Wicked Game
CHAPTER 1
Lilith walked besides her brother as they entered the arena
through one of the more obscure side doors, pushing her straight; long black
hair over her shoulder. Paranoia made her glance behind them, glancing around
before nodding. “Nobody seen us.” She murmured;
feeling her brother entwining his fingers through hers as he quietly entered
the building.
She wasn’t surprised in the least when Kane just nodded. She had
only been traveling with him for a month, but so far, nobody but him knew she
was there. She had been traveling through Europe when their father –Paul
Bearer- had called to tell her Kane was in trouble.
Paul had been both lying and telling the truth.
Kane was in trouble because he refused to join his
half-brother’s Ministry of Darkness, a concept Lilith found truly disturbing.
Paul had coaxed Lilith into leaving her Tour as well as her
comfortable life in England to come to the States. What he had failed to
mention was he wanted her to persuade Kane to join the Ministry.
That hadn’t worked so well.
Lilith was Kane’s half-sister, obviously thanks to Paul’s
philandering ways. From her understanding when she was younger, Paul had had an
affair with Kane’s very much married at the time mother. Something had happened
and he had wound up in England, without Kane at first. He had met Lilith’s
mother and a few years later, Lilith had been born.
Lilith’s first memory of Kane was him running away from her. She
couldn’t have been more than four at the time. She had seen him standing in the
doorway to the basement, unsure of who he was. Even
then his hair had been long; covering his face. She had tottered over to him
and he had instantly retreated, all but flying down the stairs in his haste to
get away from her.
She had followed. She had also tripped down the stairs.
Kane had caught her.
She remembered him staring down at her through the curtain of
hair, as if trying to puzzle out what she was. And she, in her child’s
innocence and ignorance, had grabbed his hair; catching a glimpse of his face.
It was scarred.
But she hadn’t been afraid. Curious yes,
afraid no.
That’s when they became inseparable.
At least until Paul and her mother had separated. She never knew
why it happened, she had only been nine, but it did. Paul and Kane had gone Stateside and that was the last she had heard from Paul
until a month ago. Her mother had committed suicide and she had gone to live
with her Auntie Enid, who had been absolutely wonderful to her. Enid had even
encouraged the sporadic communication between Lilith and Kane.
Lilith had wrote him faithfully every
month, but letters from her brother were sporadic. She now knew that was due to
Paul putting him in mental institution after mental institution. When Kane had
joined Paul in the World Wrestling Federation, she had been mildly curious
about it. He had mentioned his half-brother in his letters, his handwriting
always small and almost childish, neatly printed block
letters.
So they had remained close, thanks to their letters.
Kane looked down at her, nodding when she flashed him a quick
smile and pushed open a door that bore a small sheet of paper with Kane
scrawled on it.
Paul was with the Undertaker right now, having betrayed him –his
own son- to go side with that… monster. Kane was a physical monster,
Undertaker was a monster with a normal face. As far as Kane was concerned, his
only sibling was the one beside him, Lilith.
Even when he hadn’t been able to reply to her letters, he had
never forgotten him. What was the incredible part was that she had never
forgotten him either.
She had offered to come see him time and time again when she had
become a legal adult, but he had denied her. He hadn’t wanted her to join him
on the road and be caught in the crossfire of this war with the Undertaker, and
then their own father. Although the Undertaker had
never seen her, he knew she was around.
That was a rather frightening thought.
Once the door was locked behind them, they both breathed easier.
Lilith automatically undid the clasp to her black cloak; the stale room’s air
was stifling. “Well,” She said in her crisp, British accent. “At least we made
it in without being spotted.”
“Did you now?” A dark, demonic voice
all but hissed.
Kane whirled around, staring at his brother; wondering how he
had missed him and scowled beneath his mask.
Despite what they showed on TV, Kane did not need to speak with
the aid of a voice box. As a general rule, he didn’t like talking at all, as
his voice was somewhat raspy and harsh. “What are you doing in here?” He
demanded, eyes narrowed to tiny slits and reached back; feeling Lilith’s
smaller hand instantly sliding into his and squeezed.
Lilith could only stare at the man who was the Undertaker.
Physically, he resembled Kane in height and build; though Kane was slightly
taller. This was the monster who she now knew had set fire to his and Kane’s
childhood home and accidentally killed their mother and his father; scarring
Kane. Of course, even though it had been an accident by Paul’s own admission, that had not stopped the Undertaker from using
the memory as a weapon on Kane.
“What am I doing here…” ‘Taker
reiterated with a wicked chuckle, taking a single step forward. He hadn’t
missed the gesture between the siblings, his upper lip curling into a half
sneer.
Acid green orbs moved from Kane to the woman he had heard quite
a bit about from Paul, the much speculated upon Lilith. She resembled Paul in
no way at all, luckily for her. She was tall and slender, with piercing blue
eyes and long black hair. High cheekbones and perhaps her nose was a bit too
long, her full pink mouth was turned down into a frown; her pale forehead
scrunched as she stared at him.
“Kane, I am not here to fight you.” He said after finishing his
visual inspection of the woman. He had seen a picture of her, when she was
probably sixteen; something Paul had procured for him and undoubtedly, by procure: stole from his son. As far as he knew, Paul hadn’t
been in touch with Lilith since leaving her and her mother. Time had definitely
been on her side as she had been a gangly, awkward looking youth. “I simply
wanted to meet the woman traveling with you. I’ve heard so much about her.”
Lilith’s eyes narrowed to slits, cocking her head to the side in
a way that jolted him. She had mannerisms quite similar to their brother’s.
That was mildly disconcerting, not that ‘Taker would let her know that.
Lilith stepped directly behind Kane, out of Undertaker’s view.
“Leave him alone.” She ordered from behind her brother, putting her cloak back
on; drawing the hood over her head. Now that she was covered and composed, she
tried to step back out; only to feel Kane gently nudging her back.
“The pair of them, ‘Taker,” Paul wheezed, appearing at the Phenom’s side, having been lurking in the background;
completely unawares as the siblings had been focused on ‘Taker. “She can keep
him in line for you.”
“What on earth makes you think I want Kane to be kept in line,
Paul?” ‘Taker replied without looking down at his mentor, now staring holes
through Kane, not missing the protective gesture to Lilith. “Hmmm…”
Kane’s entire body tensed.
“I have a wager for you, brother. We have a match scheduled for
tonight, but why not make it a tad more interesting?”
Behind his mask, Kane’s eyes narrowed, wondering just what it
was his older brother wanted. He could feel Lilith’s hand convulse in his,
squeezing gently.
“If I win, your lady friend comes with me and joins my
Ministry.”
“’Taker… that is my daughter…” Paul said hesitantly, seeing the
way Kane’s body had stiffened. He knew Kane would kill for Lilith, and most
likely he’d be his son’s first target.
“No.” Lilith stepped out from behind her brother, not looking at
the Undertaker but to Kane. “I am not something to be gambled. Kane, do not let
him play his mind games with you.”
“There are no mind games here, my dear.” ‘Taker said gravely,
popping Paul upside the back of his head. “Don’t offer unwanted advice, Paul.”
Kane and Lilith were both cocking their heads to the side now.
“It’s just a simple match, Kane. Unless, you think you cannot
beat me?”
Kane shifted slightly, staring down at Lilith.
“You are scheduled to fight him regardless. There is no reason
to ‘up the stakes’.” Lilith said quietly.
“Lilith…” Paul cautioned, staring at his daughter warningly.
“Think about this before you do something you’ll regret.”
“Would you please just die already, old man.”
‘Taker actually chuckled at her dry sense of humor, though it
was a low; evil sound. He admired her attitude, how calm and collected she was.
He liked that. He liked a challenge and hadn’t one in quite some time. “Fine,
I’ll just have to acquire her by other means.” He said simply before sweeping
from the room, the door closing behind him and Paul ominously.
Slumping against the wall, Lilith buried her face in her hands
and shook her head. “Leave it to Paul to align himself with the most dangerous,
unpredictable person around.” She said tiredly. “Kane, I think it might be best
if I returned to England now. I was under the impression your brother wanted
you.”
Shaking his head, Kane reached out for his sister; feeling the
familiar warmth wash through him when she automatically stepped into his
embrace. “He would follow.”
Rubbing his back in slow circles, Lilith thought about that.
“Kane, you’ve told me about him. I’ve been watching him these past few weeks,
and I’ve heard Paul’s words of praise for him. All he seeks is another
challenge, another puzzle. Once he has lost interest, he casts things aside.”
She was saying this slowly, knowing Kane was very likely to grow angry with her
next words. “Maybe I should let him stake his claim on me and then wait for him
to decide he’s bored.”
“NO!” It was to as near as Kane got to shouting, not perhaps
quite a yell but loud and harsh enough to make Lilith flinch. He dropped down
onto a rough wooden bench, pulling her down onto his lap even as he was sitting
and wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. “He won’t touch you…”
He said, beginning to rock back and forth with her, cradling her like she was
an overly large doll. “Over my dead body…”
Lilith was the only person he loved. The only
person who didn’t look at him, or think of him as, a freak; a monster.
“Calm down, calm down.”
Lilith soothed, stroking his hair in a calming motion. She waited until he was
done trembling before speaking again. “I was just thinking out loud, Kane. I
would never let that vile creature have me. I just want what’s best for you,
love.”
She fell silent, listening to his ragged breathing and let her
mind wander; her vivid blue eyes narrowing. She would give her soul just to put
the Undertaker and Paul Bearer in their graves for all the pain they had caused
her brother.
“I’ll protect you. I’ll protect you from him.” Kane promised,
never ceasing his rocking; his eyes shut tight. Flashes of
his childhood before moving to England seared across his mind; tormenting him
all the more. He could almost smell gasoline,
almost see the vividness of ‘Taker’s green eyes and pale, pointed face as he
stared at the destruction.
Finally, he abruptly stopped and set her upright, standing as
well. Without a word, Kane walked from the room; knowing his match was fast
approaching.
CHAPTER 2
Lilith watched Kane’s match from the monitor in the corner of
the locker room; standing anxiously before the screen. His pain was her pain
and every purposefully inflicted injury the Undertaker punished Kane with, she
felt. She knew wrestling was ‘fake’, to a point. She
also knew what happened between the brother’s was very real. So when she seen
Kane stumbling under the ‘Taker’s blows, she knew he was really hurting.
***
“You think you outrank me, Kane?” ‘Taker asked as he threw his
brother into the ropes, dodging the big boot that came up on the rebound. “Is
that why you dare defy me?” He hissed; turning to wrap his hand around Kane’s
throat.
Flicking his hair back, he leered right into Kane’s masked face.
Kane growled, even as he was lifted into the air. Air whooshed
around him as he came back down; feeling the canvas connecting with his back
and immediately arched, the pain spreading.
Snorting, ‘Taker circled Kane once before dropping down for the
pin. “Watch her carefully, brother dear.”
Kane sat upright as the Undertaker was walking up the ramp,
turning his head to the side to watch his brother. ‘Watch her carefully’ seemed
to echo throughout his mind, panic forcing him to his feet.
He had to make sure Lilith was alright.
***
Lilith was fighting the urge to run to Kane, knowing that would
be one of the stupidest moves she could ever make. Reluctantly, she waited for
him to return; letting out a small sigh of relief when he stumbled through the
door. “Lord…” She hissed under her breath; guiding him to the bench so he could
sit down.
Kane sank down, one hand moving to feel the edge of his mask.
“Rest.” She whispered, wishing
he would take his mask off so she could see the damage but also knew he wouldn’t
until they were sure of being completely alone. “Rest for just a little bit, then we’ll return to the motel.”
Kane just nodded at her and leaned back against the wall; his
head throbbing. He had to protect her. He had to keep her safe. When he seen she
was going for the door; he reached out to grab the material of her dress;
pulling her back with a shake of his head. “Stay.”
“You need ice for your head.” Lilith said, but didn’t protest
further.
They lingered long enough for the building to hopefully be
cleared before making their exit, or escape would perhaps have been a better
term. While the majority of the roster were staying at
the Marriott, they were spending the night in a roadside motel. A place just
outside of city limits; hoping the anonymity of the place would discourage
anyone from looking there for them.
***
Once at the motel, Lilith wasted no time in drawing the curtains
shut; glancing at Kane. Her forehead wrinkled in concern when she seen him sway
on the spot. He’d been staying the effects of what she was guessing was a minor
concussion but it was beginning to wear on him.
“Love, why don’t you sit down? I’ll get some ice for your head.”
She murmured, gently pushing her much larger brother down on his bed.
Knowing she was right, and that she also wouldn’t let him alone,
he began to slowly unbuckle his mask. She was the only person who could get
away with seeing him without his mask, and not be murdered. When he heard her
come back in, he turned on the bed so he was facing her.
Lilith gently pushed Kane’s long hair back from his face; not
surprised to see his eyes were tightly closed. She smiled, brushing a finger
down his cheek. “Kane, you are beautiful.” She said simply, not bothered in the
least by the scars that marred his face.
His eyes opened.
She seen the doubt in those gorgeously mismatched orbs and
nodded, reassuring him. “You are. Here.” She had made an ice compress and
handed it to him. “Hold this to your head.”
As much and as often as she told him he wasn’t a monster, that
he wasn’t hideous; she knew it still bothered him for her to be too close when
he wasn’t wearing his mask.
“Monster.” He
whispered; taking the compress and gingerly pressed it to his head. “He will
pay.”
“He will indeed.” Lilith agreed, her
mouth a firm line of anger. She sat with him long enough to know he was in no
immediate danger of falling asleep, the pair sitting side by side on the bed;
watching some mindless sitcom neither could put a name too.
Oh yes, both the Undertaker and Paul would pay for what they had
done to her brother.
***
“You let them escape…”
Midian cringed at the evil hiss
that was his Master’s voice; keeping his head down.
“I told you to keep watch on them, to follow them and yet you
couldn’t even do that.” ‘Taker nodded to Paul.
Midian clenched his eyes shut
when he heard Paul clearing his throat, followed by the sound of something
heavy slithering almost noiselessly on the carpeted floor. If he cracked one
eye, he already knew what he would see.
A heavy whip.
“Now you will find out what happens when you fail me.”
Midian was never so happy to be
alive, especially when ‘Taker had finished; wondering if he still had a back.
“Get him out of here.” ‘Taker’s voice dripped with disgust.
Throwing aside the whip, he strolled over to stare out the window; clasping his
hands behind his back as he listened to the shuffling sounds that told him Midian was being dragged away.
***
Groaning loudly, Paul finally settled himself into bed for the
night. He lay there with his hands folded under his head as he shifted on the
mattress and thought about his ‘renegade’ children.
He groaned again at the very headache those two were giving him.
He had enlisted Lilith to help tame Kane, to convince him to join the Ministry.
What he hadn’t counted on was Lilith being fiercely protective of her brother.
So much for his hope that she would be like him instead of her
wholesome, sweet and very dead mother.
***
Public excursions were the bane of Lilith’s existence. Simply because it was hard for Kane to blend in, obviously.
He stood near seven feet tall and wore a mask at all times. He COULDN’T blend
in and she hated it when people would stare at him.
She handled checking into the hotel, she handled everything
usually just so he wouldn’t have to deal with awkward silences and rude stares.
“Kane, I don’t think I should go to tonight’s show.” She said as
they headed to their room. “I just feel like something bad is going to happen.”
Kane looked down at his sister, seeing the worry in her eyes and
knew he couldn’t protect her if she wasn’t with him. “You’re going.” He said
flatly, halting when her head lowered and hesitated. After a moment, he reached
out to tilt her chin up with fumbling fingers. “What?”
Slowly, she looked up into his eyes and sighed. “I don’t know,
Kane. I just feel like something will happen tonight.” She repeated, finally
stepping away from him in order to swipe their key card and led the way into
the room.
Kane almost walked right into her, looking up to see what had
made her stop.
Normally they got low key rooms, this was different. Two
adjoining bedrooms; separated by the bathroom.
“I suppose we should get around for the show.” She said finally,
not wanting to worry him with her doubts anymore. Or focus on the mistake in
their room.
Nodding, Kane surveyed the room skeptically; wondering what had
happened to their low key plan. He automatically knew this wasn’t Lilith’s
doing, but also knew they really didn’t have a choice in the matter at the
moment. They were going to be late enough as it was.
***
Lilith had dressed for running. She didn’t usually wear pants,
preferring skirts or dresses but tonight she was making an exception. Black
slacks and a black tank top with tennis shoes. Her already heightened feeling
of unease increased tenfold when they walked into the arena.
