Chapter two already? Yes, yes it is! This one takes place during the Elimination Chamber match from 2014 (amazing match by the way) where Dean disappears through the crowd and goes AWOL. Hopefully these next few chapters will fill in the gaps of that.

Sodapop25, Fancy meeting you here! Sorry for bombarding everyone with stories but I've got a lot waiting to go out right now and timelines to keep to! Hope you'll stay with this one!

Skovko, Michael Cole and JBL are possibly the best thing about this chapter. I miss their constant bickering to the point they ignore what's going on in the ring. Also, yes, they are frightened little flowers as this chapter hopefully shows...did I mention that I missed them?!

Mandy, I thought you might enjoy having Seth back in one of my stories this week! I love how protective they are of her too. Her big brothers (and boyfriend of course) Steph is...well...she's just Steph! Like father like daughter when it comes to McMahons I guess!

Minnie1015, Yay! So glad you're happy, thought maybe the love for these two had died off, glad to know they've still got their champions! Hated this storyline in real life, but felt Lauren had to experience it for herself nevertheless! Still more to come from this couple!

Debwood-1999, Bray is back and stop it, he's still the bad guy remember? He doesn't have a very big part in this story (more of a cameo) but since he was fighting the guys at this point, I could hardly leave him out! We do get a new wrestler villain in this story though...any guesses?

The following contest is scheduled for one fall...

Where You Lead

In the months since my first entrance with The Shield, I had begun to get used to coming in through the crowd. I mean, don't get me wrong, it wasn't my favorite thing to do – what with the leering and the cat-calling and attempted groping and stuff – but the guys were always good at totally surrounding me and Dean made a point of keeping hold of my hand. As scary as it was I always felt protected –

Which I needed tonight more than ever before.

Five months earlier Bray Wyatt had kidnapped me and kept me handcuffed to a crappy motel bed. Granted it had only been for twenty-four hours, but each one of those had been the longest of my life and although he had been warned since then to keep his hands off me, just the prospect of his proximity was almost more than I could bear. There was something unnatural and almost animalistic about him, like he worked on base instinct instead of societal norms. Nor did it help that he had his own followers, who took the form of two gigantic lackeys – called Harper and Rowan – who hung off his every word. Together the three of them proudly stalked the corridors liked the big defrosted Neanderthals they were. In short, they didn't inspire a very reassuring presence and at just the mere thought of them my knees began to knock. Feeling the shudder, Dean bent in towards me and squeezed my hand a little,

"Hey, you alright?"

"Uh huh," I whispered mildly as in front of us Seth shouldered a path through the crowd. A couple of children reached out to stroke him, but knowing better, the adults stayed well back. Touching a Shield guy was like stroking a tiger. You were liable to get your head ripped clean off.

"Bullshit, you're terrified," Dean growled darkly, "I fuckin' knew this was a crazy idea."

"I'll be okay."

"Yeah? Well you'd better be. Otherwise I'm having your stepmother's head on a plate."

As Seth performed a swan dive over the barricade and landed perfectly with a somersault on the floor, Dean hopped after him and then swung round to get me, taking my weight as Roman lifted me up. Over at the announce desk, my commentary colleagues were staring across at me and chattering fit to burst. I couldn't make out what they were saying above the crowd noise – not to mention The Shield's heavy bass – but I could only imagine the topic of conversation and as their eyes flickered over, I realized it was me.

Oh great.

What the hell was I even meant to say to them? What was I meant to say to the people watching at home? It was all very well wanting me to be a mouthpiece, but that didn't mean it would actually work. I was still just a novice at wrestling. Most of the time I still flinched and whispered ouch. How I was supposed to add something meaningful was totally beyond me. What did Vince want? My head was spinning and my body was trembling and so as fingers brushed across me I visibly jumped,

"Huh – ?"

"Easy Princess," Dean growled back smoothly and I spun around quickly towards his raised brows, "He's not gettin' near you, okay? I won't let him. Tonight I'm gonna bury Bray Wyatt for good."

With another gentle tap, he steered me towards commentary and then hovered unhappily as JBL pulled back my seat. I fumbled briefly and got tangled in the headset but then took a breath and slotted it in place. Instantly the crowd noise was all but drowned out again and it felt oddly peaceful.

