Fighting Back

Chapter 28

Nicole made her way over to Jax's dorm to get some of her stuff. As she walked inside she saw Tara packing up her belongings.

"You going somewhere?" Tara stopped packing and gave a sideways look to Nicole.

"Tig said it's safe now, we can leave. Plus think he was getting a little bit sick of the kids running around." Nicole nodded in agreement. "You want to come home with me, must be running out of things by now."

"Think I'm gonna stay for a bit longer, clear my head. Unless you want me to come back with you?"

"No it's okay, but if you really want some space I'm working a night shift so the house will be empty."

"Okay." Tara smiled sweetly at her before grabbing her bag.

"Right well I'll let you dressed." Tara walked towards the door running her hand down Nicole's arm before she left.

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After getting dressed into a pair of dark skinny jeans that had a rip on the one knee, a loose V neck white t-shirt. She ran her straightens over her long dark hair before concentrating on her makeup. Normally it took only a few minutes but today took longer as she had a lot more to cover up.

She had two black eyes a cut above her left eye and a cut lip which was still slightly swollen. Her injures didn't stop there, both her wrists were covered in bruises and rope burns, she also had finger marks along her neck and arms. Truth was she wasn't a pretty sight.

On her way out she grabbed her fitted black hoodie from her bag, so she could cover more of her body. Oh her way out of she saw Kozik hovering outside Happy's dorm room, it looked like he was arguing with himself whether or not he should knock.

"Hey." She spoke softly as she lent her side against the wall her arms folded across her chest.

"Hey." He replied turning to face her.

"You looking for me?"

"Yeah.." He walked towards her. "About last night..."

"Already forgotten."

"I was out of line."

"Maybe but we all do stupid shit, I of all people know that." He laughed.

"Yeah. So we good?"

"Yes."

"And what I said about Hap..." Nicole shook her head.

"Let's not go there."

"Let me just say this." Nicole nodded "Your a special kid, anyone stupid enough not to realise that doesn't deserve you."

"Right." She remarked lowering her head as she tried to hide her embarrassment. Kozik smiled at her shyness before placing a kiss on top of her head and walking away, but Nicole caught his hand in hers. "I'm going to talk to Tig, tell him I'm okay with you being voted in."

"I know I asked you to before but I was wrong, you don't have to do that."

"I know, but I want to it's the least I can do."

"Come ere." He pulled her towards him hugging her tightly. They only pulled apart when they heard someone clearing their throat. Looking down the hall they saw Tig standing there, his face like stone. Kozik and Nicole quickly pulled away from one another.

"Nic phone, its Jax." Nicole walked towards him as he held out the phone making sure to cover the mouthpiece. "He doesn't know anything." He whispered to Nicole as his eyes stayed fixed on Kozik.

"Okay." Nicole looked back at Kozik before taking the phone from Tig and making her way towards Church so she could have a little privacy.

"Tig it's..." Tig just shook before turning away from him.

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As Nicole closed the doors behind her she saw Tig storming outside the clubhouse, she sighed deeply knowing she would have to deal with that shit storm later.

"Hello."

"Nic..." Jax cried down the phone.

"Jay..Jay what's wrong?" Nicole asked, she could feel her heart racing his tone was scarring her.

"I found him." She could tell he was fighting back tears.

"Abel." Jax didn't answer but she knew she right.

"I've let him go..."

"Let him go I don't understand...what do you..."

"I can't... I can't"

"Jay you're scarring me, your not making any sense...Jay..." Nicole heard a woman's voice that she was certain belonged to Gemma, next thing she knew the line went dead.

Pulling the phone away from her ear she stared at it in complete confusion. Had Jax really just let his son go. She didn't understand. She tried calling him back twice but it just rang off. Her worry was increasing. Giving up on Jax she tried Clay but again was met with the same response.

"Fuck." She muttered to herself as she searched through the contacts. She stopped when she came to Happy's name. Her fingered lingered for a second before pressing the call button. She sat nervously waiting but again no answer. Throwing the phone on the table in frustration she ran her fingers through her hair. "What is the point in having a phone if your not answer the damn thing." She shouted.