Paranoia was something new to her and Lilith hated feeling it so
much. She hated having to watch her back all the time.
The cool night air felt good when they finally reached the arena
and were out of the car. Though the eerie underground parking
lot left a lot to be desired.
“Well, well, what have we here?”
Kane and Lilith both froze on the spot, standing back to back as
they searched for the source of the voice.
“You know,” ‘Taker’s dark chuckle surrounded them. “This could
all end if you would just join me, Kane.”
Kane shook his head no, reaching back to fumble for his sister’s
hand.
“I know you won’t, Kane. That’s why I’m going to have to take
what’s most precious to you.”
Lilith’s already pale skin went even paler.
“Watch her carefully.”
CHAPTER 3
Kane’s behavior had Lilith worried. He was reluctant to even
take his usual pre-match shower. She had finally convinced him she would be
alright for a mere five minutes. The bloody door was locked and if by chance
someone tried to come in, she could scream as well as swing something if need
be.
As soon as the water was running however, she heard their father
outside the door.
“Lily,” He used his pet name for her. “You do know the
Undertaker will destroy Kane over you, don’t you?” Paul’s tone was one she
remembered somewhat from childhood; during the brief time he had played daddy.
“You’ll have his death on your hands, Lily.”
“Go away.” She whispered, leaning against the door; the side of
her head pressed against the cool wood.
“Do the right thing.”
Lilith looked down; watching through the gap between door and
floor as his shadow moved away. When she was fairly certain he was gone; she
sighed in relief.
***
“She will not surrender.” ‘Taker said knowingly when Paul
entered the room and held up a hand to silence the man before he even got
started on defending himself. “I will handle this.”
Paul could only stand there and listen as ‘Taker began giving
orders; shaking his head.
***
Lilith wasn’t surprised or pleased when Kane announced she would
be joining him ringside but she accepted it. On their way down the hall
however, they were ambushed.
Somehow, this wasn’t surprising either.
“I have her!” Midian shrieked, eager to not get lashed again. He grunted when she
kneed him between the legs, promptly letting go.
“No!” Lilith scream when she seen the Acolytes were holding Kane
at bay in a corner with flame throwers, spouting fire at him every time he
tried to lunge past them.
Fire was Kane’s ultimate weakness. His
greatest fear.
“They’ll stop. If you’ll join me for a moment,
alone.” ‘Taker said nonchalantly, not bothered in the slightest by the
Acolytes antics. In fact, he encouraged it. Kane was dangerous and he wasn’t
too keen on seeing any of his Ministry going to the
hospital courtesy of his baby brother.
Lilith hesitated for only a moment, finally nodding her head
once and followed him into an empty room. She turned to watch as he closed the
door behind them; folding her arms over her chest.
He studied her thoughtfully.
Determinedly, she stared at the floor; not about to be trapped
in one of his mind games. Lilith knew eye contact would probably destroy her.
His eyes held a certain hypnotic sway to them; she had seen it used before on
others. “What is it you want, Undertaker?” She demanded coldly, hoping Kane was
alright.
Chuckling under his breath, ‘Taker began to slowly circle her;
reaching out to brush his fingers against her hair before finally coming to a
rest behind her. “You.”
Lilith shivered, unable to hide it.
“There is no need to fear me, Lilith.” He murmured, sliding his
hands up her back until they curved over her shoulders, squeezing gently. “I
merely want you to make Kane see the light. I have treated him horribly, but it
was for his own good. It has made him stronger.”
“Made him stronger?” Lilith snorted derisively; stepping away
and turned around angrily in order to glare up at him. Her blue eyes were
flashing with icy fire. “All you’ve bloody done is terrorize and humiliate him.
Stay. Away. From. MY. Brother.”
She ordered through gritted teeth. “I won’t help you. I want no part of
whatever it is you THINK you are doing.”
“YOUR brother?” He snorted;
his own eyes returning the venom she was giving him and gripped her by the
arms. “He is not just YOUR brother. He is MY brother as well. I haven’t terrorized
him and he’s humiliated himself by letting himself worry what others think of
him. That is a weakness that I can help him with… with your aid.”
“Help him?” Lilith laughed directly in his face, almost hysterically.
“Your idea of helping him is having your men assault him with FIRE? Bloody
brilliant, you twit.” She pushed away from him but it was like pushing stone.
“I’ve watched your methods of helping, you’re trying
to control him.”
His hold on her tightened.
“Let me go. There’s nothing further you can say to me that will
change my mind.”
While she had been speaking, he had been lowering his head so
their noses were almost brushing; snaking an arm around her waist.
“Let go.” She repeated in a growl.
“I can’t.” He murmured huskily.
Lilith had known this was coming the moment she heard the tone
of his voice but even that couldn’t have prepared her for his kiss. His lips
were firm, demanding and the easy way he manipulated hers into responding was
bewildering.
Feeling her surrendering to him, ‘Taker backed her slowly into
the door; letting go of her arms in order to skim his palms along her sides
until they rested on her curvy hips.
Out of nowhere, her hand came flying
up; catching the side of his face.
Growling, he pulled back; reaching up to feel where she had
slapped him. “How very bitchy of you.” He said dryly,
ignoring her warning look and pressed back against her. “Help me and I will
give you anything you desire.”
“You can give me nothing I desire.” She hissed, furious with him
for kissing her and then for making her enjoy it. “Get it through that
immensely thick skull of yours ‘Taker, I refuse to help you.” She turned when
he lowered his face to hers. “Do not.”
Before he could say a word, the moment was mercifully interrupted
by a timid knock.
“’Taker, the white coats are here. Does he go?” Paul’s voice
rang through the door.
It took a second for Lilith to understand that they were going
to commit Kane, all the blood draining from her face.
“It’s up to your beautiful daughter, Paul.” ‘Taker said loud
enough for Paul to hear, staring down at Lilith from calculating green eyes. He
had no qualms with committing his brother, who probably needed it anyway. When
she dropped her head, he smirked. He always got what he wanted in the end.
“Well, Lilith?”
Swallowing hard, Lilith nodded and knew she was all but signing
her soul over to the Devil himself. Kane would hate her for this decision but
she couldn’t let him go back to the asylum, it almost killed him last night.
“Yes, I’ll… help you.” She whispered, almost retching on the last word.
“Wise decision.” He murmured,
opening the door and nodded at Paul who dismissed the medics.
Kane looked to the Undertaker, not lowering his fists from the
defensive stance he had taken.
“Brother, you have a match tonight, try not to disappoint.”
Kane growled.
“Against Edge, by the way.”
Edge’s head snapped up, his customary grin sliding right off his
face.
Lilith edged out from behind the Undertaker, looking at her
confused brother and reached a hand out to him; blinking back tears. “Kane, I’m
sorry.” She whispered, moving to stand in front of him; staring up at him
pleadingly. “He didn’t give me a choice.”
Nodding, he simply pulled her towards him until he could hug
her; glaring at his brother over her shoulder. “She stays with me.” He said, his already rasping voice harsher than usual.
“Everywhere we go, she stays with me.”
‘Taker looked amused. People who loved were so easy to
manipulate, Lilith was proof of that. “As I’ve already gotten my way, I suppose
I can afford to be generous.” He said finally, ignoring both the siblings evil looks. “Off you go now, your match is next.”
“Bastard.” Lilith
hissed at him even as Kane was pulling her away. When they were out of sight,
she grabbed his arm. “Kane, we can run. We don’t have to stay here. YOU don’t
have to stay here. He can’t follow us forever.” She grabbed his head to force
him to look at her, having to stand on her tiptoes to do it. “Kane, listen!”
“He’d find us.” Kane said softly, sounding sad.
Startled, she met his eyes, seeing he was already surrendering
to what he deemed the inevitable.
“Come, time for the match.”
***
The match was brutal to watch.
If you were a fan of Edge.
Edge got his backside handed to him and Lilith loved it. She
hated the Ministry and would have gladly watched them all suffer painful,
brutal deaths. Though at the same time, seeing the way Kane handled the smaller
man was almost terrifying.
Almost.
When the match was over, she waited patiently for him and
frowned when Kane just stared down at what was left of Edge. “Kane?”
She called, confusion lacing her tone.
Edge was coughing harshly; curled into a ball of agony.
Kane wasn’t finished just yet. He wanted to send a small message
to his brother. ‘Taker could torment him all he liked, but Lilith was off
limits.
Lilith wasn’t the only one in the arena who winced when Kane
went to town on the already prostrate Edge with a steel chair. When Kane
finally joined her out on the mat, she took in the glazed look in his eyes.
Inwardly sighing, she took Kane’s hand and led the way backstage; through the
passage between the ramp and the fans. “He wanted you to be strong,” She murmured.
“I suppose he got his wish.”
CHAPTER 4
Kane didn’t say a word as they headed back to the hotel, the anger was still coursing through his veins.
Hopefully Edge wouldn’t be walking for a few weeks after that vicious attack.
Hopefully the Undertaker would realize that messing with him wasn’t wise.
Especially when it came to playing games with Lilith.
As soon as they were in their joint rooms, he slammed the door
shut behind him and drove his fist into the nearest wall.
Lilith jumped, her blue eyes widening and took a cautious step
forward. “Calm down, Kane. We’ll figure this out.” She soothed, flinching when
he brushed her away,
She knew he needed time and nodded; slipping into her own room.
Sighing, she dropped down onto the bed. This was her fault. If she had stayed
in England instead of falling into Paul’s trap, Kane wouldn’t be in the
position he was now in.
“Bloody hell.” She groaned,
burying her face in her hands.
***
The Undertaker was chuckling, sitting in his own hotel room.
Coincidentally, it was right across from his dear brother and darling Lilith.
He was laughing because it had been so easy to manipulate Lilith. She loved
Kane, that much was obvious and she wore it on her sleeve like it was some
badge of honor.
Well, people who loved could be… reasoned with. Threaten what
they love and they would practically do anything. It was pathetic really.
But at the same time, she still managed to defy him and that was
attractive.
Not to mention he needed her to control Kane should Kane decide
to exorcise his demons. His demons being ‘Taker and Paul
Bearer.
He had no idea what time it was when he finally stood up;
allowing his bare feet to carry him to the door and then across the hallway. He
halted at the door that led to Lilith’s bedroom, placing his palm against it
before reaching into the pocket of his jeans; having shed the rest of his
clothing earlier in the night.
To Kane and Lilith, this sudden change in their usual style of
hotel/motel rooms seemed odd. To ‘Taker it was a well planned
opportunity, money well spent.
He swiped the key through the slot; watching the light flash
from red to green; his wicked smile growing wider as he quietly pushed the door
open.
The room was pitch black, not
surprising and he could hear Lilith’s even breathing from the bed. He glanced
towards the bathroom door, pleased to find it was shut. They honestly thought
they were safe? How… naïve. Kane at the very least
should have known better.
Letting out a soft moan, Lilith rolled onto her side and pulled
her pillow tightly against her. Her body tensed, then
relaxed; a bare shoulder peeking out from underneath the comforter she was
covered in.
He idly wondered if she slept nude, letting the door close
behind him with a barely audible click.
Blue eyes suddenly opened, frowning. “Kane?”
She yawned, bringing a hand up to wipe sleep from her eyes. When she heard
nothing, she raised her head; looking around the dark room. “Kane?”
“Not Kane…”
That dark voice seemed to resonate around the room, making the
hair on the back of her neck stand up.
He snorted when she finally found him, stepping from the
darkness and into a patch of light that came through a gap in the curtains.
“Lilith.” He breathed, taking two long strides towards her, which put him
directly in front of the bed. “Lilith…”
She stared at him out of wide eyes, quickly taking in the fact
he was in only a pair of jeans. She had heard the change in his tone of voice;
how it had gone husky and sat straight up; drawing the blankets to her chin in
a totally useless gesture. When he repeated her name, she licked her dry lips
and tried not to shiver.
The minute he seen her inhale deeply, ‘Taker shot forward;
clamping a hand over her mouth. “Ah ah, Lilith.” He tsked wickedly, ignoring her muffled cries for help. “He
can’t save you. There is nothing to be saved from, I wouldn’t hurt you.”
She did not believe him.
“I simply came here to talk.”
After a moment, he slid his hand from her mouth. Knowing better
than to try screaming, Lilith took a ragged breath. “We can do that during the
day, somewhere besides my bed.” She hissed, her eyes narrowing at him angrily.
“Get out!” She ordered, jabbing a finger at him; letting the comforter fall in
order to do it.
Sadly, she wasn’t nude. But the pale blue chemise and he was
guessing matching panties she wore, were rather lovely. That didn’t stop him
from looking at her like she WAS naked however, growling his approval. “If you
really wanted me to get out,” He said wickedly, pulling her to his chest; right
over his heart. “You would have screamed the moment you seen me.”
“Shock tends to render me speechless.” She snarled; digging her
sharp fingernails into his bare chest, drawing blood to the surface. “I mean it
‘Taker, get out. You have no business being in here.”
He looked down at his chest.
Lilith followed his haze, arching an eyebrow when he let out a
low moan. “You… you liked that? Oh merciful Jesus, you are psychotic, aren’t
you?”
Laughing softly, he raised her fingers to his lips and licked
them, tasting just a hint of blood. “Perhaps.” He
rumbled, next swiping his finger against the spot and popped it in his mouth. “Mmm. Now I wonder… what yours taste like…” He wasn’t
surprised in the slightest when her eyes widened in revulsion.
She was going to throw, simple as that. Lilith wrenched away
from him, harder than necessary as he let go and she fell back against the
headboard with an undignified grunt. “You wanted to talk, now talk.” She
ordered crossly, wiping the blood off her hand and onto the sheet with a
sickened expression on her face.
Revolting.
“I want to know what it’s going to take for you to surrender to
me.” He said slowly, talking to her like she was a mere child; staring down at
her from hungry green eyes. When her own eyes widened,
his lips curved into what Lilith would have termed a ‘naughty’ smile. “I’m
alone and in need of attention, Lilith. Judging your attire and the way you’re
staring at me, you’re just BEGGING for it.”
Lilith seemed to be at a loss for words, for once.
Taking advantage of her unusual lapse in speech, he leaned down; only
stopping when her fist came flying, catching him in the mouth. Arching an
eyebrow, he pressed the tips of his fingers to his mouth, not surprised to feel
blood. “Need some convincing?” He snarled, gripping her by the legs and began
pulling her down; moving so she was pinned beneath him.
“Do not!” Lilith whispered harshly, staring up at him. She
pushed his face away from hers. “Even if I was remotely attracted to you, I
STILL wouldn’t have a thing to do with you because I am not an object to be
used then discarded.” She used the same tone of voice on him, he had used with
her. “You do realize, Kane will kill you for this.”
“Kane does not concern me, I don’t fear him.” Was the arrogant
reply, he was more interested in the feel of her skin beneath his fingers; one
hand having slid underneath her chemise to caress her ribs. “I’m not doing
anything to you besides admiring you. I
wouldn’t use and then discard you either.” His tone actually turned serious as
he studied her intently. “You are worth much more than you realize, Lilith.”
She wasn’t buying the sweet talk however, and the way her upper
lip curled told him so. “Admiring me?” She echoed mockingly. “You can do that
from a distance, get off of me.” Slamming her body against his, Lilith tried
moving him and knocked the wind out of herself in the
process, snarling when he snorted. “Bastard.”
He actually started laughing at that, shaking his head. “Very well.”
Lilith let out a breath of relief when he sat up, moving away
from him as quickly as she could.
He wasn’t surprised in the slightest when she bolted through the
bathroom, letting her go.
Lilith locked Kane’s door behind her, quietly making her way to
her brother’s bed and let out a startled shriek when he sat upright.
“Lil?” He mumbled tiredly.
“Can I sleep in here tonight?” She whispered.
Kane nodded, feeling her shaking as she crawled in the bed with
him and pulled the comforter over her; gently wrapping an arm around her
trembling frame. “What happened?”
“’Taker.”
Stifling a growl, he kissed the top of her head.
He would deal with his brother in the morning.
CHAPTER 5
The next morning Kane was all business. He waited patiently on
Lilith to get up and dressed for the day, taking note of the slacks and turtle
neck she wore. Not her typical, day to day wear. While she had been changing in
the bathroom, he had been packing her things up in her room.
He had found drops of blood on her sheets.
Needless to say it took Lilith quite some time to convince Kane
it wasn’t her blood.
Kane had then informed her that from now on, regardless if there
were two rooms or not, they would share one room.
That way there was less likely another midnight visit from
Satan.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that ‘Taker had said or
done something. The conservative to an extreme
clothing and the blood proved that. Kane didn’t know whether to think she was
brave or stupid for causing the Undertaker to bleed.
