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Alex sat in the middle of the plush office resisting the urge to bite her nails. She had never been more nervous in her life. Which for Alex was saying a lot; she was always nervous, everything made her nervous. Three months before, she had thought she was nervous. When she got the call for a recent job opening on the Internet, she had no idea it was for the WWF. When the woman had asked her if she would mind traveling and a hectic schedule. Alex thought of it as a challenge, and it�s not as if she had anyone at home to worry about. She was free to traipse around the country as she pleased.

When the woman finally mentioned she worked for the WWF and what Alex would be doing, she had almost jumped out of her skin. Alex had gone to Connecticut to discuss the position and had readily accepted. She would be assisting the head travel coordinator, in getting the wrestlers, ring crew, and anyone else who would be at any particular show to and from the arena and back to their homes across the country. She had become quite used to not remembering what city she was in and on most occasions didn�t care. She wasn�t at her boring office job any more, and more importantly she wasn�t sitting at home waiting for the phone call that wasn�t going to come.

When the door opened, she jumped slightly bringing her out of her daydream. She turned to see Mr. McMahon walked in the room with one of his assistants.

�Okay, make sure he gets this by tomorrow morning, signs and returns it.� McMahon requested. �Thanks Laura.�

McMahon sit down behind his large desk and sorts through some papers until he finds the folder he is looking for. Alex is still fighting the urge to bite her fingernails. He finally looked up and smiled.

�Ale . . Okay say your name for me.� McMahon asked. �Alejandra Lopez . . .Alex for short.� �Alex.� he paused for a moment, �So do you enjoy working with Trina? She says you�re doing a great job, and that�s not easy with the work you�re doing.�

Alex thought nervously for a moment, �Yes, Trina is great. The guys are great too.� �Well, it would seem we have something else you are more qualified for.� McMahon continued. �It says on your resume you worked for a VP and a general manager. Worked for them exclusively, as a personal assistant.� �Yes, I did most of their personal errands and social engagements. Arrange parties, catering, kept track of their social obligations basically.� �Well we have been toying with the idea of the guys having an assistant. I don�t need to tell you how hectic their schedules are. Twice last month THE ROCK had to miss a signing because someone didn�t check his sheet and overbooked him.�

�I�d like you to work with one of the guys, keep track of their appearances, signings, and schedules. If it works out, we�ll see about getting a full time staff of assistants.� Vince informed her. �Okay, so you want me to work for THE ROCK?� Alex asked.
�No, he went ahead and hired an assistant himself. I would like you to work for the UNDERTAKER. It will be a short-term assignment, only because he will be leaving to take care of his injuries of late. When he leaves, we�ll move you around a bit to see whom you work best with.�

Alex wasn�t listening; she started to get really nervous. Undertaker was notoriously private, as well as being incredibly intimidating, inside the ring and out. Alex hadn�t had to deal with him. Trina handled travel arrangements for the top guys.

McMahon noticed her silence and smiled. �He�s really not that bad. You just have to not let him intimidate you.� Alex smiled, shyly, �Easier said than done, I think.� �If I didn�t think you could handle it, I wouldn�t have asked.� McMahon assured her firmly. Vince had heard about her go round with Val Venis. The man was an egomaniac, demanding special treatment with his travel arrangements. Alex had put him in his place and told him to wait like everyone else. You would never know it to look at her. All of maybe 5�2�, small frame, quiet, and large innocent eyes. For someone so small, she has an attitude to beat all.

Vince informed her that 'Taker was waiting at his hotel for his travel arrangements, and for his next round of sessions. �Stop by Trina�s to get his travel info, this is his hotel room, and check with data services to get a laptop to help you with scheduling. We live by emails around here.� Vince handed her the paperwork, and shook her hand.

Alex made all her stops, with an extended stop in Travel as Trina wished her luck and was sorry to see her go. As she walked to her car, she wondered how she was going to handle this one.

