Animal I Have Become
(Sequel to A New Breed Unleashed)
by Greg & Shelly

Chapter 1


"I should really get back up to my room," Alicia said draining the remainder of her beer. "See you guys tomorrow."

"You want me to walk you to the room," Johnny offered.

She looked from Johnny to Tommy and RVD and then back at Johnny. "No," she replied shaking her head. "I think I can manage an elevator ride and a walk down the hall." The others smiled. "I didn’t have that much to drink."

"You know why I asked, Alicia," Johnny said, not appreciating the little joke. "It’s been a month and we still haven’t seen or heard from Thorn or the others. They could attack at any time."

Alicia hugged him tightly. "I know," she said softly. "I think I’m safe in the hotel. Thorn will wait until there is absolutely no one around before he attacks me. That much I know."

"I’m coming up with you," Johnny said draining his beer. Alicia waved him off. With a sigh he sat back down, feeling helpless. He watched Alicia head toward the bank of elevators until she disappeared in one and sighed loudly.

"You can’t protect her at all times, John," Tommy said.

"I know," Johnny replied with a sigh. "That’s what scares me the most." He stood to leave, tossing some money on the table to cover his and Alicia’s drinks. "I’ll see you guys in the morning."

Rob reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Johnny, let her have some alone time," he said. "You’ve been with her for more than a week non-stop. Let her be alone for a while. She’ll be all right." Johnny frowned, knowing Rob was right, but still wanting to protect his friend.

"I guess you’re right," Johnny said with a sigh taking a seat.

"Good," Tommy said smiling. "How about a game of darts to take your mind off of things?"

"Sure," Johnny replied as the three of them stood and headed to the back of the bar.

I can't escape this hell

So many times I've tried

But I'm still caged inside

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself

Alicia sighed as she allowed her aching muscles to relax in the hot bubble bath. She laid her head back and covered her eyes with a wet wash cloth. Within moments she felt her body drifting off to sleep.

As the water permeated her skin, easing the tension that had become her constant companion these days she felt hands massaging her shoulders. Smiling she leaned into the touch, wondering when Johnny had gotten so brave as to enter the bathroom while she was bathing.

With a sick sense of terror she realized that Johnny would not invade her privacy like that. She tossed the wash cloth away and found the bathroom empty. Shakily she climbed out of the tub wrapped a towel around herself and cinched her bathrobe around her tightly. She drained the tub and warily headed into the bedroom of the suite she was sharing with Johnny.

"Johnny," she called. "Are you here?" Silence was her only answer. She checked every nook and cranny of the room to make sure she was alone before she sunk down onto the bed closest to the window. She buried her head in her hands and allowed a few tears to fall. "I can’t take this," she whimpered.

Even though it had been a month since Thorn and the others had been seen she still felt his presence now and then. That feeling scared her more than anything else. It was in those moments that she knew she would never be free of him until he was dead.

When she felt a little more at ease she dried off and changed into her pajamas before climbing into bed and shutting off the lights. With a sigh she closed her eyes, praying that sleep would take her quickly.

She had just fallen asleep when she felt the mattress shift as if someone had climbed into bed with her. "Johnny, get out of my bed," she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillows. When she felt as if someone was lying on top of her, her eyes snapped open. To her horror she came face to face with Kevin Thorn, his eyes blazing bright red with hatred. Alicia screamed, trying to fight him off, but he held her down. Feeling his weight on top of her, she was unable to move. She began to thrash, but to no avail.

As the elevator doors dinged open Johnny heard Alicia’s screaming. He looked at Tommy and Rob a moment before taking off down the hall. "Alicia! I’m coming," he called pulling out his key card. He swiped it and threw open the door, switching on the lights. "Alicia," he called and ran to the bed, where she was still thrashing.

"She’s having a nightmare," Tommy called.

"Alicia," Johnny called pulling her into his arms. She continued to thrash and scream. "Calm down. You’re safe. I have you."

Thorn’s face began to fade away as she heard Johnny talking to her. Opening her eyes, she saw her concerned friend staring down at her. "It was just a dream," she said softly. "A horrible nightmare."

"Drink this," Rob said offering her some cold water from the bathroom sink. She accepted it and took a sip.

"What happened," Tommy asked taking a seat on the bed next to her and Johnny.