Enough was enough grabbing the phone she left the Chapel and headed over to the workshop where she saw Tig working on a car.

"Hey." She shouted as she approached. Tig gave her a filthy look before turning his back on her. Nicole knew he was pissed about what he had thought he'd seen but right now she didn't have time for that he could chew her ass another time right now she needed answers. "Don't walk away from me Tig."

"Your really going there with him." He said turning around sharply causing Nicole to take a step back from him. Nicole looked over at the other workers in the garage, they had pretty much stopped what they were doing when they heard Tig shout.

"NO, not that it's any of your business." She said firmly looking back at him. "And I'm not here to talk about that. What's been happening in Ireland?" This time it was Tig's turn to look at look around the garage. Not wanting them to over hear he took Nicole by her elbow leading her into the office.

"What did Jax say?" He asked closing the door behind them.

"Nothing, that's why I'm asking you he wasn't making any sense. Somebody's got to him, messed with his head somehow so I want to know exactly what's been going on."

"Al'right." Tig rubbed his hand over his chin. "Clay called the other day said they found out McGee and O'Neil were working with Jimmy."

"Shit." Nicole knew what that meant, if you betrayed the club you were dead. Although it would be a hard decision Nicole didn't understand why this would have affected Jax so much. "But I don't understand why that would have Jays head fucked up?"

"Don't think that's the problem." Nicole looked at Tig encouraging him to continue. "There's a priest called Ashby according to Clay...Shit I don't know if I should be telling you this Doll..."

"Tigger please I'm worried."

"He's been playing the JT card with Jax. Stirring up old shit, opening up old wounds."

"Uncle John...but why I don't understand..."

"I'm not sure. You know what Jax has been like anything and anybody could screw with his head right now."

"I suppose."

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothing really. Said he found Abel but then he just started rambling." Nicole took a seat on the old couch. Her head going in her hands. "I've tried calling him back, even calling some of the others guys but none of them are picking up..."

"He'll be fine sweetheart." Tig said trying to give her some comfort. "Your not looking so hot, go get some rest and I'll keep calling them. If I hear anything I'll let you know straight away."

"Thanks." Nicole got up to leave but as she reached the office door she turned back to face Tig. "What you think you saw wasn't what you think. He was just checking I was okay. You know he's a good guy, a good Son and with you lot going inside soon..."

Tig shook his head in anger. "He put you up to this?"

"No. I know you won't admit it but you know I'm right." Tig had to admit she was right. Since the others had left for Belfast he started spending more time with Kozik and was starting to remember why they got on well when he used to be Samcro. But there was no way he was going to admit it to Nicole. When she was proved right she was unbearable. "I know I have no throw with this, this decision lands with you but I just wanted to let you know if you voted him back in I'm good with it."

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Nicole made her way back into the clubhouse. Tig was right she wasn't feeling that hot she felt completely exhausted, but then again having drugs pumped into you for two days straight and then getting the shit kicked out of you is bound to have effect. So Tig's idea of taking some down time sounded pretty damn good, but as she walked inside the clubhouse she got the shock of her life.

"Dougie?" At the sound of his name he spun around on his bar stool. A smile spreading across his face when he realised who called his name.

"The one and only." He said as he pushed himself from his seat and walked over to her. "How you doing sweetheart?" He leant in towards her, his hand moving to her waist as he pulled her closer so he could kiss her on the cheek. He pulled away smirking at the look on Nicole's face.

"What are you doing here?" She asked backing away from him.

"Last person you expected to see huh?"

"What do you want Dougie." He once again closed the gap that she had created between them, his hand finding her waist again. "Between you and me I came to try and help out a friend."

"Ryan?" She questioned.

"Yeah. See he came to me, told me a guy called Weston had a location on you. Then we found out who you really were... "

"Well now you know who I am I suggest you leave." She warned as she tried to push past him. Dougie stopped her, grabbing her waist tighter.

