Chapter VIII

{October 1, 1995, Charming High School}

Tara walked along the corridor of the high school with a stack of books weighing down her arms. The doorways, halls and billboards were all adorned with posters, banners and streamers, the pep squads attempt to rally up some school spirit as Charming High prepared for their first football game of the season. Stopping at the assigned locker for her last year of imprisonment at CHS, Tara leaned the books against blue peeling metal for support as she fumbled with her combination. Her mouth curved upwards forming a radiant smile as she thought of a similar scenario the year prior.

Allowing her eyes to examine the corridor she watched her fellow students scurrying about. Tara couldn't help but compare how different, yet how similar the school year was starting. She had experienced so much since her junior year when Jax Teller strutted into her life. She knew she wasn't the same person she had been, yet so much had remained the same. A perfect example was her status as a loner and outcast, it was still intact despite the fact her boyfriend was the heir of SAMCRO. Being with Jax had certainly not gained her any popularity; if anything it had made her rejection by the female student body even greater, now the cause wasn't unfashionable clothes but jealousy.

Tara dropped the combination lock for a moment to glance around, her eyes catching sight of a cheerful blonde walking down the hall. She noticed the skip to her walk and it reminded her Amelia. Her smile deflated, her mouth forming a more serious expression as she thought of her friend. Aiden had gotten word from Marie the housekeeper that Amelia would be finishing her studies abroad. The fact that she would be abroad for an unspecified period of time hadn't stung as hard as the letter left with her surrogate mother aka housekeeper. The letter written in Amelia's penmanship said she wanted no contact, not just with Aiden, but with any of them. They had all pretended to understand when he told them. Tara couldn't help but feel deeply wounded by the words she had written. It had also impacted Donna, and shocked both Jax and Opie. Aiden well he remained in a sense of denial where Amelia was concerned and honestly they didn't know if that would ever change. It seemed they had all put up a wall of some sort where she was concerned for protection.

Tara supposed it could be worse, at least she wasn't totally alone, Donna, who was going to have a baby boy around Christmas, was somewhere in the building. Their schedules both sucked this year with lunch being the only time they shared together, but at least they had that. She shook her head thinking about Donna and Opie, that had been another shock of sorts, and news they were all still trying to digest. It was almost as if their life was taking a different turn from the rest of them. They were settling into some sort of family nesting stage and well Jax, Tara and even Aiden were just floating somewhere around in the abyss, the abyss of what they didn't have a damn clue.

When Jax had made an observation the night before that everything seemed screwed up and out of whack as of late, Aiden had chimed in that it was because they were all stuck in purgatory. He went on to add in his drunken gloominess that they would remain in between heaven and hell for all eternity, that it was their destiny to pay for the sins of their fathers and their fathers before them. Jax had removed the bottle of whiskey from the table blaming his shitty philosophy on the amber liquid. Tara however had sat and pondered his words and in her heart she felt he was right. They were stuck in the middle of something, pulled together for a reason and at times it was overwhelming and even scary. In hindsight they would all realize that major roads were paved during the first year they had all spent together. Roads that had to be traveled until completion, no detours allowed. They were mere pawns in a game of chess that was already well underway.

As if they weren't able to complicate life enough just the five of them, Hannah who had seemed an unlikely alley, had transitioned back in with her childhood friends, just as Amelia had faded out. Tara wasn't sure what she and Hannah were to one another. She did know they weren't mortal enemies anymore; a bond of some sort had formed for them over the last several weeks. Still there was no denying that theirs wasn't a bond without an underlying tension and it wasn't the only bond that existed; there was an indescribable bond with her and Jax. At times watching them from afar they almost seemed like a brother and sister. Then at other times it was as if their relationship had the undertone of something more like two people in love. Tara knew it wasn't the same type of mad insatiable love she shared with Jax but it was a love of some sort nonetheless. She was unsure of how to handle whatever it was or much less address it with Jax so for now Tara had decided to remain silent, and keep a watchful eye.

Her lips formed a radiant smile once again as images of Jax filled her, his image being the most exquisite that ever graced her mind as far as she was concerned. He was her everything, her reason for being. Jax had filled the emptiness within her that had been gaped open like a festering wound for years, an emptiness that was the result of a dead mother and an alcoholic father. Tara thought of her father for a moment and inhaled deeply. The only thing that he knew how to fill was his whiskey glass which was bottomless most days and nights.

Jax hadn't been the only filler in her life. The love and acceptance of his closest friends that came as part of the Teller package was fabulous bonus as far as she was concerned, despite the hard times they had faced together over the last year, there had been a lot of joy as well. The rest of the package he came with she wasn't so sure about. There were times the MC seemed like it could be a blessing for her, an extended family, and other times it seemed like it would result in nothing but misery. Tara knew her unsure feelings were due to Gemma, she had made the MC very questionable.