Until Michael Cole chipped in,

"Lauren, nice to have you with us this evening."

"Oh – um – hi," I waggled my fingers, "Thank you for having me out here I guess."

From directly alongside me, Dean shot them a death glare and then carefully rubbed his fingers across my nape. At once it was both reassuring and bolstering and it also said everything he wanted to but couldn't say.

Make me proud.

I fuckin' love you Princess.

I lifted my hand to touch his fingers lightly and then – reluctantly – Dean moved off, clambering into the ring to join his teammates and then pacing round aggressively while Seth and Roman climbed the posts. His US title was glinting in the spotlights and my heart hitched with pride as I drank in how good he looked. In fact all three of them looked strong and imposing and I found myself grinning.

Those were my boys.

"Lauren?"

"I – what?"

Michael Cole was staring across at me and I blushed a little and cleared my throat. It was probably for the best if I paid some attention rather than lusting over my man and to show them that I was ready to do that, I sat up straight and nodded my head. Michael smiled a little in response and then tried again,

"I asked how you felt? The last time you were face-to-face with Bray, he was trying to drag you off to become part of the Wyatt cult. Tonight must be a daunting prospect for you."

I shivered a little,

"Um, yep, you might say that."

To my left hand side JBL thumped the table, clearly not taking his earlier promise lightly. When he'd pledged to protect me he had meant against all comers and suddenly his poor colleague was squarely in his sights,

"What kind of a question is that now Michael? How do you think the poor girl feels? She's come out here tonight to talk about the match up. So why don't you stop askin' damn crazy questions and focus on doin' the same thing, huh?"

"It's a relevant question John – ,"

JBL snorted,

"Please. You never asked a relevant thing in your whole life."

It was a little like being in the middle of a domestic with a bickering couple who'd been married for years. I could almost imagine them squabbling about the washing or one of them leaving the toilet seat up. At the far end of the desk, Jerry Lawler was grinning and he caught my eye and gave me a wink. Clearly he was getting the same angry fuck vibes and we shared a knowing look.

Then everything went black.

Without fully meaning to, I tipped myself sideways, until I was pressed up in terror right against JBL. He grunted very mildly but didn't say anything and I was grateful for his solidity, although I mostly wanted Dean. The eerie expectation of big hands grabbing me forced my heart clean into my throat and I sat in terror not knowing what would happen before sighing with relief as they appeared on the ramp. Well, I say relief, it was actually horrific but at least it meant they weren't hidden in the dark and on seeing them far away from me and – crucially – together, I blew out a breath and unclenched my shaking fists.

On stage beneath the titantron, Bray was lighting up their lantern and in the pause, Dean stole a quick glance my way. In response I gave him a wobbly thumbs up and although his grim expression didn't flicker, he turned round again, newly ready to take them on. Bray's voice shivered over the speakers and my whole body tensed at his words,

"We're here."

Then he blew out the tiny little flicker and plunged the place into darkness again. Did he really have to be so god damn creepy? Seriously, what the hell was wrong with him? The man needed some sort of mental assessment or an hour with a biologist or cosmologist of some sort. Surely with a computer and maybe Stephen Hawking, it would be possible to work out which planet he was from? Not that his lilting entrance music helped matters. In actual fact it made my shudders worse and by the time it had stopped and the lights had come up again, I was full-blown shaking.

Lauren, get control.

For the first few minutes, nothing much happened, or, at least, not physically inside the ring. Out on the floor however, Bray went on a rampage, sitting in his rocking chair, stalking towards the ropes, shoving his comrades and bellowing random words. It was a pretty chaotic and frightening performance, but then, I guessed that was the point. It certainly worked on me – no wonder – but The Shield stood firm, unmoved by it all. God they looked amazing, especially Dean and I realized in an instant that whatever happened out there, I was stupidly proud of both him and them.

Around us the crowd was beginning to chant, in a peppering of voices before turning to a roar. In response to it, Dean started to pace around eagerly, tapping his chin and unable to stand still. The volume rose to a furious peak as the Wyatts hauled themselves up onto the apron and the sound of the chanting was so in time that it almost sounded like one loud voice.

