Mac was antsy, just waiting around.
Unser had stopped by to let her know that Stahl had run out of time, and was now required to release her. That's all he was able to say before a deputy dragged him away, so Mac couldn't pass on the message about Opie.
She began to pace, passing the time until an unhappy looking Stahl showed up. Mac grinned, knowing it would infuriate her.
"I have to let you out." Stahl said, unlocking the door. "But don't let this go to your head. As I told Otto, I'm taking your club down. It's just a matter of time."
Mac just laughed, walking down the hall towards Unser.
As soon as they were around the corner, Mac grabbed him by his arm, and hurried them to his car. She asked him to drive her to the guys, apparently all at Jax's house for a party. Mac pushed him to drive faster, just telling him to hurry every time he asked what was wrong. She had to get to the boys before something bad happened. The bugs would send them spiralling, and Mac could only guess how bad the fallout would be.
Please don't be rash, Clay! Think!
They were close to the party Unser had mentioned when they passed Donna… driving Opie's truck.
That's odd.
Moments later, Opie drove past them, in Donna's car with the kids.
They must've switched cars.
A minute later, they pulled up to the house as Tig drove out of the driveway, his kutte covered by a dark sweatshirt.
Clay stood at the front door, watching Tig drive away.
Mac saw it all in slow motion.
Tig without his kutte… following Opie to… but Donna's in Opie's truck…
Mac went cold. Not waiting for Unser to park, she jumped out of the still-moving car. She could hear the chief yelled, but stop. She had minutes to catch Tig, and needed better transportation.
Conniving BITCH.
The entire clusterfuck was Stahl's fault. Careless bitch had framed Opie, and now had no plan to save him, entirely unaware that Donna would be collateral damage.
Mac sprinted into the house, scaring the shit out of a couple of guests, and searched until she found Chibs.
"Chibs!"
He turned, giving her an enormous grin.
"Mackenzie! You're out!"
He strode towards her, ready to embrace, but Mac stopped him.
"Your bike, we need to take your bike."
She was already dragging him out of the house.
"What? What's goin' on?"
"We don't have time! Please, Filip, we need to go!"
Chibs had never heard the genuine panic in Mac's voice, and it spurred him into action.
"Okay, okay darlin'. Let's go."
They ran for his bike, the rest of the guests behind them curious. Everything and everyone was moving too slowly for Mac, and it was precious seconds before they were on Chibs' bike, not stopping for the question Mac didn't want to answer.
Once they were moving, Mac urged Chibs dangerously fast, ignoring most traffic signals as they flew through town. She barely noticed the rest of the Sons behind them, focused as she was in front of them.
It was pure luck that they caught up to Tig.
The worst of Mac's fears were framed in front of her. Donna in Opie's truck, stopped at an intersection, a black SUV parked behind her. A man in a black sweatshirt pointing a gun through the back window.
"There, that truck!" Mac yelled, and Chibs laid rubber as he came to a sudden stop. Mac lept off the bike, yanking her gun out and sprinting towards the SUV's driver - Tig.
"Tig, NO!" she screamed, but his attention didn't waver from Donna.
Mac, desperate, fired her gun into the air. Tig's head whipped around, as did his gun, which was suddenly aimed at her. Donna jumped in her seat at the sound.
Mac's gun came down, aimed at Tig the moment she knew she had his attention.
"Mac?" he asked, looking baffled.
"Put the gun down, Tig." she said. "Slowly."
He did as she asked, setting it on the passenger seat beside him. Once he had, Mac stepped forward, opening the SUV's door and yanking him out by his arm.
"You idiot." she said, now yelling. "Fucking moron. That conniving bitch played you, and you fell for it! Opie's now a motherfucking rat! Look at what the fuck you almost did!"
Mac pointed at Donna, who had stepped out of the pickup, watching the confrontation closely.
Tig went so white Mac wondered if he would pass out.
Mac said nothing more, but slid her gun away. Tig had leaned back against the SUV, astounded. The rest of the guys gathered around, confused.
But the truth was right in front of them.
"No one move." Mac said, her voice low and infused with the command she so rarely wielded.
"Mackenzie." Chibs asked carefully. "What's goin' on?"
She took a deep breath.
