Title: Courting Destruction

Authors: Luna and Maggie

Feedback: Loved and appreciated.  Send it to either  [email protected] or [email protected]

Distribution: Tainted Fiction, Maggie's Mad Maze, Luna's Night Moves...anyone else please just ask before you take it...I promise we'll say yes!

Disclaimer: The WWE owns the rights to all the names you recognize. This is being done purely for fun and entertainment. We are not making any money off of this. If you sue us all you’ll get our student loan debts.

Rating: PG-13 for now for language and violence. It will probably move to R in later chapters though due to more graphic violence and sex so if that is going to be a problem you might want to steer clear of this story.

Notes: This is going to a story that is largely based in the WWE with some paranormal elements.  We are playing a bit loose with time lines of past WWE events and ages of stars as we see fit and will be trying to remain true to the characters in some cases rather than what we know of their real personal lives.  If that is a problem, stop here.

 

Courting Destruction: Chapter 9/?

Rounding the corner Solie reached Hunter and Stephanie just as Shawn approached them from the other direction.

 

“Guys, security told me you’re looking for Aurora. I think I might know where she is. I heard a baby crying from that big room at the south end of this hallway.” The heartbreak kid had barely got the words out when the parents went running in the direction he indicated with the Hardys close behind.

 

Shawn winked at Lee then motioned that they should follow the group. The pair reached the doorway in question just as they heard a loud cheer of “surprise” from a boisterous group of friends. The vocal opinion of Aurora on surprise parties followed soon after. Shawn and Lee quickly entered the room to see Stephanie taking her daughter out of Rose’s hands.

 

The strawberry blonde knew better than to stick around after the stunt they'd pulled.  She quickly joined her cousin and Shawn still lingering at the door.  The trio was grinning like fools when both Hunter and Steph turned on them.

 

“You set us up,” Stephanie accused the platinum blonde.

 

“Well I did have help,” she answered with a grin pointing at both the Heartbreak Kid and Rose.  “I honestly don't think I could have done it alone, though I did get some satisfaction out of knocking Thorn on his ass.”

 

Shawn took a step forward as if to protect them from the still irritated parents.  “In their defense I did rope them into helping me out,” he confessed.

 

“Yes, but they could have at least let us know that our daughter wasn't in danger,” Hunter growled advancing on the threesome.

 

“True, we could have,” Rose answered a grin on her pixyish face as she used Shawn as a type of shield.  “But then how do we explain knowing that?”

 

“Or how do we get you guys to actually come to this little shindig without sending  you on a type of perverted Easter egg hunt,” Solie asked dancing out of reach when Hunter made a swipe at her.

 

Stephanie shook her head glad that her daughter was back in her arms and that no harm had come to her while she'd been away.  “I'd forgotten just how much you two loved getting into mischief, though the next time why not just try the easy route and ask us to a party?”

 

Rose slapped her forehead, “Doh!  Now why didn't I think of that,” she asked glaring at Shawn, who she in turn slapped upside the head to the amusement of those in attendance.  “You could have tried that first.”

 

“How was I supposed to know a simple request would have gotten the job done,” he answered grinning helplessly.  “It's never worked before.”

 

Triple H's face turned serious as he got a look at Solie.  “What happened to your arm?”

 

Confused the platinum blonde looked down at herself.  Finally noticing the faint bruising she shrugged absently.  She did not want to talk about it or the man that had given the mark to her...at least not at a time like this.  They should be celebrating the birth of their little girl not worrying about her.

 

“Orton,” Jeff answered coming up behind her to lay his hands on her shoulders.

 

Solie sighed, “We had a bit of a disagreement in the search for Aurora is all.”

 

“The search for my daughter who you kidnapped,” Stephanie growled.

 

“Borrowed,” Rose offered trying to ease the situation.

 

Randy chose that moment to walk into the room closely followed by a disgruntled looking Edge.

