The smart thing to do would be to drive around for a bit to calm his nerves before he did anything rash but he couldn’t. You couldn’t begin to describe the betrayal he felt. Pulling to a stop in her driveway, he couldn’t be bothered with hiding his bike like he’d been so accustomed too. She was a rat. This was all a distraction. All of it. He needed answers.

Jax banged on the door. His chest rising and falling rapidly with anger and adrenaline. Nobody came to answer but he knew she was home. Her car was in the driveway. He slammed his fists into the door a few more times. The obvious avoidance only getting him more riled up so he made his way into the back to find the kitchen door unlocked.  

“Leila!” He shouted, seeing no sign of her as he checked the rooms on the first floor. “I know you’re here!” Slowly walking upstairs he heard the water being turned off in the bathroom. He made his way down the hallways and slammed open the door, fully expecting to demand answers – but what he saw made his blood run cold.

She hadn’t screamed at the door bursting open, no – she just flinched, wide eyed, like a deer in headlights, and shaking like a dog. What he saw made him sick to his stomach. All his anger towards her had disappeared. Her small frame, covered only in a towel, was covered in bruises of all sizes. Both sides of her face were black and blue. Her lip split. Her arms covered in handprints and her legs full of welts.

“Jesus Christ.”

He breathed, frozen at the sight of her like this. This was because of him. Because she had been with him. He ran over, wrapping his arms around her tightly. Her moan of pain making him lighten his hold. He should’ve been here. Should’ve known she wouldn’t have used him.

“Babe, I’m so sorry!”

He shook his head. tears in his eyes threatened to fall as he looked at her, observing all the marks on her beautiful body. Despite how she looked, she held herself together as best as she could. Biting her lip and wincing at the pain, she pulled away slowly.

“Was this Heaton?”

He looked at her once more as she lowered her eyes to the ground. The sound of her voice finally came out. It was weak. Heartbreaking even.

“He didn’t mean it, Jax.”

That was the last straw for him. Heaton had touched her for the last fucking time. She was brainwashed. Thinking she was the one who had done something wrong. He’d had enough. Jax backed away, taking one more look at her before running out.  

“Jax!”  

She called out, but her voice was quiet, hoarse. She couldn’t even run to follow him. He heard her but he didn’t care. Jeffrey Heaton was dead. Leila had been living in fear her entire life. She didn’t deserve this. On top of everything, he’d even tried to set her up like a rat. She would never turn her back on him.

Vengeance was the only thing on his mind as he parked his bike in front of city hall, just in time to see Heaton walking smiling and talking to his associates. The fact that he could beat his daughter to a pulp and go on about his day like nothing happened flipped the final switch in Jax’s head. Without even thinking about it, Jax bolted off of his bike and tackled Heaton to the ground, delivering blow after blow to his face before he was ripped away.

“You piece of shit! I’ll fucking kill you!”

He screamed. As much as he struggled to get back onto the bleeding man on the ground, he was already tossed on the ground in handcuffs. Heaton and Jax locked eyes. The hate between both of them, felt by everyone. Heaton wiped the blood from his lip and spit onto the ground as people helped him up while Jax was shoved into the police car.

---

The TV was on loud and clear as the news talked about the Sons of Anarchy Member, linked to Leila Heaton, attacking Jeffrey Heaton out in the open of city hall. The tears falling from Leila’s eyes only causing more pain as they fell into the still open wounds on her face. This was because of her. Jax was in jail because of her.

She knew this would come around full circle. The moment that waiter said her name, she knew they would be in the paper. Fucking hell, the article showed both of their faces clear as day. She placed her head in her hands as more tears began to fall. None of this was supposed to happen. Why couldn’t she just do what she was sent back to do and finish the election then get the hell out?

She couldn’t though. And truth be told, she didn’t want to. Jax was the realest person she’d ever met. Despite his lifestyle and their differences. Jax wore his heart on his sleeve. He cared about her. All of her. Which was much more than she could say about anyone else in Charming. Regardless of him being a criminal, she felt safer with him than anyone else. She wasn’t going to let him sit in a cell. Her father wasn’t going to take this away from her to.

