💘( Mending the King! )✨

TWENTY SIX 

[ Bainne ]

( 🤴🔨👸💋💑🏍 )

" This doesn't change anything, Jax. Tara's still pregnant, and you're still the father. No matter what we feel right now, that's not going away. "

~ ALU ORTIZ to JAX TELLER 

☆《》¤

THE LIGHTS WERE DIM INSIDE SAMBEL'S CLUBHOUSE, while the moon's light seeping through the blinds casted long shadows across the bar as Jax approached Juice, who was nursing a glass of whiskey. The tension of the day hung heavy in the air, but there was a sense of relief too—both Alu and Abel were safe and sound. Jax slid onto the stool beside Juice, his own drink in hand.

"How's she doing?" Juice asked, not looking up immediately, his voice tinged with concern.

Jax took a sip before answering, "She's asleep. She seemed alright, but...you know how she is. She puts on a front."

Juice nodded, exhaling sharply, "Yeah. That's her way. Can't ever tell what's really going on in her head."

For a while, they drank in silence, the clinking of glasses and murmurs from the few other guys in the room filling the quiet. Then Jax broke it, his tone cautious but curious, "Can I ask you something?"

Juice raised an eyebrow but nodded, "Shoot."

"Earlier...Jimmy called Alu the 'Mafia Queen.' Said something about her and Vinny." Jax paused, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "What's that about?"

Juice hesitated, his jaw tightening. He wasn't one to air Alu's dirty laundry, but the look on Jax's face told him this wasn't just idle curiosity—it was personal. He sighed, setting his glass down, "Vinny saved her life," he began. "After Oscar...after he nearly beat her to death, Vinny stepped in. He kept her safe, hid her from Oscar, gave her a place to stay."

Jax frowned, the mention of Oscar making his blood boil, "So, she worked for him?"

6 Years Earlier

The room was dimly lit, the sickly yellow glow of a flickering neon sign outside filtering through the cracked blinds. The thumping bass of the strip club's music vibrated through the walls, muffling the sound of Alu's shallow, ragged breaths. She lay sprawled on the sticky, beer-stained carpet, pain radiating through her battered body. Blood trickled from her split lip, mingling with the sweat and grime on her skin, while dark bruises were already blooming along her arms and ribs where Oscar's kicks had landed with ruthless precision.

Oscar loomed over her, his face twisted with rage, "You think you can run your mouth and get away with it?" he snarled, his voice venomous. "You don't disrespect me and walk away unscathed, darling."

Alu tried to push herself up, but her legs trembled, giving out beneath her weight, "Oscar... please," she managed to choke out, her voice barely a whisper.

But he wasn't listening. He grabbed her by the hair, yanking her up to her knees, "You don't get to beg unless your on your knees," he hissed, raising his fist. "And I'll give you something to really cry about." The sound of his belt buckle being undone echoed throughout the room, causing fear to flash through Alu's eyes.

But before he could force Alu to perform the unspeakable act his twisted mind conjured up, the door burst open with a deafening crash.

"What the hell's going on here?" Vinny's voice cut through the tension like a blade. His presence was commanding, his sharp suit and cold gaze making him seem even more imposing.

Oscar froze, his hand still tangled in Alu's hair, "Dad, this doesn't concern you."

Vinny's eyes darted to Alu, taking in her battered face and trembling form. His jaw tightened, but his expression remained icy, "Let her go," he ordered.

"Dad, she—"

"Now," Vinny barked, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.

Reluctantly, Oscar released Alu, and she crumpled to the floor, clutching her ribs. Vinny stepped forward, grabbing his son by the collar and shoving him against the wall, "You touch her again, and I'll make sure you regret it," he growled, his voice low and threatening. "Do you understand me?"

Oscar stared at his father, fear flickering in his eyes, and nodded his head rapidly.

Vinny let him go, straightening his jacket, before turning to Alu. He crouched down, his expression softening slightly, "Can you stand?"

Alu hesitated, her body screaming in protest, but she nodded.

Vinny reached out, helping her to her feet, "You're coming with me," he said firmly, guiding her toward the door. "You're safe now."

***

The sterile smell of antiseptics filled the air as Alu blinked awake, her body aching with every movement. She glanced around, seeing the plain white walls of a hospital room. A sharp pain shot through her side as she shifted, making her wince.