"Easy darlin...I ain't here to hurt you, hitting women ain't my thing. You know that." Nicole remembered the time Dougie had stepped inbetween her and Ryan's fist. She was thankful for that but at the same time she still didn't trust him.

"Maybe not but lets not pretend that your a saint. I saw how you treated those croweaters, it was sick." She spat.

"Their nothing but whores. I treat real women differently." Nicole scoffed.

"What do you want Dougie?"

"I already told you."

"Ryan's dead there's nothing left here for you. Now if you don't mind move."

"Look I'm stuck here until I'm told otherwise. So how about we try to get along till then." Nicole looked him dead in the eyes trying to work out what he his game was but his expression was unreadable. "I promise I'll be on my best behaviour." Dougie removed his hand from her waist and placed his hand on his chest over his heart. "Promise."

"Just stay out of my way and we shouldn't have a problem." Nicole walked away from him towards the dorm rooms.

"I do have to say one thing, your ass looks amazing in those jeans."

"That mouth of yours is going to get you killed asshole." Nicole shouted flipping him off as she turned down the hallway. Dougie laughed as he lit a cigarette. He missed her sass, Ryan really didn't know what he had.

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Nicole had been asleep for a few hours when Tig came knocking on her door. At first she was pissed at being woken up but when Tig told her that he had spoken to Clay and theyd gotten Abel back and were on their way home her anger quickly died away.

In the mood for celebrating the guys had decided to throw an impromptu party. Not really in the mood to be surrounded by croweaters and hangarounds, she decided to take up Tara's offer and headed to Jax's house to enjoy the silence and try to relax.

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Nicole was wearing a pair of navy sweat pants and a grey tank top, a red checked blanket thrown over her legs as she lounged on the sofa with a tub of Cookie Dough ice cream while watching reruns of The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. She leant down to pick up her beer when she heard a knock on the door.

Throwing the blanket off her, she got up of the sofa placing the icecream on the floor as she stared at front the door.

"Who is it?" She called.

"It's Piney." Feeling her body ease she went to open the door.

"Hey Piney." She greeted as she stepped aside to let him in. "Everything okay?" She asked following him as he walked towards the living space.

Piney looked down at the tub of ice cream and beer before glancing at the TV. Hearing her speak he turned to look at her. She was standing in front of him her hands in her pockets. Her petite 5'3 frame making her look tiny and fragile but Piney knew that wasn't the case, but Piney was worried she wouldn't bounce back from this like she had many times before. Taking a life was never an easy thing to do, that he knew from experience and he didn't want this to break her.

"You not joining in the celebrations?"

"No thought I'd give it a miss, not really in the mood." He noticed her one hand covering the bruises on her other wrist and understood what the problem was.

"You shouldn't be embarrassed." He walked over to her and gently took her hand his. He traced his thumb over the markings on her wrist. "These marks prove your alive, remind you that although he may have hurt you made it through. You should be proud. You made the choice to save your life, you made the choice to live, so live." Nicole could feel the tears burning in her eyes. "Don't let this control you."

As he watched her eyes become hazed with tears he knew he'd said enough. Bending down he placed a kiss on top on her silky dark hair. He took one last look at her before leaving her to mull over what he had said.

Nicole stood glued to the spot as Piney's words ran through her head. And she knew he was right. Even though she had told herself that she was no longer going to let herself be the victim she realised that infact that was exactly what she was doing, being a victim.

Instead of celebrating with her family she was curled up on the sofa dressed in sweats with a tub of ice cream. Well not any more, Piney was right she had fought to stay alive and now she had to live her life to the full or what was the point, she might aswell have let Salazar strangle her to death.

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The party was in full swing now and although there was only a few sons around the croweaters had come out in droves, some hangarounds were going to get lucky tonight Kozik thought to himself as he took a swig of his beer.

He was sitting on the leather sofas with his own croweater on his lap when he caught sight of Tig at the bar. Tig had been avoiding him all day which un-nerved him, he would rather just have Tig shout and ball at him even hit him at least then he would know where he stood, but this silent treatment was driving him nuts. He'd had enough.

