A/N

I am sooooo sorry it took so long to update. Just to give you an insight, I have been writing this story for close to 2 ½ years. I already, according to word, have about 153 pages and 15 (longish) chapters' lol. What I am trying to do is go through, make sure that when I jump in time and such, that I have everything lined up correctly, spelling grammar, etc. I will try to update as much as I can, but know I just want to make sure that everything is "perfect" for you guys!

Thank you everyone for the follows and reviews so far!

Without further ado, here's chapter two!

**SOA**

I sat there on the roof looking at Jax. I just met this man officially just 4 hours ago and he's practically jumping my bones.

"Well then." Is all I can manage out. He looked at me and smiled.

"Yea, that was definitely something." I stood up and started walking to the ladder. "Where are you going?" he asked. I turned to him and shook my head.

"I'm super tired. Unless you forgot, I just rode from Colorado to California in 3 days, so I was going to relax a little bit." He stood up and threw his finished cigarette.

"I'll come with you. Show you around the club house and dorms." I just nodded and climbed down the ladder. I walked back into the clubhouse, grabbing my bag that I had thrown in the corner. Opie came over and gave me a giant hug.

"I still cannot believe you're here. How long has it been since you've been to Charming?" I wrapped my arm around his waist as we move towards the stairs. I see Jax go towards where the others were as Opie and I went upstairs. There was something about Jax that I couldn't put my finger on. I felt like I had knew him before but I wasn't sure where from. But part of me was attracted to him immediately. I mean, who wouldn't be. He was extremely sexy and he knew it. But did I even want to consider the possibility of starting something with someone, let alone the clubs VP? I shake my head as I look back up at Opie who is still smiling at me.

"It's been a few years, Ope. I've wanted to come over, just the last 3 years have been extremely tough with my brother and father passing." I trail off. We stopped at the top of the stairs and he gave me a hug again. I dropped my bag and hugged back, this time, I started uncontrollably crying. Thinking about my brother and father always hurt, no matter how long ago it was. I felt Opie caressing my hair, rocking me back and forth.

"It's ok, you're home now. You have family with us here in Charming." I wiped my eyes with my hoody and gave a small smile. He led me to a room down the hall, where he dropped my bag. "Well, this is it," he said leaning against the door frame. I looked around and sat on the bed. There was a desk in the corner, a closet right next to it and two end tables on either side. I looked over at Opie and he was smiling.

"Thank you again, for everything. It's still so hard to realize that this all happened, but it is what it is. I can't dwell on it." I hang my head low looking at my fingers. I feel the bed move next to me and an arm snake around my shoulders. I just naturally lean into his shoulder, taking in the warmth and comfort. I have never been this emotional, I always tried not to show weakness, but I feel like it has come to a point where I don't know how to be strong.

"Like a bad break up, they will realize that it's their loss. We got the treasure from their poor decisions and we plan to keep it that way." He gives me a squeeze and starts walking to the door. "Remember, if you need anything, I'm just a call away. Most of the guys are downstairs and I should be here a little longer. I think we're going to celebrate your patch in tomorrow night." He said with a grin. I nod and give a weak smile and with that, he leaves leaving the door cracked open. I lean back on the bed and stare at the ceiling. This is home I kept thinking, almost trying to convince myself of that statement. I mean, this is home, right? I was with old family from before and getting to know new family. Also, being part of the SONS, we are all family no matter what. I can't help but hope that my old club was moving on without me ok.

I think back at all the good times I had with my boys. Luke and Rig were my go to guys after my brother and father's passing. They never had done me wrong once and always had my back. There is so much of me that wanted to take them with me here, to take them away from the poison Shawn was going to spill into that club. Because as much as I wish one of my boys was taking my spot over, Shawn has too many of them wrapped around his finger. Just then, I hear a knock at my door breaking all train of thought. I roll my head over and see Jax in the doorway.

"You can come in, just no funny business." I say jokingly. He chuckles and lies on the bed next to me. I look over at him and he has his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling.

"How do you like it here so far?" he asks breaking the ice. I prop myself on my elbow looking at him.

