could just hear it now: 'Koz quit being such a pussy'. Not to mention the comments about my former Sargent At Arms patch, the guys would doubt that'd I'd be able to do any more 'jobs'.

I shook my head trying to get my mind straight when Tig came over to me. Here we go… I thought as he stopped in front of me.

"Hey bro, you've been awfully quiet today…" Tig teased as he kicked some rocks around.

I looked up and shrugged "I don't have much to say."

"Yeah ok… just snap out of it before Clay or Jax finds out you ain't focused on club shit."

"Yeah yeah." I grumbled, rolling my eyes at him. Why can't Tig ever mind his own business?

Around 5'o'clock, Piney and Opie started walking towards their bikes. Happy was following them but didn't look thrilled. I hurried over to him, "Hey, Hap, where are you guys going?"

"Hospital."

I nodded, "Can I switch you? I can't stay here with Tig. You know, old shit."

Happy nearly smiled, planning was definitely easier for him than guard duty, "Thanks. I'll go help Tig plan."

I got on my bike and followed Opie and Piney to the hospital to relieve the prospect.

Charlotte's Dream

I was lying in bed in the hospital but something was off, something didn't feel right. I pulled the blankets up to my neck and tried to pretend I was sleeping. I heard footsteps, slowly thudding down the hall. I prayed they wouldn't open my door.

The footsteps were growing louder and I had nowhere to hide. I tried to look for an escape but all the windows had bars on them. I was trapped. I tried to get up and hide in the bathroom but when I pulled back the covers, my ankle was handcuffed to the bed.

As soon as I looked back to the door, there was a dark shadowy figure standing outside of it. I tried to pull at the chain but it wouldn't break. I pulled the covers over my head in an attempt to fool whoever it was.

I heard the door open and the footsteps enter the room. I braced myself but in a flash they pulled back the covers and were on top of me. I screamed and tried to squirm out from under them but they were too heavy. I screamed again and tried to claw at the person on top of me.

Kozik's POV

When we got to the hospital, Tara confirmed that Charlotte could leave the next day and that she'd be fine. I followed Piney and Opie to the door; they went in while I told the prospect to go back to the clubhouse. I stood outside the door waiting for Piney and Opie to come back out. They were only in there a few minutes.

Opie walked out first. "She's sleepin' brother. I gotta go check on my wife and kids, I'll check you later."

Piney nodded, "I'm gonna go back to the clubhouse to talk to Clay. Gotta sort this shit out. Make sure it happens this time. I'll send someone back to keep you company. 'Til then, you got this?"

"You got it Piney." I said as I leaned back against the wall and watched them both leave. As I heard the faint sound of their bikes starting, I checked the hallway and snuck into the room. If I was going to be watching her, I might as well be in the room right?

I had gotten settled in the chair next to Charlotte and was staring at my lap when I heard her move. I looked up at her. There were creases in her forehead and I could see a few tears slip out from under her eyelids. She whimpered and then screamed.

I quickly got up and rubbed her shoulders, "Charlotte? Charlotte wake up."

She was struggling against my hands as I held her down lightly and tried to wake her up. "Come on Charlotte, you gotta wake up!"

When her eyes finally opened, she was full out sobbing again. I felt horrible. It was breaking my heart to watch her struggling with this. She looked around the room quickly before looking up at me. Her arms flung themselves around my neck and pulled me down against her. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her and ran my hand slowly up and down her back. "You're ok, don't worry, you're safe here." I whispered to her.

She finally calmed down enough to take deep breaths. She eventually let go of me and lay back against the pillows. I slowly raised my hand to her cheek to gently wipe a tear away. I stopped when she flinched and turned her head, like she was expecting me to slap her.

I dropped my hand, "Sorry" I said quietly before sitting back in the chair.

She reached her hand out for mine, "No… please."

I looked up into her eyes and saw pain and fear. What did she want from me? I obviously scared her…

"Promise you won't leave?"

"I promise." When I said this to her, I couldn't help but think Why does she feel safe around me? I'm a monster. But I'd give anything to protect her. She sunk back into bed and covered her face with her other hand. "Are you alright?" I asked her softly.

She nodded, "I just… hate being alone in here. Plus it's a little cold."

