💘( Mending the King! )✨

THIRTY FIVE

[ NS ]

( 🤴🔨👸💋💑🏍 )

" You know, Kimchee, I've seen a lot of suits try to pull off what you just did, and let me tell you—they usually walk away with their tail between their legs. But you? You're a damn magician. I think it's time we make this official. How'd you feel about being SAMCRO'S go-to lawyer? Permanent gig. Good money. And let's face it, you'll never be bored. Think it over, but let me tell you—around here, loyalty gets you farther than any courtroom win ever could. "

~ GEMMA TELLER to KIMCHEE

☆《》¤

ALU'S OUTFIT

THE CLINKING OF KEYS ECHOED DOWN THE HALLWAY OF THE CHARMING POLICE STATION as Kimchee strolled toward Gemma's holding cell. His suit was crisp, his demeanour calm, but the slight twitch of annoyance in his brow betrayed his thoughts. As he approached, he found her seated on the metal bench, a picture of composed defiance, her smirk already in place.

"You really don't like making life easy for yourself, huh?" he said, crossing his arms.

"What can I say?" Gemma smirked back, leaning leisurely against the wall. "I like to live on the wild side."

Kimchee shook his head, reached into his briefcase, and tossed her a small velvet box with a bow on top. Gemma caught it easily, her smirk fading as she held it up, "What's this?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"Your newest accessory," Kimchee replied coolly. "Merry Christmas."

Gemma opened the box, her eyebrows knitting together as she pulled out a sleek police-assigned ankle bracelet. She turned it over in her hands, glancing at Kimchee with a mix of confusion and suspicion.

Kimchee crossed his arms, his lips curving into a faint smirk, "Last night, Agent Stahl made a statement exonerating you for the murder of Edmond Hayes. And Polly's death has been ruled self-defense, so you're cleared of the homicides. Of course, there's still the fleeing custody charge, but with your recent medical flare-up, I got it remanded to house arrest. You'll wear that..." he motioned to the bracelet. "...for six months, and if you behave, you'll have it off in three. But I doubt that'll happen, so yeah, six months."

Gemma's jaw dropped slightly as she stared at him, the disbelief evident in her expression, "How...?"

Kimchee gave her a confident smirk, "I'm just that good."

He turned to leave, but Gemma's voice stopped him mid-stride, "Kimchee."

He paused, turning back to face her.

"You know, I've seen a lot of suits try to pull off what you just did," she said, standing now and holding the bracelet loosely in her hand. "And let me tell you—they usually walk away with their tail between their legs. But you? You're a damn magician."

Kimchee arched a brow but stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

"I think it's time we make this official," she said, stepping closer to the bars.

"Sorry to break it to you, babe, but I'm gayer than a tequila sunrise," he said with a cheeky smirk. 

Gemma flashed him a sarcastic smile, "Not like that. How'd you feel about being SAMCRO's go-to lawyer? Permanent gig. Good money. And let's face it, you'll never be bored." She paused, her tone softening just a fraction, "Think it over, but let me tell you—around here, loyalty gets you farther than any courtroom win ever could."

Kimchee studied her for a moment, a faint smile playing at his lips, "I'll think about it."

And with that, he walked away, leaving Gemma holding the bracelet and smiling to herself. In her world, trust didn't come easily—it was earned. And Kimchee had proven himself more than worthy of her trust. 

***

Alu pulled into the SAMCRO clubhouse parking lot, her old car rattling slightly as it came to a stop. In the backseat, Moss was animatedly chatting with Abel, who was perched in his booster seat clutching a stuffed dinosaur. Babysitting Abel for the day had been a surprising request from Gemma, and when Alu found out through Kimchee that Gemma was in jail, everything clicked into place.

Moss hopped out first, holding Abel's hand as Alu came around to guide them toward the clubhouse. The sounds of voices carried through the open doors, and as they approached, Alu heard Tig exclaim, "Where the hell are we gonna find two million dollars?!"

"Two million, huh?" Alu said casually as she stepped up, drawing the club's attention. "Why didn't you just ask?"

Tig raised an eyebrow, and Jax turned to her, looking intrigued.

"Lyla," Alu said, addressing the blonde who was leaning against the bar. "Can you keep an eye on Moss and Abel for a bit?"

Lyla smiled warmly, "Of course."

"Thanks," Alu said, handing Abel over and giving Moss a quick kiss on the forehead. "I'll be back soon, baby. Alright, boys," she said, motioning toward the door. "Follow me."

