**Disclaimer: All characters are 18+, no underage characters will ever be portrayed in any shape or form in this or any future stories.**
**Eva's point of view**
Eva just stood there in a bit of shock as Jax presented her with the choker she had wanted for herself. She had debated stealing it from Marco countless times but the idea of getting caught stealing it somehow deterred her from actually doing it. Yet here she stood in front of who was Jax presenting her the choker; having stolen it for her.
She didn't know how to thank him and wanted more than anything to put it on to see if it even works for her. The idea of getting her powers suppressed so she could lead a normal life was way too tempting for her. More than a simple life for just her she was interested in this so Erik could have a more stable and risk free life.
As long as she has these powers there is always going to be someone out there trying to get her; she didn't like the idea of Erik ending up as collateral damage. Erik was not only her son but also the reason she quit the League. The safety of her family meant everything to her.
Eva's heart raced as she accepted the delicate gift from Jax. She looked at the intricate design of the choker with admiration. This was what she had secretly desired since she discovered the existence of these devices. The fact that Jax had the courage to steal it for her, even though he knew the risks involved, made her feel deeply grateful.
"Thank you, Jax," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I didn't expect you to go to such lengths for me."
Jax smiled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "No need to thank me, my dear," he purred, his voice thick with possessiveness. "I just want what's best for you."
Eva nodded, her eyes misting over. She knew that Jax was hiding something or would want something in return, but she didn't care right now. She just wanted to show her gratitude.
"How do you suggest I wear it?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly. Jax stepped closer, his eyes smoldering with desire. Jax simply took the choker out of her hands as he looked at the delicate locking mechanism intently.
Then after a brief pause he said "you know you can't wear this all the time right? Especially at the club if there is a chance Marco can see it on you. He will know it's stolen from him."
Eva nodded agreeing with him but the idea that she would have to pick and chose her freedom from her powers was slightly disheartening to her. Jax simply looked at her with a crooked smile that Eva had come to recognize as precursor to what surely was one of his sleazy ideas.
He said in a tone filled with poorly concealed joy "you could always start working at the club .... As more than a hostess. I'm always looking for experienced women who can handle some of the more loyal customers."
Eva frowned at that and growled at him in anger "Jax I have told you countless times I'm not going to be a whore for hire for the club! I can't bear the thought of Erik finding out about it. I can barely manage to hide my ridiculously slutty hostess outfit from him as it is."
Jax countered just as quickly "you don't have to tell him about it .... I'm sure as hell not gonna tell that boy anything! How would he even find out? Besides you aren't telling him about your powers so how is this secret different from that one?"
Eva focused her powers a bit and could instantly hear the calming heartbeat of her son in the next room; now that he was assured she was okay he was back to normal. Eva had always wondered when it would be the right time to tell Erik about her powers. She had promised herself that she would if he showed signs of developing his own powers so he won't have to go through that alone like she had.
Yet now that he was past 18 years while still showing no signs of any sort of extraordinary abilities; Eva wondered about just sparing him the truth altogether. She obviously felt guilty about hiding such an important part of her life from her son while she had told Jax everything. So when Jax brought it up she felt slightly trapped in her own mind with guilt.
"I'm going to tell him...... when..... when the time is right" She responded weakly which hardly seemed to convince Jax.
Jax smirked and shook his head "You have to lie better than that if you want to convince me, Eva. He is a grown man now. Start treating him like one or he would never actually grow up and become responsible!"
Seeing that Eva wasn't responding; Jax added softly knowing Eva was going to put up a fight to his next suggestion "It's high time you make him get a job and move out. I know you won't like it but if he can't get a job..... I don't mind giving him a cleaning job at the club..... I promise I'll keep and eye on him and keep him out of trouble."
"Not a chance! You are not getting Erik involved in the club!" Eva snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "I will not allow his innocence to be tainted by your corrupt influence."
Jax smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is that what you call it?" he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"You're just afraid he'll learn the truth about us, aren't you? That you're not the innocent mommy that you pretend to be." Eva winced, her heart aching at the memory of her former double life as a super-heroine. Her voice faltered, and she lowered her gaze, unable to meet Jax's challenging stare.
"Please, Jax," she pleaded, her voice cracking. "Don't involve Erik in anything dangerous. He deserves a normal life far from you and me."
Jax shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Aww, poor baby! Afraid your precious boy will find out about our naughty little secret?" he sneered, his voice laced with mock sympathy.
"Or maybe you're just scared he'll end up being like you?" Jax shot back, his voice sharp and cutting. "A washed-up ex-heroine who works at a strip club and gets groped by strangers for money?" Eva gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
The jab hit close to home, striking a nerve deeper than she anticipated. Her face reddened, and she struggled to compose herself. Eva nearly shouted at Jax with her eyes flaring up with anger before she had to calm herself quickly.
She swallowed hard, her head bobbing nervously as she gathered her strength. "Fine," she gritted, her voice low and determined. "I'll take the job at the back of the club.... Only stripping and lap dances though! I'm not going to whore myself out. So no out calls like other girls there. But I'll leave the decision up to Erik if he wants to work there or not. You won't force him about it or give him a job there that will put him at risk.... so that also means he definitely won't see me working in the back! Promise me that, Jax!"