"Don't move too much," a voice said, the tone was calm but firm.

She turned her head to see Vinny sitting in a chair by the window, his dark eyes watching her intently. He looked as composed as ever, but there was a hardness in his gaze that made her uneasy.

"Why...?" Alu croaked, her voice hoarse from the pain. 

"Why what?" Vinny asked, leaning forward.

"Why did you stop him?"

Vinny smirked faintly, leaning back in his chair, "Because Oscar's a goddamn idiot, and I don't tolerate idiots. Especially ones who can't see value when it's staring them in the face."

Alu frowned, confused. 

"You've got potential, querida," Vinny said, his tone matter-of-fact. "You're smart, resourceful, and you don't scare easy. I can use someone like you. But only if you're willing to make a deal."

Alu's heart sank, "What kind of deal?"

Vinny leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "I'll keep you safe. Oscar won't lay a hand on you again, not while I'm around. But in return, you work for me. Do what I say, no questions asked."

Alu hesitated, her mind racing. She didn't trust Vinny, but the thought of going back to Oscar was unbearable, "And if I say no?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vinny's expression hardened, "Then, you're on your own. And Oscar won't stop until he finishes what he started. You think he'll let you crawl away and disappear? He won't. And it won't end with you, either. That sweet brother of yours out in California—you really think Oscar won't go after him, too? Or do I need to remind you what happened to Tabitha? That's the kind of man you're dealing with. Ruthless, relentless, and willing to destroy anyone who's ever mattered to you just to prove a point."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Alu closed her eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek. She hated the idea of being under anyone's thumb, but she didn't have a choice.

"Fine," she said after a long pause, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "I'll do it. I'll work for you."

Vinny nodded, standing up, "Smart girl," he said, his tone almost approving. He turned to leave, but paused at the door, "For what it's worth," he added, glancing back at her, "You'll be a lot more safer with me than you ever would've been alone." 

And with that, he walked out, leaving Alu alone in the cold, sterile room, her mind already reeling with what her life had become.

"She felt loyal to him," Juice explained, leaning back in his chair. "He treated her well at first, like family. But that changed. He started using her, pushing her into situations she didn't want to be in."

Jax's eyes narrowed, "What happened then?"

Juice took a deep breath, glancing around as if Alu might materialise just to glare at him, "She got away," he said simply.

"Just like that?" Jax pressed. "No one just 'gets away' from someone like Vinny."

Juice shook his head, clearly uncomfortable, "That's not my story to tell, brother. I've probably already said too much. She'll cut my head off for even telling you this much."

Jax leaned back, frustration flickering across his face, but he didn't push further. 

Juice softened, his tone shifting, "Listen, man, if you want some advice...just be patient with her. Alu's got trust issues, more than anyone I've ever known. She's been through a lot of shit, but she'll open up eventually. She just needs time."

Juice paused, a small smile tugging at his lips, "And trust me, you've got nothing to worry about. I've never seen her look at a guy the way she looks at you."

Jax blinked, caught off guard, "How's that?"

"Like you're the first good thing that's ever happened to her," Juice said, clinking his glass against Jax's before taking another sip. 

Jax sat quietly for a moment, the weight of Juice's words sinking in. Maybe he didn't know all of Alu's past, but he was starting to realise it didn't matter. What mattered was earning her trust and proving she didn't have to run anymore.

☆《》¤

Alu's eyes fluttered open, the morning light seeping through the curtains warming her bare skin. She stretched, groaning as she felt the ache in her muscles—a reminder of the night before. Jax lay beside her, propped on one elbow, his blue eyes admiring her gentle features with a soft smile.

"Morning," he said, his voice a low rasp. 

"Morning," Alu murmured, rolling onto her side to face him. Despite the heat of his gaze, her mind was already racing ahead to the inevitable.

Jax reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "You okay, darlin'?"

Alu groaned again, flopping onto her back, "Not looking forward to that plane ride home. Cramped seats, bad coffee...and the company's questionable."

Jax chuckled, his dimples flashing, "Cramped seats just mean more cuddles." 

Alu glanced up at him with an arched brow, "Cuddles?" 

He shrugged, a small grin tugging at his lips, "Yeah, you know, the kind where I pretend it's for your comfort but really it's just an excuse to keep you close." 

