**THE NEXT WEEK**

I roomed with Heath and Justin again, Wade saying that it would be smart. It was Monday morning and the alarm had gone off a few minutes ago. I could hear Justin and Heath shuffling around the room, speaking with their low morning voices. I don't want to get up. Last night, the Nexus decided to go out and party at a local club. I don't drink, but with the factors of pounding music, the smell of alcohol, and not getting back until two in the morning could be to blame for my raging headache.

I felt someone sit on the edge of my bed. "Jen," Justin said as he softly shook my shoulder "Jen. We've gotta get to the arena." I groaned and pulled a pillow over my face.

"I don't wanna get up!" I moaned, pulling my blanket up higher over my body, still in clothes from last night. At that moment, there was a pounding knock at the door. I groaned again, the rapping on the door making my head throb worse. Heath pulled the door open and somebody stepped in with a small laugh.

"Of course she's still asleep!" A heavy British accent said. I scrunched my eyes shut tighter, not particularly wanting Wade to be here at the moment. "Didn't you see how exhausted she was last night? Why don't you call Miss Lee, have her get Jen out of bed?"

"You mention me?" A cheery voice said from the hallway.

"AJ! How convenient of you and Dolph to be coming down the hallway at this point!" Wade said to her "Would you mind reasoning with Jen over there and tell her that we'll meet her at the arena?"

"Yeah! You guys go and I'll drive her down there soon enough!"

I heard a few mumbled thank you's, some footsteps, and then the door clicked shut. I then heard a pair of light footsteps and a weight on the end of my bed. Knowing AJ, she probably had some scheme to get me up and out of bed, and I may hate her at the moment for it. The one thing I do know is that I'm never able to stay mad at her for too long. I scrunched my eyes as much as they would let me, and braced for the worst.

I could feel her hands on my side. "Get up Jenny!" she said as she shook me with a lot more force than Justin did. I remained motionless; wondering if that was all that she had. I heard her mutter, "Oh well!" before I was falling off of the bed.

"Ouch!" I cried out "Dammit AJ!" I was holding my head after falling straight on my face. I looked up at her with a mixture of anger and annoyance. She was sitting on the bed, legs crossed, and looking at me with that special look in her eyes that only she can master.

"Well I had to get you out of bed SOMEHOW!" she giggled as she helped me up from the ground. She tossed me a pair of my work out shorts, a sports bra, and a hair tie. "Go change into these and fix your hair. Then I'll get you down for breakfast and off to the arena we go!"

I shook my head with a small laugh. "You always know what to do!"

Fifteen minutes later we were down in the lobby of the hotel where, thank GOD, they had a Starbucks. AJ, Kaitlyn and I all had a weakness for Starbucks and stopped whenever we saw one. We were last in line and something just didn't feel right. I'm normally walking around places in at least my sports bra and shorts, but this time it felt different. It felt like multiple people were staring at me. AJ nudged me when we got to the front of the line and I ordered my usual, a Vanilla Frap and chocolate chip muffin.

Leaving the small Starbucks, I figured out just why I felt so weird in Starbucks after AJ nudged me, again, and pointed across from the entrance. I heard a wolf whistle and saw who but Rollins, Ambrose, and Reigns. I flipped them off, leaving them in laughter as AJ and I walked out of the arena and to her car. Those guys can act like such pervy teenagers! I'm not in the mood to be pissed off, especially so damn early in the morning and after a late night!

"Damn morons." I grumbled as AJ started up her car. I took a sip of my Starbucks and immediately calmed down, yet had a boost of energy... And an idea. "Why the hell are they obsessed with tormenting me so suddenly? It CAN'T be just because I punched Dean in the nose!"

AJ laughed. "PLEASE tell me you're not serious Jenny!" When she glanced over at me and my clueless expression, she sighed and explained further. "Isn't it obvious? For one thing, you've got great looks. You're pretty, have the most athletic shape out of all of the women in this entire business, and not to mention you've got a rack. Those things attract guys. And again, you're the most powerful woman on the roster! Guys like them want power and good looks on their team. Remember what I said last week?"

"Do you really think that? What would Wade and the rest of the guys say if they found out?!" I was in a full-on panic now. Of course, my team despises most people, but seriously, we can't stand the three men who call themselves The Shield. Wade would go into a full-on rage if he knew about any of those three slimeballs having any feelings for me. Of course, some say that AJ's crazy in the head, but could she be right?

"Honey, I know how guys work. And yeah, Wade and your team will end up being mad, but may become madder if they know that you have the same feelings for any of them right back."

"So, they'll be mad if I say that the guys of the Shield are totally smoking hot guys, each with a nice set of tits?" I snickered.

AJ reached over and slapped my arm. "You know what I mean! Let's get out, we're here."

The two of us made our ways into the arena and I'm still sipping on my coffee. As we walked inside more, we could hear quite a commotion coming from the direction of the catering area. I stood on my toes to see over the crowd of superstars, divas and backstage workers to see the other Nexus members crouched down. From what I could see, they were all extremely concerned. My eyes widened and I shoved my way through the crowd of people. Skip was on the ground, clutching at his knee as a medic finally reached the group.