"It was Thorn," she replied, shaking at the thought of the dream. "He was on top of me, holding me down. I…I couldn’t move."

"You were thrashing around the bed," Rob said softly.

"It’s not the first dream she’s had like this," Johnny said frowning as he continued to hold her. "It’s been like this since..."

"That night," Alicia continued. "Since that night at the mansion." She sighed and pulled free of Johnny’s grasp, going to the window. She peered out at the starry sky as a lone tear trickled down her cheek. "They just feel so real. Like he’s right here tormenting me."

"Well, he’s not," Tommy said. "And as long and we’re around you’re safe."

"Thanks," she said forcing a smile. "I probably woke half the floor with my screaming."

"Don’t worry about them," Rob said. "They’re not as quiet as they should be. Don’t let them give you any grief about it." Alicia nodded with a yawn.

"All right guys," Johnny said ushering Rob and Tommy to the door. "Alicia needs sleep and so do I. See you tomorrow." Tommy and Rob nodded and left them alone. Johnny turned to face his friend, a knowing look on his face. "They’re getting worse."

"I know," Alicia said, her bottom lip quivering as she plopped down on the bed. "I don’t know how to make them stop."

Johnny sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We’ll figure it out together. For now, you need to get some sleep." She nodded, allowing him to tuck her in. "Do you want me to stay here until you fall asleep?" She nodded with a yawn. "All right," he said sliding into bed with her. She laid her head in his lap and he stroked her hair until she fell asleep. He watched her sleeping a while, wishing that he knew how to stop the nightmares that were keeping his friend a prisoner in her own mind. It wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep himself.

Chapter 2

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself

Alicia felt the cool wind blowing across her bare shoulders. Looking around she saw that she was outside the hotel. Though the night air was chilly she wore only her tank top, pajama bottoms and slippers. She gazed around confused wondering how she got outside when she had been sleeping.

A familiar smell alerted her to something in the alley beside the hotel. She followed the scent, mouth watering at the sweet metallic smell. When she arrived in the alley she found fellow Diva Maria lying on the ground, two puncture wounds in her neck. The wound oozed thick, red blood.

"Go on, drink," a disembodied voice said to her.

"No," she whimpered. "I can’t."

"You can not deny your true nature," the voice said. "You are a predator. You need to feed to live."

Mouth watering at the sight before her she knelt down, pulling Maria’s body into her arms. The young Diva was still alive, though barely. Her breathing came in shallow ragged breathes. Closing her eyes she leaned down to Maria’s neck.

Johnny was roused from his sleep when he felt hands on his shoulders. Opening his eyes he saw Alicia, eyes still closed, preparing to sink her fangs into his neck. "Alicia," he cried trying to shove her away, but finding it very hard. She was stronger than she looked. "Alicia, wake up!"

Hearing Johnny’s voice in her dream her eyes fluttered open. When she realized what she was doing she pulled away from him, sliding to the foot of the bed to put as much distance between them as possible. She hung her head in shame, her dirty blonde locks hiding her face.

Johnny reached out and tilted her face up so that she met his gaze. "What happened this time," he asked, gently. His eyes held no form of judgment, simply concern for his friend.

"I was outside the hotel and Maria was in the alley, wounded," she replied softly. "I heard a voice telling me to feed."

"And you thought I was Maria," he asked with a smirk.

"I’m glad you can laugh at this," she replied, tucking some strands of hair behind her ears. "The voice was Thorn’s. I know it."

"He’s controlling your dreams," Johnny said frowning.

"It’s the only time when I’m vulnerable," she replied. "I’m relaxed and my defenses are down."

"What does he hope to gain by doing this," he asked, not understanding why Thorn would waste time doing such a thing.

"Well," she sighed. "If he can manipulate my dreams he can eventually manipulate me through my dreams. You saw that tonight." She frowned. "There’s also the matter of torturing me for betraying him."

"You have to sleep," Johnny said, knowing that her next step would be to try to avoid sleeping altogether.

"I know," she said through a yawn. She turned her gaze to the drapes and saw that the sun was up outside. "I’m going to shower. Maybe the water will wake me up enough to fuction."

"I could order some room service with a nice big pot of coffee," Johnny suggested then cringed realizing that Alicia didn’t eat like she used to.

