Chapter 23 – Through It All

I do not own Twilight, SOA, or anything youtube related.

“Jesus fucking Christ!” Bella snapped as she walked in on Tig and Derk.

Tig raised his brows however as Bella didn’t shut the door right away. She tilted her head and with this peculiar look about her. Tig didn’t break stride as he had Derk choking on his cock.

“You gonna join or…” Tig uttered and Bella blushed whilst sending him a wide-eyed glance.

Tig sent her a wink and Bella sighed.

“Mind putting a sock or something on the door, next time?”

“Sure thang, doll.” Tig said behind a moan.

“Good god!” Bella bitched and was quick to slam the door shut.

Bella shook her head but jumped at the sight of Jax standing before her.

“Took you long enough…” He uttered with a smirk.

“Shut up.”

“Nah… I gotta eat this shit up. I can’t believe you just stood there and watched. Hell, you even had me wondering if you were about to join.”

“Jackson!”

Jax chuckled. He took her by the hand then pulled her towards him.

“That do it for you? Watching two men go at it.”

“It had more to do with the fact that I’d never seen that. So it was like watching a train wreck. I wanted to look away but couldn’t.”

“So you’ve never seen two guys go at it?”

“Not until now.”

“So what’d you think?” Jax taunted with a wide grin.

“Stop that!”

“Nah, this is too much fun. You should see your face. You’re fucking red as hell and look like you want to crawl under a rock.”

“Ever think that maybe I want to stab you?”

“Not much for being penetrated, sorry darlin’.”

Bella punched him on the arm and Jax died of laughter.

“You’re fucking adorable sometimes, you know that?”

“Ugh…” Bella murmured and started to walk away.

Jax grabbed ahold of her once again.

“You know… I kind of like the idea of sleeping on the couch.”

Bella narrowed her eyes wondering where he was going with this.

“If that means we’re living under one roof, that is.”

“Jackson…”

“I know. Gotta find us a house first. I’ll get on that, as long as you promise to move in.”

Bella managed to smile and Jax smiled in return.

“That’s my girl. So do we have ourselves a deal?

“Sure. Find us a place and I’ll drive you crazy, before we even get married.”

“Looking forward to it, darlin’.” He said before kissing her engagement ring.

Bella let out a surprised gasp as Jax lifted her up off the ground and wrapped her legs around him. He pressed her up against the wall and heatedly kissed her. Bella was lost in the moment when something caught her attention. It took a moment for it register, as she couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed. She pried herself free from Jax’s arms. The president had this bewildered look about him as she’d never done that before. He tilted his head and merely observed as she headed into the room where AJ’s boys where. Jax reared back as she slapped the living shit out of Mia. She grabbed a fistful of her hair then dragged her on out of the room. Jax looked to Cliff in question as the boy had his nose and mouth covered with his hands. He was curled up into a corner of the room and looking to Mia in absolute fear.

“HEY!” Happy shouted as Bella was laying into Mia hardcore.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Jax yelled as Happy snatched Bella up by the waist and hurled her across the room.

“HAP!” Jax scolded but hadn’t the time to really react.

Bella’s eyes were wild as she had her gun aimed Happy’s direction. Happy ignored this while helping Mia to her feet. Bella was fuming as she eyed the Phantom down.

“You’re done. Get your shit and get the FUCK out of here!” Bella said and for the first time ever… her gun was unsteady.

“Bella?” Jax called as he hadn’t a clue what to do or what was going on exactly.

“There are a few things I will NEVER tolerate. Child abuse is one of them.”

Mia looked to Bella in disbelief and Happy regarded both women in confusion.

“I get it… Cody smacked you around some. So that’s all you know, right?”

Mia rolled her eyes on this.

“Don’t you fucking roll your eyes at me. I’ll slap you silly. My crew doesn’t pull that shit. If that had been Abel, I would’ve killed you, no questions asked.”

The Sons and the Phantoms looked on in shock as Bella moved her gun towards Mia instead of Happy now.

“You’ve got three minutes. I better not see your face around here again. And if you rat… I won’t kill you. I’ll lock you up and some place they’ll never find you, and I’ll spend each and every day tormenting you.”

“You hit the kid?” Happy asked as Cliff spit his front tooth out into the palm of his hand.

Bella recoiled on this.

“Cliff…” She called with this apologetic glimpse.

“Little fucker had it coming…” Mia spat and was staring the kid down.

“How so?!” Bella challenged.

“Kid of some goddamn Nazi enthusiast? You should’ve killed them both!”

“So what you’re saying is they need to pay for their father’s sins, right?” Bella bitterly asked.

“They’ll grow up just like him.”

“I don’t think so…” Bella said whilst looking to Cliff.

“They’re good kids. Nothing like their father.”

“You lied to us?” Cliff questioned behind a quivery lip.

“Cliff…”

“You weren’t really friends with my dad, were you…?”

“I can explain…”

Cliff shook his head and started to say something else. Bella jumped however as two gunshots sounded. Bella snapped her head the direction in which it came from.  Mia gave a simple nod then pocketed the gun.

“There. Took care of your light work. I didn’t realize Wraith was such a coward.”

Bella cranked her head back towards the boys and staggered back. Both had taken a head shot. Everyone else shared the same baffled look as she, even that of Happy. Mia started on down the stairs, like it was nothing. The Sons and Phantoms were so focused on the horrific scene before them; they hadn’t taken notice of Bella. Not until they heard Mia cry out in anguish. Everyone looked over to see Bella with her blade in Mia’s stomach. Bella had her pinned up against the wall of the staircase and everyone grimaced as she took that blade and stabbed her over, and over, and over again. Tig let out a grunt as it took him and Jax to hold Happy back. Bella let out this heartbreaking cry and withdrew her gun once again. She looked to each of her Phantoms, with this crazed look in her eyes.

“Bella baby…” Jax called and was inching his way towards her.

“WHO’S NEXT? HUH? COME ON!” She shouted.

Dizzy swallowed back and stepped out. She stood before the Phantoms and held her hand out.

“Bella…” She softly called.

“Out of the way, Dizzy!” Bella warned and Dizzy stood her ground.

“Wraith…” Dizzy called once again and stopped Jax from approaching Bella.

“Come on, baby. This is your family.” Dizzy reminded.

“We got your back, always will. We hadn’t a clue about Mia.”

Jax couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His girl had officially snapped but he didn’t blame her, not one bit. In fact, not a single person did, even that of the Phantoms, in which she was holding at gunpoint. Opie had entered the house and took in the scene before him. He kept quiet and gradually made his way towards his niece. Jax took notice but didn’t react knowing what Opie was up to.