"Wade!" I called over the commotion as I reached the rest of my team members "What's going on?!"

Our leader jumped at the sound of my voice. "There you are! Skip was attacked. He can't tell us who did it though; the attacker was wearing all black, including gloves and a ski mask. It was a mystery attacker."

"Did you just say that the dude was wearing all black?!" Wade nodded. "I'll be right back." I growled, standing up. Before I could take two steps, Wade had grabbed the back of my arm.

"Jen, I know exactly where you're going and I forbid you from going to their locker room!" He said firmly. I could see the concern showing in his eyes. I had to come up with an excuse quickly. Wade immediately knew where I was going to go. Damn him and his leadership abilities.

"I wasn't going to go to their locker room," I lied, making sure to keep my voice steady "I was going to go and find Cody to ask him if he saw anything. He's been here for a bit." By this point, most of the crowd had gone and the team was following Skip and the medical team back to the examiners room.

Wade hesitated before releasing my arm. "You know I'm only doing this to look out for you," he said softly "I sure as hell don't want you getting hurt, especially after having two of our former eight members put out of action. We can't risk losing our mastermind!"

I ran forward and threw my arms around Wade. "I'll be safe, I promise." I really hated lying to him, I did. But I had to get him to trust me, even though he should know not to. "Now go catch up with the team and let me know how Skip is doing!" I said, shoving him in the direction of the team. Wade laughed and followed the rest of our crew.

As soon as Wade was out of sight, I sprinted down a hallway, throwing out my now empty Starbucks cup in the process. I had to stop somewhere to make sure that this plan would seem to become fool proof. Every so often, I would move my eyes from the name plates on the doors to the area around me, making sure that Wade didn't send someone to follow me. I finally found the room that I was looking for and knocked softly.

"Come in!" A male voice called. I walked inside of the room and shut the door behind me. The man in question looked up and smiled once he saw me.

"Jen! What a surprise!" Cody said as he came over and wrapped me in a hug "Wade's told me that you've been getting yourself into quite a bit of trouble! That sounds like you!"

I stuck my tongue out at him teasingly. "We all know it! Have you heard about what just happened out near catering?" I slowly asked.

"Near catering? No, unless it's about their new coffee; New name, same crappy flavor!" He laughed at his own joke. "But really, what happened?"

"Skip was apparently jumped when nobody else was around, something happened to his knee. I'm going to need your help here, Code. Wade said for me specifically not to go and pay another visit to The Shield, but I've seriously got to! According to Skip, his attacker was wearing all black and there are only three men who do! All I've gotta do is pay them a little visit and I'll be good!"

Cody looked like he was thinking. "I don't know about this, Jay. If you feel like it's what needs to be done, then I'll do whatever I can to cover you and make sure that Wade doesn't know you're there. Make sure to kick their asses after what they did last week in the parking lot!"

"Will do! Thanks Code!" I called over my shoulder as I slipped out of his locker room.

Now it was time to be serious. Someone's screwed with the Nexus. From Skip's description, it was only one man who did it, not three. But of course, it was bound to be a member of The Shield. I mean, who else would have the balls to come and mess with us? Now I'm not saying that those three have the balls to do it, I'm saying that they're stupid enough to. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna let somebody get away with this.

I found the door that I was looking for, it always seems to be away from the rest of the locker rooms. I pounded on the door three times before crossing my arms and began waiting impatiently. Now I was starting to wonder if I should take a friendlier or more demanding approach to this.

The door swung open, revealing who but Dean Ambrose. Why is it always him?! He greeted me with that same smirk that he gets when he wants to tick me off. "It's the Nexus princess! Come in!" I walked in there like I was used to it. Roman and Seth weren't in there. I sat down on a crate and turned to face the man who seemed like the leader of their group.

"Alright, which one of you did it." I spat at him. Dean looked genuinely confused.

"Kid, I'm totally confused at what you mean. What exactly are we being accused of doing?"

I sighed. Maybe he didn't know. Maybe he was good at playing stupid. Or maybe he wasn't playing. "Skip was attacked down at catering. I just got here with AJ when medics came and took Skip down to the medical examiners room. Seems like his knee is broken."

"Listen. We got here five minutes ago. Seth and Roman went out to get their bags from the car. I haven't the slightest idea as to who would be doing this or what their motive is. Oh wait, I know their motive. You go and attack everyone without a damn good reason!" He shot back at me. I don't know why, but something about how he said it really stung.

I sighed and hopped off of the crate. "Just think, Dean. If Roman or Seth was attacked and you were in my place, wouldn't you go and try and figure out who did it, for the sake of your team? And wouldn't the first people you would ask be the group that your own is feuding with?" I was about to open the door to leave when it swung open, revealing who but Seth and Roman. My breath caught and I froze in my spot.

"Well, well, well," Seth taunted as him and Roman entered their locker room, backing myself up "If it isn't Nexus's own pipsqueak! What are you doing here, with a man with the likes of us?"

