💘( Mending the King! )✨

TWENTY EIGHT

[ June Wedding ]

( 🤴🔨👸💋💑🏍 )

" I don't give a damn about your truce with the Mayans, Clay. I'm getting my son back, no matter what it takes. If that means putting a bullet between Alvarez's eyes or slicing his throat while he sleeps, so be it. So, either help me or get the hell out of my way. "

~ ALU ORTIZ to CLAY MORROW

☆《》¤

GUEST STARRING

Jenna Ortega as Rosetta Alvarez

☆《》¤

THE ROOM WAS DIM AND SMELLED OF DAMP WOOD, the kind of place that felt wrong to Moss, even though he couldn't quite explain why. He sat cross-legged on the threadbare rug, clutching the small toy motorcycle his brother—or who he now knew as his uncle Juice had given him on his last birthday. His wide eyes darted nervously to the two figures in the room: Oscar, the man who had brought him here, and a girl, who looked about sixteen, he didn't recognise, lounging on the sofa with a smug smirk plastered on her face. 

"Where am I?" Moss asked, his small voice cutting through the silence. He shifted uncomfortably, pulling his knees closer to his chest.

The woman leaned forward, her bright red nails tapping the arm of the sofa as she sized him up, "You're with your new family, cariño," she said sweetly, though her tone dripped with mockery. "I'm your new mami." 

Moss frowned, his little face scrunching up in defiance, "You're not my mami," he said firmly, gripping the toy car tighter. "My mama's gonna come get me."

Oscar, leaning casually against the wall, let out a low chuckle. He crouched down to Moss' level, his eyes sharp with amusement, "Well, look at that," he said, his voice eerily calm. "Got that fire in you, don't you? Just like your ma. Same glare, same attitude."

Moss didn't back down, his jaw tightening, "She's gonna find me," he said, his voice trembling but determined. "And when she does, you're gonna be sorry."

Oscar raised an eyebrow, impressed, "Feisty little thing, aren't you?" he mused. "Spitting image of her. All bark and no bite, though." He stood and smirked at the teenager. "What do you think? Reckon we've got ourselves a little rebel here?"

The brunette shrugged, her smirk widening, "More like a scared pup pretending to be a wolf," she sneered, leaning back into the sofa.

Moss glared at her, his small fists clenched, "My mum's not scared of anyone," he said defiantly. "And neither am I."

Oscar laughed again, the sound echoing off the bare walls, "Yeah, you're definitely my son," he said, almost to himself. "Got that Moretti fire."

Moss' eyes widened, but didn't say another word, his heart and mind racing at the revelation. 

☆《》¤

The hospital chapel was dimly lit, the flickering candles on the altar casting long shadows across the room. Alu paced in front of the pews, her phone gripped tightly in her hand. The members of SAMCRO sat scattered behind her, their faces grim. 

Her voice broke through the stillness, sharp and determined, "He wants me to kill Alvarez. Says he stole a quarter of a million from his club safe. He wants me to get it back." 

Kozik leaned back against a pew, his arms crossed, shaking his head, "This dude's gone off the deep end, man."

Tig leaned forward, narrowing his eyes, "You're sure Oscar's got your boy?"

Alu stopped pacing, turning to face him with a glare that could cut through steel, "Yeah. He killed your prospect, stabbed my mother, and then took my son. Or do you think my ma's lying about that?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes before adding, "I've got twelve hours to deliver, or he'll kill Moss."

The room fell silent again as the gravity of her words settled over them. Alu turned on her heel, heading toward the chapel door.

Clay stood abruptly, stepping in her path and grabbing her arm, "Hey, where do you think you're going?"

She yanked her arm free, fixing him with a cold stare, "To kill Alvarez and get my son back."

Clay grabbed her again, more roughly this time. Jax and Juice shot to their feet simultaneously, their expressions darkening as they moved closer.

"No way in hell, sweetheart," Clay growled. "You do that, it shits all over our truce with the Mayans and brings a war straight to Charming!"

Alu ripped her arm out of his grip, taking a step closer to him, her voice low and venomous, "I don't give a damn about your truce with the Mayans, Clay. I'm getting my son back, no matter what it takes. If that means putting a bullet between Alvarez's eyes or slicing his throat while he sleeps, so be it." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper, "So, either help me or get the hell out of my way."