“If you feel the need to shoot someone, shoot me.” Dizzy said and Half-Sack recoiled.

“This wasn’t the plan. This wasn’t…” Bella repeated and the gun shook unmercifully.

“I know it wasn’t…” Dizzy said and Bella nodded.

“I don’t hurt children.”

“I know baby. Everyone here knows that.”

Bella jumped as the gun was knocked out of her hold. A set of arms wrapped around her waist and she was dragged on out of the house. Bella started to let whoever it was have it but froze in place. Opie gave a simple nod and Bella came to her knees.

“Uncle Op…” She cried in a childlike manner.

It warmed the man’s heart to hear her call him that again.

“You’re okay.” He whispered.

“No. No I’m not.”

Opie drew back the deepest of breaths and helped Bella to her feet.

“I did this. Wraith… did this. I let her in. I trusted her. I let her in.”

“Shit…” Opie murmured as he had that incredible sense of Déjà vu.

“Don’t you do this, Bell. I mean it. Snap out of it. You’re not going back to that! YOU HEAR ME?! KNOCK THAT SHIT OFF!”

“I can’t do this. Not anymore.”

“Do what?”

“This…”

“Okay, then don’t. Put the helmet away. No one ever said you had to burden the weight of it.”

“I can’t, not yet. I have to finish the race.”

“What happens after you finish the race?” Opie questioned.

“I get married and live the life I want.”

Opie did his best to hide the relief he felt.

“I thought this was what you wanted.”

“It’s what Wraith wanted…”

Opie nodded as it was just as he’d always suspected. Wraith was nothing more than a crutch. Bella needed her in order to push through everything she’d endured. Wraith was the one person Bella could turn to, when she had no one else. But she had Jackson and Abel now. Opie could see it in her eyes. Bella was ready to settle down. She wanted to put Wraith at rest.

“Okay. I can help you with that.”

Bella nodded and Opie wiped her tears with this thumbs.

“Whatever you need. I’ll help you get there.”

“Don’t tell anyone yet, please. “

“You got it, kid.” Opie said and hugged her. But as he did this, Opie put a single finger to his lips. Bella hadn’t a clue that Jax was standing behind her and picked up most of what was said. Jax nodded in understanding then headed back inside.

---

Bella looked to the bodies as the Sons and the Phantoms worked together in cleaning up. Mia, Cliff, and Duke were rolled up in tarps. Tig pulled up the van and the Sons went to load the bodies.

“Hold on…” Bella said and made her way over.

She pulled back on the tarp with Cliff’s body. Chibs placed a hand along her shoulder as she ran her fingers through the boy’s hair.

“What are you going to do with them?” She sadly questioned.

“We have to make the Nordics believe the Niners did it. That way they steer clear, knowing they have two enemies within Charming.”

“And if this backfires on you guys?”

“It won’t. I promise.” Jax assured.

“I hope so.” Bella said as she took the boy’s hand and gave it a little squeeze.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered with a heavy heart.

Bella said her goodbyes to Duke as well.

“They’re in a better place, lass…” Chibs assured and Bella shook her head.

“They should’ve been given a chance. This isn’t right. Nothing about this is right.” Bella folded the tarp back over the boys’ faces then stepped away from the van.

The Phantoms looked to their leader as if lost on what to do next. Bella said nothing as she climbed onto her Harley then headed on out. Jax and Opie shared a reluctant sigh.

“Think she’ll be alright?” Tig asked and Jax rather shrugged.

“Not so sure this time… Something’s different.”

Dizzy looked to the Phantoms.

“We got a race coming up soon. We need to prepare.”

“Something tells me Wraith isn’t quite ready…” Derk uttered.

“We’ll get her there.”

“Don’t push her too far…” Jax said as he thought back to Bella and Opie’s conversation.

“Wraith is what Bella needs right now.” Dizzy stated and Jax shook his head in disagreement.

“Are you sure about that?” The president challenged.

“No offense, but I’ve known Bella a lot longer than you. She needs this.” Dizzy defended.

Opie snapped a look Dizzy’s direction.

“You gonna stand there and tell me who knows my niece best?” He countered.

“Says the man that turned his back to her and made her feel like a failure, in EVERYTHING!” Dizzy yapped in response.

Opie marched right on up and got in her face.

“Watch yourself. You might be my niece’s right hand girl. But I haven’t any issue in backhanding you one. You don’t know shit. None of you do. You’re going to get her killed. All this pressure, when you haven’t a fucking clue.”

“Pressure?!” Dizzy questioned and Opie sighed.

“Forget it. Let’s go.” He said and Jax nodded in agreement.

“Mr. Winston…” Dizzy called as he hopped onto his bike.

“I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect. Bella wouldn’t want us fighting like this.”

“You’re right. She wouldn’t.” He muttered in agreement.

“I think it’s time you paid more attention. She thinks of you like a sister. Maybe it’s time you started to act like one. She’s more than just Wraith. But that’s not what you want right now, now is it?!”

Dizzy’s jaw dropped on this and Opie’s bike roared to life. Jax swallowed back seeing as how Dizzy was on the verge of tears.

“Hey…” Jax called and Dizzy lifted her eyes.

“He doesn’t mean it the way it sounds.”

“No. He’s right. I know something’s different. I just can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. She certainly wasn’t herself.”

“Aye now, she just watched one of her own kill two kids. Not ta mention what all she saw up at that school. All of ye aren’t thinkin’ clearly. Give the lass sometime. We all have our moments, even Wraith. Ye can’t expect the girl ta be on top of her game, on every mission. We Sons have had our mishaps and I’m sure ye Phantoms have. Yer used to relying on Wraith. But maybe it’s time she relies on all of ye.” Chibs looked to Jax in thought.

“The frontrunner is only as strong as their team. If Jackie falls, we fall. It isn’t any different from what ye got goin’ with Wraith. Ye gotta stop and think about how much they have on their shoulders. Every choice they make reflects on everyone around them. That’s a whole lot of pressure. And when ye have someone like Bella… who tends ta put everyone above herself, that makes it all the harder. All of ye need ta wake up a bit and realize that Bella is still in there. Opie’s right… it isn’t just about Wraith.”

Jax looked to Chibs in fullest admiration. He hit the nail on the head and was in awe of his sergeant’s words. The Scot truly got it. Jax could see why Opie suggested Chibs be the VP, not that he had any regrets. But he could certainly see how Chibs would make one hell of a VP, or prez even.

---

Bella took a pull off her beer then flicked her ashes into the ashtray. She narrowed her eyes however as Kozik and Rat welcomed themselves to the booth she was sitting at. Kozik scooted in beside her and Rat sat across from her.

