Sorry for the wait. Thank you for continuing to read my story! I'm so glad that you enjoy it.

Happy reading and please review :)

-Jennifer11

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

Gemma's POV

I was talking to Jax, Clay, and the old ladies when we heard a girl scream. Just as I poked my head out of the waiting room, I saw Charlotte burst out of her room, looking scared. I watched as some of the guys hurried after her, trying to get her to calm down. Opie must have told her about Chief Hale. Poor girl. As if she wasn't upset enough already. Hale better wake up from this coma soon.

Clay, Jax, and I were still standing in the hall near the waiting room while the some of the other guys scrambled to figure out what to do. Opie was standing outside of Kozik's room, hanging his head defeated.

I walked over to him, "You ok?"

He nodded, "Yeah, just worried about Charlotte. I told her about Hale but not about James yet. She ran out before I could."

I rubbed his shoulder, trying to comfort him, "Don't worry, she seems like a tough girl, she can handle this. We just gotta be there for her as best we can."

"Yeah, thanks, mom." He said and gave me a hug.

I hugged him back and gave his back a light pat. Just as I was pulling back, we heard another scream. I looked down the hall and narrowed my eyes as we saw a police officer backing out of a door. Juice and Half Sack were crossing their arms and glaring at him as Chibs closed the door to Hale's room.

Something in me snapped, sending me into a protective, mother-bear state. I stormed down the hall and looked at Chibs, who pointed at the officer. "This idiot tried to grab the girly which surprised her and freaked her out."

I immediately got into the officers' face, "I can't believe you touched her! You're lucky you're wearing a uniform. If I catch you on the street, so help me..." I threatened as I pointed my finger in his face. I waved Opie over as I turned and went to the chiefs' door. Chibs opened it, let us in, and closed it behind us. Hale was still unconscious and Charlotte was huddled in a corner whimpering, tears running down her face.

Opie started towards her but she must have sensed it because her cries got a little louder and her trembling got worse. She was getting more panicked and distressed until Opie backed away, then she let out a relieved sigh. Opie looked at me desperately for help, Charlotte looked miserable. I wanted to go to her but when I tried, she would whine and press herself harder into the wall.

Shit, she's not going to let anyone near her. I thought before turning back to Opie, "Ope, we're not going to be able to do anything. Let's go outside and figure out what to do." I led him to the door and into the hallway. Chibs was leaning against the wall opposite the door while Happy was leaning near the door. Juice and Half Sack were still near Kozik's door and the rest of the guys were standing around looking worried.

The old ladies came over to me to ask what they could do. I thought for a few moments before figuring it out. "We need Kozik. Tara can you see if he's awake and able to move?"

Charlotte's POV

Ever since I felt the hand on me, I felt like I could barely breathe, I couldn't think about anything other than that hand. I tried to stop hyperventilating but every time I got close, I remember all of the things James had done to me and that he was coming back to finally get me. Just when I thought I was safe and done with him.

I couldn't see anything through the tears and makeup clouding my eyes. I knew someone else was in the room with me and I could hear them try to get closer. Each step was horrifying and I dreaded each moment, until I hear them leave and the door close. Thank god they left. I just hope they don't come back.

Kozik's POV

I heard faint yelling and groaned as I woke up. I winced as I stretched, the pain was getting better but I still felt the dull throbbing in my side. I hope Charlotte is in less agony than me. I wondered as my eyes scanned the room. When I saw her empty bed, I shot up in bed, ignoring the sharp discomfort. Where is she? Did someone take her?

I pulled back my blankets and tried to get out of bed as I yelled out "Juice!"

He rushed through the door, "What? What's wrong?"

I pointed at her bed, "Where is she?" I roared. Juice tried to answer me but before he could, I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. "Where the fuck is she?"

"Ope told her about Hale, she flipped out, now she's down the hall and won't stop crying." He choked out.

I was about to shout more but Tara threw open the door when I opened my mouth. "What's going on in here?" She demanded.

Juice strained his neck to look over his shoulder at her, "Uh, Koz is just looking for Charlotte."

I let go of his shirt, "Sorry. I guess I lost my temper for a minute."

Tara nodded and pointed down the hall, "Well, since you're up. We need you." I was confused for a second before remembering Charlotte needed me. I tried to hurry out of the room but I started wheezing. "Kozik, you need to take it easy." Tara called out over my shoulder.

I shook my head and kept moving as fast as I could. Chibs and Bobby tried to stop me and get me back to my room but I shook them off. They don't understand. They would never get it unless they had a real old lady. Jax, Clay, Juice, and Half Sack looked at me with sympathy, they know what I'm going through and would do anything for their ladies.

