Thank you so much for all your reviews and support! I promise there will be some action soon. I feel like the last couple of chapters haven't really moved anywhere.

Happy reading and please review

-Jennifer11

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

Kozik's POV

When Half Sack woke me up, it was 6 am. He pulled me out of bed and Charlotte's bedroom. He had heard Hale's alarm and came to find me so we could remind him of what happened last night. I grabbed my cut and boots as I stumbled out of the room behind him. Charlotte barely moved through all of the noise, why can't I stay here? She's breathtaking.

Half Sack went to the kitchen to make coffee for us. I followed him and pulled on my cut. I felt his eyes on me but I was trying to avoid his gaze. "So…." He started.

"Not now Sack." I said firmly. Hale came into the kitchen and was trying to show us he was in charge. I straightened up and crossed my arms. No way he's getting out of here guilt free.

Hale grabbed a cup of coffee, "I gotta go to the station. You guys don't need to stay here."

I quickly interrupted him, "You're gonna leave her here alone? Do you really think that's smart?" When his face and attitude dropped I knew I had won and shown him that I was the dominant male in the room. "You can't just tell us to leave. Charlotte is SAMCRO and needs us." He looked down and knew I was right. Hale turned and went to check on Charlotte briefly before going to work.

When the front door closed, Half Sack cleared his throat, "So, uh… you gonna explain why you were…"

"Sack you can't tell anyone. It's not what it looked like, alright man. I feel…"

"Like I do about Cherry?" He said, knowing what I trying to say.

"Yeah man, exactly." He slapped me on the back, I didn't have to finish explaining myself, he just nodded and understood perfectly.

We sat in the kitchen for twenty minutes, drinking coffee in silence. My phone rang and pulled me out of my thoughts. "Yeah?"

"You and Half Sack coming into work today?" Gemma demanded. She must be cranky from lack of sleep last night…

"Yeah Gemma we'll be there soon."

"Good because we're swamped today. Better bring Charlotte with you to the shop." Before I could ask if that was a good idea, Gemma hung up. "We gotta get to the garage man, they're real busy. I'll go wake up Charlotte."

Charlotte's POV

I stretched and yawned when I heard the front door slam. I couldn't remember if I had any dreams but I woke up feeling sheltered and safe. I got out of bed and went into the bathroom.

I tried to avoid looking at my reflection in the mirror because I knew I looked horrifying. Eventually my eyes worked their way up to see my face. I gasped, how could anyone stand to be around me. I touched my cheek; there was a bruise on my left cheekbone and one around my right eye. It could be worse, but I still looked far from perfect.

I was still criticizing my looks when I heard a knock on the door and the door opening. I stuck my head out of the bathroom and saw Kozik in the doorway. I tried to smile but I was self-conscious about my face so I bashfully looked down, waiting for him to tell me why he was there.

"Uh, good morning Charlotte. Did you sleep ok?" I nodded and he continued, "Gemma called. Half Sack and me gotta go to work. She told us to bring you, try to get you out of the house a bit… is that good with you?" I hesitated; I didn't want anyone to see me like this. My hand flitted up to my face. I hoped Kozik wouldn't notice but he did.

He calmed walked over to me, "you're worried about the bruises, aren't you?" I felt tears spring up in my eyes as I looked away from him. "Charlotte, you're gorgeous. Don't let other people make you feel like you're anything but." His hands slowly reached up and wiped a tear from my cheek. He held my face for a few moments, making sure I looked him in the eyes and believed him. "We're gonna leave in 15 minutes, ok?" He asked as he kissed the bruise on my left cheek with extreme care.

I smiled softly at him and nodded, watching him leave my room. I quickly changed into a pair of old jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and some old vans sneakers. When I went back into the bathroom, I tied my hair back into a ponytail and pulled out my make up to do damage control. I put on some eye makeup before using cover up to hide the bruises as best I could. I gave myself a once-over then went to the living room.

Half Sack met me in the hallway and handed me a cup of coffee, guiding me to the kitchen where he had set a plate of eggs and toast for me. Both men trying not to watch me eat and I was grateful they didn't try to push me to talk. I finally finished and Half Sack cleaned up. I thanked him politely as he quickly tidied up.