"It’s all right," she said as she gathered her clothes and toiletries. "Order stuff for yourself." She listened to something it seemed only she could hear. "Order stuff for Rob and Tommy too. They’ll be knocking on the door soon." With that she headed into the shower.

Moments after the water was turned on there was a knock at the door. Johnny answered it to find Rob and Tommy on the other side. "It creeps me out when she does that," Johnny said.

"Does what," Rob asked entering the room and flopping onto the made bed.

"Alicia knew you guys were coming," Johnny replied letting in Tommy and heading to the phone.

"You didn’t sleep in your bed," Tommy asked, quirking a brow.

Johnny shook his head as he hung on for room service to answer his call. "She was too shaken up. I held her until she fell asleep and then fell asleep myself." When his call was finally answered he placed an order for room service. "She had another dream just a little while ago," he said hanging up the phone. "She almost fed on me." Sitting down on the unmade bed he told them what Alicia had told him about the dream.

"This is getting pretty bad," Tommy said. "I mean, it was one thing when she was dreaming about Thorn attacking her."

"Yeah," Rob agreed. "But now he’s manipulating her in her sleep."

"Don’t worry," Johnny said. "As long as I’m here to snap her out of it when it happens she’ll be fine."

"Or you could end up being the most recent on a list of my victims," Alicia said from the bathroom doorway. She was now wearing a cream colored denim shorts and a mint colored long sleeved shirt. Her hair had been pulled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck.

"We could take turns keeping an eye on you," Tommy suggested.

"You guys need your sleep," she replied slipping on a pair of white tennis shoes with no socks. "Don’t worry about me. I’ll figure out something." With that the subject was dropped. She flopped onto the bed next to Johnny and grabbed the TV remote.

Moments later there was a knock on the door. It was room service. Alicia flipped through the channels while Rob, Tommy and Johnny all ate their brunch. When everyone was done they prepared to head to the arena to do some run throughs for Raw that night. It would be Alicia and Johnny’s debut that night and they wanted to wow the crowd.

Chapter 3

Upon arriving at the arena Johnny and Alicia were informed of their matches for the night. Johnny looked over the sheet of paper with the match card for the night on it and frowned. Alicia knew this meant that he was either unhappy with when his debut match would be or who he was facing.

"What’s up," she asked looking at the sheet over his shoulder. She saw that she would be facing current women’s champ Mickie James. Her eyes scanned a little lower and saw why Johnny was frowning. "Mystery opponent? Wonder who it is."

Johnny sighed balling up the paper and tossing it in a nearby trash can. "Doesn’t matter," he replied, picking up his bag. "I’ll be ready for whoever they throw at me." He headed toward his locker room.

With a sigh Alicia picked up her bag and headed to the women’s locker room. Her mind drifted back to the nightmares, an involuntary shiver going up her spine when she thought of nearly feeding on Johnny. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn’t paid any attention to the semi-crowded hallway and bumped into someone, stumbling back a bit and dropping her bag.

"Are you all right," the person asked, his voice laced with just a hint of a southern drawl.

Alicia looked up into the green eyes of Jeff Hardy and nodded, smiling. "I should have been paying attention to where I was going," she replied.

"It was completely my fault," he replied smiling, picking up her bag and handing it to her. "I was thinking about my match with Nitro tonight and then next thing I know I’m bowlin' you over. Are you sure you’re all right?"

"I’m fine," Alicia replied accepting the bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "Really."

"Good. I’m…"

"Jeff Hardy," she replied smiling. "One of my favorites for a long time now. I’m Alicia Browning."

"I’m flattered that you’re a fan," he said chuckling, the sound music to Alicia’s ears. "You were in ECW, right," Jeff asked. "You used to be Johnny’s manager?"

"Still am," she replied. "At least on Raw I’ll actually get to wrestle too." Jeff nodded with a smile.

"Excuse me," they heard Mickie James call from behind Jeff. They both turned their attention toward her. "Hi. I hate to interrupt this, but I need to borrow Alicia. We need to go over some things for our match tonight."

"Of course," Jeff replied, smiling. "I have to go prepare for my match anyway." He turned his attention back to Alicia. "I’ll catch up with you another time," he said and gave her a wink.