Deep down in the depths of her soul where she allowed no one to glimpse, not even her beloved Jax; Tara longed desperately for a close relationship with Gemma. Hannah, Donna and even Amelia had been welcomed with open arms regardless of any mistakes they made. Tara on the other felt the woman scrutinized her every move. The truth was Tara admired the Queen of the MC; she knew she would be humiliated for others to know of her hidden admiration, given the fact Gemma carried a torch of hatred for her she didn't even attempt to conceal.

The woman was a legend among the Ol' Ladies not only in her own MC World but others as well. Everyone knew who Gemma was; she never failed to emit strength, courageousness, and protectiveness for her family and the club. The level of passion she loved her family and the club with was unquenchable. Tara craved such a mentor for herself, carved all those affections she lathered on the others. So, she remained conflicted over Jax's mother, part of her wanted to fling herself at the woman's feet and beg her to take her under that protective wing. Another part of her wanted to show the almighty Queen bitch she was smart, and that Jax was hers. Tara wanted to be recognized as a permanent fixture in Jax's life not treated like some stupid croeating bimbo that was casually traveling through town. She knew that a stand-off was brewing between the two of them; she only hoped that when it occurred she would emerge the winner with Jax in hand. He was really all she wanted from the entire situation. He's mine.

A frown creased her face for the second time that morning, as the irritating sound of numerous cackles interrupted her deep reflection. Looking in the direction of the grating sound, which was like nails on a chalk board, could see Suzanne White making a bee line for her. She wasn't alone but accompanied by her clique of bitches each of them sashaying down the corridor, taking up the entire length to ensure they were seen by all. Tara could hear the whispers as they approached and she turned her full attention back to the lock, her fingers working diligently turning the dial to the appropriate numbers. She could feel their eyes piercing the back of her skull like a dagger stabbing into her as the irritating noise of the group settled behind her.

"So, Tara how are the friends doing these days," Suzanne inquired each word rich with sarcasm, "I hear the 90210 SAMCRO circle has all but fallen apart, pity really."

As the cackles grew Tara could feel more eyes turning her way and her blood began to boil. Damned bitch most of it is your fault, she wanted nothing more than to scream the words out loud. They all knew that Suzanne had been responsible for Amelia's mother being so well informed about her relationship with Aiden, placing a phone call to her as a concerned friend. Information that resulted in the cold hearted, rich bitch, part-time mother threatening to put Aiden in jail for statutory rape and serving him with a restraining order that was supposedly Amelia's request.

If all that shit wasn't enough for one spoiled self centered socialite whore to stir up the club also suspected Suzanne had been the schemer behind the prospect that showed up on Amelia's door step with the lie regarding Aiden's death. Fortunate for Suzanne the SAMCRO prospect who was now resting in an unmarked grave after meeting Mr. Mayhem had not given her up. The stash of cash he had stuffed in an envelope inside his leather cut had reek of the same perfume Suzanne wore. The club for once stood helpless to retaliate. What could they do introduce a teenage high school girl to Mr. Mayhem? Even SAMCRO had a line they didn't cross.

Tig had offered to personally deliver a special message to little silver spoon princess as he called her. He was certain a dry dick fuckin' up Suzanne's ass would be something she would never forget, and make her think twice before messing around with a brother again. The club President however was not in agreement or amused with Tig's solution. Clay had actually sat stunned at Tig's revelation of what he thought was a grand idea before quickly squelching. He knew there had to be some sick ass shit rolling around in that head of his that was never voiced, and the thought was actually frightening. If Tig's inner beast was ever unleashed none would survive, of that Clay had no doubt.

The fine folks already had looks of displeasure on their faces at the current situation and the Clay didn't need those looks to escalate further. He had already lined several palms with the peace offering that was recognized internationally, green crisp fresh large numbered dollar bills, and as an extra measure to ensure good rapport he had made a few sizeable donations to several Charming foundations as a good will gesture. The last thing he needed was Tig running around rampant on the streets with his cock out, igniting more fires he would have to stomp out.

"Yeah, I heard that crazy bitch Amelia had to be put away in some sort of mental institution," The words came from one of the red headed socialite groupies.

"Nut house for sure, I am not buying that finishing my education abroad crap," The blonde groupie smirked as she put her hands on her hips.

Tara really didn't know their names, honestly they were all so plastic and fake they looked like they had rolled off of an assembly line to her anyway.

"Well, we can't really blame Aiden for Amelia's stupidity; I mean the bitch was already crazy." Suzanne countered still brewing over the fact that Amelia's unexpected arrival had interrupted her good time with him. She knew the summer fling with Mr. Bad Boy would have come to a close when school began, but she hadn't finished having her fun yet. Summer hadn't been over when the bitch had arrived.

