Chapter 26

The Shield along with Spencer cancelled Smackdown! off their agendas that week.

Jon stayed at the hospital with Milla until she could leave her brother's side and managed to convince her to come back to the hotel to get some sleep. They were staying there until Drake was released, which would hopefully be before Friday since the Shield had to head back on the road for house shows. Milla wasn't going and called Stephanie to request some personal time off to take care of her brother at home. Stephanie gave it to her instantly and told her to take her time. Her WWE career was the last thing on Milla's mind at the moment, especially after the brutality her brother suffered at the hands of Shane McMahon.

Spencer was in Colby's room sleeping as well, both women exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. Sleeping with Milla in his arms, Jon knew they had to have a talk sooner or later about how they felt for each other, but now wasn't the time. They had bigger things to worry about. Somehow, they both had a silent understanding and Milla obviously felt something for Jon or she wouldn't have kissed him or slept in his bed. Milla was more focused on making sure Drake made a full recovery and Jon wanted to put his plan for Shane McMahon in action.

Along with Colby, Jon got a few hours of sleep before they congregated in the sitting room with Joe, trying to strategize on what to do about their boss. Everything that happened on Raw had been directed at Milla and Jon didn't understand why. He honestly didn't mind inflicting pain on Drake because he hated the man. There was a consequence to hating Drake though and that was his sister Jon was in love with. If Jon hurt Drake, he hurt Milla in the process. Milla didn't come clean about everything Shane did to her and Jon wasn't sure he wanted to know at this point. He was afraid if he found out he would track Shane down and kill him.

Even Spencer's kidnapping tied in with Milla, though the boys had no idea about that twist either. Colby had mulled it over in his mind several times and couldn't understand why Shane would use Spencer of all people against them. Yes, they were in a phony relationship in order to trick Robert so he'd stay away from her, but that couldn't be the whole reason. And when did Shane suddenly side with Robert anyway? There were so many questions and not nearly enough answers. They really had to sit down with the women in their lives and find out just what the hell was going on lately. It seemed it was the only way they'd find out the complete truth and then they would have a better understanding of everything.

All 3 men sat there as silence filled the room, each in their own thoughts and Jon couldn't take it anymore, standing up to light a cigarette. The screen door was open to let some air inside, so Jon felt completely justified smoking without having to step on the balcony. He took a deep drag from his cigarette, letting the nicotine filter through his big body and closed his eyes, pacing while shaking his hand uncontrollably. It was one of his ticks whenever he was agitated, angry or restless, keeping them controlled for the most part. However, Jon couldn't seem to control it right now because his mind was racing, looking at his silent comrades.

He knew what they were thinking. They had worked hard to get to the main roster in WWE and crossing the boss would destroy everything they had. It wasn't a risk to be taken lightly, though Jon cared more about Milla than his wrestling career. If the WWE fired him, he'd simply go back to the Independents and pick up where he left off as Jon Moxley. Same with Colby as Tyler Black. Joe was the only one who would have to figure out what to do and start over from scratch if he did end up going to the Independents. Most of his family's legacy was in WWE and, once they left the company, they did something entirely different with their lives. Jon would hate to be in Joe's shoes, especially since none of this really had anything to do with him other than the fact he was part of the Shield.

"I want the WWE title." Jon finally broke the silence after a few more minutes, puffing away vigorously at his cigarette and watched his comrades' heads snap up, their eyes wide.

"That came out of left field." Joe stated, wondering where Jon's mind was these days and raised a brow. "Care to fill us in on what you're thinking, man?"

"Think about it." Jon blew smoke out and took his seat in one of the chairs, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. "What would be the ultimate slap in the face to Shane McMahon? Randy Orton is his handpicked champion right now. He didn't fucking earn that title, no matter how long he's been here. He sucks, plain and simple. If I took that title from him, Shane's power trip would crumble."

"But where is all of this coming from? Why do you suddenly want the WWE title?" Joe inquired, sipping a bottled water and could see the electricity flash through Jon's blue eyes. "I'm not against it, relax. I'm just trying to figure out when you decided to do this."