I was just wondering how we were going to get to where ever we were going, when the guys stood up and walked out of the kitchen and house. I grabbed my purse and followed them, not knowing what else to do.

Kozik's POV

I went to get Charlotte but she was already up. I told her the plan but saw her panic slightly and her hand dart to her face. I want to kill the men who have ever made her feel like she was worthless and disfigured. An angel like her should be cherished and never disappointed. I wanted to sweep her into my arms and chase those thoughts from her mind. But Gemma's words echoed in my head: You have to patient. Plus after last night, I wasn't about to touch her unless she wanted me to.

I spoke to her honestly, trying to cheer her up and make her stop feeling insecure. She had been through so much; it was breaking my heart to see her doubt herself. When she finally smiled, I left the room so she could get ready. I got Half Sack to make her some food so she wouldn't starve. I kept sneaking peeks at her while she ate. She had tried to cover up the blemishes on her face; I knew it was partially to hide them, but to also stop people from asking her a million questions.

I led the way out of the house, knowing we were running very behind. Charlotte looked surprised and very nervous when she saw our bikes. "Um… I've never…"

I held my hand out to her and carefully led her to my bike, as I reassured her "Don't worry, I got you. You're not going to get hurt. Just hold on tightly and I'll drive slow." Half Sack was grinning at us while starting up his bike.

I could feel how uncertain Charlotte was but I managed to coax her onto my bike. I buckled my helmet onto her head and smiled at her, hoping she wouldn't freak out during the ride. I climbed onto my bike in front of her and started it. I felt her jump against me and loosely place her hands against my sides. I chuckled softly and delicately took her hands in mine and pulled them forward so they were touching. "You need to hold on tight, ok?" I felt her nod against my shoulder as I eased us out onto the street, one of my hands over both of hers on my waist.

James' POV

I watched as that little bitch came out of the house with two of the Sons of Anarchy. What does she think she's doing? I gotta get her alone. I hope Zobelle can keep his men in order to execute this plan. I thought as started my car. When they pulled out, I followed them. I was careful to stay back a couple of cars so they wouldn't notice me. I tailed them all the way to some shitty auto repair shop. I parked a couple of buildings away but walked up to the gate of the lot. I watched them closely, now that I know she's with them, Zobelle will definitely be interested in making sure I get this little skank back. I went back to my car and drove to the Dirty Pig and report what I saw.

Charlotte's POV

The thought of being on the back of a motorcycle was terrifying. Something in Kozik's voice and eyes told me to trust him. His smile was so charming as he strapped his helmet to my head. I was having second thoughts about riding with him when the bike roared to life under me. Instinctively, I reached out and gripped his shirt. His hands took mine and pulled me closer to him, making sure that I wouldn't let go. We started moving and I strongly squeezed him, pressing my body against his. I was actually surprised to feel his hand on mine; like his touch would keep me calm and assured me that we wouldn't crash. He was being careful with me I could tell.

We finally arrived at this auto repair shop called Teller-Morrow. He got off and then held out his hand for me, helping me off his bike. I saw all the other bikes and men standing around staring towards us. I wanted to run and hide, I was so intimidated and ashamed to be seen like this. I saw Gemma standing in the door of the office smiling at me.

Just as I was about to ask Kozik what I should do, an older man with greying hair walked with a scowl. He barely glanced at me before barking at Kozik and Half Sack, "Church." I was confused but before I could ask any questions, Kozik pointed me towards Gemma who was walking towards me. He smiled at me, encouraging me to head over there. He and Half Sack both disappeared into the building across the lot from the garage.

While I watched all the guys wearing leather walk into the building, I failed to notice Gemma getting closer to me. I yelped and nearly jumped out of my skin as Gemma tapped me on the shoulder.

"Sorry baby girl. I didn't mean to startle you." I was shaking slightly as she guided me towards the office. "Let me get you something to drink." I sat down and looked around the small office.

Kozik's POV

I was wondering what Charlotte was thinking when Clay walked by. I didn't have much time to think about it because Clay had called Church and I had to get in there before Tig could figure out something else to tease me about.

