{Charming, Late June, 1996}

"Motions on the table, Juice, up for full patched member of the Redwoods," Clay glanced down the table at Jax, sitting between Aiden and Opie, "Jax as VP in place of Piney who had stepped down due to health reasons." Clay forced smile waned as he raised the gavel high above his head, before slamming down on the redwood reaper table forcefully.

The loud sound of the wood on wood riveted through the room, representing the release of his frustration over the vote. A vote that was a fuckin' waste of time in Clay Morrow's opinion, he felt his hand twitch, as he envisioned it wrapped around Piney's neck squeezing the life out of him. Piney and fuckin' John speaking from the grave had caused this predestined turn of events. He looked around the table at his brothers. The vote was for appearance sake only, since the younger members weren't aware of the pact which had been made shortly after JT's death. There was no other choice, but Jax.

Clay hoped Gemma was right about his adopted step-son as he heard the unanimous "yay's" ring out as the vote circulated around the table. Gemma was very firm in her beliefs that Jax would conform to his way of doing things. Clay however, wasn't so convinced, he saw too much of John Teller in Jax. A part of him desperately wished he and Gemma had a child, he had wanted that flesh and blood connection. Gemma had refused though, already closer to 40 than not when they finally married. Plus the congenital heart defect that cursed her off spring. The risk of losing another child as she had Thomas was not a place Gemma Teller-Morrow ever wanted to go again.

Slamming the gavel down on the redwood table to signify the end of the voting, Clay nodded Jax's direction as he laid the Vice Presidents patch to his left.

"Congratulation's son." Clay's deep voice engulfed the room and he prayed it sounded sincere.

Tig shifted his frustrated body in the seat, a faint grunt of dissatisfaction drifted to Clay's ear.

Opie breathed a sigh of relief for the first time since they sat at the table. He knew Jax was the only choice, but still yet he was grateful it was now official. Ever the one that expected shit not to roll the way it should, he was grateful it had rolled the proper way.

"Congratulation's brother." Aiden slapped him across the shoulders a crooked smile radiating from his face as he nodded his head in approval.

Jax inhaled deeply as he looked around the table at the many eyes of his brothers that were all fixated on him. Rising from his chair gradually, he turned nodding to Juice who sat behind him, whose grin from ear to ear looked almost goofy.

"Congratulations, brother." He nodded to Juice motioning at the empty chair he was leaving.

Looking straight ahead, Jax took his first step away from his old seat in which he was protectively sheltered by his two closest comrades and brothers. He momentarily felt like a young child being winged from his security blanket. While the VP seat was around the same table, they were his closet brothers; each step symbolized change. A shift in the delicate scales they struggled to keep balanced. As he approached, Jax, stood behind it placing his hand firmly down on the wood frame, taking one last glance around the table, his eyes locked with Opie's.

Opie watched as Jax walked to the head of the table, the dawn of a new age for SAMCRO was upon them. He could feel it deep within the core of his very being, and Opie knew with that dawn would come bloodshed, and betrayal. His eyes shifted over to Aiden's quickly, before turning his gaze back to his new VP. Opie knew that he would protect Jax's life no matter the cost to make sure he fulfilled his destiny. His eyes narrowed in on his brother, whose footsteps were sure and steady. Their eyes locked for a moment, the brotherly bond sealed, Opie nodded his head in acknowledgement and encouragement as his brother pulled the seat back.

Aiden sat watching Jax walk towards his destiny, he thought of his words just a few days earlier. Destiny was never denied, never escaped. His eyes scanned the table quickly drinking in the body language of his fellow brothers, as Jax walked towards the chair. Aiden could see genuineness on all but one face, Tig Trager's. Aiden and Otto Delaney had partied with their fellow brother enough at Luann's to form a bond. Not the type of bond he shared with Opie and Jax, but a bond nonetheless. Otto had assured him the bond would come in handy in the future. Aiden, who had been unsure of the meaning of Otto's vague words, now fully understood. Nonchalantly examining Trager, he knew that under the surface of his expression was a raging fury. Aiden's unlike the others could read him like an open book. He was bitter, wanting to occupy the seat beside Clay. Trager's rock star admiration for his President had not gone unnoticed by a single man who wore the leather on his back. Aiden knew he would need to watch him closely.