Jon snorted, taking one final drag from his cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray on the coffee table, leaning back against the chair. "I've always wanted to be the WWE champion. Who the hell hasn't? I know both of you do too. That's been my one goal since taking the developmental deal back in 2011. I've had one ultimate goal and that's being the top dog in this company. That should be your goals as well or you shouldn't be in this business." He didn't sugarcoat anything he said and meant it with every fiber of his being. "But after what that asshole did to Milla and Spencer, let's just say I have added incentive to bring down Shane McMahon and his corporate champion."

"That's good." Colby finally spoke up, rubbing his hands together and looked up with determined hard dark eyes. "Because I want the World title from RVD." At Survivor Series, Robert had won the World Heavyweight title from Alberto and had gloated about it ever since to anyone who would listen. "I'm gonna beat him with an inch of his fucking life and take that title from him for everything he did to Spencer."

Joe looked at his friends bewildered and wondered how long they'd been planning to do this. "Whatever you guys want, you know I'm there." He finally said, standing up to walk in the small kitchen to grab a snack.

Clapping Colby on the back, Jon grinned with a firm nod. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you guys obtain your goals and get revenge for everything that's happened. You got my word on that. We have each other's back, no matter who the hell is champions."

"He's not the only one who wants revenge. I do too."

"So do I."

The men first looked to the left at Milla standing in Jon's bedroom doorway and then snapped their heads to the right, where Spencer stood in Colby's. Milla and Spencer heard every word they said, wanting in on the action. Overcome with emotion at the sight of her best friend, Milla crossed the room to where Spencer stood and felt ill at the monstrous bruises on her face. How could someone do this to a sweet woman like Spencer? It made no sense, she didn't deserve what happened to her and Milla still blamed herself for the kidnapping. Spencer smiled weakly and cupped Milla's face in her hands, wiping away the few stray tears that slid from her eyes with her thumbs.

"This isn't your fault." This was the first time Spencer had a chance to speak with Milla and wanted those to be the first words her friend heard. "I don't blame you for this, Milla."

"But I should've protected you." Milla argued, resting her hands on Spencer's shoulders and sniffled, trying to control her emotions. "I was stupid to ask you to go for a jog with me so late at night. None of this would've happened if I-"

Spencer pressed a finger to Milla's lips, shaking her head as tears slid down her own bruised face and pulled her into a tight hug. "Stop, please. You didn't know what Shane and that bastard Robert had planned. None of us did. You have to stop blaming yourself, Milla. Even if you did see the attack coming, there's no way you would've stopped them from taking me. I'm okay. I'm back where I belong and that's what you have to focus on, not the past. It can't be changed. You're still my best friend and I won't let you beat yourself up over this a second longer, do you hear me?"

Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, Milla could only nod and silently sent a prayer of thanks up above to whoever was listening. "I'm just glad you're safe." Milla pulled back to stare down into Spencer's leaf green eyes, gingerly running her thumb across the laceration on her friend's face.

"What do you mean you were attacked?" Jon demanded, having excellent hearing and didn't miss what Spencer said, no matter how soft-spoken she was. "So you two were together the night Spencer was kidnapped?"

"Jon…" Colby was on his feet as well, holding his hand up because he didn't want his friend scaring Spencer. "Let's hear what they have to say before you blow up and take all of us with you."

"Colby's right, sit down and stay calm." Joe ordered, walking over to both women and flashed a friendly smile. "Come on, let's all sit down and have a talk. You can fill us in on what we've apparently missed."

Milla and Spencer looked at each other, both of them silently agreeing with Joe's suggestion. It was time for the truth. They sat down on the couch together with Joe on the other side of Spencer, Colby and Jon remaining in their chairs. Spencer had the answers to Milla's questions regarding the night of their jog after Survivor Series. Whatever came out of her best friend's mouth, Milla knew she wouldn't like and held Spencer's hand the entire time to assure her everything was alright.