"So far, it's nice here. Everyone is so awesome and welcoming, reminds me of my old club. My dad always wanted to make sure everyone that walked into that club, member or not, felt welcomed and not threatened." Jax looks over at me, looking like he's trying to read my mind.

"You're family, even if you're from another charter; we would never treat you any differently than someone that has always been here at Redwood. Plus from what Opie and Piney have said about you, you're definitely going to be a great addition to our side of things." For the first time since I left a few days ago, I smiled a genuine smile. I sat up, wrapping my arms around my knees and looked over at where Jax was lying. I see his hair sprawled across my pillow, a cigarette in his mouth. In such a short amount of time, he has shown me so much care. I stood up and started walking to the door. "Where are you going now?" He asked with a look on his face like I was leaving and never coming back.

"I'm just going to go grab something to eat. I haven't eaten since I left Nevada and that was about 9 hours ago." I chuckle. He jumps up and follows me out the door.

"The diner that is right up the road is 24 hours if you wanna go grab a bite. I'll even take you, my treat." I look back at him, seeing him give me that smile. How could I refuse an offer like that?

"Sure, that sounds great. It'll help me recognize the town and get used to things around here." I say as we walk past Chibs, Tig and Juice.

"Ay, where are you lad and lassie heading off to?" Chibs pipes up.

"We're heading to the diner for a bite to eat. You guys wanna come?" Jax asks. Without and answer, we see the whole club house pretty much stand up and follow us outside. I go over to my Dyna to hop on, but Jax grabs my arm. "You must be tired from riding, hop on my bike." He says. Ride bitch? It's been so long, but it would be a nice change. I nod, grabbing my helmet, following Jax to his bike. His Dyna was a slick back with the light cover on the front, rounding the front of the bike out. I hop on the back, looking down the line as everyone got on their bikes. I can only imagine the looks people will get when we pull into this diner with 8 bikers. I chuckle at the idea, and I see Jax look back at me. "You ready?" he asked behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and nodded.

"Let's go get something to eat." I say with a small smile on my face. He smiles back and turns on his bike. I lay my head on his cut, laying it on the reaper. Before my brother taught me how to ride, I would always ride on the back of my brothers or father's bike. I always said I felt safe knowing the reaper was there to save me. That feeling has never gone away, no matter where the reaper was from. As we pulled into the diner, as I suspected, everyone was looking out the window like the circus had just come into town. Jax stops his bike and kicks the kickstand. "Does this happen often?" I ask as he helps me off the back.

"Yea, pretty much. You would think after so many years of us being in town that they would get used to it." We both laughed. I set my helmet on the seat and start walking into the diner, Jax swinging is arm around my shoulders. I looked up at him smiling. I was just going to go along with this and let it ride out, I thought to myself. When we all walked in, we grabbed our seats at the booths, acting like rowdy kids. I slid into the booth, sitting by the window, Jax and Opie following suit. Chibs and Clay sat across from us. Jax nudged into me, putting his arm around me again. I looked up and smiled.

"I talked to one of the old ladies that hangs around. She said she will have your cut finished by tomorrow so you can wear it again." Clay says as he sips his drink. I can't help but smile.

"That's awesome news. I feel naked without it." The waitress came over and grabbed our orders between the two booths we had taken up. As we're sitting, talking away, I feel by phone buzz and I see its Rig. "Hey, I have to take this. I'll be right back." Jax and Opie move out of the booth as I make my way outside.

"Hey Rig! How are you?" I say, finding a wall to lean up against.

"Paige! Oh my god, you're alive! Luke and I have been waiting for you to call. We were worried sick." I looked down at the ground. If there was anyone that I missed was Luke and Rig. They were my ride or die guys and I felt so guilty that I left them.

"Yea, I'm good. I went out to see my Uncle in Charming. He and his son are really my only family left." Just then, I hear a voice come through the phone that was not Rig's.

"You went to Charming? Are you fucking kidding me? Are you joining their charter?" I hear Luke ask. I started pacing, not sure how to break the news.

