💘( Mending the King! )✨

THIRTY THREE

[ NS ]

( 🤴🔨👸💋💑🏍 )

" You know, I sit here, watching you two, and I think...this is what I want. mornings like this. Laughing over breakfast, talking about nothing and everything. A family. But I know I might not get to have all that. There's a good chance I'm gonna go away for a long time. And that kills me, babe. Because for the first time in forever, I feel like I found something worth holding onto. I'm glad I met you, Ana Lucía Ortiz. Even if all I get is this morning, this moment... "

~ JAX TELLER to ALU ORTIZ

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WARNING ⚠️ : A small amount of smut will appear at the start of this chapter with a kinky twist. 

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THE SUNLIGHT STREAMED THROUGH THE BLINDS, warm and golden, as Alu stirred awake. Her body ached in the best ways, a reminder of the night before. She felt the weight of Jax's arm draped over her waist and turned her head to find him already awake, his sleepy blue eyes soft and content as he watched her.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

"Morning," Jax replied, his lips curving into a lazy smile. "You're even more beautiful in the daylight."

She rolled her eyes, though a blush crept up her cheeks, "You're full of shit, Teller."

"Maybe," he teased, leaning in to kiss her. It was slow and deep, the kind of kiss that promised they weren't getting out of bed anytime soon.

Jax shifted, his hand trailing down her side as he kissed her again, "You realise we didn't even watch five minutes of that movie last night," he murmured against her lips.

"Mm-hmm," she hummed, tilting her head back as his mouth traveled to her neck. "And whose fault is that?"

"I'm blaming you," he replied, smirking as his lips ghosted over her collarbone, while his hands roamed over her body. Alu sighed contentedly, running her fingers through his tousled blonde hair, pulling him closer. Their kisses deepened, slow and languid, as though they had all the time in the world.

In his enthusiasm, Jax shifted slightly, his elbow brushing against something hard under the pillow. Frowning, he pulled back, "What the hell is that?" he murmured, curiosity piqued as he reached beneath her pillow.

Alu froze, her cheeks flushing as he pulled out a small, sleek vibrator. She covered her face with her hands, half-laughing, half-mortified, "Oh, my God, Jax! Put that back!"

But Jax just smirked, holding it up like he'd just unearthed treasure, "Well, well," he drawled, his blue eyes glinting with mischief. "You've been holding out on me, babe. Didn't think you needed backup with me around."

She swatted at his chest, still laughing, "I don't! It's just...you know...for emergencies!"

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss her neck, his voice low and teasing, "You always so good at keeping secrets, baby girl? Hiding this little toy from me? Guess I'll have to show you how much better it feels when I'm the one in control."

Her breath hitched as he trailed kisses down her collarbone once more, switching on the toy with a quiet buzz, "Jax..." she started, her voice catching as he slowly pressed it against her inner thigh, testing her reactions.

He grinned, his tone playful but commanding, "Relax, darlin'. Daddy's gonna take care of you."

What started as a flustered moment turned into a deeply sensual experience as Jax skillfully used the vibrator, making sure Alu was the center of his attention. Every gasp and moan she let out only fueled his confidence, his whispered praises keeping her on edge.

Alu writhed beneath Jax, her breath hitching as the vibrator teased her most sensitive spot, his free hand firmly gripping her hip to keep her in place. Her pleas spilled from her lips, desperate and urgent, "Jax," she gasped, her voice trembling with need. "Please, I need you, baby...I need you inside me now."

Jax smirked, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke in a low, commanding tone, "Not yet, babe. I want you to cum first. Make that pussy all nice and wet for me, so I can just slide right in."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, both thrilling and torturous as the vibrator continued its relentless pace. Every nerve in her body felt on fire, the edge so close yet just out of reach.

"Jax, please," she begged, her hands clutching at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin so deep they drew blood. "I—I can't—I—I need you—" 

"You can, and you will," he murmured, his voice like honeyed steel. He pressed the toy more firmly against her, his lips trailing down her neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "Just let go, Alu. Give me everything you got." 

Her body arched against him as the tension finally snapped, a wave of pleasure crashing over her so intensely that she cried out, her nails dragging down his back, causing blood to drip down and onto her satin bedsheets. Her whole body trembled, her breathing ragged as the vibrations subsided.

Jax tossed the toy aside, his lips claiming hers in a searing kiss as he positioned himself between her legs, "Such a good girl," he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

Alu barely had time to catch her breath before he slid into her, his cock filling her completely in one smooth, deliberate motion. She moaned against his lips, her body still pulsing from her release, making every movement feel impossibly intense.