Going back to Jason Johnson had been a grueling experience for her to say the very least. The way she had planned it all out he would have to come back to her begging at the beginning of the school year, but fucking Amelia had ruined that. She turned her nose up in disgust as she thought of Jason. First he was boring as shit in bed compared to Aiden. Second he was an unforgiving prick about the whole situation and she was still on her hands and knees trying to make things right. It was her senior year though, she was head cheerleader and she needed to be seen draped over the all state quarter backs arm. She would have preferred the Captain but he was a no go, so Jason it was, again. Whatever it took she planned on accommodating him at least until they graduated and she could obtain a college jock. Honestly, Suzanne couldn't wait to put the whole crappy town of Charming behind her and find a rich husband.

Tara's blood began to boil as each word was spoken. It was not only the girls behind her that had her riled up, but the whole situation in general. The roller coaster they had all been riding for the last several months, two friends on the brink of death, her man's life on the line during bloody Mayan wars, and the constant insults from Gemma. All the anger, resentment, and unspoken words she had kept bottled up inside of her began to boil over like a kettle that had been left on the stove top burner for far too long. As they continued to cackle Tara's final restraints snapped like a twig. The volcano erupted and the hot lava began to flow uncontrollably. The darkness within her soul released itself as she reached out grabbing Suzanne's long hair, twisting it around her hand pulling her body close she slammed her head up against the metal locker with all the force she could manage. To Tara the whole chain of events had seemed as if they occurred in slow motion, but to those around them it had been one swift movement. As she drew her back and looked at her face she didn't see Suzanne at all, Tara saw Gemma face starring back at her.

"You bitch!" Tara screamed as she pulled a staggered Suzanne's head back from the locker banging it once again upon the metal. The sound rippling through the corridor of the high school as heads began to turn.

She knew she needed to stop, could see the blood dripping from a cut just under the girls dark bangs, and better yet the glazed look that had begun to overtake her eyes. Tara couldn't stop though the attack had released a feeling of control within that she had never felt before. The feeling was exhilarating only second to the feeling she experienced when she was with Jax.

Finally releasing her hair, Tara watched with a triumphant smirk upon her face as the girl slumped to the ground. Unable to control the demon she had released her mouth watered for more of the high feeling that control had brought her, and without thought she pounced upon Suzanne like a panther on its prey. Sitting straddled on top of Suzanne who struggled to shield her face, just recuperating from the broken nose compliments of Hannah, her elite clique stepped back in horror offering no assistance. Tara raised her hand as her palm tingled to make contact with the girls flesh once again.

"Tara! No!" Donnas' voice appeared out of thin air and Tara could feel her friends hand grab her wrist just as she was lowering it to slap an almost despondent Suzanne.

"What the fuck is going on here," The voice of Jason Johnson boomed through the crowd as he pushed himself to the front with David Hale.

Suzanne screamed out with what energy she had left as Jason towered over them, reaching down swiftly he pulled her from underneath Tara. The motion sent Tara flying back slightly landing hard upon her ass. Muffled laughs from his fellow team mates began to fill the hallway. Jason placed Suzanne behind him before he turned back to Tara his face filled with rage and anger, his hands already balled into tight fists he struck her in the face. The action and the popping sound of her jaw bone both silenced and shocked the onlookers.

An agonizing screech bellowed from Tara as the bolts of pain began to surge through her from the contact of Jason's fist on her right cheek. She could feel her flesh begin to feel tight, the excruciating twinges continuing to rock through her body with no end in sight. She felt cloudy and attempted to shake her head hoping for clarity, the gesture only making the room spin more; Tara could only sit paralyzed on the tiled floor of the high school corridor.

"Holy shit man what are you doing?" David Hale's loud voice could be heard over the shouts of from the crowd. He was flabbergasted that Jason had actually hit girl, Jax Tellers girl no less. Christ Almighty!

Hannah pushed through the crowd just as David called out and Jason reached for Tara's hair yanking it hard bringing her to a standing position.

"David, stop him," Hannah screamed.

David stood momentarily gazing at Hannah Marshall who dared to ask him a favor. To say he was mildly irritated with her was the understatement of the damned year. There was still no forgiveness coursing through his veins for her abrupt brush off and run back to her childhood friends that had occurred over the summer. He had known since they were all kids that there had been some odd connection going on between her and Teller.

When they started dating she had denied it, the only thing she denied with more vigor had been his advances to have sex with her. He cursed Teller under his breath. Hannah had humiliated him, David Hale, the All State Football player, and Captain of the God damned high school team and that was unacceptable. A part of him wanted to allow Jason to have at Tara Knowles, but as he looked at the scene unfolding he knew there was going to be retribution from the Crow royalty for the shit that had already occurred.

"Back up off her man," He grabbed Jason by his shirt collar pulling him back, "What the fuck are you doing?" He spit at him.