“I don’t remember inviting you to join me.” She bitterly muttered.

Kozik wrapped his arm around her and Bella jabbed him in the gut with her elbow.

“Come now… Don’t be like that. Thought we were friends.”

“Weren’t you supposed to leave town?” Bella questioned as if bored.

They were drunk as fuck and obviously out for revenge. Kozik buried his nose into the crevice of her neck. When Bella went to fight him off, Rat kicked the living shit out of her, from underneath the table. Bella let out a painful grunt and Kozik’s hold grew tighter.

“That blood on your shirt?” He asked as he was looking down her leather jacket.

Bella gritted her teeth and zipped it up all the way.

“What have you been up to?” He taunted.

“None of your business, that’s what. Now fuck off.”

“Kind of dangerous, coming out, all on your lonesome… Aren’t you afraid?”

“Of a couple douchebags like you? Not even a little. Sorry to disappoint.”

Bella finished her beer then she waved the waitress over.

“Could I have another one of these and a shot of whiskey?”

“Sure thang, sug. And what about your friends?”

“They were just leaving.”

“That’s a shame.” The waitress said looking somewhat disappointed.

“Isn’t it?” Kozik continued in his taunting.

“Well if it upsets you that much… we can stay, babe.” Kozik insisted and Rat sent Bella a provoking wink.

“Awesome. I’ll call the boys and let them know to come join us.” Bella took out her cellphone and the waitress jumped as Kozik grabbed it and threw it across the bar.

“Looks like you owe me a new phone, asshole.”

The waitress screamed out as Kozik grabbed a fistful of Bella’s hair and smashed her face against the table. Rat snatched the bottle of whiskey out from the waitresses hold then poured the entire contents over Bella’s face, while Kozik held her down. The waitress shouted for one of the managers to come and help. Before the manager could even get there, Kozik and Rat darted on out of the bar.

“Are you alright, sug?!” The waitress asked as she and the manager helped Bella out of the booth.

“Jesus. I’ll call the sheriff.” The manager said and went on to apologize profusely.

“No need. I’m fine.” Bella said and started on out the door.

“I really think you should file charges on those two!” The waitress called.

“Karma will find them.” Bella said before exiting the bar.

Bella laughed as an all too familiar face was making her way over. Without another thought she swung, the woman cried out then covered her eye. Bella didn’t say a word and kept on walking. She hopped onto her bike and the woman looked over in shock. Bella put on her helmet, flipped her off  then hit the road.

---

“Bella?!” Dizzy called as she entered the penthouse, three sheets to the wind.

Bella didn’t respond as she stumbled on over towards the couch.

“Did you drive home like that?!”

Bella curled up in to a ball and closed her eyes.

“Bella…” Dizzy called with concern.

Bella was out cold however and Dizzy wondered how the hell she made it home. She grabbed a blanket then draped it over her.

“Since when do you drive drunk. You’re usually the one riding my ass about that shit!” Dizzy scolded.

“Whoa…” Half-Sack uttered as he entered the living room.

“Is she alright?”

Dizzy rolled Bella over and got a good look at her face.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”

Half-Sack reared back at the sight as well.

“Get me some ice and a towel!”

He nodded and hurried off. Dizzy grabbed a few paper towels from the kitchen and wet them down. She did her best to clean Bella’s face but cringed at the sight. Her face was all swollen and starting to bruise.

“What happened to you…?” Dizzy whispered with a quivery lip.

Bella went to roll over and Dizzy stopped her.

“We gotta get you cleaned up. You’re a mess!”

Bella let out a moan of utter exhaustion.

“I’ll hurry…”

They were just about done when the doorbell rang. The security Bella had set up showed the sheriff and his deputy standing at the door.

“What should we do?” Half-Sack questioned with unease.

Dizzy sighed knowing they hadn’t much choice.

“Answer it.”

“Are you sure?”

“The longer you hold them up, the more suspicious we seem.”

“Right…” Half-Sack entered the pin then opened the door.

“Can I help you?”

Half-Sack narrowed his eyes as Wayne showed him a warrant for Bella’s arrest.

“What’s this about?!” Half-Sack asked but the deputy barged on in and marched right on up to the couch, where Dizzy was caring for Bella.

“HEY!” Dizzy shouted as he snatched Bella up off the couch and went on to cuff her.

“STAND UP!” He hollered as Bella was limp in his hold.

“SHE’S OUT, YOU DICK! OF COURSE SHE CAN’T STAND!” Dizzy hollered and Wayne sighed as he made his way over.

He cupped Bella’s chin as David had her braced against him.

“We”ll have to wake her up, so we can read her rights.”

“RIGHTS?! JUST WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU ARRESTING HER FOR?”

“Assault and battery.”

“You have got to be joking!”

Dizzy was in attempts to seize Bella from their hold, when Half-Sack forced her back.

“Don’t.”

“WE CAN’T JUST LET THEM TAKE HER!”

“If you don’t… they’ll arrest you as well.”

Dizzy struggled in Half-Sack’s hold as they dragged Bella on out of the house and into their squad car.

---

Jax let out a miserable laugh when he opened his door to find Tara standing there.

“Are you lost?” He asked but took notice of Tara’s swollen and blackened eye.

“Just thought you’d like to know what you’re marrying into…” She spat and Jax raised his brows on this.

“Your old lady just walked up and hit me, for no real reason. Just did it out of the blue!”

“Did she now…?” Jax uttered and popped a cigarette into his mouth.

“I’m guessing she only hit you once.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because if she hit you twice then she missed one.”

Tara’s jaw dropped on this.

“Well aren’t you going to do something about it?”

“Sure, I’m thinking two hours of lip service.”

“Well I’m pressing charges.”

“You have got to be the dumbest smart person I know!”

Tara had this stunned look about her and Jax shook his head.

“You’re going to press charges on someone that runs her own street race gang and is engaged to a prez of an MC?”

Tara didn’t comment and Jax chuckled as he lit his cigarette.

“Tell you what, darlin’. You just go on and do that and see where it gets you.” He said then slammed the door in her face.

---

“Come here often?” Agent Stahl taunted once she entered the interrogation room.

Bella laughed but her eyes were batting about, something fierce, as she was still drunk.

“I told you she isn’t ready for questioning!” Wayne scolded once he saw what Agent Stahl was up to.

“Now’s as good as time as any. Her rights have been read, right?”

“Of course. But she’s in no condition…” Wayne started to say but was shoed on out the door by another agent.

Agent Stahl gestured for the agent to shut the door and he did as requested. She leaned back once it was just the three of them. Bella smiled and shook her head.