This is awesome, this is awesome.

Which unless you were terrified and a virgin at commentary, I had to agree it probably was.

"Are you the errand boy?" Bray shouted suddenly and he was so loud I could hear every word from where I was. He pointed at Dean, who was still pacing wildly and my heart rose up clean into my throat. A surge of protectiveness fired up within me and so I was glad when Seth stepped in,

"Come on now, hey – ,"

Sadly however, it didn't do much good.

"Look at how they treat you," Bray bellowed brutally, wide-eyed with purpose and sinister intent. As Dean surged forward, Roman put an arm out, blocking him firmly as Bray repeated himself, "Look at how they treat you."

I swallowed.

Oh god.

Around me the commentary team had gone completely silent which I didn't take as a positive sign. Eventually however JBL offered something although his voice sounded scratchy and vaguely hoarse.

"Uh, he's singlin' out Ambrose."

Thanks for that newsflash. What next John? Want to mention the sky's blue?

"Child," Bray screamed, pointing at Dean now, "Child. Make your move boy, make your move boy."

In response Dean put on a turn of pace towards him, but collided with Roman who'd quickly moved across. Both he and Seth were struggling to hold him and the whole thing was like a powder keg, ready to go off.

"Does Bray think that's the weak link?" JBL frowned and my blood ran cold at the suggestion.

Huh?

"Well," Jerry Lawler responded with a shrug, "He did say The Shield were bickering like children – ,"

I couldn't help myself,

"No they're not."

All three of them turned to look at me and Michael Cole smirked at my passionate response.

"They're not?"

"No. I mean, okay they do bicker, but they're a family – they're brothers – that's what brothers do."

For a second I thought he would push me a little further but we were swiftly interrupted by another growing cheer, this one just as loud as the first one but slightly confused and elated as well.

Let's go Wyatts, let's go Shield.

"Oh, I love it," Lawler choked out – probably because he was safely behind the table and the love of his life wasn't being goaded in the ring.

"I'm not sure anybody here knows who to cheer for," JBL grinned, "They're just cheerin' for a fight."

"Somebody's gotta jump here," Lawler added and I closed my eyes.

Not Dean, not Dean.

When I opened them again, the tension had broken, I mean, not much but a little tiny bit. Each of the factions was heading over to their corner, including Dean who had his hands up. He was trying to assure his teammates he was solid and he was actually doing a pretty good job. I fully believe he would have gone with them willingly had Bray not called out as he'd headed to the ropes. His tone was mocking and decidedly suggestive and in that exact moment, Dean's patience broke,

"I'll say hello to your little girlfriend boy."

In the blink of an eye, Dean had crossed the ring at them and physically launched himself into all three. They sort of went down like sweat-stained skittles although as the tables quickly turned, Seth and Roman joined in too.

"Ambrose – ," Michael yelled out breathlessly, like he'd run a marathon before he'd made it to the show, "Ambrose went right after Bray Wyatt after Wyatt called out his girlfriend and here we go – ,"

To be honest I think he said a little more than that but I couldn't pay attention. My heart was in my throat. All I could see were Dean's taped fists pummelling the Wyatts – I wasn't sure which one – although as Bray rolled out of the ring right in front of us, I suddenly realized it had likely been him. I also realized another new problem.

Bray Wyatt was in front of us and coming our way.

Instinctively – and uselessly – I shrank back against my chair, shifting my body towards JBL again. A wave of nausea washed right across me and I swallowed it down as Bray thankfully stomped by. He was half-crazed with fury and barely even thinking as he bumped against the barricade and let out a yell. It wasn't words but then it didn't need to be. It was deeply unsettling just the same. Back in the ring, The Shield had got the job done and started the match by completely clearing house. As they paced around triumphant however, the Wyatts regrouped – right in front of us.

Crap.

"I think one of the things we've seen in the past few weeks guys," Michael Cole offered, trying to regain control, "Is that Ambrose and Bray Wyatt really have been in a verbal war of words – ,"

"Why do you think that is Michael?" JBL replied, full of disdain, "The man kidnapped this poor girl."