As they were walking out of the bedroom, Kane noticed ‘Taker was
emerging from his as well. “Go to the lobby and wait for me.” He ordered
grimly, waiting until she had hesitantly done as told.
‘Taker stood there staring at his brother with amusement written
all over his face. The amusement was cleanly wiped away when Kane’s hand was
suddenly wrapped around his throat; his green eyes wide with shock.
Automatically, he reached up to wrap his own hand around Kane’s wrist.
“Stay away from her.” Kane growled dangerously; squeezing as
hard as he could for the briefest of moments; letting his brother know he meant
it.
Once ‘Taker had been released, he took a tactical step
backwards, inhaling deeply as he massaged his sore neck. “Don’t you ever-“
“Touch her again and you will die.”
***
At first, Lilith couldn’t understand why they were traveling
with the Ministry. But after recovering from her shock at being stuck abroad a
bus filled with the people she most despised, the answer came at her with a
startling figurative slap to the face.
Because she had promised to help the Undertaker with Kane, all
to keep Kane from going back to a mental institution.
Did this mean they were part of the Ministry?
How fitting, she mused as she stared out the window, for the
little devil worshipper’s to have their own bus. She sat between the window and
Kane, Kane’s massive body blocking her from view; mostly. She was all too
painfully aware that they were being stared at by the Ministry.
Kane didn’t like being stared at, it
was one of the many things that really set him off. Usually Lilith handled it
by making their way around whoever happened to be staring at them but this
time, they were basically trapped.
From his place up front with Paul, ‘Taker was quietly discussing
business for the night when he became aware it was a bit… quiet. Frowning, he
turned to see what had gotten everyone’s attention. He wasn’t all that
surprised to find his men eyeballing Kane and Lilith. “Stop staring.” He
ordered.
Behind his mask, Kane smirked.
“’Taker, you wanted the girl to keep him in order.” Paul said
quietly, trying to make sure they weren’t overheard. “If anything, she is the
reason he’s challenging you.” He was the only one besides Kane and ‘Taker who were aware of what had happened that morning, and to his
credit, he hadn’t laughed at finding out ‘Taker had been shown up by his baby
brother. “Kane cannot be controlled by anyone except perhaps Lilith and she
hates you. She’d just as soon unleash him on you.”
“Very true, so I’ll have to gain her trust.” ‘Taker stroked his
chin thoughtfully, knowing that was going to be a chore in itself. Patting Paul
on the shoulder, he rose from the seat and worked his way to the back of the
bus; feeling the beginnings of a migraine coming on.
***
Lilith fell asleep on the bus, her head lolling against Kane’s
shoulder. She didn’t even wake up when they stopped for a quick lunch, too tired to do much
besides yawn; blink and fall back asleep. It was when they reached their
destination later that night that she came alive; stretching and flashed a
smile at her brother. “Evening.”
Paul stared down at his children intently. “Lily, my sweet, are you-“
“Die or shut up.”
Kane stood up, his eyes narrowed.
Paul retreated.
Snorting, Kane reached back for his sister’s hand, helping her
to her feet. They waited patiently to get off the bus, both inhaling the crisp
night air as soon as their feet hit pavement.
“Kane, tonight you face Matt Hardy.” ‘Taker said from behind
them, stepping off the bus as well. “Try not to disappoint me.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s punishing small
people.” Lilith muttered; her own blue eyes narrowed as they watched ‘Taker
walk ahead of them. She idly wondered why Kane wasn’t facing men more his size,
then again, there weren’t any. “Oy!
Put me down!” She shrieked a moment later, her head higher than Kane’s.
“Rooq, look, she’s a mascot!” Bradshaw
howled, his hands on her waist; holding her in the air.
“Shaw, put the-“ Farooq
stepped in front of Kane when the Big Red Machine tried getting to his sister.
“I wouldn’t.” He cautioned, pointing to Midian who
was casually carrying a flame thrower as if it were a vase of flowers. “She’s
not being hurt, just calm your big red ass down.”
“Enough!” ‘Taker roared, whirling around in time to see Bradshaw
putting Lilith down. “No more threats with fire and NOBODY touches
Lilith!”
To say she was mildly curious about just what Kane had done to
make the Undertaker back down would have been an understatement. Lilith glanced
at her brother speculatively, arching an eyebrow when he just stared down at
her. “Do I dare ask?” She murmured quietly.
He just shook his head, taking her hand in his.
***
Which one was Matt Hardy again? Lilith looked between the
worried brothers curiously, listening somewhat as they fretted over the
upcoming match. She could feel Kane breathing beside, more than ready for this
apparently.
Matt was the one with the brown hair and pale face.
She almost felt sorry for him, almost. If Kane’s last match was
any indication, this boy was in for a world of hurt.
Kane wasn’t planning on hurting Matt to badly, just enough to
send a message that he was not to be messed with. He squeezed Lilith’s arm to
let her know everything would be fine before taking position at the stage
entrance.
“I’m going to shit myself.” Matt groaned, watching Kane
nervously. When Jeff plugged his nose and stepped aside, Matt almost slapped
him.”I didn’t do it yet, moron!”
“Good, and when you do… try not to do out in the ring or in
front of me.”
Lilith almost choked on holding back laughter, shooting Kane an
amused look. When his theme music hit, she sighed and stepped into spot behind
him.
“I’m gonna die, I’m gonna fucking DIE…” Matt muttered under his
breath as he watched the siblings walk out behind the curtain.
The match in itself was nothing special. It was more like a beat
down, Kane was out to purposefully inflict damage, again. She wasn’t surprised
that Hardy was pussy footing around though, trying to take down Kane with
quick; sneak attacks.
“Nice attempt, boy.” She murmured when it seemed Kane was tiring
of it and grabbed the young man by the throat. It was almost painful to watch
as Matt Hardy went for the ride; the sound of him hitting the canvas thundering
in her ears.
“That was fun.” Kane whispered evilly when he was beside her,
taking Lilith by the hand.
“You’re really beginning to enjoy hurting people.” She remarked
calmly. Maybe all this time spent with the Undertaker was rubbing off on him or
something.
Paul was waiting for the pair when they reached backstage. “Get
your gear, children. We’re leaving for the Ministry’s house tonight.” He said
gleefully.
Kane and Lilith exchanged looks.
“You morons have a club house?”
“If you wish to call it that, then yes.” ‘Taker said from his
place behind Paul, looking intently at Lilith before reluctantly shifting his
gaze to Kane. “Very nice out there, you seem to be melding right into the
Ministry.”
Kane simply glared at him, pulling Lilith by.
Lilith waited until they were in the privacy of the dressing
room before saying a word. “We’re going to their house? Kane, this is beginning
to get out of hand, love. I didn’t come State-side to play follow the leader
with a psychotic.” She rubbed the heel of her hand against her forehead. “Why
don’t you come back to England with me? Just for a little
while?”
“He would follow.” Kane said quietly, no longer amused and
stared down at her. “Patience.”
Nodding curtly, she just picked up her duffel bag and
disappeared into the adjacent bathroom. The damn itchy, constricting turtleneck
was coming off. She emerged a few minutes later in a black
velvet ‘jogging’ suit, hood up; not surprised to find Kane had changed into
street clothes as well. “Shall we then?” She asked dryly, opening the door
without waiting for an answer as she walked out.
CHAPTER 6
When Lilith woke up, it was to sunlight assaulting her eyes. She
vaguely remembered boarding the bus and trying to ignore the Ministry, finally
falling asleep. After orientating herself, she realized she was staring at a
mansion. “Dear God…” She muttered, instinctively reaching for Kane’s hand as
the rest of the Ministry brushed past them, off the bus.
Once they were outside the vehicle as well, she took in their
surroundings better. She seen a graveyard and felt a pull to go explore it,
adoring cemeteries. She had since she was a child. Though, given when she was,
she reigned in her wants.
Kane was staring down at her, seeing the expression on her face
and let go of her hand; patting her head. “You’re safe.” He said quietly,
watching as ‘Taker disappeared inside and knew he would sleep for the remainder
of the day. Most of them were night owls, it came with the job. “Go on.”
Nobody would mess with her, unless they wanted to die by fire in
their bed.
Lilith didn’t even get to thank him, Kane just walked away.
Shrugging, she set her bag on a step before walking over to the graveyard;
scaling the small iron fence easily. It was old and obviously no longer used by
anyone but the people already buried.
She just walked around, examining the tombstones; noting how old
they were. As the afternoon passed, she grew tired and sat down under an old
willow tree; leaning against the trunk and closed her eyes.
She just needed a moment to rest…
***
She was sleeping.
‘Taker stared down at Lilith, the moon that seeped through the
willow branches casting odd shadows on her face. Shaking his head, he bent down
to lift her in his arms; hesitating when he felt her nestling into his chest.
He stepped out into the light, marveling at how innocent and serene she
appeared while asleep.
“Beautiful one…” He murmured, lowering his head to brush his
lips against her cheek.
***
“Good morning, Lily.” Paul greeted when his daughter appeared in
the kitchen the next morning. He was sitting at the old oak table, sipping a
mug of coffee; his finished breakfast plate sitting off to the side of him. He
appraised her thoughtfully, taking in the faded circles under her eyes. “Didn’t
sleep well?”
“No, Paul.” She said in a monotone, pouring herself a cup of
java.
“Can’t you call me dad? Father at least?”
“Not bloody likely.”
“Leave her alone.” Kane
said from the doorway; moving to stand behind Lilith.
‘Taker joined them, arching an eyebrow at Paul.
Paul just shrugged, getting up and leaving the room.
“Kane, why didn’t you just let me slit his throat when I had the
chance?” She demanded, smiling in spite of herself
when he snorted; taking note of the mask he wore today. His mouth and chin were
visible, making her smile even wider.
Then her gaze moved onto ‘Taker, who was wearing simply a pair
of jeans. “Do you ever wear shirts when you’re not working?”
She mentally slapped herself for blurting that one out, quickly
glancing at Kane who’s mouth was open in shock.
While she seemed embarrassed, ‘Taker was more than slightly
amused. “I’ve never really noticed, Lilith.” He
said slowly, trying not to smirk. Just to save her a bit of face, he walked out
of the room.
Kane tapped her on the shoulder, shaking his head before
following his brother.
Now she did smack herself, right in the middle of her forehead;
wondering what in the Hell made her say that. No doubt Kane was going to drill
her on it later. Lilith retreated to her bedroom with her coffee; wondering if
she was losing her mind.
If it weren’t for Kane, she would have left. She would have
called her Auntie Enid to request a ticket home and never look back.
But she couldn’t talk Kane into going with her and she wasn’t
leaving him.
Cursing loudly, she hurled what had to be an antique, black vase
against a full length mirror. If not for Kane’s insane brother they wouldn’t
even be in this disaster. She’d be in Greece by now with her friends, ending a
Tour before joining Kane for a vacation.
Instead she was playing follow the bloody leader with a
sociopath!
She nearly jumped out of her skin when her bedroom door came
open with a crash; turning to find ‘Taker standing there.
He took her in, the way her arms were folded defensively over
her chest. The defiant look on her face and finally the mirror and what had
been a vase. His green eyes narrowed. “Do you think this is amusing, Lilith?”
He demanded, hardly believing she had dared to destroy HIS things. “If you want
to leave so badly, then that’s your decision. I have what I want and that’s
Kane in my Ministry. We’ll keep him at bay, so go back to England and abandon
him.”
“Keep him at bay? He is NOT a dog, ‘Taker.” Lilith snapped,
rounding on him; her own blue orbs blazing with fury, “He wouldn’t even be in
your Ministry if you hadn’t forced my hand. The only reason I don’t go back to
England is because of Kane. He would probably try to kill you in your sleep and
while I would find that amusing, I don’t want him going back to the asylum.”
He began laughing openly at her, shaking his head. “Is THAT
right? You honestly think Kane would try killing me? That I wouldn’t be able to
stop him? You are delusional, sweetheart.” He snorted. “He will only go back if
doesn’t obey me.”
His arrogance astounded her, leaving Lilith momentarily speechless.
She recovered quickly enough, mocking him by folding her arms over her own
chest and cocked her head to the side; something she had picked up from Kane.
“Is THAT right?” She echoed sarcastically. “I think Kane’s already threatened
you and that’s why you’ve been playing the gentleman we both know you aren’t.
You’re afraid of him. I would be too if I were you. If he ever decided to go on
a mass murder spree, you’d be on his top five list.”
“I think you’re sadly mistaken, Lilith. If I wanted too, I could
crush Kane like the bug he is.” ‘Taker stated as he stared down at her, his
expression hardening. Bit by bit, he was slowly backing her toward the bed.
“You know, you have this wall up, but sooner or later someone is going to come
and knock it down. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose the most precious thing
you have and that’s this.” He tapped her chest; just above her heart.
If possible, Lilith’s frown deepened.
“I’m not who you think I am. You don’t even know me yet you
judge me, based off of what you’ve heard.”
Lilith waited until he was out of the room before grabbing her
hair and pulling in frustration. He was playing mind games with her and she
knew it. The sad part was, they made SENSE! Though she
knew her judgment wasn’t faulty, she’d seen firsthand what he would do to get
what he wanted.
Oh sure, she didn’t know him at all.
***
“’Taker, how much longer are you going to keep her here?” Paul
asked later in the day when it was just the two of them. “She’s like her
mother, when she reaches the breaking point; she’ll explode.”
He knew this first hand as Lilith seemed to be the spitting
image of her mother. And her mother, God rest her poor soul, had tried to
murder him. Hence the divorce and him returning back
to the States.
“As long as she wishes, Paul. I’m not keeping her against her will. Do you see metal rods on
her window?” ‘Taker contradicted with a raised eyebrow; going over paperwork at
his desk in the study. “She can leave tonight if she wants, but Kane stays.”
Paul wanted to get Lilith out of there for several reasons.
First and foremost, Kane would never be unleashed to his full potential as long
as she was around to prevent it. Originally, he had tried recruiting his daughter
to persuade Kane to work with the Ministry with said potential being used, but
that hadn’t worked.
While they had achieved the goal of getting Kane, Lilith was now
in the way. Secondly, if something were to happen to her, Kane would probably
go berserk on them all.
“I’ll send her home tonight.” He said finally.
“No, you will not.”
Paul recoiled when ‘Taker stood up from his chair; seeming to
suck all the air from the room.
His green eyes flashed dangerously as he surveyed the little
man. “If you so much as HINT that you want her gone to anyone else, it will be
the LAST thing you ever do, Paul.”
Paul listened as ‘Taker’s heavy footfalls rounded the desk and
then out the door, standing there trying not to piss himself. When he recovered
somewhat, he groaned.
Not his ‘Taker… no. His Phenom
couldn’t be in love. Not with his daughter.
CHAPTER 7
“Kane, if you want supper anytime soon; you’ll stop eating the
food before I even cook it!” Lilith shrieked, whacking her brother with a spoon
when he went to dip his fingers in a bowl of sauce she was working on. She had
noticed it was fend for yourself around here and
decided she would start cooking for her and her brother opposed to raiding the
cupboards and hoping for the best.
“Hungry.” Kane growled, holding his fingers from where the spoon
had gotten him and glared at her. Though he did sit down and not make a second
attempt.
‘Taker walked into the kitchen in time to see drop down, shaking
his hand and tilted his head slightly; glancing at Lilith who was standing with
her back to the door, over the oven. “What did you do to him?” He demanded, a hint of amusement in his tone.
She whirled around, blue eyes narrowing.
He listened as she curtly explained what had happened, trying
not to smile. “So you need dear little sister to cook for you, brother?” He
chided, sitting down beside Kane.
Kane narrowed his eyes as well.
“I’m cooking for him and myself.” Lilith snapped, whacking ‘Taker
with the spoon next; almost smiling at the startled expression that crossed his
face. “If you can go away and leave us in peace, I’ll even let you have some.”
She shot Kane a warning glance when he reached for the bowl of tomatoes. “Don’t
even think about it, love.”
‘Taker was still a bit shocked she had actually struck him with
that utensil, finally shaking his head to snap himself out of it. Growling
softly, he got up to walk over to her; wrapping an arm around her waist.
Lilith tensed, feeling him pulling her back so their bodies were
aligned. Before she could say anything, the spoon was taken from her hand and
she turned to watch him sample the sauce that now coated it.
“Delicious.” He purred, sliding the handle back in her hand.
Kane stared at his brother broodingly, watching him walk out of
the kitchen and then glanced at Lilith.