Jax sat down in the chair to the left of his step-dad, picking up the patch with his hand, his thoughts drifted to his father. When he was walking towards the chair it was as if he could feel his John's essence all around him in the room. Jax felt like it had been an eternity since he had seen his old man; his image was slowly fading from his mind. While JT had shared many of his mechanic secrets and his love for the road with his son, he had never shared any vision for the club with him. Sitting down slowly in the VP seat, that realization slammed into him. His mind raced as he attempted to recall one time his father had discussed the clubs future with him, or better yet his vision to see his son where he was now. Jax sat his face devoid of emotion. Why didn't you talk to me about the club, Dad? The question floated through the chambers of his mind, just as cool breeze swept over him. Perhaps I never intended for you to have to bear my burden, Son.

{Late Evening, Teller-Morrow Parking Lot}

The night was clear; the breeze which swirled around the premises was refreshing and renewing. Jax stood with a beer in hand, the eeriness that had consumed him momentarily several hours earlier, now gone. The VP patch already sewn on his leather cut, compliments of his mother, Gemma. He felt like Prince of the kingdom as he looked out among the others enjoying the celebration which was now in full swing. The loud rock music echoed off the walls of the buildings, the smell of meat grilling on the open fire, weed, pussy and booze permeated his senses. He welcomed the comforting aromas.

Looking over at the picnic table a crooked grin graced his handsome features as he watched Opie playing with his son. He marveled at the fact that Opie, who eluded don't fuck with me attitude well, could shift so quickly when it came to his son. The same shift took place when he Donna was around also. They both brought out a side of his dear childhood friend that no one else could. Jax's smile became full as his eyes shifted to Donna, she was truly an angel. She displayed her love for Opie, and now their newborn son, proudly. Unashamed to let the world know they were the most important elements of her life. While she didn't elude the brazenness and brashness of his mother, she did have Gemma's fierce loyalty and love in her. Jax knew she would always stand by her man, regardless of what cards they were dealt.

A deep sigh escaped him as the last though lingered in his mind for moment, his eyes turned to his brother, Aiden. He had a beer in one hand and porn star in other with several others clustered around him. Jax now found himself in the same boat as his brother, without his soul mate beside him. He had left the TM headed for Tara's house after the awful explosion between her and Hannah a couple of weeks earlier. Just as he was about to make the turn towards her street something pulled him to keep going straight. The straight route had led him into Hannah's arms.

He knew with every fiber within him it was wrong to drag Hannah into a love triangle like he had done, but it simply couldn't be helped. The gnawing need he had suppressed for so long overflowed like lava from an erupting volcano. There was no denying it, and there was no stopping it once the wheels were in motion. Jax's eyes narrowed in on Hannah as she sat beside Donna, a cheerful smile warming her beautiful face. Her brown eyes gleamed even in the distance and the moonlight illuminated her features. Jax smiled as she reached out taking Kenny into her arms, cuddling him close to her. She was breathtaking; there was no doubt about it.

Jax felt a tug at his heart as visions of Tara filled his mind. He knew he loved her, passionately, but he loved Hannah also. The feelings while both overwhelming and consuming were entirely different, just as making love to each of them was. Tara was a burning flame, that raged through him like an out of control wild-fire in the forest. It couldn't be quenched or denied.

Hannah was a refuge, a solace to him. She calmed the raging need and want in him in a way he had never experienced before. It was as if she were a missing piece of him. Jax didn't even pretend to understand his feelings as he stood watching Hannah from a distance.

Bringing the brown brim of the bottle to his mouth he thought of Tara again. She was refusing to even speak to him; spending most of her time either working at the local diner, or at the hospital. Jax knew she hadn't heard about Hannah, because no one knew, not even Aiden and Opie. Hannah had begged him to tell, and he understood entirely. The whole situation was a festering mess. He was deeply concerned about Tara, after heard rumors through the grapevine she was planning on starting college in the fall, away from Charming. Jax knew they had to talk before she disappeared like Amelia had on Aiden.

"Jesus Christ." He muttered quietly, running his fingers through his blonde hair, "What the fuck am I doing…."

"You ok, bro?" Aiden walked up offering him the joint in his hand the special of cheap perfume covering him from the croweaters he had walked away from.

