Disclaimer: As always I own nothing. The entire SOA universe belongs to Kurt Sutter / Sutter ink. I only claim the rights to those characters who were born and raised in my own imagination

Chapter 18

Dropping one last kiss across Amanda's soft inviting mouth, Abel reached for the phone. Without bothering to check the caller id he simply answered with a gruff slightly annoyed "Yeah"

"Abel? It's Chucky…you need to come down to the garage right away."

Confused Abel sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed – running a rough hand through his hair. "Chucky – What the Hell?" practically shouted Abel. Before Chucky could respond, Abel overheard his brothers in the background. "Is that my son?" asked a clearly frustrated Jax.

"Chucky? Chucky? Dammit what's going on down there?" asked an equally frustrated Abel. Snatching the phone from Chucky, "Abel its dad…you need to get your ass over to the garage."

"Dad what the hell is going on over there?" frustration lacing Abel's every word. With total disregard for the question Jax continued on "Is Amanda with you? You better bring her with you!"

"Dad" Abel began only to realize he was talking to himself. "Son of a bitch!" exclaimed Abel. Tossing the phone to the bed, Abel stood to dress. Turning slowly, he watched Amanda sliding from bed – heading to her closet. Searching for a pair of jeans she tossed over her shoulder "What's wrong Abel? What did your dad say?"

'Dad can wait just a damn minute' thought Abel as he crossed the small room to take Amanda into his arms. Framing her face between his hands, he leaned in taking her mouth in one long wet, sweet, tender kiss. Running his tongue along the seam of her lips – silently begging for entry Abel slid his tongue into the warm wet recesses of her mouth. The taste of her, the warm feel of her tongue - To Abel she was his tiny slice of heaven on earth. Gradually pulling away, Abel smiled at the beautiful flush spreading across her cheeks. With more calm than he felt; "We need to get moving – dad says he needs us both down at the garage."

The flush across her face was quickly replaced with worry and concern. "Did he say what's wrong? You don't think this has anything to do with Dean do you," her concern practically overwhelming her.

Tightening his embrace, Abel dropped his hands to her ass and jerked her closer – tighter to him. Looking into her eyes "I promised you nothing will blow back on you. I will not let what happened hurt you! You trust me right?"

Smiling sadly Amanda touched his face "You know I trust you Abel, but we killed man. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you because of this."

Taking her lips in a quick hard kiss – Abel smiled, "First of all you didn't kill anyone – I did. Secondly I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere." Smiling broadly he smacked her gently on the rear end "Now we had better getting moving before dad sends out the SOA search party to find us."

Tellar Morrow / SAMCRO Clubhouse:

Nearly twenty minutes later, Abel and Amanda roared into the TM parking lot. Sliding off his bike Amanda removed her helmet and looked around the lot. Taking her hand in his Abel gave it a gentle squeeze before leading them both across the lot towards the garage. Wrapped up in thought Amanda didn't immediately notice the dark blue SUV parked directly in front of the office. Looking around the lot, she spotted the SUV scant seconds before she heard her father's voice shout "AMANDA LYNN STEVENS!" Turning towards the sound of his voice, Amanda felt the blood drain from her face. Her stomach tumbled in a desperate cold dread. Standing just outside the office, Amanda watched with strange fascination as her father approached – her mom racing along hot on his heels.

Putting on a brave calm front Amanda asked with a smile "Daddy what are you and momma doing here in Charming?"

Smiling cold and bitter as he looked around the lot distastefully "We came to fetch our wayward daughter – You've had your little adventure Amanda, it's time to grow up now and come home where you belong." Rushing past her husband, Mary Lynn Stevens moved to wrap her daughter in a gentle hug. Squeezing her mother in return, Amanda noticed the pain, fear, and simple age wearing across her mother's lovely features.

Amanda favored her mother's features greatly. Both women had the same hair, eye color, and facial structure. That's where the similarities end. Mary Lynn was petite and shapely – almost slender. Amanda was taller, curvy, and definitely thicker. Taking her hand Mary Lynn looked her into her daughter's eyes "Sweet baby you know we only want what's best for you. You know that you don't belong here in Charming. If we hurry I bet we could collect your things and be back in Tacoma in time for dinner. What do you say?"

Stepping away from her mother, Amanda looked at her strangely as if truly seeing her for the first time. "Momma I love you and I appreciate you both coming all this way, but this is my home now – NOT Tacoma. I'm staying in Charming."

Pushing his way between the two women Franklin Stevens looked pointedly at his daughter "Amanda Lynn! You will do what your mother tells you. We don't want to make a scene here. Your future is obviously in Tacoma – we can discuss other matters once were on the road."

