Thank you to all of you who have Favorited and Alerted my story! It means so much to me that you are all enjoying what I'm writing. Plus it keeps me motivated to continue!

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-Jennifer11

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

Kozik's POV

I sat back against the seats in Gemma's cage, my arm around Charlotte's shoulders, letting her lean against me. I looked down at her, her eyes were closed and one of her hands was resting on my thigh. She must be so worn-out and tired of all this madness. My fingers lightly ran through her blonde hair, sweeping it away from her face. Half Sack and Gemma were talking about something but I couldn't quite make out what they were saying. When we pulled into the Teller-Morrow garage and clubhouse, Charlotte hadn't woken up yet and I saw Tig lurking in the shadows of one of the garage doors. What is his problem?

Jax and Opie were sitting at a picnic table talking and smoking while Miles was standing nearby waiting. The rest of the guys must have been inside because their bikes were there but they weren't outside. Half Sack got out of the car and disappeared into the clubhouse to help the guys, Gemma strolled over to Jax and Opie before going into the clubhouse, and Happy and Juice came over to help me out of the car. Juice started to open the door to help me get Charlotte out but Happy pushed him back and took over.

I didn't want to wake her up, so I eased her into his arms before getting out the SUV myself. "Hap could you..." I started. He cut me off, nodding and carrying Charlotte towards my room. I followed close behind, Juice ran off to find his girl or some beer. Happy set Charlotte down on my bed and gave me a quick man-hug then left, shutting my still-broken door. I shrugged out of my cut and put it on a chair, kicked off my boots and gently took off Charlotte's heels before laying next to her, facing her.

I watched her sleep before moving a little closer to her, softly placing my arm over her, keeping my hand on her upper back. God, she's beautiful. I'm going to make sure she smiles every day and never has to worry about anything ever again. I promised myself as I slowly fell asleep.

Gemma's POV

By the time we left the hospital it was noon, I gotta go help the girls finish getting the party ready and I should get these guys lunch before they get any grumpier. I knew that everyone was tired and would probably crash for most of the afternoon but I needed to talk to Clay before I did anything else.

I walked over to Jax and Opie with a glare fixed on my face, "Jax. Where's Clay?"

"The Chapel." He muttered

I nodded and kept walking into the clubhouse, towards the sacred doors that women weren't allowed to pass through. I stopped just outside the open doors and saw my husband sitting in his chair, "Clay, can we talk?"

He looked over his shoulder at me, "Sure." He mumbled, standing up and leading me to our dorm room. After I closed the door, he sat, "What is it?"

I crossed my arms, "You need to lay off of Koz. He'll be fine."

"Yeah, but..."

"No buts. Remember when you were concerned about Tig and Brie? Just because they didn't work out has nothin' to do with it. He still did his job, with the exception of the whole Donna thing, but if I remember correctly..."

"Alright, enough! You made your point. I will patch things up with Koz and get the other guys to back off."

I shook my head, "No. I will talk to Kozik and you will talk to Tig." I smiled and kissed his cheek and then turned on my heel to go talk to the girls and finished getting supplies for the party.

Around 5pm, I went to wake up Charlotte and Kozik for the barbeque and party. I knocked on the door and heard Kozik grumble from inside. "Koz? Can we talk?" He came to the door, looking like he was still half asleep. "Look, I talked Clay. He's gonna stop naggin' you about this. Just don't let me down, ok?" He nodded and was about to say something but I kept talking, "Why don't you and your girl get up, shower, and join us. Barbeque time." I smiled and went back to the kitchen to help the girls with the side dishes.

Charlotte's POV

The loud sound of someone knocking woke me up from a deep sleep. I groaned as I stretched and yawned, what time is it? I felt the bed dip, so I turned my head and opened my eyes, I saw Kozik kneeling on the bed and leaning over to me. I smiled up at him; gosh, he's so handsome. I thought as I reached up and pulled him down to me, kissing his lips lightly.

He pulled away and smiled, "Do you want to shower first, second, or together?" He was about to keep up his flirty vibe but when doubt and panic crossed my face, he quickly dropped it, muttering "too soon, sorry." He straightened himself as he stood, "You can go first. I promise I won't peak."

I slid out of bed and went over to him, I felt so bad about how I just made him feel. I stood in front of him and smiled apologetically, "Sorry Koz, I just..."

