I own nothing you recognize. All original characters and storylines are my own.

Upheaval

Juice stood next to the guys at the warehouse smoking his cigarette and nervously tapping his fingers against his thigh. He'd be pacing as they waited for the Irish if Jax hadn't growled at him to stop. This meeting was important, it was what they needed to prove Clay's betrayal. They'd tried to set up a meet with Lin but the dodgy slant kept dodging their calls and an impromptu visit to the restaurant. In the Club's mind that proved they had a hand in this. Finishing his cigarette he took another from the pack but as he was about to light it Chibs knocked it from his hands.

"Jesus Christ Chibs! Why the hell'd ya do that?" He asked and Chibs glared at him.

"Pull yerself together Juicy. If ya look like yer fallin apart Galen and 'is boys'll pick up on it, they'll be on edge. Ya calm down now, fer the good o' the Club." Chibs told him sternly and he nodded as he put his lighter in his pocket, taking a moment to run his finger over the raised letters and image on the Zippo's metal case. As he did so he smiled. It had been a gift from his girls, just something they'd surprised him with that morning. One side had the Reaper emblazoned in it's glory with SoA in stark relief and the other was engraved with the kids names and a blank spot ready for when Little Bean made his appearance. He closed his eyes and pictured his family and that was all he needed, he calmed down and knew he could take on the world. When he opened his eyes Chibs gave him a small smile and a nod of his head, he'd done good.

They waited for a few minutes more before they could hear the sound of wheels crunching the gravel. There were the Irish, twenty minutes late and taking their sweet time. Squaring his shoulders Juice followed his brothers as they met Galen and his lackey's at his sleek, black, SUV. The Irishman pulled Jax into a handshake and a hug before he stepped back.

"Good ta see ya Jackson, I wan't expectin' a meeting so soon after the last shipment." He said before his keen eyes surveyed the group of Sons that followed Jax. "Where's Clay? Shouldn't he be here?"

"There are reason's he's not here that would be better discussed in the warehouse." Jax said and Galen nodded before he sent two of his guys to the warehouse for a sweep. Ja didn't say anything. If a quick once over eased the Irishman's mind there was no reason to start something. After the men came back and nodded discreetly to Galen he nodded to Jax and they went into the warehouse where a makeshift conference table had been set up. Jax took his seat at the head and waited until everyone else was seated before he gave the silent call to order.

"What's goin' on here Jackson? Why do I feel like I'm on trial?" Galen asked and Jax Lit a cigarette from his pack before he spoke.

"You're here to confirm a rumor that proves we're being betrayed by one of our own. We need to know with certainty that you've been delivering separate shipments to Clay. Making our shipments light." Jax told him and Galen stared at him.

"You're jokin' aren't ya boy? Clay said the guns were goin to him to dodge some feds, said it was a Club decision. We were given compensation too." Galen said and Jax nodded as he took another drag.

"You were given counterfeit plates and printing equipment. Our Intel Officer got that info for us. For the record, this wasn't a Club decision and as far as the Sons are concerned the True IRA fucked us over. We can't trust you." Jax said and Galen set his mouth in a firm line.

"What can we do to prove we didn' fuck you over?" Galen asked and Jax smiled a grim smile.

"For a start you get every piece of information on this deal to our Intelligence Officer by the end of the day. Every scrap of paper, every text message, everything's important. Dig through the trash if you have to. The next thing we want you to do is keep silent about this. Only talk to the Kings about it and if Clay contacts you act like everything's normal, maybe find a way to record the conversation. Like I said, we need everything." Jax told him as he stubbed out his cigarette. "Do this and we might be willing to get into business with the True IRA again."

"We'll get what you need Jackson. We like being used just as little as you do I'd suspect." Galen said with a firmness that brought a smirking smile to the young President's mouth.

"Just make sure we get what we need." Jax said before he stood up then motioned to Juice. "Give them your contact info and set up a meet to get the papers then head to the clubhouse."

"You got it." Juice said before he got up and walked to the Irishman. He had a job to do and he was going to do it.

…
Later that afternoon...