"Daddy" Amanda began with cold detachment, "There is nothing for me in Tacoma. My life is here - this is where I want to be. Please you have to understand that."

Moving slightly Franklin noticed for the first time the small bite on the right side of his daughter's neck. Roughly taking her chin in his hand he quickly moved her head for a better view. Shaking loose of his grip Amanda's eyes widened – being handled like that bringing up memories better left buried. "Your life!" he roared "Your life," gesturing towards her neck "and what life is that Amanda Lynn? To stay here in this God-forsaken town and be some outlaw biker's slut at worst at best what his ol' lady."

Abel watched as the old man put his hands on Amanda. He saw the buried memories flash briefly in her eyes. He moved to intervene, only to be drawn up short. Tig saw Abel make his move; reaching out Tig wrapped his hand around Abel's right arm drawing him to a short stop.

Turning angrily Abel felt the anger shake him to the core. Through partially gritted teeth he ordered Tig to remove his hand. "Abel…brother listen to me – I know you want to protect her. Right now, she would probably welcome your help with open arms, but what about later?"

Abel felt the anger clouding his vision. "He…He put his hands on her Tig. You expect me to let that slide?"

Tig released his arm "I understand what you're saying brother – I do, but what about later? As much as you want to – you can't fight all her battles for her brother. You have to stand back and let her stand on her own."

"No one will see her hurt Abel boy, but for now Tiggy's right," chimed in Chibbs with an agreeable Juice to his right.

One by one, Abel looked into the faces of his brothers. "Ok! For now I'll play it your way, but I'm warning you that bastard lay's one more finger on her it's over." Turning back to the scene before him, Abel smiled. Amanda stood about five feet in front of him. She looked sexier than hell to him – what with her hands on her hips, anger flashing in her eyes, a deep flush covering her face, Abel was almost glad he had listened to his brothers – almost.

"Is that what you think of me Daddy? You think I'm a slut? I have news for you daddy. Since high school this club has become like family. They make me feel safer and more loved than you have my whole damn life," screamed an outraged Amanda.

Smirking at his wife and child, Franklin retorted "Just exactly which 'family' member bit you Amanda? You've only been back here a couple of months and already your whoring around with one of them. How could you Amanda Lynn? What about Dean – he was so upset after you left that he left Tacoma; I guess the memories were just too much for him. Have you thought about his feelings in all of this?"

Furious that her father would even mention his name to her Amanda screamed crying "How dare you mention that sick bastards name to me. Why should I give a damn what happens to that sorry son of a bitch? After what he did to me – NO WAY IN HELL!"

"Watch your mouth young lady – you will not speak to me that way! Do you understand me?" her father warned with icy disdain dripping from every word.

Amanda stood back and watched her father intently for a brief moment. In an instant it dawned on her; turning to face her mother "You didn't tell him did you? Not that it would have made any difference; I can't believe you didn't tell him."

Looking between the two women Franklin demanded "TELL ME WHAT?" Amanda laughed cold and mirthlessly "You want to tell him mother or should I?" Waiting a beat, "I guess I will. Dean beat my ass before I left Tacoma. I went to mom afterwards. She more or less told me that I must have done something to provoke it – said that you and her would discuss it later. That filthy bastard put his hands on me and it's my fault Fuck that!"

Franklin looked at his wife in anger. He was beyond shocked that she never told him about Amanda and Dean. Facing his daughter he took one…two steadying deep breaths. "I'm not condoning what Dean did to you, but maybe if you had given him a fair chance, been more loving, affectionate with him, instead of always daydreaming about artistry, tattoos, and your damn biker none of this would have happened."

Abel shook his head in disbelief. Looking to his brothers he indicated he close he was to ignoring them and jumping dead smack in the middle of shit. Jax laid his hand on Abel's shoulder "We won't let her get hurt this time son – I swear it." Nodding to his dad, Abel tried in vain to swallow down the anger he felt.

Amanda shook her head looking at Abel, tears clouding her eyes; she smiled such love and devotion in her eyes. Looking to her parents she sighed "I think it's time you both leave now. I am a grown woman and I've made my decisions – I'm staying."

"That's it" her mother mumbled "You've decided that you're going to throw away your life to what…be a biker's ol' lady is that?"