The members exchanged glances but didn't hesitate as Alu led the way to her car. They climbed onto their bikes, trailing her to a storage yard across town. The sun was starting to dip, casting long shadows as Alu parked in front of a unit. She got out, pulled a key from her pocket, and approached the roller door.

"Alu, what is this?" Jax asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ignoring him, she unlocked the door and pulled it open with a loud metallic screech. The fluorescent light inside flickered on, revealing a fully equipped counterfeit money operation. Machines lined the walls, stacks of fake bills in various stages of production neatly arranged on tables.

The group froze, stunned. Alu glanced back at the bikers, all except Juice, who was standing slightly apart, his face a mask of unreadable emotions. She caught the pointed look he shot her, the first form of communication they'd had in weeks.

"What the actual hell?" Tig muttered, his jaw hanging open.

Alu walked inside, her boots clicking against the concrete floor. She grabbed a large duffel bag from a table, hefted it over her shoulder, and brought it back to the group. She dumped it onto a nearby table with a thud, unzipping it to reveal stacks of counterfeit bills—pristine and nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Jax leaned forward, picking up one of the bills and examining it closely. The texture, the colour, the detail—it was nearly perfect. His eyebrows furrowed as he glanced at Alu.

"How the hell did you get all this?" Chibs finally asked, his voice laced with both shock and admiration.

Alu smirked, leaning against the table, "I have my ways." Her tone was cryptic, dismissing the need for further explanation.

"That's not an answer," Tig said, stepping closer. "You've been holding onto this, and we're just finding out now? Why the hell didn't you whip this out for Oscar's ransom to get Moss back?"

She met Tig's gaze steadily, her expression hardening, "Because Oscar would've known the difference," she said flatly. "And then we'd all be dead."

The room went silent, her words hanging heavy in the air.

"So," Alu continued, tired of the interrogation. "Do you want it or not?"

Jax, still holding one of the bills, straightened and grinned, "Definitely." He looked around at the others, nodding in approval. "This is clean. No one's gonna know the difference. Hell, I barely can."

Before Alu could respond, Jax's grin widened, and he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her off the ground. She let out a surprised laugh as he spun her around.

"Damn, you're full of surprises, babe," Jax said, setting her down but keeping her close. He pressed a kiss to her lips, lingering for a moment, before pulling back. He cupped her face, his voice loud enough for the whole club to hear, "You see this woman, boys? This is my old lady. Don't know what we'd do without her, and I don't know about you lot, but I sure as hell don't plan on finding out—he definitely saved our asses more than once." He leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips, "Mine," he murmured against them, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as a blush crossed Alu's cheeks and a smile graced her face. 

His declaration sent a ripple of surprise through the room, but it was quickly replaced by cheers and whistles. Tig clapped her on the back, and Chibs offered a nod of approval.

"Welcome to the family, officially," Tig teased. "Guess we'll have to get you a kutte now."

As the group celebrated, Alu glanced over at Juice, who stood in the back, silent and tense. Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment, she saw the pain and betrayal still etched into his expression. He said nothing, just turned and slipped out the door.

Her heart sank slightly, but she forced herself to stay focused on the moment. This was her life now, and she'd figure out a way to fix things with Juice later. For now, she was SAMCRO's newest old lady, and the club had what they needed to buy Jimmy O from the Russians. 

***

Jax Teller leaned back against the headboard of his dorm room bed, his tattooed chest glistening faintly with a sheen of sweat. Alu straddled him, her hands resting on his shoulders as she moved rhythmically, her dark hair falling in loose waves around her flushed face.

Jax's hands settled firmly on her hips, his blue eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race, "You sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

Alu smirked, leaning forward, so her lips brushed his ear, "Just admit it, Teller," she whispered, her tone teasing. "You need me."

His lips curled into a grin as he tilted his head back to look at her, "We need each other," he murmured, cupping her face with both hands. His thumbs brushed against her cheeks as he rested his forehead against hers, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

Alu's smile softened, her walls momentarily breaking down under the weight of his words, "I believe you," she whispered, before leaning in to kiss him.

Their lips moved together, slow and deliberate, as if savouring every second. She pulled back just enough to search his face, her eyes glinting with a mix of trust and vulnerability, "Promise you told me everything?"

Jax's grin faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it, his fingers gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "You'll know everything soon enough, babe."

Before she could press him further, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the moment.

"Jax!" Happy's voice came through the door, gruff and impatient. "We gotta go!"