“Let me guess, the old bad and good cop routine?”

“Oh I’m no cop, sweetheart.”

“No, you’re just a dyke with a hard on, one you’ll never scratch.”

Agent Stahl raised her brows then crossed her arms about her chest.

“Is that right?”

“Damn straight. I see right through you. You like to play dirty, in and outside the bedroom. It’s all you know. Which would explain why you set Gemma Morrow up. After all, you had to cover your tracks.”

The other agent regarded Stahl in wonder and Stahl smiled his way.

“I believe she forgot her right to remain silent.” Stahl teased and the other agent laughed.

“Silent…” Bella murmured and leaned back with this humored appearance.

“Perhaps it’s you that should be requesting a lawyer about now…”

“And why would you assume such a thing?”

“Because you’re sloppy and sloppiness will get you nowhere. You should honestly think about cleaning up your tracks better. Look behind all corners, keep an eye out for hidden surveillance, and recordings.”

Agent Stahl laughed and Bella nodded. There was a knock at the door and the sheriff let the other agent know he had a phone call. Agent Stahl couldn’t disguise the look of relief when he left the room. Bella smiled when she took notice.

“Sweating bullets, Agent Stahl? Isn’t that beneath you? And I take it this session isn’t being recorded or you would’ve jumped ship and had my ass sent back to my cell already. So go on… beat me into submission, into silence, threaten me with whatever you can come up with. Let me guess, it’ll start with a search warrant. When that doesn’t work… You’ll go out your way to run into me and have me arrested for whatever heinous crimes you can come up with. You’ll ruffle my feathers and fuck with my head, until I give in. Well guess what? This bitch doesn’t give in. No matter what you dish out. I’ll come at you like a bull in heat and I’ll fuck whatever plans you got going. And I’ll keep fucking them, until you’ve sabotaged yourself and the irony eats you alive. I can’t wait to become your cellmate. We can braid each other’s hair and I’ll have you eating the nastiest pussy I can find.”

Bella hiccupped and Agent Stahl nodded amongst herself.

“So what do you have on me?” The agent humorously questioned.

“Your career, your life, your soul is all within my hands. So I’d tread lightly, my friend. Or I’ll reveal the truth behind Edmond Hayes, Polly Zobelle, and Gemma Morrow. I’ll fuck you harder than you’ve ever been fucked.”

“Hmm… So you know nothing about the school shooting?”

“What school shooting?”

Agent Stahl nodded and went on to play a recording. It was Bella’s voice and the entire conversation between her and the gunmen was on it. Bella shrugged once it finished playing it.

“I’m guessing it couldn’t have been you, considering Gemma Morrow said you were at the park with her and her grandson around that time.” Bella didn’t comment and Agent Stahl came to her feet. She escorted Bella towards the door. Just before she opened it, she leaned into Bella’s ear.

“I rather enjoy the fantasy of being fucked by you. But I suppose it’ll have to remain a fantasy. That’s really too bad.”

---

“Where is she?” Jax questioned and Wayne came to his feet.

The prez looked around the area. The moment he spotted her, he took off that direction.

“Tara was going to press charges but ended up backing off. Did you have something to do with that?” Wayne asked and Jax stopped in his tracks. He pivoted around and Wayne nodded his direction.

“What’s this have to do with Tara?” Jax uttered and Wayne narrowed his eyes.

“So you don’t know…”

“Fraid not. Someone called and let me know that they saw my old lady being dragged into the sheriff’s office. So I got the bail money and came here as soon as I heard. I haven’t a clue why she’s even here. So how about YOU fill me in, instead of questioning me.”

Wayne let out a heavy sigh.

“Maybe you should talk to your old lady first.”

“That’d be preferable.” Jax stated then headed that way.

Bella was curled up on the cot and sound asleep. Jax shook his head on this.

“Well go on… Open her cell.”

Wayne retrieved his keys, unlocked the cell then stepped aside. Jax headed into the cell and hunkered down by the cot.

“What the…” He muttered as to her beat up face.

Jax brushed her hair back and Bella whimpered out in her sleep. Jax swallowed back and scooped her up.

“I’m taking her home.”

“Well isn’t that sweet? Prince Charming’s come to the rescue. What a lucky damsel.” Agent Stahl called from afar.

Jax looked over and Agent Stahl sent him a wink.

“What are you doing here?” Jax questioned and Stahl propped her feet up on Wayne’s desk.

“Admiring the view…” She said but with a nod Bella’s direction.

Jax sneered at this.

“Don’t think so…”

“What?! Don’t you don’t agree? She’s really something.”

“Oh that I can agree with. However sexually harassing my old lady will bring nothing BUT my foot up your ass. I don’t care if you are a woman, agent, what have you. I’ll file charges on you myself.”

Stahl pulled an odd face on this and Jax reached into his cut. He handed Wayne some pictures; ones Tig had stolen and right out from Agent Stahl’s blazer. At least that’s what Jax claimed… Each of them was of his old lady.

“I highly doubt those are for investigation purposes, or anything FBI related.”

Wayne looked to the pictures in shock and David was peering over his shoulder as well.

“Come anywhere near my old lady and I’ll sue you and this entire department.”

“You wanna explain yourself?” Wayne inquired and Jax sort of laughed.

“Yeah, good luck with that.”

Truth of the matter? That was yet another set up. Jax wasn’t aware of Bella’s and she wasn’t aware of his. Yet ironically… they just played Stahl and for everything she was worth.

---

Jax caressed Bella’s cheek and watched as she slept. He knew she must’ve been having one hell of a nightmare. Her body would jerk about every now and then and she’d cry out in her sleep. Beads of sweat formed along her forehead and just as Jax went to wipe them away, she shot up. Bella clamped a hand over her mouth and headed for the bathroom. Jax recoiled as he heard her upchuck. He shot to his feet and Bella gestured for him to leave her be. She continued to vomit and Jax could see the embarrassment written all over her face.

“Jackson, please…” She pleaded once she caught her breath.

“Don’t watch me.”

Jax shook his head and sat the edge of the tub. He held her hair out from her face and ran a soothing hand along her back. She went to argue this only to end up throwing up again.

“Damn…” Jax whispered and patted her on the back as she was choking a little.

Bella’s entire face flushed over and she hugged the toilet in attempts to hide her vomit. Jax realized what she was doing and lightly chuckled.

“Come on, baby. It’s just me. We’re getting married, remember?” He hinted as to this not being the worst they’d see of one another.

Bella didn’t comment. Jax reached over and started Bella a bath. Bella patted the toilet down and flushed. She lifted her head then came to her feet.

