Chapter 19

Just as Shane turned the corner to walk down the corridor, Tahlia walked out to head down to gorilla position and collided right with him. She stumbled backwards a little, feeling a hand grab her wrist and blinked, slowly looking up at none other than Shane McMahon. He was handsome, but nothing compared to Taker and had a certain charm about him. Definitely a looker on the eyes, nothing like his Daddy.

"I'm sorry about that, Shane. I didn't watch where I was going." She murmured the quiet apology, lowering her amber eyes from him and eyeballed his hand around her wrist.

Would he hurt her?

Would he believe she'd left the Ministry and buy the ruse?

Shane had heard the rumor that Tahlia had shown up sans Ministry tonight, but he hadn't given it much thought. He was not Vince; he wasn't interested in waging a war with a genuine psychopath and liked living. Seeing her now, without all that dark crap caked on her face and her hair normal, without the Acolytes, had left him in shock.

"I'm so sorry." He apologized, second nature now kicking in and she was astonishingly beautiful. It was her eyes, he decided; very rare to see that shade and it be real these days.

"Not your fault, don't apologize. I'm just glad I wasn't carrying a cup of hot coffee or something. That could've been really bad." Flirting with him would definitely get the job done. She smiled with a soft chuckle, lifting her eyes back up to meet warm brown. "I need to head to gorilla before I miss my cue. Once again, I'm sorry for bumping into you. Have a good night." Touching his arm briefly, Tahlia knew she'd left her impression on him and jogged down to gorilla just as her music hit, barely making it by the skin of her teeth.

Curiosity burning, Shane turned towards the nearby monitor and gestured a stagehand over. Coffee sounded good and he sent the man scurrying for what would no doubt be a lukewarm styrofoam cup of something that passed as coffee with a side of piss. Vince was cheap as fuck about house shows. He kept his eyes on the monitor, wanting to see Tahlia in action for himself. Perhaps, he mused as a smirk spread across his lips, in more ways than one.

After delivering a promo about leaving the Ministry and starting over, it wasn't a surprise to discover Chyna was her mystery opponent answering her call-out challenge. Tahlia expected it, this was Vince's way of punishing her after she sided with the Ministry. Kane wasn't with the Amazon bitch this time, it would truly be one-on-one for a change. Speed, agility and power at the right time. She smiled coldly at Chyna and immediately went on the attack, dropkicking her in the knee the moment she stepped in the ring. Now her true payback would begin in front of the world because Tahlia had nobody hovering over her or distracting her from claiming victory. When Chyna went to get to her feet, Tahlia attacked the other knee and began stomping at each of them relentlessly, forcing her back into a corner.

She was tearing Chyna apart. Shane watched, sipping his coffee, brown eyes focused on the scene before him. He knew the backstory between these two and would admit, losing that title the way she had probably sucked majorly. Chyna was a powerhouse, but Tahlia was faster and he could see why she had been drawn into the Ministry, though the absence of said group was odd. Had she really parted ways with them? An eyebrow rose when he spotted Kane coming down the hallway, wondering what he was up to.

Chyna had a bloody nose from a lethal knee to the face and Tahlia hoped she jostled some teeth too. She went for her finisher when fire exploded out of all four ring posts, dropping Chyna on mat. The lights went out, the arena blanketed in darkness and for a brief moment, Tahlia thought it was Taker playing games with her. However, a leather gloved hand wrapped around her throat followed by the lights turning back on just as she was hoisted in the air answered the question of who it was. Tahlia closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact and seconds later was planted to the mat with a devastating chokeslam. The pain exploded up her back and then darkness overtook her, the impact knocking her out temporarily.

He had been meaning to do that for a while now. Obviously, she was no longer the Undertaker's bitch and wouldn't be saved anytime soon. Kane smirked sadistically beneath his mask, taking in her prone form and shook his head.

Shane sent out EMTs, cursing up a storm. Kane was volatile under normal circumstances, factor in his new relationship with Chyna and the man was downright scary. Chyna seemed to bring out the worst in him and since Chyna and Tahlia had a history... Shane ran a hand down his face, sighing.

Once backstage, Tahlia slowly opened her eyes and hissed at the bright lights, frowning. "My name is Tahlia, it's Raw on Monday night and I'm going to destroy Chyna the first chance I get." She answered the trainer's questions, sitting upright on the bed and held her lower back, groaning at fingers pressing against certain parts. "I don't need any pain killers, just let me go change so I can leave."