"Where do we start?" Spencer quietly asked, more to herself than the other people in the room and looked up at Milla. "How much do you remember?"

"Nothing. I remember jogging a little ahead of you and arriving at the entrance in the parking garage of the hotel. That's it. Everything else is blank after that." Milla explained truthfully, lowering her gaze from Spencer as another wave of guilt crashed over her.

Spencer's eyes shot open, realizing Milla had no idea who attacked her and had to take a deep breath to slow her sudden racing heart. "So you don't know who attacked you?" Obviously she knew who kidnapped Spencer, but Robert wasn't alone that night.

"No." Milla shook her head, pursing her lips tightly together and swallowed hard. "Do you? Did you see who attacked me that night?"

"Yes I did. Milla…" Spencer felt fresh tears sting her eyes and released Milla's hand, tearing a hand through her burgundy hair. "It was AJ." Milla didn't say a single word when she heard that and shut her eyes, clenching her fists tightly in front of her. "She hit you with a crowbar in the back of the head and then Robert shoved me into a getaway car. I don't remember anything past hearing the squealing tires, so I have no idea what AJ did because Robert left her there to take care of you…"

Jon couldn't believe what he heard and could feel the anger welling up in his body, immediately igniting another cigarette. "That little…that little CUNT…hit her with a fucking CROWBAR?" He raised his voice slightly, the sound nothing more than a growl of barely contained rage.

"My god, none of you know about this, do you?" Spencer looked at each Shield member and swallowed hard when they all simultaneously shook their heads. "Jesus…"

"Go on." Jon ordered, wanting to go to Milla because she still hadn't said a word or moved a muscle and could feel her despair over this situation.

"That's all I really know, unfortunately. Robert kept me locked up and took me back to his home in LA for the week I was gone." 4 pairs of eyes moved to stare at Milla because it was her turn to talk about what happened after Spencer was taken. "Talk to us, Milla. We're all here for you, sweetheart."

Keeping her eyes closed, Milla slowly reached behind her head and felt the slight bump from where AJ struck her, gritting her teeth. "I woke up in the hospital with…with…" She suddenly stood up from the couch and began pacing, shoving anything that got out of her way. "With that…that LOWLIFE…" Milla couldn't say Shane's name and felt sick to her stomach, tears flowing down her cheeks. "It was a setup. This was ALL a fucking setup! He had my brother the WHOLE time I was at home on bed rest in Indianapolis! H-He orchestrated my attack and Spencer being kidnapped with AJ and Robert all because…"

Spencer shook her head at Jon when he stood up to go console Milla, knowing that wouldn't be wise right now. "Because why, Milla? What aren't you telling us?" She pressed, hating to push her friend this hard because of how much emotional turmoil Milla was in, but they needed answers. "Why did Shane do all of this?"

Milla suddenly stopped and kept her back to everyone, planting a hand on the wall. "He wants me." Feeling a surge of anger course through her veins, Milla hauled off and punched the wall as hard as she could with her other hand. "HE WANTS ME!" She repeated in a scream and started kicking the wall as hard as she could, flipping over the nearby table as the lamp crashed to the floor. "HE DESTROYED MY BROTHER AND HAD SPENCER KIDNAPPED TO USE AS COLLATERAL AGAINST ME!" Slumping to her knees, Milla buried her face in her hands and sobbed violently, all the pieces to the puzzle finally coming together. "All because of me…"

Jon ignored Spencer's warning and rushed over to Milla's side, wrapping his arms tightly around her upper body as she cried harder. "I'm here, baby girl. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere." He crooned in her ear, tightening his hold when she tried breaking free and could feel her entire body quaking against him. "What did Shane do to you? What happened last night at the show before we joined you at the entrance?"

Before Milla could open her mouth to answer him, a knock sounded at the door. "I'll get it." Joe stated, his head spinning with everything he just heard and knew that was his expecting visitor, opening the door. "Come in." He guided them both inside, wondering if this was such a good idea or not.

When everyone looked up at who entered the suite with Joe, they stared back at none other than AJ and Nick.