Happy was standing outside of a door and was glaring at a cop, "Hap, what happened?" I managed to ask as the ache in my side grew.

"This jackass put his hand on Charlotte, scared her, and now she won't let any one near her." He growled in his raspy voice.

My blood started to boil, "He did what?" I snapped my head to the cop, "You son of a bitch." I snarled.

The guys could tell I was going to do something I'd regret and started to get in between me and the pig. The police officer was getting just as riled up as I was because he looked like he was about to throw a punch at me.

Tig pulled me back, "Come on brother, the girl needs you. I'll take care of this prick."

I regained my footing and tried to catch my breath, "Fine." I gave up trying to kill the man, for now. I hope Charlotte isn't too heartbroken. I gotta help her. She needs me just like I need her. I took several deep breaths before turning to the door.

Happy hadn't moved from the door, he saw the look of confusion in my eyes and explained; "I knew you wouldn't want Charlotte to be vulnerable while you kicked that fuckers ass."

"Thanks Hap." I muttered as I slapped his back and went into the room. I knew he'd stand guard at the door until I told him it was ok to leave. He's always had my back and I know I can trust him with our lives. I thought as I surveyed the room.

Charlotte was curled into a ball, leaning into the corner, covering her head, her body was shaking, and she was sobbing. I sank to my knees and gradually crawled to her. "Charlotte?" I whispered, "It's me, Herman." She wouldn't look up at me but she didn't seem to be any more anxious. I slowly made my way over to her and rested beside her. She almost stopped trembling but still avoided eye contact.

"Charlotte? You doing ok?" She didn't answer me. "Everything is gonna be fine." I calmly stated as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her away from the corner and into me. She tensed briefly then relaxed against me. "Deep breaths, babe, I've got you. No one is going to touch you again. Promise." I kept whispering to her trying to soothe her, to get her to stop crying and being so frightened. After thirty minutes, I noticed she had fallen asleep. I lightly kissed her forehead and kept holding her firmly to my chest, making sure she felt safe again. How could I let this happen? I gotta step it up and keep her happy, or else she'll leave me. I promise that as long as I'm breathing she will never, ever feel like this.

Gemma's POV

When Kozik disappeared into the Chief's room to find Charlotte, I hoped he'd be able to comfort her. I didn't hear any screaming so it seemed that things were going well. Happy was still at the door making sure no one interrupted them. That dumbass police officer looks uncomfortable between Tig and Chibs. I should feel bad but he deserves it.

I was standing next to Piney, Opie, Jax and Clay, still a little worried about the whole situation when Tara came up to talk to us. "I talked to my supervisor and convinced her to let Kozik and Charlotte go home in the morning. Hale's in a medically induced coma until we can be sure he'll recover. GSW's to the stomach can be tricky. We're lucky that the bullets that hit Kozik weren't deep; that stuffed bear really saved their lives."

The guys didn't say anything, they all looked grim and I could tell that they felt bad about Hale. I decided to speak on their behalf, "Thanks for everything Tara. You better be coming to the clubhouse with Koz and Charlotte tomorrow so we know everyone is safe. I'm gonna get everyone together to start getting ready for the party."

Tara smiled and agreed, then went to fill out some paperwork. I gathered most of the people waiting around. "Koz and Charlotte can leave the hospital tomorrow. We're going to have a huge blowout. Happy, Juice, Half Sack, Miles, and Opie: you guys stay here. Everyone else: take the prospects and ladies back to the clubhouse, go get some sleep. Ladies: first thing in the morning I want you to make sure the clubhouse gets cleaned up and stocked. I'm going to make sure Kozik's room has fresh sheets and isn't dirty so they can get some peace and quiet."

No one argued as they turned and went to carry out my plan. "Make sure this tool doesn't go near her again. Call me if anything goes wrong. I'll be back in the morning." I kissed Opie's cheek then hugged the rest of the guys that were staying. I said my goodbyes and left with Clay and Jax.

Opie's POV

The guys and I were standing in the hallway, eyeing the police officer while discussing Kozik and Charlotte. I had my arms crossed over my chest and was venting about getting Charlotte back in bed. "She needs her rest and should be back in her own room."

Jax shook his head, "Yeah but she won't let any of us in there. We should just give her some space."

Even Juice chimed in, "She can't stay in there, sitting on the floor all night."

"Plus it's not even our faults that Hales in there." Half Sack tried to interject but only received frowns from all of us.

Happy hadn't said anything for at least 15 minutes or moved from his position in front of the door, which was normal for the callous killer. He finally spoke up, "You ain't getting in here."

We all looked at him, bewildered. If Happy isn't going to let us in there, then there's no way to get past him and since Happy only listens to Clay and Jax there's no talking to him. We just gotta wait it out, I guess.

