Prologue

The dimly lit office at Teller-Morrow is filled with tension as Me and my mother sit across from each other. The air is thick with unspoken words and the weight the topic at hand.

I lean back in my chair, eyes locked onto his mother's. "Mom, we need to talk," Jax begins, his tone firm.

"What is it?" She replies, her voice tinged with frustration.

"I need you to do something for me... I was going to tell you sooner, but you went and fucked things up." I tell her, leaning forward. "I got a letter from the Stockton Women's Correctional Facility... Ana is getting released tomorrow."

Mom's eyes widen in surprise. "Analese is getting out? What does that have to do with me?"

"She needs a ride," I explain, settlign my gaze on her. "I'm going to be busy with the club and Tara has her first day at Stockton with Otto."

Sighing she reaches for her purse. I raise an eyebrow and she puts it back down. "I said I was done with weed and I meant it. It's just a habit I need to break. You know how I feel about Analese coming back around."

"If it hasn't been made clear, I don'y care about how you feel. Not after putting my kids in danger." I remind her harshly. "Just pick her up and get her settled in. That's all I need. Remember, if you want to see your grandchildren again, you'll do as I say."

Her jaw tightens, but she knows better than to argue. I have control of the club, and my word is law. "Fine," she says, her voice strained. "I'll do it. But this doesn't mean I trust her."

"You don't have to trust her," I tell her coldly. "Just make sure she gets here safely."

She nods, a mixture of anger and resignation in her eyes. "Alright, Jax. I'll pick her up."

With the decision made, I lean back in the chair. The tension between us palpable. "Good. And remember, Mom, this is about family. We need to stick together even when things are rough."

She stands up, ready to leave. "I'll do what needs to be done. For the family."

As she walks out of the office, I take a deep breath, knowing that this is just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. I has to navigate the complexities of my family's past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Especially where Ana i concerned.

The fucking guilt has eaten me up for the past ten years...

Analese

The sound of the prison gates clanging open is both jarring and liberating. Analese steps out, squinting against the bright sunlight, a small duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The past ten years have been a blur of pain, regret, and longing. Now, she faces a new reality.

A familiar black SUV pulls up, and the passenger window rolls down. Gemma's face, stern and unreadable, appears.

"Get in," Gemma says curtly.

Analese hesitates for a moment, then nods and climbs into the passenger seat. The tension between them is palpable as the SUV pulls away from the prison.

"Jax sent you?" Analese asks, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Gemma replies, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "He thought it was best if I picked you up."

"Thank you," Analese says quietly, unsure of what else to say.

Gemma glances at her, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity in her eyes. "Don't thank me yet. We're not exactly on the same page."

"I know," Analese replies, her voice steady. "But I'm here to make things right. For my daughters."

Gemma's grip on the steering wheel tightens. "We'll see about that."

The rest of the drive is silent, each woman lost in her own thoughts. Analese can't help but think about the life she's left behind and the uncertain future that awaits her.

I take a deep breath as I step out of the gates of the California Correctional Facility. The sun is bright, and the air feels fresh and clean after years of confinement. I glance around, hoping to see a familiar face. To my surprise, a familiar black SUV pulls up, and out steps Gemma Teller Morrow.

"Get in," Gemma says curtly, her expression unreadable behind her sunglasses.

I hesitate for a moment before grabbing my bag and climbing into the passenger seat. The silence between us is heavy as Gemma drives away from the prison. I glance over at her, trying to read her expression.

"I didn't expect you," I say finally, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, well, someone had to come get you," Gemma replies, her tone flat. "Jax thought it was best if I talked to you first."

I feel a knot form in my stomach. "And what exactly did he want you to say?"

Gemma keeps her eyes on the road, her grip on the steering wheel tightening. "He wanted me to make sure you understood a few things before you got any ideas."

"Like what?" I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.

Gemma pulls the car over to the side of the road, turning to face me. She takes off her sunglasses, her eyes cold and hard. "Like the fact that Daisy and Ivy have a life. A good life. They're happy. They have Jax and Tara looking out for them, and they doesn't need you coming in and messing that up."

"I'm their mother," I say, my voice trembling with anger. "I have a right to be in their lives."

Gemma leans in closer, her voice low and threatening. "Think carefully, Ana. They don't know you. To them, you're just some stranger. And it's better for everyone if it stays that way."

I feel tears prick my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. "I did what I had to do to protect your son. It's bad enough that I never got a visit or a call, but now you're telling me I don't deserve to be a part of my own daughter's lives?"

Gemma's expression softens for just a moment, a flicker of something like regret passing through her eyes. But it's gone as quickly as it comes. "I'm telling you to think about what's best for Daisy and Ivy. If you really care about them, you'll stay away."

With that, Gemma puts her sunglasses back on and starts the car again. The rest of the drive to Charming is spent in tense silence, my mind racing with everything Gemma has said.

When we finally arrive in Charming, Gemma drops me off at a modest motel on the outskirts of town. "This is where you'll be staying," she says. "Don't go causing any trouble."

I get out of the car, my heart heavy with a mix of anger and despair. "I'll find a way to see them," I say defiantly. "You can't keep them from me forever."

Gemma doesn't respond, just drives off, leaving me standing alone in the motel parking lot. I watch the car disappear around the corner before turning and heading to my room. It's small and sparse, but it's a start. I drop my bag on the bed and sit down, feeling the weight of my situation pressing down on me. I have no job, no car, and only a few dollars left. But I'm free, and I'm back in Charming. That's a start.

I spend the next few days trying to get settled. I visit familiar places, looking for work, and avoiding any run-ins with SAMCRO members. I know I can't stay hidden forever, but I need to find my footing before facing them again.