If you've gotten this far, then you must love the story, to which I thank you. I'm glad I could provide you with something to entertain you (or to help you procrastinate, much like writing this story did for me).

A special thank you to imalionrawr010 :)

Happy reading and please review

-Jennifer11

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

James' POV

Weston, Darby, and Zobelle met me at a little diner on the edge of Charming. "Gentlemen." I said as I sat down. "Thank you for meeting me."

"Let's get to the point." Darby said briskly.

"Alright," I looked at the men sitting with me, "As you know and have already helped me with, my daughter is in Charming. I want her back, simple as that."

They nodded as Weston spoke, "She's a nice piece of ass."

I grimaced and stared him down while I snarled, "She's mine."

Zobelle spoke up, calming the other man down, "Now, now, we're always willing to help a friend in need. Especially when we owe this friend."

I smiled, knowing that I had their support and help. I quickly laid out my plans and got their approval.

Charlotte's POV

Last thing I knew, I was taking a nap next to Kozik. I woke up and found the 'prospect', as Gemma called him, sitting in the recliner watching TV. The sun was just starting to set when I groaned as I sat up and stretched. I looked down and saw a piece of paper in my hand.

"Charlotte, I'm very sorry to leave without saying goodbye but I had to. Phil is there to make sure you have everything you need. I'll see you soon – Koz"

I smiled before putting the note in my pocket. I jumped as I heard a knock on the door. The prospect, who I know knew as Phil, got up to answer it.

Opie and Piney walked in awkwardly smiling. Piney came over and sat in the chair, "hey there."

Opie went to the fridge and grabbed four beers. He gave one to Phil and told him to wait by the door. He handed one to Piney before offering one to me. I declined and watched him sit down on the couch. I could tell that we were all related because we sat there for a moment, not sure how to start. I could also see that we had nearly the same bone structure.

I could feel Opie looking at me over his beer, "Your bruises look like they're healing…" he offered as an icebreaker. Piney reached over and slapped his arm.

"Thanks," I said with a slight chuckle. "I'm definitely feeling better, but my sleeping schedule is weird. I keep taking naps."

Piney nodded, "That's ok, your body needs the rest. You need anything?"

My stomach growled slightly, "I'm a little hungry…"

Opie stood and went to the kitchen, "What do you feel like?"

I thought about it, I shrugged, "a sandwich?" He nodded and fixed me a sandwich.

While I ate, they both filled me in on their backgrounds. I was starting to feel very comfortable around them and like I was actually part of their family, like we had known each other for years. Opie got me smiling and laughing at his jokes, while Piney told me about how his time in Vietnam and starting SAMCRO. I was really starting to understand everything and the people I had met in the past couple of days.

After hours of talking and getting to know each other, Opie's phone rang. It was his new wife Lyla calling him to come home. He said goodbye and kissed my cheek lightly. The clock on the wall read 10 pm. Piney stayed with me while I told him about my childhood, I only told him the good times. I didn't want to scare him off by telling him anything disturbing. The look in his eyes though, told me that he already knew about my past. I ignored it as I recalled some of my old friends and the times I had with them.

At 11pm, David returned home. He shook Piney's hand before going into his bedroom to change. Someone else knocked on the door and Phil let them in.

Piney introduced me to Jax and Half Sack, "Half Sack?" I asked confused.

Jax smiled at me, I recognized him as the one who ordered the beers the first time I met the group, "Darlin' you don't want to know." Half Sack had started to undo his belt but Jax slapped him upside the head, "No one wants to see that."

Piney laughed at the two while I giggled softly. "Alright girlie, I'm gonna go. Jax here will make sure nothin' goes wrong." I nodded as he got up and kissed my cheek before going.

Jax sat in the recliner and told Half Sack to clean up the place as he winked at me. I felt a little uncomfortable but Piney and Opie had told me that none of the guys meant any harm and I'd always be safe around them. I smiled at Jax, "Why are you guys making sure nothing goes wrong?"