She shoved past him, her jaw tight with determination, but the cold, unmistakable click of a gun being cocked froze her mid-step.

"Clay!" Juice snapped, stepping in front of Alu without hesitation, shielding her from the barrel of the gun.

"Put the gun down, Clay," Jax demanded, his voice low and firm as he moved to stand beside Juice. 

Clay's hand didn't waver, "I can't let her do this."

Half-Sack raised his hands, trying to diffuse the situation, "Hold up. I think I've got a better idea."

All eyes turned to the newest patched member. 

"We reach out to Alvarez. Get him to play along."

Piney snorted from the back, "Don't let that horse-truce fool you," he said gruffly, his gaze narrowing on Clay. "The Mayans hate us. This ain't gonna go the way you think."

"Yeah, thanks for the input, old man," Clay shot back.

Alu's voice rose, her panic cracking through the tense air, "And what if he says no? What if he doesn't play along? Then I've tipped my hand, and my son is dead!"

"The kid might be onto something here," Kozik spoke up, earning an eye roll from Tig. "Alvarez is smart. He's got a family. He'll get it."

Alu stared at both Kozik and Half-Sack for a moment, her breathing uneven, her hands trembling. Then her voice turned cold, her panic giving way to fury, "He better get it. Because if he doesn't..." She took a step toward them, her eyes blazing with resolve. "...I'll put a bullet through both of you." 

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and stormed out, slamming the chapel door behind her. The echo reverberated through the room, leaving the remaining members of SAMCRO in stunned silence.

Juice stared after her, his jaw tight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. 

Jax sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.

"This ain't gonna end pretty," Piney muttered, lighting a cigarette.

"Nothing ever does with Alu," Jax replied quietly, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

***

Moss crouched behind the wooden staircase, his small frame pressed against the wall. The dim light filtering through the cracks in the old house flickered like the tension in the air. He held his breath, his heart pounding so loud he was sure they could hear it.  

In the next room, Rosetta's voice wavered, sharp with frustration and edged with insecurity, "Why do you keep doing this, Os? Why are you so obsessed with her? She left you. Why can't you just let her go?"  

Oscar's laugh was cold, cruel, and sent a shiver down Moss' spine, "You don't understand, Rosetta. This isn't about love. Alu took something from me—something she had no right to take. I'm just balancing the scales."  

"But you still talk about her like she's important," Rosetta pushed, her tone becoming more desperate. "She left you for your father. She humiliated you. Oh, my God," she muttered as her eyes widened in realisation. "You still love her, don't you?"  

Oscar's boots scuffed against the floor as he stepped closer to Rosetta. Moss peeked through the crack in the banister, watching the scene unfold with wide, frightened eyes.  

Rosetta's head hung low, her fingers twisting in the hem of her oversized sweater, "I can be better for you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm here. I love you. I'll give you a family, Oscar. If you want a son, I can—"  

Oscar cut her off, cupping her face in his hands, forcing her to look up at him. His voice softened, dripping with false tenderness, "Rosetta, darling, you're all I want. You're my future. You, me, and Moss—we're a family now."  

Moss' stomach churned at the mention of his name, dread pooling in his chest. He curled into himself, trying to make himself as small as possible, though he couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene.  

"But why keep Moss if you're not still hung up on her?" Rosetta pressed, her jealousy and confusion surfacing again.  

Oscar's expression hardened for a moment, his jaw tightening, but then he smiled, a cold, calculated smile, "Because Moss is mine. He's my blood, my property. Alu might have carried him, but that's all she ever was—a vessel. Moss belongs to me now. And when he grows up, he'll understand that."  

Moss swallowed hard, the words cutting deeper than any wound. His tiny fists clenched at his sides as tears welled in his eyes.  

Oscar's voice dropped lower, more soothing, as he tilted Rosetta's chin up, "You're my girl, Rosetta. My one and only. Alu means nothing to me. This is about revenge, not love. And once we're done with her, it'll just be us. And we'll have more kids, as many as you want. Be a real family."  