He didn't let me finish, his lips pressed against mine gently before he said, "No, I'm sorry. I promise we will take this as slow as you want to."

"I just hope you don't think that I'm not interested. I am. I just don't think I'm ready for…"

He shook his head and put his arms around me, "You just let me know when you're ready. I will wait as long as it takes. Don't you worry your pretty little head about me."

I smiled up at him and whispered, "You're very sweet, how did I get so lucky?" I hugged him tightly before going into the bathroom.

Kozik's POV

When I saw Charlotte get uncomfortable when I mentioned the shower, I immediately regretted it. Shit, I messed up already. I quickly backed off and put distance between us, I apologized and tried to be more of a gentleman. She let me know that she wasn't being a prude; she was just a little shy after everything that happened in her past. I understood but I still felt terrible for letting her feel like I was putting pressure on her. She hugged me and then went to get cleaned up. Her words were still ringing in my ears, "You're very sweet, how did I get so lucky?"

She thought I was sweet and she was lucky? Hell no, I'm lucky that she hasn't left me yet. Being as sweet as I can to her will help me keep her in my arms. I'm going to make sure my past and what I do on the job, doesn't affect her. Just like I won't let her affect my job, 'the club always comes first'.

I made sure she turned on the shower before leaving the room. I went out into the clubhouse, nodding a 'hey' to some of the people around before grabbing two beers and bringing them back to my room. I opened mine and sat on the bed, waiting for her to finish her shower. Taking a sip, I thought about Charlotte. I hope she's relaxing and getting ready for tonight. It's gonna be different than that last party she was at.

I heard the shower turn off, after a few minutes Charlotte came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel. Picking up her beer, I opened it and handed it to her, "Hope you had a nice shower". I smiled, set down my beer, and grabbed another towel to take a quick shower.

Charlotte's POV

The whole time I was in the shower I was thinking about how stupid I felt about what just happened with Kozik. Why didn't I just play along? I should have just flirted back. It was harmless. Gosh, I hope he doesn't think any less of me or think I don't want him. I really do, I just don't know what held me back. Am I being too careful? I tried to shrug it all off as I rinsed conditioner from my hair. When I stepped out of the shower, I realized I didn't bring in a change of clothes. Shit, how'd I forget to bring in fresh clothes? I dried off the best I could and wrapped the towel tightly around myself. Kozik smiled and handed me a beer before going into the bathroom.

After he shut the door, I dug through my bag to find something to wear. Towards the bottom I found my favorite dress; it was form fitting, teal tank top on top, tight black skirt on bottom. It looks like a career girl outfit but with the right shoes... I pulled the dress out and some under garments out before deciding what shoes to wear; my black satin sling backs, perfect. Thank you Gemma for packing all the essentials.

I stood up just as Kozik opened the bathroom door. He was leaning against the door with the towel wrapped around his waist. "Did Gemma pack something nice for you to wear?"

I blushed and smiled at him, "Yes, Gemma thought of everything. Did you get your stitches wet?"

"A little but I'll be alright. Are you doing ok? You look a little… flustered." He commented.

"Yeah, I guess I'm a little nervous? After everything…"

He came over to me, "Don't be, baby. I'll be with you, all night. If anything or anyone bothers you, you tell me, Happy, or one of the guys. They'll take care of it for you." He cupped my face in his hands, looking into my eyes, concerned.

I smiled up at him, "Thanks. I really appreciate everything you've done for me." I wrapped my arms around his torso and reached up to kiss him. He bent his head, kissing me back passionately while holding me tightly to him. After a couple of minutes, I pulled away flashing him a smile, "I'm going to finish getting ready." I grabbed my clothes and makeup bag and went into the bathroom again.

I quickly got dressed, applied makeup, and used my hair dryer to get my hair looking great. After twenty minutes, I was ready. Stepping out of the bathroom, I didn't see Kozik, which concerned me. Did I take too long? Where'd he go?

I was pulling on my heels when I heard a knock on the door. Gemma stuck her head into the room, "You ready, baby girl?" After her eyes landed on me, she smiled, "Damn girl, you look great! Come on, let's go eat. The guys are having a little meeting and should be about done."

I was beaming as I followed her out to the clubhouse. 'I hope I'm not over dressed' I worried. After seeing the rest of the girls, I knew I was dressed just right. The clubhouse looked slightly different. Long tables had been set up for everyone to sit and eat. The women and some younger guys wearing prospect patches were bringing in platters of food. Gemma led me to the kitchen and handed me a large empty plate and told me to follow Phil. I went outside to the grill and he piled steaks, ribs, and pieces of chicken onto the serving dish I was holding.

