A/N: I am trying here to write something that doesn't center around romance. :) How's it working? With the loss of 10 WWE superstars, I felt it only right to go a little behind the scenes and bring a hint of fact to this story. Hope you enjoy. I dedicate this to the two people that have unrelenting reviewed my stories. With deepest thanks this is for Lance Cortex and Mentally- Unstable.

Eric stood at the bathroom sink, out of habit he reached for his razor. Mumbling a curse under his breath, he ran his hands over the gray stubble, that now graced his once smooth face. He splashed cold water on himself, hoping it would help clear his mind. For almost a month now, he had been in a rut. His desire and passion for the business was slowly dwindling away. It was different when he ran WCW. In those days, he was younger, had determination and was out to prove everyone wrong. Since reluctantly joining WWE, he felt like the life had literally been sucked out of him. He had been accused of being a sell-out and of selling his soul to the 'devil'. And he was beginning to wonder if that were indeed accurate. He studied his wearied reflection in the mirror, noticing lines that weren't there a month ago. He raked a hand through his natural, short, gray hair, relishing the freedom of not having to dye it anymore. He buttoned up his black dress shirt and walked into the bedroom. Glancing at the large numbers on the digital clock on the night stand, he decided it was time to tackle the hardest job of the day, waking his girl. At least she would brighten his day. He sat on the edge of the bed and snatched the covers away. She curled up into a ball, mumbling something about the light. He smiled to himself, how lucky was he to have her in his life he thought to himself. He reached over and shook her gently, she slapped his arm away, and smiled, still half asleep.

"Good morning, sleepy head!" Eric said, as he playfully ruffled her hair. "Ready to face the spawns of Satan?"

Mel sat up on the bed, pulling the cover back over her. "Must we talk about the Satan seeds, so early in the morning? We'll get enough of the Mc Mahons tonight I'm sure."

Eric nodded and kissed her forehead. "I'll go get coffee while you shower, unless you prefer I join you."

Mel beamed. "Why Mr Bischoff, that sounds like an offer I can't refuse. But you are already dressed, and you look so good too." She leaned in closer, planting kisses on his neck. He shivered slightly, letting his head fall to the side, giving her more of an unobstructed path. Her hands made their way inside his shirt, he savored the softness of her warm hands against his chest. She delicately traced circles around his nipples, they hardened instantly. She nipped his earlobe with her teeth, and slid her tongue inside his ear, causing him to rock with the motion of her tongue. He moaned, and removed her arms from his neck. Turning to face her, he pulled her into him, crushing her breasts against him, as he planted a deep kiss on her. His tongue finding it's way to hers, she welcomed him, drawing his tongue deeper inside her mouth. His heart raced, as he tugged at the straps of her tank top. She shrugged lose of the restraining garment, her bare breast exposed to him. He openly admired her, she was so beautiful. He let his hands explore, taking in all of her. He stood up, hating and hurting to be away from her for even one second. He struggled to undo his belt. The phone ringing, temporarily distracted him. Mel pouted, and removed her skimpy shorts and panties, revealing all of herself, as Eric looked from her to the ringing phone. "I'm sorry babe. I need to take this." She rolled her eyes, threw her panties at him and excused herself to the shower, as Eric submerged himself in the phone conversation.

"Baby, I'm so sorry about earlier. Can you forgive me?" He pulled a cup of White Chocolate latte from behind his back and handed it to her.

"I forgive you this time but just so you know, you're gonna pay." She grinned and kissed his cheek.

"Oh, no. That's not fair. I apologized and I brought you a latte. None, of your revenge plots now. Come on. Mel? Mel? Come on, don't do me like this. Not the silent treatment." Mel smiled seductively and got in the passenger side of the car.

"Mel, we have a three hour drive ahead of us. You can't give me the silent treatment. I need to talk to you about something serious."

Mel gave him a cautionary glance and stuck out her tongue. "Ok, Mel. You win. I'm a bad man. Happy now?"

"I suppose I can let my need for revenge slid this time. But only cause I love you so much."