“Easy…” Jax said as she was awfully pale.

Jax hopped up and grabbed ahold of her.

“Let me help you.” He whispered and went on to take off her clothes.

Jax eased her into the tub and propped her head back.

“There you go…”

Jax stepped out of his boxers and slid in behind her. He swallowed back however as Bella curled up against his chest and had herself a good cry. He hadn’t a clue what to say or do.

“Wraith failed me today…” She said in such a way.

Jax narrowed his eyes in question.

“How so, baby?”

“She’s supposed to clean shit up. But all she did was make matters worse. She didn’t protect those kids, like she promised. She let someone in that should’ve never been in in the first place. All I wanted to do was race. It was all I could think about. I needed that adrenaline, to keep me going. I’d wake up and it was all I could think about. It’s like a drug. No matter how much I get, I want more. It doesn’t matter if I die, or not.”

Jax flinched back on this.

“At least that’s how I used to feel. But I care now. I don’t want to die.”

This had the prez thinking back to something he once said… “I need that rush of terror to get me out of the bed in the morning. It’s in my DNA! IT’s all I know!” (quote taken from SOA series) Jax understood Bella more than anyone. He lived and breathed that rush. He knew what she meant by a drug. It gave you a natural high and you found yourself craving more. In fact, the more the danger, the more welcoming. But he too was at that point in his life where he also gave a damn. He had Abel and Bella to think about now. He couldn’t afford to give into that lifestyle now and he knew that’s where Bella was going with this. He could see that from her conversation with Opie. He couldn’t believe the similarities when it came to him and Bella. He truly felt as if it were fate. Jax ran his fingers along her back and kissed the top of her head.

“I don’t want you to die either.”

“It’s a dangerous game…”

“What is?”

“Giving a damn. It makes you weak and leaves too much room for mistakes.”

“It can…” Jax uttered in agreement. “Or it could make you stronger.”

“How?”

“Wanting something means you’re going to try harder and pay more attention.”

“That’s not how it goes… at least not in my case.” Bella thought back to her time in Forks, before Wraith came into the picture.

She was naïve, klutzy, and everyone’s doormat. She couldn’t afford to go back to that. If she did… she’d lose everything, including that of Jax and Abel. Jax wouldn’t stick around… not for someone like Bella Swan. But if she let Wraith continue on… she’d get everyone killed. Bella sat up and let out this hysteric-like laugh. Jax tilted his head in wonder.

“I’m going to lose you and Abel…” She whispered like she was off on another planet.

“What makes you say that?”

“Because I have to make some changes. And you’re about to see me in a whole new light.”

“That light being?”

“A small town girl that happens to have a thing for bad boys. There’s nothing special about her. She only wanted there to be. So she created Wraith. Wraith gave her an excuse to let go, to be reckless, and not give a shit for once.”

“I think I had a touch of that small town girl already…” He hinted as to the first time he met her.

“You see Bella, it doesn’t matter to me. Wraith, Bella, despite what you think. You’re the same person. So don’t treat this like another persona. I think what you really need is to welcome both – as a whole. Invite Wraith and Bella into your life and see what happens. I don’t think you should push either of them away. That’s not to say you have to remain under that contract of Wraith’s. I suppose what I’m trying to say is… Keep Wraith around, even if you put up the helmet. Despite what Wraith thinks… she needs Bella just as much as Bella needs her. It’s like Jackson Teller with his patch. The patch doesn’t define him. But he defines the patch. Wraith was never meant to take over, darlin’. I think that’s where you went wrong. You counted on her too much. You lost a little bit of that small town girl. You let everything eat you up and before you knew it… there wasn’t much of Bella Swan left. She only came around when called for it.”

Bella had this puzzled look about her and Jax smiled.

“She comes around when it’s just me and Abel. That bashful, sweet, and clumsy girl of mine. Wraith is hot, don’t get me wrong. But there’s just something about Bella. I rather adore the innocence she brings into our lives. In fact, I crave it. I love seeing that side of you.”

Bella couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was she really like that when it was just the three of them?! She hadn’t realized it.

“I think it’s time you combined the two and realize there’s a time and place for both. Don’t kill one or the other off. Like it or not… Bella baby, it’s who you are now. You can’t have one without the other. You’re not that small town girl anymore and you’re not exactly the dare devil either. You do what you do out of compassion and that’s what I love most about you. It’s what draws me to you and it has since our first night together. So we didn’t fuck liked I hoped we would… no. But I got something else, something no one can ever take away. That one night opened my eyes to a lot of things. I didn’t realize just how lonely I truly was. Sure, I had Tara, Abel, and the boys. But it was never enough. I had a hard on from hell but I slept like a motherfucking baby and all because I was holding you. I didn’t understand it or even know what it was at first. Little did I know I was holding the woman of my fucking dreams.”

Bella did that blushing thing Jax mentioned and he smiled.

“There she is… That’s the girl I held that night. So sweet….  Don’t kill her off. Please. Keep Wraith around so my girl stays alive. Can you do that?”

Bella nodded and Jax pulled her back into his arms.

“Good deal. I’m here. Don’t ever forget that. I’ll always be here.” He said with a hand along the area of her heart.

---

Jax gritted his teeth as he thrusted. Bella had her arms and legs wrapped around him and that had the man in overdrive. Both of them were covered in sweat, as they’d been going at it for a little over an hour now. They’d slept through most of the day and woke up with animalistic needs. Jax threw his head back in a finish thus making his third time. And even now… as he pulled out he was raging hard. He shook his head and Bella smiled.

“He’s not letting up. The fucker won’t go down. That’s your fault. Too sexy for your own good.”

Bella bit down on her lower lip, as there was this long string of cum from his dick to her pussy.

“Now that’s fucking hot…” Jax murmured in awe as he too was gawking at it.

“I think it’s safe to say I filled you up.”

Jax tilted his head and gave her ‘lips’ a bit of a squeeze. His dick bobbed at the sight of his cum oozing out of her.

“God dammit! If we keep going like this. I’m gonna be walking around with an icepack!”

“I’m up for the challenge, Mr. Teller.” Bella taunted and Jax teased her with his fingers.

“I bet you are… Fucking minx.”

Bella gasped back as he went on to fully finger her. He didn’t stop until he had those bedsheets soaked.

“Time for that IV yet?” He taunted.

Bella was in attempts to squirm out of his erotic torture. Jax shook his head and crawled over her.

“Not done until I say we’re done.” He growled and went back to fucking her all over again.