"When I was stuck at the station, Gemma came to see me. She told me about how there was some concern that Opie had ratted. I tricked a deputy into giving me a phone call, which I used to call an old friend at the ATF. The confirmed that Stahl was framing Opie so that he would turn for protection."
"They took him from his house without force. Stahl left her card there on purpose. She fucking wanted you to find it. Just like the wire transfer. Did no one stop to think that Opie might not need the money, after what I gave Donna?"
Her eyes bored into Clay's, who did not respond.
"Let me guess, Opie came back and convinced you that he wasn't a rat as soon as Stahl let him out, right?"
There were nods from everyone except Clay and Tig. Mac's eyes narrowed.
"Apparently, two of you weren't so trusting. Two of you didn't believe it, and so took it upon yourselves to search Opie's truck. You found the bugs that Stahl planted. You kept that information to yourselves, falling right into Stahl's trap, not using the grains that God gave you. You decided, alone, that Opie had to die. For the good of the club."
The last sentence was all sarcasm.
"And that's not even the worst thing." Mac hissed. "Because while Tig tonight was planning to shoot Opie in his truck, Donna was in it instead."
She turned to Tig.
"You almost killed an old lady over the crimes her husband didn't fucking committ."
She stepped forward, crowding in on Clay and Tig.
"Does that sound about right?" she growled.
They nodded reluctantly.
"You fucking idiots." Mac's voice was scathing. "My ATF friend confirmed that it was Stahl. Opie had no idea. You were about to kill the wife of an innocent man."
—
A few hours later, Mac was sitting on the curb with Gemma and Donna.
They both had an arm wrapped around Donna, who seemed to be alternating between fury and terror, in some sort of shock. Understandable, really.
When Mac's words had sunk in, she'd had enough time to slug Clay and Tig once each before the rest of the guys had taken over. They'd done a number on their brothers, before Gemma and Mac had stepped in.
Now, Tara was tending to Clay and Tig, though it was a difficult job while they were yelling and being yelled at. The rest of the guys were sort of circled around them, still trying to hash out how everything had happened.
After the inital fight - blowing off the worst of the team - Mac had been asked to explain everything multiple times. When Opie had arrived, Mac had explained again. Opie, apoplectic, had roared at Tig and Clay before attacking them, and had only just stopped yelling a few minutes ago.
They'd settled down a bit since, at least attempting to have a less physical discussion.
Tara stood, pronouncing Clay and Tig suitably patched up, and left them to it. She walked over to Donna, Gemma, and Mac.
"They'll be fine." Tara sighed. "I can't believe them, though."
Mac sighed too. She'd being seeing the signs for weeks, so this wasn't necessarily unbelieveable, just terrifying. Mac didn't want to think about what might've happened had she not been paying attention, considering that the rest of the club hadn't as well.
It didn't really look like the guys would be done anytime soon, though the Charming police had begun filtering it, breaking up the party. So when Tara started to nod off on Mac's shoulder, Mac decided it was time for them to head home.
Mac pulled Chibs aside, letting him know that she was leaving. He hugged her very tightly, looking disappointed to see her leaving. But he needed this time with the club, and Mac's job was done. The healing was up to them. So she promised him that she'd be fine, and told him to find her when he was ready.
"What a clusterfuck." Tara murmured, as they drove away.
Mac nodded.
"How was the party?" she asked. "You know, before everything."
Tara snorted.
"Kind of weird, to be honest. Something's up with Jax and Wendy."
"His ex?"
"And the mother of his child."
Tara shook her head.
"Jax and I… it kind of feels like our relationship never stopped, just paused for a while. The love is still there, except that we've both changed. Now he's got a kid with a junkie baby mama, and this shit withthe club. Gemma keeps reminding me that if you love the man, you love the club. Do they know how hard they make it?"
"It doesn't sound like it's the club you're having trouble loving, Tara."
"I dunno. I kissed him in front of Wendy, and he panicked. Said he was worried about her getting upset and relapsing."
"Bullshit. You were right to get upset. Look, he's allowed to have his club problems and his kid problems and his baby momma problems. But when it comes to relationships, if Wendy wants to be in Abel's life, she's gonna have to get used to you. Jax should know that."
"I'm worried that if I tell him that, he'll leave."
"Tara, if he leaves, he's an idiot. And that tells you everything you need to know. You left and grew up. So did Jax, in his own way, and he gets props for that. But you're not asking him to give up his son or his club. You aren't asking him to never speak to Wendy again. All you're asking is for some consideration in your own relationship."