"And I you." Eric walked around the car and pumped the gas. He heard Mel's cell phone ring and heard her yakking away. Probably to Nidia, he thought. Those two were inseparable, he swore they were long lost sisters. They had the same uncanny sense of humor and were pure trouble when they got together. He shuddered at the memory of the last practical joke they had pulled. He topped of the gas and screwed on the cap. Getting in the car, he gave her a kiss on the cheek, as she continued chatting away and pulled out into the traffic.

After three hours of driving, one detour, and an hour of listening to Mel and Nidia talk about shoes, he was almost happy to be at the arena. Looking around the parking area reserved for the talent, he noticed that Vince's limo was no where to been seen. He did however notice the SUV that belonged to the younger Mc Mcahon, Stephanie. Melony and Eric locked eyes. "You don't think, she's running things tonight, do you?" Mel asked, with apparent distaste on her face.

Eric shrugged his shoulders, hoping for the best. "She's probably just here because she can't get her head out of Tripley's ass. You know she's been here more since the whole diva search contest. That did nothing for her trust level." He smiled, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, as they walked into the arena. They're contentment was short lived, as they spotted the youngest seed of Satan, walking towards them.

"Ugh! Do you have to hang all over each other like two love sick teenagers? Really Eric, aren't you old enough to be her father?" Stephanie turned her nose with distaste.

"Nice to see you too Stephanie." Mel said, as she gave Eric a kiss on the lips and left her two bosses, to go in search of Nidia.

"This type of behavior is inappropriate Eric. You can't just go around sleeping your way through the roster. Now let's move on to the pre production meeting. Daddy is ill, and won't be here. So I have taken it upon myself to take over tonight, with Hunter's help of course. Come on, everyone's waiting."

Eric looked at Stephanie, appalled at what she had just implied. He reached out and grabbed her by her fore arm, spinning her around. "Listen here Mrs. Mc Mahon-Helmsley- Levesque, whatever you go by these days. I am not sleeping my way anywhere. I took no pages out of your book. Unlike you and Hunter, I have a real relationship, based on pure, genuine feelings. I love Mel and our relationship is none of your concern. I'm here to do a job. I make sure things get done like they are suppose to and that's all that matters. NOW, we may continue to this meeting of yours." Stephanie searched for a rebuttal, but came up short as she huffed and puffed and followed Bischoff into the meeting.

"Hey girlie! Your hair looks great." Mel said as she walked into the women's locker room, greeting Nidia with a hug. Nidia squealed excitedly.

"Oh my God, Mel, you will not believe what I got." Nidia was jumping up and down like a kid at Christmas. Her brunette curls springing with her. Melony laughed.

"What? What are you so excited about?"

Nidia took a deep breath, and swallowed her gum. "Ok, well you know how I got a big push since being on Raw, and my salary increased, well..." She took another deep breath.

"What? What did you buy?"

"A house! Girl, I bought my first house. My very own house!" Nidia threw her arms around Mel. Embracing each other, they danced around the locker room, singing. "A house. A house. My very own house." They finally stopped, short of breath and fell out laughing.

"Nidia, I am so happy for you! This is the greatest news I've heard today."

"So, are you even going to ask me where the house is?"

"Oh, well, I just assumed it was in Houston near your mom. Where is the house Nidia?"

Nidia fell back against the wall, laughing hysterically. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she looked at her dearest friend. "I bought a house in your neighborhood, in San Antonio."

Melony's mouth literally fell open. "Oh Nidia. You didn't? You did!" Mel's own eyes watered, as she realized the sacrifice Nidia had made to be close to her. "What about your family?"

Nidia shrugged her shoulders. Tears still glistened in her eyes. "I'll only be a few hours away. They have been around me my whole life. Besides you are my family too. I want our future children to grow up together. I want us to live close, so we can hit all the malls together, hang out more and I need you to help me decorate."

"Nidia, I am so gonna kill you. You are making me cry. I love you so much girl! This is so great. My mind is already planning a barbeque."

"Ooohh, barbeque! And cold beer." The two laughed and fell against each other.

Eric walked out of the office, slamming the door shut. He had finally reached his breaking point. The Mc Mahons had screwed with the wrong man. He would no longer be a petty pawn in the mix of their power struggle. The line had been drawn and crossed. He pulled out his cell phone, deciding if he had sold his soul to one devil he might as well make a deal with another. "Hello. Heyman? This is Bischoff."

TBC