Jax sighed heavily, his head falling back against the headboard in frustration, "Give me five minutes, Hap!" he called back. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he glanced up at Alu, "I'm gonna finish fucking my old lady first."

Alu let out a squeal of laughter as Jax suddenly flipped them over, pinning her beneath him on the mattress. The playful sparkle in her eyes was quickly replaced with desire as he lowered himself to capture her lips in a deep, heated kiss.

His hands roamed her body, gripping her thighs as he thrust into her, earning a moan that echoed through the small room. Their bodies moved together, the rhythm steady and passionate, each movement bringing them closer to the edge.

Alu's nails dug into his back as her breaths came in quick gasps. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as her head tilted back against the pillow, "Jax!" she cried out, her voice trembling as her release overtook her.

Jax followed moments later, his body tensing, before collapsing onto her, his breathing ragged. He rolled onto his side, pulling her close against him as they lay tangled together in the aftermath.

The pounding on the door resumed, louder this time, "Five minutes, my ass!" Happy barked.

Jax chuckled, pressing a kiss to Alu's temple, "Duty calls."

She smiled lazily, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest, "Go save your club, Teller."

He smirked, reluctantly climbing out of bed and pulling on his jeans. As he opened the door, Happy shot him a knowing look, "About time," he muttered.

Jax just grinned, turning back to glance at Alu, still sprawled on the bed, her smile soft and satisfied, "I'll see you out there, darlin'."

And with that, he was gone, leaving Alu alone with the lingering warmth of their moment together.

*** 

The low rumble of Harley engines echoed through the valley as SAMCRO descended the winding hill road. The riders reached a clearing nestled at the bottom of the hill, where a sleek black Mustang was parked. Leaning against the driver's side door, Alu waited for them, her arms crossed and her face unreadable.

The bikes roared to a halt, forming a loose semicircle around the car. Jax dismounted first, pulling off his helmet and raking a hand through his hair. The others followed suit, their eyes scanning the surrounding hills to ensure no one else was nearby.

The van trailing behind came to a stop, and Chuckie hopped out, followed by Miles and Filthy Phil. They opened the van's back doors to reveal Jimmy O, bound and gagged, his eyes wild with defiance despite the bruises marking his face.

Jax walked over to Alu, his boots crunching against the dirt. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he reached her, "Right on time," he said, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips.

"I aim to please," she replied, a hint of sarcasm lacing her tone.

Jax held her gaze for a moment longer, before gently taking the car keys from her hand. Turning back to the group, he tossed the keys to Miles, "Get him in the trunk."

Miles caught the keys and nodded, motioning for Filthy Phil and Chuckie to help. Together, they dragged a struggling Jimmy O out of the van and shoved him into the Mustang's trunk. The sound of the lid slamming shut was final, echoing ominously in the quiet clearing.

As the others kept watch on the hilltops, Jax slipped an arm around Alu's waist, his voice low, "You sure about this, babe?"

Alu gave a small shrug, her gaze lingering on the car, "I'm just taking a small trip, I'll be fine, baby."

Satisfied, Jax turned to Miles and handed him the keys, "Straight to the garage," he ordered firmly. "No stops, no detours. And if anything happens to her, you're all dead," he motioned to the three prospects. 

"You got it, Jax," Miles replied.

Chuckie and Filthy Phil climbed into the back seat, while Miles climbed in the frong and Alu walked around to the passenger side. She hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Jax, "Don't take too long." 

Jax gave her a reassuring smile, "We'll be right behind you."

With a nod, Alu slipped into the Mustang. The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away, kicking up dust as it headed down the dirt road toward the clubhouse.

The bikers watched until the Mustang disappeared over the horizon. Tig walked up beside Jax, "You trust her with all this?" Tig asked, motioning to the now-empty clearing.

Jax smirked, slipping his helmet back on, "With my life."

The others mounted their bikes, the familiar growl of engines filling the air once more. They took off, riding in formation, their path clear and their mission far from over.

***

The low growl of Jax's Harley announced his return long before he rolled into the lot. Alu stood near the clubhouse with Gemma, Clay, and Kimchee, her arms crossed tightly across her chest. The kids had been dropped off at Adela's house, far from the storm brewing at the compound. 

Jax cut the engine and swung off the bike, his expression grim. Alu immediately moved toward him, her boots kicking up dust as she approached, "You okay?" she asked, her voice soft but edged with concern.

Before Jax could answer, the sound of multiple car engines shattered the tense silence. A line of black SUVs and sedans pulled into the lot, tires crunching against gravel. Jax cursed under his breath, his jaw tightening.

