It was the Thursday after Survivor Series that Stephanie sat in the back of the make shift office Vince had set up in the Cincinnati arena. Vince wasn't there of course; he was having yet another meeting with detectives about what had happened at Survivor Series. Halfway through the night Steve Austin had been involved in a hit and run incident and left for dead. Steph had been there when it happened; she'd seen Austin lying motionless on the floor. She couldn't shake the image from her mind, it haunted her not only because it was the most disturbing thing she had ever seen but because she knew who was responsible. She was. It was her fault Austin was lying in a hospital bed, not knowing if he'd ever recover. Steph was consumed by guilt, when she had told Hunter to 'take' Austin out of the match she hadn't meant like this. She had told him to be creative but he had gone too far, even for her. Attacking someone to put them out of action was one thing but attempted murder? She had known when she got involved with Hunter he was ruthless and merciless, they didn't call him the cerebral assassin for nothing but she never entertain the idea he could go this far. of course no one else knew who was responsible, accusations were flying all over the place everyone trying to pin the blame on someone else but Steph was certain Hunter was behind this, it was just too coincidental. Although she felt certain she had not heart the confession from Hunter's mouth, in fact she hadn't spoken to him at all since it happened. He'd been calling and texting her non-stop but she hadn't responded, she didn't know what the hell to say to him. Besides Vince was now even more on edge he barely let any of the family out of his sight.

Steph thought back to Sunday night, the image of Austin burning in her mind. She felt sick to her stomach at the memory. Clearly she had underestimated Hunter's desire to win, to be the best. Did being World Champion really mean that much to him? That he would not only end another man's career but potentially his life as well to get it? She tried to shake away these thoughts but she couldn't. Hunter's extreme behaviour was disturbing; she was starting to think she might have gotten in over her head. The ironic thing was that it hadn't really mattered anyway; Hunter had still lost out on the title. Steph had no idea what Hunter thought would happen with Austin out of the match, maybe it would go down to five men or maybe it would be cancelled? But Steph knew her father better than that, he would never let the crowd be disappointed especially not at the main even of one of the big four pay-per-views of the year. Instead Austin had been replaced last minute by Big Show. Show dominated the match with his sheer presence but it seemed Hunter was going to manage to catch the title until Vince had intervened and struck Hunter with the belt. It had been all over from there, Hunter couldn't recover and Show was crowned the new champion. Steph had received some furious messages from Hunter after the show, violent ramblings about what he was going to do to her father. After seeing the lengths Hunter had gone to in order to get rid of Austin Steph was getting increasingly worried about what he would do to Vince. Steph had wanted to punish her father, strip him of everything he had worked so hard to build but as much as she hated him she didn't want him hospitalized. Steph's cell phone buzzed for the millionth time that day and a text flashed up, she didn't even need to check its sender.

HUNTER: I need to see you now. You can't ignore me forever. H

Steph took a deep breath and deleted it along with all the others she had received from Hunter in the past week.

"Who was that?" Andrew asked watching the current match on the TV.

Steph turned to face her fiancé sitting beside her on the couch; she had completely forgotten he was there. She been in a sort of trance the past week trying to process all that had happened. Andrew had been pushing her more and more about the wedding, going over the last minute details. The wedding was the last thing on earth she wanted to talk about, every time she thought about it she felt sick. She did her best to push it from her mind, that in less than two weeks she would be Andrew's wife…and not Hunters. The Stone Cold incident had allowed her a helpful respite from Andrews's excitement. Steph explained how she felt so traumatised by the whole thing she couldn't really think about anything else at all, let alone the wedding. She had suggested maybe the postpone the whole thing but both Andrew and Vince had quashed that idea, saying that with everything that was going on they all needed something happy to look forward to. She had finally given in to Andrew today about going through some wedding presents; he said it would help take her mind off things. So for the past hour she had sat there opening gravy boasts and coffee makers ooohing and aaahhing when she felt it was the necessary moment. Andrew was in his element, like a five year old on Christmas morning. What an idiot.

"Oh it was no one, just Hilda…confirming some things for the wedding." She lied. "Bride's stuff."

Andrew nodded and went back to ripping the paper off a large square box. "Oh wow Steph look saucepans!"

"Fascinating." Steph said uninterestedly as she picked up the latest WWF magazine and flicked through it.

He moved onto a slightly smaller box and ripped back the lilac paper, but was far too quick with his motion and ended up knocking himself in the nose. "OW!" he roared in agony. "My nose!"

Stephanie turned languidly to him and saw Andrew clutching at his nose desperately. Stephanie rolled her eyes, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah…it still throbs so bad from Monday night." He muffled. "I can't believe Billy Gunn breaking my nose just a few weeks before our wedding!!! Apart of me thinks he did it on purpose you know…I guess that's why they call him Mr. Ass!"

Stephanie didn't respond. She thought back to Andrew's match against Billy from the past RAW, Billy had been particularly harsh on Andrew doing lots of sneak moves and inflicting as much pain as possible. He'd particularly been focusing on his face. Stephanie didn't want to tell Andrew the real reason Billy had broken his nose that Hunter had told him too. Andrew went happily back to opening presents and Stephanie continued with her magazine.