Mac sighed.
"Honestly, Tara, I think Jax has already chosen you. He wants you. But if there's any part of him that's unsure, it isn't fair to take it out on you. He needs to be sure - no half-assing a relationship that asks so much from you. I think it's fair you tell him that."
It was shit like this that made Mac appreciate what she and Chibs had. They were covered in layers of scar tissue from their pasts, but in the present, they were solid. No one jerked Tara around, though, so Mac made a mental note to speak to Jax at some point.
It was hours before they heard the motorcycles approaching. Tara stood, checking out the front window.
"Chibs and Jax."
Mac smiled.
Tara let the guys in when they walked up, and Jax wrapped her in a hug. She allowed it, but it was clearly perfunctory at best.
Chibs did the same, though Mac's response was far more enthusiastic.
"We gotta talk," Tara said, and Jax nodded.
"Let's go to my place."
They left quickly, saying goodnight to Mac and Chibs, who were still wrapped around one another.
"Filip." Mac whispered. He pulled back slightly, giving her a long, soft kiss before wrapping her in his arms again.
"Filip? Are you… shaking?"
He was. Her big, bad biker was shaking in her arms.
"Whoa, Filip, what's wrong?"
Mac pulled back in an attempt to see his face, and for the first time, saw him scared.
"I jus'… Donna is Opie's girl, the mother o' his kids, the light of his life. To see her almos'… knowin' tha' tha' could happen ta any o' us, could happen ta you…"
He trailed off, unable to speak. Mac's heart broke.
"Filip, my love, I'm here."
She took his face in her hands. Those brown eyes - normally so sharp and focused and capable - were sad and scared and confused. Lost for words, Mac just returned to his hug, trying to convery everything she felt without words.
"Donnae leave me." he murmured, but firmly. "Ya hav'ta keep yourself safe. You're no' allowed ta die."
She just hugged him tighter.
Chibs sighed, still deeply upset. When he kissed her, it was different from the fiery passion that they usually operated with. It was tender, soft and slow and loving.
They moved to her bed, and when he took her clothes off, it was with adoration. As if she was fragile, breakable. He worshipped her thoroughly. When they finally came together, it was unhurried, and with a sense of something more. Like every other time had been sex, but this time, they were making love.
When he cried her name, it was like a prayer.
Mac felt her eyes burn.
No one had ever made her feel like this.
—
Well, it could've gone worse.
The Sons exited church look grim, though at least they were all alive. Most of the old ladies were waiting outside, including Donna, who - though silent - looked better than she had the night before. Ostensibly, they were there to plan the Halloween party that was a few days away, but they'd been understandably distracted.
According to Chibs, they hadn't come to much of a resolution the previous night. Not that there really was a resolution for what had happened.
It was clear that Clay and Tig, misguided as they were, had been doing what they thought was best for the club. They'd been purposefully mislead by Stahl, and had fallen for it completely. Not that that absolved them of anything.
Opie was, of course, beyond angry. The club had ignored him, lied to him, distrusted him, and - with intent - threatened his family. Everyone else was pissed for the same reasons, adding to the list the fact that Clay and Tig had made such a large decision without sharing. It was a massive betrayal.
And, of course, everyone was pissed at Stahl.
Conniving bitch.
Opie went quickly to Donna, who smiled softly as him. Mac watched the rest of the guys appraisingly.
Tig was in about as much shock as Mac had ever seen him. He was turned inward, almost frozen, even as he walked.
Good.
Tig had needed a wakeup call.
So had Clay, who also looked guilty, though perhaps not as much as Tig.
Or as much as he should.
Despite her growing relationship with the club, Mac would be keeping their president at arms length from then on.
And then there was Opie.
Against all odds, he looked relaxed. He'd been heard, understood, and backed up. He was more confient in his standing in the club than he'd ever been. For the first time in a long time, everyone was on the same page.
"Well?" Gemma asked.
Opie let the silence balloon, waiting until Clay and Tig had shifted, uncomfotable.
Only then did he nod.
The room relaxed. None of the guys looked happy, per se, but there was a tenuous something between them that hadn't been there before.