 

The Legend Killer smiled at the exchange which he had been listening to from down the hall. “See I told you that they were your best suspects.” He winked at Lee letting her know she wasn’t forgotten or forgiven for her earlier threat.

 

The frazzled mother just shook her head. “I guess if the worst of your punishment is a couple bruises on your arm we should let it go.” Turning to the newcomers she added, “I better not see any more bruises caused by either of you unless they are done inside the ring.”

 

“That can be arranged,” Randy grinned starting to move toward the platinum blonde but stopped as Jeff smoothly moved around her to block the cocky young man.

 

Noticing that, Steph had gently guided her husband away from the young people before he could make a bigger scene, Shawn moved away from Rose to herd the two men in Solie’s path away before they came to blows. “This is party. You guys want to find food or drinks first? I’m told there’s plenty of both to be had.” He winked at the girls as he headed off.

 

The strawberry blonde turned to give her cousin’s arms a more thorough look. She quietly asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? If these bruises are already showing up, how dark will be they be by morning? How did a normal get this far with you anyway?” The wary look of the gray eyes that greeted her question had the young woman looking over in the direction the men had gone. “He’s not….”

 

“Yeah I think he is and he’s so not happy with me. He could become a problem if I don’t figure out a way to handle him. I’m honestly okay Ro. More shook up than anything but it will make for a great story someday.” Lee winked at her best friend who just laughed and shook her head.

 

“You’re impossible Solie,”

”And this comes as a surprise? You didn’t just meet me Rose Elizabeth,” she added her gray eyes sparkling with mirth.

 

Across the room Randy and Edge stood by the open bar staring at the newcomers with undisguised interest.

 

“I’m telling you she is,” the legend killer hissed at his tag partner. “There has got to be more going on than meets the eye with her.”

 

“You think her … what did Steph say they were… cousins? You think her cousin is to,” Edge mused.

 

Nodding the other man added, “It stands to reason but the only way I’m going to find out anything is if I can get her alone. Do you think you could distract the cousin while the Hardys are off paying their respects to the rugrat of honor?” 

 

Grinning, the Canadian Superstar cocked an eyebrow, “Capturing her attention shouldn’t be any trouble for me.”

 

Randy shook his head at the other man's confidence.  Under normal conditions the third generation superstar wouldn't have doubted Edge's ability to charm the strawberry blonde.  However there were still the mysterious identities of the girls' fathers to figure out and the sooner they did that the better.  He had to take this chance to exact a little revenge on the girl while he still had the opportunity.  “By all means, work your magic, oh great one,” he drawled sarcastically.

 

“Watch and learn,” the blonde man sneered as he moved away.

 

Edge plastered a welcoming smile on his face knowing that he couldn't lay it on too thick or they would both see right through him.  He stood on the periphery of their little powwow waiting to be noticed.  He noted the way the strawberry blonde stroked her cousin's arm.  It was a touch that said they were very close.  It meant that it was going to be a bit more difficult to get the redhead alone.

 

The platinum blonde looked up; noticing him standing there, she flashed him a watered down version of the smile he'd been able to coax out of her earlier in the evening.  He silently cursed Randy for letting his mouth run away with his brain.  “Hey, Lee, right,” he asked extending his hand.

 

Solie took his hand nodding warily; she relaxed visibly when all he did was shake it.

 

Turning to Rose he extended his hand, “I'm sorry we weren't properly introduced the last time,” he said toning down his smile a bit.  The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off before Randy had a chance to get Solie by herself.  “I'm Edge.”

 

Rose stared at the hand held out barely controlling the urge to roll her eyes.  She took it but only because she didn't want to cause a scene.  “Asshole,” she muttered under her breath causing her cousin to laugh, which quickly became a coughing fit as the redhead glared at her.

 

Edge bristled at that but managed to keep his face delightfully blank.  “I'm sorry,” he said as if he hadn't heard her mumbled comment.