Again I shuddered, my eyes still on Bray as he pulled his boys tight in to his side. They were whispering to one another – like girls in a playground, only big towering hairy ones with questionable hygiene skills. Jerry Lawler shifted uncertainly beside us, his voice barely moving much above a worried hiss,

"This is a little too close for comfort right here – ,"

I agreed completely. In fact I felt like passing out. Even from across the table I could smell Bray's odour and it took me back to the night when he'd almost snapped my arm. My chest began to heave in shaky inhalations and my palms were so clammy they were practically wet. The sensations only grew as Bray's head swivelled round at me and his cold eyes narrowed and then tried to bore a hole.

"Bray Wyatt is currently staring down Lauren – ,"

Thank you Michael.

No one else said a word. Bray's gaze was intense and almost hypnotic and as a shudder passed clean through me, I clamped my eyes shut. Whatever was going to happen, I didn't want to see it. Although luckily things never made it that far.

"Hey Wyatt – hey, you wanna come at someone? What about me, huh? Bring it up here. What's wrong? You scared? Don't think you can beat me? Come on fucker. Bring it up here."

It was Dean, shouting loudly and chest-bumping against the ring-ropes as he trash-talked and hounded for all he was worth. Seth was trying to push and pull him backwards but Dean didn't move until he knew it had worked. Abruptly the Wyatts broke apart from each other and lumbered away to their corner of the ring. With the focus off me, I saw Dean suck a breath in and his eyes slid over.

Princess, you okay?

I nodded back quickly – a tiny little gesture – but he saw it anyway and let Seth back him up, the younger of his teammates pawing his hair frantically as if somehow it could brush Dean's anger clean out. Roman joined in too, massaging his collarbone and slowly – slowly – Dean started to cool off.

Let's go Wyatts, let's go Shield.

Around us the crowd was still poised for brutal action and the mood in the arena reached expectant new heights. Somewhere to my left, the timekeeper's bell rang and I physically startled.

That was it, the match was on.

"The hot-head – ," Michael Cole intoned flatly and his unfair description made me instantly frown, "The lunatic fringe Dean Ambrose being calmed down by his Shield brethren – ,"

"He's not a lunatic."

Everyone paused and as six eyes swung round at me, I bit back a long and weary sounding even realizing what I was doing, I had played myself right into Vince McMahon's hands. Of course I would defend Dean – he was my boyfriend – but they would have known that. How could they not? I mean, what was the point of having me on commentary if I didn't spice things up a little?

Damn it all Vince.

"No?" Michael Cole threw back at me smoothly and – yep, there it was – he was playing a game, "Dean Ambrose is the one that said the Wyatts want a new world, we're gonna give 'em a new world, wipe them off the face of this earth – ,"

"But saying that doesn't make him a lunatic. He just doesn't like them and I mean – honestly – who does? I don't like them. Does that make me a lunatic? King doesn't like them. What about him?"

For a second Michael Cole blinked back me silently, clearly both pleased and surprised by my spunk. It would probably have been better if I'd sat and said nothing but there was no way I could do that.

I was defending my man.

"Hey," JBL put in lightly, attempting to bring the mood back around, "Dean's a hot-head, but he wants the Wyatts? Well, he's got 'em."

He certainly did.

Luckily however, it was Seth who started and I sucked in a breath as Dean swung back through the ropes. Again he looked over and I smiled back weakly, willing the match to be finished and done. I didn't like being out there with the Wyatts, I didn't like watching Dean so riled up, I didn't like commentary or being Vince's puppet – basically, in short, I hated the whole thing.

Michael was still chattering but I chose to ignore him, focussing on the action and drying my dripping palms. Back in the ring, Seth had started easily and it wasn't long before he had Rowan on the ropes. Roman tagged in and then kicked him around a bit before Seth was swiftly back to take charge once again. Sadly however, this time it was fleeting and as Rowan burst forward from seemingly out of nowhere, his shoulder made Seth actually somersault mid-air,

"Ohhhh – ,"

"Rowan turns Rollins inside out – ,"

"No," I bleated, forgetting I was wired and therefore audible, "Come on Seth, get up."