'They will never understand how I feel' she thought desperately eager to put an end to this horrid embarrassing situation. 'Maybe actions will speak louder than words' she thought with small hope. Pushing her way past Chibbs and Tig with a small smile she came to stop in front of Abel. Absently she noted Juice on his left and Jax to his right. With a deep breath for courage, she wrapped both hands up in his cut pulling him slightly closer before rushing to meet his lips. Amanda focused all of her pent up emotions in that single act. She let the kiss take a life of its own. With no prompting from Abel, she insistently pressed her tongue into his mouth – dueling with his. Standing there with his brothers – his family watching Amanda reveled in the feel of Abel's touch.

Surprised by her bold act, Abel wrapped his arms around her and brought her closer still. Loving the way her tongue slid most boldly into his mouth. He could easily lose himself in the soft weight of her body in his arms – pressed against his chest.

It was Tig's whistles, Juice's laughter, and Chibbs applause that brought them both back to reality. Slowly pulling away from Abel, Amanda gently ran her finger tips across his lips. Moving just outside the safety of his arms – she smiled at him then Jax. "You see these men standing here? I am damn proud to call them family." Taking Abel's hand and clutching it tightly 'I hope I don't royally screw things up. I don't know…' she thought anxiously before pressing on "And this man" she stated calmly though the tears were now streaming down her face. "This man," Amanda continued gesturing wildly to Abel, "I would be damn proud to be this man's ol' lady any day of the week. Now I think its time you leave" With that she dropped Abel's hand and started for the clubhouse.

Watching his daughter storm off, Franklin moved to follow her inside. Jax, Abel, Tig, Chibbs, and Juice made a very effective road block. Very calmly and coldly Jax informed them "No one enters SAMCRO's clubhouse without permission."

Abel laughed "I think the lady made it quite clear – it's time for you to leave." Moving to face Abel head on Franklin pointed at him angrily "This is your entire fault. You have twisted my daughter's mind. My Amanda is not capable of seeing through you, but I am, I know what you are!"

Always one for a good fight Tig smirked rather coldly, toying with the knife he had just removed from his belt "I think it would be best if you left TM and Charming as soon as possible – don't you agree brothers?" Smiling sarcastically Abel placed is hand on Tig's shoulder "I got this brother – it's all good." Abel laughed unemotionally "Yeah, I know who I am too. I'm the man your daughter wants."

The men surrounding Abel all nodded in agreement. Realizing that this was a losing situation, Franklin backed away. Taking Mary Lynn's hand he moved back towards the SUV "Tell my daughter that this conversation is not over. We will be in touch."

'Yeah I'll get right on that' thought Abel mockingly. The men stood in a semi-circle and watched the couple pull away from the lot. As they drove from site, Abel turned to face his brothers. "Thank-you brothers!"

"Don't thank us," muttered Tig "Aye what are brothers fore," continued Chibbs. Clapping his son on the shoulder Jax pulled him into a fierce father son hug. "Now comes the best part" he told Abel. "The best part?" Abel questioned.

"Yeah – the best part" Tiggy confirmed "You let her fight her own battle and looks to me like she came out on top."

Smiling like the Cheshire cat Chibbs picked up where Tig left off "Now ya go to tha' clubhouse, find her, and be her knight in shinin' armor."

Gemma stood just outside the office door watching the little scene across the parking lot. Smiling she was pleased to see that things were working out for her oldest grandson. Returning to her desk, she smiled pleased that by all appearances her grandson chose an ol' lady with a little moxie.

With a last glance at his dad and brothers, Abel moved quickly into the clubhouse. Moving through the door, Abel saw Amanda racing towards the dorm rooms at the back of the clubhouse. "Amanda – wait" called Abel. Ignoring his words, Amanda continued towards the dorms as if she hadn't heard Abel at all.

Watching his grandson's face Clay laughed inwardly. Having watched the scene outside from the clubhouse door, Clay was not surprised to see Abel racing after Amanda. Smiling broadly Clay warned his grandson good naturedly "Better hang on to that one this time son!"

Abel spared his grand-dad a brief smile as he continued door the hall. Rounding the corner, Abel was just in time to see Amanda slam his dorm room door shut behind her. Knocking on the door, "Amanda baby let me in" he asked.

"Abel please just let it go – I'll be out in a minute or two ok?" Amanda pleaded. "Not a chance darlin' come on Manda Lynn talk to me." Abel responded.

After a minute or two longer, Abel heard her turn the lock, the door slowly coming open. Amanda stood in the center of the room with her back to the door – her entire body shaking from the force of her tears. Crossing to her, Abel slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her back against his chest. Resting his chin against the top of her head – everything was silent for a long minute.

Embarrassed by the scene she caused in the parking lot – Amanda tried to pull away from Abel. Letting her go Abel started to speak only to be cut off. "Abel…just now in the parking lot…OH GOD! I'm…I'm so," Unsure what to say or how to continue Amanda covered her face with her hands – trying desperately to regain her composure.