"Fucking cunt thinks she can run around here acting all high and mighty because she's dating some white trash MC Prince. Well fuck her!" He turned yelling the last words even louder, "You tell that Princely trio of scum, and especially that cocksucker Aiden Janowitz, I said FUCK OFF! You tell him when his little blonde whore shows that fine ass back in Charming again I am going to personally spend some quality time with her. I am going to fuck the shit out of her! You tell him I will enjoy her mouth on my damn cock! You hear me, biker whore?" His temples pulsated in beat with every word that poured from his mouth.

"Fuck man the whole damn school can hear you!" David replied back in a raised voice, arching his brow in warning at his best friend. Jason was about to cross a line that there would be no coming back from.

"Like I care, we are kings in this town not biker scum, and not their damn whores. BIKER WHORE!," He hissed at Tara before continuing, "I'll be damned if I am going to have Aiden Janowitz think he can take advantage of my girlfriend." Jason glowered as he spoke the words.

David grunted, his head now throbbing, the last thing they needed was to get suspended before the first big game of the season. It was their senior year scouts would be lining the stands. He hated the MC trio just as much as Jason, perhaps more holding Jax Teller personally responsible for losing Hannah. He got where Jason was coming from but the last thing they needed was to get into some kind of war with the Princes of the Sons. They wouldn't win.

He looked over at Suzanne who was now rubbing up against Jason cooing some stupid bullshit into his ear. Despite his hatred for the MC and the things he held them responsible for, they were right about one thing, Suzanne White. She was nothing but a damned whore, she had slept with most of the football team and Jason was well aware of this fact. Shit, Jason knew that she had serviced him on several occasions when Hannah had shunned his needs and didn't give a crap about it, had told him to have at it anytime.

David eyed his best friend curiously, he knew if Jason was honest with himself he didn't give two shits about Suzanne, only the fact he had been made to look like a fool when she dumped him over the summer for Aiden. Just like he felt like a complete ass over Hannah dumping him for friendships. Looking over at Suzanne again he felt no pity for her even though blood was dripping on the school floor from her battered face. Tara had certainly fucked her up, he was surprised at the gusto the girl had in her.

"Break it up! Break it up!" The principle of the school pushed through the crowd followed closely by two poor excuses for security guards.

Tara sat on the stretcher in the ER holding a cool compress to her cheek as Dr. Martin flashed the pen light in front of her eyes. He had just finished treating and admitting the darker haired brunette that she had beat up in a school brawl. Dr. Martin had planned on sending the spoiled brat home but her parents had insisted she stay overnight. He personally didn't subscribe to being told how to care for his patients, but he also didn't enjoy drama either. It was less drama to just admit the spoiled bitch to a room. The young girl in front of him had certainly done a number on her. The bruises Ms. White had sustained would be visible for weeks to come.

While Ms. Knowles had sustained some injuries of her own, and would need to be watched closely for the next twenty four hours he was going to discharge her. Looking at her medical record he could see she didn't even have health insurance to help pay for the ER admission much less a hospital stay. Honestly, he worried about the girls parents demanding she be held financially responsible for their daughters medical bills, even though they had money to burn. Unlike the princess he had just attended too Ms. Knowles only parent seemed to be a derelict that was currently snoring loudly in the waiting room. He couldn't imagine what the hell was wrong with some parents, and had already discreetly told the admission clerk to bill him personally for any of the expenses her ER visit would incur.

He stepped back for a moment after completing the assessment and studied the young girl before him. It was painfully obvious she didn't enjoy the privileges that the other girl was accustom too, but she seemed better than what she surrounded herself with. When he looked at her he saw something more than a future of scratching and clawing. He didn't even pretend to understand the bikers that lived in Charming, their lifestyle was barbaric to him to say the very least. His mind shifted back many weeks prior when he had treated the young man and later the young girl who had attempted suicide. It all seemed like such a fucking waste to him.

"Do you mind if I give you some personal advice," Dr. Martin crossed his arms leaning up against the wall as he contemplated what his words to the young lady should be.

Tara didn't speak as she looked up into the man's brown eyes, his face covered with what looked like two days of stumble, the close almost completely shaven way he wore his hair made him look much older and serious than his thirty five years. Still despite his rugged appearance which were an odd contrast to his white medical lab coat his eyes seemed kind and caring. She could only stare at him.

Taking her silence as an ok to talk Dr. Martin proceeded, "Where do you think all of this is going to lead Ms. Knowles?"

"All of what?" Tara looked at him pretending she didn't understand his meaning, her head and jaw aching in protest at just the few words she spoke.

"This," He gestured at her face that was bruised and bloody, looking down at her light colored shirt it was covered in blood as well, he assumed a mixture of her own and the girl he had just admitted.