I stood up straighter and attempted to make myself seem not as intimidated. "First off, I'm not a pipsqueak. If you ever call me that again, I'll personally rip your teeth out and make sure you won't be able to call anyone anything again. And second, I'm looking to solve something for the Nexus. Which I can promise none of you will be able to help with." I attempted to push past them and to the hallway, but Reigns scooped me up and sat me down on the crate which I had vacated moments earlier. The three men formed a line straight across, blocking the now shut door. I crossed my arms and legs, giving the three an ice cold glare.

"Can I help you?" I spat at them, after a minute of them nobody saying anything.

Dean stepped forward with a smartass smile on his face. "You can kiddo." I balled my fists "Why'd your team send you over here?"

I started laughing. "Oh, Ambrose. I've already told you! I came over here- against Nexus orders may I add- just to ask if it was one of you who went and attacked Skip. It's nothing except for that."

The three guys shared a look. "We don't believe that." Roman said flatly. I rolled my eyes and was about to shoot something back when the chorus to 'Brick By Boring Brick' by Paramore started playing from my pants pocket. I pulled out my phone to see Wade was calling me.

"Put it on speaker," Ambrose said simply "We'll keep quiet and you can talk to your little leader. If the call gives us the info we need, we'll let you go." I grudgingly agreed and put it on speaker.

"What's up Barrett?" I answered, not breaking eye contact with my pleased captors.

"Jen, where are you?" he asked sharply "Cody said that you had gone off on a walk around the arena. Is that true?"

"Of course, Wade! I'm walking through one of the back hallways as we speak!"

He hesitated. "You've stayed away from the men of the Shield, correct? You didn't go to them looking for answers?"

"Of course not, Wade! I've only done that once!" I replied, mouthing 'Told you so!' to the others.

"Alright. Just hurry up and get to the examiners room. There's news for the entire team from Doc Sampson." he said briskly before hanging up. I looked at Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose. I raised my eyebrows expectantly.

"You're a Parawhore?" Dean scoffed. I groaned.

"Yes, I'm a Parawhore. Now if you excuse me, I'm leaving," I stood up and shoved my way past the three men and sent a lingering look to Ambrose. They watched as I strode out of their locker room and towards the examiners room. I wouldn't have been too surprised if there was steam coming out of my ears.

What was up with them? I swear to god, those guys are as strange as they come. Wade was totally suspicious, it was obvious. Hey, I'd be suspicious if I were in his position too! Knowing myself, I'm practically always begging for danger, excitement, a fight, or rule breaking. And going over to that trio is a request for all four. I'm sure that Wade's bound to find out, most likely because he had some of the guys walking around the arena, keeping an eye out. If that's the case, Wade's bound to kill me. Whatever. I fight with the men, I can take Wade.

My attention was caught when I saw the back of an ambulance... With flashing lights... Loading a certain Texan superstar into it. I ran over to where the Nexus was standing, all watching the injured Skip leaving us in a gurney. Wade was talking to the EMT who was helping load the ambulance.

"Wade! Wade, what's going on?" I asked in a hurry. Barrett turned and saw me standing there, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"There you are! Doc Sampson has confirmed that Skip's knee is broken. He's going to end up being out of action from six months to a year." My jaw dropped. Skip's one of our big-action guys! I slipped away from the conversation and made my way over and into the ambulance, where Sheffield was still clutching his knee.

"Hey Skipper," I said, kind of awkwardly "It's gonna suck without you here for the next few months."

"I know," he replied in a pained voice "It's gonna suck being out of the Nexus for the next few months."

I pointed a finger at him. "Now don't say that! You're still going to be in the Nexus, just not physically here with us."

He smiled. "You're always the positive one."

"Nexus forever?" I asked, holding my fist out to him.

He bumped my fist. "Of course. Just try not to get into too much trouble." Wade came up behind me.

"They're about to leave. Skip," he said, shaking hands with our injured friend "We're all hoping for a speedy recovery. Soon enough you'll be back fighting with us!" Sheffield gave us a small smile as we left the back of the ambulance. Wade lifted me down and then the doors were pulled shut. By now, a portion of the team had left. It was just Wade, Justin, Heath, and me. There was slow clapping coming from behind us.

We turned to see who but the men that I was with twenty minutes ago. "Congrats you guys, you're down another member!" Roman said smugly.

Dean stepped forward. "Second one in two weeks. If the Nexus members keep dropping at this rate, you'll be down to two people in just a matter of time. You know what that is? It's fate letting you guys know that the Shield is the superior stable in the WWE. Why, if I were in your place," he paused and shot me a glance "I'd just quit while you're ahead! Just drift apart while you've got most of your members, and some percentage of your dignity; The Nexus' time here is slowly ticking away."

"So believe that!" Seth spat at us.

"And believe in the Shield." Roman finished, before they walked away.

"If looks could kill," I grumbled as we stalked away "Those guys would have each been sent to hell four times over."

Soooo, here's chapter six! I'm so sorry that I haven't been updating sooner! School has been starting up and it's taken me a bit more time to adjust than I thought! I'll try to update more this weekend! What do you guys think about this sudden twist with Skip being attacked? Please don't forget to comment! Love you guys!