Jax looked at his hands and the look on his face hardened. "You're family and we know the guy who did that to you is still out there. We want to make sure you're feeling safe." He explained. I nodded but wondered: what could these new friends and family members really do to protect me that David couldn't?

I saw David come back to get himself something to drink, he spotted Jax and nodded. They both went into the kitchen to talk. David spoke first, "I know Gemma talked to you, you guys gonna stay here all night?"

Jax shook his head, "Just til Charlotte falls asleep. Want her to be able to recover and forget about those assholes. We'll be posted outside though, just in case." He smirked at the police chief before heading back into the other room.

I smiled at Jax; I didn't want him to know I was listening in on their conversation. Does David not get along with the SAMCRO? I asked myself. When is Kozik coming back?

David came and sat next to me, he smiled "What'd you do today?"

"Well, Gemma made me some lunch but I didn't eat most of it. Then I took a nap. Piney and Opie were here for a while and we talked a lot. I think we got closer. It's nice to have family that cares about you, you know?" David nodded with understanding but he looked concerned. "What?" I asked.

He didn't respond right away, but he looked over my head at Jax when he finally spoke, "Just be careful around these guys. I know they're your new 'family', but you barely know them. They're not exactly the type of guys you want to keep company with..."

I looked at David through the tears that were coming. I loudly said, "They don't want to hurt me, they just want to help me! I finally found my real family and you want me to stay away?"

Jax and Half Sack looked shocked that I was standing up for the Sons. They definitely didn't expect me to already feel a connection to the club or to nearly pick the club over David.

David looked as though I had slapped him. I stood up and was about to storm to my room when he reached out and caught my arm. I panicked. "Don't touch me!" I cried out as I tried to get control of my breathing. I started to hyperventilate as I staggered away from him.

Jax nudged Half Sack, "Call Gemma and Tara, get them here now." He slowly walked towards me, "It's ok darlin', the chief doesn't want to hurt you." Jax was speaking quietly and calmly to me but I still couldn't breathe. I looked around the room wildly, I wasn't sure who to trust. "Charlotte, you need to take slow, deep breaths." He said as he approached me. "I'm going to put my arms around you, it that ok?" After I nodded, his arms gently wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him. "Don't worry, everything's fine. Just focus on your breathing." He was holding me tightly but tenderly against himself as his hands rubbed my back soothingly.

David looked extremely worried as he talked to Jax, "I didn't mean to. I just… I'm sorry Charlotte." He looked defeated as he watched me and Jax sink to the floor.

I gasped for air as I clutched his cut. I closed my eyes and tried to center myself. As my breathing evened, I realized I was crying. Jax gingerly pulled away from me, "Charlotte, I'm gonna take you to your bed, alright?" I nodded as his arms scooped me up and carried me down the hall. "Half Sack's gonna stand outside the door until Gemma and Tara get here, ok?"

I nodded again and whispered, "Thanks Jax." He smiled politely as he set me down on the bed and went back to living room.

I was still calming down when Gemma and Tara came into my room. I can't believe David grabbed me like that. God, I must look like a wreck I thought as I wiped at my face. Gemma sat down next to me as Tara checked my pulse and breathing. I collapsed into more tears as Gemma hugged me to her. Tara was softly massaging my back as they listened to me sob and try to tell them how I was feeling.

Jax's POV

I knew by the look on Hale's face he was going to say something stupid. I shook my head as he started. I wasn't going to get involved because it wasn't my place. Half Sack and I were stunned when Charlotte stood up for SAMCRO. It was even more shocking when Hale grabbed her arm. I know what his intentions were but a battered woman shouldn't be touched like that. I know that Gemma was freaked out when Clay touched her after her incident.

I told Half Sack to get Gemma and Tara here to help take care of Charlotte while I took a few steps towards the scared girl. What was Hale thinking? He can't pull something like this. Not now, not ever.