Headlights rolled in later that evening, the only person it could be was her father. As the front door swung open, it only confirmed her thoughts. As sore as she was, she stood up to meet him, bracing herself for what was to come. Watching him carefully, her eyes met his. There wasn’t anger in them towards her, no – it was spite. There was a sense of accomplishment in his eyes that made her sick to her stomach. His nose was broken. Bruises similar to hers were on his face. Inside she smiled to herself, happy in a way that he got a taste of his own medicine.

“I’m assuming you’ve heard what happened?” She nodded slowly so he continued. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’ll have to talk about this with the press, and when I do – you’re going to be behind me to confirm that he did this to you as well. The Sons are after my family and it will only further persuade people that they are a deadly force in this town that needs to be taken care of.”

“And Jax?” She asked quietly.

“Don’t you worry about your boyfriend. I’ll have him thrown into Stockton for the rest of his life, and if I pull a few more strings, he’ll get the chair way before then.”

Leila felt her heart drop. There was no way that was going to happen. Jax didn’t deserve any of this. Her mind traveled back to their first date. Jax’s words ringing in her head. “How do you have the ability to  command so much respect from anyone you come in contact with without saying a word but deal with all this bullshit from your dad?” He had said. “Everyone who talks about you speaks so highly. You have so many powerful connections in your family. You could easily ruin him. So why do you put up with it?” She had spent her whole life defending this man because he was her father – but why? Taking a good look at the injuries on her arms and legs it hit her that she’d be better off without him. So what if he was her last living parent? What kind of a father would do this to their daughter? Now he was trying to blame it all on Jax? No.

Enough was enough. With her new found realization, she took a deep breath – radiating that confidence that Jax had so often mentioned she had, and took a step closer to her father. “That’s not going to happen.” She said firmly.

“Excuse me?” Heaton said, his face scrunching in confusion and anger simultaneously.

“The Sons aren’t the problem with this town. You are, dad – “ Before she could continue, his hand struck her again, reopening the split in her lip but instead of backing down she simply spit out the blood and continued on before he could strike again. His chest rising and falling in anger at her audacity to speak back to him.

“I wouldn’t take another step closer if I were you. Here’s what going to happen. I’ve already called Uncle David and he’s agreed to come down for dinner tomorrow.” She bluffed on the spot but she could easily make all of this happen. “Now when he sees this – it can go one of two ways. I can tell him the truth, plus provide pictures of previous incidents and lots of other facts I’m sure he’d be dying to know OR I can tell him that I got into a terrible car accident and that everything is fine. I’m sure you prefer the latter so what happens is up to you.”

Leila watched as Jeffrey froze in fear. His career was ruined, his wealth would be gone, he’ll he’d be in Stockton himself. She could see his thoughts running a mile a minute through his eyes. As angry as he was, he knew now that he was no longer in control her.

With that she smirked, “I know what SAMCRO does, and what they stand for. I’ll guarantee your re-election and make an agreement between the two of you so that you do not get in each other’s way. You turn your head when anything happens with the club, and they agree to keep it out of Charming – much like they already have. That includes the sheriff’s department. Of course I’ll set up a meeting with you to talk logistics, I’m sure they’ll pay for your services. And as for Jax? He receives a pardon and gets taken out tonight.”

“There’s no way you’ll get away with any of this.” He seethed, his teeth clenched tightly but he knew he had no choice.

“On the contrary dad. I’ve put up with your shit for over 20 years. I’ve watched you beat Mom to a pulp and I myself wondered why she never said anything. She was blindly in love with you – willing to stick it out through anything. I have that with Jax, but he would never put me or anyone he loves in danger like you do. He’s a better man than you. And you know – if I so much as step out in public and mention your name in regards to my injuries – you’re through. Now you go get Jax out – I’ll have some business to discuss with the club.”

---

All the confidence Leila had had during her conversation with her father had begun to dwindle on her drive to the Sons of Anarchy Clubhouse. Sure, she could threaten her father – but who was she to make deals on behalf of the club. Truth be told, she didn’t even think they liked her. Well they didn’t – clearly since now they thought she was responsible for the earlier raid. She could even be driving to her death. This is for Jax – she kept telling herself. For the peace between the two families. It’s what’s right. They’ll hear her out.

After pulling into the lot, she adjusted her jeans and oversized glasses so nobody would recognize her swollen face, slowly made her way towards the door. She could feel her heart pounding faster by the minute. Her hand reached out slowly, pushing the door open and taking a step in when all eyes of the every so dangerous looking men turned towards her. She felt her breath catch in her throat and all she wanted to do was run back to her car and pretend this never happened, but it was too late for that. She couldn’t show any fear. Just like she had been trained to do, she took a deep breath and took a step in further.

