| Part XVIII |
Alex and her sisters walked into the arena together. As they walked toward Kane and 'Taker�s dressing room, they heard a clash of pipes and rigging. "What was that?" Leah asked. "Hardcore match?" Ice guessed. Before anyone could respond further they all heard a shout and growl that was unmistakably 'Taker. Alex eyes grew wide, "I have a bad feeling . . ." she stated as she walked faster in the direction of the noises. Alex rounded the corner and closed her eyes as she growled slightly. Before her eyes she saw 'Taker throwing Paul against a wall. Alex watched as the two giants exchanged blows. Wondering in the back of her mind when 'Taker had booked a Hardcore match. Alex looked around for the camera, hoping she was wrong. Not seeing one she turned to Matt and Chris who were near her. "Why did Vince book 'Taker in a hardcore match?" she asked. The two men looked at each other warily, neither wanting to answer. Realization dawning on her, Alex sworn under her breath and started to run in the direction of the two angry men. Both Matt and Chris grabbed her before she took two steps. "Stop them!" Alex demanded of Chris. He stood in front of her holding her around the waist as she tried to push her way toward 'Taker. Alex tried wiggling her way out of Chris grip as he held her tightly, even lifting her off her toes. Alex turned her head to the movement to her right. Upon seeing Kane, she looked at him pointedly, "Stop them!" she asked. Everyone's attention turned back to 'Taker and Paul fighting when �Taker tossed Paul into a pile of rigging. 'Taker knelt over him and began raining down right hands on Paul's face, not stopping even when Paul's mouth and eye began to bleed. Kane seeing the distress on Alex' face, he grabbed Jim and ran to the two men to separate them. Kane managed to pull 'Taker up and get between him, pushing him away from Paul. "If you come near her again . . .you will regret it!" 'Taker warned. Alex groaned loudly, and �Taker turned to face her. Alex and �Taker stared at each other for a moment. Alex ignoring the bleeding fist and split lip; �Taker not showing an ounce of remorse. Chris moved his arm slightly and Alex realized she was still being held. She jumped back startled and a little flustered at being held by him. Alex stared at him blankly for a moment. A memory prickled in the back of her mind she couldn�t quite focus on. Her attention drawn back to 'Taker when they all heard referee�s coming to Paul�s aid. Alex threw one more furious glance at 'Taker and walked toward his dressing room. 'Taker found her pacing the room; she whirled to him when he entered ignoring her sisters, Kane, Matt and Chris as they entered as well. "Why?" Alex asked quietly, although she already knew the answer. 'Taker rolled his shoulders and shrugged. "He started it." He stated. Alex rolled her eyes, hand on her hip and glanced over at Chris. "You teach him that?" she asked. Chris threw up his hands and backed up a step, not wanting any part of her temper. Alex turned back to �Taker, she began clenching and unclenching her hands, "That's NOT what I wanted." She stated slowly, feeling her temper starting to spiral. "I told you . . . he started it!" 'Taker snapped. "He started commenting on what happened last night. Before you ask, I have no idea how he found out." 'Taker explained. "Of all the stupid . . ." she grumbled exasperated. "Don't you think he knows needling you about me would make you mad?!" Alex yelled. She raked her fingers through her hair, tears stinging her eyes when they settled on his face, the bruises starting to show. Alex walked over to stand in front of him, reaching up she ran her thumb across his split lip, wincing when it began to bleed again. "This," she whispered, "is why. You're my friend and you got hurt because of me. I can't handle people being mad for me. Or you getting hurt because of me." She explained, trying to make him understand. 'Taker lifted Alex and set her down roughly on the counter to look her in the eyes. �OW!� Alex yelled in protest. "Listen up and listen good!" he demanded. "Little girl, this is something you are going to have to get used too!� 'Taker using a tone that bartered no argument. �You are a bride and therefore close to my heart. NO ONE will hurt you without suffering the consequences." 'Taker lowered his voice as he continued, seeing the tears glistening in her eyes. "Even if you weren't a bride, from the moment we met . . ." "We argued." Alex reminded him, wiping the tears from her cheek. "You dared to contradict with me." He countered. "And after that you wormed your way into my heart. Don�t ask me how; you're annoying and stubborn. Argumentative. You never listen to anybody and you're a brat." "Like looking in a mirror, huh?" Alex asked sweetly. 'Taker threw back his head and roared with laughter. He placed a noisy kiss on her forehead. "That's the little girl I know and love!" he announced. "You have people who love you. And who will protect you at all costs. Why is that SO hard for you to understand?" He asked her. Alex scrunched her face, twisting her lips as she shrugged. "Besides did you really think I wouldn't do something to him?" he asked. Alex groaned in frustration, shooting a dirty look at Matt and Chris when they laughed out loud. Everyone turned when the door opened and Vince entered the room. "That's the other reason." Alex muttered, "I got you in trouble." Vince was silent for a moment. 