"Luke, you know I was made NOMAD the moment I was voted out. I had nowhere to go. Being part of the SONS has always been in my blood."

"I know it is Paige, I just wish you didn't leave. It's only been 3 days and I and Rig are already thinking about going NOMAD ourselves. Shawn is a horrible leader. He's already running us like monkeys." I laugh at the last comment, but realize how they're feeling.

"I didn't want to leave and I know you guys amongst others, voted for me to stay. I wish I have had more control over the situation before this happened. And to know that Shawn was voted in as President instead of one of you guys," I hear myself trail off. I leaned against the wall and slide down it, sitting on the ground. "I feel like I failed my father, Luke. I feel like if he was here, or even my brother, this would have never happened." I feel my eyes start to well up with tears. I flipped my hood up so no one could see my face.

"You did everything you could, girly. You were an amazing leader. You were leading us to the right path. People are greedy, you know that. Shawn never once liked you being patched into the club, I have a hunch that he plotted this all. I'll have to talk to you about it another time. Can we call you tomorrow?" Luke asked. I wiped my eyes of the tears.

"Yea, just give me a call tomorrow. I hope you both know I love you, so much." I hear Luke start to say something but Rig comes on the line.

"We know and don't you ever forget we love you too!" I chuckle, sniffling back.

"Ok, ok. I'll talk to you guys later." And I hung up the call. I rested my arms on my knees and leaned in. I didn't realize how long I had been sitting there because I looked up and saw Jax standing over me.

"You were out here for a long time and the guys were getting worried, I was getting worried." He said as he knelt down, placing his hands on my knees. I looked up at him, wiping my eyes with my sleeve.

"I'm ok, that was just one of my boys from home. They were worried about me and where I was." Jax extends his arm out and helps me up off the ground. "I feel like I've failed them, Jax. I failed my guys, I failed my dad, and I failed my brother." Jax grabs me and pulls me in. He moves my hood down and starts caressing my hair.

"You didn't fail Paige. You did everything in your power to keep that club in your control." He said as I felt him kiss the top of my head. I stepped back and looked at him.

"Thank you. It's going to take some time for me to accept that, but thank you." Jax just smiled a Jax kind of smile.

"Let's head back inside. Our food is probably there." I smile and nodded. He swung his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. I wiped my eyes one more time before we walked back to the booth. The waitress was just placing our dishes on the table so we made it back in time. Opie looked at me funny when I moved back into the booth, but he didn't ask anything. We all ate our food, cracking occasional jokes. Though this feeling was a good feeling, it still felt a little weird experiencing this with a whole new club. I looked around and saw Jax and Opie laughing at something Tig and Bobby said behind them. I saw Clay laughing with Chibs. I felt weird not laughing, but I was smiling. That was enough, right I thought to myself. After we were done eating, we all headed back to the clubhouse.

I hopped onto Jax's bike, wrapping my arms around his waist. Today has been so overwhelming; I started crying into his cut. I tried so hard to keep it in, but for some reason, I just couldn't keep it in. When we pulled into the lot at Teller-Morrow, I hopped right off of Jax's bike, and ran inside. I didn't want anyone to see me. I didn't want anyone to think I was weak, but seriously, who has gone through the shit I have gone through at the age of 27. I slammed the door behind me into my room and stared right into the mirror. I looked at my face, all blotchy from crying, my green eyes dark, and my cheeks red. I put my hood back on, hiding my brown hair, jumping right onto the bed. I lay, facing the wall trying to hide away from things. I have never been this emotional, ever. It freaked me out a lot because this wasn't me. But really, not many people have had the shit that has happened to me within 6 years. I had been so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't hear my door open because I felt the bed beside me move.

"Leave me alone." I said quietly. Instead of them leaving, the person moved closer to me, feeling an arm wrap over me, pulling me closer.

"Just because the bike is loud, don't think I didn't hear you crying into my back Paige," Jax said. I curled up into a ball more, moving more into his body. "Don't shut us out, don't shut me out. We're here to help you as much as we can. You've been through a lot of shit. Promise me that if you're feeling low, come talk to me." Ok is all I can manage out. I feel him kiss my hair and with that I drift off to sleep.