“Well look what the cat dragged in..”

The crazy eyed man spoke up first. He got up off of his stool by the bar and walked up to Leila, walking around her as his eyes wandered her body. Leila didn’t flinch, no – she simply took another step forward and cleared her throat.

“I’m here to talk. I think you’ll like what i have to say.”

“You got a death wish or somethin’ sweetheart. We just got raided by the ATF and now or VP’s in jail because of you. The fuck you think we wanna hear anything you have to say.”

The same man spoke again. The Sergeant at arms badge on his cut, made him slightly more intimidating than the rest but she’d dealt with worse. Slowly removing her sunglasses, she watched their expressions change from surprise to horror than interest.

“Jax will be out shortly. This has to do with my father. Jeffrey Heaton.”

“Heaton did this to you?” The overweight man with crazy curls spoke up.

“Is there anywhere we can talk privately?”

She asked, ignoring the question but knowing she had their attention. An older white haired man with an ice cold glare and a President’s patch stood up. This was Clay, Jax’s stepfather.

“Chapel.”

He commanded and the men started pouring into the leather doored room  with a large table in the center. Clay motioned her inside, offering her the only empty seat which she assumed was Jax’s. Kindly accepting, she say down and looked up to see she had they fill attention with expectant eyes. She held her head high, and sat up a bit straighter before speaking.

“I’m sure you’re all aware of my family ties on my mother’s side.” She looked around at the nodding heads. “Well, none of them like my father. That’s why he always flaunted my mother and I. He needed us. Without us, he wouldn’t have the support he has today. He knows that. For years he kept us in line, would beat my mother senseless. Cheated on her while she lay on her deathbed. After she passed, he would take his anger out on me. Made sure nothing was done without him knowing so nothing could hurt his career. It was his way of making us think we had no way out. When I went away for school – it was a relief, a chance to a new beginning until he called me back down.”

The door opened and Jax came in, all eyes turned to him before he locked eyes with her. He was confused but she could see the hurt and regret in his eyes as he looked at her. “What’s going on here?”

“Have a seat, son.” Bobby answered. “Leila has something she wants to offer us.”

Leila stood slowly, moving out of his seat as he made his way over. Placing a hand on her lower back, he pulled her down onto his lap, wrapping an arm around her to hold her close to him. She felt his lips press against her shoulder lightly.

“What’s this about?” He whispered against her shoulder and she smiled softly before turning her attention back to the table.

“I knew nothing about the raid today. My father came to my house earlier and we got into it about Jax and I dating. I had no idea what he was planning to do. Hell, I was knocked out cold for an hour. Jax came and found me when i was getting it off the shower and immediately went after my dad.”

They turned to look at Jax, who lowered his eyes to the table only confirming what she was saying. She slid her hand down to his, lacing their fingers together before she looked back at everyone.

“After all that happened, my father came back and wanted me to blame my bruises on Jax. Say that he beat me then went after him. He said he’d do anything to have him get the chair. I couldn’t let him get away with it so i threatened to tell my uncle everything.”

“So what’s this got to do with us?” Clay asked, leaning forward in his seat, resting his hands on the table.

“Here’s where you come in. I said I’d guarantee his win in the election if he comes to an agreement with the club. He turns his head when anything happens with the you – pardons any incidents that may get you thrown in jail, that includes with the sheriff’s department too, and you agree to keep any business out of Charming. Kind of like the deal you have with Unser.”

Everyone at the table was wide eyed at her plan. Jax looked at her. He was nervous but extremely turned on at her ability to handle these situations. Commanding attention from everyone she met, regardless out scared she was.

“How do we know he’ll stand by his deal?” Bobby asked.

“I have pictures upon pictures of what he’s done to my mother and I. One call to my uncle and I’ll ruin him. He’ll be spending the rest of his life in jail. He has a lot to lose.”

“I love you so much, babe. Are you sure about this?”

“Positive.” She nodded. “I’ve put up with a lot of shit from my father. When he threatened you – I couldn’t take it anymore. I’ll set up a meeting between Clay, Jax, and my father. You can talk everything over. You guys talk it over.”