"Thanks brother." Jax reached out placing the neatly rolled joint to his lips taking a deep drag.

Aiden stood staring at Jax as he inhaled the smoke and slow released it into the night air.

"Missin' Tara." Jax paused looking up at the clear blue cloudless night sky, "Fuck, shit has gotten real intense…. Real fuckin' quick." Passing the joint back he looked his brother square in the eyes.

Aiden acknowledged the words with a nod of his head before speaking, "No fuck, we don't seem to know any other way to roll, brother."

"Jesus Christ, this is a damned celebration, sorry bro. I'm acting like it's a fuckin' funeral. "Jax made a feeble attempt at humor followed by an equally feeble chuckle.

"I know what you're going through…" Aiden paused allowing the statement to finish itself.

"I know." Jax nodded his head raising his beer bottle to his lips finding it empty, "Shit, let's go get another cold one."

Hannah watched Jax and Aiden approached, she cuddled Kenny close to her as if the infant would somehow offer a protection. Inhaling the fragrant smell of baby wash and powder he emitted made her think of pure innocence. The soft sounds of his cooing were comfort; like the lullaby her mother once sang at bedtime. Lowering her head, Hannah's hair cascaded around the infant, as she brushed her lips to the top of his head. Hannah felt his warm hand pulling the strands of her hair back, just as her lips made contact. Looking up with her large brown eyes she smiled gently at Jax.

"He's beautiful, isn't he?" Her voice just a faint whisper as it lingered between them.

"Not as beautiful as you." The confession escaped him as his blue eyes looked at her longingly.

Donna glanced at Jax and Hannah from the corner of her eye. Opie had told her about the fight between Aiden and Jax. Like her husband, Donna, hadn't been surprised at the words which had slipped from Jax's mouth. They had all grown up together, Donna, joining the group as they had all embarked on puberty. The tension had always crackled between the two, and like Opie, she knew they cared for one another. Donna felt torn over the situation, she loved both of the women, and considered both dear friends. She knew the only sexual gesture Hannah had made was toward Aiden. That had truly been the most shocking detail that she had heard come from Opie's mouth when he told her about the scene. Donna had been glad for once, Aiden, had the forethought to walk away. She had called to offer Tara support, but was rejected by her friend. It stung and reminded Donna of the abrupt departure of Amelia had made. Rumors were circulating that Tara was planning on leaving Charming in the fall to go to college. They had all been shocked to hear she wanted to become a Doctor. It was a dream Tara had not shared with any of them, Jax included.

"Here, let me take him back, Hannah." Donna reached out scooping up Kenny.

Hannah released the infant as Donna reached out taking him from her, suddenly she felt extremely exposed. Fidgeting slightly she smiled nervously at Jax; she could feel her heart skip a beat as she drank in his handsome features. His eyes to her were the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen. The rest of him was perfection in her opinion, but what she loved most of all about Jax Teller, was his heart. Under the rough exterior he often tried to display, Jax had a beautiful heart. One that might be flawed physically, but spiritually it was perfection.

"Come get a beer with me?" Jax asked gently as he looked in her eyes.

"Ok." Hannah stood never removing her brown eyes from his.

Aiden and Opie exchanged looks briefly, before turning their attention back to the couple. They both knew that Jax and Hannah had thought they were being discreet, but to them it was clear that the friendship had evolved. Aiden had told Opie the minute Jax walked back into the TM he had not gone to Tara, because he was with Hannah. He could see it written all over his brothers face when they had asked if he and Tara had made up. Aiden knew the look of a man lost, and so did Opie. Although he did pity Jax, Aiden couldn't image being caught in such a situation as loving two women. Christ, loving one has been enough to cripple me.

Jax shot Aiden a look that clearly said don't follow us, as his arm slipped around the curvature of Hannah's back. Walking towards the clubhouse door, Jax stopped to talk briefly with a few brothers. His arm never leaving Hannah's as he moved her inside the building towards the bar.

"Two beers." Jax smirked at the prospect serving behind the bar.

"Sure thing, VP." The young man eagerly handed him two cold bottles.

Grabbing the bottles, in one hand, while the other remained draped the other over Hannah. He strutted shamelessly to a round table in the corner, offering a Hannah a seat before sitting in the one closest to her.