I understood what she meant, I hated hospitals too; and with everything she'd been through I'm sure it was causing her trouble. "Here… why don't you move over? I promise I won't do anything. Just keep you warm and feeling a little less lonely."

She bit her lip and thought about it for a moment before nodding and scooting over. As she did, I moved the blanket and wrapped it around her, tucking her in and making sure she knew that I wouldn't try anything. She was probably having a tough time trusting men right now but she seemed to like me so far.

Charlotte's POV

I couldn't believe that Kozik had magically shown up right when I needed him. I was so grateful that he had been there for me that I hugged him. I just needed him closer to me. When I finally stopped crying, I looked at him briefly. Then I saw his hand rise; instinctively I flinched and prepared myself for the blow. He looked worried and afraid he'd hurt me. I didn't mean to react to his hand, I knew he meant well but I couldn't help myself. I wanted him here and to never leave. Bad things always happened when he left. I tried to explain that the hospital was giving me the jitters and he seemed to relax and recognized that I just needed someone close to me.

When he suggested that he lay next to me in bed, I was worried. I didn't want to lead him on but something said he felt our chemistry too. I moved over and onto my side, expecting him to get under the blanket too but to my surprise, he tucked the blanket around me to make sure I was warm and to let me know he wouldn't be touching me anywhere I didn't want him to. I smiled slightly as he gently climbed into bed next to me.

Kozik slid his arm underneath my head to get comfortable as he rested on his side. I felt his fingers gently stroking my hair as he watched my face carefully to make sure I was doing okay. As I adjusted to his presence next to me, he slipped his hand into mine and intertwined our fingers. For someone who looks tough and rugged, he sure knows how to be comforting and gentle. I thought as his thumb caressed my hand lightly.

We didn't need to talk. He knew exactly what he needed to do just by looking at me. "Kozik?" I whispered

"Yeah? You alright?"

"I'm fine." I paused as I thought about what I was trying to ask him. "Can you tell me about yourself? I need to take my mind off of everything."

Kozik's POV

I tried to comfort her without pushing any boundaries. Hearing her question, her voice sounded so small. I wasn't going to tell her no, with a face like that, how could I?

I kept my voice low as I answered her, "Sure. Well, I'm originally from California. I was a trouble child up until I enlisted. I went to war and grew up a lot." I tried to think about what I could tell her that wouldn't freak her out or send running. "When I got out, I had heard about the MC life. How it gave veterans a place to feel like they belonged. My friend Alex got me an in and I gladly accepted it. We were best friends until this huge fight we had over a dog we shared. Seeing as Alex was closer to everyone, I decided to switch charters and head north. I only just came back down here about two years ago…"

I was going to keep going but I noticed Charlotte had fallen asleep again. I smiled and lightly kissed her forehead before settling in to sleep myself. It was dark outside and I knew she needed as much sleep as she could get. I hoped no one would come by and wake her up. She needed peace and quiet to get her rest. I kept running my fingers through her hair and gently running my thumb along her knuckles.

Tara's POV

Gemma and I had a nice, long talk with Charlotte earlier today. I knew that Gemma was cooking dinner for the guys tonight and I was going over there as soon as my shift was over. I went to check on her one last time around 8 pm.

I didn't see any of the guys when I got to her room so when I opened the door, I expected to see one of them in the room. I was right, but I was startled to see Kozik lying next to her in bed. His head poked up as he heard the door close, "Oh hey Tara." He whispered.

"Uh hey Koz, what's going on?"

"Nothin'. She had another nightmare and couldn't sleep."

"Oh I see." That didn't explain why he was in bed with her. I hope he cleared it with her before he did this. Wait, he probably did, he's not Tig. I thought before I said, "Well, Gemma's making dinner, I'll tell her you're here."

"Thanks, Tara. Uh, is one of the guys outside?"

"No but I can call someone for you?"

"That'd be great. Can you get one of the prospects just to stand outside the door?"

"Alright. Bye Koz. Make sure she's ok. If she stays stable and gets some rest, she will probably go home tomorrow."

"Thanks, Bye Tara."

I left the room, pleased. It was great to see a guy like Kozik finally find a girl that made him satisfied on the inside, instead of those crow eaters he was normally with. I pulled out my phone to make sure a prospect was coming before heading to Gemma's house to help her finish getting ready for the guys.