Lilith was blushing as red as the tomatoes. “I wonder if they
had rat poison in here…” She muttered, considering fixing ‘Taker’s plate
personally.
Her momentary stun was replaced with a frown and agitation as
the Ministry began shuffling into the kitchen. “Get the bloody hell out!”
Bradshaw ducked as a pot came flying at
him. “But it smells so good!”
She threw a knife at Paul when he was dumb enough to try sidling
up behind her, hand outstretched towards the oven.
“EVERYONE OUT!”
All eyes snapped to ‘Taker before the minions scattered like
rats.
Which left the kitchen empty save her and Kane, leaving Lilith
to cook in peace. She recruited Kane into
helping her, and even let him sample the dessert she had made. A rich chocolate cake that she set aside on the counter to cool
down.
They had just set at the table with their freshly made plates
when someone rapped on the doorframe; both siblings looking over.
“Christian.” Kane told her at her quizzical look.
Christian nodded, offering a hesitant smile when Lilith looked
at him. “I’m here for the Undertaker’s plate.” He said quietly.
She gestured to the counter. “Rat poison
free.”
He snorted.
Kane refused to eat until Christian was out of the kitchen. He
still wore his mask –the one that left his mouth open- but he wasn’t
comfortable eating in front of anyone but Lilith, even with it on.
When it was just them, they ate in companionable silence; the
tinkling of silverware across plates the only sound.
Lilith let the Ministry have what was left after Kane had taken
what he wanted, saying goodnight to her brother before heading upstairs.
“Viscera, get your hand out of the damn
cake!”
It was definitely time for bed, she thought.
***
She was in the shower.
‘Taker listened to the sound of the water, nodding to himself as
he surveyed the bedroom. It was tidy, and he noticed nothing else of his had
been broken. If not for the panties laying on top of
her bag which rested in a chair, he would have thought this room was
unoccupied.
Powder blue, silk panties. They
were the ones she had been wearing that night in the hotel room. He smirked as
several deliciously evil thoughts flickered through his mind.
***
Lilith emerged from the shower in a gray robe; toweling her long
hair dry. She sank down on the bed and frowned; inhaling deeply. It smelled
like the Undertaker in here, though that was her overactive imagination running
rampant no doubt.
It was his house. It smelled like him period.
As much as she hated him, she was attracted to him as well. Not
that she would ever admit that outside her own mind.
She frowned, coming out of her reverie when her gaze finally
focused on her bag. Biting her lower lip, she got up and padded over to the
chair; lifting the bag and then even peered beneath the seat. After rifling
through the duffel, she let out a frustrated shriek. “Who the bloody hell stole
my knickers?!”
It wasn’t hard to realize something was gone as she kept
everything usually in one place. Not to mention she was working on a limited
wardrobe. In fact, she was fixing to pull on a tee shirt of her brother’s that
would undoubtedly serve as a dress since her clothes were all being washed.
“Everything okay?” Christian
asked, gently pushing the already cracked door open.
“Fantastic.”
“Move along, brother.” Edge said, pushing Christian away from
the door; only to stop himself; his eyes taking in the robe she wore and licked
his lips before being shoved as well. By Kane.
Christian dragged Edge off, before they got hurt.
Snorting, Kane stepped into the room, watching as Lilith stood
up and began pacing. “Who needs to die?” He demanded gruffly.
“I will most definitely let you know when I find out myself.”
She promised, slipping into the bathroom long enough to pull on the tee shirt
he had loaned her, mentally adding Edge to the list of people to maim when she
finally lost her mind. “What’s on your mind, big brother?” She asked when she
walked back out, flashing him a small smile to let him
know everything was okay.
“The Undertaker.”
Somehow, she had already known that. “What about him?”
“He’s playing games with you.” And he sincerely hoped she didn’t
fall for them. He knew his sister wasn’t ignorant or stupid, but this was
‘Taker and he was very persuasive.
“I know, Kane.” She said softly, reaching out to take his hand
and squeezed; staring up at him. “Trust me, I know. He plays his games well but
I’m prepared.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “Don’t worry about me,
I’ll be alright. It’s you I’m worried about.”
No way in Hades would she ever confide her thoughts to him,
that’d only make him worry all the more.
Sighing, Kane wrapped his arms around Lilith; kissing the top of
her head. She was the only person who understood him. They were one in the
same, not just because they shared the same blood line.
***
Paul was having a trip down memory lane. He was remembering Kane
and ‘Taker’s mother specifically. He had had an affair with her, remembering
Kane being born and the woman going insane when she realized the baby wasn’t her
husband’s.
Snorting; he next recalled how after the fire he had taken Kane
and deposited him in an institution before fleeing the country. He had met
Lilith’s mother and been happy for about nine years with his little family. At
least until Lily’s mother had discovered what he was truly like and tried to
murder him.
When that hadn’t panned out, she’d killed herself. Which left Lilith in the care of relatives.
CHAPTER 8
Sometime after sunset Lilith woke up from a nap she hadn’t
planned on taking. After orientating herself, she headed downstairs; not
believing how quiet it was. Normally half the house was awake at this hour, the silence was a bit unnerving.
When she found Edge and Christian playing cards in the kitchen,
she offered them a tentative smile. “Hello.” She murmured quietly.
Christian returned the smile, watching as she got herself a
glass of water.
“It’s quiet tonight.”
“Everyone’s doing their own thing.” Edge replied, his eyes on
Christian. A second later he was groaning when Christian slapped his hand. “Damn it, bro.”
“Slap jack!” Christian crowed with a grin, followed by a grunt
when he was shoved out of his chair. “Damn it, Edge.”
Edge smirked.
Lilith watched them curiously, wondering what they were playing.
When Christian explained the game, she almost laughed at the childish quality
of it. Instead she wound up playing with them.
“Damn it!” She cursed when her hand was whacked.
“You have to be quicker than that, Lily.”
“Christian, do not call me that.”
“Lil?”
She slapped his hand.
Edge watched her admiringly, his eyes taking her in before she
brought him out of his naughty thoughts by bringing her fist down on his hand.
Letting out a yelp, he pulled his hand to his chest; now glaring at her. “Did
you have to do that so damn hard?”
She nodded.
“Next time, don’t eyeball her like she’s a piece of meat, bro.”
Christian admonished with a snort.
“Chris, go suck an egg.”
“Like a piece of meat? What the bloody hell does that mean?”
Lilith demanded, arching an eyebrow when Edge got up and procured a bottle of
something red from a cupboard before setting it down on the table.
“Never mind, Lilith.” Christian
accepted the glass his brother handed him, eyeing Lilith as she hesitantly took
one; toasting her. “Let’s play a new game.”
She followed suit, tossing it down and then winced, beginning to
cough harshly; banging a hand against her chest. She growled when they both
laughed at her, watching as Edge refilled her glass. “Let’s play gin then.”
“Gin? Are you serious?” Edge
stared at her for a moment, forcibly reminded of her brother Kane when she
cocked her head to the side; looking completely serious. “Alright
then.” He downed his glass, watching as she shuffled the cards.
“Well look what we got here, Rooq!”
They all turned in their seats to stare at the Acolytes.
“Hey sweetheart, mind if we get in on this deal?” Bradshaw
asked, already taking a seat next to Lilith, Farooq dropping
down on her other side.
Edge and Christian both groaned.
“Were not playing for money.” Edge said flatly.
“Who said anythin’ about money?” Bradshaw smirked down at her.
“I was thinkin’ bout playing strip poker.”
Christian’s drink came squirting out his nose.
“Damn.” Farooq grunted, shaking his
head disgustedly.
Lilith had snorted her own drink, though nothing came spewing
out mercifully. “No.” She said firmly. She was wearing Kane’s tee shirt still
and while it hung past her knees, she wore only a bra and panties underneath;
she wasn’t playing any stripping games. “Considering the odds are far greater
for a man to wind up naked before me, Bradshaw,” She began musingly. “I’d
assume you’re attracted to young; blond men.”
Edge and Christian both paled.
Clearing his throat, Bradshaw shook his head. “Deal the cards honey, we’ll play whatever you want.”
“Thank God…” Christian sighed in relief. “What are we playing?”
“Gin, dumbass.” Edge
grunted, waving a hand in front of his face when Bradshaw and Farooq both lit up cigars. “Must you?”
They both stared at him threateningly.
“So,” Christian cleared his throat. “How do we play gin?”
After explaining how to play, Lilith dealt the cards. She kept
drinking and drinking but her glass never seemed to empty. Finally, after the
fifth hand had been dealt, she shook her head. “I think I need to go have a lie
down.” She whispered, closing her eyes.
“How much of this stuff have you given her?” Farooq
demanded, eyeing the bottle curiously and took a sniff. He had waved off the
brother’s offers of a drink, not trusting their red liquid in the least. “What
the hell is this?”
“Bloodwyne, we drink it all the time.”
“You two are freaks, she is not.”
Before he could defend them, Edge was interrupted by the
Undertaker walking into the kitchen; paling.
It took ‘Taker seconds to realize the situation; his green eyes
taking in the bottle; the three glasses and then Lilith. He caught her before
she slid from her chair and hit the floor; pulling her up into his arms; eyes
narrowed as he surveyed his Ministry.
Bradshaw and Farooq pointed to the
brothers.
“Grab them.” He ordered coldly, glancing down at Lilith;
frowning when he seen red staining her lips. “What did you give her?”
“’Taker, it won’t hurt her!” Christian shrieked, struggling
against Farooq. “We’d never give her anything that
would hurt her!”
“It’s just ecstasy in a bottle, M’Lord,
please!” Edge pleaded, not wanting his back whipped to shreds.
“’Taker?” Lilith whispered,
licking her lips. “I think I’m either drunk or high.”
And that’s where concern stopped and pure evil took over. Trying
his damndest not to smirk, ‘Taker nodded for the blonds to be released; his
attention firmly on the delectable woman in his arms. “Go back to your games, I have business to attend too.” He chuckled darkly,
already carrying her up the stairs.
Paul flattened himself against the wall the best he could,
watching his Phenom pass with wide eyes. “’Taker, you
can’t-“ He groaned when he got an elbow to his jaw.
Interfering bastard.
Gently, he laid Lilith down on his bed; watching for a moment as
she snuggled down into the comforter before going to shut and lock the door.
Kane was asleep as far as he knew but he wasn’t risking it either. “Are you
alright, Lilith?” He asked, turning and staring at her, concern on his face and
in his tone.
“Yeah…” She murmured, stretching luxuriously; her arms over her
head and popped an eye open. “Wow.” She breathed when she seen him, staring at
his tattooed arms; each one standing out and vying for her attention.
Absentmindedly, she began stroking the blanket beneath her just because the
fabric felt good to the touch.
She was definitely out of it.
Almost chortling, ‘Taker walked over to sit on the edge of the
bed, watching her intently. “What is it?” He asked softly, not moving to touch
her, hardly believing how easy this was going to be. He didn’t need to touch
her. She would initiate things for him and he was going to enjoy every single
moment of it.
CHAPTER 9
Lilith was on her knees, her head lowered to examine the
Undertaker’s arms. She traced a finger over the numerous tattoos. “I can see
every little detail.” She murmured.
It was like her vision had improved or something, every little
thing stood out. Her sense of touch had heightened and everything felt good,
maybe a little too good. She had forgotten about being drunk or stoned, she was
too busy absorbing everything.
‘Taker stared down at her, not missing the gleam in her eyes and
backed away from the bed. He couldn’t take advantage of her like this.
What was wrong with him? He had her!
He had her right there in his bed and she was fawning over him,
but he was running away!
Growling, he ran his hands through his ink black hair; blinking
as Lilith got off the bed and approached him. “Lilith, listen, you need to lie
down.”
She shook her head.
“Come on, lie down. You need to rest and sleep this off.”
“But your hair…” She said, reaching up to thread her hands in
his loose hair; winding her fingers in the tresses and sighed when she felt the
silky texture against her palms. “It feels so good.”
He was losing resolve, rapidly.
For a moment, Lilith looked confused as she stared at him. “I
hate you, you know that right?” She said in a moment’s clarity, before going
back to playing with his hair.
‘Taker’s green eyes narrowed slightly at that. “You hate me yet
you want me.” He snorted knowingly, watching her blue eyes fly up to meet his;
sneering down at her.
She hesitated.
Which was all the incentive he needed to grip her firmly by her
upper arms; pulling her body flush with his. Not giving her time to say
anything, he bent down until their lips met.
She did hate him but damn it her body wasn’t cooperating with
her mind. Lilith mentally promised herself she would never drink with Edge and
Christian ever again. “I do hate you.” She insisted between kisses, unable to
stop herself from returning them. “I hate what you do to me and how you make me
feel.”
Great, now her mouth wasn’t working either.
Chuckling softly against her lips, he ran a hand down to her
backside; smirking when he felt her jump. “What else?” He murmured, beginning
to back her towards the bed.
“I-“
“Kane, no!” Came Paul’s
shriek from outside the door. “Kane! Put it down,
don’t break the door!”
They both froze as Paul let out a high pitched squeal, something
obviously scaring him.
“Kane?” Lilith whispered,
pulling away from ‘Taker. “Kane, get me out of here!” She shouted while she had
a moment’s sanity, mentally adding ‘before I do something completely insane’.
‘Taker promptly let go of her, watching her fall to the bed. The little bitch. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, her
eyes glimmering with apparently unwanted desire. He listened to the scuffle now
going on outside the door, hearing the Acolytes fighting Kane and knew they
wouldn’t threaten him with fire.
No, this time they would use a sedative. A new mandate he had
put into effect. After all, he couldn’t have his house accidentally burnt down
if Kane decided to go off the deep end, or perhaps disobey, now could he?
Glancing down at Lilith, his lips curved into a smirk when
silence fell in the hallway. There would be no more interruptions, of that he
was sure. With that thought in mind, he moved so he was hovering over her.
“Please, no!” Lilith pleaded, trying to keep herself from
responding to his advances. The bloodwyne coursing
through her was corrupting her completely. “I’m not myself, please, don’t.”
There her hands went, back to exploring that broad chest;
working their way up to wrap around his neck, now only if she could get control
of them and try to choke him.
Slowly, ‘Taker pulled back, knowing despite of her actions she
was scared. Growling his frustration, he
pushed away from her and put space between them. This wasn’t her,
it was that damn drink his moron followers had given her. “Get out.” He ordered
gruffly. When she didn’t immediately run out of the room like he had expected,
he snorted. “Do it Lilith, before I change my mind.”
She ran like the hounds of hell were after her, tears streaming
down her face. She had almost made it to her room when she was caught in
someone’s arms. “Christian?”
“Ssh. I told Kane where to find you.”
He whispered, knowing that was base treason against the Undertaker but at the
same time not about to let her get hurt because he had let her drink something
she couldn’t handle. “Kane’s in the basement, sedated.”
***
“To your room, Christian.” Paul
ordered when he seen the young man sitting with Lilith besides the sleeping
Kane. He waited until the boy had disappeared up the steps before sitting
beside her. “Do you want to talk about it?” He asked awkwardly.
“No.” She whispered, stroking her brother’s hand.
***
When the Acolytes told him what Christian had done, ‘Taker
simply brushed it off with a shake of his head. He didn’t care, the boy had
technically… done the right thing, as disgusting as that might seem. He
dismissed the pair and waited until the door was closed behind them before
taking a deep breath and instantly regretted it.
The room smelled of her.
He knew he would not be sleeping much this night.
“Come in.” He sighed when he heard the second knock of the
night, not surprised when Paul came in.
“Send them away, ‘Taker.” Paul said flatly. “This isn’t working
and someone is going to get hurt. Most likely that someone will be Lily.” He
was feeling a tad bit disturbed because she had actually cried in front of him.
Granted it was quiet crying, he wouldn’t have even known it if
he hadn’t seen the tears running down her cheeks.
‘Taker’s green eyes narrowed to slits. “Are you growing soft on
me, Paul?” He demanded. “You are weak and pathetic, I
do not need nor want that in my Ministry. You figure out where your loyalties
lie or you will suffer my displeasure.”
Paul had been with ‘Taker a long time and was still scared of
the man but held his ground, trembling a little. “No, I’m not the one who’s
going soft. YOU are, ‘Taker. You’ve wanted her from day one and you had the
chance. You LET her go. Now let them both go. Kane’s not worth her destroying
you, because she is.”
“Destroying me?” ‘Taker raised a slow eyebrow, taking one step
forward. “You THINK she’s destroying me?” His voice was raising dangerously,
anger appearing on his face. “She can leave, Kane
stays.”
That would have to do.