"Fuck, baby," Jax groaned, his hips starting to move in a slow, deliberate rhythm. "You feel so damn good."

She clung to him, her legs wrapping around his waist as their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, every thrust pushing them closer to the edge. What started as teasing torture melted into something raw and consuming, the connection between them undeniable and electric.

But the moment was cut short by a loud bang as Moss' small footsteps stormed down the hall. The door flew open, and there stood the six-year-old, beaming with excitement, "What do you want for breakfast, Mami?" he asked, completely oblivious to the scene he'd just barged in on. "I'm hungry." 

Alu's eyes widened as she pushed Jax off her and yanked the sheet up over her chest, while Jax let out a strangled cough, quickly grabbing a pillow to shield himself, "Uh—pancakes!" she managed, her voice an octave higher than normal. "I'll be out in a minute, sweetheart. Why don't you start setting the table?"

"Okay!" Moss chirped, before bouncing out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

The second the door shut, Jax burst out laughing, his head falling back against the pillow, "Jesus Christ," he said, shaking his head. "Kid's got timing."

Alu smacked his arm playfully, "Not funny!" she hissed, though she couldn't help but laugh along. "You're lucky he's six and doesn't understand yet." 

"I don't know, he's a pretty smart kid, he might've figured it out," Jax teased, winking.

Alu groaned, slipping out of bed and pulling on a white oversized button up shirt, along with her black laced panties—her go to choice for PJs, "Don't even joke about that."

Jax sat up, watching her with a grin as she did up her buttons, "You're cute when you're flustered."

She threw his shirt at him, "Get dressed. You're having breakfast with us."

He caught the shirt with ease, his grin softening, "You sure? I don't want to overstep."

"Baby, you had me ass up on Kimchee's new leather sofa, while you fucked me raw," she pointed out, pulling her hair into a messy bun. "Pretty sure we're past overstepping."

He chuckled, slipping his shirt over his head, "Alright. But only if you let me help make the pancakes."

"Deal," she said, leaning over to kiss him quickly before heading out.

As she walked toward the kitchen, she could already hear Moss humming happily to himself, and she couldn't help but smile. Behind her, Jax followed, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt...right.

***

The smell of freshly made pancakes and syrup filled the kitchen as Alu flipped another batch onto a plate, while Moss eagerly bounced in his seat at the table. Jax sat across from him, coffee mug in hand, looking more relaxed than Alu had ever seen him. It was just the three of them this morning—Kimchee had left for work early, leaving the cosy breakfast feeling more intimate.

"Can I have more syrup, Mami?" Moss asked, his mouth already sticky with what had to be his third serving. 

"You're going to turn into a pancake if you keep this up," Alu teased, handing him the bottle.

"Maybe I want to be a pancake!" Moss declared proudly, drizzling another unhealthy amount over his stack.

Jax chuckled, shaking his head, "Kid's got ambition. Gotta respect it."

Moss grinned at him, his face lighting up, "Jax, do you like pancakes?"

"Love 'em," Jax replied, leaning back in his chair. "Almost as much as I like watching you eat enough for three people."

Moss giggled, shoving another forkful into his mouth. Between bites, he asked, "Are you and Mami gonna get married?"

The question landed like a grenade, and Alu nearly dropped the spatula she was holding. Jax choked on his coffee, coughing as a wide grin broke across his face.

"Moss!" Alu exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. "Where did that come from?"

"You were kissing this morning," Moss said matter-of-factly, as if it explained everything. "And Abuela told me you should only kiss someone if you plan on marrying them."

Jax leaned forward, his elbows on the table, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Is that how it works, Moss?"

"Yep!" Moss nodded emphatically. "So, are you?"

Alu groaned, covering her face with her hands, "Oh, my God, can we please talk about literally anything else?"

Jax's laughter filled the room, warm and rich, and he reached out to ruffle Moss's hair, "I don't know, buddy. That's a big question. What do you think, babe?"

She glared at him, though there was no real heat behind it, "I think someone needs to finish his breakfast before he starts planning weddings."

Moss shrugged, unfazed, and returned to his pancakes. 

Jax's gaze lingered on Alu, his playful smirk softening into something more serious, "You know," he began, his voice low but steady. "I sit here, watching you two, and I think...this is what I want. Mornings like this. Laughing over breakfast, talking about nothing and everything. A family."

Alu's teasing expression faltered as his words sank in, her heart tightening in her chest.