"I don't know what's happening Clay but word is that the Irish aren't happy. Rumor has it that you've been double dealing. Any truth to that?" Romeo asked as Clay ground his teeth and glared ahead. He should've known that a call from the Mexican wouldn't be a good thing.

"Of course not, we've been dealin' with the Irish for over twenty years." He said once he could see clearly again. If Jax had went to Galen and found some proof it was looking bad for him.

"According to our sources there was a meeting with the Irish this morning in the warehouse. You weren't there." As Romeo informed him Clay felt a chill go down his back. He expected Jax to call Galen and discuss the guns, he never thought he'd actually meet with the man. Another thought caused the chill to sink into his bones. If he called a meeting that meant that he had evidence that Clay had been double dealing the Club and the Irish.

"I was at the doctor this morning. I can't always make it." He lied smoothly.

"That's good to know Clay. Call me when you get news on the new shipment." Romeo told him before he hung up and the tone of his voice was unmistakable, he knew Clay was lying.

As he started running through his backup plans and stories in his head he heard a noise outside and looked out the window. He narrowed his eyes when he saw the car parked across the street, the young black man in the driver's seat sticking out like a sore thumb. As he thought back he remembered seeing a few cars parked in front over the week, all of them junkers and all of them a nondescript color.

"Shit!" He yelled as he swung his large hand and it collided with the picture frame on his table. He took a deep breath for a second before he turned and picked up the picture. The picture was of Milla and Juice's wedding day. They were standing in front of the Reaper surrounded by Sons and family. As he looked at his daughter's face he came to a realization.

Moving quickly he went to the garage and put on his helmet before he started his bike and walked it out. His hands were sore and riding excruciating but he didn't have far to go. He didn't have any options left.

…

"Yeah." Jax spoke into the phone as Juice walked up to him. "You get everything?"

"Yes I did." Juice answered as he handed the folders and print outs to his brother in law.

"Shit, he covered his tracks well." Jax said to himself as Juice nodded.

"Not well enough. I highlighted the really incriminating message." Juice said as Jax read the doc and shook his head.

"He was too damned cocky." Jax looked up at Juice. "Call the Brothers then get Clay. We have a vote to take."

Juice nodded as he walked out and flipped open his burner and Bobby walked in. Bobby gave Jax one look and it was enough, Clay had finally done something too big to forgive and too obvious to hide. He'd pay for this, either with his Patch or his life.

Juice called everyone who wasn't already in the clubhouse before he got in the tow truck and started the drive to Clay's. As he drove he felt his stomach twist into knots. Everything was going to happen and if Jax had anything to say about it it would all happen by the end of the night. He drove the route he now knew by heart but almost missed the driveway when a black man in Niner colors stopped him. Juice rolled down his window as he pulled off to the side. He also picked up his gun, just in case.

"Yo man, you lookin' for the old dude?" The banger asked and Juice nodded. "He tore outta here about twenty minutes ago. Andre followed him and left me here to keep watch."

"How did he look when he tore out?" Juice asked, not even bothering to ask the thug how he knew to flag him down.

"He looked pissed off man. Like he was gonna pop a cap or somethin'." The man told him and suddenly Juice felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He'd only felt that way once before and he'd almost lost his wife and child.

"Thanks." Juice nodded quickly then pulled out, determined to go home, hoping to see that his new fear was unfounded. just to check he took out his cell and punched Milla's number. The rings seemed to take forever but eventually she answered and he could hear her breathing shallow breaths,

"Hey baby, I have a visitor. Call back later." She said softly and he could here the thickness of tears in her voice. "I love you."

After her confession of love the phone clicked and he cursed. Now he had to rush to the house double time. He just hoped there was a different explanation for the phone call.

...

"I'll be right there!" Milla called out as she finished putting Espy's coat on and brushed back her hair. "Tara, can you put the clip in her hair?"

"Yeah, no problem." Tara smiled at her before she gently put the clip in her niece's dark curls. She was going to miss the little girl when the time came and her Mama. The only time she could find any peace lately was with her sister-in-law. When Tara was with her she was just "Tara" or occasionally "Sis", not an old lady or the new queen and she appreciated it.