"But," Opie said, growing a little taller, a little more intimidating with every word spoken, "I will never have us doubted again. We're as much a part of this club as anyone else in this room. I did five fucking years inside for my brothers, and Donna held up kids and house and home, alone. We have more than earned your respect. We are not rats - have never been, will never be. If anyone else doubts that, speak now."
Silence.
"Good. If what happened yesterday ever happens again - to us or anyone else - your intentions won't matter. This club is about trust. I will not have our loyalty, our livelihood, questioned or doubted, publicly or privately."
And Gemma, perhaps in response to the dead look in Clay's eyes, walked over to Donna and Opie, and gave them a hug.
It was the match the lit the fire. Soon they were all hugging - Mac privately thought she'd seen tears in Tig's eyes - and something had opened in front of them that felt like a way forward.
It wasn't perfect - hell, it was all kinds of fucked up - but it was something.
—
The next day, Mac found herself on the porch of Gemma's house, sitting next to Jax and enjoying a break from the party-planning madness that they'd been conscripted into.
Jax was brewing about something, and Mac was gonna figure out what. She was about to find out what the fuck had been going on with the prince.
"Jax, are you fucking your ex behind Tara's back?" Mac asked, out of the blue.
She was hoping to shock him enough to get an honest response, and it worked.
"What the fuck, Mac?" he asked, turning to face her. "No!"
Mac raised an eyebrow.
"I don't know what happened after you left our house after the accident, but before you got there, Tara and I had a pretty concerning conversation about you and Wendy."
Jax looked like her wanted to interrupt, so Mac held up a hand.
"Let me finish. Tara is my best friend. She's my sister like Chibs is your brother. I don't give a damn about anything else; if you hurt her - any that includes sleeping with Wendy behind her back - I'll hurt you worse. Club retaliation be damned. That's a promise."
Jax paled.
"Tara's a good woman, Jax. She's trying to come to terms with what it means to be your old lady. She has it in her, I can see it. But you've got to give her yourself, or there's really no incentive for her. You are what she wants. She's smart, strong, wonderful to Abel, and she loves you. Yes, Jax, loves you. So what in the fuck is wrong?"
He sighed.
"I'm not sleeping with Wendy, alright? What I said to Tara was an excuse not to put our relationship front and center right now. I can't do it again. If she'd gonna leave, if she's just waiting for an excuse to walk away, I can't put everything into her and have that happen again. It'll break me."
"And there's… there's some shit with the club, too. You know some of it, but… I found something. An inheritance, I guess, from my dad. He wrote some stuff about Clay that's… I dunno, I just wonder sometimes if we're doing this the wrong way. All the pain I've put Tara through in the past, probably will in the future - wouldn't it be easier to leave? Walk away?"
Mac let him ramble.
She'd known from the beginning that Jax was trying to force the club in the direction of respectability. Away from the danger and greed and fear, towards brotherhood and trust and family. It was something that Mac respected about him.
And honestly, she thought he was right.
The Sons were teetering on the edge of a knife. This latest incident with Opie and Donna hadn't helped their balance. If only they could just agree that there was money to be made outside of guns and drugs, and that prosperity didn't require so much reactionairy violence.
At it's core, Sons was about chasing their version of the American Dream.
Mac guessed that, whatever Jax's dad had left him, it was a reminder of that. Of what the club had originally been about. Something that made Jax think they hadn't evolved correctly.
And so Jax was pushing himself away, or maybe Clay was pushing him away. It didn't really matter - they couldn't afford to lost Jax. And on top of that, Mac truly believed that the brotherhood was worth it.
He'd gone silent beside her, so Mac filled in.
"I think the club is going to come to a turning point, Jax. I don't know when, but eventually you're going to have to decide if it's worth it. I mean, if the violence, the gun running, the constant battles. Is it all worth the money?"
"I don't know what you dad said, and I don't want to. He lived in a different time, in a different world with different people and different minsets. If I've learned anything, it's that the people we look up to can be very, very wrong. When that happens, it's devastating. We lose sense of who we are."
Mac sighed.
"Listen, don't listen, do whatever. But no matter what you do, give the club the weight it deserves. You're all just small-town kids, at heart. A community with your own rules. Maybe a few of you are out-and-out thugs, but certainly not all. Most are just guys trying to protect the only way of life you've ever known. Anarchy doesn't have to mean the same thing to everyone."