"But I know I might not get to have all that," Jax continued, his eyes locked on hers. "There's a good chance I'm gonna go away for a long time. And that kills me, babe. Because for the first time in forever, I feel like I found something worth holding onto."

The room was quiet except for the faint clink of Moss' fork against his plate.

"I'm glad I met you, Ana Lucía Ortiz," Jax said, his voice softening. "Even if all I get is this morning, this moment..." 

Alu swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion. Before she could respond, Moss piped up, oblivious to the weight of the conversation.

"Are you gonna cry, Mami?" he asked, peering at her curiously.

Jax burst out laughing, the tension breaking like a dam. 

Alu groaned, throwing a dish towel at him, "You're impossible," she muttered, though her lips curved into a reluctant smile.

"I love you too, babe," Jax shot back, catching the towel and tossing it onto the counter.

As Moss finished his pancakes and started talking about how he was definitely going to make Jax and Alu get married someday, Alu caught Jax's eye across the table. His grin was soft, his eyes filled with a quiet kind of hope.

Maybe mornings like this weren't so impossible after all.

***

The sound of the shower running filled the small room as Alu knelt on the floor, picking up Jax's clothes and kutte from where they'd been carelessly discarded. A faint smile played on her lips as she shook her head—typical man. 

But as she lifted the leather kutte, something heavy slipped out of one of its hidden pockets and landed with a dull thud on the floor. A file.

"Shit," she muttered, kneeling to gather it.

Her fingers froze as the contents spilled out. Photographs of Brogan, Dooley, and Roarke, faces she knew too well from her time in Belfast. Alongside the pictures was a document detailing the deal Jax had made with Stahl, the devil's handwriting scrawled across it. 

And her heart dropped. 

The shower stopped, and the faint sound of Jax humming under his breath reached her ears. Panic surged through her veins as she scrambled to pick everything up, but her hands trembled too much to gather it quickly.

Jax emerged moments later, a towel slung low around his hips, droplets of water glistening on his chest. His easy grin faltered the second he saw her crouched on the floor, the file in her hands.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, but she was already standing, the file clutched tightly.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Her voice was sharp, the panic evident. She held up the file like it was a weapon. "A deal? With Stahl? Are you out of your goddamn mind?"

Jax sighed, running a hand through his wet hair, "I can explain—"

"Then start explaining," she interrupted, stepping closer. Her voice softened, but the anger remained. "Because I don't understand how the first man I have trusted in years could be making deals with the one person who wants to destroy everything he cares about."

Jax took a step toward her, his hands raised in a calming gesture, "I'm doing this for the club, for my mum, for us. Stahl's been breathing down our necks for too long, and if I don't play her game, she'll destroy everyone I love."

Alu shook her head, her grip tightening on the file, "And what happens when her game gets you killed, Jax? Or worse? You think you can outsmart her, but people like her always win. The last time someone told me a similar thing, I ended up burying them." Her voice cracked as she finished, and Jax froze.

"Tabitha," he said softly, realisation dawning on him. 

Seven Years Earlier

The summer heat hung thick in the air, the kind that clung to your skin and made the small, dingy apartment feel suffocating. Alu pushed the door open with her shoulder, a large binder folder in one hand and her school bag slung over the other. She kicked the door shut behind her, sighing as the latch clicked into place.

"Tabitha?" she called, dropping her bag and folder onto the kitchen counter. The silence was unusual; Tabitha was rarely quiet.

Alu wandered toward the bedroom they oftened shared, whenever Alu needed a place to crash because Adela had kicked her out of the house again. Her converse covered feet padding softly against the linoleum. She froze halfway down the hall when she heard a hushed voice.

Tabitha's voice.

"No, I told you," Tabitha whispered. "I'll give you what you need, but you have to promise me Alu doesn't get dragged into this. She doesn't deserve it."

Alu's eyebrows furrowed as she stepped closer, her stomach tightening. She pressed herself against the wall outside the slightly ajar bedroom door and peeked inside.

Tabitha was sitting on the edge of her bed, her back to the door, the corded landline cradled between her ear and shoulder. Her voice was low and urgent.

"I know he's dangerous! That's why I'm doing this," Tabitha said, her tone a mixture of fear and determination. "Oscar's got her wrapped around his finger, and she won't listen to me. If you take him down, she'll be free of him. Of all of this."

Alu's heart stopped, the weight of Tabitha's words hitting her like a freight train.

Her best friend—the only person who truly knew her, who had stood by her through everything—was working with the cops.

