Chapter Twenty-Five

Emma stands in the ring, waiting for Charlotte to come out. Of course, she knows there's more to the match than just Charlotte. She watches as the other woman steps out onto the ramp. The music stops and is immediately replaced by Stephanie's. Emma frowns as she watches Stephanie step out.

"I forgot to mention something to you earlier," Stephanie says. "This match isn't just against Charlotte."

Emma frowns even more when she sees Paige, Seth, and Randy step out onto the ramp with Charlotte and Stephanie. She shakes her head and watches Stephanie laugh softly.

"This match is a handicap match against Charlotte and Randy Orton."

Emma backs herself into the corner as the four members of the Authority stalk the ring. She looks at the ref, pleading with him not to let this happen.

"Oh and Emma. If you walk away, you can just pack your bags." Stephanie turns and walks to the back once again as the bell rings.

Emma watches as Randy stalks towards her. She shrinks back as much as she possibly can. She screams when he grabs her hair. She grabs onto his wrists, trying to pull him off.

"You can't hide, bitch," Randy yells. He pulls her out of the corner and tosses her toward Charlotte.

It's a short time later when Randy is cornering her once again. She pulls herself up against the turnbuckles and stares at him. As he approaches, she reaches back and slaps him with everything she has, which only angers him more. He grips her neck and growls. Reaching up, she grabs onto his wrists. She can hear the crowd start cheering and knows it's time for her save.

Dean slides into the ring and jumps Randy. He throws the man to the mat and steps between him and Emma. "Come on," he yells. He watches as Randy rolls out of the ring. He takes the microphone and starts pacing the ring. "Come on, Orton," he yells. "Can't fight with me?"

Emma looks over when Roman slides into the ring from where he had been battling Seth. He nods at her as he steps up beside her. She holds her side.

"Tell you what," Dean continues. "We're gonna make this simple." He points between Randy and Charlotte. "You got your partner. Emma?" He smirks and points to himself. "She has hers. Let's go! Right now! Or, you know, Roman and I can just kick the both of your asses." He says the last part as he points between Randy and Seth. He drops the microphone as he steps back. He looks over at Emma, frowning when he sees her holding her side. He steps over as Stephanie's music hits. "You okay?"

Emma nods. "Yeah," she answers.

"Why am I not surprised by the two of you coming out here?" Stephanie asks. "Can't keep your…"

"You think you're pretty clever, Stephanie," Roman interrupts. "But you see…" He smirks. "We know something that you don't."

"Oh? And what's that?"

Roman shakes his head. "No, that's not how it works. Right now, this match is going to be restarted. It's going to be a two on two match. But it sure ain't gonna be Emma and Charlotte. No, it's going to be Dean and I against your two puppets here."

Stephanie laughs. "You don't make the rules around here, I do." She waves for her group to retreat. "Yours is coming."

Dean looks at Emma as they head to the back. "Sure you're okay?"

Emma nods. "Yeah, I'm good." She walks through the curtain with Dean and Roman right behind her. She's a little surprised to feel Dean's hand rest on her lower back. She looks at him. "I'm okay, Dean."

He nods. "I know." He leans down and gives her a quick kiss. "Doesn't mean I can't worry about you."

She smiles at him. "I like that you worry."

"Yeah?"

She nods. "It's nice to know someone cares."

"I do care, Short Stack." He kisses her one more time.

She watches him for a moment, hoping that he would continue with that. She isn't surprised when he doesn't. "I'm going to grab something to drink."

"Okay. Want me to come with?"

She shrugs. "If you want."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "What's with you?"

"Nothing. I'm thirsty. You coming or not?"

He shakes his head. "No, go without me." He watches as she walks away.

"What did you do?" Roman asks.

"Why the hell do you think I did something?" Dean sighs at the look Roman gives him. "Yeah, okay. But I have no clue." He shrugs. "It's like she just decided to…" He sighs. "I don't know. Guess I better go find out."

"Probably a good idea." Roman squeezes Dean's shoulder. "Good luck."

"Yeah, thanks."

Dean walks into catering and looks around. He sees Emma sitting with a small group, wrinkling his nose when he sees how close Alex Riley is to her. It's nothing though, right? It's simply because Emma's that kind of person. But then Dean sees the way Alex leans closer to say something to her, all while sliding his arm to the back of her chair. That's the start of what sets him off, but then he sees the smile on Emma's face. Dean growls as he walks over. He quickly pulls Alex's chair away from Emma.

"Do not touch my girl," he growls.

"Dean!" Emma says as she stands up.

"He had his hands all over you." Dean looks at Emma.

"He did not."

"Why the hell was he whispering to you? Huh?"

"Dean, you're overreacting."

"I'm overreacting?" He snorts. "When I see you give him the smile that I've only see you give me? Yeah, I'm going to react, Emma."

"What are you talking about?"

He stares down at her. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?" He shakes his head. "I knew this was going to happen. I'm never gonna be good enough for you. It's obvious to everyone."

"Dean…"

"So why not go to him? It's obvious you want to."

"Obvious to who? I don't want him, Dean." She stares at him, baffled by this entire situation. "Dean…"

"Are you sleeping with him?"

She stares up at him in disbelief. How could he ask her such a thing? "Dean…"

"Wow, I guess that's my answer."

"No, that isn't your answer." She looks around, noticing everyone is watching them. "Can we do this somewhere else?"

"No." He shakes his. "Answer the damn question, Emma. Are you fucking him?"

Emma rubs her arms. "You should know the answer to that, Dean. Because until you? I hadn't been with anyone in nearly two years." She pushes at him to walk by. "I can't believe you, Dean."

"I saw…"

"You saw what you wanted to see." She walks out of the room.

"You are a complete jackass," Alex says. He shakes his head. "You better hope she forgives you after this."

"Fuck you." Dean walks out and down toward his shared locker room. He pushes the door open, stopping quickly when he hears soft crying. He frowns as he peaks inside to see Emma wrapped in Roman's arm.

"Why doesn't he love me?" Emma cries.

Dean frowns. Does she really think he doesn't love her?