He did get up but not under his own steam, as Erick Rowan reached forward and hauled him vertical by his hair. The next few minutes were painful to watch – which I did through my fingers as the Wyatts took turns – but eventually he was able to get to his corner and tag in Roman,

"Ha, who's laughing now?"

For the second time Cole glanced over in amusement and I bit on my lip to stop it happening again. As much as I wanted to keep my composure, it was scarily easy to forget why I was there and instead of contributing level emotions, I was reacting like the audience. Although so was Lawler,

"Oh – ,"

As Roman slapped Bray Wyatt straight across the features, I let out an unplanned giggle,

"Yes."

So much for keeping my emotions in order. But I just couldn't help it. This was more than a match. It was latent retribution for all that Wyatt had done to me and the torment he had inflicted five short months back. If The Shield could win, it would be like redemption and as Roman went at it, that was clearly the plan. It was impressive to watch the Big Dog in action. He was just so strong and composed in the ring and although there was a moment where he took a brief beating, he was soon back in change and tagging in –

Dean.

The crowd around us roared in excitement as my boyfriend practically lunged through the ropes and even Michael Cole – fresh from his insults – seemed jazzed by the prospect,

"Finally, Ambrose."

Dean's lightning entry triggered a set piece in which every Shield member played a brief part. Dean started off by pummelling Harper, before tagging in Seth who delivered a flying arm. The move was accomplished by using Dean as a stepping stone and then as Harper stumbled forward, Roman added a big right hand.

"Ohhhh – ,"

I grinned despite myself and bit my bottom lip down. I was so freaking proud of those three men. I even let out a thrilled little giggle although it died as Wyatt's head again swung round. There was no earthly way he could possibly have heard me, so he had to be working on instinct or smell. Somehow he had known I was enjoyed the action and he was sending me a warning.

Don't get too comfortable Little Bird.

"Wow, can anyone else see Bray Wyatt staring?" Lawler chuckled mirthlessly, "I don't like that look."

"He's looking at Lauren," Michael noted helpfully and I swallowed a little,

"Uh huh, I – I know."

"Don't worry Lauren," JBL threw in confidently, drawing himself upright and tapping at my hand, "He's gonna have to get through me if he wants a piece of you."

Cole rolled his eyes,

"Yeah, that'll be hard."

Fortunately the bickering that threatened to erupt again was stifled as Dean promptly tagged himself in. More tags followed but Dean remained the main man and was getting the job done – until Rowan got involved. Sliding along the apron as Harper lay battered, he shook the ropes fiercely and yelled out,

"Hey."

Dean turned towards him and then swung an angry arm up, surging forward but just missing as Rowan hopped back off. Spinning back around, Dean moved towards Harper but – holy shit – he was up and flying through the air.

"Harper with a drop kick – ,"

"What in the world – ,"

"When have you seen Harper throw a drop kick?"

"The answer would be never,"

I shut my eyes again.

Oh god.

The force of the manoeuvre had almost ripped Dean's head off and he lay on the mat blinking and obviously stunned. For a second he didn't even look like he was with it. Did he know where he was? Did he even know why?

"Come on Dean," I whispered nervously, clenching my hands together, "Please be okay."

The question of whether he was or he wasn't was still up for debate when Bray Wyatt's hand stretched out, reaching across the ropes towards Harper and asking for the tag in. I frowned,

Bastard.

All the while that Harper had been losing, he had stood on the apron and not said a word, but the second Dean was down and unable to defend himself, there he was, just dying to get his turn.

"No," I whispered as Harper hauled Dean upright and pinned him in place so Bray could hit him hard. I didn't want to watch but didn't have any option as in front of me Dean was slammed into the mat. As he rolled towards us, his eyes glanced over me. They looked exhausted but I could see the fire as well. It meant that just so long as he was still breathing then he wasn't about to ever back down. Even so it was hard to sit through the pummelling, which culminated in Dean lying weakly on the canvas and Bray with his arms out, shouting at the world,

"Is this not what you wanted?" he bellowed aggressively, first at Seth and Roman and then – more worryingly – me, "Is this not what you wanted Little Bird?"