Tig didn't bother to look, he knew exactly who had taken the stool next to him.

"Listen man about this morning..."

"Don't bother..."

"Tig it wasn't what..." Tig downed what was left of his Whisky before he finally looked at Kozik.

"She's 25 man I've gotta remember that. She can make her own decisions. Plus I ain't her old man."

"Even so man, me and Nicky will never happen again." Tig was confused he had basically just given him the green light and Kozik was still turning it down. "I no you may not believe me but I miss being Samcro man I wanna come back be part of this club, and I'll do whatever it takes." Tig nodded. He couldn't argue about the man's commitment, Tig would like to think how the past few days would have turned out if Kozik wasn't around.

Tig was about to respond when his and Kozik's attention was diverted to the corner of the room where a load of screams and giggles were erupting from a bunch of croweaters.

Dougie was lying on his back on the floor with a croweater standing over him as she poured Vodka down his throat, while another croweater was on her knees licking the vodka that had missed his mouth and landed on his body.

"God I hate that guy." Tig spat.

"Yeah." Kozik agreed downing what was left of his drink.

They watched as Dougie got to his feet, the croweaters flocking around him. He picked out three and started leading them to the dorm room he was staying in. He made sure to flash a smug smile at Tig and Kozik as he passed.

"I hate that kid." Kozik and Tig laughed as Piney joined them at the bar. Both of them couldn't agree more.

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Her hair was washed dried and curled to perfection, her makeup was immaculate, all cuts and bruises disguised with concealer, her eyes underlined heavily with black liner, her lips covered in a peachy gloss and her cheeks blushed. She was wearing a white fitted jersey dress that clung to all her curves and a killer pair of black platforms that made her legs look like they went on forever.

Taking one last look at her makeup in the rear-view mirror of her Mustang she decided she was ready. Grabbing her purse and leather jacket she exited her car and headed towards the clubhouse.

As she walked inside she looked around at the various croweaters and hang arounds that were scattered around the clubhouse, she was surprised at how many people there were. But as she continued to look around she was glad when she couldn't see Dougie and her happiness increased when she saw Tig, Kozik and Piney at the bar drinking and laughing together.

She walked over to them placing her jacket and bag next to Piney. "Hey." She spoke gaining their attention she smiled, glad that they all seemed pleased to see her.

"Thought you weren't coming Doll?"

"I wasn't but it's a woman's prerogative to change their mind." She remarked. She looked at Piney. "So will I do you?"

"You look beautiful sweetheart. Maybe it's a little short but beautiful as always." Nicole laughed at his comment about the length of her dress.

"Yeah you look hot." All eyes turned to Miles behind the bar. As the three sets of eyes stared hard at him. Nicole on the other hand couldn't help but laugh at the deer caught in the headlights look Miles had on his face.

"Thank you Miles." She noticed him relax a little bit but when his eyes went back to the three sons in front of him he quickly became tense again.

"Just get the girl a god damn glass then clear off." Kozik ordered. Miles placed the glass in front of her before disappearing from the bar. Nicole shook her head in amusement.

"So what are we drinking to?" She asked as Piney filled her glass with the Whisky.

"To Abel." Kozik said raising his glass.

"To the club." Tig raised his glass.

"Lost souls." Piney mumbled. They knew he was referring to McGee. Even though he understood that Clay did what he had to, McGee had been a founding 9 and it was a sad loss.

"Family." Nicole said as she raised her glass. They all downed their drinks.

Nicole looked at them and she felt herself tear up. For once everything seemed right. Tig and Kozik were actually getting on. Jax was bringing Abel home and all her family were safe. They just had a few more hurdles to get over but for the first time in a long time she felt that everything was going to be okay.

So this is it we are finally nearing the end of this story about 2 maybe 3 more chapters left. Just wanted to say thank you once again to everyone who has reviewed, and all the adds. I hope you've all been enjoying the story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Thanks again xxx