 

“Nothing,” Ro answered pointedly removing her hand from his.  “I'm Rose,” she said tersely wincing slightly as Lee elbowed her sharply.  “It's a pleasure to meet you,” she tacked on remembering that her cousin had been trying to interview the young man before she'd run him off earlier.

 

The Rated-R Superstar nodded and smiled, “Yeah it’s great to meet you as well. I wanted to thank you again for letting me know about Randy’s plans for my handicap match so I could get that straightened out before it became a big problem. Miscommunications around here could cause heads to roll you know.” He leaned back smiling at the green eyed girl as he watched for a reaction. He had to fight not to shout out “got ya” when the young woman blushed and started to move away nervously.

 

“Sure. You guys got that squared away then,” she tentatively asked.

 

A surprised look came over Lee’s face, “Oh that fight in the hallway…. Er disagreement. That wasn’t over that was it?”

 

Edge shook his head, “Oh not at all. I wanted to skip the festivities but Randy thought it might be an enlightening party. Sadly I have to admit he’s right but don’t tell him I said that. After all if I hadn’t come I wouldn’t have gotten to finally meet you.” He winked at Rose as he added the last.

 

The strawberry blonde rolled her eyes at the wrestler.  He had to be a complete idiot to think anyone would buy the charming routine he was trying to sell.  She raised an eyebrow asking, “Finally? It’s not like I’ve been around that long or do you have some ritual of personally welcoming each new female employee to the company in her first hour of employment?”

 

Solie hissed through her lips, “Ro…” as she kicked her in the shin. “Sorry. Involuntary muscle reaction.”

 

The blonde haired wrestler had to fight not to laugh at that. “It’s okay. I’m sure she’s used to it by now.  To answer your question no…. not the first hour but certainly before dinner break and only the pretty ones are graced with my time.”

 

Rose pasted a smile on her face for Lee’s sake silently promising her cousin would pay later. “You’re too kind. I do think we should grab some food before it’s all gone if you’ll excuse us Edge.” She went to grab Solie’s arm only to have the man step between them.

 

“Perhaps I could help you find some food, make up a plate for Solie as well if she’d like to wait here and catch her breath. I’m sure after all the excitement she could use a moment to just sit and relax,” he offered. Frowning, the green eyed girl was about to push past him to get her cousin when he added, “Maybe after you and I grab the food we can all sit down and figure out the best time for Solie to interview me.”

 

One look into her cousin’s pleading gray eyes and she knew she was well and truly trapped. “Fine, let’s just make it quick okay.” Forcing the smile back onto her face she added, “I’m enjoying your company but we should really try to get to know more the staff while we have the chance.”

 

Solie watched the couple walk away and had to hand it to Edge; he had managed to find a way to get around all of Rose's logical objections.  That wasn't an easy feat even for her and usually took some begging on her part to boot.

 

The pair hadn't been gone more than a second when a shadow fell over her.  Turing her head an easy smile graced her face as she looked to see who had joined her.  The smile quickly died as she stood taking a step away when a strong hand grabbed her wrist.

 

“Not so fast there princess,” Randy purred in an ominous tone.

 

Lee looked around frantically hoping someone would notice what was going on.  She couldn't look to her cousin because she was off playing nice with Edge...for her sake.  Hunter and Stephanie were talking with a couple of the younger guys on the roster.  Shawn was laughing it up with Ric and both Matt and Jeff were in a deep conversation with Shannon Moore.

 

She tried to surreptitiously yank her arm from his vice like grip.  The more she struggled the tighter his fingers closed around her.  It was beginning to hurt and despite the leather covering she knew there were going to be livid bruises come tomorrow.

 

“Careful there princess, wouldn't want to cause a scene now would we,” he asked in a deceptively calm manner.

 

“I'm not your princess,” she hissed still trying to covertly break the hold he had on her.

 

“Oh not yet, but you will be,” he promised dangerously; the look in his eyes sped her pulse along.