If experience taught me anything it was that when a woman was frightened and alarmed, you shouldn't make any sudden movements and you should definitely talk her through any movement you were going to make. I managed to soothe Charlotte enough to get her to breathe normally and got her into her bedroom. I went back out to confront Hale about his actions when Gemma and Tara arrived. I pointed them to Charlotte and Half Sack before continuing into the living room. I saw that Opie, Kozik, and Clay were now in the house.

Opie looked enraged, Clay was furious, and Kozik was livid. They were all shooting daggers at Hale. "What were you thinking?" I yelled at him. I grabbed his shirt and threw him towards Kozik.

Kozik pushed him towards Opie, who said, "How could you do something so stupid?"

Opie shoved him into the wall as Clay chimed in, "For a police chief you really ain't that bright."

I pissed. If anyone touched Tara I would rip his head off. I tried to pull Opie back, "Come on Ope, I know you want to but he is the police chief and I don't think your new sister would be too happy if her only friend 'went missing'." I kept prying him off of Hale until Opie was across the room. "Go check on her." I said, pushing him towards the bedroom.

Clay took a seat on the recliner, looking at Hale still leaning against the wall, "You gotta be more careful with this girl. How'd you get to be the chief of police? You know, I'm gonna need a beer. You dragged my wife down here and she made me come… why don't you get us some beers?" Hale looked frustrated and upset as he went to the kitchen.

Gemma's POV

When Tara and I got there, Jax indicated where we needed to go. Charlotte was sitting on the bed looking devastated. She tried to pull it together when she saw us but immediately broke down again. I knew what she was feeling. I had been there myself. She was just overwhelmed and startled; I knew she'd feel better soon. Tara and I tried to console her as best we could.

As her sobs slowed down, I wiped her face gently being careful of the bruises she had. "Hey baby girl, why don't we get you in the shower?" She hesitated then stood to go to the bathroom. I followed her and made sure she had a clean towel and toiletries. "We'll be right out here in the bedroom if you need us" I said softly as I closed the door behind me.

About five minutes after we heard the shower turn on, Opie knocked on the doorframe, "Everything ok in here?"

He's trying to be a good brother. It's cute, but what will he think when he finds out Charlotte's in love with a Son? I thought before answering him, "Yeah, we're working on it. You can come back when she's out of the shower."

He smiled before going back to the living room, "Thanks Gem, Tara."

Charlotte came back out of the bathroom after another ten minutes. "I'm sorry for causing a scene…" She whispered.

"Stop right there. You have nothing to be sorry for. He shouldn't have done that." Charlotte didn't look either of us in the eye. "Opie is here, do you want to see him?" When she nodded, Tara went to go get him.

Opie entered the room followed by Tara, "Hey sis… how're you doin'?"

Tara and I went back to the other room to let them have some privacy. I saw the look on Koz's face when I got there. He wanted to know how Charlotte was. I winked at him and smiled, letting him know that she'd be fine.

Kozik's POV

When Half Sack called the clubhouse and I heard what had happened I got on my bike without speaking to anyone. I can't believe another man touched her and hurt her. I want to kill something! I thought the whole way there. Tara and Gemma went to the bedroom while I stood just inside the door, giving Hale a death stare. I knew I had to watch myself because I couldn't tell Clay I was into Charlotte.

Jax, Opie, Clay and I harassed the police chief for causing Charlotte more pain than was necessary. Jax and I were watching Hale closely as Clay bossed him around and Opie disappeared into the back of the house. Hale really did look remorseful for what he did but Clay was going to intimidate him as much as possible. I took the beer from him without a word or smile; I kept my stone cold face on the whole time. Why wasn't I here to stop him?

I was hoping Charlotte would join us but she didn't. I saw Gemma come into the room and my heart leapt. Gemma smiled and winked to let me know that Charlotte would be okay. I still wanted to go see her but I knew I had to stay put.

Charlotte's POV

While I was in the shower, I was thinking about everything. My mother, James, the attack, the hospital, Kozik, Opie, Piney, David, and what I should do next. Stay here? Move out? I knew I needed a job but how could I find a safe place to work?

When the water started to get cold, I got out and got dressed again. Gemma and Tara were waiting for me. I tried to apologize but Gemma cut me off. She told me Opie wanted to check on me.