"But you have to make your own decision, Jackson. I think you're doing the right thing, trying to drive the club away from violence and fear and danger and greed. But it's a hard road, and no one else is going to see the light at the end of the tunnel until they're there. You'll have to fight for it, hard, especially because no one is entirely right here."
"You need to listen to your heart and your head - not the revenge you want to take, not the mistakes of someone else, not the dreams of a dead man. And stop pulling the trigger just because it feels good. Tread carefully."
Mac stood up, thinking she'd said more than enough.
Inside, it was still party madness. Halloween meant out-of-town patches, and raucousness fueled by an absurd amount of booze. Mac was quickly roped back into the planning.
Luann came and found her eventually, rescuing her for some small talk. But Mac had an idea she wanted to try.
"Can I ask you something?"
Luann nodded.
"Would you put me in front of the camera?"
Luann looked surprised, but leaned back, evaluating Mac with a critical eye.
"Nice body, good tits, pretty face. Yeah, sure. Can you act?"
Mac smirked at the woman's frank assessment.
"Yes, but that's not really what I mean. I want to do something for Chibs. I saw the work on the studio walls, the boudoir shots."
"Oh sweetie, why didn't you just say so?" Luann said, laughing. "That's a wonderful idea. I've done it for some of the models, and some of the more adventurous local ladies."
Mac snickered.
"I have an all-female crew I work with. Oh, the ideas I already have…"
Mac half-listened, grinning at Luann's excitement.
You're welcome, Filip.
—
The rest of the week was fairly uneventuful, thankfully.
The night of Halloween, Mac walked into the house, exchanging small talk and excitement for the upcoming party with Tara.
"By the way, Jax told me you talk to him." Tara said.
Mac blinked, her opinion of Jax rising a bit more.
"Thanks. You helped." Tara continued.
"I'm glad."
"He's got the weight of the world on his back. Between the club, Clay, his mom, his son, me - it's been tough for him. And I want to be there to help."
"What are you saying?"
"We're giving it another shot." Tara said, smiling. "Kenzie, he has a million little things to work through. Sometimes, it's like his head is stuck in a fog, and I can't penetrate it. But whatever you said, it's like you blew it away. Jax is starting to find a path."
"We talked about Wendy, too. About how he was using her as a shield again me, in case I left again. But I can't leave, Mac. How could I leave him and Abel? A kid who's as good as mine, now? I'll admit, Jax was surprised, and this isn't going to be easy for anyone. But Abel deserves a better mother than Wendy can be right now, and if I'm going to be Jax's old lady, I'm going to do it properly."
"Properly?"
"I'll embrace the club and I love the man. Not one because of the other, but both."
"Good." Mac said, finally allowing herself to smile. "That's fantastic."
She smirked.
"So, is the sex everything you remember it being?"
Mac ducked, laughing, as Tara threw a carrot at her.
They ate quickly, and were mostly still on time by the time they were dressed.
"Jesus Christ." Mac said, when Tara walked out of her bedroom. "I should call ahead, warn everyone their childhoods are about to be ruined."
Tara just grinned.
She was Snow White, but in a skirt-top combo that Mac was sure would never be allowed on a Disney screen. She bit her lip to stop herself from making a porn star joke that would be sure to have Tara changing. Her friend looked too good to change.
"And you are… a mermaid? A little out of character, no?"
Mac flipped her off, but privately agreed. She was, in fact, dressed as a mermaid, and felt absolutely ridiculous, even if the outfit was hot. But Chibs' reaction would be worth it.
"Yes, I'm a mermaid."
She hiked up her skirt a little, holstering a small gun on one thigh, a knife on the other. The only places they would fit.
"It isn't my style, but Filip'll lost his mind, so I'm find with that."
Mac turned to her friend for final approval.
"Perfect." Tara said. "And nice stud."
Mac had put a belly button piercing in, knowing it would only add to the effect. She was looking forward to a good night.
"Shall we?" Mac said.
"Let's go find our boys"
—
The clubhouse had picked up a while ago, but Chibs still hadn't seen Mac or Tara.
The decorations were pretty well done, mostly spooky, gory shit for the adults. There were bowls full of candy everywhere, alongside a ton of liquor. Brothers from several out-of-town charters had come to visit, and they were accompanied by more croweaters than Chibs had seen in a while.