Milla walked to the door, all smiles since she'd planned this day with Tara and the kids. Ellie and Kenny were in school but they were going to pick them up and have dinner at Stumpy's followed by crafts for the older kids and stories for the little ones. It was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last time they could have a night like this for a long while. Milla's smile continued to stretch her face until she looked through the door's peephole. When she saw who was standing there she frowned. She'd heard a bike but there was no way he'd have ridden there. It was too far. Even so she opened the door, she'd just be telling him to leave anyway.

"Hey Dad, what's up?" She asked and Clay unceremoniously moved her back before she could protest and walked through the door.

"I need to talk to ya, in private." He told her before he eyed Tara who had Thomas in his seat and Espy by the hand with Abel standing in front of her. "Tara."

"Clay." She said coldly and Espy moved toward him and lifted her chubby little arms.

"Not now Little Angel, I've gotta talk to your Mama." He told her but leaned down to tousle her curly hair. While he did that Milla looked at Tara and they shared a silent communication. This felt off, really off and they were now very concerned. "Come on."

He stood and motioned for Milla to join him. Ever the obedient daddy's girl she did but she briefly touched Tara's hand as she passed and the other woman understood. Milla was scared and she wasn't going anywhere until she figured out what this was about. As Tara slid her hand into her pocket and touched her burner Clay brought Milla into the kitchen and leaned against the counter while she stood uncertainly in the doorway. He saw the way her hands flexed and knew she was nervous. He'd have to act fast before she got her phone and sent an emergency text.

"Come here." He told her and she walked slowly over to him, her heart beating in her chest. There was something in his eyes that scared her half to death. It was a wild gleam, a mad gleam and it made her swallow thickly.

"What do you need Dad? Tara and I are taking the kids out for a fun day. I could make you some lunch before we head out." She told him, the tremor in her voice and wet sheen to her eyes betraying her fear. Clay felt a fleeting moment of disgust with himself before he remembered what he was doing and why. "We have some leftover pizza from last night or I could make you a sandwich. We have everything for a roast beef, I know you like roast beef."

Her voice went slightly high and Clay quickly looked from her to the doorway. He was expecting Tara to butt in like always but she wasn't there. While he was distracted Milla's eyes drifted to the breadbox. If she could just get there...

"I said we need to talk so we're going to talk." Clay said and Milla's head snapped back to him and she squeaked as she saw the gun in his hand. "I never thought I'd do this Angel, never thought I could do this but I'm backed in a corner and you're gonna help me out of it. Go, tell the doctor gash to take the kids and head out. Say you'll meet them somewhere. I'll be behind ya the whole time."

Milla swallowed and nodded dumbly as she went toward the doorway and to make sure she didn't do anything stupid Clay gently pressed the barrel of the gun against her back, causing her to flinch. Still she calmly walked to the doorway and managed a big fake smile to put the kids at ease, even if Tara wouldn't buy it.

"Milla?" Tara asked as she looked at her sister in law's face then glanced at Clay's. Something was wrong, really wrong.

"Listen, Tara, can you...can you take the kids without me. I need to talk to my Dad for awhile. I know it's a lot to ask, but this is important." Milla asked with fake cheerfulness and Tara nodded.

"Ok, I just need help getting them into the van." Tara said, her eyes conveying a message to Milla, the message was to run as soon as they were outside.

"Naw, you take the older kids first. Milla and I will watch Thomas while you buckle them in." Clay said and he put a little more pressure on the gun's barrel.

"I don't want to leave any of the kids alone. Bad things can happen." Tara said pointedly and Clay gave her a wide and macabre smile.

"Not in this neighborhood." He told her and Milla stood pleading with her eyes.

"Abel, Espy, you guys walk ahead of me alright. I'll carry Thomas." She told them as Clay nodded. Both of the children walked to the door and Milla looked at her father, whose face was now alien to her and he nodded curtly before she crossed the room and took her daughter in her arms.

"Mama loves you baby. Never forget that Mama loves you more than anything in the world ok?" She asked and Espy just gave her a kiss. "Auntie Tara will you bring her to see her Daddy please?"