~~*~~
�What the hell was Vince thinking?�   'Taker thought to himself, as he saw the little girl walk in the room. She couldn�t be more than 25 or 26, and about 5�3. 'She looks like a scared rabbit; she�ll jump the first time I cough.� He thought wickedly.

�What the hell was Vince thinking? I�ve never felt so short in my life.� Alex had been around most of the guys so she was used to feeling small, but 'Taker was of the small handful taller than everyone else was. �He looks like he could eat me for breakfast. Ack! What was I thinking?�

�Hi.� She said shyly, extending her hand, �I�m Alex, Mr. McMahon told you I was coming right?� �Please say yes.� She thought. He reached to shake her hand, more like swallow it.

�Yeah, he said he had an idea he wanted to try out for a while. Why I�m always the one he wants to try them out on is beyond me.� �Oh this is going well.� Alex thought. �Do you want to go over your schedule.�

�Not now, I�m on my way out.� as he headed toward the door. �Wait a second!� Alex had looked over his schedule already and he had an interview. �You can�t leave.�   He turned around to look, anger flared in his emerald eyes. Alex didn�t back down. �You have an interview with a magazine in about 30 minutes.� �Cancel it, I have something to do.� �No, this is the 3rd time they�ve scheduled for you. They want the interview in their next issue.� �So have them reschedule it again.� �No! And your flight leaves in about 2 hours anyway.�

�Look little girl . . .�'Taker started. Alex attitude kicked in. �DON�T call me that.� She stated emphatically. �Look, Alex.� he drawled her name, �I don�t have the time nor the inclination to explain to you where I go or when. So do as your told and . . .� �Wait a damn minute!� Alex interrupted, and dropped her stuff on the bed. �Either we work this out RIGHT now or this is going to be the shortest working relationship in history.� �Look little girl -�   �I said DON�T call me that!� �Fine.� he growled back �You are really starting to piss me off.� �It�s one of my many talents.� Alex stated. �Excuse me?� 'Taker asked. �I can talk and piss you off at the same time, it�s gift.� 'Taker immediately realized this �little girl� was not so easily intimidated. He smiled at her. Alex was standing with her hands on her hips. �Oh great, now he�s going to try charm. Not going to work buster.�

�You�re a tough kid -Sorry.� Seeing the look on her face. �Lady, I meant, lady.� 'Taker corrected. �Are you going to do this interview?� Alex asked, calm now. �Yeah.� he stated slowly, �But I still need to make a stop before my flight leaves.� �Well, I�m assuming you don�t need me around to do an interview. Can I run the errand?� �You don�t have to do that.� Shaking his head.

�Okay, did anyone explain to you what an personal assistant does? All those little things, you can�t or don�t have time for, means I� points to herself �get to do them.� �That seems kind of, I don�t know, odd.� �Only because you�ve never had someone to do it before.� 'Taker looked at her strangely. �Okay, if I can get him to work with me on the concept, this just might work.�

Just then, someone knocked at the door. �Well?� Alex questioned. �Okay, let them in, and I�ll get the paperwork.� Alex moved to open the door, and switched immediately to her gracious and polite mode. She escorted the reporter and her photographer into the room, sat them down at the table. She noticed the reporter was quite beautiful and was wearing a short skirt. Alex grinned in her head. �Thinks she�s going to pick up a date. That�s none of your business Alex, stay out of that.�

'Taker found what he was looking for. �I need you to take this to the lawyers back at the office, they�ve been hounding me for this paperwork.� He glanced at the reporter, �And hurry back.� he whispered as he walked her to the door. �Save me from this interview. Why do they always send women?� He grumbled. Alex smiled. �Be back in about 45 minutes, that should give her enough time to actually ask some questions before she starts hitting on you.�
�Thanks.� He said sarcastically.