Alu's hands trembled, but she stayed frozen in place, straining to hear more.

"I'll bring you the information on the drop tomorrow," Tabitha continued. "But you have to make sure she's not there. Oscar has to go down for this, not her."

The words stung, twisting in Alu's chest like a knife.

Oscar.

The name alone was enough to set her blood boiling. But hearing Tabitha, the one person who had always been on her side, working with the cops to take the man she loved down?

It was a betrayal she hadn't seen coming.

Tabitha sighed, her voice softening, "She's my best friend. I'd die before I let anything happen to her. Just...make sure this ends with Oscar behind bars. Can you promise me that?"

Alu couldn't take it anymore. Her feet moved before her mind caught up, carrying her into the room, "Tabitha," she said sharply, her voice ice cold. 

Tabitha spun around, her face pale, the phone slipping from her grasp, "Alu! I—"

"You're working with the cops?!" Alu demanded, her voice shaking. "You're working with them to take down my boyfriend! How could you?!" 

Tabitha stood, her hands raised in a gesture of surrender, "I can explain—"

"Explain what?" Alu snapped, her anger bubbling over. "That you've been lying to me? That you've been ratting to the cops this whole time?!" 

Tabitha's eyes filled with tears, "I did it for you, Alu! You don't see what he's doing to you. He's pulling you into this life, and it's going to destroy you. I thought if I could get rid of him, you'd have a chance to get out. To have a real life."

Alu shook her head, disbelief and rage warring inside her, "You think I need saving? You think you're some kind of hero, Tabi? Saving the wayward teen with daddy issues. "

Tabitha's voice broke as she stepped closer, desperation in her eyes, "I was trying to protect you! I couldn't just stand by and watch him drag you down with him."

Alu took a step back, her chest heaving, "You don't get to decide what I need. You don't get to betray me and call it protection."

Tears spilled down Tabitha's cheeks, "Alu, please—"

But Alu was already walking away, her heart shattering with each step. For the first time in years—she felt truly alone.  

Alu nodded, swallowing hard, "She thought ratting on the Serpents would save me. And you know where that got her? Dead, with her brains on the pavement. You think you're any different, Jackson? You think Stahl won't turn on you the second it suits her?"

For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of their breathing. Jax stepped closer, taking the file from her trembling hands and setting it gently on the table.

"I know what I'm doing, Alu," he said firmly, his voice low and steady. "This isn't just about me. It's about making sure Abel grows up without a target on his back. It's about making sure my mum doesn't lose another son. And yeah, it's about you too. Because if I can make everything right again, maybe we can have mornings like today. Every day."

Alu searched his eyes, desperate to find some reassurance, but all she saw was determination and the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Jax cupped her face in his hands, leaning down to press a kiss to her lips. It was soft but lingering, a silent promise that did little to ease her fears, "You don't need to worry about me, babe," he murmured against her lips. "I've got this." 

He pulled away, grabbing his kutte and slipping it back on. As he reached for the door, Alu called out, her voice breaking, "Jax...I can't bury another person I love. I can't."  

For Alu, saying 'I love you' wasn't just hard—it felt impossible, like a wall she built brick by brick to protect herself from the vulnerability it demands. Love, in her experience, had always been twisted, used against her like a weapon instead of a comfort.

Oscar had been her first love, her anchor in a stormy world. He was charming and magnetic, the kind of man who could make you feel like you were the centre of the universe one moment and completely disposable the next. He told her he loved her countless times, but his actions rarely matched his words. He manipulated her, used her loyalty against her, and ultimately cared more about his power and control than he ever did about her.

Then there was Vinny, the man who promised her something different, something real. She let herself believe him because she was desperate to be wrong about love. But Vinny proved to be no better. His version of love was possessive and suffocating. He claimed to adore her while lying to her, betraying her, and treating her like a pawn in his own selfish game. 

Both men had said they loved her, but neither had shown her what love truly was. To Alu, love became synonymous with pain, deceit and betrayal.

Now, even when she feels it—deep in her chest, burning like a fire—it terrifies her. Saying 'I love you' feels like handing over a piece of herself, a piece that someone could twist and break. It's not that she doesn't feel love; she feels it too strongly, too deeply. It's that trusting someone else with those words means risking everything, and for Alu, trust has always come at too high a cost.  

He paused in the doorway, his back to her, "You won't."

And then he was gone, leaving Alu alone in her room, staring at the door, feeling more helpless than ever before. 

***

Words: 3687