"Another time," she said with a chuckle before turning her attention to Mickie. "All right, let’s get down to business." She followed Mickie to the women’s locker room.

Meanwhile Johnny was getting on his gear in the locker room he’d be sharing with Tommy and Rob. He hadn’t said a word to anyone since he got there and sat silently taping his wrists. Rob sat down on the bench beside him and eyed him a momemt.

"All right," he finally said. "What’s buggin’ ya?"

"I have a mystery opponent tonight," Johnny replied.

"I see," Rob replied.

"This could work in your favor," Tommy said taking a seat on the other side of him. "Maybe it’ll turn out to be some jobber and they just don’t have a name just yet."

"Yeah," Johnny said with a sigh. "I guess you’re right. I’d just like to know who to expect." With a sigh he stood and tossed his tape back into his bag. "I should check on Alicia."

He found her in the dining area talking to Victoria and Torrie. He was pleasantly surprised to see her laughing and happily chatting with the two women. She spotted him watching her and excused herself to go talk to him.

"Playing nice," he asked.

"Yeah," she replied punching him playfully. "I can be nice when I want to be, ya know."

Before he could reply Mickie James entered the area, approaching the two smiling wide. "Alicia, hi," she said excitedly, making Alicia cringe. "I just wanted to warn you that I am not going to go easy on you out there and I don’t expect you to either. All right?"

"Wouldn’t dream of it, Mickie," Alicia replied forcing a smile.

"Great," Mickie replied and skipped off to talk to Victoria.

"I just spoke to her less than a half hour ago," Alicia said to Johnny. "How can she be so excited to see me already?"

"See you out there," Mickie called as she passed by to leave the area. Alicia forced a smile and gave her a thumbs up before scowling at Johnny.

"Can I eat her," Alicia asked.

"No," Johnny replied. "You have to be nice. You can not eat anyone on this roster, Alicia."

"Not even Charlie Haas," Alicia asked with a smirk. "No one will miss him."

"Alicia," Johnny said crossing his arms across his chest.

"Kidding," Alicia said. "I couldn’t hurt Charlie…or anyone else," she quickly added when he sighed exasperatedly.

It was soon time for Alicia’s match against Mickie. Alicia waited in the ring, loosening up as she waited for her opponent. She was disappointed that the title would not be on the line, but hoped to impress enough to get a shot at it in the future.

When Mickie was finally in the ring and handed over her title to the ref the match got underway. Mickie quickly gained the upper hand with a series of chest chops and a kick to the gut. She went for the Mick Kick early on, but Alicia was anticipating it and quickly ducked it. She swept Mickie’s legs out from under her leaving the champ flat on her back. Alicia leg dropped Mickie and slapped on a short arm bar, which the champ was able to get out of.

Mickie shot Alicia into the ropes, once again gaining the upper hand, but Alicia managed to counter her clothesline into a swinging neckbreaker. With the champ on her back again, Alicia climbed to the top turnbuckle to finish her off with a moonsault.

She didn’t see Ariel rushing to the ring. The vampire made eye contact with Alicia, waving to her before shoving her off of the turnbuckle into the ring. As she staggered to her feet Mickie connected with another Mick Kick and rolled Alicia up for the win. Ariel smiled wickedly from the ramp before heading to the back.

Alicia staggered out of the ring, stunned by Ariel’s sudden appearance. She then soon realized that where Ariel was, Thorn was not far behind. A sick feeling a dread crept up her spine as she made her way to the back.

"Alicia," Mickie called as they came through the curtain together. "Are you all right?"

"Fine," Alicia replied. "I need to talk to Johnny about something, Mickie. I’ll talk to you later, all right?" Mickie nodded.

Alicia didn’t need to go far to find Johnny. He ran toward her, Tommy and Rob close behind. "Are you all right," he asked. "I saw Ariel."

"Jesus, this is the last thing we need," Tommy said running a hand through his dark hair.

"I’m fine, just a bit shaken," she replied with a sigh. "I wasn’t expecting to see Ariel tonght."

"I don’t want you out of our sight for the rest of the night," Johnny said. Tommy and Rob nodded in agreement.

"I’ll go let Al, Balls and Jazz know to look out for Thorn and the others," Rob said.