Bella arched back and literally screamed his name. This sent Jax into orbit and he looked to Bella in downright shock as he came like a virgin would. Jax cleared his throat and rolled off her. He stared at the ceiling and patted the nightstand down in search for his smokes. Bella giggled at his reaction.

“You okay there, slugger?”

“Oh yeah…” He uttered behind a smirk.

“Are you sure?” She asked whilst getting his cigarette for him.

He raised his brows as her breasts were right in his face during this. He frowned however when she sat back and handed his cigarette over.

“Thanks…” He murmured as she used his zippo to light it.

Bella nodded and had herself one as well. Jax observed as she opened her purse and grabbed her birth control pills. She popped one into her mouth and Jax had this offbeat look about him.

“What?” Bella asked taking notice.

“Just picturing you with a big round belly.”

“What?!”

“Yeah… I bet you’d look like a god damn goddess knocked up.”

“Now that was random as fuck.”

Jax had a good laugh at this.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to freak you out. Just popped into my head that’s all.”

“Well maybe we should make it down the aisle first then worry about knocking me up?”

“Fine…” He said behind a pouty sigh.

“But we’re going to practice, a lot in the meantime.”

“You got that right.”

“We should give Abel a little sister…” Jax said then flicked his ashes into the ashtray on the nightstand.

“Sister, huh?”

“Oh yeah, someone that looks just like you. Big brown eyes, beautiful dark hair, same pouty lips…”

“Someone that’ll have daddy wrapped around her little finger.”

“Just like her mother…” Jax said with a wink.

“You really want another child, don’t you?” Bella said sounding somewhat surprised.

“One day… yes. But only because it’s you. Believe me if it were anyone else… that’s the last thing I’d be thinking about. I went through hell with Abel. There was a time I wasn’t sure I was even ready to be a father. But I knew I hadn’t much choice. Wendy sure as hell wasn’t fit to be a parent. So I had no choice but to step up.”

“Wow…” Bella said in disbelief and Jax cringed once he realized how that sounded.

“That’s not how I meant it. Whether Wendy played a part in Abel’s life or not, I was responsible for him. I know it takes two, darlin’. I didn’t mean it as coldly as it sounded. I was bitter that’s all. I wasn’t ready for all that mess. But I haven’t any regrets. I can’t imagine not having Abel in my life. It’s because of him, that I’m able to see the light when it comes to SAMCRO. Until Abel came along… I was blind and drowning in greed. I needed Abel, even if I didn’t know it. You coming into the picture… That was just a bonus and a good reminder of the goal I’d set forth for me and Abel. I’ve never been in a position where I willingly wanted a child with anyone. You’d be the first. It’s crazy, the things I daydream about. You, me, Abel, and another little tyke running around, driving us crazy. I want it all, baby. I want the dream; the one JT wanted but could never achieve.”

Jax finished his cigarette then sat up in the bed. He looked to the time and shook his head.

“I better get to the shop. I’ve lazed around long enough. Why don’t you pick Abel up and come by? We could have dinner together.”

“Sounds good.”

“Cool.” Jax pecked her on the cheek and headed for the shower.

---

“Mamee!” Abel called and walked on over.

Bella smiled and lifted him into her arms.

“Hey, buddy!”

Abel smiled and hugged her. He looked to her nose afterward.

“Owie?”

Bella nodded and Abel frowned. He kissed her nose, just like she kissed his boos boos and Bella smiled.

“Thank you. It feels so much better!”

Abel nodded and hugged her once again.

“What happened to you?” Gemma asked and went on to check Bella over.

“I’m fine.”

“Don’t look it.” Gemma cupped Bella’s chin and shook her head.

“Come on…” Gemma took her by the hand then led her into the kitchen.

She sat Bella down at the table, headed for the freezer, and returned with an icepack.

“I said I was fine.” Bella argued as Gemma fussed over her.

“Just stay still and shut that trap of yours.”

“You shut it…” Bella maturely replied and Gemma froze.

Bella managed to laugh and Gemma shook her head in disapproval.

“Great, you’re high…”

“I wish…”

“I can help with that.” Gemma offered.

“Not while I’m on baby duty.”

“Gotcha. Some other time perhaps?”

“Sure. It’s a date.”

“So… I heard you decked the living shit out of Tara Knowles.”

Bella had this bewildered look about her and Gemma lowered the icepack.

“That true?”

“How’d you hear about that?”

“Word travels fast around here, sweetheart.”

“Jesus. What a whiny little bitch.” Bella muttered under her breath and Gemma gathered this shit eating grin.

“What?”

“I want to hate you… But you keep finding ways of making me love you.”

“Are you hitting on me, Gemma?” Bella teased and Gemma looked to be in thought.

“As tempting as that might be I don’t wish to be on the receiving end of my son’s wrath. I hear he really lit into Agent Stahl.”

“Just how much do you know?!”

“Enough…” Gemma replied with a shrug.

“And your source?”

“I’d have to kill you if I told you.”

“Oh well… Pffft, get in line.” She said but the image of those boys hit and Bella found herself holding Abel tighter than ever.

Gemma took notice of this.

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah. Just a long day yesterday. That’s all.” Bella lied knowing it was Jax’s place to tell his mother what all happened and not hers.

Bella breathed Abel in and kissed his cheek.

“I missed you.” She whispered into his ear and Abel leaned into her chest.

Gemma exited the room and gave the two a few minutes alone.

---

“What in the fuck…” Jax murmured as Wendy was sitting in the waiting room of the shop.

“What’s she doing here?!” He asked and Tig shrugged.

Jax shook his head and grabbed a clipboard. He wrote down one of their customer’s information and signaled for one of the prospects to pull their car into the garage. He headed into the waiting room and just stood there with a menacing presence.

“Don’t do that, Jackson.” Wendy said and Jax rolled his eyes.

Only Bella and Op got away with calling him that. First Tara and now her? They never called him by his full name before. It’s like they wanted to get under his skin.

“Jax. Just Jax.” He corrected and Wendy frowned on this.

“I was hoping we could talk. Now that things have calmed down.”

“Talk about what?”

“What I tried talking to you about last time…”

“A lot’s happened since then. So spill it out, will ya?”

“We talked about telling Abel the truth…”

Jax lifted his eyes on this.

“I remember now… And I made it abundantly clear how I felt.”

“Jackson, please.”

“JAX! IT’S FUCKING JAX! YOU NEVER CALLED ME THAT BEFORE, SO WHY START NOW? I SWEAR TO GOD BETWEEN YOU AND TARA…” Jax trailed off knowing he was getting too angry.

If he didn’t watch himself he’d wind up smacking the hell out of Wendy. She’d love nothing more than to have something, anything on him.