"Shit," he muttered, turning to Alu. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek, "I'm so sorry, darlin'." 

Her eyebrows knitted in confusion, "Sorry for what—?" 

The answer came in the form of Agent Stahl stepping out of the lead car, her smirk as infuriating as ever. The rest of SAMCRO quickly surrounded Jax and Alu, their presence a wall of leather and fury.

"Good afternoon," Stahl said, her voice carrying over the tension. Her gaze swept over the group, "Where's Jimmy O?"

Silence.

"Okay," Stahl said, taking a step closer. "I can have a dozen agents here in twenty minutes, and they'll shred this white-trash shithole to pieces."

Alu muttered under her breath, just loud enough for those nearby to hear, "I'm sure they would, whore." 

Jax snorted in amusement, but the humour was short-lived as Stahl's sharp glare found him.

"Get him," Clay barked.

Juice and Half-Sack moved quickly, heading to the garage. A few moments later, they dragged Jimmy O from the trunk of Alu's Mustang.

Jimmy sneered as the officers took hold of him, "Ah, the good ol' American justice system. Always a pleasure."

"Jimmy O'Phelan," Stahl began as the officers cuffed him. "You're being taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act..."

"It's been a pleasure, love," Jimmy said, winking at Alu as he passed by her. 

"...And committing said terrorist act," Stahl finished, clearly irritated.

Jimmy glanced back at the club, his grin widening, "Sorry things didn't work out the way you planned, boys. Luck of the Irish, yeah?"

Clay stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous, "How'd you know he was here?"

Stahl's gaze flickered to Jax, and her smirk grew, "Because your VP made a deal."

She handed Clay a file, and Alu's breath hitched, "You bitch!" she snapped, lunging for Stahl.

Jax caught her around the waist, holding her back as she struggled against his grip, "Alu, stop!" he ordered, his voice strained.

Clay's roar echoed through the lot, "What?! What the hell is she talking about?"

Tig stepped between them, his hands raised to de-escalate, "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's give him a chance to explain."

But Clay wasn't waiting, "You made a deal for Jimmy?!"

Jax stepped forward, instinctively shielding Alu behind him as the tension rose, "I did it for the club," he said firmly, though his voice carried a hint of desperation.

Bobby shoved him hard, "You ratted? You ratted!" 

"I had no choice!" Jax shot back. "Look at everything we're facing!"

Clay's face twisted with rage, "All this time, you knew you were gonna hand him over to this bitch?!"

Chaos erupted as the club members closed in on Jax, their voices overlapping in anger.

"Jimmy blew up five of our men!" Juice snapped.

"Chibs lost his nephew!" Happy added, his tone razor-sharp.

"I know! I'm sorry!" Jax shouted, his voice cracking.

Gemma stepped in, her tone pleading, "It wasn't his fault. Stahl made him do it! He didn't rat, Clay!"

Stahl motioned to her officers, who began cuffing the club members. Chaos turned to physical scuffles as SAMCRO resisted, but the officers were prepared, dragging each of them toward a waiting van.

"You're dead!" Clay bellowed at Jax, his face red with fury. "You hear me? You're dead!"

Tig's voice cut through, "You are."

Alu glared at Stahl, venom dripping from her words, "You just signed his death warrant."

Stahl smirked, "Right. Like it could've worked between you two, anyway. You with your trust issues, him with his moral code. Tell me, Alu, how much does he really know about your past, hmm...?"

Alu's chest tightened as Stahl passed Kimchee another file.

"Your clients will be out in three years," Stahl said. "If they don't kill anyone, parole in fourteen months."

Alu's vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes. Her gaze darted between Jax and Juice, her heart breaking. Before she realised it, she was running toward her brother.

Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Juice, her voice cracking as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Juice looked at her, his expression softening for the first time in weeks, "I know," he said quietly as the officers pulled him away, giving her hope that maybe, just maybe, her brother won't hate her forever. 

Stahl barked another order, "Make sure they're separated. We wouldn't want him dead before he reaches Stockton," she said, flashing Alu a smug smirk. 

The van doors slammed shut, and as it rolled out of the lot, Alu collapsed, her sobs wracking her body.

Lyla rushed to her side, pulling her into a comforting embrace, "It's gonna be okay, sweetie," she whispered, though her voice carried doubt.