Milla asked the last in a whisper and Tara nodded before Milla set down her daughter with a kiss, and passed one over to abel before she stood and kissed Tara's cheek. Once the goodbyes were doled out she opened the door and stood watching as Tara put the kids in the van. In a panicked moment she thought she could run for it but the presence of her father behind her and the light pressure of the gun kept her rooted to the spot. As Tara got in the van and looked to the porch Clay leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"Wave goodbye, then close the door." He told her coldly and she did as she was commanded. Once the door was shut he pressed the barrel into her back again. "Let's go to the kitchen, we have a lot to talk about."

…

Tara sped through the streets on her way to the clubhouse. Milla's message was unmistakable and she could tell from the younger woman's posture and Clay's movements that he had something pressed to her back, most likely a gun. As the thought came to her so did the questions. Why would Clay do that to Milla? Milla was his Angel, his babygirl. She was his number one supporter and he loved her as much as he'd ever loved anyone. Also, why would he take her and not Tara, surely Tara would be worth more to him. She was Jax's wife, the new queen. Her death would unravel Jax and make a takeover easy. She thought on it and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the familiar gate. Once she was in and parked, Phil and Rat came to the van.

"Is everything ok Tara?" Phil asked and she quickly shook her head,

"I need to talk to Jax, it's an emergency. Would you mind taking the kids to the swingset while I talk to him?" She asked and Phil nodded.

"Sure, you need my help with anything?" He asked and briefly Tara considered yelling at the big man but thought better of it. He was a sweet guy and just wanted to help a clearly distressed woman.

"I just need you and Ratboy to take care of the kids. Please?" She asked and Phil just nodded.

"You got it." He told her and she nodded before she walked to the clubhouse, relieved when she heard Espy's giggle and a growl from Abel as she pushed open the door.

She practically ran in but stopped herself when she saw Jax sitting at the bar with Tig and Bobby. He turned around in the stool and his eyes widened when they met hers, her fear reflecting back in his.

"What is it Tara? What happened?" He asked as he stood and was flanked by Chibs and Bobby.

"It's Milla, Clay's with her and she's in danger." She told him as she held in a sob. The reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks and the look on the men's faces solved a piece of the puzzle for her. Now she knew why Clay chose Milla as his hostage.

…

"Want some coffee? I just got this new french roast that's strong and bitter. I also made some shortbread that would go great with it. I could also get you a beer, mayb-"

"Shut up!" Clay yelled before he ran hand over his face. "I'm sorry babygirl, I'm just wound up tight. I don't want coffee, I just want us to sit here and talk for awhile."

"Talk about what?" She asked before she bit her tongue, not wanting to anger him further. One of her top rules in life was to never piss off anyone with a gun, especially if the gun was pointed at her.

"First, I really am sorry I'm doing this Angel. I just had no choice. You see, I've made lots of mistakes in my life and they're finally comin' back to bite me in the ass. I knew I'd been too lucky for too damn long. I shoulda' realized sooner just how deep I was gettin'." He told her and saw the fear in her eyes. The part of him that was still her father cringed at the sight. "I need you to get out of this in one piece. I need to get outta Charming and safe. I can only do that with your help."

"What did you do Daddy? Why do you need me?" She asked her big chocolate eyes wide and he sighed as he rubbed a sore hand over his face.

"I got too cocky Angel, I thought I could get the gavel back, get your Ma back. It backfired, now the Club knows what I did and I know they're gunnin' for me. I need you to come with me, get outta Charming, then I'll let you go once I've got a plan. I need you for this." He told her as the first tear slipped down her cheek.

"Why me, why not Tara?" She asked and he chuckled.

"You're so smart but you're clueless. If I take Tara that just gets Jax riled. He'll go out of his way to stop me and I won't get out. I take you and I've got SAMCRO and every Charter from here to Canada standing down. No one's gonna risk hurting you Angel, you've spent your life becoming everyone's little girl, making everyone love ya." He told her and Milla wiped her eyes and chuckled bitterly.