"I'm sorry" she mumbled though her hands still partially covered her face. "I can't believe I did that in front of your dad and the guys!"

"Amanda" Abel began only to be cut off – Again.

"I don't know what to say – I can't believe my crazy ass folks came here – that they forced a scene here at TM – God your brothers must think we're all crazy as hell. One minute I'm fighting with their crazy asses and the next I'm…I'm"

"Manda Lynn…Stop" He tried again unsuccessfully.

"I mean…it's not like were dating or that you don't already have enough on your plate to deal with!" Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Amanda struggled to keep her tears from overwhelming her

'Shit' thought Abel 'I'd rather have a loaded gun at my head than deal with a crying female.' 'I'm done talking' he thought approaching the bed. Taking both of her hands in his, Abel pulled her from the bed. Attempting to avoid his gaze, Amanda moved to put a little distance between them. Having none of that, Abel grabbed her and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her like a mother packing a small child. Shocked Amanda found herself wrapping her legs around his waist. Unsure of where this was heading, Amanda continued to avoid his gaze. Wrapping his hand in her long hair Abel tugged just enough – forcing her to look up at him. That one look was all it took Abel lost it. He took her mouth – devouring her with his passion. He thrust his tongue hard and fast in and out of her mouth. He swept his tongue in and around her mouth fully tasting her.

This kiss was new for both of them. Nothing in their brief history together had prepared them for the brutal honesty of this one kiss. Abel knew he was pushing the envelope – this kiss was rough, needy, angry, bordering on violent and he simply did not care. The way she touched his tongue with hers – the way she tried to suckle his tongue deeper into her mouth; it all served to push him closer to the edge.

Pulling away, Abel stared into her beautiful dark eyes. "You listen to me Amanda Lynn and you listen well. It takes a lot more than one family squabble to phase this bunch. As for you and me – hell baby I consider myself one damn lucky SOB."

Amanda laughed in spite of herself "You do?" she giggled nervously.

Abel laughed full and deep – never releasing his hold on her. "Hell yes baby! An intelligent, beautiful, caring, sexy as hell woman just admitted in front God, family, and SOA that she wants me. What man in his right damned man wouldn't feel like the luckiest SOB on the planet right now?"

Wrapping her legs around him tighter, Amanda smiled tentatively. With that simple gesture, Abel became acutely aware of how intimately their bodies were pressed against each one another. He felt a little blindsided by the sudden urge to grind his hips against her – to show her just how much he wanted her. Wanting to be closer, Abel moved – tumbling them both to the bed.

Long moments passed before either of them spoke again. "Abel are you sure this is what you want? I'm…I'm…Oh hell Abel…I'm damaged goods. Are you sure that's what you want."

Abel snarled, angered by words – angry that she would even consider herself that way. "Fuck that shit" he growled "in this world we're all a little damaged darlin' doesn't change the way I feel about you." From the look in her eyes, he could see she still wasn't completely convinced. He tried once more, "You know darlin' I could ask you the same thing." Noting that she wasn't really following his point he continued "Manda Lynn you just laid claimed to an outlaw biker murderer – talk about damaged. Are you sure you want that in your life?"

Pushing herself away from him she bolted up right on the bed. Pushing him to his back, she straddled him – getting right into face. "Abel you did what you did to save me. You acted to protect me. That does not make you damaged that makes you courageous or something, but never- never damaged."

Smiling Abel wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close he planted one soft sweet wet kiss across her mouth, "it's nice to see we understand each other darlin'"

At the look of smug male satisfaction spreading across his face Amanda lost control of the soft girlish giggle bubbling inside. Loving the sound of her happiness Abel stretched out on the bed making himself comfortable. He smiled contentedly when he felt her head resting against his chest – her hand lying right across his heart. Lying snuggled together in the silence, both enjoyed the quiet moment to get lost in their own thoughts. "Do you want to talk about it?" asked a concerned Abel.

He felt Amanda take one or two long deep breaths before she continued. "I don't know when they changed Abel. Sure my dad was always distant maybe even a little cold, after Trisha ran away things changed. When they couldn't find Trisha and bring her home – Well things went from mildly bad to hellish seemingly overnight.

Unsure what to say, Abel pulled her tighter in his embrace; holding her close he listened offering the best support he could. "What kind of mother behaves that way?" wondered Amanda out loud. "Your little girl comes to you bruised, looking like hell – tells you that her boyfriend did it and you think oh she must have done something to deserve it. How can any woman think that way about another? I don't get it Abel." With a sigh of exasperation, Amanda poked him in the stomach near his belly button "Damn I wish I had been born a Tellar, my parents make being raised SOA normal." She smiled looking up at him.