Miles was looking over Happy's shoulder into the window, trying to see what was happening. Happy started to growl at him, sending him backwards into the other wall. Happy gruffly grunted, "I'm not going to repeat myself. No one is getting in there."

Miles was looking down and trying to evade eye contact with Happy when Tara came down the hall. "Happy can I go in to check on Chief Hale?" He nodded and opened the door for her.

The police officer looked puzzled, "You just said…"

Everyone shot him irritated looks but I answered him, "Shut up. You don't get to talk." I was dying to know how Charlotte was doing and to finish telling her the news but I knew better than to ask Happy to let me into the room.

After a few minutes, Tara came back out and looked at all of us. "Let's keep things peaceful, alright guys?" She turned to the cop, "Hale's still unconscious but his vitals look good." She then touched my arm lightly, "Charlotte is asleep and Kozik looks good. You guys could probably help him move her to their room now. I don't think he can lift her without popping a stitch. Just be quiet and careful." She left us to go attend to her other patients.

The guys all looked back and forth between Happy and me, trying to figure out how we should do this. I pointed at Miles and Half Sack, "You guys open the doors for us and make sure their beds are pushed together. Happy make sure the pig doesn't move and keep the hallway clear. Juice you help Kozik get up and to his bed. I'll carry Charlotte." Everyone nodded, clearly my fourteen-month stint as president was a good thing. These guys still listen to me when Clay and Jax aren't around. I guess I could run the club one day, if it came to that. Of course Jax is going to be president but I could be the VP, right?

After a few minutes of persuading Happy, he reluctantly opened the door for me. I led Juice in slowly, being extremely careful not to spook Charlotte. Kozik looked up at us from the floor. He gave us a weak smile but didn't budge; he was cradling Charlotte to him and making sure she was sleeping.

I knelt in front of them, "Koz, Tara said you can get out of here in the morning. Can I take her? We're gonna move you back to your beds." He hesitated, but seemed to agree.

I gently lifted Charlotte off the floor; Kozik's eyes were fixed on me as I moved out of the way so Juice could help Kozik up. Happy was watching me like a hawk, making sure everything was going according to plan. We shuffled down the hall, Half Sack and Miles waiting for us outside their room. Juice helped Kozik onto the bed closer to the door before I put the still sleeping Charlotte down on the other bed.

He immediately pulled her closer to him and held her in his arms. "Thanks Ope, Juicey."

We both left the room, running straight into Happy. "I'm standing here." He said grumpily, clearly wanting to be there for Kozik. They've always been close, well as close as guys like them can be. We're all brothers but being up in Tacoma together then transferring here made them trust each other.

I quickly put together another plan, "Juice go keep the pig company. Sack go get coffees."

Kozik's POV

I was glad when the guys came in to help me but I didn't want Charlotte to wake up and flip out again. Luckily she didn't and the guys left us alone once we were back in bed. I pulled the covers over her and carefully held her close to me. I could barely make out the back of Happy's head standing outside the door. Having Happy here is really reassuring, I definitely trust him more than the other guys. I gotta tell Charlotte about James, make sure she knows that she'll never have to worry about him again.

I settled into my bed, finally relaxed that Charlotte was safe and next to me. I closed my eyes and rested my head against hers lightly as I fell asleep.

A couple hours later, I heard the door open. My eyes shot open and I defensively braced myself around Charlotte, covering her so whoever it was couldn't see her. Charlotte must have heard the footsteps because she was looking up at me and whispered my name. Shit, where was Happy?

Tara spoke up, "Good morning. I'm sorry I startled you. I just came to check your bandages so we can get the release paperwork started."

Charlotte sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, "Sure, thanks for everything Tara." I laid back against my pillows and ran my hand over my eyes, groaning as I tried to shift.

Tara looked over Charlotte briefly, checking her stitches and then the bruising on her ribs and face. "The bruises on your face seem to be healing quicker than I thought. This is very good. Your stitches and arm will be fine as long as you keep them clean. How are you feeling otherwise? I know you had quite a scare last night."

Charlotte looked down at her lap, "I'm doing fine, I just feel awful for what happened to David and then at the carnival."

I reached over and slipped my hand into hers. "Charlotte, you can't beat yourself up about this. It's not your fault." She wouldn't look at me or Tara. I could see her eyes watering again. Shit. I can't handle her crying any more. I thought as I reached up and lightly touched her cheek. "Charlotte, I promise you that all this wasn't caused by you. It was just some shitty coincidence. Me and the guys and Tara and Gemma swear this will never happen to you again. And none of us are mad. Pinky swear." At this, she looked at me. I held out my pinky and she cracked a smile, giggling briefly through her tears.