"Come on," Johnny said, taking Alicia’s hand and leading her to his locker room. "You’ll be safe as long as we’re all here to keep an eye on you."

Chapter 4

Alicia nervously paced the locker room as Tommy and Rob watched the monitor. Johnny was in the ring awaiting his opponent for the night. Tommy glanced over at Alicia and sighed.

"You’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep it up," he said, teasing her gently. Truth be told he was nervous about Ariel’s arrival as well.

Soon a techno beat could be heard blaring through the arena as it was bathed in red light. Tommy and Rob frowned when they saw Thorn step out onto the ramp. Alicia stopped pacing and stood by Tommy, glaring at the monitor. Tommy reached out and gave her hand a squeeze before gently pulling her down onto the bench beside him.

"I hate him," she said softly as she watched him approaching the ring, a sick smile curling his lips.

"I know," Tommy said, slipping arm around her shoulders. He could feel her trembling, either from anger or fear or both. "We’ll find some way to defeat him. I promise you that."

She nodded, her eyes never leaving the monitor. She watched as Johnny started off strong, attacking Thorn with everything he had in him. It wasn’t long before Alicia realized that Thorn was up to something. She had seen him destroy his opponents easily and knew that he would not let Johnny have the upper hand unless he had a plan.

"I have to go out there," Alicia said standing.

"Johnny wanted us to keep an eye on you, Alicia," Rob replied. "He’s doing all right. He doesn’t need help."

"That’s just it, Rob," Alicia said. "Thorn demolishes people in the ring. He doesn’t let them get the upper hand. He’s up to something and I have to go out there to help Johnny." She looked from Rob to Tommy, who were both skeptical about letting her out of their sight. "I’m going out there whether you want me to or not," she finally said. "You can’t stop me."

"Just be careful," Tommy finally said.

Alicia nodded and rushed out of the locker room. She headed down the hall, intent on getting to ringside as quickly as possible. She was almost to the gorilla position when she felt something strike her from behind. She fell to the ground, hitting her forehead. Rolling onto her back she was greeted by the sight of Trinity glaring down at her. She heard the click of heels on the cement floor a moment before Ariel came into view.

"Hi, Alicia," Trinity said. "Did you miss us?" She reached down pulling Alicia up by her hair and pinning her to the wall.

"What shall we do with her, Trinity," Ariel purred.

"Whatever we want," Trinity said smiling wickedly. She was about to punch Alicia in the face when they heard someone just down the hall yell.

"Hey! Let her go," Mickie James called, running toward them. "Leave her alone!" Mickie attempted to punch Ariel, but was thrown into the wall for her troubles. Her forehead connected with the wall with a sickening thud and she slumped to the floor.

"Mickie, no! You bitch," Alicia growled lunging at Ariel, but Trinity shoved her back into the wall. Her head connected with it, making the world a little dimmer and fuzzier.

"I’m the bitch," Ariel hissed, grasping Alicia’s face harshly and squeezing it. "No, my dear, you’re the bitch. We had everything. Thorn provided everything for us and you had to go and fuck it all up!" She released her grip on Alicia’s face and turned away from her in disgust. "I can’t even look at you. Feeding off of animal blood. You’re no better than those meat bag humans you love to hang around with." She turned her attention to Trinity. "Kill her quickly. Put her out of her misery." Trinity’s sick smile widened as she picked Alicia up, intent on breaking every bone in her body before finishing her off.

"Hey! Put her down," Jeff Hardy called. He had just rounded the corner when he found the scene before him. "Leave her alone!" He ran at the two women, intent on helping Alicia get away from them.

"You want her, meat bag," Trinity sneered. "Catch." She tossed Alicia at Jeff, who caught her with ease.

"Are you all right," he asked setting her on her feet. She was a little banged up, but nothing serious.

"I’ll be fine," she replied and glanced at Mickie’s unconscious body sprawled on the floor. "She needs medical attention," she said. "I have to get out to the ring to help Johnny." Jeff nodded and scooped Mickie up into his arms to carry her to the EMTs on the scene.

Alicia made it to the ring to find the referee knocked out and Thorn choking Johnny with his cane. Moving Lillian Garcia out of the way she grabbed the ring announcer’s chair and folded it, sliding into the ring. She glared at Thorn, who had finally released Johnny from his choke hold.