Paul wasted no time in rousing the Acolytes, sending them to
fetch Lilith while he gathered her things. “Get her out of here.” He said
flatly, ignoring the expression on her face as she struggled in Bradshaw’s
arms. “Send her back to England. GO!”
“No!” Lilith screamed. “Kane! Father,
please!”
He shut the door behind them, breathing heavily. She had called
him father. “It’s for your own good.” He muttered, sighing in relief when he
heard the car roaring away.
‘Taker watched from his bedroom window as the car drove off,
carrying Lilith far away from him and pressed his hand against the cold window
pane. She was gone now, and he could feel the coldness taking over him until
nothing was left but simply the Undertaker, all traces of the man he had shown
he could be disappearing.
CHAPTER 10
“Lily, darling, you’ve barely touched your tea.”
Lilith smiled at her Aunt Enid, the
smile did not reach her eyes however. “I’m sorry, I
was just reading the paper.” She apologized softly, folding it in half and set
the paper aside. She reached for her tea cup, sipping it. She had been back in
England for three months.
Her Aunt had tried to get her out, tried suggesting she resume
her Tour but she had refused. She didn’t want to do anything. She had tried
calling Kane only to get Paul, who in turn had told her to forget her brother
as he had already forgotten her.
“The WWF is in town, would you like to go?” Enid offered,
knowing Lilith’s half-brother was a wrestler. She knew something had happened
when Lilith had gone to the States, she just didn’t know what.
Lilith hesitated.
***
Lilith wasn’t sure why she was here, why she had allowed her
aunt to talk her into attending this event. This was a mistake. She had sat in
her front row seat and hardly paid attention to the show. She was on the verge
of just calling it a night and going home when Kane’s music hit, causing her to
both flinch and stand up at the same time.
Would Kane recognize her? Would he notice her there in blue jeans
and a white button up blouse, looking so different from her usual black gowns?
She chewed on her lower lip, trying not to frown as she watched both her
brother and their father walk out onto the stage.
This wasn’t her Kane though. This was… someone else, someone who
scared the hell out of her. She noted the walk he stalked to the ring, looking
so dangerous; his every gesture filled with rage and hatred. Paul, she noted,
seemed pleased with whatever it was he had brought out in Kane, which only disgusted
her.
Her attention was once more pulled to the stage when the
Undertaker appeared, a man much bigger than both he and Kane standing right
behind him. She barely listened to a word Paul Bearer said, trying her best not
to stare at the Undertaker, the man who had made her and Kane’s lives Hell.
But she couldn’t look away either.
Finally, she tore her gaze away, glancing at Kane who nodded his
head towards the stage; frowning. It dawned on her that she was witnessing some
kind of betrayal when the Undertaker’s ‘partner’ suddenly attacked him from
behind. Shaking her head, she stood up; trying to see better.
Laughing, Paul Bearer got out of the ring as the fight was
brought down the rampway, his sharp eyes landing on
Lilith. “Lily?”
She hesitated.
“Kane, Lily is here!”
Kane’s head whipped around, distracted from kicking the
Undertaker; his gaze landing on her.
Lilith had never been afraid of her brother before. She was now,
though she couldn’t look away from him either as he approached her.
“You left me.” He growled angrily from beneath his mask,
reaching out to grab a handful of her black hair.
She let out a scream of pain when he flipped her over the guard
rail; landing hard on the floor.
Shoving Paul away from him, Kane stared down at his sister. “I
trusted you!” He shouted at her, trembling with rage from head to toe.
Seconds later he had lifted her from the floor only to hurl her
backwards into the barricade. His anger satiated, he returned to his assault on
the Undertaker, taking a chair with him.
Lilith groaned, seeing double at the moment. She could hear
screaming, some of it sounding like Paul and the unmistakable sounds of a chair
being brandished. Then she seen large boots in her line of vision, her head
resting on the mats, not wanting to move her head was in so much agony.
Dimly, she could hear Paul Bearer explaining to Kane how she
hadn’t wanted to leave, that it was the Undertaker who had forced her to go,
how she had fought the Acolytes to stay.
Only Paul Bearer knew which part of that was the lie.
When Kane heard those words, he snapped all over again;
beginning to hammer away on his brother with the chair; tears of anguish in his
eyes. “YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!” He bellowed, not caring about the fans, or the
stunned silence that had taken over the arena.
Paul shook his head, watching as Kane vented before finally
exiting the ring, seemingly oblivious to anything but whatever was going on
inside his head. He glanced down at his daughter and gestured Wight over. “Grab
her.” He ordered.
Sighing, Wight lifted the woman up.
“Take her to the trainer’s, I’ll speak with Kane.”
“Yes, sir.” He said
gruffly.
Lilith was dimly aware of being carried, trying to keep her eyes
closed; willing the pain in her head to go away. She finally felt herself being
laid down, followed by footsteps going away from her.
Wight had better things to do than babysit.
“Alright, let’s have a look at your head…” Came
a woman’s voice, followed by gentle hands probing her skull.
“GODDAMN IT!”
Both women jumped at the dulcet tones of the Undertaker, his
voice soon followed by his massive body bursting into the room only to fall to
his knees; blood streaming down his face and blinding him.
“WHERE IS HE?”
“’Taker, stop it!” The trainer snapped. “I’m trying too-“
Lilith groaned, placing a hand on her
head as she slowly sat up.
“Miss, just lie down, I’m sure Kane will come back for you. ‘Taker, calm down!”
“Lilith?!” His head
shot up in disbelief, blinking and wiping the blood from his eyes. When the
trainer tried approaching him, he all but tossed the woman out of the room,
slowly pushing himself to his feet. “I’m not going to hurt you…”
Lilith was getting onto her own feet, putting the bed between
them.
“Fuck…” He grunted, reassuming his kneeling position; dizziness
overtaking everything else.
Swallowing hard, Lilith stared at him wide eyed. “You need
medical attention, ‘Taker.” She whispered hoarsely, easily side stepping him as
she skirted around towards the door. “I’m getting that medic.” She pushed open
the door and almost screamed when she seen Kane, knowing instinctively he
wasn’t there for her.
He was there to finish what he had started with his brother.
“Kane, no! NO, he’s
done! You’ve beaten him love, please. Let’s go.” She pleaded, placing her hands
on his chest; trying to push him out the door. “Kane, let’s go home, you’ve
won, alright?”
“No, I’ve only just begun, Lilith.” He replied harshly, not even
looking at her but past her at his brother; who was down and injured. “Don’t
you understand? Now is the time to finish him.” He tried pushing her aside,
only to get a shove from her in return. “You’re protecting HIM?!”
She hesitated.
“Move, Lilith, or you’ll suffer the same as him.” He threatened
darkly.
Now how in the Hell was she supposed to decide? Move or be
crushed?
Let ‘Taker probably be murdered or
beaten to hell and back?
“Kane, please.” She tried
one more time. “You. Have. Broken.
Him. Just let it go before his mistakes consume YOUR
life, please!”
Eyes narrowing dangerously, Kane finally stepped away. “Don’t
come near me again, we’re done Lilith.” He said coldly, giving her a once over
before storming away. He would finish the job another day, when his sister
wasn’t acting like a complete idiot.
“Lilith…” ‘Taker whispered from behind, his green eyes meeting
her tear filled sapphire orbs when she whirled around. “I never wanted… you to
leave…”
She stared down at him, her face blank except for the pain in
her eyes. “The only reason I didn’t let him kill you is before you’re not worth
him losing his freedom.” She said emotionlessly, gesturing the medic into the
room before walking out.
“Lily!”
Lilith picked up a metal chair from against the wall and bashed
her father with it. “You destroy EVERYTHING, don’t you?” She snarled. “Your
lies have cost us all, Paul.” She tossed the chair on his prostrate form and
continued on her way out.
CHAPTER 11
After the betrayal, ‘Taker disappeared.
Which suited Lilith just fine as she had stayed on the road,
trying to reason with her brother only to be threatened and occasionally shoved
around several times. She wound up traveling
with Edge and Christian, becoming their helper of sorts.
Kane continued terrorizing the WWF, livid at his brother’s
sudden departure from the company. He was angry at the world, angry that he
hadn’t been able to finish the job, angry with Lilith.
He took his anger out on every opponent in the ring. It was so
brutal that the Superstars started telling the higher ups they wouldn’t wrestle
him any longer, it wasn’t wrestling anyways, it was a
war.
Kane didn’t care though. He didn’t care about anything.
One such night, Lilith was busy mending a pair of Christian’s
tights when an aide called her out into the hallway. She listened to the
frantic man before groaning. “Kane won’t listen to me!” She said angrily,
cursing when he insisted she tried to talk Kane out of destroying the building;
which apparently he was doing quite well.
Reluctantly, she followed the trail of destruction to her
brother; halting when she seen him and swallowed hard. “Kane?”
“What?” He growled, his back to her;
tense from head to toe with his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He didn’t
trust her and refused to let his guard down. “What do you want Lilith?”
“Kane…”
“I told you, I don’t want you here. Go back to England.”
Lilith moved cautiously until she was standing in front of him,
her eyes pleading with him. “Kane, please, just stop. I will not go back to
England, not until things are right between us again. I never wanted to leave you, Paul had the Acolytes drag me from the house; kicking
and screaming. The only reason I stopped you from killing ‘Taker is because I
don’t want his blood on your hands. He’s not worth it. He’s not worth you
losing your freedom again.”
She then did something either very brave or very foolish and
stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
“Please, Kane, if you want me to choose, I’ll always choose you. Just forgive
me.”
Kane was now battling with himself, wanting to shove her away
but… he couldn’t. He loved her. She was his sister, his best friend… his only
friend it seemed. Hesitantly, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled
her against him; kissing the top of her head. “Lilith… I’m sorry…” He murmured.
“I forgive you.”
Tears slid down her face at those words and she inhaled
raggedly. Smiling, she pulled her head away to look up at him. “Thank you.”
Paul watched from a distance, careful to stay out of sight;
having witnessed the entire thing and scowled. His lies were out in the open
for everyone and now he was the target. He slipped from the arena, knowing it
was time to move on.
***
A year had passed and things changed… People changed.
Especially the man walking into the arena. No longer was he the dark entity that had terrorized the WWF
for so long, he wasn’t the Undertaker. He was the man, he was simply Mark Calaway. He was ready for this, for his return; more than
ready.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scents that greeted him
and pushed through another door; into a wide corridor.
Her laughter reached him through the frenzy that was the
backstage of the WWE and he found himself instinctively looking for her; his
green eyes hidden behind a pair of black sunglasses that he didn’t need to wear
inside but wouldn’t take off anyway.
Lilith hadn’t changed much over the year, except her hair was
longer; now reaching just beneath her delectable backside. He almost smirked as
he watched her try to run from someone, the urge fading when he seen Kane
scooping her up over his shoulder.
“Kane, put me down!” She giggled,
waving to someone over her brother’s back. “Sorry Edge!”
“Kane, just one date!” Edge called
through the crowd, laughing as Kane flipped him off.
“You’re not good enough for her boy.” Kane called back, not
letting her down. He smirked when she started kicking and screaming for Edge to
save her, laughing when the boy didn’t. Smart choice. “Fine.” He grumbled good-naturedly, setting her down on her
feet.
Which is when the people parted, silence taking over the once
noisy hal.
The Phenom was back; standing there
taking in the scene with a blank face. But he looked… different.
He wore a pair of blue jeans, a black button down shirt that had
the sleeves cut off, though the shirt wasn’t buttoned. A heavy silver chain
dangled from his neck, an earring in his ear. Heavy black steel toed boots and
black fingerless gloves completed the… look.
And his hair… it was longer than ever, but… it was also a dark
red color.
This was not the Undertaker at all.
“Holy shit, is that…”
“It can’t be…”
“Is it really?”
Lilith felt Kane pulling her against his side and peered over
heads, inhaling sharply when ‘Taker appeared before them then walked by, not
believing the change in his appearance. She heard the low growl from Kane and
sighed with relief when he didn’t pursue his brother. She knew some things were
hard to let go.
“Come on, Kane.” She urged, tugging his hand. “Let’s go, you
have a match to prepare for and I have to go see if Janet needs me tonight.”
She had started assisting the costume and make-up people.
Nodding silently, Kane let his sister drag him off; refusing to
let his guard down no matter how much of a change his brother seemed to have
made, at least appearance wise. He was still the Lord of Darkness, always would
be, blue jeans and red hair would never change that.
Lilith parted ways with Kane shortly after reaching his dressing
room, heading to Janet. She groaned when a stack of clothes were placed in her
arms with instructions to deliver. One by one she found the stars she needed
and passed off the costumes. She frowned at the last one, a heavy leather
trench coat that was the bane of her arms at the moment and moaned pitifully
when she read the name taped to it.
Finding his room wasn’t hard, it was the room everyone avoided;
nobody sure yet as to ‘Taker nature. Was he a changed man or still the demonic
presence that had shadowed the Fed for years?
Reluctantly, she knocked.
“Come in.”
Heaving a sigh, she pushed open the door; hesitating when she
seen him.
He was shadow boxing in nothing but his jeans, his black shirt
carelessly tossed over a wooden bench; sweat glistening on his shoulder blades.
Mark froze, inhaling deeply and squared his shoulders as he
slowly turned around.
Lilith.
Only one woman smelled like summer rain and lilacs all at the
same time.
He took in her own change of
appearance. He remembered a woman who wore nothing but black dresses. This
woman was in a pair of sneakers, faded blue jeans and a white beater; a good if
not somewhat different look for her. He seen she was holding his coat and
arched an eyebrow.
Lilith cleared her throat uncomfortably, unable to stop herself
from raking her eyes over him and moved to the bench, carefully laying out the
coat. “Janet adjusted it for you.” She whispered, backing towards the door. She
fiddled with her hair nervously. “If it’s too short, I can take it back for
another adjustment.”
He hadn’t missed how scared she appeared to be, stifling a
chuckle as he walked over to pick the duster up; nodding his approval. “Thank
you, darlin’.” He drawled, taking a slow step towards her, green orbs meeting
blue. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Lilith. I’m not the same man I once
was.”
“’Taker…”
“Mark. My name is Mark.”
“Fine, Mark.” She said, her voice turning to steel. “I’m not
afraid of you, I’m afraid of what Kane would do if he knew I was here. It took
me months to calm him down. If… if you have any thoughts about getting revenge
on him, forget them.” A pleading note crept into her tone. “Because I couldn’t
stop him again, I wouldn’t stop him. I won’t ever choose you over him again.”
“I’ve let it go, I suggest he do the
same.” He said calmly, not surprised by the doubt on her face. “I’m not askin’
you to choose me over anyone, hell… you don’t even
have to talk to me. Stop worryin’, I’ll leave you both alone.”
“Good.” She nodded her head, satisfied, and stepped out of the
room; letting the door close behind her. A second later she screamed. “Damn
you, Edge! You about gave me a bloody heart attack!”
“Bloodwyne, dinner and me, how about
it?”
“You don’t give up, do you?” She arched an eyebrow, tapping her
foot impatiently.
“I thought you LIKED me. Or was it just the wyne?”
She literally snapped her teeth at him. “FYI, when you’re not
trying to get back in my pants, you’re okay. The wyne
was a mistake I made, especially knowing how it affects me. So quit it, one
time deal and it shouldn’t even count you tosser
because I was out of my ruddy mind.”
He pouted.
“Better give it up bro before Kane rearranges your features for
you.” Christian said from behind, watching as Lilith walked away. Of course if
Kane ever found out Lilith and Edge had had one drunken night together, he’d
probably do more than rearrange Edge’s face.
He sighed and patted his brother on the shoulder; glancing at
the nameplate on the door beside them; frowning.
The Undertaker was back.
CHAPTER 12
Lilith made her way to Kane’s dressing room after finishing with
Janet, smiling brightly when she walked through the door though she was
planning on disemboweling Edge if he didn’t let her alone.
One time, once!
And he had hounded her ever since, and it had been a year ago
when she had been depressed so it shouldn’t count.
“You’re smirking.” She commented when she seen her brother;
loving the mask he wore as it let her read him easier; especially as his lips
could be seen.
Kane rolled his eyes at her as he sat down on the bench. “I was
thinking about asking Vince to give me a feud with ‘Taker.” He held his hand up
when her eyes widened, a slow smirk spreading across his quite visible lips.
“This is the perfect opportunity to get our revenge, sis. You and I both know
it. Let’s end him for good this time!”
Blinking, she could only stare at him. Feud?
End him? Are- are you sure, love?” She asked quietly, not surprised when he
nodded. “Okay. But how, I don’t think he wants to feud with you, what do you
have that he wants?”