He was focused on Happy and Tig, who were battling it out in pool, when he saw two women walk in. It took him a second to realize that they were Mac and Tara.
Chibs almost dropped his beer.
Beside him, Jax let out a low whistle.
Mac was wearing a dark green skirt tight enough to leave nothing to the imagination, that somehow also managed to flutter down around her ankles. On top was a deep blue corset top that was covered in gems. It was cut to show off flat stomach and generous cleavage. On her feet were heels that made his pants tighten, and Chibs absently thought he'd have to tear out the eyes of every other guy in the clubhouse.
Then Mac caught his eye, blew him a kiss, and he couldn't help but grin.
Chibs noticed that Jax was staring at Tara with equal fervor, and it wasn't hard to see why. The normally buttoned-up doc was wearing some Disney princess costume that more than earned Jax's stare.
The two women exchanged grins before walking over.
Chibs ground his teeth, noticing heads turn and eyes follow them across the clubhouse.
"Happy Halloween, boys." Mac said, giving Chibs a kiss.
He slid his hands around her waist, keeping her in front of him. Chibs let his eyes drift up and down slowly, letting Mac knew that he liked what he saw. Until he noticed something sparkly in her belly button.
Hello.
"You've been hidin' somethin' from ma." he said, accent strong.
The stud was low-key and sexy on Mac's flat stomach.
"I thought you'd like it." Mac said, smirking.
"An' I do. All o' it."
His hands tightened on her waist.
The night got wild, fast. Mac let herself get tipsy, surrounded as she was by Chibs and Tara and those she'd come to know as family. She danced, drank with a shitfaced Tig, kicked Half-Sack's ass at pool, talked with - or maybe at - Happy, who looked suspiciously… happy.
It was relaxed, for the first time in a while.
They all cheered when Donna and Opie were caught making out inappropriately, and cheered some more when Half-Sack beat Chibs at pool. Privately, Mac knew Chibs had let the prospect win in order to cheer him up, still sad about Cherry's departure.
It was wild and fun, and for the first time, Mac was confident in the future ahead of them.
She didn't think of Peter once.
—
About a month later, Mac woke up alone.
There was a note on her bedside table.
M-
Left before the sun rose. I'll see you tonight, at Caracara.
-C
Mac sighed, laying back against the pillow.
This had been happening more and more often. Despite the high of Halloween, things had been unstable for several week. There were two new enemies, on top of previous issues. Chibs and the rest of the guys had been talking a lot about Zobelle and the two Hale's, and Mac was stewing on how best to help them.
Then there was Gemma, who'd been all kinds of fucking up lately, and would only tell Tara why. She'd also sworn Tara to secrecy, and whatever it was was bad enough to convince Tara to keep Gemma's confidence. Add to that that whatever was going on with Gemma was turning her against Clay, and it was a recipe for a ton of tension within the club.
She was equally concerned about Clay versus the rest of the club.
With her skill at reading interpersonal relationships, she could tell that Jax's new direction for the club was agreed upon - if not verbally, at least implicitely - by everyone, except Clay. Mac was concerned that if he didn't get on board soon, there would be an eruption that would end in a lot of hurt.
So tonight was supposed to be a stress reliever, at least for the guys. There was some porno wrap party of Luann at Caracara, and Mac and Tara had agreed to go. Gemma was also expected, but she was a bit of a wild card these days. Whatever had gone down had actually helped Tara and Gemma repair their relationship a bit, but trouble was brewing.
Mac and Tara arrived arm-in-arm that night.
Caracara was transformed - the sets, cameras, and other porn detritus was gone, replaced with everything necessary for a party. They met the guys, clustered around each other in the middle of the studio.
Chibs greeted her with a kiss that made her toes curl. Mac wrapped an arm around him and just enjoyed his presence, not really paying attention to the conversation around her.
She did notice, however, when one of the blonde porn stars - Ima, she though - decided to drape herself all over Jax. Mac caught Gemma's eye, separated herself from Chibs, and walked over.
"What's up, Gem?"
"Just watching this bitch rub herself all over my son."
There was a look on Gemma's face like she was trying to solve a problem with no answer. Mac, suddenly exhausted with this snippy version of Gemma, snapped.
"That's not what I meant."
Gemma sighed, nodded, and pulled her to the side of the room. She looked nervous, which was more than slightly disconcerting. Gemma never got nervous.
