~𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙴~

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕣

The early morning sun cast long shadows over the SAMCRO clubhouse as Bellatrix and Tig prepared for their first long run since the birth of their children. The air was filled with the familiar sounds of engines rumbling, boots clattering on the concrete, and the low murmur of conversations.

Bellatrix, dressed in her leather jacket and jeans, strapped on her helmet, her heart heavy with the thought of leaving Stetson and Shelbee behind. Tig, sensing her unease, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"They'll be fine, Bellie," he said softly, his blue eyes meeting hers. "We've got the best babysitters in the world."

She managed a small smile, knowing he was right. Stetson and Shelbee were in the capable hands of Gemma and the other Old Ladies. But it didn't make the parting any easier.

"You ready for this?" Jax asked, strolling over with a confident grin.

Bellatrix nodded, adjusting her gloves. "Yeah, let's get this show on the road."

The rest of the club was gathered around their bikes, checking last-minute details and exchanging banter. Chibs, always quick with a joke, winked at Bellatrix. "Don't worry, lass. We'll be back before you know it, and those wee ones will hardly notice we're gone."

Happy, ever the stoic, gave her a rare smile. "You'll be fine. They'll be fine."

With a final deep breath, Bellatrix swung her leg over her bike, the familiar weight of it grounding her. Tig mounted his own bike beside her, revving the engine and giving her a nod of solidarity. The roar of the bikes was both a comfort and a reminder of the world they lived in—a world of constant motion, danger, and brotherhood.

As they pulled out of the lot, the adrenaline kicked in, the rhythm of the ride overtaking her worries. They rode in formation, the wind whipping past, the road stretching out ahead of them.

Hours passed in a blur of highways and small towns. They stopped occasionally for fuel and food, the camaraderie of the club a steady presence. Bellatrix found herself slipping back into the groove, the road a familiar old friend.

At one such stop, Tig caught her by the hand, pulling her aside. "How you holding up?"

She shrugged, the ghost of a smile on her lips. "Better than I thought I would. I miss them, but this... it feels good. Feels right."

Tig nodded, understanding in his eyes. "We needed this. Both of us. Reminds us who we are, why we do what we do."

Bellatrix leaned into him, the scent of leather and motor oil a comforting blend. "Yeah, you're right. I just needed to get out of my head for a bit."

He kissed her forehead, a tender gesture amidst the rough-and-tumble world they lived in. "We'll be back before you know it. And when we do, we'll have some stories to tell."

As the day wore on, they rode further, the miles ticking away. The sense of freedom was intoxicating, the bond of the club an ever-present lifeline. Bellatrix found herself laughing more, the weight of motherhood momentarily lifted.

That night, they camped out under the stars, the fire crackling in the center of their circle. The air was filled with laughter and stories, the camaraderie of the club a balm to her soul.

Jax leaned back, looking over at Bellatrix. "So, how's it feel to be back on the road?"

She smiled, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "Feels damn good, Jax. I missed this."

Chibs raised his bottle in a toast. "Here's to the open road, and to family—both the one we ride with and the ones waiting for us at home."

The rest of the club echoed the sentiment, the clinking of bottles a chorus of agreement.