I took my seat and looked at the guys. They looked tired and hung over. Clay took his seat and nodded, letting Juice know he was to talk. "I traced that number of the note Opie found. It turned up in downtown Charming… at the Dirty Pig." We all looked at each other, which was where Darby had set up shop and where we had first met Charlotte.

Piney looked pissed, "So the Nords attacked my daughter?"

Juice continued as he pulled a photo out of the folder in front of him, "At first I couldn't figure out what the connection was… but I finally pieced everything together. James Smith, Charlotte's stepfather, is a big time lawyer in Modesto. He helped Darby get out of prison and the other night, he was the one who showed up at the station to get Weston out. Me and Half Sack saw him."

Everyone looked shocked. We didn't expect this guy to be connected to our enemies. After the news sunk in for a moment, Clay asked, "what about the truck?"

Opie answered, "Swept it for bugs or a tracker and didn't find anything. Chibs and I checked every inch of it to make sure it wasn't a trap. It's clean."

Juice checked his pile of papers, "Yeah… says here that the piece of shit Chevy is under Charlotte's name. She bought it with her own money."

Jax cleared his throat, "Look after last night, I don't want to leave her at the chief's house. We should seriously think about lockdown while we go after this guy."

Clay only nodded, "I don't know. Can we trust this broad?"

"That's my daughter you're talking about!" Piney shouted.

"Yeah, that you just met. Who is best friends with the one officer we can't buy." Clay countered.

I sat there in silence. I tried to see where Clay was coming from but I wanted Charlotte away from Hale and someplace I could watch her.

Jax shook his head in disbelief, "Last night, before Hale grabbed her, she defended us. She told her 'best friend' that she didn't believe we were bad guys. Now tell me she can't be trusted." Clay didn't answer; he was stubborn enough to not budge on this subject. "Ask your wife. You know she can judge any one with one look." With that Jax got up and left the room, signaling that Church was over.

Charlotte's POV

Gemma came back and handed me a cup of coffee. "You doin' ok today baby girl?"

I shrugged, "I guess so… I'm just a little worried about things."

"Like what?"

"Well…" I then explained to her everything I was feeling. How I wanted to know more about her, my father, half brother, some of the other guys. How much I missed my mother. How I was scared my stepfather would come back and hurt me like he had before. How I was terrified that the man from the bar would come back to finish what he started. How I didn't have a job or place to live and living with David seemed like a bad idea. How I wanted to finally have a normal life for once.

The whole time I talked, Gemma listened, knowing that I just needed to get it all off my chest. When I finally finished, she was smiling compassionately. She hugged me lightly and rubbed my back, "Don't worry sweetheart. Things will work out. I promise. Even if the chief makes you stay away, you can rest assured that we won't. Once you're a member of this crazy family, we never leave you alone." I laughed lightly as she said this, which was exactly what she wanted. I felt a little more confident and a lot less depressed after talking to Gemma. "Come on, let's meet more of your family." She grabbed my hand and pulled me outside. Some of the men were standing around outside while others were working on cars. I followed her as she introduced me to Clay, Bobby, Chibs, Juice, Happy, and Miles. I already knew Piney, Opie, Phil, Kozik, Half Sack, and Jax. She said another man wasn't there but his name was Tig.

Opie walked over to us smiling like he had a secret. "Hey sis, we have a present for you." I was surprised; no one had ever gotten me a present besides my mom.

He took my hand, placed a set of keys on my palm, and pointed to a door. "My truck? You have my truck? But… But James… he took it from me…" I said. Every one watched as I left them excitedly and went out to the side of the building.

My eyes got wide as I spotted the one thing I managed to do on my own when I turned 18. It was still as beaten up as ever but it was the one thing that was mine. I quickly unlocked the front door and leaned in to make sure it was in one piece. Every last bit of it was there.

Suddenly, I felt hands on my hips. I froze as I heard, "Hey doll, why don't you come with me. A pretty thing like you shouldn't be near this pile of junk. But I do have some other junk you can touch…" My eyes squeezed shut as I felt the hands moving up and down my thighs.