“I’m going to say this once and once only. You are not Abel’s mother. You never were. You were nothing more than an egg donor. I fertilized it then took over from there. You haven’t and you will NEVER have anything to do with MY SON! I really need you to get that through that thick skull of yours, one way or another. I’m glad you’ve gotten yourself cleaned up. That’s good Wendy, real good. But Abel doesn’t need you. I’m tellin’ you to leave this be.”

“Are you really going to let that troublemaker raise our son?”

Jax closed his eyes for a moment and his hands balled up into fists. She sounded too much like Tara at that point. He never knew a day would come where come where he put Wendy and Tara into the same category of sad women in his life.

“You of all people haven’t any right to judge ANYONE! Bella’s been more of a mother to Abel than anyone else. So don’t you show up on SAMCRO territory and act as if you have some sort of rights. You relinquished them, remember?!”

“No I didn’t. I signed nothing on that.”

“No, Wendy. You relinquished those rights the day you OD’ed. You told me you were done with that shit. But you lied and you’ve been lying ever since. Why should I trust a goddamn word you say?! Now get out of my face and don’t you even think about taking me to court on this, because you’ll lose.”

Wendy stormed out of the office and slammed the door shut behind her. Jax punched the nearest wall beside him and threw the gumball machine across the room. Like that of Bella, he too had had his fill of drama and it didn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. Opie had heard the commotion from the garage and entered the office. He raised his brows as there were gumballs everywhere.

“Everything okay?” He questioned and grabbed a broom.

“No. Not even a little.” Jax murmured and helped Opie with the mess he’d made.

Tig entered the room as well and had this pouty look about him.

“Awe, my gumballs!!!” Tig cried as he’d bought that machine himself.

“I’ll get you a new one.” Jax muttered.

“But it won’t be the same!”

---

“Mamee look!” Abel pointed to a McDonalds as she was stopped at a red light.

Bella looked over and smiled.

“Are you hungry, buddy?”

He nodded and Bella pulled into the lot once the light was green.

“What would you like?”

Abel looked a little confused and Bella named off a few things.

“Fwri and am-urger.”

Bella looked to Abel in amazement.

“That was so grown up, Abel! Good job!”

Abel smiled and pointed to a picture of fries and a toy from the kid menu.

“You got it. So what should we get daddy?”

Abel shrugged and Bella snorted in thought.

“Maybe we should get him a kid meal too.”

Abel giggled as Bella ordered everyone a kid meal, including that of the Sons.  Each of them came with some sort of Matchbox car, truck, or motorcycle. But as she waited for her order that image hit, yet again. Cliff and Duke with holes in their heads and the way Cliff called her out on her lie, just before he died. Bella’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach and that anxiety feeling hit and hardcore.

“Ma’am?!” The woman called for the fourth time as Bella was at the window.

“Mamee!” Abel called and Bella snapped out of it.

She regarded Abel through the rearview mirror and he was pointing to the woman at the drive through window.

“Sorry!” She said and rolled her window down.

The woman looked slightly annoyed as she handed Bella her order.

“Are you alright?” The woman asked as Bella’s hand trembled.

“I’m fine. Sorry I didn’t hear you.”

The woman nodded but looked to Bella with concern. Bella got everything situated then headed for the shop. By the time she got there, she was having a full blown panic attack. Bella was doing everything she could think of to fight it off but nothing seemed to help. She stepped out of the truck and got Abel out of his car seat. She headed into the office and shut the door behind her. With a hand over her heart Bella fought to catch her breath. Abel’s bottom lip quivered as he watched Bella suffering through her attack and that only made her feel worse.

“I’m so sorry, Abel.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Ye alright, lass?”

Bella jumped and nearly fell back as she lost her footing. She hadn’t realized that Chibs was chilling out on the couch.

“Easy!” Chibs reached out and grabbed ahold of her.

“Jaysus…” He whispered as she was wheezing uncontrollably.

He took Abel from her hold then sat him down on the couch.

“Nice and slow…” He whispered and went on to check her over.

“Mamee!” Abel called as he’d made his way off the couch and was tugging at her pant leg.

“Ah now, yer mama needs a little break.” Chibs said while scooping him up.

“How about we go and visit the boys!”

Abel nodded but wouldn’t take his eyes off Bella. Chibs headed on out and made his way into the garage. Jax greeted his son with a warm smile and big hug.

“Where’s mommy?” He asked.

Abel pointed to the office and Chibs sighed.

“Ye might wanna go and see if ye can make way with her.”

“Make way?”

“Aye, she’s havin’ one hell of a panic attack in there.”

“… shit…”

Jax hurried off and Chibs kept Abel occupied. When Jax entered the room the lights were off and Bella was huddled into a corner.

“Hey…” He softly called and Bella lifted her head, as he had it buried between her knees.

“I’m so sorry.” She said behind tears.

“It just hit and I couldn’t control it!”

“Shhh… it’s okay.” Jax whispered and made his way over.

He sat beside her then wrapped his arm around her.

“Take your time. I’m right here.”

“I keep seeing it… I can’t get it out of my head. Cliff died knowing I betrayed him.”

Jax shook his head on this then pulled her into his lap.

“Look at me, baby.” He said.

“He knows the truth, behind everything now. And I know for a fact he wouldn’t hold that against you. He’d understand. He wouldn’t blame you, not for second.”

He knew what Bella really needed. She needed that Wraith side of hers to bleed through, but for whatever reason, Wraith was nowhere to be found. Bella was taking this too personal and putting all the blame on herself. How was she to know that Mia was a psychotic bitch?! This was no different from when Clay showed his true colors. But Jax knew that was of Clay’s own doing and not his. Jax only wished he could make Bella understand that when it came to Mia. Perhaps the difference being that Wraith is in charge. She’s the one that let Mia into the Phantoms and she took it to heart when Mia betrayed them all and killed those kids. She wasn’t the only one having a hard time with this. Happy was quieter than usual and had been keeping to himself. He apologized to Jax for manhandling his old lady. Said if he had known the truth, he would’ve never touched her. No. He would’ve killed Mia himself. Happy couldn’t believe he was fucking someone that coldhearted. It didn’t matter who their father was… they were just kids and purely innocent in all this. This made one of the Son’s worst missions. Everything went south and it continued to go south. The only thing that went the way they hoped was riding of AJ and any evidence of the Sons having to do with his disappearance. They hadn’t accounted for three more bodies. But they made it work and covered Bella, theirs, and the Phantoms tracks. Everything would fall back on the Niners.

Jax started them both a cigarette and they sat in silence as they smoked. He nodded amongst himself as Bella seemed to be breathing easier and calming down now.