 

There was a heat and intensity to his gaze that touched her like a physical presence.  It made the blood sing in her veins and made her heart race.  Dimly she wondered if her estrus cycle was due but was unable to think clearly as Randy's other hand came up to caress the skin of her arm above her leather brace.  She didn't even realize he had moved closer until she caught his scent.  There was the spicy smell of his soap, a faint trace of some expensive cologne, that indefinable something that said male, and yet under it all was something that hinted at what he truly was.  It scared the hell out of her. She could admit that, to herself.

 

“Let go of me,” she growled, her eyes just a touch too wide yanking, almost frantically, to free her wrist.

 

“Aww, c'mon princess you don't really mean that,” he said arrogantly as his fingers deftly unfastened the first snap on the leather covering.

 

The young woman’s heart raced as she tried to think of some way to break his hold without becoming the center of attention. She needed to do it quick before he uncovered her wrist and found the proof he was no doubt looking for. “Yes I do. Didn’t your parents ever teach you no means no?”

 

She searched the room for Rose hoping to catch her eye but the dancer’s back was turned to her, her shoulders tense as she said something to Edge. Was it getting warmer in the room? Hell if she set Steph’s party on fire where would their dads banish them to next? The gray eyed girl needed to get a handle on things and fast.

 

Across the room Rose rubbed her palms on her slacks. She wasn’t sure if it was getting warmer in the room or she was just at the end of her nerves trying to deal with Edge. The worst part was she couldn’t even put a finger on what exactly was bugging her so much about him. Once they had moved away from Solie towards food table he had relaxed. The young woman wasn’t exactly sure what to make of that except maybe he didn’t like being interviewed. Still he had brought up the interview himself. The man made absolutely no sense to her. At least he had canned the lame charming act he’d been feeding her.

 

The arrogant Rated R Superstar was gone for the moment but Rose wasn’t sure that was a good thing. The man underneath was a lot harder to figure out. At least when he was being an asshole she knew what to expect. This guy could catch her off guard. She had actually found herself laughing at one of his jokes as they fought over the last veggie sandwich. She didn’t know which of them had been more shocked to hear the mirth bubble across her lips, the man across from her or the woman herself. Then when she looked up at him and he gave his first real smile of the night she thought she was going to melt into a puddle of goo right there.

 

What was wrong with her? It must be all that mating talk from Steph putting ideas into her head or something. Lee had said that these guys might not be normals. What if he was manipulating her thoughts? A chill went through her and her vision darkened for a fraction of a second. She had to get away from him.

 

Giving the superstar as innocent of a smile as she could manage she told him, “You know I’m suddenly thirsty. Why don’t I grab some drinks for Solie and I while you finish scouting out all the good food for us? I see you already have your drink so it will save us some time.”

 

She turned tail and ran for the drink table before he could argue.

 

As she waited to be served both her and Lee's drink she had time to think about how ridiculous she was being.  She wasn't one to usually let her hormones rule her brain.  She could admit that Edge unsettled her and much as it may irritate her that he intrigued her.  Still she couldn't have left his company quickly enough to suit her.

 

Rose gave the harried looking bartender a disarming smile as she accepted her drinks. 

 

“That's an unusual combination,” she heard a deep masculine voice say from beside her.

 

Looking up she met startling bright emerald eyes a crooked smile and unruly mop of dark hair.  His comment took her by surprise until she glanced down and realized that she had a Dr. Pepper in one hand and a Miller Genuine Draft in the other.  She gave a small laugh.  “Oh the beer isn't for me, it's for my cousin,” she said using it to motion to where the platinum blonde was.

 

“So you don't drink,” he asked casually.

 

“Not regularly no,” she answered not really sure why she was so much more at ease with him than Edge.  “I do on occasion at a party or whatever but I actually like being the designated driver.  Drunks are funny to watch, but usually only if you're not in that condition yourself,” she confessed with a laugh.