Kane looked at her pointedly, then purposefully gave her a very
thorough once over.
She frowned at that, hugging her arms to her body. “Yes, I’m
female. I’m also your sis- ohhh.”
“Exactly.” He chuckled
darkly, standing up so he was towering over her;
running a finger down her cheek as he stared into her eyes. “He screwed around
with us, it’s time to return the favor, Lilith. You
can get inside his head and make him vulnerable.”
She could only stare up at him, her blue eyes widening even
more.
“You do anything you can to mess with his mind, Lilith.”
“Anything?” She echoed,
frowning when he just nodded. “Absolutely ANYTHING? Because I’m with you on this Kane, but I am… not a whore for you to
prostitute out just for revenge. Understand?”
“Did I say you had to sleep with him, Lilith?” Kane demanded,
now sounding frustrated. “No. I just want you to sweet talk him, get in his
head and make him THINK you want him.”
Inhaling deeply, she clenched her fists and returned his
piercing stare. “Alright, say I sweet talk him into
believing I do want him, what the bloody hell is there to stop him from taking
me?” She nearly snarled, remembering all too well the night he almost had;
wondering if he could exert that kind of control again.
“You seen him.” Kane was practically
cackling now. “He won’t force himself on you, he’s not
the lord of darkness anymore, Lilith. He’s Mark Calaway,
a moron with a heart. He’s weak and pathetic, he’ll be
easy pickings for you.”
Lilith personally thought Kane’s smile was a bit scary as it
didn’t reach his cold, calculating eyes.
She was also on the verge of panicking as he was backing her up,
wincing when her back hit the wall. “Kane, you’re beginning to scare me.” She
said calmly, searching for some sign of her brother in those eyes. How could he
change so fast? Just hours ago they had been laughing and teasing each other,
now he looked insane. “I’ll do it, just… calm down, okay?”
“I’m calm, Lilith.” He promised, pulling her into a hug and
kissed the top of her head. “Thank you for helping me with this.”
She simply nodded.
Kissing her brow, he smiled again before walking out of the
room; the smile fading. He was going to have a little talk with McMahon. His
sister was the perfect pawn for this game of chess.
Lilith was Mark’s weakness.
“I think it may be time to get him laid.” Lilith muttered,
swallowing her pride and stepped out into the hallway; squaring her shoulders.
It was time to take Janet up on that make-up her boss had been
offering for months now. If she had to play the seduction game, she should
probably look the part.
And she was thoroughly regretting by the time the overly gleeful
Janet got through with her. In an hour she had been transformed from just a
jeans and a tank top girl into a woman with full pouting lips; smoky, bedroom
eyes and a black jersey dress.
“I didn’t think you’d go this far.” She groaned when she seen herself, trying to balance on her precariously
dangerous high heels.
Janet began laughing. “As many times as I’ve asked too… are you
insane? Like I’d pass this up.”
“You wench.”
Janet just chuckled, shaking her head.
***
Mark was running high on adrenaline. His return had gone off
better than expected. Now it was time to either go to the
hotel and make the attempt at sleeping before getting back to the grind
that was life on the road or going out for a celebratory drink.
The sight of Lilith perched on his Harley drove several thoughts
but one from mind; especially with how she looked; one creamy leg crossed over
the other; instantly gathering his attention. “Hello, darlin’.” He greeted,
forcing himself to look up.
“Hello… Mark.” She said shyly, his name stuttering on her tongue
for a moment. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, staring at him. “For… when Kane beat
you and I just left you in that room.”
She was sorry, the image of him battered
and broken had haunted her for months after.
Slipping off the bike, her heels clicked softly when they
touched pavement and she clasped her hands in front of her. “Paul… he lied to
us all about what happened.”
“I know, none of it was your or Kane’s fault.” He replied,
forgiving the trespass on his motorcycle when he seen the look on her face. He
was also having a hard time not looking her over, hardly believing this was
Lilith. “Don’t worry about none of it, it’s in the past.” He reached out to touch
her shoulder, then pulled back; not wishing to scare
her. “I’m headin’ off now, I’m sure Kane is waiting
on you.”
“No, he’s not.” She said quietly. “I usually leave after him, part of my job is clean-up.” She offered a tentative smile before walking
away; scooping her small beaded bag off the ground and headed towards the
walk-thru entrance/exit; planning on hailing a cab.
There Kane, she had started the process of betraying his
brother.
Mark watched her walk away and sighed heavily, shaking his head.
Trying to force her out of his mind, he straddled the Harley; wincing when he
heard the unmistakable sounds of rain and looked over his shoulder.
Lilith had come to a complete halt in the archway, staring
outside.
“Bloody hell.” She
muttered, just her luck. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Mark crept up
alongside her at the bay doors; glancing to her right.
“Let me give you a ride.”
She looked back out at the rain; groaning and took his hand;
straddling the seat behind him; her arms going around his waist.
Quickly burying her face in his broad back; she clenched her
eyes shut. She was going to Hell for this. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind
about that.
Kane stepped out from behind a concrete pillar, watching as the
pair roared away into the rain. “Do not betray me again, Lilith.” He whispered.
CHAPTER 13
Lilith was waiting for her brother at the hotel. She had thanked
Mark politely for the ride and scurried off. She knew better than to press her
luck with him. If she acted anymore friendly, he was going to start getting
suspicious, best to take this slow and easy.
“How did it go?” Kane demanded when he arrived, skipping with
the formalities. “Did anything happen?” He instantly removed his mask,
comfortable enough in her presence to not have to wear it.
“It went alright.” She muttered, not looking up at him as she
flicked aimlessly through the channels, rolling onto her stomach and finally
just left it on MTV. “He gave me a ride and that was it.”
“You didn’t make a move or anything?” He asked, eyes narrowing
slightly and snorted when she simply glared at him. “Lilith, we need to speed
this up a bit. I’ve already gotten the okay from Vince regarding the storyline.
You’re going to be involved too so that might help.”
Her jaw dropped.
He ignored it. “Nothing is going to happen to you, but you’re
going to be used as a sort of bait.”
“If I speed it up he’s going to know I’m up to something!”
Lilith snapped, angry with him for going behind her back the way he had. “I am
not your damn bait, Kane!”
Kane arched an eyebrow, watching as she rolled off the bed;
almost smirking when his sister planted her hands on her hips.
“Oh, oh, I know, I know. How bout I go to his room and just
seduce him now, hmm? How would that be, big brother? Quick
enough for you?”
Growling, he made it known he didn’t appreciate the way she was
talking to him. “No, that’s not what I want. As a matter of fact, I don’t want
you sleeping with him.” He shook his head at her. “You honestly think I’m that
heartless? I’m not HIM, Lilith!”
She was quiet for a long time, just considering her brother.
Given the times ‘Taker had tried seducing her, she
could already see where her road was going to eventually lead. It was just a
bit shocking Kane hadn’t grasped it that quick. Then she sighed. “You’re acting
like him, love.” She said finally. “I’d thought you would have let this all go
after it nearly tore us apart.”
“I’ve let what you done go, but what he did is unforgivable.” He
said darkly, presenting her with his back as he stared out the window.
“I haven’t done ANYTHING to you, Kane.” Lilith said evenly.
“That was Paul’s lies that corrupted your mind, not me.” She walked over to stand behind him, placing
a hand up between his shoulder blades. “I don’t want to fight you, brother.
Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.”
She knew now it was pointless trying to talk him out of this
folly and wouldn’t waste her time or energy by trying anymore.
“Simple, I want you to be the bait that reels ‘Taker into me.”
He said evenly, turning to stare down at her. “Do you think you can do that?
You won’t have to sleep with him, I would never allow it.”
“Of course.” She replied
coolly, not appreciating him talking to her like she was a mindless child.
“Good night.”
Lilith disappeared into her adjacent bedroom, closing the door
behind her. What a prick. Perching on the edge of her bed, she contemplated
going to crash with Edge and Christian for the night, just so she didn’t blow
up and antagonize Kane into doing something she’d regret.
***
“You look… different.” Christian commented over breakfast the
next morning, sharing a table with Lilith, his brother sleeping in like the
lazy bum he was. He took in her royal purple halter top and black knee length
skirt. “Please, don’t take this wrong; but did you know you’re sporting
cleavage?”
“Janet’s idea.” She ripped
the top off a muffin and popped it into her mouth.
“She needs to sport it more often.”
They both groaned.
“I thought you said he was having a lie in?”
Christian just shrugged, sighing as Edge joined them at the
table, wincing when he got popped upside the head.
“What gives, Lil?” Edge asked, helping himself to the coffee;
trying not to yawn.
“I decided to finally give in and date you, Edge.” She said it
so seriously it looked like he actually believed her.
“Really?”
Snorting, she finished her latte. “Yeah,
right. Once was enough, dear.” Her eyes strayed past Edge to Mark who
was entering the room.
“I cannot believe you fell for that.” Christian was laughing as
he shook his head. “Ah damn, that was funny.”
“If you two gentlemen will excuse me, I got things to do before
we take off.” Shaking her own head, Lilith stood up; trying not to smile as
Edge gave her a petulant look.
“That wasn’t funny…” He pouted, watching her walk away. When
Christian made a smartass remark, he whacked him upside the head again before
chasing after Lil.
Somehow, Lilith wasn’t surprised when Edge caught up with her.
While he could come across as a moron, she knew he was a very sharp man who
missed very little. “Don’t ask me no questions, I’ll
tell you no lies.” She said, foregoing the elevator for the stairs.
“Lil…” He caught her by the arm before she could get too far;
gently guiding her into the stairwell for a bit of privacy. “Talk to me. What’s
going on?” He ran his finger down her cheek. Whether she liked it or not, he
cared for her and could deal with having just her friendship.
Though that wasn’t going to stop him from flirting with her at
every chance he could.
“Is Kane hurting you?”
She looked appalled by the very idea. “Of course not, you know
better.” She finally snapped when she regained use of her tongue. “Don’t be
stupid. Things are just… a little tense now that ‘Taker’s back, nothing really
unusual there.”
Obviously, everyone knew how Kane had gone crazy, he had
destroyed building after building; person after person in his rage with his
brother.
“Just… stay out of the way, alright?”
“I can’t, not when I know you’re right in the damn middle of
it.” Edge said resolutely, refusing to let her shunt him aside.
When she heaved an exasperated sigh, he smiled and gently backed
her into the wall. “I know you don’t think of me as anything but a friend, but
I’m here for you, for anything.”
Lilith was not surprised in the slightest when he kissed her,
nudging him way. “Edge…”
“I know…”
She shook her head, patting his shoulder. “You’re my friend, I’d like us to remain JUST friends.”
He nodded.
“I’ll talk to you later, I need to
speak with my brother.”
He watched her walk away, beginning to bang his head back against
the wall. “Stupid, stupid, stupid…”
***
“Where the hell were you?” Kane demanded when Lilith stepped
through the door, not even waiting for an answer. “We had a missing with Vince
this morning and you blew it off!”
She stared at him in confusion. “You didn’t tell me that, Kane!”
She shouted right back at him. “Last night all you told me was that I was
taking part in your little storyline. Don’t bitch at me for not being able to
read you bloody mind!” She snorted angrily, frustrated with him.
How the hell was she supposed to know something if he didn’t
fill her in?
“I didn’t tell you?”
She shook her head.
“I’m sorry.”
And then she snorted again.
“I did manage to reschedule for this afternoon, at the arena.
Can you make it?”
“Yeah, I can make it.” She muttered, glaring at him, still
mildly annoyed. Brushing it aside, she sat down on his bed; toying with her
hair. “Edge knows something is up.” She informed him after a moment of silence.
“He’s starting to ask me questions.”
“I suppose I’ll handle his mouth in the ring then.”
“I didn’t mean for you to take him out, Kane. I meant that
things are too obvious. No match, leave him alone.”
Kane simply rolled his eyes.
“Arse.”
CHAPTER 14
The meeting with Vince actually went quite well all things
considered. As far as well went when it felt like Kane was selling her off.
Lilith listened as Kane went over his ‘idea’ too the boss; inwardly scowling
though she didn’t let the plastic smile on her face fade.
She was going to be paired with the Undertaker.
She supposed to she should have seen it coming, especially after
Kane had so eloquently said she was the bait. But by the time the meeting had
ended, she was ready to murder her beloved brother.
When it was over, they were excused and vacated to his locker
room. Surprisingly, her nerves were steady as he closed the door behind them.
“I don’t have to go with him now, do I?” She asked when he passed her her bag “I just need to be with him for promos and out in
the ring… right?”
Kane pressed the bag into her hands. “That’s up to you, though
remember our plan.”
Which basically meant: Go to him, now.
Cursing under her breath, she did; her steady mindset beginning
to crumble. On her way, she stopped long enough to fill Janet in on her new
position in the company.
Janet had congratulated her with some clothes.
This night was just getting better and better.
Though when she ducked behind a curtain to change, she was
prepared to murder everyone in the nearby vicinity. “I will KILL Kane for this…” She muttered angrily; stepping out
with an ugly scowl on her face.
“You look cute!” Janet chortled wickedly.
It wouldn’t have been bad at all if not for the shirt. The denim
skirt she could handle, though a few inches in length wouldn’t have hurt. It
was the Deadman Inc baby t-shirt she was now wearing
that she didn’t like.
“Oh you know, hold on.”
Lilith cursed and raved as Janet wound a navy blue bandana
around her head.
“There you go, NOW you’re ready.”
Muttering under her breath, she continued on her not so merry
way.
***
Mark was going over the ‘script’ he had been given, which he
figured was a loose term as this had so much rewriting in red pen over it that
it looked a bit like graffiti. Somehow it wasn’t surprising to see that Lilith
had been written into the script, no. The surprising part was she had been
written into the script with him.
“Great…”
“Bad timing?”
He turned to find her standing awkwardly in the doorway; his
eyes quickly taking in her shirt and automatically strayed down; arching an
eyebrow at the belly button ring she sported. She hadn’t had that when… He
recalled his mind from its trip down memory lane. “No, perfect timing. I just
finished readin’ the script.”
She nodded, looking hesitant.
***
“Kane, when was the last time you saw your precious baby
sister?”
Lilith let Mark pull her on-camera, reminding herself this
wasn’t her first time appearing on-screen. She used to accompany Kane to his
matches. Her mind threw up the fact that she had simply been there, now she
wasn’t merely a background but a prop.
She stared up at him; feeling his hand sliding up the back of her neck and then into her hair; inhaling
sharply when he jerked her head back.
Mark looked positively evil as he bent down to brush his lips
against hers.
When he pulled away, Lilith was dumbfounded; somewhere
registering that cameras had stopped rolling. This would air later in the
night, a pre-taped segment. Lovely. She was going to
have to start procuring copies of the script if she was going to do this and
not have any surprised sprung on her.
Though she couldn’t stop herself from blurting out: “You could
have TOLD me you were going to do that!”
“Get a script, darlin’, then I wouldn’t have too.” He replied
calmly; noting the blush in her cheeks. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He gestured
to her head.
“What? No, of course not.”
Mark blinked when she literally took off like a bat out of hell,
shaking his head.
***
“Perfect!” Kane roared later that night when the segment aired,
Lilith standing at his side; in his locker room. He picked her up and began
spinning her around in circles, kissing the top of her head.
“Kane!” She shrieked when he
didn’t stop. “Put me down before I puke!”
Laughing, he set her back on her feet.
Lilith leaned against the wall, closing her eyes to keep the
room from playing tilt-a-whirl on her. “Glad you’re happy with it.” She
muttered, finally popping one eye open experimentally. “Can I go now? I’m
meeting Christian for a card game. Hopefully Edge will be there, providing you
don’t kill him in your match.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, not wanting her to get sidetracked.
“If there’s anything left of him, your card game is still on.”
Lilith immediately took off after him when he walked out of the
room, knowing exactly what her brother had meant by that. “Oh
no you’re not!” She ordered, realizing that lately, she seemed to be
giving a lot of orders; all of them to protect someone from getting hurt.
He snorted.
“Kane, I won’t go tonight, alright?” She tried compromising, but
when he shook his head; she scowled. “If you do this Kane, I’m GONE. Understand
me?” She hated using that against him but for God’s sake, look at what he was
doing. “I WILL leave you.”
That made Kane halt in his tracks; his head cocking to the side
as he stared down at her; wondering if she would actually go through with her
threat. “Fine.” He snarled.
***
Lilith retreated to the hotel after that altercation, burying
herself in a bubble filled bath with a glass of whiskey; the bottle resting on
the ledge beside her. She had just done the one thing she promised herself
she’d never do, she had made a decision that put other
people before her beloved brother.