"Thanks." Hannah reached out with her delicate hand for the bottle shyly. She had never been much of a drinker, but considering the situation, Hannah didn't think this was a bad time to indulge. Feeling her cheeks grow warm, she glanced away in trying to gain control. The attempt was futile as the familiar feelings began pulsating through her.

Pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, Jax lit one quickly his eyes glued to hers. The smell of her perfume filled his sense, and he could feel his jeans begin to tighten. Placing the filtered tip to his lips he allowed the smoke to fill him, the smell intermingling in his senses with hers. Fuck this ain't going to work; he snuffed the cigarette out hastily in the plastic ashtray. Lowering his now unoccupied hand over hers, the warmth radiated through him, only heightening the discomfort building in his crotch. Without word he stood interlocking their fingers and coaxing her to stand.

Hannah followed Jax helplessly as he led her to the back of the clubhouse and into the apartment he often stayed in. It was the apartment that his father had often used as an office back when he was alive. The sofa which converted to a bed was already open, the sheets lying in a sloppy heap. She knew Jax often spent the night there, especially since Tara was no longer at the apartment they unofficially shared. Hannah felt a twinge of guilt wash over her as she thought of Tara. She had picked up the phone to call her so many times over the last two weeks. Each time though she had taken the cowards way out never completely the numbers.

Feeling his heart quicken, and his body stir with a need to make love to her, Jax opened the door. Allowing Hannah to enter first, he followed behind her shutting and locking the door. Unable to control the well of need building within him, he drew Hannah into his body, their lips finding one another with ease.

"I need you." The sound of his masculine voice vibrated against her feminine soft pink lips.

"We shouldn't…...we said we wouldn't do this again, not until things are figured out." She could feel the fevered passion growing, building, settling between her legs. God, I can't say no to him, the thought horrified her in a way, and brought her great joy in another.

"Babe, I have tried to get things settled." His fingers began trail down the tiny buttons of her shirt, each one opened with ease, releasing the delectable sweetness that lay underneath, "She's refusing to even speak with me."

"Then try harder." Hannah's body quivered as the flesh of his fingertips grazed across her chest. The cool air met her flesh as he began to work her shirt open with little effort. A small moan escaped from her, floating in the air between them. His smell permeated her senses leaving her drunk, unable to think rationally.

"Please." His clear blue eyes penetrated her resistance as he looked longingly at her.

His feet began to move towards the bed; Hannah felt her body being moved with little effort. The mattress stopping her abruptly as her legs bumped into it. Before she could voice another objection she felt her weight fall back, the mattress squeaking in protest as they fell upon it together. Hannah felt as if she smothered, smothered in Jax Teller. Every nerve within her body sang out in exhilarating pleasure, as his hands moved along her sides opening up the shirt. Before her mind could comprehend what was occurring, the shirt fell along with her bra on the floor at the bedside.

"Please, Jax." Her words mingled with longing and protest.

Not bothering with words Jax raised up from her long enough to discard his leather and the shirt which lay underneath, only after unbuckling his belt did he lower his lips back to hers. His full weight pushing her down into the mattress, as he felt his need grow more urgent. Jax knew she was right they needed to wait; making love again was only going to confuse the situation more. He was helpless to stop though, beyond the point of no return, his hand drifted down to unzip her jeans.

"Let's just pretend the world around us doesn't exist, just one more time." Jax responded huskily as if he were trying to convince himself as well, that once more would be enough. "I promise, no one will find out." Honestly believing his words, unaware that the lust they emitted lacked any discretion to those around them. Slipping his fingers inside her lace panties he found the wetness, and the spot he was looking for. He knew what it was a chicken shit move to get what he wanted as he began to fondle her relentlessly.

"Jax…." She breathed his name out only to be met with his firm lips. The sinful sensations rippling through her as their bodies began to join as one.

{St. Thomas}

Entering the glass doors of St. Thomas, Tara, looked around at the patients sitting in the ER waiting room. Mrs. Williams had called her asking if she could lend a hand in the ER answering the phone. The unit secretary who normally worked the evening shift had called in sick leaving the department in an upheaval. Even though she had just arrived home from completely a shift at the diner, Tara had gladly agreed to aid. The bump of white powder before arriving had given her the extra boost of energy she would need. She genuinely loved working at the hospital, even if she wasn't getting paid. Dr. Martin had been right surrounding herself around others in the healing setting had done wonders for her. Especially considering her personal life was falling apart.