"And look a matching griddle pan!" Andrew exclaimed in genuine excitement. "They're stainless steel, classic and simple. They're perfect for you."

"Uh-huh." Stephanie replied flicking another page, then paused. "Wait what? What do you mean perfect for me?"

Andrew turned to her and replied matter-of-factly, "For when you cook Steph."

Stephanie stared at him incredulously. "I don't cook."

Andrew chuckled, "I know that I've tasted your food. But once we're married all that will change. I've always loved the idea of coming home to my wife having prepared dinner."

Stephanie gaped at him in shock, "Andrew this is 1999 it's almost a new millennium not 1955!"

Andrew looked confused, "No I know but I mean once the kids…"

"KIDS? What kids?" she yelled.

"Our kids." He replied.

"We don't have any kids."

"Not yet."

"Not ever." Stephanie snapped. "I don't even know if I want kids, and if I do it will be a hell of a long way into the future. And if that's the kind of future you see for us I think we need to have a serious talk! I don't want to be your Stepford wife!"

Andrew looked hurt by her words. "Steph where is all this coming from?"

Steph didn't have time to answer before the office door burst open. Vince and Shane both flew towards the arguing couple. Vince was practically crimson, shaking with rage; Shane seemed to be doing his best to calm his father down but to no avail. Vince was raging; he kicked the trash can across the room and roared in anger.

"Vince what's happened?" Andrew asked.

Stephanie had a sinking feeling in her stomach that she knew who had riled Vince up even before he answered.

"That DAMNED DX!!!" he roared. "They're out of control, they're animals!"

Andrew stepped forward, "What the hell have they done now?"

This time it was Shane who answered, ""They attacked Brisco and Patterson. Messed 'em up pretty bad too." He added seriously.

"Jesus." Andrew responded.

"It's all Triple H!" Vince continued, Stephanie felt herself go rigid at the mention of Hunter's name. "He's a madman! It wouldn't surprise me if he had some hand in what happened to Austin! That's what I told the cops just now!"

Stephanie jumped up to face him, "Dad you can't just throw allegations around with no proof!"

Vince stared at his daughter in disbelief, "Steph how can you say that after everything the man has done? Who the hell knows what he's capable of?"

Stephanie decided not to push it any further the mood Vince was in she might just end up making things worse for Hunter and DX. Inside she cursed him for his attack on Brisco and Patterson, what was he thinking? After what happened to Austin he needed to lay low not attack a couple of old men. She knew he was just doing it to rile Vince, Brisco and Patterson were two of his oldest and closest friends, although he treated them like lackeys they still meant a lot to him. They meant a lot to Steph too, they were practically family and Hunter knew that. Maybe Vince was right, who knew what Hunter was truly capable of?

There was a knock at the door, Vince spun round and yelled, "WHAT?"

A very nervous and shaky employee entered, doing his very best not to make eye contact with Vince. He was carrying a small white envelope, one which usually came with greeting cards. "Err…Mr McMahon I have a message for you…" he stammered.

Vince eyed him suspiciously. "Who from?"

The guy looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else before he finally answered, "D-D-D…DX."

There was a sharp intake of breath from everyone in the room as Vince's eyes were transfixed by the envelope. Gingerly he reached forward and took it, turning it over in his hands as if to find some sign of potential danger. The delivery guy didn't waste another minute before fleeing the room, slamming the door behind him. Vince moved closer to where his family stood, his face scrunched in confusion.

"What is it dad?" Shane asked, clearly concerned.

"It's not for me." Vince replied. "It's for Stephanie."

Stephanie could have sworn she felt her heart stop the moment she heard Vince say her name. Fear and panic rushed through her entire body as her brother, father and fiancé all stared at her in utter bewilderment.

"What?" she croaked.

"It's addressed to you Steph." Vince said glaring at her. "Why would Triple H send you a message?"

Stephanie's breathing was becoming increasingly erratic, her mind racing desperately trying to come up with some sort of explanation. Thankfully Andrew stepped forward,

"It's obviously some sort of trick." He said putting one arm around Stephanie, "He's trying to get at you through Steph."

Vince nodded, "Maybe." He said as he moved to open it.

"WAIT!" Stephanie yelled launching herself forward. "Let me open it."

"Why?" Vince and Andrew asked simultaneously.

"It's addressed to me…" she said, wanting to phrase her words carefully. "…it might be something…private."

Again all three men stared at her in disbelief.

"Private? Between you and Triple H?" Vince growled. "Why the hell would there be something private between you two?"

Stephanie shrugged, "How am I meant to know? He sent it to me; I just think we need to be careful…after what happened to Brisco and Patterson…"

Shane stepped forward, "Steph don't worry, we won't let him do anything to you."

Stephanie smiled weakly. She prayed Hunter hadn't done anything else that put her in jeopardy.