But he had forced her hand.
“Damn it, Kane.”
She almost fell asleep in the tub, thanks to the whiskey and
finally pulled herself out of the cold water. After drying off and changing
into pajamas, she padded out to the bedroom for another refill; pausing when
she realized the lights were out.
Figuring Kane was probably sleeping; Lilith made her way to the
small bar and poured another glass before dropping down by the window.
***
Mark was not pleased when he heard banging on his door.
Groaning, he glanced at the clock, five AM, he could sleep a few hours yet and
someone was waking him up? Growling under his breath, he swung his legs out of
bed and crossed the floor; making sure whoever was out there could hear his
feet stomping.
His anger abated when he opened the door and seen Lilith
standing there with a bag in her hand, his eyes widening. It took a moment to
wake up enough to realize she was crying. Not hesitating, Mark reached out to
pull her into his arms; walking her back into the room and kicked the door shut
behind them.
She just hugged him, unable to stop the tears from streaming
down her face as she shook her head when he asked what was wrong. “I don’t want
to talk about it right now, Mark.” Lilith whispered, inhaling raggedly. “I
can’t talk about it right now.” She stepped away from him. “I… I didn’t have
anywhere else to go. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, darlin’. Damn, Lily, you’re shaking from head
to toe.” Mark murmured; guiding her over to the bed and gently nudged her down,
watching her drop her bag to the floor. He studied her for a moment then went
to get her a glass of water.
“Thank you.” She mumbled when he returned, taking the glass and
sipped from it.
Silence reigned, Mark settling himself on the bed beside her;
one arm wrapped around her shoulders. Eventually her trembling ceased and he
cleared his throat. “What’s going on, Lily?”
Lilith didn’t immediately react to his words; not even
acknowledging that she heard them. Her mind was going a mile a minute, finally
standing up. “I have to make a phone call.” She said firmly, her blue eyes
turning to ice as spoke.
Arching a curious eyebrow, he watched her procure her cell phone
from the duffel.
“Kane?”
The other eyebrow rose.
“Of course I’m alright, don’t be absurd.” She said,
the warmth and love in her voice at odds with the dead look on her face and the
murder in her eyes. “No… I got to thinking about last night, I know you’re
upset with me, I’m sorry, love.” She was quiet for a moment, listening to Kane.
“No, I’m with ‘Taker.”
Mark frowned.
Her voice dropped to a whisper, even though it was obvious Mark
could hear her. “He’s in the shower. No, listen, okay?
I was thinking about all this and I’m tired of him always coming between us, I
want him finished as soon as possible so I’m speeding things up.”
Mark folded his arms over his chest.
“I knew I could count on you, Lilith.”
“Of course you can, love. I’m sorry about last night, I should
have let you main that airhead, I don’t know what I was thinking, Kane. I was
just… disturbed after that dog, ‘Taker, slobbered on me.” She held the phone
away from her ear when he started laughing. “I’ll see you tonight,
I’m going to… get things rolling on my end.” She said her goodbye and hung up,
looking at Mark.
“Well now darlin’, that was interesting. Care to explain to me
what’s going on?” He asked calmly having a feeling he wasn’t going to like
this.
CHAPTER 15
Lilith explained everything alright. She explained it on the
drive to that night’s show and then requested that he continue to play
clueless; for the sake of her safety as well as her vengeance. She stared out
the window when she was done, a frown on her face.
Mark didn’t say anything, just digested all the information she
had laid on him. She had apparently heard Kane’s cell phone go off and out of
curiosity, read the text message and had not been pleased to discover Kane was
not only plotting against his brother but her as well.
He remembered Paul Bearer once warning him not to push her to
the breaking point because she would be murderous, just like her mother had
been.
It was a bit amusing that she hadn’t snapped on him but on the
one person she had loved the most, her brother.
***
“Hello, love.” Lilith greeted later that night, walking into
Kane’s dressing room with a smile. “He’s nothing but melted butter.” She
snorted. “You were right, he wasn’t over me, the prat.”
Chuckling softly, Kane walked over to hug her; kissing the top
of her head. “I owe you for this, sis. Anything you want when this is over.” He
let go in order to sit down on the bench, patting the spot next to him
invitingly. “Now come and tell me what all happened, what did you do?” His tone
suddenly became anxious.
“Oh, not THAT!” She said
instantly, realizing what he was driving at and shook her head. “Gods no, no way.” Lilith shivered, leaning into him when he
wrapped an arm around her. “I told him I was just feeling a little confused by
the story line and that you were too busy to help me. He explained it all and
bored the hell out of me. By the end of the day, he was practically eating out
of my hand? What next?” She asked, staring up at him; meeting his mismatched
blue eyes.
“Now we corner him and go through with our plan. Vince wants it
to lead into a Hell in a Cell match as Unforgiven.”
Kane informed her, not missing the look of apprehension on her face. “This will
work.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Now go occupy ‘Taker for a bit.”
“So we end it all at Unforgiven…” She
murmured, catching his nod and smiled, walking out
with her hands clenched together tightly. Ignoring Christian when he called her
name, Lilith just disappeared into the hallway.
Kane would be damn lucky if they made it to Unforgiven.
“Hey lady, you’re crying.” One of the crew pointed out.
“No kidding?”
***
As soon as Christian had told him about Lilith’s odd behavior,
Edge had instantly gone on the hunt for her. He knew exactly where to look for
her too. She always went to the nosebleed section to sit in the empty seats
before the show started, to think or just be alone.
“Lilith?” He asked softly.
Christian ducked when a shoe came
flying at them, sighing as he turned to retrieve it.
“Go away, I want to be alone.” She ordered, sighing when they
just sat on either side of her. “You two are the most annoying buggers I’ve
ever met.”
But she didn’t mean it and they knew it.
“Let’s play tonight or something.” She murmured, needing
something to take her mind off of things. “I’m in the mood for cards, Bloodwyne. Minus the sex.” She
added, shooting Edge a look when he sniggered. “Be nice or I’ll invite
company.”
“What kind of company?” Edge asked suspiciously, knowing her
sense of humor could border on downright wickedness.
Lilith shrugged.
Which made him grin. “Come on,
invite whoever you want. The more the merrier.” He teased.
Lilith grinned.
Christian groaned; knowing his brother had just officially put
his foot in his mouth.
“Alright lads, I need to go see if my wardrobe is finished.”
Lilith stood up, in a much better mood now. “Thank you, guys.” She said softly,
dropping a kiss on each of their heads before heading down to see Janet.
***
When Lilith made it to him, Mark’s eyes nearly fell out of his
skull. “Oh dear God…” He thought as he took in her low riding leather pants,
matching black boots and her baby shirt with Deadman
Inc on it. She was out to murder him via blood constricting parts of him.
Lilith hesitated, looking down at herself. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” He let out a low whistle, smirking when she blushed.
“Darlin’, you look… hot.”
“Hot?”
He smirked.
“Mark, want to play cards tonight?” Lilith asked suddenly,
smiling at him. She almost laughed when his eyes widened, knowing he wasn’t
expecting that. “Edge, Christian and I get together about once a month to
drink, play cards. But I need someone there to keep Edge from trying to get
down my pants.”
His eyes narrowed.
She smirked when he nodded. “I’m going to go let Kaners know, since, I’m supposed to be working you over and
all that.”
“Well… if you really want to work me over, darlin’.”
Lilith gave him an appraising look, finally smiling before
walking out.
***
Mark could not for the life of him believe he was actually here,
glaring at Edge who was drinking that damn red liquid shit alongside Christian
and Lilith. The only bright spot was she wasn’t inhaling it like the last time.
From the jokes the trio were cracking, he gathered they were all very close.
Edge and Lilith perhaps a bit too close for comfort; at least on one occasion.
Now that was a disturbing thought.
“Damn it, Lil!” Christian growled; throwing down his cards. “I
HATE GIN! Let’s play rummy.”
“Strip poker.” Edge joked,
cringing under the look ‘Taker shot him.
“I just might after a few more.” She smirked, holding out her
glass for a refill. She had become accustomed to the stuff and enjoyed the
sensation of the strange wine, though she was smart enough not to drink it very
often. “You alright there, Mark?” She asked, seeing him looking uncomfortably.
“He wants to see Edge’s willie.”
Sighing, Mark kicked Christian underneath the table; hard. He
smirked when he heard the sharp exclamation of pain; glancing down at his
cards. “What was that, son?”
“Nothing.” Christian
squeaked, bending down to hold his shin.
Edge was laughing, his cards blocking his face.
Lilith sniggered, standing up and drained her glass. “It’s in
the A.M., I have to go before Kane gets worried. Walk
me to my room, Mark?” She didn’t even wait for him, just left the brother’s
hotel room and halted in the hallway.
When Mark appeared beside her, he wasn’t too surprised to find
her busy studying the walls, running her fingers over them humming. He then
wondered idly what it would feel like to have her doing that to him,
remembering the time she had been high on the wyne
and fascinated by his tattoos, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Head out of the gutter, man.” He thought, watching her skip
a bit too merrily down the hall; shaking his head.
Goddamn Bloodwyne.
When they reached Kane’s door, Lilith crooked her finger at him.
“I’m going to kiss you.” She murmured; her arms winding about his neck and
pulled him down; crashing her lips against his.
They both heard the noise from behind the door, gathering Kane
had been at the spyhole; waiting up.
“That’s my cue.” She whispered against his lips, smiling before
slipping into the room. “Night, Mark.”
***
“Let’s play a game.”
All Paul Bearer could do was stare at
the Undertaker, who wasn’t the Undertaker at all; it was a tad confusing.
Though he kept his thoughts to himself as he was currently duct taped to a
chair in what he assumed to be the Undertaker’s hotel room.
“We’re going to play a game.”
That did not sound good at all, Paul swallowed hard.
“It’s called: tell the fuckin’ truth.”
“I don’t-“
“Know what I’m talkin’ about.” Mark finished, snorting. “Explain
that to Lilith. Let’s try this again…”
“I-I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Paul protested,
groaning and squirming in his bonds. “Please, ‘Taker, I didn’t do anything, I
swear, I swear!”
“Then explain to me why you and Kane are suddenly exchanging
phone calls all of a sudden.” He procured a switchblade from the cuff of his
boot; dangling it –blade out- precariously from his fingertips.
“I don’t know! I swear!” Paul’s already incredibly high voice
was getting even higher. “No, no! ‘Taker, please… I
don’t know anything, I swear on… on Lilith!” He was grasping straws, not
wanting to be skewered.
“You’re lying, Paul.” Mark warned him, his eyes flashing
dangerously; fingers tightening on the knife’s handle. “I’m going to give you
one last chance before I kill you. What is Kane planning?”
“Please don’t hurt me!”
“Don’t give me a reason too, old man.”
“Kane… Kane wants-“ Paul inhaled
deeply, sweat beading on his forehead. “’Taker, I can’t tell you, he’s gonna
kill me if I do!”
“Paul, I’m going to fucking kill you if you DON’T.”
“Kane wants revenge on you and… and on Lilith.” Paul blurted out
in one giant rush, he had always been a coward. “He wants you gone permanently
and I’m not sure what he intends for her. He just called and told me to be
here.” He swallowed hard, eyeing the switchblade. “Please, don’t kill me!”
“That’s it?” Mark snorted, shaking his head. Some plan. “Well,
Paul, I suppose I’ll let you live a mite longer.”
Paul visibly wilted with relief.
“Only because I have an idea, and you’re going to help me. We
clear?”
Paul could only nod, swallowing hard. “Crystal.”
CHAPTER 16
Mark was in his dressing room with a whining, fearful Paul –who
was coincidentally tied up in a corner with a gag in his mouth- when the door
opened. He knew who it was, only one person had the
brass to just walk in without knocking. “Hello, Lilith.” He greeted from his
place by the lockers, glancing at her.
He wasn’t surprised to see she had frozen, her blue eyes
narrowed on Paul who was looking downright terrified at this point.
Obviously making a great effort, she turned her head to Mark;
blinking when she realized he was *right* there in front of her; a muffled gasp
escaping her when he kissed her.
“That was for last night.”
“Oh…”
“Now,” He looked to Paul. “I think you have some explaining to
do to your daughter.”
Lilith managed a smile at Mark, turning fully to stare at her
father; smirking when she seen his eyes widen. “Oh no, daddy dearest, no need
to explain, I already know.” She walked over and began slapping the shit out of
him; only stopping when Mark held her back. “One more!”
She pleaded.
He let her loose, watching as she landed on more blow then
gently pulled her away again; guiding her to the couch where he pulled her down
onto his lap after sitting.
Lilith was still staring daggers through Paul. “I think he has
something he’s trying to say.” She said dryly, getting up much to Mark’s
chagrin in order to go tug the gag from Paul’s mouth. “Scream and I’ll knock
your teeth out.” She cautioned.
“You’renotKane’ssister.”
“Say that again?”
He inhaled deeply. “I adopted you.” Paul muttered through a
swollen mouth. “When I married your mom, I adopted you. I was hoping you could
do what ‘Taker couldn’t and keep Kane in line as you got older. You were two
when I married your mom.”
Lilith was stunned into silence for a moment. “So you let us be
raised as siblings just so I could control him for you?”
Reluctantly, he nodded.
She punched him, tears pricking her eyes as she gagged him.
“Well, DAD, now I won’t feel so damn bad about killing him.”
Paul was making odd noises behind the gag.
“Does Kane know?”
He managed a shrugging shake of the head.
“Pray for your sake he doesn’t.” She snarled.
***
Kane was pacing a hole in his dressing room when Lilith walked
in. “What’s wrong?” He asked softly, noting the glassiness in her gaze. When
she simply shook her head, he sighed; pulling her in for a hug. “Come on sis,
this is almost over with.”
Lilith leaned into him, almost able to pretend none of this had
ever happened; that none of this was happening and they were still a loving
family. She snorted, looking up at him and carefully removed his mask. “I love
you, Kane.” She said simply, pulling him down to kiss his forehead.
He smiled slightly, though there was a confused look on his face.
“I love you too, Lilith.” He murmured, kissing the top of her head before
patting her shoulder; letting her go.
She was so weird sometimes, he thought as he went into the
bathroom.
While Kane was in the loo, Lilith
slipped out of the room; picking up a baseball bat on the stroll back to Mark’s
locker room.
Mark arched an eyebrow when she walked in, moving a bit too late
when he realized what she was doing. He flinched when he heard the bat she was
carrying connect with Paul’s ribs, a satisfying crack sounding.
“You destroy EVERYTHING!” She raged, more than ready to hit him
again and again until he was a fat mass of broken bones. “We were KIDS and you
USED us!”
Figuring he didn’t really want to catch that bat to his own
ribs, Mark just let her vent.
She finally had to stop because her arms were tiring, or she
would have gone for killing him. “It’s nice to know my brand of insanity is
natural and not genetics.” She muttered, tossing the bat aside and dropped down
onto the couch; Paul currently unconscious at the moment. “Let me know when
it’s time for whatever it is we’re doing tonight.” She yawned, laying back and
draped an arm over her eyes.
He let her sleep; occupying his time with prepping for his match
and watching Paul bleed a bit through the gag; guessing he was suffering a bit
of internal bleeding.
She really was a vicious bitch when crossed.
Mark made a note not to ever cross her again.
When it came time for them to be seen, he was reluctant to wake
her. The lines of her face were smoothed out; she looked… innocent, and
defenseless. Both of which he knew she wasn’t. After visually drinking his
fill; Mark gently reached down to shake her shoulder. “Come on darlin’, time to
go.”
When she swatted at him, he promptly pulled her up; smirking
when startled sapphire orbs flew open to glare at him.
Lilith growled as he dragged her out to the hallway. “Mmm…” She
groaned, falling into step beside him. “I was in the middle of a great dream.
You were in it by the way.”
He growled.
“Oh look, the camera man, you’ll just have to forget that and
get to work.”
“You little…” He shook his head; reaching out to grip her
loosely by the wrist and pull her back until she slammed into his chest;
staring down at her. “Tease.”
Lilith didn’t have time to say anything, he was on her too fast
and truthfully, she had nothing to say; just returned his kiss. Her lips parted
for him; mewling into his mouth as she felt his hands sliding up her back; one
to her neck and into her hair.
The camera man watched as the kiss got deeper and more intense,
wondering if ‘Taker had forgotten his promo was… being filmed, not to mention
on a time limit; finally sighing and cutting it. “Thanks guys,
that’s a wrap.”
They both ignored him.
Shaking his head, he left them too it.