This can't happen again, I told myself. I spun around a thrust my knee up hard into the strange man's crotch. He shuddered and fell to his knees, exclaiming "Bitch!". Before he could regain his composure, I bailed. I got away from there as fast as I could. When I turned my head to look back at him, I ran into what felt like a brick wall.

Kozik's POV

After Church I had went to my room to change before heading out to see what Gemma wanted me to do around the shop. Just as I walked out of the clubhouse, I saw Charlotte, across the lot, looking happy and eager going to her truck. I knew that Opie had cleaned it up a bit and made sure it was running properly so he could try to cheer Charlotte up. I bit my lip as a smile crept onto my face; finally seeing her smile made my heart jump.

I was lost in a daydream but came back to reality when I saw Tig creeping up behind her. What was he doing? I wondered, but I was quickly answered. As soon as his hands touched her, I took off sprinting towards them. I was proud of Charlotte when she kneed him in the balls but he needed more punishment.

How could he touch her! My mind screamed as I saw Opie come outside to check on her. Charlotte wasn't looking where she was going and ran into him. He caught her before she fell and was trying to piece things together. Before he could figure it out, I rushed past him. I crashed into Tig's back and pushed him onto the pavement. I flipped him over and started punching. He had the nerve to fight back. Pretty soon we were wrestling and rolling around on the ground hitting each other.

Charlotte's POV

Opie's arms wrapped around me when I fell off balance, "What happened?" He insisted. He looked down at me then back at Tig, kneeling on the ground. "What did he…?" Opie couldn't finish because Kozik had distracted him. Opie held me to him, hugging me and making sure I wasn't hurt; all while we watched Kozik and Tig fight. I buried my head into his chest and hoped Kozik would be okay.

Everyone had heard the commotion and came outside, Happy and Bobby pulled Kozik and Tig apart. They were huffing and trying to get back at each other's throats. Gemma was trying to see if I was fine while Clay demanded, "What is going on here?"

The tone of his face made me press myself into Opie more. I wanted to answer Clay but he was even scarier than I thought he was. Instead, Opie spoke, "I think, that Tig was being his usual creepy self." Kozik nodded. He had been the only one that had witnessed everything.

I looked up at Opie, then at Gemma, before turning to Clay, "He… He grabbed my hips and… he said…" I couldn't finish, I couldn't breathe, and I was trying to stop myself from hyperventilating again.

Gemma gently stroked my arm, "it's ok sweetheart." She said softly as I felt Opie's arms tighten around me.

Jax was in Tig's face as soon as he heard Tig touched me. "You what?" He shouted. "You just can't keep it in your pants, can you? That is Charlotte, Piney's daughter, the girl attacked by Weston. What is wrong with you?" He then slammed his fist into Tig's face. Jax came over to me, "You okay darlin'?" I slowly nodded. Jax looked at Opie, "Why don't you take Charlotte to your room to relax while we take care of this shit." Opie and Gemma then led me towards the other building on the lot. I looked over my shoulder at Kozik, who was staring after me.

Kozik's POV

I wanted to pound Tig's face into the ground but Happy pulled me off of him. I was growling and straining to get back on Tig. Happy wouldn't let me go, he was dragging me towards the fence while Jax tried to get to the bottom of everything. As much as I wanted to hurt Tig, my eyes were drawn to Charlotte. The look in her eyes was something I never wanted to see again. How could she trust any of us or any man again in her life if things like this keep happening?

I finally calmed down enough for Happy to stop holding me back. I could feel some eyes on me, probably wondering why I had jumped Tig. Opie, Charlotte, and Gemma were walking to the clubhouse as Clay, Bobby, Chibs, and Jax pulled Tig into the garage.

My eyes followed Charlotte, Was she ok? Would she need anything? Could I do anything? I wanted so badly to go with them but she probably didn't want anything to do with me.

I sat down on the concrete and held my head in my hands. Happy squatted and patted me on the shoulder. "What's going on Brother? You've been off lately, I haven't seen you around the clubhouse…"

"It's nothin' Killa. Just been thinkin'." I was trying to throw him off a little. Luckily he gave up and left the subject alone; Happy got up and went to help Clay and Jax.