**SOA**

I wake up feeling more refreshed than I have in the past few days. It was the first time I had not slept in a hotel but in a bed that I felt was home. I start to try and move and realized that Jax was still in my bed with me; his arm slumped over my chest. He looked so peaceful sleeping. I lightly moved his arm and climbed out of bed. I went downstairs to see Piney and Bobby with a woman that looked to be in her late 40s.

"Hey baby girl!" I heard Piney exclaim. I see Bobby and the woman look over at me smiling.

"So this is the infamous Paige Kerr." I hear come from the woman.

"I'm sorry, you have me at a disadvantage." she just laughs.

"Oh, of course sweetie. I'm Gemma Teller. I'm Clay's wife and Jax's mother."

"Also the mother hen of this place," Bobby chimes in. "Without her, we'd all be dead and this place would burn to the ground."

"Yea you could say that." She says as she laughs, taking a drink of her coffee. I grab a seat at the bar with them. "You want a cup of coffee sweetheart?" I nod, smiling at her. Gemma reminded me a lot of my mom when she was around. She left us when I was about 13, when my brother was prospecting with the club. She couldn't handle the club and my father and now brother being part of it. The club was in the guns trade at that time and things were getting crazy. She threatened to take me with her but she left in the middle of the night, leaving the three of us behind. "Does anyone know where Jax is? He didn't come home last night."

"Right here ma." I spun around and saw him. He was walking towards the bar, just a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. "I crashed here, was too tired and didn't want to ride home." He smiles at me and walks right to his mom, kissing her on the cheek. I miss that kind of relationship him and his mom have. I took a sip of my coffee, hopping off the bench.

"I'll talk to you guys in a bit. I'm going to go check over my bike. Taking the journey that I did, she's in some need of TLC." I walk over and give Piney a hug.

"Well holler if you need anyone to help ya baby girl." He says as I start walking to the door.

"You got it Uncle Piney." I smile back at him, and walk outside. Stepping outside, I completely forgot the California weather and how warm it was already. I slide off my hoody and threw it on the picnic table. My Dyna glistened in the sun, showing off her deep red color. I kicked up the kickstand and rolled it over to the garage where I saw what looks like Happy working on a car.

"Hey Happy. You got any spare tools you may be able to lend me? I just want to tune up my girl here." He looks over and smiles.

"A girl that rides a bike, in a motorcycle club and can work on bikes? How are you not taken yet?" I laughed at him as I took the tools from his hand.

"Funny thing is not many guys are attracted to a girl that is like a guy." He stands up and looks me up and down.

"Are you sure they're looking at you? You have the figure that girls would die for, your hair is long, and excuse me but you have some other assets. They're just not real men." I gave Happy a kiss on the cheek.

"I appreciate it Hap. Maybe one day I will find that someone." I throw my hair up and walk back over to my Dyna and start looking her over. I probably spent 45 minutes tuning everything up, detailing her and making sure there was nothing wrong. I was so concentrated in the work I was doing that I didn't realize that most of the club house had been watching me. I rubbed my hands on the front of my jeans and walked over to everyone.

"Where did you learn how to fix a bike like that?" I heard Clay say through the crowd of people. "That motor sounds amazing."

"Between my father and my brother, they taught me over the years and some of the guys too." I looked around and saw people smiling. I looked back at my bike. "That bike was built from the engine up. She's my baby. Paint job was done by one of my friends back in Colorado, a nice deep red with a pearlescent." Gemma comes over to Clay's side and takes a drag of her cigarette.

"You know, one of the guys bailed on us here. If you want, you can take his place here at the shop; earn a little money while you're here." My eyes widened. Only been two days since I've been here and I'm being offered a job.

"Absolutely! I love working on bikes and cars. Thank you Gemma." She smiled and nodded at me. I walked back inside to see Opie and Jax talking at the bar.

