A/N: So this isn't the longest chapter but I figured I'd update as I got things in from my beta. The rate of feedback has been amazing. Truly, thank you. More coming again soon. If not tonight possibly tomorrow. I hope to have a schedule of (no more than) four days between updates once the base of this fic is up and going.

Enjoy the ride.

xTish

I arrived at the clubhouse at six, and not a minute to spare as Paul should be arriving shortly. The guys all watched me with bated breath as I rode in. I briefly wondered if they were weary over my presence still. Tig didn't look particularly happy, but he tried to appear appeased to see me. Perhaps it was my choice of attire for this evenings events. Most of my skin was covered at least. Still... it was the best vulture impression i could give without losing respect for myself.

I parked alongside the rest of the bikes leaving the large spaces for any cages that might roll in for this shin dig. Meeting everyone's eyes and scanning the scene was a habit I developed in the midst of everything. I never moved until I know my surroundings. It was imperative for me. Most eyes lingered a little long, be it from envy, anger or lust. While I hated being the center of attention, the upside was that at night in a crowd like this, the more that was invested in my presence the sooner I'd be missed should anything ever happen.

Over the years, I have grown more comfortable in my skin, self assured. I knew that lust was simply a human reaction that was easy to get caught up in, more so for some than others. It wasn't hard to notice though that many of the guys here were foaming at the mouth for the new chick that came riding in with the same style the club had going for them. It meant little to me, really, how anyone noticed me. To me it served a purpose on how to handle interactions and nothing more.

What did cause me concern was the way that Jax kept his steely glance on me. Prince Charming wanted closer, that much was clear. Weather it was a club task, to figure me out, or a personal goal was not clear but the point was I could read him easily enough... He wanted closer, and I was willing to bet that he'd be willing to reach his goal at almost any cost. I couldn't let that happen, For any of them really.. Close means connection. Connection means target. Nope.

Getting off the bike, I put on the best smile I could afford for Tig as he walked out to greet me amidst the droves of people attending already. I was almost surprised by how many people a function like this reached, I would have been too If they hadn't blatantly made it clear that their name not only had weight but pull. Their attitudes alone were cock sure from this fact. I sweetly kissed Tig's cheek as I met him in the middle of the drive, laying on my own charm. A part of me wanted to show these guys that their attitudes and actions could be matched. Like a good game of chess. Check Mate. I thought bitterly at the reminder.

"Happy Birthday, Tigger. " I played cute well. Thanks, mommy.

"Real cute, sweetheart. But thank you.'" He chuckled before tucking me under his arm and whispering below the crowds noise, "What in sam hell are you wearing? "

"It's a dress, Tig. "

"No; that' s the secret victoria's been trying to hide, You should go home to change. It's not too late yet."

"Sorry DAD no can do, nothing else is clean, and I'm meeting someone later tonight so you're going to have to deal with it. Or... I could always just go home and change into something more comfortable for the evening. Never been quite the social butterfly, but figured I'd do this one thing for you." I quipped back.

"No, " He gritted his teeth, taking a deep breath he resigned to exactly what I wanted from him "It's OK, stay," He paused, "Please."

"OK you twisted my arm, I'll stay for now. " I could feel the slow grow of a smirk pulling at the corner of my lips.

"You're still a brat you know that!" He pointed at me but smiled. Reminding me briefly of a faint memory as a girl. He never did the scolding thing well. "I guess not everything has changed with you."

"Is that so?" I played along with his good mood.

"You're about as much trouble as your old man" Commented the boy named Juice as we approached the patio.

"Double the pleasure double the fun, juicy fruit." I bit back jokingly.

"I like ya, lil' mama. Give 'em hell." Happy joked over hearing our conversation.

"It's not about how big; but how mean." I added with a flirty wink, that didn't go unnoticed by two of the guys in particular. Leading Tig to usher me inside, followed by the club members themselves.

"You're not mean. Just maybe misunderstood." Juice said after Tig pressed a kiss to my temple before leaving my side for a particularly scantily dressed vulture. I still didn't get why they called these women Crow eaters. There was nothing humble about them. They were in every way a walking definition for Vultures.

How ever my distaste for some of these women, Juices words resonated a bit. My brow perked at his strange demeanor and the conversation's sudden humbling turn. So far he was the only Son that hadn't rubbed me the wrong way. There was something akin to him with me. He meant well, and he was sweet enough.

"Are you implying that you understand me, Juice?"

"Hell no! Women are crazy. Women understand women and look, most of ya'll hate each other. I wont even try to get into that ring."

"I don't hate at all Juice, I just have a low tolerance for bullshit. BS is hardly gender specific."

He brought me a beer as a few more people began to filter in. Especially the crow eaters. Ironic maybe considering the lesson of humility that comes from the old turn of phrase, eating crow.

There was no sense of humility or morals for these women. It was, as it seemed, an easy out for the guys. Why get attached, or put in effort when the name alone drew in a crowd and could give you what you wanted and when. I didn't put much stock into the actual strength of these women. These men were raw and rough. Modern day revelators. Most of these women, could barely handle more than sucking cock. They wouldn't last by the guy's side, and the men knew it. Exploiting the fact, they had one real purpose here tonight.

Don't get me wrong, I had no shame in the talents given to me and/or the talents I've learned. There was nothing wrong in my personal opinion to like what you did, and to do it often. But to put your self in the position they were in, was just plain dumb. And nothing grated my nerves more than a dumb bitch. Foolishness. Perhaps it was some residual self hate, but from where I stand, if I could get my act together so could they.

They really had little of what I called "do bounds" lines with what went on within the club. That or they toed that line constantly. That much was evident from where I sat inside behind the pool tables . Luckily for me most of the women ignored me while I was watching and waiting.

Bobby had his face down in some red snatch, Happy had a few ladies surrounding him with a tattoo gun as he drank. Chibbs had his own little portion at the couch in the back. The only men I saw without anyone at the moment were Clay; who was sitting at the bar with Gemma talking over something serious for them, no doubt she was discussing my presence to the pres. and some diabolical plan to get rid of me. Women like her saw strength as competition. Instead of lifting them for their initiative to handle business. Juice, Ope and lastly Jax were all that was left as far as who remained away from den of debauchery.

Which made me wonder, was it their own moral code and virtue toward some one special in their lives that they made the effort to steer clear or were they simply waiting on something to become available. What kind of men were these four? Inquisitive minds want to know.

Of course my dumb ass would get caught taking things in right when I looked directly at Jax, His cocky demeanor showed full force in the wink he sent my way after catching me. I returned his gesture with a scowl before tossing back the rest of the beer I was on.

I was beginning to get restless. Paul should have been here by now. I glanced at my watch and noticed that the time was now nine pm. He should have arrived three hours ago, but knowing him he probably stopped for food. Ass hat. talk about feeding me to the wolves alone here.

Just as I was about to get up and go get me another beer, Juice brought me another with Ope, Jax and half sack in tow.

"By all mean's have a seat." I said as they all took it upon themselves to join me at my small table with out asking if I wanted their company. And for a while they were silent.

The moment I lit up a smoke, I knew that wasn't going to last long. And giving that it was them, there was no telling how this one would play out.