I sat there alone for a few moments before getting up and going into the clubhouse. I sat at the bar and grabbed a beer from the prospect. I was still drinking when Gemma and Opie came up next to me and startled me. Gemma rested her hand on my shoulder, "She's been asking for you. I told her I'd come find you."

My eyes widened as I choked on my beer. My eyes darted to Opie who was standing right there, getting his own beer. I coughed trying to find my words. Opie looked over at me, "Gemma told me. It's cool brother, I just want Charlotte to be happy. Plus at least I know I can trust you, right? As long as she wants you and you don't do anything stupid, you have my blessing. If I hear that you do anything that hurts her…" He was warning me but approving of me at the same time. I felt confused as I stared at him.

Gemma took the beer bottle from my hand and put it on the bar. "That means go to her dummy." She said as she pushed me towards the dorm rooms.

I stumbled a little before regaining my footing and walking towards the back of the clubhouse. I looked back over my shoulder and saw Gemma smiling at me, which was encouraging but I was still nervous. Were they serious? Was this a set up?

I got to the door of Opie's room and paused. What does she see in me? I thought as I knocked.

Opie's POV

Even though I was dying to kill Tig for hurting another woman in my life, I knew I couldn't because Charlotte needed me to take care of her. At least Kozik had seen and raced over to give Tig a beating.

Charlotte was shaking in my arms as Jax defused the problem. I took Charlotte to the dorms with Gemma as Chibs and Bobby went to patch up Tig. Kozik really did a number to his face. But why did he care so much about Charlotte? This isn't the first time he'd acted weirdly.

Gemma and I were comforting her and we got her settled into my room. She just needed to relax. Since I met her, she's been tense and on edge. I sat her down on my bed, Gemma sat next to her. I knelt in front of her and picked her chin up to look her in the eye, "Charlotte, what can I do to make you feel better? Can I get you anything?"

Charlotte's eyes shifted from me to Gemma. She looked like she wanted to tell me something but was unsure. Gemma seemed to know what Charlotte was thinking, "I think she wants to see Kozik." She said bluntly.

I looked at Gemma, bewildered, "What? Why?"

Charlotte whispered, "He makes me feel… normal." I stared at Charlotte blankly.

What? Kozik? I thought before I said, "Alright, I'll go find him. Gemma can I talk to you?"

Gemma and I left Charlotte to freshen up a little and collect her thoughts. As I closed the door I turned to Gemma, "Um what is going on?" I asked sternly.

She smiled up at me, a hint of mischief in her voice, "She loves him. He loves her. It's fate. I've seen them together; it's really somethin' else. They'd be good for each other."

Hearing this, I thought my blood would boil and that I'd be scrambling to hit Kozik, but it all made sense now. Why he acted strangely the past couple of days and why he had come so quickly when Tig cornered Charlotte. I knew that I should have wanted his head on a platter but Charlotte had already been through so much, she deserved something that made her happy and feel anything other than what she felt lately.

Gemma nudged me, "Well…?"

"Ok." Was all I said as I led her out to the clubhouse to find Kozik.

Charlotte's POV

Opie didn't look pleased when I told him that I wanted to see Kozik. But at this point I didn't care much. I just wanted Kozik to come and make me feel better like he had this morning. I couldn't believe that man touched me; I thought I was safe here. I sat on the ground next to Opie's bed and pulled my knees into my chest, curling up into a ball.

I didn't look up when I heard a knock on the door. My body stiffened when the door opened and I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping who ever it was wasn't there to hurt me. His voice caught my attention, "Charlotte? Are you ok?" He said softly.

My head snapped up and I tried to smile through the tears in my eyes. "Koz… I… I'm sorry."

He sank to his knees next to me and brought his hand up to my cheek. "You have nothin' to be sorry about." I nodded but was still upset. He sat next to me and wrapped his arms around me, letting me cry and holding me until I felt better. I barely heard him say, "I'm sorry."

I pulled away from him and wiped at my face. "Sorry for what?"

He looked at his lap, "For not being there to stop it. All of it."