Vince just grunted as he slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a square compliment card. It had a few lines scribbled on it but Stephanie couldn't make out what it said. Vince scanned it silently for a few moments and frowned.

"What does it say?" Andrew asked anxiously.

"It's an invitation." Vince replied in a growl. "It says 'Dearest Stephanie, In light of your upcoming nuptials D-Generation-X would like you wish you all the happiness and luck for the future. Please come meet our limo in the parking lot where you will receive a very special present.'"

"That's it?" Stephanie asked hopefully.

"That's it." Vince replied showing her the card.

Stephanie breathed a deep sigh of relief as she read the text for herself.

"It must be a trap." Andrew said seriously.

Stephanie looked up at him and shook her head, "Well obviously it's a trap!" she replied. God he was such an idiot.

"What should we do?" Shane asked.

Vince, Shane and Andrew launched in a frantic discussion of how best to respond to the note but Stephanie was distracted by her phone vibrating in her pocket. Casually she pulled it out not wanting to draw the attention of the others, who thankfully seemed to be too busy arguing amongst themselves to take notice of Stephanie. Fear returned to her instantly as she read the most recent text;

HUNTER: Come to the limo now…or someone else is going to get hurt.

Stephanie quickly tucked the phone back in her pocket. She knew now what Hunter's behaviour had been about, it was all a message to her that he wouldn't be ignored. She knew she couldn't put off facing him any longer. She had to stop this before it got even more out of control. She quickly turned back to the conversation;

"Let me go out there." She said firmly.

Andrew shook his head in disapproval whilst Shane just sighed. Vince however rolled his eyes and gave Stephanie a very patronising look. "Don't be so ridiculous Stephanie."

"I am not being ridiculous." She said getting frustrated by her father's response.

Vince puffed in frustration, "Steph we don't have time to play games ok, let us deal with this and you get back to picking China patterns or something ok? This is business."

Stephanie glared at the three men, each one of them so desperate to protect her and keep her safe they all saw her as a little girl, weak and fragile. And it pissed her off. She wasn't a china doll, she wouldn't break so easily. That was always one of the things Hunter said he loved about her most. How strong she was. It just seemed to be something no one else could see.

"Hunter wouldn't hurt me." She protested.

"Hunter?" Andrew asked giving her a puzzling look.

Stephanie went to respond but Vince interrupted.

"Enough of this." He said firmly. "Test you go."

Andrew nodded at his soon to be father-in-law, placed a soft kiss on Stephanie's cheek and headed toward the parking lot. Stephanie scowled at her father and sat back down without another word removing her cell from her pocket again. She re-read Hunter's final message. Something bad was going to happen now, something which would only make things worse. Vince was on his cell telling the tech guys to bring the cameras out to the parking lot so they could follow what was going on. Shane and Vince remained standing as they watched Andrew slowly approach the parked limousine. The car park was completely deserted; Andrew approached the limo gingerly, peering against the window. He looked around but still found no sign of anything untoward. Cautiously Andrew opened the door and peered in, then turned back to the camera,

"I can't see anything…" he began to say before he was suddenly pushed hard up against the side of the limo.

Roadogg, X-Pac and Billy Gunn all appeared at Andrew's side and started pummelling him mercilessly, punching and kicking laughing as they did so. X-Pac kicked Andrew one final time in the ribs with an evil cackle before heading over to the drivers seat at the front. Roadogg and Billy continued to beat on Andrew, again smashing his nose in.

"Here you go pretty boy!" Billy yelled as he smacked Andrew hard in the face with the palm of his hand before grabbing him by the waist and throwing Andrew head first into the back seat.

Billy and Roadogg followed behind slamming the door behind them muffling Andrew's cries of pain. Back in the office all three McMahon's stared in horror as they watched the limo speed away. Vince turned to Shane,

"Let's go!" they headed toward the door, Stephanie closely behind when Vince paused. "No Steph you wait here."

"Dad, Andrew's my fiancé!" she protested loudly.

Vince shook his head, "It's too dangerous! Do as I say and STAY HERE!" Vince yelled and flung the office door open without another word. This was one of those moments that were not up for discussion.

Shane gave his sister a reassuring look, "Don't worry Sis, we'll get Andrew back! DX wont get away with this!" and followed his father shutting the door behind him.

Stephanie flew towards the door and smacked her hand against it hard. "GOD DAMIT!" she yelled. She didn't care about Andrew, DX could do whatever the hell they wanted with him but she was getting increasingly concerned over Hunter's actions. He was getting more and more out of control. After what had happened to Brisco and Patterson things were bad but Vince wouldn't let this go. Stephanie felt responsible again; this was all a result of her ignoring Hunter all week. She'd finally got his message loud and clear. With a heavy sigh she made her way back to sit on the couch and wait for news from Vince. As she did so she heard the door open behind her again, she turned expecting to see her father or brother return but caught her breath in her throat at the site of her visitor.

"Hello stranger." Hunter growled as he strode in.

"What are you doing here?" Stephanie croaked.

Hunter grinned at her, "Well I had to try and get you alone someone didn't I?" he said locking the door behind him.