"Hey baby girl! Just saw you working on your bike. She sounds amazing." Opie said as he walked over to me, giving me a big hug.

"Yea, taking the trip from Colorado to California, she was sounding a little tired so I tuned her up a bit." I grabbed the nearest rag and started rubbing my hands to get the grease off.

"Should have you look at mine sometime." Jax looks over at me and smiles. I throw the rag at him and laugh.

"Anytime Teller. Just let me know. I'm going to head up and take a shower; I got a little dirty and yucky." I start to walk over to the stairs when I hear Opie call my name.

"Paige, by the way," I turn around and he throws something at me. It's my cut. I unfolded it and that's when it all hit me. The Colorado was replaced with California; a SAMCRO rocker was on the front and 'Redwood Original'. Opie walked over to me holding something else. "Clay asked them to keep the Colorado, just in case you wanted it." He said handing me the old Colorado rocker. I give him a hug.

"Thank you." Is all I can say, and I run upstairs. Before I go to the bathroom, I walk to my room, throwing my cut onto the chair. Sitting on my bed, I look down at the rocker that is lying in my hands. Did I want to keep this? I thought to myself. I placed the Colorado rocker on the dresser and walked to the bathroom. The hot water felt so nice running down my body and through my hair. As weird as it sounded, but taking a hot shower made me feel like I was at home again. After my shower, I went to my room to change. I remember Opie saying they were going to throw a party for my patch in so I stood in the mirror, thinking of what to wear. I slipped on a pair of jeans with my ankle boots, throwing on my long sleeve shirt with the holes in the thumbs and a light hoody. I looked down at the chair where my cut laid. I looked back at the Colorado rocker that I laid on my dresser. I picked it up and kissed it before hanging it on the wall over my bed.

"Hey! Are you coming back down?" I heard a raspy voice come from my door. I laughed hearing Happy.

"Yea just a minute. Just finishing getting ready." I call back to him. I hear him scoff and walk away from the door. I go back to the chair where my cut was laying. I finally picked it up and slid it on, taking one good look in the mirror. The cut had been custom made by my mom. Though she never wanted me in the club, she made it because she knew me; she knew this is where I would land. I turned around and saw the California rocker and smiled. My new family. After taking a deep breath, I left my room and headed back downstairs to where everyone was congregating. The first person to see me was Opie who was at the bar talking to Piney and Jax. I just see this big grin come across his face and he strides to me.

"You look damn good baby girl. That cut looks good on you." he said as he kissed my forehead. Opie led me back to the bar where I saw the same smile on Piney's face.

"It's official. You are now a Redwood Original. So proud of you baby girl and everything you have done." he said handing me a beer. I smiled and nodded back. Jax turned and looked at me.

"Looking good darlin'." He said clinking our beers. I took a swig looking around the clubhouse. Some of the sweet butts were already hanging around some of the members. I saw some of them playing pool, some of the playing darts and some just chilling on the couches. No matter what charter you were from, nothing every changed. I laughed and shook my head. I see Clay emerged from the office in the corner of the room with Gemma in tow.

"Are you ready to party?" Clay said raising his beer. I smiled and raised my beer to his.

"As ready as I'll ever be. If your parties are anything like what mine were like back home, I know it's going to be a good time." A few more members emerged laughing.

"Oh sweetheart, you're in for the ride of your life." Tig said swinging his arm on one of the sweet butts. I laughed and shook my head.

"Oh this is going to be an interesting night." I turned back towards the bar and saw that Piney was replaced by a Crow-eater. "Can I get a whiskey." she nodded as she started filling the glass up, handing it to me. I downed the whole thing, handing it back for a refill. Sure as hell going to definitely be a long night, I thought to myself, downing the second glass of whiskey. I'm not known for getting crazy but when the party is in my honor, who am I to disappoint.

The night continued and the clubhouse started to fill in. Some surrounding charters were there celebrating. They had known of me and some I had met in the past. I had taken the bottle of whiskey and began to drink straight out of the bottle, having some fun. I wasn't the only one getting drunk. I saw Happy and Juice sitting on the couch with a couple sweet butts, so I took it upon myself to squeeze my way in.