"I don't know what you mean," She bowed her head looking at the floor that was old and dingy in appearance.

"Sure you do," He countered back a slight smile gracing his serious expression, "You're a smart young lady I can tell, you know exactly what I am talking about."

He paused for a moment watching her expression change and that's when he saw it the true Ms. Knowles. The Tara she tried so hard to keep buried from the world. Dr. Martin knew the look she had been emotionally neglected. He had seen the signs countless times before and knew the devastating affects it could have on an individual's life.

"I want to get out of this town," Tara mumbled the words for the first time since she had met Jax.

Before Jax had entered her life it had been a daily mantra for her. The thing that kept her going, the fact that one day she would escape Charming and the person it made her.

"You know Tara," Dr. Martin continued, "You are going to be the same person regardless of where you go."

She looked at him as the tears began to pool under her eyelids.

"You mean I am just going to be the loser I am for the rest of my life, don't you?" Tara winced as the salty tears began to stream down her battered cheek.

"Is that what you think people see when they look at you?" He starred at her in disbelief, "You know what I see? I see a young lady who can be anything in the world she wants, any place in the world she would like to be it in."

She thought about her dream, the one she had shared with no one, not even Jax. Even though she didn't know this person, she felt for some odd reason she could share it with him.

"Even a Doctor," She whispered.

"Even a Doctor," He chuckled looking at her with a bit of surprise, "Nothing special about us my dear, I promise you."

"I want to work with kids," Tara paused before continuing, "Maybe like operate on them," She held out her hands that were stained with blood, knowing they could never do something as spectacular as save a life.

"Really," A broad smile crossed his face the gesture softening his appearance instantly, "Have you thought about working for the hospital?"

"Me?" She laughed instantly regretting it as the pain ripped through her face and her head now pounded.

Dr. Martin took out the pad in his coat pocket quickly scribbling a number down upon it.

"Call that number and use me for a reference. You know Tara we have all kinds of jobs around this hospital you could apply for once you're 18. Until then we have volunteer work that looks great on things like a college resume. If being a Doctor is your dream, maybe it's time you start working towards that. Surround yourself with the right people and environment." He handed her the paper before calling the nurse over to begin her discharge.

"Son, you don't seem to understand the club is being watched very closely right now, it hasn't been that long since Aiden's incident." Clay let out a sigh of exasperation.

Jax looked at Clay from the opposite end of the Redwood table where he sat surrounded by Opie and Aiden. He took a deep drag from the joint that Opie had just passed him in hopes it would calm his emotions before speaking. Gemma was always telling him that men respected you more if you let them know you weren't fucking around, but had a certain control about your demeanor.

"He hit my girl in the middle of the high school today and called her a biker whore," Jax arched his brow looking Clay square in the eyes before continuing, "If someone hit my mother and called her a biker whore would you turn the other cheek?"

"Now, son," Clay leaned back in his chair picking up his cigar, "That's different."

"Not to me it isn't," Jax countered back, "She's my girl and he hit her, it needs to be answered for."

"Jax is right," Aiden interjected his voice filled with anger as he formed a tight fist.

Opie shifted in his seat, "I have to agree with, Jax and Aiden," He replied calmly, "If it were Donna he would be answering for what happened. Tara is my brother's girl and well it needs to be answered for."

Clay chuckled for a moment, "You boys need to stop thinking with your fuckin' cocks for two damned seconds and take a look at the bigger picture."

"I asked you a question," Jax challenged as he stared down the table at Clay the anger now emitting from him, "Would you sit by if it were my mother?"

"No!" Clay barked from the head of the table.

"The boys have a point, Clay" Piney replied, "I mean what kind of man hits a woman with his fist? If you ask me that's no man at all and he needs to be taught a lesson."

Clay looked over at his VP with irritation. He groaned slightly wondering why today of all days Piney had to walk into the chapel hangover free with a good sound head on his shoulder. To Clay's dismay when not drunk or hung over he was a better leader than he could ever hope to be. The only saving grace for Clay had been his shitty health and the fact that a lot of the brothers were losing faith in Piney due to his inability to lay the bottle down. When JT had died though had Piney pushed for the seat instead of pushing for the future of the VP seat, Clay knew he wouldn't be sitting at the head.

"We aren't even going to vote on it?" Jax sat back in his chair his upper lip snarling at his step dad.

"No, Son we aren't going to vote on shit," Clay glared down at the end of the table his steel blue eyes narrowed, "Let it go!"

"Let it go?" Aiden shot back in a disrespectful tone, "I for one am fucking offended as shit, he hit Tara, and I am even more god damned offended at the comments he made in reference to Amelia. Our girls aren't fucking croeating whores."

"She ain't your girl anymore," Clay argued back, "You have no right to be offended about shit."

