Prologue

Jax

The dimly lit office at Teller-Morrow is thick with tension as I sit across from my mother. The air is heavy with unspoken words, the weight of the topic hanging between us.

I lean back in my chair, eyes locked onto hers. "Mom, we need to talk," I begin, my tone firm.

"What is it?" she replies, her voice edged 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 lean forward, narrowing my gaze. "I got a letter from the Stockton Women's Correctional Facility... Ana is getting released tomorrow."

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

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

Mom sighs, reaching for her purse before pausing, seemingly aware of my watchful eyes. "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't care how you feel. Not after putting my kids in danger," I remind her harshly. "Just pick her up and get her settled. That's all I need. And 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'm the one in control now, 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 mix 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 this is just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. I have to navigate the complexities of our family's past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Especially where Ana is 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. I step out, squinting against the bright sunlight, a small duffel bag slung over my shoulder. The past ten years have been a blur of pain, regret, and longing. Now, I face a new reality.

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

"Get in," she says curtly.

I hesitate for a moment, then nod and climb into the passenger seat. The tension between us is thick as the SUV pulls away from the prison.

"Jax sent you?" I ask, breaking the silence.

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

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

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

"I know," I reply, my 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 of us lost in our own thoughts. I can't help but think about the life I've left behind and the uncertain future that awaits me.

The SUV comes to a sudden stop, and Gemma pulls over to the side of the road. She turns to face me, removing her sunglasses. Her eyes are cold and hard. "Let's get one thing straight. Daisy and Ivy have a life. A good life. They're happy. They have Jax and Tara looking out for them, and they don'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. To them, you're just some stranger. And it's better for everyone if it stays that way."

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 daughters' lives?"

Her expression softens momentarily, a flicker of something like regret passing through her eyes. But it's gone as quickly as it came. "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 she's 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.