Rosetta's face lit up with a small, hopeful smile, and she nodded, leaning into his touch, "That's all I've ever wanted, baby," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "I love you so much." 

Oscar pulled her into a kiss, his possessive hand gripping the back of her neck. Moss looked away, pressing his hands over his ears, but he couldn't block out the sound of Oscar's voice echoing in his mind.  

"Moss is mine."

He wanted to run, to scream, to fight, but he was just a kid. Alone in a strange house, under the control of a man who saw him as nothing more than a possession.  

And for the first time, Moss understood why his mother had run. Why she'd fought so hard to keep him safe. But now, she wasn't here. And he was terrified she wouldn't get to him in time.

***

The crunch of gravel underfoot was the only sound as Alu, Juice, and Jax made their way up Alvarez's long driveway. The oppressive silence between them spoke louder than any words could. Juice's sharp eyes scanned the property, his fingers twitching as if already anticipating trouble.

"His chopper's in the driveway," Juice muttered, nodding toward the sleek motorcycle parked near the garage. "Looks like he's home."

Jax stepped forward, rapping his knuckles on the heavy wooden door, "Alvarez! We need to talk to you." 

The door swung open abruptly, and Marcus Alvarez stood there, a baby balanced on his hip, a Glock 17 in his free hand pointed squarely at them, "What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice a low growl that carried the weight of warning.

"Shit!" Juice exclaimed, stepping instinctively in front of Alu, shielding her with his body. "Hey, hey, hey!" His hands were up, palms facing outward in defence. 

Alvarez's eyes narrowed, the gun steady in his grip, "What are you doing here?"

Jax raised his hands, trying to project calm, "Look, we just need—"

Before anyone could respond, Diana, Alvarez's old lady, appeared behind him, her own gun drawn and aimed. Her stance was tense but protective as she eyed the intruders, "What are you doing here?!" she barked.

Juice's hands shot higher, "Hold it, hold it! Jesus, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. Think this through!" 

Diana glanced at Alvarez, her voice softer but still tense, "Baby, what do we do?" 

"Take Tessa," Alvarez ordered, handing the baby to her. Diana disappeared into the house, the child in her arms, but her suspicious glare lingered on them until the door closed behind her. Alvarez holstered his gun, though his expression remained wary, "How'd you get my address?"

Alu stepped forward, pushing past Juice despite his attempt to hold her back, "Got it from the Viper." 

Alvarez tilted his head, finally acknowledging her properly. A faint smirk tugged at his lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes, "Didn't think you were still associated with him, viuda negra." 

"I'm not," Alu shot back, her voice sharp. "He kidnapped my son."

The smirk vanished as Alvarez's face hardened, "You serious?" 

"I wouldn't joke about something like that," Alu snapped. "He's got a very interesting list of demands, though. Wanted me to come here and kill you, then take the 250 grand you stole from him."

Alvarez's expression darkened further, "I didn't steal shit."

"Jesus Christ," Jax muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Juice spoke up, his voice measured, "We'll get the money someplace else. What we need from you is to be dead. Just until we get Moss back." 

Alvarez blinked, his disbelief evident, "Excuse me?"

Jax took a step closer, his tone almost pleading, "Just...just put it on the street, man. Alright? It'll get back to the Serpents. That buys us some time."

Alvarez scoffed, crossing his arms, "You know what happens to my business if my competition thinks I'm dead?" 

Alu stepped in, her voice firm but edged with desperation, "Marcus, please. I just need 24 hours. Then you can rise from the dead, and all them vatos will go spooky respect with that shit, you know?" 

Alvarez's gaze bore into her, "You come to my house, where my family is, and make demands. You got any idea what I can do to you, little girl?" 

The tension in the air was palpable. Alu's resolve wavered for a moment, her voice breaking slightly as tears welled in her eyes, "Okay, it was stupid coming here, I know that. But he took my boy. I desperate here." She paused, swallowing hard, "The thought of losing him...Look, I'm really sorry we upset your family, but like I said, I'm desperate. You're the only shot I've got at saving my son from that monster. Please. You're a parent too. What would you do if the situation was reversed?" 