"Not everyone, if you loved me you wouldn't do this, wouldn't put me in harm's way." She told him and looked him dead in the eyes with eyes flashing anger. "I'm pregnant you bastard! If any harm comes to my baby-"

"I'm not gonna hurt you if I don't have to. Just don't do anything stupid to make me have to pull this trigger. I love you Milla, probably the only one I still give a shit about but I will do anything to get out of Charming and you know what they say. You always hurt the ones you love the most." He told her with a grin and watched as she jumped. "What's wrong with you?"

"My phone, it's vibrating." She told him in a small voice and he looked at her.

"Toss it here." He commanded and she did as she was told. His grin turned to a smirk when he saw who it was. "It's hubby, tell him to call back later."

He slid the phone across the table and she took it in shaking hands. When she hit the button it took all of her self control not to start sobbing as she told Juice what her father wanted her to say but hung up before he could speak. She knew hearing his voice would be what pushed her over the edge into hysteria.

…

Juice pulled onto his street and would've sworn that he took the corner on two wheels. He approached his house and felt the blood drain from his face. Parked in his driveway were bikes his Brothers' bikes and the men had congregated near the back of the house en masse. He barely put the truck in park before he threw open the door and rushed out. He tried to bypass the group and go to the door when Chibs and Tig caught him.

"Hold it there Juicy, it's not safe right now." Chibs told him and he stared at the Scotsman with crazed eyes. Chibs had been the one to call him and confirm his worst fears and now he was regretting that action. It seemed to have caused Juice to go over the deep end.

"He's got my fucking wife in there!" He shouted and Jax came up to him.. "Where the hell's Esperanza?"

"She's with Tara and Chantal at the clubhouse. Don't worry, she and the boys are safe. I need you to calm down and think of places we could get into the house without being noticed." He told Juice and Juice nodded, his eyes starting to go back to normal.

"The side of the house, Ellie's bedroom. It's far enough from the kitchen." He said and Jax nodded before he suddenly shouted. "Fuck! No, her window's locked. She made Milla lock it last night after she saw a scary tv show. Shit!"

As Juice yelled he fought against the men again but they held him and refused to let go. While he fought Bobby walked up to them, a cell phone at his ear. He looked from Jax to Juice then sighed.

"I'll tell 'em, just don't hang up." Bobby spoke into the phone before he cursed and looked at the men in front of him. "That was Clay. He wants a new car with a full tank, something that runs. He wants Juice to go to his house and pry open the loose floorboard in his bedroom, says there's about a hundred K in there that he's been hoarding. Once those demands are met he's gonna lead Milla out and if we try anything he's gonna shoot."

After Bobby finished Chibs and Tig tightened their hold on Juice but were surprised when he stilled. As they looked in his eyes they saw the craziness was gone and replaced with a cold, hard look. It was a look they never expected to see on the young man's face. The voice that came out of his mouth chilled them to the bone.

"If he hurts my wife or my baby I'm going to kill him." He said it with a finality that had every man present nodding their heads while Tig and Chibs released him. Once he was free he seemed to shake himself out of a daze then looked at Jax and Bobby. "Is she ok?"

"She's fine, just scared. We're doin' everything we can Juice." Jax assured him and he nodded.

"Get one of the Prospects to go to the house. There's no way in hell I'm leaving." Juice said as he moved his eyes to the house, his expression unreadable.

…

"Juicy just got here." Clay said as he looked out the window. I guess it's time to call the fat man with my demands. Go make some coffee. We might be here awhile."

Milla did as she was told and listened to the conversation Clay was having with Bobby. She couldn't bear to think of him as her father anymore or her daddy. No, daddy's didn't do this to their children. A parent risked their life to protect their child's, they didn't use their child's life as a bargaining chip. As the thought entered her mind she placed her hand on her stomach where her child was growing. Little Bean, Esperanza, Ellie and Kenny were the reason she followed along with everything Clay was doing. She wouldn't get reckless, she wouldn't try to be the hero because she was sure that would set him off. The last thing she wanted was for him to hurt her and take her baby away or take her away from her babies. Once the coffee began percolating Milla went to the cabinet and took out a mug for Clay then brought it to the table with the condiment carousel. As she set them down she noticed that the silverware was missing so she went to the drawer while Clay continued to speak on the phone, this time his tone had changed and it was obvious he was talking to someone else. She opened the drawer and took out the required silverware but something drew her eyes upward and she sucked in a breath as she sw the breadbox. She looked back and saw that Clay was still distracted so she quickly reached behind the breadbox and grabbed what was concealed there and as she slipped it into the waistband of her jeans she closed the drawer and turned to the table. Now she had a chance. She just hope all of Otto's lesson's would pay off if it came to it.