“I keep having those…” She said looking somewhat embarrassed.

“How many have you had?”

Bella thought back to the first one when Mary tried to take the kids.

“Three, maybe four?”

“You can talk to me, you know. Whatever’s on your mind… You don’t have to keep it bottled up. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with me… Then talk to Op or Dizzy. I just want you to know that you’re not alone.”

“How do you do it?”

“Do what, baby?”

“Keep your wits about you. You’re always so calm…”

“Nah, trust me. I’m not. I have my moments and my boys are always there to put me back in line. Hell, I’d be lost without them. Bella, Wraith isn’t alone in this race. She’s got an army ready to back her up. Turn to your crew. They’re there for a reason. They want you to lean on them. This isn’t about you carrying them. You’re supposed to carry each other. The Phantoms aren’t just your team, they’re your support system, use that to your advantage. There’s no shame in that. They wouldn’t be there if they didn’t want to be.”

Jax cleared his throat and rans fingers along her bruised up face.

“So you wanna tell me what went down last night?” He questioned as they hadn’t a chance to really discuss it.

Jax regarded Bella in disbelief when she revealed the truth behind Kozik, Rat, and Tara. Kozik and Rat had some fucking nerve, considering they weren’t even supposed to be in Charming in the first place! Coming after the prez’s old lady like that… HUGE MISTAKE! Jax did his best to keep that anger in check but it wasn’t easy. He was hunting them down, first chance he got. As for Tara, it seemed she was telling the truth after all. Still, the man had no sympathy for her. Part of him wished Bella would’ve blackened her other eye.

“Your food’s getting cold.” Bella randomly put and Jax narrowed his eyes.

“I got everyone happy meals.” She said with a small grin.

“Really!?”

“Yep with the little Matchboxes and everything!”

“Awesome! Hope I get the Harley!”

Jax came to his feet and helped Bella to hers.

“You alright now?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“No prob.”

Jax helped Bella gather all the kid meals and they handed them out. The guys were having a field day as they ate their Happy Meals and revealed their Matchboxes. Piney grumbled under his breath and went on about how he wasn’t some goddamn kid and hated McDonalds. But Bella caught him playing with his Matchbox Impala when no one was looking. As for the others they were trading Matchbox cars and playing, like a bunch of kids. Jax wanted Tig’s Matchbox however as he had the Harley Jax wanted. Jax had gotten a Corvette instead.

“How bad you want it?” Tig taunted while stuffing his mouth with fries.

“Just give me the damn Harley, Tig!” Jax spat.

“Nah, you gotta make me a deal.”

“What kind of deal?!”

Tig looked to Bella and wiggled his brows.

“Not happening, you prick.”

“Just a kiss.”

Bella sighed and walked right on up to Tig. She grabbed the Matchbox and exchanged it with the one she’d gotten instead. She slugged Tig on the arm afterward.

“Derk? Remember?!”

“OWWW! AND UM YEAH… WE WERE GONNA SHARE!”

Jax’s eyes went wild on this and Tig was quick to jump out of his seat and back away.

“Yeah, you better run.” Jax taunted and stole the rest of Tig’s food.

“Dammit, first my gumballs and now my fries?!”

Tig took something out of his cut however and went back to stuffing his face again.

“Not taking my Gogurt!” He declared then flipped Bella and Jax off.

Happy strutted on over and traded the Matchbox Bella had given Tig with an actual box of matches. He said nothing on it and went back to eating his Happy Meal afterward. Tig tilted his head and nodded Happy’s direction.

“Well played.” He said looking rather impressed.

Happy gave Tig a thumbs up and went on to hand Abel the Matchbox. By the end of the day Abel had accumulated four of them, thanks to Happy.

---

“What’s this?” Bella asked as Chibs handed her a bottle of pills.

“For your anxiety…” he whispered.

Bella read the label and looked downright offended.

“I don’t need these…” She said and went to hand the bottle back.

Chibs’s eyes locked with hers.

“Nothing wrong with it.”

Bella shook her head and stuffed the pills back into the palm of his hand.

“I don’t need fucking Xanax.” She hissed and Chibs sighed on this.

Bella started to walk away and Chibs grabbed ahold of her arm, stopping her. He pulled her into another room and shut the door.

“There’s no need ta take offense. Ye know I don’t think down on ya, lass!”

“You sure about that?! It’s not everyday I get fucking Xanax handed to me!”

“Bella…” Chibs rather scolded but in a heartwarming way.

Bella tilted her head on this.

“Why don’t ye look at the name on that bottle…?”

Bella narrowed her eyes but did as Chibs requested. Bella couldn’t hide the surprised look on her face.

“Filip Telford…” She murmured and the Scot gave a simple nod.

“Why do ye think I went and gave you that valium that day? Ye think I don’t recognize a good ole panic attack when I see one? I’ve been dealing with that shite for years, darlin’.”

Bella couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Chibs Telford has anxiety attacks?! Since when?

“Jackie boy says you’ve only had a handful. But I’ve been payin’ attention and ye know it’s a little more than that, darlin’. I’m only tryin’ ta help. I’m not cuttin’ ye down in anyway. Ye should know me better than that by now. I’m only lookin’ out for ye as a friend.”

Bella lowered her head on this. She felt like a terrible person.

“Hey now…” Chibs reached out and lifted her chin with his fingers.

“We’re good, ye hear me?”

Bella nodded and Chibs kissed her forehead.

“I got plenty more of those. So hit me up whenever ye need. Alright?”

“Thank you.”

Chibs nodded and headed on out of the room. Bella looked to the bottle once again and drew back the deepest of breaths.

“What the hell…” Bella murmured with a shrug and popped one into her mouth.

Bella started out of the room only to find Happy at the door. He gave a simple nod and backed her back into the room. He shut the door behind him. Bella felt a bit on edge, considering their last encounter. Happy backed her into a corner and Bella had her hand wrapped around her knife, just in case.

“Did I hurt you?” He whispered in such a way.

Bella swallowed back and shook her head no.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah…”

“Good. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Bella reared back in wonder as Happy went to exit the room.

“Happy…?” She called and he stopped in his tracks.

“I’m sorry…” She said and the man spun back around.

“Sorry?! What do you have to be sorry for?”

“Mia…”

He nodded then made his way back over.

“Bitch had it comin’.  I agree. We don’t hurt kids. Did what you had to do. Can’t hold a grudge against you for that. I’d have done the same thing in your shoes. Gotta keep your crew straight, right?”

“Right…”

“Alright then…” Happy pivoted back around then headed on out of the room.

---

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