"Heyyyy boyyysss." I slurred out plopping on the couch. Juice and Happy looked at me and laughed.

"Paige, are you ok?" Juice asked swinging his arm around me. I looked up at him, but it looked like I had seen 2, maybe 3 of him moving around.

"Ohhhh, I'm finnne. Just having fun at the party!" Juice looked at Happy and shrugged. I looked over at Happy who was taking a swig of his beer. "Happy, cannn I ask you something?" he gives me a look and nods. "You've been around a lot of different charters, being Nomad and all. Do you think I was a good president?" Juice leaned and looked at the both of us. I saw in the corner of my eye Happy wave him off to leave, but I wasn't sure. Then I feel Happy's arm swing over my shoulders, bringing me closer and kissing my forehead.

"You were an awesome President. I don't typically give compliments, so don't tell anyone. Colorado, aside from Tacoma, was my favorite place to visit. The vibe you guys had going on over there was amazing. It felt good to be welcomed, even as a Nomad," I leaned forward and put the whiskey bottle on the table in front of us. I feel Happy grab my arm and bring me back to the couch. "You can't blame yourself for that shit, kid. You did everything you possibly could to keep that club from going under. Nothing you can do now." I looked at the "Tacoma Killer" and smiled at his words. He was right; I can't keep beating myself up for this.

"Thanks Hap. I definitely needed to hear that. It's going to take time, but thank you for saying that." For a second, I could have sworn I saw a smile from Happy, but I shook my head and stood up. Almost forgetting that I had downed three fourths of a bottle of Jack, I almost fell flat on my face. I felt an arm grab me, only to see it was Jax. I started laughing as he helped me up.

"Had a little too much to drink, darlin'? He asked, staring at me with those eyes.

"Yeaaaa, mayyybbee." He shook his head hearing me slur my words.

"Come on, I think the party is over for you." he says wrapping his arm around my shoulders, trying to stabilize me. Unfortunately, my legs had another plan as I start to stumble. I fall flat on my ass, dragging Jax down with me. I start laughing because of how funny Jax's face was when he landed on the ground too. He looks over at me laughing and shaking his head. Once he helped me up, he led me to the back where the dorms are. I could see that we were not going to the room they designated to me.

"Jax-" is all I manage out before I'm bolting to the bathroom. I could feel the vomit making its way up the entire time we were walking, but I could not hold it in. As I start vomiting into the toilet, I feel my hair pull back. I look over and see Jax kneeling down, holding my hair with a look of concern on his face. After a few more heaves, everything goes black.

**DREAM**

I hear gun shots as I am lying on the ground. As I look over, I see my brother drop to the ground, with a blank stare on his face. I crawl over to him crying uncontrollably, shaking him trying to wake him up. I look up and see Shawn standing over me and my brother's body. I see Shawn take out his gun and point it to my head.

"This club is mine." he says as he cocks the gun back.

**DREAM**

I jolt up from the bed, panting like crazy. I feel myself in a layer of cold sweat, trying to catch my breath. Holy shit, it's just a dream I thought. That felt so real. At that point, I can't control my feelings and start balling my eyes out.

"Hey, darlin'. What's wrong?" I hear from beside me. I look over and I see a sleepy Jax rubbing his eyes, reaching for my arm. I look down and see that all I have on his a SAMCRO t-shirt and my underwear on. I look over at the clock and it shines bright saying 3:30am.

"Yea, it was just a bad dream." I looked over at him and he patted the bed behind me. I lay back down, resting my head on his chest, moving my arm over his mid-section. I felt his other hand under my neck, caressing my hair.

"Do you want to talk about it? Must've been some dream for you to wake up the way you did."

"Maybe later. I don't even want to think about it." I nuzzled into his chest, feeling his warmth. 3 days and this is the safest I have felt since my brother died. Just as I felt myself drifting back to sleep, I felt him kiss my hair and run his fingers through it. That alone confirmed everything I was feeling and I went back to sleep with a smile on my face.