"You want me you son of a bitch," Alicia said, never taking her eyes off of him. "I’m right here. Come get me."

Thorn merely smiled at her, stalking over to her. Before he could reach out and grab her Johnny managed to spin the vampire around to face him. With his back to her Alicia raised the chair and brought it down onto Thorn’s head with all of her might. Thorn dropped to the mat with a loud thud.

Alicia quickly slid out of the ring and roused the referee. He slowly made the three count and Alicia slid back into the ring to help Johnny out. Together they headed up the ramp and through the curtain.

"Johnny, are you all right," Tommy asked. He and Rob had been worried when Alicia hadn’t run down to ringside right away. On the way they ran into Jeff, who told them what had happened.

"Thank God Jeff was there," Tommy said. "You have to be more careful. It’s not safe for you to walk around alone anymore."

"I know that," Alicia snapped. "I’m not a child, Tommy. You don’t need to scold me."

"Alicia, we’re just worried about your safety," Rob replied.

"And you think that you or Johnny or any of the others can protect me," she demanded, tears shining in her eyes. "Thorn is stronger than all of you combined and with Ariel, Trinity and Francine by his side he’ll be damn near impossible to stop. Maybe you need to think twice about who needs to be careful, Tommy." With that she stormed off down the hall.

Tommy was about to chase after her, but Johnny stopped him. Tommy looked at his young friend questioningly. "Just let her blow off steam," he replied. "Thorn’s already made his move. He’ll wait until another time to try to get to her now."

Alicia made it to the end of the hall before she allowed the tears to fall. Leaning against the wall she slid to a sitting position and pulled her knees to her chest. It wasn’t long before she felt the presence of someone standing beside her.

"I’m not in the mood, Johnny," she said, sniffling as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. Looking up she saw Jeff staring down at her, concern swimming in his green orbs. "Sorry, Jeff," she said softly. "Thought you were someone else."

"I can leave if you’d rather be alone," he said. She shook her head and patted the floor beside her. Jeff took a seat next to her and sat in silence for a long while. "So, you gonna tell me what before was all about?"

"It’s a long, complicated story," Alicia replied. "Suffice it to say that they’re from a part of my life I’d rather not deal with."

"I see," Jeff replied, accepting her explaination.

"How’s Mickie," she asked.

"She’s all right," Jeff replied. "She’s being taken for tests to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion, but she was awake and chattering away when I left her with the EMTs."

"Good," Alicia said.

"Jeff your match is up in five minutes," a stage hand called to him.

Jeff nodded to him before turning his attention back to Alicia. "Looks, like I have to go," he said with a sigh. "You gonna be all right?"

"Yeah," she replied, accepting the hand he offered to her as he stood. He pulled her up to her feet and stared into her amethyst eyes for a long while. "You should go," she finally said breaking the silence and his hypnotic gaze. "You have a match."

"Right," he said smiling. "You take care and try not to get into anymore fights." She chuckled watching him walk away.

"Hey," Johnny said softly, having heard the last part of her conversation with Jeff. "You all right now?"

Alicia sighed, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. "I doubt I’ll ever be all right as long as Thorn is around," she said softly.

"Come on," Johnny said, slinging his arm around her shoulders. "Let’s get ready to head back to the hotel. She allowed him to lead her away down the hall to the locker room.

Chapter 5

Later that night as Alicia and Johnny walked through the lobby heading to the elevator bank they were approached by Mickie James. She was smiling, though not her usually cheerful self. Tommy and Rob had gone back to the hotel ahead of them to gather the gang and were waiting up in Alicia and Johnny's room.

"Hey Mickie," Alicia said smiling. "I thought for sure you’d still be at the hospital."

"No concussion," she replied. "Doctor said I have to take it easy and released me."

"Well, I’m glad to see that you’re all right," Alicia replied genuinely, surprising Johnny. "I was so afraid that you were seriously hurt."

"Oh," Mickie said, tearing up a little. "You’re so sweet." Without warning she threw her arms around Alicia and gave her a tight squeeze. Alicia awkwardly returned the hug, patting Mickie’s back. "Listen if those bitches ever mess with you again…"

"I don’t think you need another knot on your head," Alicia chuckled, gently cutting her off. "Thanks for the offer though."