Tara knew that Jax was now the VP of SAMCRO, word had circulated through Charming. He had to try to call her many times to talk. She had rejected each attempt that he made to reach out to her, even avoiding him the diner parking lot. The confession about his feelings for Hannah, had wounded her, but not as much as the move to the VP's chair. Jax's life now seemed almost adhered to the MC, and Tara was no longer sure how her dreams fit into it all. The vision she had once seen for her future with Jax was now hazy and unsure.

A child lying limply in her mother's arms distracted Tara's from her own depressing thoughts, walking towards them she couldn't help but notice the grey appearance.

"Is everything ok? Has someone helped you yet?" Tara walked over closer. The woman looked up, her face wet with tears.

"I .. I … don't know, they said it would be a while. He just went limp in my arms; I don't know what to do." The woman stuttered as she struggled to speak.

Moving without thought Tara grabbed the child from the woman's arms, "Come with me." She ran towards the doors that separated them from the emergency room, the child now dangling like a rag doll.

"What are you doing, Tara?" A nurse stepped in her path, "You can't just burst back here with patients like this; it's against policy." Crinkling her nose unpleasantly before finishing the last sentence. "I told her to wait with that child out in the waiting room …"

"Fuck your policy." Tara spat in her stone cold face, "Dr. Martin!" Tara called out loudly.

"What in the world?" Dr. Martin's eyes grew wide as he moved swiftly towards Tara, grabbing the child from her arms; he made his way to a stretcher. Positioning his stethoscope on the child's chest as he simultaneously picked up his limp grey arm to feel for radial pulse, Dr. Martin's face flushed of color. Turning to the nurse who was still standing with a perturbed look upon her face, his agitation boiled over. "His heart isn't beating!" He spit the words out as he placed his hands on the child's chest.

Sitting on the hard curb, Tara felt a wintery chill rush over her despite the fact it was the middle of the summer. She knew life was fragile, and not guaranteed from one minute to the next. Losing her mother had made that a harsh reality at a young age. Still, Tara couldn't help but think of the events that had transpired over the last year. Carrying the lifeless child in her arms had only slammed it all home. Tara knew she had to leave, had to escape the life, and fate that Charming held for her. The whole she was digging was large and deep, the cocaine, and the arrests. All the choices she was making were going to impact her future. Tara sighed deeply, she had always known Charming didn't factor into her future. Her love for Jax had been a detour her from that realization for a brief time, but now it was time to get back on the path. The question that lingered in her mind over and over was how to get the love her of her life, Jax, on the path with her. They needed each other, she needed him. In her heart Tara knew that if they could simply escape the suffocating town, and his mother's death clutch; their life could be truly spectacular. Jax was so much more than an MC Prince, his heart was good, and she knew that. Looking up at the full moon, its light illuminating her face, Tara vowed not to leave without him.

"You saved his life you know?" Dr. Martin looked down upon her, a slight smile on his lips.

"I didn't do anything special." Tara pulled a cleansing breathe into her lungs.

"Didn't do anything special?" Dr. Martin's eyes narrowed in on hers, "Please tell me you know that you're intelligent, and special. Tara you have a unique strength and light about you, my God, that boy would have died tonight if you hadn't had the strength to speak up for him."

Tara smiled weakly up at him.

"Don't ever lose that, Tara." Dr. Martin sat down beside her on the curb.

"Lose what?" Tara tilted her head inquiring.

"Your strength." He reached out squeezing her hand in support in a show of support.

"Look!" Tara exclaimed as a falling star shot across the dark night sky.

"Make a wish, Tara." Dr. Martin peered into her hazel eyes.

Tara closed her eyes and wished, wished for Jax.

Unlocking the TM apartment door, Jax, turned around once last time to look into Hannah's eyes. They had spent the night together, he knew they should have gone back to his apartment across town, but she had felt so good in his arms.

"Are you ok, babe?" Jax laid his forehead against hers.

"Yes." Hannah looked into his blue eyes. She knew she should feel guilty for spending the night with him, but lying in his arms had felt so right, "What if people notice us leaving?"

"I don't care, Hannah." His lips gently caressed hers, "I love you."