"Only because of that bitch mother and you know it!" Aiden shouted back, "Maybe if I had been told what the fuck was going on instead of you making the decision to shield me like a god damned baby, maybe if I had been told Amelia had …." Aiden slammed his hand down hard on the redwood table his face red with anger.

"Son back down," Piney arched his brow in warning, "This is your President you are addressing." He hated to the last words he said but the fact was as President they needed to show Clay respect.

"That girl of yours made a smart decision and protected you," Clay countered back, "What do you think would have happened if Lenny Janowitz's son was put in the big house for fuckin' rape huh?"

"Yeah, man Feds would have had a field day with that one, Tig nodded in agreement.

"It's true it would have put Lenny at a disadvantage to have you locked along with him in Stockton," Bobby replied, "Put both of you in a lot of danger. We are barely able to cover him and Otto as it is."

"Best thing that girl did for you was leave town, Aiden" Clay replied again sternly, "Now, I said there will be no retaliation. We just got our heads above water with this Mayan shit. I ain't going to war with a fuckin' high school football team and the town of Charming over a piece of ass!"

Jax sat back in his seat eyeing Clay harshly and for the first time since he had become his step-dad a little respect was lost. One day in the not so distant future Jax would look back on this day in the Chapel as the beginning of the end of their relationship.

Aiden walked into the bedroom of his apartment the towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He dropped it carelessly to the floor as he reached for the pair of black jeans he had laid over the edge of the bed before taking a shower.

His eyes moved over the body of the brunette who lay sprawled across the now rustled sheets. Roxy was one of Luann's girls that he frequented on a regular basis before Amelia; they had once had a pretty good arrangement, great sex, no mess, no hassle, and no attachments. Aiden had thought maybe getting back to the basics of how things were before Amelia might help him feel normal again; as he pulled the tight black t-shirt on and reached into his closet for a black hoodie he realized nothing was ever going to be same again. Not even hassle free pussy.

"Let me make sure I got this clear," Roxy batted her eyelashes as she spoke, her voice sultry as if she were filming porn in his bedroom, "If anyone asks we were here all night fucking."

"I never left your side, babe," He winked as he reached down to brush her cheek with a kiss.

"Soooooo" She purred the word at him her mouth forming a sensual grin, "Does that mean you will be back later for some more fucking? You owe me big time, Aiden."

"Yeah, I'll be back," He smirked as he walked out of the bedroom into the small living room the couch catching his immediate attention.

Closing his eyes for a moment he could feel her underneath him, hear her moaning softly as they made love on that very couch. He wondered if her scent was still on the fabric. Jesus Christ, he cursed himself silently knowing Clay was right to a degree it was time for him to get his shit together. Amelia had, had him in a state of delirium since they had met, and well the last few months without her, he had been crazy. His heart still ached for her more than he could ever admit to another living soul, but he knew he couldn't go back to the dark place he had been a few months prior. The simple truth was like it or not she was gone, for how long he didn't know, all he did know is a part of him had to start living again, or at least go through the motions.

The tap at the front door pulled him from his thoughts as he walked over to open it. Standing on the other side of the door dressed just as he was stood Jax and Opie. He reached down to pick up the Louisville Slugger that his dad had bought him when he was a young boy before stepping out onto the side walk to join them.

The bat felt good in his hands and the corners of his mouth turned up giving him an almost happy look as he recalled the memories of going to the park to hit a few rounds with his old man. Lenny hadn't been father of the year there was no debating that, but he had loved his son, and done the best he could by him. For that Aiden would be forever grateful, he could have left him with the crack whore instead of taking him in as a baby.

"You guys got your alibi all taken care of," Aiden inquired blandly.

"Tara is over at my apartment," Jax nodded his head a few buildings over.

When Aiden had been with Amelia, Jax and Tara had frequented his unused one bedroom apartment. Now that he was once again a resident Jax had become Aiden and Opies newest neighbors. Gemma had pitched a fucking fit when he announced he was getting a place of his own a few weeks back. Finally she relented and backed off after Clay reeled her in best he could.

The fact was Jax could not only see the ongoing tension between her and Tara, but found himself caught in the middle of it constantly. Making a choice between the two women he loved the most wasn't at the top of his list of moments he was looking forward too. He knew however, it was coming and that eventually he would have to cut his mommy strings loose to stand by Tara. If he didn't they wouldn't stand a chance. Jax knew he loved her, loved her with a passion that burned within his very core. After seeing Aiden lose the girl he loved, he wasn't about to even toy with going there himself.

"Donna knows if asked I was with her," Opie replied his voice low and gruff, "How about you brother?"

Aiden nodded, "Got Roxy tucked in the bedroom, "She owes me a favor for some shit I helped her out with a while back."

"Hangin' around Luann's girls again?" Opie asked as they walked in unison down the side walk.

