Beginning of May 2014
"Hey Ambrose, just the guy I wanted to speak to." Hunter Hurst Helmsley said as he step out of the shadows of the empty hallway.
Dean had gotten lost in the arena and was trying to find his way back to the locker room, when he heard Hunter's voice. He was startled and spun around quickly, his eyes scanning every part of the hallway expecting to be attacked at any minute.
"Woh Woh calm down Ambrose. I am just here to make you an offer.", Hunter said, with his hands in the air. They didn't call him the Cerebral Assassin for nothing, he could see the writing on the wall. Even though, he had Batista and Orton in his corner, he didn't see things moving in their favor. Sure, Hunter had an ego a mile long but he was a realist and he could see this battle between the Shield and Evolution not ending in his favor. He could admit when his opponent had the upper hand but that didn't mean he had to accept it. No, he was Hunter Hurst Helmsley, The Game, and if things didn't go his way, he would bend them his way. So, it was time to start putting plan B into effect, he needed to feel the waters so to speak to see who would take the first bite.
Dean realized Hunter was by himself and relaxed a little "You don't have anything I want, Hunter.", he said and looked at the Cerebral Assassin defiantly .
Hunter gave him his most wicked of grins and chuckled a bit. "Oh really, so you are not interested in becoming the next World Heavyweight Champion?" As a unit the Shield was strong but there were cracks in the armor, all he had to do was hit it a little more and he would sever the frail tie that bounded them. They would then be easy pickings and they would no longer be the crowd favorite and he would continue to reign as King of Kings.
"And what would I have to do for this generous offer of yours?", Dean said with sarcasm. He knew that he, Roman and Seth were not getting along right now but that's what happens with brothers, right. He had a very unstable childhood and trusted no one, however he had come to trust and believe in Roman and Seth. They would always have his back and he would have theirs.
Hunter's voice was smooth and unaccusing as he made his case, "You wouldn't do anything, they wouldn't do, if they had the chance to be World Heavyweight Champion. Everyone keeps talking about what a powerhouse Roman Reigns is and how he could become The World Heavyweight Champion, but he lacks the mic. presences that you have and he is not as exciting as you are in the ring. Then there is Seth Rollins, who has held the Championship Title of just about every company he has been a part of and is expected to be World Champ of the WWE someday, but again he lacks the mic. presences and he doesn't draw the crowd the way you do." Hunter stopped and let his words sink in, he could see his words were having some effect, because Dean no longer looked as defiant and his hands were now by his sides instead of on his hips in the rebellious stance he was in a minute ago. He actually looked to be contemplating what Hunter had just said.
Hunter approached slowly and began to walk around him, as if a hunter checking out its prey. Dean turned his head keeping a wary eye on Hunter as he continued, "Are you going to allow them to hold you back? Look at what you have already accomplished without their help. You are the longest reigning US Champion think of what you can do as WWE World Heavyweight Champion but you will never know with your two sidekicks." Hunter's voice remained low, steady and confident drawing more and more of Dean's attention. He now stood in front of Dean. He had chosen to ask Dean first because his ring name said it all he was the Unstable and would be the easiest to persuade. He only had a short amount of time before their climatic battles would take place and he had to be prepared if Evolution lost.
Dean stayed silent for a moment thinking of what Hunter had just told him, these were things he himself had thought of on more than one occasion. No Hunter was using his insecurities and doubts to turn on his brothers since his antics so far have led only to defeat. "Fuck you Hunter! You are only trying to come between us because you can't beat us in the ring. One of us will be World Heavyweight Champion but it will be without your help.", he said with a snarl.
"Are you sure about that?! I am the boss, I am the King of Kings and I decide who will be World Heavyweight Champion and my choice is you.", he said as he pointed at Dean. "You have the whole package the looks, the presence, the draw of the crowd and most importantly you know your way around the microphone. Unless of course you are not up to the challenge and pressure of being the champ. I mean not everyone can stand alone, some of us need our friends. Maybe, I made the wrong choice. Maybe I should have asked the Architect of the Shield." Hunter turned to leave.
"Wait!", Dean said.
Hunter stopped and smirked. And there's the bite, he thought.