"Jax, please don't say that." She looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Jesus Christ, Hannah, I have always loved you." Jax deepened the kiss.

"You love, Tara." Hannah pulled away removing her lips from his.

"I do love, Tara." Jax knew trying to deny the fact he loved Tara was useless. He did love her, but he knew he loved Hannah as well. "Listen, I know things seem fucked up now, but I'm begging you just give me some time."

"We can't do this again." Her cheeks burned as she spoke the words, recalling the hours they had just spent together. God, I feel like a whore, she thought as the tears began to spill from her eyes.

"Baby." Jax reached up wiping the tears as they fell. "Please don't cry."

Pulling her body into his he kissed her forehead gently. Jax knew what he had done was wrong, he had known it was wrong even a few weeks ago. Hannah had never even been with anyone, and he was dragging her into this bullshit. The heat emitting from her body burned against his flesh even through the clothing he wore, taking all sense of rationalization from him. Picking her up in his arms he lay her carefully back on the bed. Lying above her he massaged her cheek with the back of his knuckle.

"That was some party last night huh?" Luann held her head in one hand and a cup of coffee in another.

Gemma smirked as she brought the coffee cup close to her mouth, blowing on the hot liquid before drinking.

"Gem, you seen Jax?" Clay poked his gigantic head out of the chapel door. "Thought the boy and I might have a talk this morning, just the two of us."

Gemma winked at her husband as he stood in the Chapel doorway, a sparkle in her eyes as she mouthed, that's my man. Clay had not been entirely sold on the idea of Jax taking over as VP. She had convinced him making any move other than placing her son in the left hand seat would not end well. Deep down Clay knew not to fuck with her, her eyes swept around the room. They all knew not to fuck with her. What I want, I get, as a sexy smirk slowly crossed her lips, I am queen of this damn place.

"I haven't seen him sweetheart." Gemma responded.

"I think he crashed in the apartment last night, his bikes still outside." Aiden walked up to the vacant chair taking a seat with his cup of coffee.

"Some party huh?" Luann winked at him, "Think I am getting to old for the all night shit." She rubbed her throbbing temples.

"Shit, Lu, you are still the best." Aiden threw a wink in her direction.

Gemma watched the exchange. Luann, Otto and Lenny had been thick as thieves before incarceration. Aiden, a Prince of Anarchy, raised not only in the MC, but around the pussy eating cocksuckers, her dear friend employed. Both Otto and her best friend had always felt a strong connection with Aiden. She couldn't help but wonder how Otto would feel about him keeping his wife company though. Of course her bed had been cold during the Amelia days, but she knew he had kept it warm for her ever since. Inhaling deeply she shook her head slowly as she observed Aiden's tussled just fucked looking hair. The boy was a rounder, just like his old man, there was no doubt about it. Standing stretching her body she walked over planting a firm kiss on Clay's lips as his hands moved down to the curvature of her ass.

"Love you, baby." She breathed against his lips.

"Love you, baby. Now go get that son of yours for me." He slapped her ass with his gigantic hand.

"Watch it sweetheart, I might like that." Gemma arched her brows at him before sashaying towards the room her son occupied.

"Jax…" His name rolled off her lips as he moved within her, the familiar tingle building as she was swept away in a blissful pleasure once again.

Jax could feel her clench around him as he moved within her, his lips roaming the nape of her neck, his own primal groans of desire filling the room.

Not bothering to knock Gemma opened the door, rolling her eyes up at the ceiling at the site of hers sons naked ass, she cleared her throat.

"Ma, what the fuck!" Jax quickly grabbed the sheet pulling it around their bodies.

"Oh, my God." Hannah could feel her face growing crimson in embarrassment.

"Jesus Christ, Jax, Hannah?" Gemma stood statuesque unable to look away. A tight pain shot through her chest, her breathing became labored as she heaved. The color drained from her face as the walls of the room closed in around her.

"Ma!" Jax called out as his mother's body fell on the floor.

"Jax is she ok?" Hannah screamed out as Jax jumped up grabbing his jeans.

"Gemma!" Clay's deep voice of concern filled the room as he looked down at his wife lying on the floor unresponsive.

"Clay is she ok?" Luann called from behind him. "Is it her heart?"