“C’mon.” Mark murmured gruffly against her lips; watching her
eyes slowly flutter open and smiled slightly; pulling her back into a dark
–assumedly empty- room. As soon as she closed the door behind them, he was on
her; pressing her against the wall, feeling her soft body pressing against him.
This woman was going to eventually drive him insane.
Entwining her fingers in his hair, Lilith moaned softly then
gasped as she was lifted; wrapping her legs around his waist. “Christ…” She
hissed, trailing her lips down his throat; shivering against him.
“You have no idea how much I want ya right now, Lil.” He rumbled
huskily; his head tipping back as she moved her kisses to the other side of his
neck.
Before she could respond, the door flew open.
“Grab him.” A rough voice ordered. “Mark Calaway,
you’re-“
Lilith fell to the floor as Mark was wrenched from her, seeing
the confusion she felt echoed on his face. She gasped when she heard the
charges: kidnap and aggravated assault on Paul.
Who found him?
They had been careless in not returning to his dressing room.
She waited for them to arrest her, surprised when it didn’t happen. “Mark?”
“Ma’am, stay back.” One of the officers ordered. “Mr. Calaway, resisting arrest is going to get you in a world of
trouble.”
He grunted.
“Somebody taser him already!”
He knew automatically they wouldn’t stop at one zap and growled
angrily; slowly lowering himself to his knees; placing
his hands behind his head. “No need to use the taser, gentleman.”
Lilith almost smiled at his sarcastic tone. Her eyes met his as
he was carted off; biting her lower lip. “Bloody hell…” She exhaled when she
couldn’t hear them anymore; covering her eyes with her hand.
“Thought you could trick me?”
Her head shot up.
Kane stood in the open doorway, for a moment, soon crossing the
space between them. “You sly little bitch.” He said softly.
Lilith didn’t blink.
A second later he had sent her sprawling to the floor.
“What should we do with her father?”
She spat blood, tonguing the cut on the inside of her cheek as
he eyes moved to Paul. “I KNEW I should have killed you when I got the chance.”
“You’ll go first, my dear.” Paul wheezed. “Kane… I need medical
attention…”
“I’m pretty sure I broke three ribs.” She said proudly. “I
would’ve gotten more but he was protected by blubber.”
“What’ll protect you…” Kane sneered;
bending down to grab her by the hair as Paul wheezed from the room.
“Us, of course.”
Dropping his sister, Kane whirled around in time to be greeted
with two steel chairs to his head.
“You walked right into that, dude.” Edge tsked,
dropping his chair before looking at Lilith.” Come on, Lil,
let’s get out of here before he clears the cobwebs.”
Shaking her head, she tried to swipe for Kane only for the brothers
to snatch her up and drag her off.
“Wait, let me go back and- Guys, just one kick!”
“No time! We need to get your shit and
get you out of here.”
“’Taker told us what was happening this morning.” Christian
explained quietly as they moved. “So we were running around on high alert-“
“Like chickens with our heads cut off.” Edge muttered.
“Just in case something happened.”
She blinked. “Oh.”
CHAPTER 17
“Is she alright?” Many hours and a hefty bail post later, Mark
asked; spooking Edge and Christian who had been playing a hand of cards.
“Most people KNOCK or something!” Edge hissed.
Mark flashed his room key.
“Oh…”
“How is she? She okay?”
Now Edge was snorting. “More than, a bit pissed that we wouldn’t
let her go back and beat the shit out of Kane. She’s turned into a blood
vicious bitch.”
“Look who she spent all her time with.” Christian pointed out.
“True dat.”
“I will fuck you all up if you don’t shut the bloody hell up and
let me sleep.” Came Lilith’s tired drawl from the bed.
“Gratitude is a wonderful thing.” Christian said dryly, pulling
the cards to him as the brothers prepared to leave. “Have fun, Mark.”
Mark nodded, waiting until they were gone; which sadly wasn’t
far enough as their room was the next one over before pulling his shirt off and
then kicked off his boots. “Make room.” He grunted; wondering how this tiny
woman could take up the overly large bed.
Growling, she rolled over to her side.
Trying not to smirk, he slid in beside her; smiling when she
rolled back over and into his arms. “Get some sleep darlin’.” He murmured,
stroking her back gently.
“Mmmhmm.” Lilith murmured, snuggling against him; resting her head
against his shoulder. It wasn’t too long before she was back asleep.
***
“If I hear the bed hitting the wall, I’m leaving.” Edge
cautioned, yawning as he got into his own bed in the room next door.
Christian nodded. “Makes two of us.”
***
Edge and Christian looked very tired the next morning.
So did Lilith, but she also looked like
she was in an extremely good mood.
“That was mean, letting us sleep for an hour and then…” Edge
trailed off, looking disgusted. “Waking us… up.”
Christian thoroughly agreed with his brother. They had fallen
asleep and then been woken up to several noises they would rather not of heard.
“You realize it’s not physically possible to have sex that long, don’t you?”
“And top of the morning to you both as well.” She chirped; busy
brushing her hair; pulling the tresses into her lap in order to get the ends.
“How do you know anyway? You and Edge give it a go?”
“As IF.” Edge snarled, glad he
hadn’t taken a swig of his coffee or he probably would have been choking on it.
As it was, he snatched the tray of muffins away from Lilith when she went to
snag one; ignoring the dirty look she shot him. “You two were up until…”
“The crack of dawn.” Christian
yawned from the chair he was curled up in.
Mark arched an eyebrow; wondering if the little twits had been
timing them.
Edge fixed him with a curious albeit nasty look. “Is your dick
numb?” He smirked when ‘Taker choked on HIS coffee.
Lilith and Christian however both snorted their orange juice,
Edge getting it from both ends.
“Oh HELL!” She groaned,
holding a hand to her burning nose; laughing and crying at the same time.
“You dick.” Christian
growled; hurling the empty glass at his brother.
“I was just asking a simple question!” Edge shrieked, trying to
mop orange juice and snot off his shirt. “It’s not my fault they were up all
night doing the mambo!” Finally, he just tore the shirt away; ignoring
Christian’s guffaws as he went for some breakfast.
Mark turned his back to the trio; his shoulders shaking as he
tried hiding his laughter.
“Mambo number five.” Lilith said
sweetly –somewhat nasally-, giggling when Edge choked on a piece of toast;
watching him turn beet red before finally dislodging the piece.
Mark turned, arching an eyebrow. “Need help boy?” He slapped
Edge hard between the shoulder blades; sending Edge back into a coughing fit.
“It was already dislodged!” He gasped.
“You sure?” Mark got him
again.
Edge nodded weakly.
“Alright boys, we really need to get going.” Lilith said when it
looked like Edge was recovering and planning on picking a fight; taking note of
how red his face was. “Tonight’s the big night.”
That sobered them all up.
***
“What’re we going to do after tonight?”
Mark looked up form lacing his boots when Lilith emerged from
the dressing room bathroom, he smiled when he took in
her outfit; loving the form fitting leather pants. When she repeated her
question, he sighed and raked a hand through his hair; leaning back against the
cool lockers. “I don’t know, darlin’.”
Nodding, she sat down beside him.
“You look nice.”
“Thanks.” Lilith yawned, leaning her head against his arms and
folded her arms over her chest. “A nap sounds good…”
“You slept-“ He stopped when she
elbowed him in the ribs; grinning broadly. “Alright, you didn’t get any sleep.”
He conceded, looking down to find a smile on her own
face.
“It was worth it.”
Mark wrapped an arm around her, not surprised when she dozed
against him. It was a nice feeling, opposed to how they had started out. How
they had met. He frowned; feeling a bit of shame as he recalled how he had
treated her and Kane. He didn’t regret it, but… looking back now…
This all could have been avoided.
Of course, that would also meant that Lilith and him would have
never gotten together either.
So, he supposed, it was worth it.
***
Lilith groaned when she was shaken awake. “Five more minutes,
Auntie Enid.” She moaned; slowly sitting up from her uncomfortably slouching
position. When she was awake enough to look around and register what she saw;
she wasn’t amused with the arched eyebrow Mark was aiming her way. “Sorry love,
is it time?”
He nodded.
She smiled evilly. “Sweet.”
He loved that evil look, it was almost
adorable on her. Shaking his head, Mark helped her up before kissing the breath
out of her. “I love you.” He murmured against her lips.
Lilith looked surprised, but pleased. Her cheeks tinted red,
though her eyes were sparkling. “Really?”
He nodded, then nearly stumbled when her arms flew around his
neck; catching her about the waist as she kissed him. “Darlin…”
“I know, we have to go.”
“Yes.”
They both sighed.
Lilith accompanied him out to the ring; her entire face alight with malicious intent. She did however remain
outside the squared circle, watching as he slipped through the ropes; her eyes
moving higher yet to the steel cage; shivering. Hell in a Cell was a brutal
type of match, she could only imagine Mark’s condition
when he came out of that… steel prison.
Flames erupted from the stage as well as the unmistakable sound
of Kane’s theme music; causing both Mark and Lilith to turn towards the ramp.
They wore identical expressions of hatred as Kane stalked onto the stage;
accompanied by Paul Bearer who was moving gingerly.
Once they reached the bottom of the ramp, Paul looked across the
way at Lilith; a nervous whimper escaping him when she made a cutting motion
across her throat. “K-kane, maybe this isn’t a good
idea.” He whined, cowering when his son turned to glare down at him.
Snorting, Kane shook his head and approached the cage; going
round for the door.
Lilith’s eyes narrowed.
CHAPTER 18
As soon as the cage touched the floor, Kane slipped inside the
door and while the referee was padlocking it; Lilith was making her way towards
Paul. A grim smile was on her face; panic on his. He had realized what she had
known.
There was nobody there to protect him.
“Kane! Save me! Save me!” He
screamed, moving away from her as fast as he could. Not quick enough however as
Lilith tackled, beginning to punch his face as hard as she could.
Kane was a bit preoccupied; beating the living hell out of his
brother, ramming the Undertaker head first into the steel cage over and over
again. When he seen blood, that only incited him further; laughing gleefully as
he tried to open the wound even more.
Lilith watched from ringside; having been drug off Paul who was
now semi-unconscious; her hands coated in his blood. She watched as Kane
dominated the Undertaker; running around to wear the brother’s stood; letting
out a soft scream when she seen the blood trailing down Mark’s face.
“Let him go, Kane!” She screeched, banging her fists against the
unforgiving steel.
Kane’s response was to ram ‘Taker headfirst one more time before
throwing him back into the ring.
Ignoring the referee shouting at her, Lilith slapped the man
before snatching the keys from him. Blood pounding in her ears, she grabbed a
chair on her way to the door; quickly unlocking it.
Kane let go of ‘Taker to turn his attention on her, eyes
narrowing.
Breathing heavily, Mark stared at her; fear for her on his face.
Lilith stared at Kane, raising the chair as she sprung forward;
swinging.
He was laughing when she turned at the last minute and sent
‘Taker flying instead.
Mark obviously hadn’t been expecting it or guarding himself;
going toppling backwards.
“Now Kane!”
A sadistic smirk on his face, Kane pulled his brother back to
his feet; chuckling coldly. “How does it feel to be betrayed by one you thought
loved you?”
Lilith clapped enthusiastically, watching as the Undertaker
endured not one but two tombstones; smiling wickedly.
Obviously, Kane got the win.
They stood there laughing as the cage was raised; both enjoying
this moment. Finally they exited the ring where Lilith practically jumped into
his arms; laughing quietly as he began uncharacteristically spinning around
with her.
“That was definitely worth the wait, love.” She giggled evilly,
wrapping her arms around his neck; resting her head against his as they
surveyed the carnage in the ring.
“Indeed it was.” He agreed, slowly setting her down.
Without a backward look, they headed up the ramp.
***
“Why?”
Lilith spun around, a hand flying to her chest as if it would
still her now furiously beating heart. “How- how did you get in here?” She
demanded anxiously, already backing away; blue eyes wide. “Kane will-“
“Kane is on his way to the hospital.”
“No…” She whispered, shaking her head. “YOU should be there, not
him!”
Mark was more than expecting it when she suddenly launched
herself at him; catching her about the wrists and forced her arms behind her
back; snarling down at her. “All of it was a lie, wasn’t it.”
It wasn’t a question.
“Not all of it.” She said finally; her tone ice.
“Tell me, princess, when did you and Kane have time to cook this
deliciously evil plan of yours up?” He demanded, sounding almost bitter. “I was
under the impression you two hadn’t spoken for months.”
She allowed a slightly victorious smile to play her lips;
remembering when Kane had approached her; which coincidentally had been the
same night ‘Taker had gone on his extended leave. He had cautioned her that the
Undertaker was very likely to have at least her watched if not them both.
Kane had been right.
“As soon as I returned.”
“Clever little bitch.”
“If I was truly clever, I would have simply killed you the night
we-“
“Made love?” He suggested, his green eyes lighting with fire;
daring her to contradict him.
Lilith was ashamed to say she actually blushed, lowering her
eyes.
“Paul Bearer?”
“Knew only what Kane told him.”
“And the relation part?”
She scowled at that.
“Are you brother and sister?” He pressed.
“Piss off!”
“Well?”
“Kane and I have known
we’re not actual siblings for ages now, ‘Taker; if you must know.” Lilith said
finally, staring up at him defiantly. At his arched eyebrow, she inwardly
sighed. “Given Paul’s less than stellar history, and
the fact that he was constantly putting us in awkward situations that made me
suggest a DNA test.”
He had to give her this much, she wasn’t entirely ignorant. Then
he looked disgusted, literally pushing her away from him. “You’re LOVERS.” He
spat, trying not to picture his half-brother moving on Lilith the way he had,
touching the places he had; feeling physically ill.
She allowed another smile to cross her pale face.
“You WHORED yourself to me for the sake of revenge.”
“You loved me.” She said simply.
His expression turned dangerous.
“You STILL love me.” Lilith pressed, moving towards him; gently
running the palms of her hands up his chests; ignoring the warning in his eyes.
“I got in under your skin that night at the Ministry house when you couldn’t
take advantage of me.”
He remembered that night only too well, mildly surprised she did
too.
“And you were all too eager to jump on the assumption that I
could return the feeling,” She laughed dryly. “As IF.
After everything you had done to Kane wasn’t incentive enough to destroy you,
everything you put ME through during the Ministry days. Oh no, ‘Taker, I don’t
look at it as whoring myself for anything.”
He wanted nothing more than to desperately push her away but
found he couldn’t; cursing his weakness. This cold hearted bitch was right, she
had gotten in; when he had KNOWN better. If he hadn’t been so determined to put
all the darkness behind him, he would have seen right through her act. After
all, it was something he himself might have done.
As the Lord of Darkness at any rate.
“So maybe you’ll return sooner than we were hoping,” Lilith
continued after thoroughly enjoying the play of emotions that had reluctantly
been shown on his face. “Maybe you’ll destroy us both in the long run, but… in
the end; I’ve won.”
“How do you figure?” He asked bitterly.
“Because this-“ She tapped his chest,
right over his heart. “belongs to me. We just played a
merry little game, love, and I won.”
Disgusted with her, Kane as well as himself, Mark shoved her
away once more; not as hard as he had intended and cursed his own weakness.
Lilith watched him walk out of her hotel room, exhaling shakily
when the door slammed behind him. Without hesitating, she rushed over to slide
the deadbolt into place; resting her forehead against the door. “A wicked,
wicked game…” She murmured.
She had lost as well, though she would be the only one who ever
knew that. Some part of her had loved him as much as she had hated him. she hadn’t been able to reconcile those two pieces of
herself together, if she could have… things might have played out a little bit
differently.
When she heard the familiar sound of his Harley, she ran to the
window and peered out; placing her hand against the glass pane and watched as
‘Taker drove off like the hounds of hell were pursuing him. When in reality, it
was her memory driving him away; her words; her actions.
A single tear fell down her cheek that she didn’t bother wiping
away, allowing herself a moment to grieve for what might have possibly been if
maybe things had been different. When she was through; she wiped her face and
composed herself.
She loved Kane, she always had and when they had discovered that
they weren’t siblings… things had progressed from the familial love to
something more. But she wasn’t IN love with him nor
him with her. They were now simply intimate, best friends who shared a delicate
and tragic past together. As well as an unhealthy thirst for vengeance that –at
least on her part- had been slaked.
A visit to her now hospitalized lover was in order and then,
then she’d be going back to England. Where hopefully she could put all this
behind her, put him behind her. It was time to forget
the WWF, Mark and all the rest. She needed a new beginning.
Hopefully, Mark would have his as well.
THE END