"Ice and ibuprofen for pain management since you won't take anything stronger."

"Thanks."

Hopping off the bedding, Tahlia slowly made her way back to the women's locker room and immediately collapsed on her knees the moment the door closed, pressing her forehead against the bench. Kane had not lightened the blow. So much for protecting me, she thought bitterly, shaking her head before pulling herself back up. It was just her now and Tahlia had never felt more alone in her life.

His vow of protection had been meant for the McMahons and if they pulled any of their antics. Taker had not anticipated Kane coming out tonight, having watched from his private perch, wanting to see how she fared flying solo. Honestly, if he had known about Kane, he wouldn't have done anything regardless. He wasn't blowing this so soon into the game and given her little feud with Chyna, she should have expected the attack. Sighing, he shook his head, wondering what was going through her mind right now. Hopefully turmoil, it would make her job easier.

He doesn't care about you and never has, you're just a tool for him to use, nothing more, Tahlia reminded herself mentally while showering, letting the tears fall under the sprays. By the time she finished and had her crying jag, Tahlia was more than ready to go back to the hotel to rest. Her back was sore, but nothing she couldn't handle. Her head had bounced off the mat like a basketball, which is why she'd been knocked out. Sighing, Tahlia changed into her pink skirt and black and pink striped long-sleeved top before pulling her suede boots on. Her hair hung down her back, brushed out and wet, fresh out of a shower, face devoid of makeup. Tahlia didn't bother putting the hoop earrings back in either, not out to impress anyone that night. Opening the door to the dressing room, Tahlia walked out with luggage in hand and headed for the exit.

"Hey, Tahlia!"

Shane had gone looking for her, when the trainer had told him she generally refused pain medication, knowing well Kane could have given her a concussion. From his understanding, she didn't have one, but still. He jogged up to her, eyes taking her in. She looked... worn down, actually.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently.

Genuine concern and worry filled his brown eyes, making her stomach clench tightly. This was a defining moment and, if she played her cards right, she would have Shane in the palm of her hand. "Been better." She murmured, shouldering her bag and felt a zing rush through the back of her head, giving her a dizzy spell. This was unexpected and Tahlia found herself slightly swaying. "I'm…fine…"

Tahlia definitely hadn't planned on collapsing in Shane's arms and felt him scoop her up to rest against him, carrying her the rest of the way out of the arena into the cold night air. She breathed it in, closing her eyes and let the cold envelope her, though it was hard since Shane was like a furnace, keeping her warm. Warmth was the last thing she wanted to feel.

"Sorry…"

"Why?" He glanced down at her, genuinely surprised. She was apologizing for what? Fainting from a dizzy spell from an attack by a much larger man with an anger issue? Women. "I think you may have a concussion, Tahlia." Shane nodded at his limo driver, who was smoking a cigarette and then waited for the help in getting her into the car without hurting her further. "May I have a doctor look at you?" A proper doctor, not a trainer. He slid in after her.

Maybe what Kane did to her was a blessing in disguise because it gave her the perfect opportunity to get close to Shane, just as Taker wanted. "If you think that's best." She replied in a murmur, leaning her head back against the leather seat of the limousine and managed to stop the dizziness from overtaking her. It was nice, elegant and everything she expected a McMahon to have. "Thank you, Shane. I…don't think I have a concussion. I've taken a chokeslam before…" Tahlia blinked a few times, the dizzy spell finally subsiding and cracked a small smile at him. "Quite the gentleman you are."

Shane smiled at her warmly, busy procuring two bottles of water. He moved to sit on the seat beside her, handing her the bottle and took her in thoughtfully. "My mother did manage to imprint some of her better traits into me." He said after a moment. "Are you sure? I don't know much about head injuries, but the dizziness and... fainting." He offered her an apologetic smile, knowing it had to be embarrassing for her. Shane had witnessed her ring work and knew she was a strong, proud woman.

"I've had one before and this doesn't feel like one. However, if it'll make you feel better and ease that handsome mind of yours, I'll get checked out by any physician you want. Just no hospital."