I carried it back inside and just as I set it onto the table, the double doors at the back of the room opened and guys began filing out. Half Sack directed the prospects and Miles to get the guys beers or other drinks. I didn't know what to do but I finally spotted Kozik walking out of the room. He caught my eye and smiled causing me to smile back at him.

Kozik's POV

I was sipping my beer and waiting for Charlotte when Chibs knocked on the door, "Aye, we got church." I reluctantly got up and followed him, catching Gemma on the way telling her to check on Charlotte in a little bit.

I sat in my chair and listened as Clay tried to tell us about his newest idea to get the club money. Anything is better than drugs again. I thought as he finished up saying we'd be doing gun deals with the Grimm Bastards. Everyone voted in agreement since the Lodi based MC had always had our backs and needed our help now defending their turf.

The guys were all getting hungry by the time Clay hit the gavel against the table. Most of them got up quickly but Clay told me to hang back. This better not be more crap about me and Charlotte. I thought as I sat down in Tig's chair.

Clay gruffly spoke, "I just wanted to apologize and tell you that as long as you keep up the good work, no one will step to you anymore."

"Thanks Prez, I 'ppreciate it." I stood up and gave him a firm handshake. We exited the chapel together. I looked around and saw Gemma, she gave me a wink and nodded her head towards something. I turned and saw Charlotte smiling at me. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Wow, I thought she looked great before but now? Shit, she blows these other bitches out of the water.

I headed straight to her and kissed her cheek, "You look fantastic. You looked great before but now..."

She softly laughed and wrapped one of her arms up, over my shoulders. Tig decided to open his big mouth again, "Damn lemonhead, your girl cleans up good." I held Charlotte close to me and glared over at him. I was about to react to him when I saw Gemma slap him upside his head. I smirked at him and led her to where I normally sat. Luckily, Tig always sat at the other end of the table so he'd leave us alone throughout dinner.

Gemma's POV

After Clay called the guys in for a quick Church, I went to go get Charlotte from the room. She went all out, wearing the dress that I found hanging in the front of her closet. I gotta get the prospects to help me get the rest of her stuff and move it into the clubhouse, my house, or Opie's house. She is NOT living with Hale and out of the sight of the Sons.

I sent her to help Phil with the rest of the food because I knew that the rest of the guy would be out soon and starving. The doors opened and I didn't spot Clay or Kozik. He better not be filling that boy's head with nonsense again. He was just as bad when he laid eyes on me. I finally saw both of them come out, smiling. Well that's a relief. I thought as I spotted Kozik and Charlotte making eyes at each other.

I put down the last dish as Clay took his seat, signaling to the others that they should sit too. I heard Tig make a comment towards Kozik and Charlotte. Leave it to Tig to stir up more trouble. I shook my head and smacked his head, shooting him a warning look. He sat quietly in the chair next to mine. I looked around at everyone, making sure they were all settling into their chairs before taking my own seat. While we all ate and chatted, I kept an eye on everything to make sure everyone had a good time.

After an hour, I looked at my watch. It was almost 8pm and everyone was about finished up eating. I stood, taking a couple plates with me. I didn't have to look back to know that the rest of the old ladies and the prospects were following me so we could clean up quickly and get the rest of the party started.

Charlotte's POV

Sitting between Kozik and Brie was comforting. They made sure I got enough to eat and talked to me, keeping things light and fun. I was definitely glad that I didn't have to sit next to Tig or one of the other guys I didn't know. Kozik told me that Bobby and Phil had done most of the cooking and grilling, while Brie told me that old ladies made the side dishes. I was almost surprised that the food tasted so good. It was like sitting down with a very large family, they were so welcoming and talkative, making everyone feel like they belonged.

Gemma stood up and grabbed some plates, setting off a chain reaction of several prospects standing up then Cherry, Lyla, and Brie got up. Brie smiled down at me, "Hey Charlotte, why don't you come with me and help us clean up." I nodded and stood, kissing Kozik on the cheek before taking plates to the kitchen.

When I got to the kitchen, Gemma pulled me aside, "Let the others finish up, let's talk." She smiled reassuringly as she led me outside to the picnic tables. She lit up a cigarette, offering me one but I declined. "So, baby, how you doin'?"