"It's easy and I need easy, thinkin' I never should have tampered with easy to begin with," Aiden replied flatly. The truth was he didn't even want to think about getting serious with another woman until he saw Amelia again. He couldn't shake the feeling their paths would cross in the future, it just didn't feel over.

Jax slapped his arm across Aiden's shoulder in a brotherly show of support unsure of what else to do. He recalled the morning after he had met Amelia and they sat on the roof of Teller-Morrow. Aiden admitting he loved a woman had been shock enough, but Amelia Tate and after one night had been mind blowing.

When Aiden had spilled his heart to him that morning Jax remembered not being able to comprehend such emotions, the only girl he had ever felt a kindred spirit with had been Hannah. Their friendship was screwed up to say the very least, some crazy childhood bond they couldn't shake. He hadn't voiced it to Opie or Aiden but he was happy she was back with them. Seeing her with David Hale had torn him apart. Not like how he would feel seeing Tara with another man, that would be maddening, but still it had been as if his universe were out of kilter. Opie and Aiden had even commented casually they were glad Hannah was back, in an odd way she just fit with them, always had.

His mind shifted quickly to Tara, he inhaled deeply the thought of her filling his senses, and she was his heart and his purpose for everything, the love of his life. He knew that beyond a shadow of a doubt no one fit in his heart like her. When they made love, when he was inside of her, it was the most indescribable sensation he had ever felt. The connection was one he knew he would never feel with another woman for the rest of his life.

Thinking of her the rage began to course through his veins at what Jason Johnson had done. She was laying in his apartment now, Donna keeping a close eye on her to make sure there were no complications the Doctor had mentioned could occur. Her face looked like hell. Fucker was lucky, Jax felt an itch to kill him on sight, and frankly as far as Jax was concerned the night was still young Jason might just meet Mr. Mayhem.

The cool crisp air of the night felt good upon his face as Jax walked towards the football stadium his brothers each formed up beside him. His trademark angry smirk adorned his face as they stalked up hunkering down along the sides of the bleachers waiting.

"Shouldn't be long," Opie whispered in a low voice, "Heard he was suppose to meet dick wad here tonight."

"What for a faggot session?" Aiden replied with a look of disgust on his face he wanted to snap Fucko's neck for his comments about Amelia in the hallway.

"Quiet guys his Porsche is pulling in," Jax pointed to the red vehicle speeding into the dusty parking lot coming to an abrupt stop.

Jason pulled the key from the ignition of his car, reaching over quickly he popped open the glove compartment taking out the small tan glass vial. Opening it he placed a little puff of the white powder to his nose inhaling. He leaned back upon the head rest of his car seat allowing the rush to take him over. Master of my fucking destiny was the last thought he remembered before Opies large arm came out of nowhere yanking him from his leather seat and slamming him onto the hard dusty ground.

"What the hell," He looked up, his eyes widened as he saw the three SAMCRO brothers all glaring down at him the fury apparent on each face.

"Heard you had a special message for me, Fucko?" Aiden's his eyes squinted at him as the uncontrollable anger brimmed over.

"You made a fatal mistake touching my girl," Jax kicked him in the gut with the tip of his black riding boot.

"You don't intimidate me or scare me you bastard," Jason gasp catching his breath as the spit the words out through the pain that spanned across his entire abdomen, "Let me up and make the fight fair ass holes!"

"Let the pansy up," Opie responded his own voice a low primal growl, the veins bulging on his neck.

Jason staggered to his feet barely coming to a full stand before Jax landed his fist square in his face just as he had done Tara earlier that day. He immediately slumped almost falling to the ground again; the blood began to pour from his busted lip. Jason knew the only thing keeping him upright was the cocaine he had just snorted combined with the natural adrenaline being released.

"It's not a fair fight … you ass wipes know it …." He spit the bright red blood from his mouth upon the ground his breathing becoming labored.

Jax responded to the words staggering from his mouth with another sharp kick this time to his face.

"You think it was fair hitting, Tara earlier?" Jax fumed, "Do you?"

Aiden stepped forward, turning to look at both Jax and Opie before looking down at Jason.

"Look at me in the eyes you piece of shit," Aiden's tone deep, "My brother asked you a question."

Jason looked up Aiden in the eye the he disgust radiated from his brown eyes as he did.

"You're scum man," Jason spit in his face before continuing, "That blonde … she ain't nothing but a fucking whore. I meant what I said she ever comes back to town I'll fuck her shit real good. Shit, I outta fuck Tara real good while I am at it!"

Jax moved forward grabbing Jason by his shirt collar a snarl upon his face. Aiden reached up wiping the spit from his face looking at it in his hand for a moment before raising his dark eyes making direct eye contact.

"That may very well be true about me, but you mutter one more word about Amelia or Tara I'll kill you," Aiden's replied emotionless as Jax through Jason onto the ground stepping back, "Oh, and consider your football career finished."