Alvarez's eyes softened, but his voice remained cold, "I would've killed you without blinking."

Silence stretched between them; thick with tension.

Finally, Alvarez exhaled sharply, "Alright. I'll play dead. 24 hours. And that's it."

Alu's shoulders sagged in relief, the tension draining from her body, "Thank you."

Alvarez gave a curt nod, "I owe you one, remember?" 

Jax exchanged a glance with Juice—how the hell did Alu know Alvarez? But as they turned to leave, the weight of what came next hung heavy in the air. The clock was ticking, and 24 hours wasn't much time at all. 

Seven Years Earlier

The dim neon lights of Oscar's strip club pulsed rhythmically, casting shadows that danced across the glossy surfaces of the room. The heavy bass of the music thudded in the background as Oscar led the Mayans through the establishment, a showman in his element.

"Gentlemen," Oscar began with a grin, spreading his arms wide as if to encompass the entire club. "Welcome to my little slice of paradise." 

Alvarez walked alongside him, his expression unreadable. He hadn't wanted to come, but respect for the boy's father compelled him to at least hear Oscar out. Business with someone like Oscar was a risk, but ignoring him could be worse.

Several girls danced on stage, their movements alluring and calculated, drawing the gaze of the Mayan men. Oscar noticed their intrigue and smirked, "Ah, I see you're already enjoying the view," he chuckled, clapping one of the men on the shoulder. "But you haven't seen my finest yet." He turned toward the stage, crooking a finger, "Ana Lucía! Come here, darling." 

One of the dancers paused her seductive movements, her eyes flickering toward Oscar. She hesitated for just a moment, before stepping off the stage. Dressed in a skimpy black outfit that clung to her lithe frame, she moved with a mixture of grace and reluctance.

Oscar slung an arm around her waist, pulling her close, "This here is my old lady and my best dancer." He grinned, flashing his teeth, "She's the jewel of this place." 

The Mayans murmured appreciatively, their eyes roaming over her. Alvarez's gaze lingered, though his expression was guarded.

Oscar seemed to notice and smirked, "Alu, why don't you show Alvarez some real hospitality? Take him to the back and give him a little private tour, huh? Show him what makes you so special." 

Alu's eyes darted to Alvarez, then back to Oscar. She opened her mouth to protest, but the sharp look Oscar gave her silenced any objections. Resigned, she nodded and gestured for Alvarez to follow her.

***

The private room out back was quieter, the music muffled by thick walls. Alu closed the door behind them and gestured for Alvarez to sit. He complied, leaning back in the plush chair as she began to move.

Her dance was as mechanical as it was seductive, her heart clearly not in it. Alvarez's sharp eyes caught the flicker of discomfort in her expression, "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" he asked, his voice low but clear.

Alu didn't pause, though her movements grew more tense, "I'm here because I love Oscar. He looks after me."

Alvarez raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, "How old are you?"

"Old enough," she replied curtly, spinning to avoid his gaze.

"And your mother?" he pressed. "What does she think about all this?" 

Alu stopped for a moment, her hands resting on the back of the couch, "We don't talk," she said flatly. "She doesn't care about me. Oscar does." 

Alvarez leaned back, studying her, "You really think this is love? Him parading you around like some damn trophy?"

Alu lowered her head in shame and embarrassment, her eyes narrowing, "You don't know him like I do. He's good to me. And I'd do anything for him." 

Alvarez didn't push. Instead, he reached into his pocket of his kutte and pulled out a small piece of paper, scribbling something on it. He held it out to her, "You've got options," he said, pulling a card from his pocket and holding it out to her. "If you ever feel like you need to leave this life, call me." 

Alu stared at the card, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion, "That's it? You don't want me to...?" she trailed off, her meaning clear.

"I'm not gonna take advantage of a teenage girl, now am I?" Alvarez said simply as he stood, straightening his kutte. "Take care of yourself, mija." 

As he turned to leave, her voice stopped him, "Wait." She stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oscar...he's planning something. I don't know the details, but you should keep one eye open." 

Alvarez examined the girl's face, furrowing his eyebrows in slight confusion, "Why you telling me this? You can get in a lot of trouble." 