The comment hit her like a splash of cold water. She froze, her face hardening as she rolled away from him, sitting up and pulling the sheet around her, "This doesn't change anything, Jax." 

His smile faltered, confusion flickering across his face, "Alu—"

"No," she cut him off, turning to face him with a mixture of resolve and sadness in her eyes. "Tara's still pregnant. You're still the father. And when we get back to Charming, you'll take her back, because that's who you are, Jax. You'll do what's right for your kid, no matter what." 

The weight of her words hung in the air, dimming the warmth of the moment. Jax ran a hand through his hair, frustration flickering across his face, "You think this doesn't mean anything? That I—" 

"I didn't say that," Alu interrupted, her voice softer now, laced with a sadness she couldn't hide. "I just...I needed you last night. I needed to feel something good after everything, even if it was just for one more night." 

He sat up slightly, his hand cupping her cheek, "It doesn't have to be. Baby, please. I love you." 

She gave him a sad smile, leaning into his touch for a brief moment, "I know you do. But Tara's carrying your baby, Jax. That's your family. I know how it works in our world. And I'm not stupid enough to think I can change it." 

The room was heavy with silence, the intimacy of the night before fading into the shadows of the morning. Jax stared at her, his chest tightening with something he couldn't quite name—regret, guilt, maybe both.

Finally, he reached out, his fingers brushing her shoulder, "I never meant to hurt you."

She nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line, "For the first time in my life, I actually believe that. You are really something else, Jax Teller. And I'm gonna miss you." 

Alu cupped Jax's face gently, her trembling hands brushing against the rough stubble on his jaw. Her lips met his in a kiss that was slow, tender, and heartbreakingly deliberate, as though she was memorising every detail—the taste of him, the warmth of his mouth, the way his breath hitched when she leaned closer.

Tears slipped silently down her cheeks, their salty tracks mingling between them, but she didn't stop. She kissed him like it was the last time, pouring everything she couldn't say into that moment—her love, her pain, her resignation.

Jax felt the weight of it, the way her lips lingered, the way her fingers tangled in his hair like she was afraid to let go. He kissed her back just as softly, but he could feel the unspoken goodbye in her touch, in the tears she didn't try to hide.

When she finally pulled back, her forehead rested against his, her breath shaky and uneven. She didn't say anything, but she didn't have to. The heartbreak in her eyes said it all.

Eventually, Alu turned away from him, sliding out of bed, wrapping the sheet around herself as she moved toward the window. She stared out at the compound, her back to Jax, her shoulders tense.

"If only we met sooner," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jax watched her, his heart aching in a way he hadn't expected. He wanted to argue, to promise her something more, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, he leaned back against the headboard, running a hand through his hair as he tried to push back the sinking feeling that he was losing her. 

***

ALU'S OUTFIT 

Bobby and Opie leaned against the bar, their beers in hand, watching as Jax and Alu stepped out of his dorm room. There was something different about the way Jax held her close, his hand resting on the small of her back. He dipped his head, bringing her into a deep, lingering kiss that seemed to speak more than either of them ever could.

Opie raised an eyebrow, "That's not just a kiss. That's a thing."

Bobby nodded, his eyes narrowing, "A big thing."

As Alu pulled away, her expression a mix of emotions, she made her way over to Juice. He was waiting a few steps away, his arms already open. She walked right into them, and he wrapped her in a hug, pressing a protective kiss to the top of her head. Bobby and Opie exchanged a knowing look, but neither said anything yet.

Jax came over and joined them at the bar. Before he could grab a drink, Opie smirked, leaning closer, "So...you make her your old lady yet?"

Jax shook his head, grabbing a beer, "No. Just not the right time."

Bobby tilted his head, clearly unconvinced, and let his gaze wander back to Alu, "Feels just about right to me."

Opie joined in, giving her a quick once-over, "Mm-hmm. You're just gonna let her slip away, Teller?"

Jax rolled his eyes, setting his beer down, "Dude, you're twice her age and three times her weight."

Bobby shrugged, unfazed, "Yeah, so?"

Opie joined in with a grin, "So?"

Jax chuckled, shaking his head, "Get out of here, dirty old men." He walked off, shaking his head but smiling, heading over to help with the van.