Gripping both hands on the wooden ball bat he raised it swinging with all the fury that had built up within him over the last several months. The intended target was hit as the impact of the bat cracked forcefully into Jason's dominant arm, his football arm. In that instant as the bat made contact and the sound of his bone breaking echoed through the crisp clear night sky, and as promised just moments prior his football career ended.

"Speak a word of this to anyone," Aiden paused his eyes bulging out at Jason in rage; "I will find you, and I will kill you! You understand me, Fucko? I will kill you with my bare hands! Amelia's name ever crosses your lips again; you even think of touching her, your fuckin' dead! You touch any of my brother's girls, your dead! Is that clear you piece of fuckin' shit?"

Not even waiting for a response Aiden spit on Jason before he turned and walked off with the bat in his hand. Jax and Opie looked at each other barely concealing the shock on their faces, violence on that level was not how Aiden normally operated. Neither Jax nor Opie felt remorse for Jason however, as they watched him roll around on the ground his agonizing screams filling the night air.

Jax turned to walk off with Opie and then hesitated for a moment before pivoting his body and delivering one final blow to Jason's ribs with his black riding boot. This time he felt a give and knew ribs had been broken. Coughing up slightly he spit on him just as Aiden had before strutting towards the truck along side of Opie.

Fumbling for the key Jax unlocked the door to his apartment entering with Opie not far behind him. Donna lay on the older style couch her noticeably pregnant belly barely covered by the small blanket as she slumbered peacefully.

Opie entered the door and walked over to the couch kneeling down by her head, reaching out he stroked her silky brown hair before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Her eyes barely fluttered open as he reached down hoisting her up in his strong arms.

"Night brother," The words barely a whisper as he exited the front door with Donna cuddled close to his chest.

"Night man," Jax responded turning to make his way to the bedroom where he hoped Tara was resting peacefully.

He stopped in the doorway of the small bedroom to just drink in the breathtaking sight before him. There she lay upon his queen size bed on top of the covers, her brown hair splayed out over pale bedding. The only lighting was the moon which illuminated the room, making her skin gleam as if it were translucent. Goose bumps covered the flesh of her arms; glancing over at the cracked window he could feel the crisp evening breeze upon his own flesh. Kicking his boots off he noticed a tinge of red on the tip that he assumed was Jason's blood, he looked at it with no emotion. He knew that Aiden had messed his arm up permanently but as far as Jax was concerned Jason had gotten what was coming to him. If anything they had shown him mercy.

Unzipping the hoodie he tossed it upon the floor, followed by his black t-shirt, finally he lowered his black jeans and stylish boxers kicking them over to join the collection of clothing gathered on the floor. Jax stretched slightly as he stood before the bed completely naked, the light of the moon now shining upon his body. He could feel the familiar stirring, his body responding to the image of Tara's beauty displayed before him. Lowering himself to the bed he laid beside her, touching her hair gently.

Her very being sensed his presence was close by and she could feel his body calling to her before ever fluttering her eyes open.

"Hey," Tara mumbled the words as her eyes opened focusing on his beautiful face.

"Hey," Jax responded his voice full of love and desire.

Kissing her gently on the nape of the neck he could feel her body relax instantly and her breathing build with anticipation.

"Jax, I love you." She spoke the words ignoring the ache it caused.

"I love you babe," Jax drew her into his naked body carefully breathing her into in senses. Her body was his home and nothing was ever going to change that.

David Hale stood outside of St. Thomas hospital shortly after midnight the cool crisp air biting at his face. He didn't understand anything about Charming and it's screwed up ways. Although he hadn't condoned his best friend hitting Tara, he didn't condone what they had done to Jason either. His football career was over. He knew that Jax, Opie and Aiden must have attacked him in the parking lot before he had arrived, even though Jason was refusing to talk about what had transpired. Claiming he didn't see the faces of his attackers.

Lowering his head he looked at the dark shadows the moon had cast upon the pavement. He detested the club, its member and all it stood for, and wanted nothing more than to rally up the football team and arrange a surprise meeting to avenge Jason. Exhaling as he his mind spun around like the wheel on a car, he knew that revenge would have to be taken out in another form and even another forum for that matter. How he wasn't sure, as he raised his eyes back up to the street, the gentle rumble of the Harley engines filled the air as two SAMCRO members drove by. He wasn't sure who they were but could tell from a distance they weren't young. Feeling his muscles tense at the sound of the bikes the next vision that came into sight relaxed him. It was Unser's patrol car pulling into the parking lot, and at that moment David knew what his future was going to be, and he knew how he would make SAMCRO pay for it all. A crooked smile crossed his face as he started his tally sheet of sins they would pay for when he was one day the lawman of Charming.