Abel laughed deep and full "Darlin' if you were born Tellar, we would be dancing deep into Tig territory right now." The image Abel's word created set Amanda into a fit of giggles she struggled to control. Settling into silence once more, Amanda asked "Abel what do I do now?"

Choosing his words carefully, Abel pulled her tighter "you just keep doing what you're doing darlin'. Live your life – be the person you are. Do what makes you happy – let them see that this is the right choice for you.

Thinking about his words carefully she looked up at him hopefully "Do you think they will ever come around?"

"I don't know," Abel admitted honestly "what I do is that if they don't then it's truly there loss. You are an amazing woman Amanda Lynn – they don't have the first clue what their missing by not being an active supportive part of your life.

Kissing him softly, Amanda whispered "thank you Abel," Before either could think to say more Abel heard the knock at the door "Abel…Jax's needs you in the chapel in ten!" shouted Juice

Listening to Juice make his way back down the hall - 'Son of a bitch' thought Abel 'Juice has shitty timing.' Knowing that when he didn't show his face in ten Juice would be back; Abel simply didn't give a shit. Deciding to enjoy his last ten minutes with Amanda Abel took her mouth in a long blistering kiss. Wrapping herself around him, Amanda once again gave herself over to the feelings and emotions that Abel's touch always produced within her.

Twenty minutes later Abel walked into chapel, smiling like the proverbial cat that swallowed the canary. Abel watched his dad already seated at the table. Looking up Jax smiled "sit down" he said as he indicated the empty seat usually occupied by his dad's SAA Chibbs. Dropping into the seat, Abel looked relaxed and happy. "Well you look damned happy son!" Jax commented.

"I guess having a beautiful woman want you will do that to a man," admitted a still smiling Abel. Turning serious Jax contemplated his next words carefully. As a father he only wanted his son's complete happiness. From all appearances, it looked as if Abel was on the road to that happiness with Amanda. Would this baby with Maria and possible subsequent war ruin that? Could his son become the man he needed to be to survive this? Would Amanda be strong enough to ride the storm by his son's side?

"Abel, have you and Amanda had a chance yet to discuss what this baby means to your future?" Holding up a hand Jax staved off Abel's immediate defensive rebuttal. "I'm not dogging Amanda son – I heard what she said out on the lot. I can see that you care a great deal for her. What I'm asking is for both of you to stop – take a minute and think about what a huge responsibility this baby is going to be. I know that you both care for each other a great deal, but if she cannot handle another woman's child in your life that's something you deserve to know right up front – don't you think?"

"Dad don't you think your over-reacting just a little bit. I mean hell we just found out about this baby last night. There really has been an opportunity to go soul searching yet. So no we haven't talked about it yet. Where is all of this coming from dad? I mean last night you seemed more worried about how this would impact SAMCRO then you were how I felt about being a dad or anything else. Why the sudden concern?"

'Dammit' thought Jax 'well no one ever said that being a dad and president would ever be easy.' Looking at his son sadly Jax continued "I'm a father and a president Abel sometimes those lines get blurred. It's damned hard to control when family life bleeds into club life and vice versa. At the end of the day though, I'm still your dad and I only want what's going to make you happy."

Abel simply nodded his understanding, as he continued to watch his father. Jax pressed on "We have church tonight at six pm right after garage closing." Abel simply nodded once more. "I think it would be a good idea if you tried to reach out to Maria today before the meeting."

Abel stared at his dad in disbelief "You actually want me to talk to Maria. Are you serious – why?" questioned Abel sharply.

"The truth is son that despite your gut feeling on this – we need more information. We need to know who she has told about baby. We have to know what her plans are. And as much as you don't want to hear it – we need to know if this baby is really your child."

In the cold light of day, Abel could admit that his dad had one or two valid points; as much as he hated to admit that. "I get it dad! I'll go see if I can find Maria and talk to her a bit before church."

Author's Note: This chapter was at times both a lot of fun and a real pain in the butt to finish. A filler chapter of sorts, I think it gives a little more insight into Abel's relationship with his brothers and his dad. It also provides more foundation for the growing relationship between Amanda and Abel. Chapter 19 promises to look at Abel and Maria discussing their future child open and honestly. Plus we get to see Abel tell his brothers "the uncles" about the baby. Stay tuned, I hope to have chap.19 up by Wednesday – Thursday at the latest. That is if my muse is feeling cooperative. HAPPY READING!