…

Clay stood at the window, glancing out as he kept his gun trained on his daughter. Part of him hated what he was doing and hated himself for it but that part of overruled by the part that wanted to live. He watched Milla pour him a cup of coffee before she sat down and folded her hands in front of her. He found himself smiling, it was a sign that she was thinking hard about something. Gemma and Jax did the same thing and he remembered that Thomas used to do it too. Milla may have had more Morrow traits but there were parts of her that were pure Gemma. He guessed those were the parts he loved most. Speaking of the devil he looked out again when he heard a vehicle pull up and he watched his wife practically jump out of the passenger's seat of a big truck before her Latin lover got out the other side. As he watched her he felt rage and loathing and knew he had to do something.

"Milla." He spoke her name as she jumped and she answered back without even looking at him.

"What Clay?" She asked and he felt a sharp jab in his chest at her refusal to call him dad.

"Come 'ere, we're goin' outside for a minute." He told her as she stood and he moved behind her as she walked to the door and he opened the door as he walked her onto the porch. Suddenly, there was movement as Juice and Gemma began to walk toward them and Clay shook his head. "I wouldn't do that if I was you."

"Jesus Christ Clay!" Gemma practically shouted. "She's your damn daughter, let her go. If you need a hostage take me."

Clay snorted and used the gun to move Milla forward.

"You? Why the fuck would I do that? No one cares about an old, used and abused gash like you. I wouldn't make it out of the city limits." He told her and reveled in the hopelessness in her eyes before he turned to Bobby and Jax. "You get my car yet? Why isn't Juice goin' to get my money?"

"We're workin' on it and Rat's got your money. Why don't you let Milla go. You have our word that you'll get out alive. We'll give you a day's head start." Jax tried to negotiate and Clay put a large hand on Milla's shoulder.

"You think I believe anything that comes outta your mouth? Call me when my demands have been met." He told them before he backed into the house, pulling Milla in front of him as a shield.

During the exchange Milla had kept her eyes trained on Juice and tried to convey everything she was feeling at that moment to him. She was scared, she was angry, she was bitterly disappointed but, overall, she loved him and had faith in him. He'd get her out of this, she trusted him implicitly.

…

Juice stood with Hap at the side of the house as the other man took the step ladder they'd gotten from the garage and climbed it to study the windows. After Clay's little show they'd come to the realization that the only thing they could do was go for the surprise attack. For that to happen they needed to find the best entry point and get through silently, thus Juice and Hap were the right team for the task.

"Hand me your knife." Happy told him and Juice got it for him without question. He'd do anything Hap said as long as it got him in the house and got his wife out.

While Juice watched Happy jimmied the knife under the frame and managed to move the lock out of it's position before he handed the knife to Juice and slowly opened the window. Juice felt adrenaline start to course through him as the window was opened and Hap looked back at him with a nod before the taller man climbed through the window and once he was inside Juice followed suit. As Juice climbed through he almost stumbled but Hap caught him and shook his head before he nodded toward the door and Juice nodded quickly before the enforcer started to the door as Juice followed. It may have been his house but his emotions were going crazy and he didn't trust himself on point. Milla didn't need him rushing in and playing the hero.

…

Milla sat across the table from Clay studying the grain in the wood. They hadn't spoken since he brought her back in the house and she was grateful for the silence. His voice made her sick now and she didn't feel like throwing up. The silence was interrupted by what sounded like the scuff of boots and Milla looked up and was surprised to see Clay just sitting there, his eyes far off. He hadn't heard it! She felt giddy, they were going to save her. There was another scuff and this time Clay heard and sprung up faster than a man in his condition should have and had his gun trained on Milla as Hap and Juice appeared in the doorway, guns drawn.

"Put the gun down Clay." Juice said, his voice strong as he ordered the older man, his eyes sliding to his wife briefly.

