Ch 23

As soon as they got backstage Bella opened her eyes giving Taker a big smile. He lightly kissed her forehead.

"You can put me down now," she said.

"I will in a minute. Are you really ok after taking that hit from Hunter?" he asked as he carried her into his locker room.

"Yes, we practiced it so many times. I can take a hit from my brother silly," she assured him as he sat down sitting her on his lap.

"I can't help worrying about you."

"There is nothing to worry about. I'm about to become the bride of the Lord of Darkness and I can command the Rock to do my evil bidding," she laughed, making him shake his head.

"Sounds like you're enjoying your new job," he said, caressing her face.

"The job is ok," she smiled, moving to straddle his lap. "Working with you is the most enjoyable part of the job," she whispered, kissing him deeply. He happily sighed pulling her tighter. A knock on the door made them both frown. Bella slowly moved off his lap so he could open the door letting Hunter in.

"Congratulations on winning the championship," Hunter patted Taker's shoulder then went to Bella giving her a big hug. "I'm sorry your first hit had to come from me. I really didn't want to do it but Vince insisted. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine no worries," she hugged him back.

"You're doing a great job. Vince is very happy with the storyline. He is very excited about the final test happening tomorrow night. He is anxious to see how the fans react so far the reaction to you two has been better than he expected."

"Do you think Vince is really going to make me go out to the ring alone tomorrow?" Bella asked, stepping away from Hunter.

"Unfortunately, he seems set on that. I tried changing his mind but he wouldn't listen. It always has to be his way," Hunter answered, shifting nervously for a moment. Undertaker noticed his uneasiness and it bothered him for some reason.

"I agree with Hunter. He ran your entrance song past me already. He is setting everything up to flow into the wedding," Undertaker said, wrapping his arm protectively around Bella. "You can handle going to the ring by yourself. You have gotten comfortable working with Dwayne. He will be in the ring and Hunter will be out there shortly after you."

"Did he finalize the wedding plans yet?" Bella asked not wanting to think about going out to the ring by herself.

"No, he is still going back and forth between the two ideas he discussed with you two. He seems to be settled on it happening at the Raw when we are in Las Vegas. I think the reaction to tomorrow night will decide which way he will go. Do you guys want to grab drinks with Chyna and I?" Hunter looked from Taker to Bella.

"Thank you for the offer. I think we are going to call it a night," Taker answered as Bella nodded in agreement.

"Ok, have a good night I'll see you two tomorrow," Hunter gave Bella another hug before heading out the door.

"All the dates and locations are still jumbled in my head, when is the Vegas show?" Bella asked after Hunter left.

"It's a week from tomorrow," Taker answered, seeing her eyes cloud over with a mix of emotions.

"Wow, that's really close."

"Hmmm not ready to be Lord of Darkness's bride yet," he could feel how nervous she was.

"Honestly it's just going to be weird pretending to be your wife in and out of the ring. Vince keeps lecturing me about how important it is to make the fans believe at all times," she softly sighed looking up into his eyes. "I don't want to slip up and undo all the work you have done over the years."

"You won't baby girl. We will talk more about it later," he pulled her close, kissing her forehead trying to calm her nerves as an idea to relax her fears came to his mind. He smiled liking his idea he just hoped she would when he finally revealed it to her.

The next afternoon when they arrived at the arena, Bella had to run through a few things with the Rock in the ring while the Undertaker went to meet with Vince. Undertaker was about to knock on Vince's door when he heard Hunter's raised voice.

"I did what you wanted. I agreed to let Austin throw me into my sister last night. It tore me apart to do that to her even though it was just a storyline. I won't do it again. You're making her go to the ring by herself already. That wasn't supposed to happen for quite awhile. When will our deal be over and you will destroy what you have on me?" Hunter angrily asked, making Taker tense up.

"I won't be asking you to hit Bella anytime soon so relax. The storyline changed for it to move along. She needs to go out there tonight by herself and deal with the Rock. It's what the fans want. I will decide when our deal is over for now there is nothing I want you to do. The storyline is moving the way I want. All you need right now is do your job," Vince shot back.

"It's hard to relax when you could blow up my life in a heartbeat. If Bella finds out what you have on me. She will never forgive me. I've already lost my parents. I will not lose my sister. Samantha is old enough that she will get upset with me too. Samantha will be lost without Bella," Hunter's voice cracked with tears as he pleaded with Vince.

"I understand. It's not my fault, you did what you did in the past. As long as you keep doing what I say, Bella will never find out I promise. I'm not talking about this anymore Taker will be here any second to go over tonight. Go get ready for tonight," Vince stood up going to the door flinging it open. Hunter glared at him before storming out. Luckily Taker had gone around the corner before either man saw him. He leaned against the wall trying to get his own anger under control before he went in to meet with Vince. He took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to tell Bella that Hunter was still hiding something from her. He knew it was best to wait till they were back home to talk to her.