Tahlia hated them with a passion and avoided them at all costs, if she could help it. So far, she hadn't had to go to one for her injuries and hoped to keep it that way. Uncapping the water, she took a long swig of it and sighed in relief, feeling a lot better. She suddenly realized she hadn't eaten at all that night prior to her match and more than likely she was dehydrated. Even with her workout, she barely drank any water.

"I think all I need is some food and rest, honestly."

Shane took Tahlia in with a thoughtful look, nodding his agreement with her first comment. No hospital, just a physician. He was a McMahon and could easily get any physician he wanted to come look at her, no questions asked. Not that Shane would say so out loud; it'd be boasting if he did instead of being the simple fact it was. Her lips were chapping and her face looked a bit pale.

"How much have you had to drink lately?" Dehydration was a common problem among wrestlers, not enough water and way too much soda and alcohol. "And what sounds good to eat?" He'd have it ready and waiting for her.

Truthfully, Tahlia hadn't thought much about eating or drinking since she was battling a current depression being away from the Ministry…and Taker. She wasn't happy with the circumstances and it showed. If she didn't pull herself together and see this task through, Taker would never forgive her. This was her chance to prove to him how loyal to the Ministry she was…to him as well.

"Just a salad, I don't think my stomach could handle anything heavy right now." She responded after a moment, her voice low and quiet while the dizziness slowly subsided. "I-I can take care of myself, Shane. I'm sure your father wouldn't condone this…" Being part of the Ministry and all.

At the mention of his father, Shane's nostrils flared and his lips compressed in a thin, grim line. "My father... and what he condones, are not my concern right now."

Shane was a manwhore, sure, but he never went out of his way to make his conquests feel like scum by the end of the trysts. He tried leaving them in an amicable state, hopefully not in love because women were just like that, but at least friendly. Preferring friends to enemies, one generally got further in goals that way.

"Besides, if you're not with the Ministry any longer, and I am assuming you're not, he's not likely to care." Well, Vince might want insider information from her, but... that was not something either of them had to worry about tonight. "You were hurt on my watch. Let me at least make sure you're taken care of tonight, please." Shane flashed her a charming smile.

"If you insist, boss."

Tahlia winked at him, trying to ease the tension and felt the limousine pull away from the arena to head on the road. She looked out the window, wondering how Taker planned on contacting her for information regarding Shane and the Corporation. How was she supposed to go about questioning Shane about the Corporation anyway? The last thing she wanted to do was blow her cover and have him suspect anything. Let him bring up the subject, she thought decisively, rubbing the back of her head and frowned at the small lump. Great, that would smart in the morning.

"So Vince left you in charge tonight? How did you like it?"

"If not for the backstage politics he has brewing, along with this damn faction war, it'd be fine." Shane had considered it. "It wasn't too bad, minus your injury." That he definitely did not like. "I didn't realize Kane would come out and do that, Tahlia, I'm sorry." He should have known and been more knowledgeable on what was going on backstage, so he could have had security or something on hand to assist her.

Shane would not make that mistake twice.

"I should've seen it coming and, in the back of my mind, I had a feeling the Amazon bitch would try something like that."

Ministry or not, she did not like Chyna and didn't bother hiding her disdain. Because of her, Tahlia was no longer the women's champion and it ate at her she still hadn't received a rematch. Vince could hold grudges like no other, but maybe she could break Shane down to give her what she wanted.

"I know she's part of the Corporation and a teammate of yours, but…I don't like her. I hate her, actually."

"Chyna?" Shane's eyebrows were in danger of disappearing into his hairline as he mulled that over. "She's not in the Corporation for any reason except her own. She's trying to stick it to her man."

Triple H, who had run his mouth one time too many about women and their place in the company. He had always clarified he did not consider Chyna to be one of 'those women', but... Chyna had bucked. She had also displayed a very vicious streak that would put Sable's to shame.

"What is her damage with you, anyway?"

Personally, Tahlia thought Vince sent Chyna after her because of her involvement with the Ministry. The war and all. However, that wasn't a smart thing to say to the McMahon offspring of Mr. McMahon. So she opted for a little white lie.

"I have no idea. You should ask her because I've never done anything to her. Before I joined the Ministry, temporarily, I was on my own as the women's champion and she cost me the damn title against Sable. I've never even gotten a rematch and I've been demolishing every person in my path. I would destroy Chyna if it wasn't for Kane's interference." Now she sounded legitimately frustrated, the emotion in her voice raw and real.