"You know I can't do that Juicy. You stand down and I won't be forced to do something we'll all regret." He said as he turned his head to Milla for emphasis. "Put down your gun son. You too Hap."

"Not gonna happen." Hap said and Clay glared at the intimidating man.

"You heard him Clay, we're not putting our guns down." Juice said andmoved a step forward which caused Clay to point the gun at him reflexively.

When Milla saw Clay zero in on Juice all sense of self preservation left her and her fear took over. She wasn't going to lose him, not after everything they'd been through. She got out of her chair and threw herself at Clay who stumbled a bit but pushed her roughly to the ground. She collided with the counter painfully before she slid along it and landed on the ground and held her stomach. She was hurt she didn't know how badly.

"You son of a bitch!" Juice yelled as he started to lunge toward Clay who moved the gun to Milla again.

"Think about what you're doin' Juicy." He said as he inched toward Milla and the silence that followed was deafening until a small click was heard.

"Think about what you're doing Clay." All eyes turned to the floor where Milla had landed and stared at the tiny woman with the gun in her hand, aimed at Clay's head. "Put down the gun and let Juice and Hap take you. You have a lot of shit to answer for."

"I'm not goin' anywhere." Clay said as Milla's arm started to shake. "You can't even hold that gun sweetheart."

Milla didn't answer and Clay stopped and looked at the two men who had inched into the room. Suddenly there was movement then it was like everything was in slow motion. Juice leapt at Clay while Hap covered him and Clay pointed his gun toward Juice as two shots rang out and both men fell but Juice got up and Clay groaned from his place on the floor as blood began to soak the cloth of his shirt from the hole in his side. Juice practically jumped him as he went to his wife who was staring wide eyed at the man in front of her and she shivvered as Juice took her in his arms.

"It's ok baby, you're safe." He said quietly as he kissed her head and rocked her while Happy moved to Clay and nudged him before he looked at Milla and the corners of his mouth turned up.

"Nice shot kid." He said before all noise was drowned by the sound of people rushing into the house. Jax scanned the kitchen and his eyes moved from Clay's groaning form to his sister who was in her husband's arms while she clutched a gun white-knuckled.

"Who did this?" He asked and Juice looked at him.

"Milla did it, she saved my life." He said and Jax nodded before they made quick work of getting Clay out of the house. Bobby hung back and looked at Juice, a proud look on his face.

"Want me to proxy your vote?" He asked and Juice shook his head.

"No, I'm gonna be there. Get Gemma, I'm not leaving Milla alone." He told the big man who nodded and a few moments later Gemma came through the door and nodded. "I need you to watch her until I get back. She's in shock."

"Of course." She said before she knelt in front of her babygirl and gently removed the gun from her hands. That seemed to wake her up and when Juice released her she practically jumped into her mother's arms. "Go on, I've got this."

Juice nodded before he ran a hand over Milla's hair then left the house. This vote was important and he'd be damned if he was going to miss it and as long as Milla was in good hands he knew he was doing the right thing.

…

Later that night...

Juice held Milla as she cried. She'd been doing it off and on all night and he couldn't blame her, her world had been turned upside down and the man that was supposed to be her father had betrayed her. She was entitled to some tears.

"I'm sorry." She whispered quietly and Juice pushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"You have nothing to be sorry about babe." He told her and she moved out of his arms and rolled so her back was to him.

"Yes I do, I shouldn't be breaking down like this. I'm alive, you're alive, the kids are all good and Clay's been taken care of. I should be fine." She said and Juice moved behind her and spooned her, being careful not to press on the bruise that covered her side.

"You shot your dad today, that's got to mess with your head." He said and a new wave of tears came to her eyes.

"He's not my dad, he's nothing." She said as she tried to convince herself of that fact and Juice kissed her temple.

"Just sleep, we'll talk in the morning." He told her and rubbed her stomach until she stilled and her breathing became normal then he closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep.

…

Author's Note: I hope you all liked this chapter. I spent a lot of time working this out in my head before I committed it to my browser. I know it's long but this was tying up loose ends and the next chapter is the last. I want to thank you all for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me.