She slid her small pinky through my larger one and smiled at me. I admired her beauty, noticing what Tara meant, the bruises that Weston had left her were indeed fading quickly, almost barely noticeable. I smiled back at her and leaned over, placing my lips against hers lightly.

I pulled back and looked at Tara, "Sorry Doc." I said as I pulled the hospital gown off my left shoulder, still holding Charlotte's pinky in mine. I kept my eyes on her as the doctor poked and prodded my ribs and shoulder.

I winced slightly but tried to hide it as best I could. "Sorry Kozik, just trying to check on your stitches. You're lucky that the bullet hit your shoulder just right and the one in your side wasn't too deep. That stuffed bear must have slowed it down enough to keep the damage to a minimum. We've patched you up and you should be good to go. You can still ride, but try to take it easy. If it hurts, I want you to take a break, ok?"

"Fine Doc. Whatever you say." I complied, knowing that I may ride through the pain because of my duties in the club.

Tara gave me a look like she knew I wasn't telling the truth but she decided to let it go. "I'll be back in a little bit."

After she left, I focused my attention on making sure Charlotte was doing alright. I've only known her for a short period of time but everything seems perfect with her next to me. I felt my stomach rumble, finally noticing that I was hungry. "Are you hungry?" I asked Charlotte.

"A little. But I could use some coffee." She smiled at me, pushing her hair back from her face. "I'm gonna go freshen up a little." She said as she left me alone to go to the bathroom.

I got up and went to the door. Happy and Opie were sitting in chairs in the hall. Opie was asleep but Happy looked up at me, "Hey brother. You ok?"

"Uh yeah I'm fine. Doc said we're doing good. How's the chief?"

Happy shrugged, "I think he'll be ok but he's still out."

"Where's Sack?" I looked down the hall and saw Juice and Sack sitting on the ground outside of Hale's door. "Get him to go get us some food, coffee, and maybe do me a favor?"

"Done." He said as he got up. "Your girl ok?"

I nodded and shook his hand, "Thanks for everything man."

Charlotte's POV

Last night was terrible. I was such a baby. I thought as I closed the bathroom door. At least Kozik wasn't mad at me. He's so gentle and kind. I've only known him for a short time, so how am I falling for him already? I looked at my reflection in the mirror and turned on the faucet. My makeup was smeared but Tara was right, my bruises didn't look as bad as they had the first night. I took a several paper towels and wet them, trying to clean off my face as best I could. Kozik saw me like this and he still finds me attractive? I managed to get most of the makeup off my face and I fixed my hair slightly.

When I opened the door, Kozik was standing halfway out in the hall. He was talking to someone and didn't hear me; what is he doing? I wondered. I climbed back into bed and pressed the button to raise the back of the bed into a sitting position.

A few minutes later, Kozik turned around. He smiled at me but had his hand behind his back. I could see Opie and a couple other guys standing behind him. I was a little worried about what was going on as Kozik walked over to the beds. Opie and Half Sack followed him and were carrying something.

Kozik sat next to me and pulled a single red rose from behind his back, handing it to me. I covered my mouth, surprised, "Oh, Koz!" I whispered. He was beaming and saw how much he just cheered me up.

Half Sack set a tray of food down next to Kozik and then left the room. Opie handed Kozik and me a cup of coffee before sitting in a chair to drink his own. I kissed Kozik on the cheek as we dug into the food that Half Sack had brought for us. I can't believe he got us breakfast and managed to bring me a rose. That is so sweet.

Opie waiting for us to finish eating before speaking, "Charlotte? Last night, I never got to finish. I only told you half of the news."

I looked at Kozik then at Opie; my voice almost failed me as I tried to ask, "There's more?"

Kozik had moved the food tray and crawled next to me, sliding his arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry babe, it's better than last night." I tried to keep my breathing even as Opie paused.

Opie took a sip from his coffee then continue, "After the incident at the carnival, a couple of the guys and I followed James. We, uh, found him and uh…." Opie hesitated.

Kozik stepped in and took over, "We took care of him for you."

I gave him a confused look, "You did what?". Kozik avoided eye contact, so I looked to Opie, he wouldn't meet my eyes either.

Opie softly said, "We caught him and I shot him."

Kozik could tell I was getting upset, "He's never going to hurt you again."

I pushed away from Kozik just as Gemma came into the room. I quickly went into the bathroom and locked the door. I felt sick; my head was spinning with a million thoughts. These people, my new family, kill people? I know that James was horrible, killed my mother, and kidnapped me. Not to mention he has hurt me multiple times but I never thought that someone would kill him. How can I trust them when I know they have the ability to commit murder? Is this why David doesn't like them?

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard a faint knocking on the door. "Charlotte? Can I come in?" Gemma was checking on me.