"Because you were nice to me," she said simply, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Alu stared at the door long after it had closed, her mind a whirl of confusion. She didn't understand why Alvarez had shown her kindness when so few others had. But as the club's bass reverberated around her, she tucked the card into her pocket, a faint flicker of hope sparking in her chest.

The house was eerily quiet after Oscar left, his heavy footsteps fading into the night. Moss sat on the worn couch in the corner of the dimly lit living room, his small hands fidgeting with the frayed edge of his sweater. Across the room, Rosetta paced back and forth, her nervous energy filling the silence.

"Why don't you sit down or something?" Moss' voice was small but steady, his sharp eyes watching her every move.

Rosetta stopped and looked at him, her arms crossed, "You don't tell me what to do, kid."

Moss shrugged, unfazed, "Didn't mean to. Just seems like you're nervous. Like you don't really want to be here."

Rosetta's jaw tightened, but she didn't reply.

Moss leaned forward, his gaze steady and far too knowledgeable for a boy his age, "You don't have to hurt me, you know. I can see it in your eyes—you don't want to."

Her head snapped toward him, her voice sharp, "Shut up. You don't know anything."

"Don't I?" Moss tilted his head, his expression calm but probing, "I know Oscar doesn't love you. He just says what you want to hear to keep you around. Like he did with my ma."

"Shut up!" Rosetta's voice rose, but her hands trembled at her sides.

But Moss didn't flinch, "You think he's going to give you a family? That's what he told you, right? He said you, me, and him would be a family. But you know what? Oscar doesn't care about me or you. He cares about control. And we're both just another piece on his chessboard."

Rosetta's face twisted in anger, but her eyes betrayed her, glistening with unshed tears, "You don't know what you're talking about, you're just a kid."

"And you're just scared," Moss countered, his voice softening. "I know you don't want to hurt me. You don't want to be like him."

Rosetta's breath hitched, and for a moment, her mask slipped. But then she composed herself, her expression hardening once more, "I said, shut up!" She stormed toward him, her trembling hand pointing at the hallway, "Go to your room. Now!" 

Moss stood, his small frame unshaken, but he didn't move, "You can slam doors, yell, and act tough, all you want, but it won't change the truth. You're not like him, Rosetta. And you don't have to be either." 

Her face crumbled for the briefest moment, but she quickly grabbed his arm and dragged him into his room, tossing him down on the mattress on the floor, before slamming the door shut behind her with a force that rattled the walls.

Moss sighed, his tiny shoulders slumping. He didn't hate her, not really. He could see she was as much a prisoner as he was.

On the other side of the door, Rosetta leaned against it, her hands pressed to her face as Moss' words replayed in her mind...

"You're not like him."

Her chest heaved, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. She didn't know what scared her more—Moss' words or the fact that he might be right.

One Year Earlier 

The small, worn chessboard sat on the coffee table. The afternoon sun filtered through the thin curtains, casting long shadows across the room. Moss, barely five years old, sat cross-legged on the carpet, his wide eyes fixed on the black and white squares.

Alu knelt across from him, her long hair falling over her shoulder as she carefully arranged the pieces. Her movements were patient, deliberate, as if setting the stage for something much bigger than a simple game.

"What's this called again?" Moss asked, his small hands fidgeting in his lap.

"Chess," Alu said with a smile, sliding the last pawn into place. "It's a game about strategy. You gotta use your brain."

Moss wrinkled his nose, "I don't know how to play." 

"That's okay," she said, reaching over to ruffle his unruly hair. "I'll teach you. But you gotta listen and pay attention, alright?"

He nodded, leaning forward eagerly.

Alu picked up a pawn, holding it between her fingers, "This little guy? He's a pawn. He's not very strong, but if you use him right, he can still make a difference." She moved the pawn forward two squares. "They're your front line, the first to go into battle." 

Moss tilted his head, "What about the horsey?" He pointed at the knight, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Alu chuckled, "That's a knight. They move in an 'L' shape. Tricky little things. They can jump over other pieces, so they're good for surprises."

She continued explaining each piece—the rooks, bishops, the queen, and finally, the king. Moss listened intently, his young mind soaking up every word.