~~*~~
When Alex return to the hotel, she saw the photographer walking down the hall, alone. Alex hesitated for a split second. She didn�t know if she should return to the room. Maybe 'Taker changed his mind and didn�t want to be interrupted. �Only one way to find out.� Alex knocked on the door and walked inside at the same time. She noticed the reporter was standing directly in front of 'Taker and he was slowing backing up against he wall. The reporter obviously wasn�t taking �no� for an answer, and he was trying to be a gentleman. The look of relief on 'Taker face was Alex�s answer. She walked in the door hurriedly and stood directly in between them. �Oh, good you�re all finished.� Alex said, smiling innocently at the reporter. Alex turned sideways to look at �Taker and �accidentally� dropped all her papers. The reporter frustrated at being interrupted simply stepped over the papers, �Well maybe the next time you�re in town.� She mumbled and tried to retreat gracefully.

�I thought you�d never get here.� 'Taker growled, falling on the bed. Alex laughed. �I was wondering how you would get rid of her.� �Yeah, well being clumsy is useful sometimes.� Alex replied.

'Taker was looking at her, he realized that he had felt her coming. That was unusual because that only happens . . . he�d have to talk to someone. This might work. She handled herself well. �Are you ready to go? Your flight leaves soon, and we need to check in.� Alex stated. When 'Taker looked at her intently for a second, her heart skipped a beat. Suddenly Alex felt a sharp pain at her temples, after a second it went away. �Are you okay?� 'Taker asked concerned. �Yes, I think I�m getting a headache or something, it�ll pass.� �Okay, let�s go.� Alex noticed he was moving rather slowly. Then she remembered for the past couple of months that he had been nursing injuries. He was scheduled to leave, but so far had refused to go. Alex casually grabbed his extra bag, hoping he would let her carry it. No such luck, he tried to pick it off her shoulder. She popped his hand. �Your hands are full, I can carry this.�   Not sure whether to refuse, he sighed and opened and held the door while she walked through.   In the hall they caught up with 'Taker�s friend, Head of Security, Jim Dotson. Alex had seen Jim before but had never been introduced formally. �Alex is my new assistant.� 'Taker said introducing them. Jim smiled and extended his hand, �Poor girl, who�d you tick off to get stuck with him?� Alex laughed, �Well I�ve been thinking about it, and I can�t think of anybody I�ve made that mad.� �You two think you�re so funny.� 'Taker growled. �So is IceWolf going to be joining us soon? Maybe she�ll be amused by your humor.�   �She said she wasn�t sure if she would make this round, but she�d try. Something up?� Jim asked.   �No, just thought Alex and she could get together.� 'Taker said.

They headed off to the airport and took the flight to the next town. When they arrived, they rented a car, and drove to the hotel. Alex excused herself from the guys to go to her room and work. She was sorting through papers and the schedule on the laptop, when she saw mental image of 'Taker in her head. He was talking to someone, but she couldn�t see who. Suddenly 'Taker stopped talking and looked around. Then Alex felt a sharp pain at her temples, and the image was gone. �That was strange.� There was a knock at the door, Alex yelled for them to come in. For some reason she knew it was 'Taker. �Hey, you busy?� �Just sorting through some stuff.   You�re not working house shows right now, so there�s not a whole lot for me to do. How are you feeling?� Alex asked. 'Taker shrugged and sat down. �Some of the guys and I are going out later, do you want to come?� Alex laughed, �Hmm, let�s see, go out with a bunch of good looking men. Gee, let me think about that for a minute.� 'Taker smiled, �You might regret that, we tend to get rowdy.� �Oh please,� Alex said waving her hand, �I�ve seen rowdy before. Let me get changed, and I�ll meet you guys downstairs.�

'Taker left, and Alex jumped in the shower. She decided on black jeans and a red top. She fixed her make-up and headed out. When she got to the end of the hall, she felt someone watching her. She stopped, then turned around to see Kane at the opposite end of the hall. She smiled and waved to him. He simply nodded and turned around to go to his room. �Ookaay�. Alex thought, �Wonder why he isn�t coming.�   Edge, Christian, Jim, and 'Taker were waiting for her in the lobby.

