A Matter of Vengeance

Chapter 20

Tig hoped sending this rival club would be enough of a message that they'd leave the Sons alone. Jax, wanting to be cautious, called up the Tacoma charter and asked if they'd send down a few guys just in case things got ugly. He called up the Nomads as well for some extra muscle. Happy was thrilled to see some of his Tacoma brothers again since he'd been apart of them for many years. Tig wasn't looking forward to telling his wife that their intruders had been sent to kill him. He didn't want to upset or worry her.

Tig: come by the clubhouse on your way home. Love you!

It took her a while before she was able to check her phone. Working as a nurse was busy work! Seeing what he'd sent made her curious. Why did she need to come by the clubhouse? If someone needed patching up, he would have said so. If they were going on lockdown, he would have told her to go home and pack a bag then head to the clubhouse. She was curious but anxious about what was going on. Her day went on as it usually did.

After her shift, she changed into her normal clothes and headed to the clubhouse. She noted there seemed to be more bikes than usual there as she parked her car. Gemma was there still, she noted, as she climbed out and began walking towards the clubhouse. Tig was waist deep in a Plymouth when she arrived. Ratboy pointed her to where he was still working. She thanked him and walked over to where her husband was at.

"Hi." She simply stated making him stand up.

"Hey baby." He smiled before wiping his hands on a grease rag then pulling her into a hug, "How was your day?"

"Why did you want me to come here after work?" She got to the point.

"Well, there's a chance we might be going on lockdown. Jax is still in talks with this other club so we're not 100% sure if we are or not yet. I want you to be prepared. Go home and pack a bag just in case." Tig told her.

"I can't just take off work!" She exclaimed.

"A patched member will escort you to and from work each day, baby. I promise we'll keep you safe." Tig countered.

"I have no choice in this?" She folded her arms across her chest.

"I'm afraid not, babe. This is for everyone's protection until we can deal with this threat." He explained.

"Alright. I'll go home and pack. I'll gather you some stuff too while I'm there." She stated with a sigh.

"Thanks, babe. You know we wouldn't be doing this if the threat wasn't serious. We've even brought down some of the Tacoma and Nomad charters to help us out." He explained.

"I'll be back soon." She said as he pulled her in for another hug.

"I love you, Aria." He told her before pressing his lips to hers.

Gemma watched Aria head back to her car and leave the lot. Jax had told his mother there was a good chance of them going on lockdown. Aria would have to be at the clubhouse with everyone else. The Queen wasn't too pleased with that but she knew as Tig's 'ol lady, Aria was under the protection of the Sons. It wouldn't be right to tell her she couldn't stay with them. Besides, she was sure Tig would throw a fit if she did.

Aria went home and packed a duffle bag with a few days' worth of clothes for herself and Tig. She threw in their bathroom essentials as well. Hoping she wouldn't need it, she decided to take her small medical kit just in case. Having her bag packed, she sighed and left her home to head back to the clubhouse. Gemma watched as Aria pulled back into the lot forty-five minutes later. Tig walked over to her and engulfed her in a tight embrace. He thanked her for being so understanding about everything making her shrug.

"Let's get a dorm room before they're all taken." He stated as she slung the duffle bag handle over her shoulder.

He walked them to his old dorm room where she set her bag on the dresser. He took the key to the room and gave it to her telling her to keep the door locked if she wasn't in the room. Promising she would, she followed him back out into the clubhouse. Gemma was heading to the grocery store to get groceries for the clubhouse so Tig had been volunteered to escort the Queen. He kissed his wife goodbye before walking out and jumping on his bike to follow Gemma. Aria sighed as she sat down at a table and looked around. She didn't belong there and she knew it. 'I just hope this "lockdown" doesn't last too long! I want to go home!' she thought as she looked around.

Her eyes landed on the wall that had all their mugshots on it. There was Tig amongst them. How had she fallen for a criminal? For an outlaw biker? She knew it would never work since they came from two completely different worlds. Yet she had fallen and fallen hard for him. She did love him and was glad she had married him. They had a simple life at home which she loved. It was his club that she wasn't to sure about. It was his club that brought danger and trouble into their lives. Danger and trouble such as this lockdown.

"Regrettin' marryin' Tigger?" Chibs sat down with her and asked.

"No. I've just never really noticed these before." She stated, "I'm not here a lot, you know."

"Aye. We're not bad people once ya get t' know us, lass." He stated.

"I know. But I work long days then I go home, make dinner, and just want to relax before bed so I can get up and do it all again the next day." She replied.

"No time fer friends and recreation, huh?" Chibs chuckled.

"Something like that." She said.

"Well maybe ye can get t' know some o' us while yer with us on lockdown." Chibs told her with a smile.

They got quiet for a few minutes. She was just watching the bikers come and go. Getting drinks, sitting down chatting with others, walking back outside.

"I don't hate you guys." She suddenly blurted out.

"Oh?" Chibs asked.

"From when you held me hostage. You were just trying to get your stuff back. I get it. You treated me better than any other kidnappers I'd had up till then." She explained as she stared out into the parking lot.

Chibs remained quiet not knowing if she was through or not.

"I don't hate you for what you did to my cousin either. He deserved it. I'd warned him numerous times about his actions getting him into trouble. He crossed the mob and they cut off two of his fingers. That clearly still didn't teach him the lesson about not taking what didn't belong to him." She went on to say, "His parents are still looking for him since they haven't heard from him in a while. I've lied about knowing his whereabouts. I act like I don't know anything. They know he was last seen in Vegas but I act dumb about it all."

"Yer a good lass. It must be a 'eavy burden lyin' t' yer own family about yer cousin." Chibs stated.

"It is. But it's a secret I'll take to my grave. They don't need to know what truly happened. No one in my family knows about me being held hostage, or how many times I've been held hostage, or what has happened to me because of him." She explained.

"I'm sorry ye 'ad t' go through all o' that." Chibs said.

"Eh. It's all in the past. He can't put me in those situations anymore and I found the love of my life." She replied making Chibs smile at her.

Gemma did her shopping for the clubhouse as Tig followed her around. She finally stopped and turned to Tig making him look at her funny.

"What's so great about Aria? She doesn't belong in our world." Gemma finally spat.

"Why don't you like her, Gem? She's never done anything to you or the club." Tig countered.

"It's strange how she is trying to make a life with someone who had basically kidnapped her, Tig. She can't be trusted." Gemma shot back.

"She's lied to her family about the whereabouts of her cousin, Gem. She's no threat to us. She just wants to go to work and live in peace." Tig exclaimed.

"So what's so great about her?" Gemma crossed her arms over her chest.

"She's an amazing woman if you'd just get to know her. She's a wonderful cook, she's amazing in bed, she's so easy going and just goes with the flow without worrying too much. She's easy to talk and a great listener. Just get to know her, Gem. I think you'll like her." Tig stated.

Gemma huffed before turning around to get back to her shopping. Tig sighed hoping the Queen would at least give his wife a chance. They finally finished up the shopping and got in line to pay out. Tig stood guard as he looked around to make sure everything was as it should be. He helped Gemma load up her SUV before they headed back to the clubhouse. The gate was shut behind them after they entered. Jax had the prospects help bring in all the groceries. The 'ol ladies helped put everything away as Gemma went to talk to her son.

A/N: Think Gemma will start something with Aria or will she make peace?

Please review and vote below!