"But the most important thing," Alu said, her tone turning serious as she leaned in, "is to know your opponent. You gotta figure out their strengths and weaknesses. Are they careful or reckless? Do they like to attack fast, or do they sit back and wait?"

Moss frowned in concentration, his tiny hand hovering over the board, "How do you do that?"

"You watch," Alu said simply. "You pay attention to every move they make. You learn what they're good at and what they're not. Then you use that to your advantage." 

Moss hesitated, then moved a pawn forward. 

Alu grinned, "Good move," she said, sliding her own piece in response. "But remember, every move you make tells your opponent something about you too. So, you gotta think ahead. Always be a step in front of them." 

They played for nearly an hour, Moss' initial clumsy moves growing more deliberate as the game went on. Alu didn't let him win, but she praised him whenever he made a smart play.

Finally, with only a few pieces left on the board, Moss looked up at her, his small face serious, "You're really good at this, sis." 

She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "I've had a lot of practice. But you're pretty good too, kiddo. Keep practicing, and one day, you'll even beat me."

Moss smiled shyly, the promise lighting up his face.

The tension in the clubhouse was suffocating. Every eye was on Alu as she paced back and forth, the burner phone clutched tightly in her trembling hand. The walls of the room seemed to close in on them. 

Jax leaned against the bar, arms crossed, his jaw tight. Juice sat on the couch, tapping his foot nervously, while the others exchanged uneasy glances. It was a high-stakes game, and it was Alu's play.

She pressed the phone to her ear as it rang, her voice sharp but steady when Oscar answered, "It's done," she said, her tone cold and calculated. "I killed Alvarez. Got the 250K." 

There was a pause on the other end, before Oscar's voice oozed through the line, laced with mocking scepticism, "Yeah, I'll need to confirm that. I know how much you like to play your games." 

Alu clenched her jaw, her pacing stopping for a moment. She took a deep breath before responding, her voice now calm but edged with venom, "Me too. Put Moss on the phone." 

There was shuffling on the other end, followed by a quiet sniffle that made Alu's chest tighten.

"Hello?" Moss' small, frightened voice came through, barely audible.

Alu turned away from the group, squeezing her teary eyes shut as her free hand gripped the edge of the table for support, "Hey, baby," she said, her voice softening. "It's Alu. How you doing? You okay? He hasn't hurt you?" 

Moss sniffled again, his voice quivering, "Yeah...I'm okay. But he hurt—"

Alu cut him off quickly, trying to keep the panic out of her voice, "I know. She's okay. She's gonna be fine. So are you. Okay? You hear me? I'm gonna bring you home. I promise." 

The line went silent for a moment, before Oscar's voice cut in, "I'll call back to arrange a meet. If you're lying..." His tone darkened, the threat clear. "...He's a dead." 

The line went dead, and Alu slowly lowered the phone, staring at it for a long moment as the room seemed to hold its collective breath. She turned to face the group, her expression hard but her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, "I think he bought it," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "Now all we've got to do is come up with half a mill by tomorrow night." 

Jax ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low curse, "Christ, where the hell are we supposed to get that kind of cash in twenty-four hours?" 

Juice stood, his face tense but determined, "We'll figure it out. We always do."

Chibs, who had been leaning silently against the wall, finally spoke, his voice low and grave, "We better. Because if we don't, that wee lad pays the price." 

The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of the situation hanging over them like a storm cloud. Alu wiped at her face, her resolve hardening as she looked around at the men who had become like family to her, "I'm not losing him," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension. "I'm bringing him home. No matter what it takes."

Jax nodded, his expression grim but resolute, "Alright. Let's get to work." 

As the group dispersed to start making plans, Alu stayed where she was, her fingers tightening around the phone. She wouldn't let herself break. Not now. Moss needed her to be strong, and she wouldn't fail him. Not again. 

She glanced at the chessboard sitting in the corner of the room, a memory flashing through her mind of teaching Moss how to play. 

Know your opponent—their strengths, their weaknesses.

Oscar thought he held all the pieces, but Alu knew better. The game wasn't over yet. In fact it was just beginning. 

***

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