[ MENDING THE KING! ]

Prologue

The Night We Met

[ Balm ]

" Maybe I'm just sucker for a pretty face. "

~ JAX TELLER to ALU ORTIZ 

☆《》¤

THE RUMBLE OF JAX TELLER'S HARLEY faded into the distance as he cruised through the darkened roads on the outskirts of Charming. He needed to clear his head, the recent revelation about Weston's attack on his mother still gnawing at him. The anger that had risen in him at the news was a fire he couldn't extinguish. Zobelle and Weston would pay, but for now, he just needed space. Space to think, to breathe, and to shake off the rage that clung to him like smoke.

He found himself stopping outside a bar that seemed as good a place as any—a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot that smelled like stale beer and forgotten memories. Jax swung his leg over the Harley and made his way inside, hoping the dimly lit room and the buzz of low conversation would be enough to calm him down.

He settled at the bar, ordered a whiskey, and stared into the amber liquid, the burn sliding down his throat just the way he liked it—sharp and heavy. His mind drifted back to his mother's confession, and he swore under his breath, grip tightening around the glass.

It wasn't long before something—someone—caught his attention. A few feet away, two men were harassing a woman. 

Jax's eyes watched her closely—dark hair cascading around a striking face, eyes deep and defiant. She was all sharp edges and soft curves, a mix of grace and grit that made her impossible to ignore. Her confidence radiated, with a subtle scar above her brow hinting at stories untold. At 22, she was beautiful in a way that was fierce, unapologetic, and dangerously captivating.

She was backed into a corner, her eyes locked on the two men—that didn't take no for an answer—with a mix of defiance and cold anger, but she was outnumbered, the pair of strangers getting bolder with every word. 

Jax's instinct flared. He saw her struggle against one of them, the way his hand gripped her arm too tightly. Without thinking, Jax was on his feet, ready to step in, ready to do something he wished someone had done for his mother. He couldn't let this happen, not to anyone.

But before he could take another step, the girl—her back straight and chin lifted—made her move. With an ease that surprised him, she twisted the guy's wrist, sending him to the floor, cursing under his breath. The man froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. The girl wasn't some damsel in distress—she knew how to handle herself.

Jax stood there for a moment, just watching. He wasn't sure if he was more impressed by her skill or the way she carried herself, like she had no time for bullshit.

The man laughed, a harsh sound that grated against the quiet, "Feisty one, huh? I like feisty," he sneered, pushing himself to his feet, regaining his composure. He moved forward again, but before he could take another step, Jax was there.

"Walk away," Jax warned, his voice steady and low, the kind of voice that carried authority. 

The man closest to him turned, glancing at the SAMCRO patch on Jax's cut, before bursting into laughter. 

Jax's eyes narrowed slightly, "Does it look like I'm kidding?" 

"Oh, look at this," he said, nudging his friend. "The big bad biker is playing the knight in shining armour."

A dangerous glint flashed in Jax's eyes. Without a word, he grabbed the man's arm and twisted it behind his back with enough force to make him yelp in pain. The sudden move silenced the laughter, and the man's bravado crumbled into shock.

"I need you to apologize to the lady," Jax ordered, pushing the man against the wall—hard. The other man stood frozen, eyes darting between Jax and the girl.

The captured man stuttered, the pain making him sweat, "A-alright, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he gasped out, glancing at his friend, who looked too stunned to move.

Jax's eyes shifted to the man who looked like a deer in the head lights, "That goes for you too. Now!" 

The man looked like he was going to argue, but after a second glance at Jax, and the way his grip remained tight on his friend's arm, he swallowed hard, "Yeah...sorry," he muttered, eyes fixed on the floor. 

"Best to keep your hands to yourself or I might have to take this outside and teach you a lesson on how to properly treat a lady," Jax threatened, releasing the man he had against the wall with a shove. He stumbled, catching himself on the edge of a nearby table, before scurrying toward the door, his friend close behind, who shot a fearful glance back at Jax, before they both raced out of the pub. 

"You alright, darlin'?" he asked, his tone softer now.

She straightened her posture, brushing her hair out of her face with a smooth, practiced motion, "I had it under control," she replied, voice cold and defiant. 

Jax couldn't help but chuckle, a grin tugging at his lips, "I could see that. I just don't like seeing people get disrespected like that." 

"Yeah, well, I didn't ask for a hero."

"Yeah, I know. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a pretty face."

Her eyes narrowed at his smugness, "Really? Let me tell you something—" 

"Jax," he interrupted, the corner of his mouth curving.

"Jax. Unlike all those other desperate whores that drop to their knees to gain just an ounce of your attention, I don't swoon, no matter how many charming smiles you flash my way."

He chuckled, not the least bit offended, more intrigued than anything, "Can I at least buy you a drink?" 

"Sorry, I'm in a rush." She grabbed her bag, turning toward the door. Jax couldn't help himself as his eyes travelled down to her perfectly curved backside, watching each easy sway of her hips; the hint of a smile still playing on his lips. 

"How about a name?" he called after her. 

She turned back, eyes meeting his once more, "Alu."

And then she was gone. Jax sank back into his seat at the bar, her name rolling off his tongue in a whisper, "Alu." 

And as he sat there, he just couldn't shake the feeling that meeting her wasn't some random encounter—it was something more, something that had the potential to change everything.

***

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