They headed for a nearby poolhall. Alex wasn�t very good so she mostly just watched the guys. She did play one game against Christian. While she was playing, she bumped into a guy at the next table. �Oh, sorry.� Alex said, hoping she hadn�t messed up his shot. �No problem sugar.� He replied smiling. Alex smiled, �He�s kind of cute.�   Alex finished her game, �I think you let me win.� She said to Christian. �First she beats me, then she insults me.� Christian said with mock indignity. Alex then sat down to watch Jim and Edge play. The waitress passed by and handed Alex a drink. �The gentleman at the next table sent this.� Alex turned to see the guy she had bumped earlier. Alex smiled and nodded her thanks. �Who�s that?� 'Taker asked as he walked around the table. �Don�t know yet.� Alex replied.

The guy walked over and introduced himself. �Hi, I�m Bobby. Do you mind?� he asked pointing to the spot next to her stool. �No.� she replied, �I�m Alex.� As he stood next to her Alex realized she�d made a mistake. The guy was drunk; she could smell it on him. After only a minute, he got pushy. When Alex decided to walk away, he took her arm. Before Alex could clear her head, 'Taker was next to her, taking her hand and pulling her out of Bobby�s grasp. He didn�t even have to say anything; the look on his face was enough. The guy tried to be brave {stupid}. He gestured toward his friends. 'Taker�s face got that evil smirk, and he gestured toward the table. Jim and Edge had stopped playing realizing what was going on; Christian came to stand on the other side of Alex. Before anyone said a word, the manager came over. �You again? I�ve told you never to come back in here.� Gesturing toward Bobby. He signaled for the bouncer. �Next time, I�m calling the cops.� The bouncer took Bobby and his friends and threw them out. �I�m terribly sorry, miss. Please, tonight is on the house. You and your friends are my guests.� The manager offered.

�Are you okay?� 'Taker asked. �Okay, what just happened? I didn�t even have time to think clearly, and you were right there. I could have handled it.� Alex stated. 'Taker replied shrugging. �I was just looking out for you.� �From what? Some drunken twit. Puleez. I�ve handled them before.� Alex replied, touching his arm. �I appreciate the thought, but I can take care of myself.� �Okay, but I don�t want to see anything happen to you.� 'Taker replied smiling down at her. She smiled back; she realized there was no use arguing with him when he smiled like that.

After a couple more rounds they decided to call it a night and headed toward the car. Alex was walking behind the guys, when someone grabbed her arm. Reflex had her turning around and hitting the person in the face. The person turned out to be Bobby. She turned around to see Jim and Edge fighting with his friends from the pool hall. Bobby was up quickly, but dazed. 'Taker pushed Alex behind him out of the way. Christian was down on the ground having been hit with something. 'Taker grabbed Bobby by the throat and threw him on to the hood of a car. Jim and Edge quickly dispatched of the other guys. Alex knelt down next to Christian. 'Taker left Bobby unconscious on the car. His friends nursing a bloody nose, and blows to the stomach quickly retreated without him.

Christian was coming around. 'Taker observed, �It would seem you can take care of yourself.� Alex smiled up at him, �Learned from the best.� Edge and Jim helped Christian to his feet. He had a knot on his head but was otherwise unhurt. �They did it to even up the odds, they didn�t count on Alex being able to defend herself.� Christian informed them, rubbing his head. �That�s the second time tonight my ego�s been bruised.� �Oh, poor baby.� Alex laughed, putting her arm around him as they walk to the car.

~~*~~
~So, what happened?   �Nothing much, some drunk tried to hit on her. We took care of it.� ~She didn�t realize you read her? �No, she just thought I was being over-protective. ~Okay, I can�t read her completely, but maybe now that she�s closer.

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Part II

Part I