Seth strained up against the ropes in warning,

"Hey – ,"

"He's a whack job," Michael murmured, keeping his voice low, "No doubt about that."

For once that evening everyone agreed with him and as Bray sauntered backwards, Rowan tagged in. I shut my eyes in frustration at his eagerness, clenching my fists together.

Ugh, that's enough.

Sadly however, it turned out it wasn't and the torment continued through several more tags. Throughout it all though, Dean kept on fighting, kicking out of pins and taking it like a champ. My heart sang with pride – or possibly terror – but there was simply no denying that my man was tough.

"You know," Michael started up, sounding almost thoughtful which didn't seem appropriate given what was going on. It was hardly the proper arena for a thesis but unfortunately for me that's exactly what he gave, "It would be ironic if it was Ambrose who was pinned here tonight after all the jaw jacking he did at the start of the show."

"Excuse me?" I barked, "Are you saying he deserves this? What should he have done? Sing them a song? Maybe you think he should have baked them some cookies? That might be your style but it's definitely not his."

Beside me JBL chuckled broadly, sensing someone else who could bust his partner's balls.

"You tell him girl."

Even Lawler was grinning,

"We might have to make this a permanent thing."

We were so consumed by our unravelling bitch-fight that we almost forgot to pay attention to the ring. I looked up just as Dean made a counter which freed him up to struggle back to the team. Both Roman and Seth were waving him over, stamping on the apron and willing him in. For a second I doubted he would actually make it, but as Harper surged towards him he rolled and tagged Seth in.

"Yes," I shrieked, launching myself upright I was so involved, "Ha. Do you see now? Do you see why I love him? Take that Wyatt Family and – oh, um – I think maybe I'll sit back down – ,"

The elation wore off again pretty rapidly and I flushed at the amusement I saw painted along the desk. Even the Spanish announcers were chuckling and I dropped into my seat and folded my hands quietly, wondering if my reactions made Vince happy or alarmed. No one had come to drag me off again at any rate, or cut my feed, so I assumed that was good. Back in the ring, Seth started strongly but it wasn't too long before it all went to hell. As it spilled from the ring, Dean stalked across the apron and stood on the post angrily yelling down at Bray,

"Why don't you bring that crap over here, huh? Why don't you bring that crap over here?"

I loved that he was so protective of his teammates, but on this occasion there was very little he could do. Or, at least I thought there was little he could do about it, because the very next minute he burst into the ring and broke up the count as Bray went for the pin. For his trouble he received a boot to the head as Harper did likewise and swung through the ropes. The punt knocked Dean clean over his own shoulders and propelled him physically out of the ring.

"Yep," JBL drawled like he'd been expecting it, "Goodnight to the lunatic fringe."

Come on Dean.

Fortunately however – again – he was just stunned by it and so was able to slowly drag himself back up. He watched from the side-lines as Seth fought off a mugging before tagging in Roman who promptly cleared house. By the time Bray Wyatt broke up the three count, he was good to go again and swiftly dived back in, practically spider-monkeying his nemesis before both of them ended up outside the ring,

"Things are breaking down guys," Michael Cole yelled unnecessarily, as bodies began to fly around the space. Suddenly that even included Luke Harper as he dived headfirst through the ropes at Dean on the floor. Seeing him take flight was instantly unlikely and it produced an almighty roar from the crowd. It also drew a big roar from commentary as Lawler, Cole and JBL all yelled out,

"Wait a minute – ,"

"You gotta be kidding me – ,"

"He just launched himself – ,"

I gaped in astonishment as Dean was forced backwards, the power of Harper's landing throwing him spine-first against the crowd. Fortunately Seth provided instant retribution with a spinning manoeuvre that hit right on Harper's giant head.

"There are bodies everywhere – ," Cole yelled hoarsely as Rowan and Roman – that was confusing, it had never occurred to me how similar those names were – continued to try and form some semblance of a match up with the beleaguered referee back in the ring. Seth meanwhile was fully on the rampage and after laying out Harper he stalked right by. With a look of fury he ripped the cover from the announce desk – not ours but the Spanish one, he wasn't that possessed – and was busy pulling the monitors from their holders when another blur flashed past us and I shrieked at him,

"Seth – ,"

He turned too late and Bray crashed straight into him, sending him to the ground as Harper lumbered in as well. My heart hit my throat. This was not good. Seth was in the clutches of a duo of psychopaths and his teammates were down and pretty much out. Bray was grinning – god only knew what he would do with him – and reaching down he dragged the smaller man up by his hair.