 

“Yeah that is true,” he said laughing with her.  “Punk, by the way,” he added as if it were an afterthought.

 

Rose set her soda on the bar to take his hand in her own.  “Rose, or Ro for short,” she replied.

 

The young man smiled shaking her hand. “You’re new around here aren’t you?”

 

She wasn’t sure how much she should say to him. She liked his company and didn’t want to scare him away by mentioning her dad.

 

He raised an eyebrow at her hesitation, “Tough question.”

 

The strawberry blonde shook her head. “Yes and no on both counts. I’m a very new employee but I know some of the older talent. I have family that has worked for the company a number of years.” She smiled proud of herself for being honest without actually mentioning anything that would send him running for cover.

 

“Your cousin?”

She giggled. “No she’s new too. Older relatives. I’m sorry am I keeping you from getting your beer or whatever?” She turned to look back at the bar behind them.

 

“I was just getting a refill on my Pepsi. I don’t drink myself.”  He nodded at the bartender who handed him another one then turned back to the girl. “So what will you two be doing while you’re here?”

”I’m assigned to security.” At his skeptical look Rose added, “I’m a lot tougher than I look, quicker too.”

 

“Except when it comes to being quick getting drinks. I need some help carrying this food back to your cousin,” Edge told her walking up to the pair.

 

He didn’t know why finding her talking to the Straight Edge Extremist bothered him so much. His only job was to keep her away from Solie and the guy was helping him along in that endeavor. Still, the Rated-R Superstar had seen red when he glanced over and caught them sharing a laugh. He had a made a bee line for the girl before he even knew what he was doing.

 

Turning to Punk he told the younger man, “Don’t you have gold stars for being a good boy to polish or something?”

Rose rolled her eyes. This was the man that had annoyed her on sight but Lee still needed her help. Turning to Punk she explained, “Edge graciously offered to give my cousin an interview if I’d help him hunt for food. She’s trying to get on as a writer with the magazine. It seems I’m derelict in my duties.” She winked at him and nearly jumped at the sudden growl she heard from Edge’s vicinity. At least she thought it was him.  When she turned to ask him what was up he had that same bland expression on her face.  She shook her head and looked back to Punk who had the oddest look on his face as well.

 

“I understand. Perhaps we can share a soda sometime when you aren’t tied up with family obligations.” The young Extremist smiled disarmingly at her.

 

I'd like that,” she returned giving him one last smile before turning to head back to the table stopping short only a couple steps later.  At the table she and her cousin had secured was Solie and Randy involved in what looked like a scuffle. If the wide grey eyes didn't clue her in the body language did.  Her cousin was terrified and very close to losing control. 

 

She looked behind her to see that Edge was still talking to Punk.  That was fine by her; it meant that she didn't have to deal with him.  Scanning the room she spotted Shawn not too far away and if she hurried she might be able to get to him before Solie exposed herself to a room full of people.

 

Trying to get to him proved to be more difficult than it should have been, or maybe it was just her fear for her cousin making her clumsy.  She tried her best to keep Lee in sight as she pushed and shoved people out of her way.  She was so intent on finding Shawn that she didn't realize there was someone in her path until she literally ran into him, hard enough to rock him back a step.

 

Instantly a multicolor haired young man reached out steadying her as her eyes flicked over her shoulder to where her cousin was.  The platinum blonde was no longer making any attempts to hide the fact that she was trying to get away from the young man holding her hostage.  “Easy there,” he said in a soft southern drawl.  “What's got you in such an all fired hurry,” he asked a hint amusement in his tone.

 

“I need to find Shawn there's a ...I just need to find Shawn,” she answered fear creeping into her tone as she shot another frantic look toward Solie.

 

The young man followed her line of sight his lips compressing as he realized what was happening.  He turned her in the direction of the Heartbreak Kid saying, “Go get him.  We may need him if things really start to get out of hand.”  He gave her a push to get her moving again before taking off for the couple on the other side of the room.