"Look." she began. "I'm sorry, I know I've been difficult these past few weeks. But what I'm about to tell you… I've only told Tara and Unser this, and you've gotta keep the secret. At least, for now."
Mac nodded slowly, and first surprised by Gemma's trust, and then shocked as the story of her assault came out. She took back every thought she had about Gemma's weeks of bitchiness. Her story was beyond horrifying, and Mac couldn't believe she'd been keeping it all bottled up.
"Gemma. I mean… Jesus Christ."
"Don't give me any pity." Gemma said harshly.
Mac nodded.
"Tara took care of you? I mean, physically?"
Gemma nodded.
"The doc was great."
"Why the hell… I mean, I understand why you didn't tell the club, but why not Clay?"
"I don't want his pity, I don't want his sympathy. I don't want his righteous anger, and I don't want him telling the rest of the guys. They'll get hurt going after Zobelle and Weston. And Clay… I think when Clay finds out, he'll never want to touch me again."
"Then let me go after them." Mac said. "Trust me, they won't lay a finger on me."
Gemma shook her head.
"No. That's exactly what they want."
"Fine, but I think you're way off base about Clay. I agree the guys would do something stupid, but Clay doesn't - wouldn't - feel that way about you. He loves you, Gemma. Because of your strength. You're strong, beautiful, confident, and you're his wife. He's not going to walk away because you were attacked by one of his enemies. If anything, I think it'll make him stand by your side. You aren't poisoned or spoiled or used or anything. You're a survivor, and that takes more strength than most women have. If I were Clay, I'd be proud to stand by your side."
Mac could see Gemma thinking about it, but there was no doubt that the mental scars wouldn't be healed with mere words.
"Yeah, well." Gemma said.
Mac watched Gemma's impressive walls come back up, and so she wasn't surprised when Gemma changed the subject to Ima, who was now rubbing herself on Jax like a bitch in heat.
Gemma motioned towards her.
"Tara's catfighting days aren't over." Gemma said, and Mac smirked.
"What, you have a plan?"
Gemma nodded.
"Tara's gonna go to the bathroom. I'll get Jax in there, and you send Ima in… in a little while. You never know what she might walk in on."
Mac smirked.
True to Gemma's word, a minute later, Tara walked towards the bathroom, followed shortly by Jax. Mac waited for a few minutes until Gemma gave her a nod, and then walked over to Ima.
"What?" Ima asked, and Mac could've slapped her for the shear amount of bitchiness in that one word.
"Jax wanted you. He's in the bathroom."
Mac tried her best to look earnest, though she wasn't entirely sure she succeeded. It didn't matter - Ima gave her a sneer, and flouned off in the direction of the bathroom.
She joined Gemma, and they stood, watching the bathroom avidly.
"Any moment now." Gemma said.
Seconds later, Ima came running back towards the main room, red-faced and angry. She looked at Gemma and Mac just as Chibs sauntered up, plastered himself to Mac's back, and kissed her neck. Mac tilted her head to allow him access, giving the porn star a nasty grin.
Ima turned white, and walked out.
Success.
"Wha'd ya do to tha' bitch?" Chibs asked.
Mac and Gemma just laughed.
"Nothin' she didn't deserve." Gemma said.
They talked quietly for a while, until Luann walked up and pulled Mac to the side. She handed her an envelope.
"Is this what I think?" Mac asked.
Luann nodded.
They'd done the photoshoot the week before. It had been easy and fun, and Mac was looking forward to Chibs' reaction.
"Printed them today. The only copies are in there, and I deleted the originals as well, so be careful. Enjoy."
Luann winked at her before walking away.
"Wha' was tha' about, luv'?" he asked.
Mac handed him the envelope.
"Filip Telford, if these get out anywhere, I will castrate you. That's a promise. They are for you and you only. No exceptions."
She gave him a dirty grin.
He turned the envelope over, and Mac stopped him.
"I'd also recommend you don't open them here." Mac said. "Besides, you've got the real thing in front of you."
His eyes went dark, flashing between her, Luann, and the envelope.
"Really?" he asked.
Mac grinned.
"Luann's a good friend."
Chibs tucked the envelope into his kutte.
"Stay righ' here, luv'." he said, suddenly intense. "We're leavin'."
Mac laughed, but did as he asked.
—