"She's breathing, but help me get her moved to the bed." Clay motioned to Aiden who stood beside his wives best friend.

Aiden crotched down helping to help lift Gemma, "What the fuck happened?" He looked at Clay and then to Jax, not shocked to see Hannah lying wrapped in a sheet on the bed. I called that one right, he thought to himself.

"Fuck, I don't know!" Jax shook uncontrollably as he helped Hannah from the bed, her body still wrapped in the white cotton sheet, "She walked in and saw us together…Fuck!" He nervously ran his fingers through his blonde hair.

Clay looked up and noticed Hannah for the first time, and immediately he knew what had sent his wife plummeting to the floor.

"Holy fuck." He muttered in an almost inaudible voice as he laid his wife upon the bed.

Clay strolled over to the bar grabbing the first available bottle of liquor and a shot glass.

"Everything ok, Brother?" Bobby asked quizzically as Clay downed a shot of amber liquid slamming the glass on the bar.

Clay gawked up at the ceiling running his large calloused hand over the heavy stubble that had collected since the day prior. His hand sought out its familiar resting spot along his jaw line. Exhaling deeply, Clay looked at Bobby, his eyes devoid of emotion as he spoke.

"Fuckin' history has come home to bite me and Gem in the ass, brother." Wrapping his arthritic fingers around the bottle of amber comfort, he began to pouring another round in the plain shot glass.

Bobby arched his bushy brow as he crammed the last morsel of his homemade banana bread in his mouth, chewing slowly as he watched Clay saunter towards the Chapel doors. His shoulders drooped limply, the fingers of his right hand pale as they grasped the neck of the liquor bottle. The amber liquid sloshing back and forth as if it was a wave confined within the glass container.

"What's gonnae oan, brither? "Chibs approached the bar cautiously.

"Don't know, but it don't look good." Bobby responded as three shadows in his peripheral vision lined up behind Clay, all entering the Chapel the slamming loudly behind them. The sound resonating off the walls as if a bomb dropped.

"You ok, mama?" Clay rubbed the back of his hand against his wife cheek as she sat to the right of him at the Reaper table.

Gemma's hazel locked with Clays steel-blue ones. She felt like shit cold, clammy, as a sense of impending doom swept throughout her entire being. Breaking her eyes away from the comfort that her husband brought, she looked across the table at her Son and Hannah sitting side by side. John's words to her shortly before his death played in her mind like the old 45 records with a scratch. His words, the needle of the record player, kept skipping over and over in her head. Gemma we all gotta pay the Reaper for our sins eventually. Anger coursed through her veins as she recalled her dead husband's words, Cowardly motherfucker, her mind spit back at the sound of his voice. I am the one, cleaning up after you, once again.

"Gemma…..." The feeble attempt to speak fell flat as Hannah's head hung low. The embarrassment flushing through her as sat feeling as if she and Jax were on display in a department store window.

"Gem?" Jax expression changed to one of alarm as he watched his Mothers face contort as she looked at him and then at Hannah. Glancing over at his step-dad for an answer, Clay expression looked almost shameful as he downed his third shot of Jack Daniels.

"Hannah," She moved her eyes in the girl's direction, before glancing back at her son, "Jax, this can't happen."

"What can't happen?" Jax furrowed his brows, his expression demanding further explanation.

"You and Hannah." Gemma reached out for the shot glass consuming her own shot. The fluid traveled down her throat burning as if it were fire.

"What the fuck?" The look of anger washed over Jax's face as he replied back.

"Gemma, I know….. what you must think of me….. I am so ashamed….." Hannah attempted to speak through the sobs that were wrecking her body.

Jax fidgeted in his chair facing Hannah as he placed his warm hand over her cool clammy one which lay on top of the redwood table.

"You have no reason to feel ashamed, Hannah." Turning once again to face his mother, the annoyance building on his face, "She has nothing to feel ashamed of!" His voiced raised in anger. "What the fuck is wrong with you, Gem, Jesus Christ!"

"You're right son." Clay responded flatly, "You and Hannah have no reason to feel shame, but we do." Reaching out to his wife he mouthed a silent "tell them" as he clasps her hand in his interlocking their fingers.

"She's your sister." Gemma grasped Clay hand as the four words she had dreaded since they were both babies were finally spoken.