As Jax disappeared, Bobby threw up his hands, "What'd I do?"

Opie laughed, clapping him on the shoulder, "You checked out his girl."

"You did too!" Bobby threw his hands up, as Opie walked off as well, chuckling to himself. 

***

Alu was kneeling by her bed, folding the last of her clothes into her duffel bag when she heard a soft knock on the door. She glanced up just as Maureen stepped in, balancing a small, worn stack of letters in her hands.

"Am I interrupting?" Maureen asked, her voice gentle but tinged with purpose.

Alu shook her head, standing up and brushing her hair from her face, "No, it's fine. What's up?"

Maureen closed the door behind her, her eyes scanning the room, before settling on Alu, "I need a favour, lass." She held out the stack of letters, tied together with a faded ribbon, "Can you make sure Jax gets these?" 

Alu took the letters, her brow furrowing as she turned them over in her hands. The paper was aged, the ink faintly visible through the envelopes, "What are they?"

Maureen hesitated for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line, "They're letters. From JT."

Alu's eyes widened slightly, "To you?"

"Aye," Maureen confirmed, her tone softening. "He sent them to me a long time ago." She paused, her voice soft but firm. "It's important that Jax gets them. But make sure he's alone when he reads them, alright? No one else can see them. Not Clay, not Gemma. Just Jax."

Alu nodded, still staring at the letters, "Yeah, I'll make sure he gets them."

Relief washed over Maureen's face. She reached out, briefly touching Alu's arm, "Thank you, love. I mean it." She hesitated for a moment, then smiled warmly. "It's been an absolute pleasure meeting you, Alu. You're a strong lass. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise." 

Alu smiled faintly, touched by the sincerity in Maureen's voice, "Thanks, Maureen. For everything."

Maureen gave her a small nod, her expression tinged with emotion, "Take care of yourself. And him, too."

With that, Maureen turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Alu stood there for a moment, staring at the letters in her hand. Something about them felt heavy, not just in weight but in meaning.

With a deep breath, she tucked them safely into her bag, silently promising herself she wouldn't let Maureen down.

***

The morning air was heavy with the smell of exhaust fumes and leather as SAMCRO prepared to depart from SAMBEL's clubhouse. Bikes rumbled idly in the background, and the men exchanged handshakes and slaps on the back, their camaraderie a constant despite the long miles ahead.

Juice stood by the van, chatting with Freddie, now the president of SAMBEL. Alu lingered nearby, her arms crossed, watching the others say their goodbyes.

Tammy, holding baby Harrison on her hip, approached her with a hesitant look. Their relationship had always been strained, the unspoken tension between them a palpable undercurrent in every interaction. But today, Tammy surprised Alu by stepping closer and pulling her into a hug, her free arm wrapping tightly around her shoulders.

Alu stiffened, caught off guard, and glanced over Tammy's shoulder to see Juice still engrossed in conversation with Freddie.

Tammy's voice dropped to a low whisper, her words cutting through Alu's surprise like a blade, "I get why you never told Juice the truth. He already lost the woman he loved. He didn't need to lose his sister, too."

Alu's breath hitched, but she kept still, her face unreadable. 

Tammy's tone darkened, a quiet warning laced in her words, "But secrets like that have a way of coming out. Be careful, Ana Lucía. You might not lose him because of Tabitha's death, but you'll lose him for lying about it."

Before Alu could respond, Tammy pulled back, her expression neutral, as if she hadn't just delivered a warning that made Alu's stomach twist.

"Take care of yourself," Tammy said aloud, her tone betraying none of the venom from moments ago.

"You too," Alu managed, her voice tight. They shared one last look, a silent acknowledgment of the weight hanging between them, before Tammy turned her attention back to baby Harrison.

Juice noticed Alu's tense expression as she walked back toward him, "You good?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he studied her.

"Yeah," Alu said quickly, brushing it off with a wave of her hand. "Just tired."

Juice didn't seem convinced, but he let it go, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he guided her toward the van. As they loaded up and the engines roared to life, Alu cast one last glance back at Tammy, who stood on the clubhouse steps, her gaze steady and unyielding.

The road ahead felt heavier than it should, the weight of Tammy's words settling in Alu's chest like a stone. Secrets, had a way of following you, no matter how far you ran.

***

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