"Hey," I yelled, standing up before I realized it and at the same time accidentally yanking my headphones out. With a look of pure alarm, JBL grabbed hold of me, his hiss clearly audible even above the screaming crowd,

"Lauren, sit down."

But it was far too late, Bray's eyes were on me and he grinned ever wider and tipped his head to one side. Dropping Seth – who hit the ground weakly – he stepped towards the desk and in too close.

"You want to take his place?" he bellowed, grabbing me, "You want to learn how to fly Little Bird?"

Pulling me round and away from the table, I struggled to grind my feet into the ground. I was desperate to stop myself from becoming their victim – for the second time in a year – but I had no idea how. So much for JBL's promise to look after me. Where the hell was he? I whirled my head back. Sure enough he was taking off his headphones, but achingly slowly. He was stalling for time. In a last ditch hope I looked towards the titantron, wondering if Steph had rallied the troops. Naturally I should have known it wouldn't be so simple and as Bray tugged me I tripped and fell against his chest. We were standing in front of the cleared announce table and my heart half-exploded.

Where they putting me through that?

"No – ," I yelled in a burst of pure panic which made Bray chuckle,

"It didn't have to be this way."

In the same moment he spun me towards it however, a fast-moving black shape dove into view. Taking out Harper in one fluid motion that flung him over backwards before turning towards Bray.

Dean.

"Ambrose goes after Bray," Michael bellowed as I was pushed so roughly so that I bumped against the desk. By the time I turned around – shaking and breathless – Dean was already going to town. Fists were flying and the pair of them were tangled in a furious moving bundle of limbs.

"Don't fuckin' touch her – ," I heard Dean snarl viciously, before propelling Bray up and right over the barricade. It was pretty good manoeuvre but Bray snagged his shirt up and so Dean was also dragged along for the ride.

"Whoa – ," Lawler shrieked as the crowd went wild and I held my breath until I saw him spring up. But Bray was up as well and their feud was not over, as with total disregard for everything and everyone they began to battle their way back through the crowd. Not towards the ring either but away from it and as they carved a path backwards, my heart hit my throat. If Bray got Dean alone backstage – away from the cameras – then anything could go down. I absolutely could not let that happen, not knowing what being trapped alone with Bray was like. Pushing my hair back, I dropped down quickly and shook Seth roughly, willing him upright,

"Seth? Seth, you've got to get Dean – ,"

He grumbled and frowned at me but clearly didn't follow and from his dazed expression, I could see he was nearly out. Roman was still battling Rowan behind us and there was no one else to help me. I would have to go. Standing up with a wave of adrenaline, I stepped towards the barricade.

JBL caught my arm.

"Lauren," he started and – oh, yeah – now he was moving, "What in the world – ,"

I briskly shook him off.

Taking a breath I crossed to the crowd and then clambered inelegantly over the rail. Usually I had one of The Shield guys to help me and without their strong arms it seemed impossibly high. I almost face-planted in both clumsiness and panic, but was saved by a spectator who offered out his hand. Up ahead I could still just about see Dean and Wyatt, but they were heading for some doors and I gasped and sped up. For the most part moving through the crowd made me terrified, but I barely even noticed them my gaze was so intent. All I could focus on – all I could think about – was getting to Dean and trying to help. I wasn't entirely sure how I would help him, but the plan was evolving, so I would figure it out.

Behind me the crowd roared at something or someone, but I was too far away from it to know what it was. Instead I sucked a breath in and headed for the exit doors, praying silently.

Hold on Dean.

So, Lauren verses Bray, huh? Who do you think is going to win that?!

Also, I'm toying with whether or not to do the old Seth heel turn storyline, for a future Lauren and Dean but not sure my poor heart could handle writing it (why Seth, why?) Should I give it a go and see what happens?