Opie came in and sat on the bed. I could tell he felt awkward and unsure of what to do. I needed a hug so I leaned into him and wrapped my arms around his neck. He pulled me closer to him and lightly held me for a few moments. I closed my eyes and rested my head against his shoulder. I know that I only just met my brother but hugging him made me feel a lot better.

"Thanks, Opie." I said as I pulled away.

"No problem, sis. Any time. Seriously, if you ever need anything…" He grabbed my phone and put his number into it. "I'm gonna stay the night to make sure you're comfortable, is that alright?"

"What about your wife and kids?"

"I told her I'd be here. She knows."

"No Opie, go back to your family. I'll be fine."

He looked into my eyes, not believing me, "Charlotte…" I tried to show him how sure I was that I'd be fine, but it felt like he was staring right through me. "Fine. But I'm leaving Kozik and Half Sack here. I promise they will make sure Hale doesn't come near you."

"I'm not mad at David." I said, but Opie looked at me like I was crazy. "He's my friend, Opie. Please… it's fine. I promise."

"Alright, alright. We'll leave Hale alone. But Kozik and Half Sack are still staying here."

"Thank you" I replied as he got up and kissed my cheek before leaving the bedroom.

Being alone in the room felt weird. I'm never going to get any sleep in here. I thought as I crawled into bed. I left the covers pulled back and sat back against the pillows still thinking about things. I could barely hear everyone talking in the other room. It sounded heated but I could care less. I just want to go back to being normal.

My thoughts were all over the place as I tried to calm my nerves. I couldn't figure out why David was opposed to my family. As far as I was concerned, Piney, Opie, and any other 'family' members I had were not bad people. They had all been pleasant and only trying their best to help me get acclimated to them.

I knew I had to get some sleep but I was still afraid. Every time I closed my eyes I saw him or was running away from him. I never want to go through this again, I just want to feel normal. I pulled the blankets up to my neck before I decided that maybe taking the sleeping pills would be the best idea, I can't just sit here all night, alone.

Kozik's POV

After another fifteen minutes of torturing Hale, Gemma dragged Clay out of the house. Opie, Tara, and Jax had already left. I kept my position, standing by the front door shooting Hale as many dirty looks as I could. Gemma patted my shoulder and winked as she closed the door. I turned back to stare angrily at Hale but he was getting up to go to bed. I was so irritated with him but I could sense that he was regretting everything.

As soon as Hale's door closed, I went over to Half Sack, who was leaning against Charlotte's door. "Sack, go sleep on the couch." He shuffled to the couch, looking at me over his shoulder.

I waited for him to round the corner before I lightly knocked on the door. I pressed my ear against it to listen for Charlotte's reply but couldn't hear anything. I slowly turned the knob and eased the door open. I poked my head into the room and smiled when I saw Charlotte sleeping. She looked so peaceful and beautiful; I didn't want to wake her so I left the door partially open before sitting in the hallway on the floor against the wall next to her door. With my knees drawn up and my elbows on my knees, I propped my head up in my hands.

I thought I had closed my eyes for a few moments but I was snapped out of it when I heard some sheets move and a bed creak. I rubbed my eyes as I looked at my phone, 4 am? Shit, I can't believe I fell asleep. Wait, what was that noise?

I got up quickly and pushed Charlotte's door open, she was still sleeping but the creases on her forehead and the way she was tossing and turning told me that she was having a bad dream. Not to mention the sighs and muttering coming from her throat. I saw the sleeping pill bottle open on the nightstand next to her bed. She's not going to wake up if I try, what should I do?

I silently closed the door and then went to the bed. I laid down next to her after I kicked off my boots and took off my cut. I cautiously pulled her closer to me, making sure the blankets covered her. I took her hands in mine, lightly brushing my lips against them. Contentment swept across her face but I made sure there was enough space between us for her sake. I did not want her to wake up and find us tangled up in bed. I just wanted to alleviate any pain she was feeling so she could sleep.