From the moment Alu met Lyla, there was an instant connection. Lyla's warm smile and no-nonsense attitude told Alu she was someone she could trust, someone who would have her back no matter what. Lyla wasn't just another old lady or club affiliate—she was the kind of woman who understood loyalty and friendship on a deeper level. Alu quickly realised that Lyla was the type of girl who would stand by you through thick and thin, the kind of girl you could call at 2 a.m. with a problem and know she'd show up without hesitation. 

Alu clung to her, the weight of her love for Jax and Juice crushing her. She could only pray they would all survive the storm ahead.  

***

The apartment was heavy with silence, a thick fog of unspoken words and tension. The faint hum of the television was the only sound, though none of them paid attention to whatever show was flickering on the screen. Alu sat curled up in the corner of the couch, her thoughts distant. Kimchee sat at the dining table, staring blankly at an untouched beer, while Lyla occupied the other end of the couch, picking at her nails absentmindedly. None of them had spoken much since the arrests, each lost in their own storm of emotions.

A sudden knock at the door broke the quiet. Lyla glanced toward Alu, who didn't move, then got up to answer it. She hesitated before pulling it open, her wary eyes softening when she saw who it was.

"Alu home?" Half-Sack asked. 

"Alu," Lyla called over her shoulder. "It's for you." 

Alu dragged herself off the couch and made her way to the door. Standing beside Half-Sack was Chuckie. 

Half-Sack held out an envelope, "Jax wanted you to read this," he said. "Then burn it."

Alu's brow furrowed in confusion as she took the envelope, "What is it?" she asked.

"We don't know," Chuckie answered quickly, holding up his bandaged hands. "He threatened to cut off my two remaining fingers if I even thought about reading it."

"We gotta get back," Half-Sack said, shifting uncomfortably. "Goodnight, Alu."

The two men turned and left without another word, leaving Alu standing in the doorway clutching the envelope. She closed the door, her fingers trembling slightly as she looked down at Jax's familiar handwriting.

Lyla stepped forward, concern etched on her face, "Do you want me to stay?"

Alu shook her head, "No, I...Go home to Ope and the kids. I'll be fine." She sent Lyla a tight smile, rubbing her arm, before turning and heading for her room, shutting the door behind her.

Sitting on her bed, she stared at the envelope for what felt like forever. Finally, she tore it open and unfolded the letter inside. The first few words hit her like a punch to the gut.

Hey, baby girl, 

If you're reading this, it means Stahl and Jimmy are dead. And the club will be doing short time. I'm sorry it had to be this way, darlin'. I know how painful it's been for you not knowing. But I couldn't tell you. It would've made you an accessory. It was a club vote. I'd never turn on my club or my family. I'm not that kind of man.

I just need you to know that I love you more than you could ever know. And I'd do anything to be able to finally be with you. Be happy. But I believe that someday, somehow, we'll find our way back to each other.

For now, just be happy. 

Love,

Jax

Tears slid down Alu's cheeks as she finished the letter. She clutched it to her chest for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in, before wiping her tears away. Reaching for the lighter on her bedside table, she flicked it on and held the flame to the edge of the paper. The fire caught quickly, consuming Jax's words as she dropped it into her trash bin, watching it turn to ash.

As the smoke curled into the air, something clicked in her memory. She opened her bedside drawer and pulled out a small stack of letters tied together with a faded ribbon. Maureen Ashby had given them to her back in Belfast, along with a note for Jax, but in the chaos that followed their return home, Alu had never gotten around to giving them to him.

She untied the ribbon and picked up the note on top. The words sent a chill down her spine.

Dear Jackson,

The truth about your father is in these letters. You should know John like I did.

Hands trembling, Alu unfolded the first letter and began to read...

Dear Mo,

I love you more than you could ever know. And I'd do anything to be with you. Every day it becomes more clear that I don't belong here. I'm certain now that Clay and Gemma are together. They barely try to hide it from me. Gemma hates my apathy. She hates all of me. Her chill is terrifying. I know my days are numbered, Mo, and when these letters stop, you can be certain that my death will come at the hands of my wife and best friend.

At least my sweet Thomas will never suffer my life. I miss him so much. I only pray that Jackson finds a different path. He already reminds me so much of myself.

Alu's breath caught in her throat as she finished the letter. Her mind reeled from the revelation, her chest tightening with a mix of disbelief and dread. If Jax knew the truth, it would shatter everything he believed about his family—about the club.

She looked down at the stack of letters in her lap, her heart pounding. The weight of John Teller's words and the truth they carried was almost unbearable. Tears welled up again as she whispered to the empty room, "What the hell do I do now?"

***

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