'Taker stepped back from Alex, silently slipping into his �BaddAss� mode and simply stood there, feet braced apart, thumbs hitched in his waistband. "Do you want to tell me what that was about, as if I have to guess." Vince stated. Alex caught the slight shake of Kane�s head when she started to speak and remained silent. 'Taker simply shook his head, "No." Vince frowned, "You know I have to suspend you." 'Taker only nodded. Vince looked at his watch and after 60 seconds, "Suspensions over." Vince announced. "You two have a match tonight. No DQ. Get it out of your system." Vince advised as he walked out the door. Alex groaned and dropped her head to her hands. She lifted her head to see a twisted smirk on 'Taker's face. Alex punched his arm as hard as she could. "Do you have to look so damn smug? DAMN! How does Kanike put up with you?" 'Taker turned to her. "Cause she loves me. And so do you." He informed her smugly, as he swaggered out of the dressing room. Alex scrunched her face, sticking her tongue out at his back. �I saw that.� 'Taker informed her without turning around. Alex folded her arms and pouted when her sisters began to laugh out loud. ~~*~~ Alex walked down the hall quietly, rolling the night events over in her mind. She opened the door to her room as quietly as possible. She went in the bathroom to grab the towel; wrapping up some ice she walked over to the bed. Alex placed the towel gingerly on 'Taker�s hand, as he was sitting against the headboard, his eyes closed. 'Taker knuckles were split and sore from the match. He didn�t move when he felt the ice on his hand. Alex couldn�t stop the sigh that escaped her lips. She hadn�t been able to watch the match 'Taker had taken full advantage of the no DQ stipulation. Alex paced the room while the girls watched the monitor. Matt tried to get her to sit while Chris offered to walk her around the arena until it was over. She�d flatly refused both, waiting out the match impatiently. By the time the bell rung and 'Taker had allowed the three count his fists were a bloody mess. His knuckles had split open from beating on Paul�s face. The match had invariable gotten out of the ring, with 'Taker dragging Paul to the announce table. After smashing Paul�s face in a few times, 'Taker had ripped the top off and smashed the monitor against Paul�s head, busting him open. The match finally ended with 'Taker giving Paul a choke slam through said announce table. Paul had gotten in a few good shots which accounted for the bruises on 'Taker�s jaw. 'Taker watched Alex through barely open eyes; watching the emotions play across her face. She looked up at him when 'Taker opened his eyes. She tried to hide the concern from her face, twisting her lips into a grim smirk. �You happy now?� she asked. 'Taker only grunted as he shifted to lay flat on the bed. Alex saw the smirk cross his face. �You�re pretty proud of yourself, aren�t you?� she continued, and grew frustrated when 'Taker�s smirk turned into an evil grin. Alex got up and stomped around the bed, rummaging through her bag. �Alex . . . .I�m all right.� 'Taker tried. Alex said nothing, only nodding her head. �Alex . . .� 'Taker tried again. She whirled around to face him, taking a deep breath to remain calm. �Look . . .I realize you went out there to defend my honor.� She began sarcastically. �With some macho display only men could possibly understand. But just like I can�t stop you from protecting me, you can�t expect me to be happy.� Alex turned and stalked into the bathroom to change for bed. She left the lights off when she was done, hoping 'Taker had fallen asleep and not wanting to disturb him. When she walked past 'Taker�s bed, she jumped when 'Taker reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her down to sit next to him as he sat on the edge of the bed. �How long you gonna to stay mad at me?� he asked quietly. Alex sighed heavily, and leaned her head on his shoulder, �I�m done.� she muttered. �I�m not angry really. Just frustrated.� She admitted. �This takes getting used to. Can you understand that when you handle something for me . . .it makes me feel like I can�t?� she asked quietly. �That it makes me feel like I�m incapable.� Looking up at him, she was slightly gratified as she watched the realization play across his face, though he didn�t respond. �Besides even you have to admit your �protective streak� is a bit out of control.� She admonished lightly. When 'Taker only shrugged, Alex elbowed him in the ribs. Alex rose and walked over to the other bed and climbed in. She watched as 'Taker laid back and started to drift off to sleep. �'Taker?� Alex whispered. �Yeah.� He mumbled sleepily. When she didn�t continue he turned his head to her. He saw her lying on her side facing him, her eyes were open but they were cast down to the floor. He waited for her to look up at him. �Thank you.� She whispered softly. 'Taker was grateful for the darkness so she couldn�t see his smirk, knowing it would only make her mad again, �Anytime little girl. Anytime.� He replied. |