"WHAT?" Jax shouted jumping from his seat.

Hannah looked at Jax, a sense of foreboding left her shocked and speechless as her brown eyes turned back to Gemma. The hazel eyes that glared back at her with seriousness and truth halted her breathing. She felt as if she were a fish out of water gulping for precious oxygen.

"Always bullshit with you Gemma! Always! First your bullshit with Tara, yeah, you think I didn't notice how you rode her ass!" Jax reached out to Hannah. "You're fuckin' crazy! Come on, darlin' we are out of here, fuck this shit!" Slipping the leather cut off his back he slammed it down on the table forcibly.

"SIT DOWN THE FUCK DOWN!" Clay's large figure rose from his chair, the rage emitting from the pores of his skin.

"FUCK YOU!" Jax pulled Hannah's limp body from the chair. "Baby, come with me." Jax braced Hannah against him guiding her towards the door.

Clay's bulky arm slammed the door closed just as Jax cracked it open. "SIT THE FUCK DOWN!" His commanding voice boomed through the room.

"Times were different back in those days." Gemma's long spindly fingers wrapped around the liquor bottle pouring another shot. She prayed silently for courage and numbness to take over, an almost crazed chuckle escaping her lips. She had never lacked in courage. "Free love shit, we had just come back to town. I was knocked up with Jax, didn't even know it yet. Your mom, Hannah, we have always been friends, we reconnected. Partied together a few times things got a little out of control one night …."

Jax stood beside the Chapel door holding Hannah as his mother spoke, and for the first time in his life he wished she would shut the fuck up.

"I … don't understand my father is Peter Marshall." Hannah's voice filled with dread as she interjected cutting the matriarch off mid sentence. "How can we be related, my father….."

"Your father is John Teller." Gemmas responded flatly.

"Old man." Opie's husky voice filled the phone.

"Yeah, son?" Piney responded his head throbbing in protest from the sound.

"Aiden, just called, said some serious shit is going down in the Chapel with Jax, Gemma, Clay and Hannah Marshall." Opie walked from the kitchen to his living room out of ear shot of Donna. "You know anything about what might be going down? Aiden said there is yelling, serious yelling." He reached out grabbing the leather cut from the back of the recliner.

"Hannah Marshall is there?" Piney rubbed his forehead as he responded, reaching down to grab his jeans that he had cast aside on the floor the night before.

"Yep, Aiden said Gemma walked in on them together this morning." Opie picked up his keys heading towards the front door.

"Together?" Piney questioned shaking his legs into the stiff blue jean material.

"In bed, dad." Opie elaborated.

"Christ, the sins of the past have surfaced." Piney quickly disconnected the phone call without even a goodbye; walking over to the cedar chest at the end of his bed. The wooden top creaked in protest as he opened it, the manuscript with her name on it staring at him mockingly. Reaching out with his weathered hands he picked up one of the envelopes which contained the typed words of his best friend.

Happy entered the apartment room with the cup of warm tea in his hand that Gemma had asked him bring to Hannah. She stared blankly ahead at the dark brown wood wall not even acknowledging his presence.

"Hannah?" Happy spoke her name as he approached his alarm increasing as she made no attempt to look at him, much less take the contents from his hand.

"Happy." Piney's raspy voice filled the room as he loomed in the door frame. "Leave me alone with her for a minute." He stepped aside entering the room as he nodded his head towards the door indicating the large man should exit.

Reluctantly Happy walked towards the doorway, his body turning one last time to look at Hannah before exiting.

Piney waited for the tattooed giant to leave the room, and close the wooden door before he removed the envelope from the inside of his leather cut handing to the girl who sat on the edge like a wounded girl. As her sorrowful, soulful brown eyes looked up at him, Piney sucked in a breath from his portable oxygen tank. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized for the first time, the girl had her father's eyes.

Tara thumbed through the pages of the medical journal Dr. Martin had given her as she lay leisurely on the couch. Absorbed in the words, the unexpected loud pounding on her front door startled her. Rising from the cushions she walked cautiously to the door, looking out the peep-hole she saw him standing with a look of dismay on his face, his fingers working through his hair nervously.

"Jax?" Tara's eyes roamed his disheveled appearance, and for the first time since they had met, he didn't wear the SAMCRO leather.