I sat next to her, "I'm alright I guess. Everyone is being really friendly and great."

She blew smoke away from me, "Good. If anyone says something to you, you come tell me and I'll take care of it. Now, let me tell you about the skanks that are about to show up. The club attracts people that wish they were a part of all this. Most of them are harmless but some don't know any better. Just keep close to the guys, most of the men won't talk to you but try not to associate with them. The women who hang around are mainly just sluts who want to fuck their way into the club. You'll see, they're hard to miss. Don't take any lip from them and don't let them take what's yours. They are at the bottom of the MC world food chain." I nodded trying to make sense of it all. "They should be getting you drinks and serving you, it's how they pay respect. You were technically born into the club and they wish they could be you."

What Gemma was saying was a little confusing; people would envy me for just being born? This had never happened to me before and it was a little weird. I was sitting, thinking next to Gemma when several bikes and cars pulled up. Several tough looking guys walked past, barely making eye contact with Gemma but they all said hello respectfully. We sat for a couple more minutes, enjoying the quiet and cool night Gemma tossed her cigarette on the ground and got off the picnic table. I followed her back into the clubhouse and looked around, the prospects had put away all the tables and someone had started up the jukebox to play some rock music.

I saw Kozik leaning against the bar trying to get a drink from a prospect behind the bar. The poor guy couldn't handle serving all the demanding people waiting and yelling at him, he had managed to drop a bottle or two. I shook my head and got behind the bar, pushing him out of the way. I quickly got everyone their drinks and even added in some extra flare by tossing some bottles in the air, catching them and pouring the liquor into waiting glasses. The prospect watched amazed, trying to catch on to what I was doing. After a couple of minutes, he figured some of it out and took over.

I made myself a cranberry and vodka and was about to go join Kozik, who was leaning against the wall at the end of the bar talking to Happy. I walked towards the opening of the bar when a man I didn't know, who wasn't wearing a cut, said, "Wow, you've got some serious skills."

I smiled politely at him, "Thank you." I tried to keep walking but he stepped in front of me. "Excuse me." I said and took another step around him.

He blocked me again, "Where you goin' sweetheart?" He had a hungry look in his eyes and stepped towards me. I took a few steps backwards, bumping into someone.

The prospect I had just been helping was standing right behind me. He gently pushed me behind him while stepping in front of me. He crossed his arms over his chest, "Don't touch her. You best be goin'." They glared at each other for a few moments before the guy backed off.

Happy grabbed the guy by the collar and hauled him backwards, tossing him outside. Kozik patted the prospect on the back, "Good job Ratboy. Go relax. Phil!" Ratboy left and was replaced behind the bar by Phil. Kozik put his arm around me and I felt his lips press against my temple. "Wanna play pool?" He asked me, obviously trying to distract me.

I smiled up at him, showing him I wasn't hurt, and teased, "I bet I could beat you." I took his hand and led him to a pool table.

He chuckled, "No way in hell are you beating me." He handed me a cue before racking the balls. "What are we betting?"

I giggled, "Twenty bucks? You break." He agreed and started the game. After thirty minutes of playing, it was close but I won by three balls. "Ha! You owe me twenty." I exclaimed as I sank the eight ball.

He sauntered over to me; his shocked look faded into coy smile, "I can't believe you beat me. How about an 'IOU'?"

As he was about to kiss me, I put my hand on his mouth, "Fine but I will be collecting." I smiled flirtatiously at him. He laughed into my hand and put his hand on my lower back, pulling me into him. I put my hand on the back of his neck as our lips met.

After a few minutes, I smiled and pulled away. I noticed a couple of eyes on us but I tried to ignore it. I gave him a wink, "I'm gonna go freshen up real quick. Don't you go anywhere."

"Fine. I want a rematch when you get back." He replied as he watched me head towards his room.

I quickly used the bathroom and reapplied some makeup, making sure I still looked fresh and attractive. I walked back into the main area and spotted Kozik still by the pool table, waiting for me. The rest of the guys were dancing, standing around, or sitting with women draped over them. I stopped short when I saw a woman, dressed in the skimpiest clothing, leaning against the table, touching Kozik's arm. He and Happy were looking at her, both with slight smiles. I felt myself getting heated and was slightly hurt; what the hell is he doing?