"Just wanted to let you know that I have your back," Mickie replied with a shrug. "They ambushed you and that’s just not right."

"I don’t think they care about what’s right or wrong," Alicia said. "Thanks again, Mickie." She gave her a quick hug. "You’re a real sweetheart."

"I just have one question for you," Johnny said as he and Alicia got in the elevator. "Who are you and what have you done with my friend?"

"Technically that’s two questions, John," Alicia replied with a chuckle.

"Earlier you couldn’t stand Mickie James," Johnny said, ignoring her comment.

"That was before she nearly risked her life to help me," Alicia replied with a shrug. "Besides, she’s not all bad….a little too perky at times, but basically a good person."

Johnny watched his friend exit the elevator, unable to believe what he was hearing. Shaking his head he followed her down the hall to their room. The room key had been given to Tommy so that the gang could gather to discuss Thorn’s reappearance.

"There you are," Tommy said opening the door when they knocked. "What took you so long? You were in the car right behind us."

"Mickie James stopped us in the lobby," Alicia replied tossing her bag down and collapsing on a bed next to RVD. She nudged him to scoot over a bit and he did, chuckling.

"A little birdy told me that you and Jeff Hardy have a thing going on," Sandman said smiling.

Alicia glared at him and sighed. "He helped me in a bind with Ariel and Trinity," she replied. "Yeah, Sandman, that just screams romance."

"Hey, you’re undead not dead," Sandman replied. "Who says you can’t get a little nookie once in a while."

"Can we change the subject off of my sex life," Alicia said.

"Yeah," Rob agreed. "Now that Thorn’s back we need to be focused."

"Great," Sabu muttered. "We’re going back to fuckin’ guard duty."

Alicia sat up on the bed, glaring in his direction. "I’m not asking any of you to watch over me," she replied. "I didn’t ask any of you to do that before and I certainly am not asking you to do it now."

"You can’t take them all on yourself," Tommy said. "Alicia, we’re your friends. We want to help you."

"Helping me could get you all killed," Alicia exploded. Johnny attempted to say something, but she waved him off. "Don’t," she said. "You’ve all become like a family to me over the past couple of months, especially you Johnny." She sighed. "You’re like a brother to me," she said, tears clouding her eyes. She forced them back.

"We feel the same about you, sweety," Jazz said sitting on the bed next to her and wrapping her arms around the younger diva. The others nodded, even Sabu, though reluctantly. "Family sticks up for family. Thorn is not going to get you and we plan to make sure of that."

Alicia shrugged her off, standing. "I don’t want any of you to get hurt because of me," she said, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I couldn’t live with myself if that happened."

"It’s a risk we’re willing to take," Big Show said. The others agreed.

"Face it, sister, you’re stuck with us," Tazz said.

"So, it’s settled," Tommy said. "We’re going to take out Thorn."

"I can’t deal with this right now," Alicia said, sniffling and wiping the tear away. "I need air." With that she grabbed her jacket and headed out of the room.

Johnny stood to follow her, but Hardcore Holly stopped him. "Let her go," he said. "She’ll be fine. They already attacked once today. I doubt they will again."

Johnny sat back down with a sigh. "I just worry about her," he said softly.

"We all do," Balls Mahoney said.

"That’s why we need to work on a plan to get rid of Thorn for good," Al Snow said. "The sooner she's free of that bastard the better off she'll be."

Chapter 6

Alicia pulled her jacket tighter around her body as she walked the streets. She didn’t know where she was going. All she knew was she needed to get away from the hotel and talk of taking on Thorn. She just needed to clear her head.

"Hey baby," a man called as she rounded the corner. "Damn you’re fine!"

"Piss off," she replied and walked on. The man didn’t give up so easily.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look like that chick from the WWE," he asked eying her up and down.

Alicia stopped walking, sure that she could take him if things got out of hand. "That’s really original. Did you think it up all by yourself or did the idiot brigade help you," she replied.

"Oh, so it’s like that," the man asked, approaching her.

"Yeah," Alicia replied. "What part of piss off didn’t you get? Let me put in terms that a simpleton like yourself can understand. You have absolutely no chance of getting into my pants."

"Really," the man replied, finally face to face with her. Before she could react he reached out and grabbed her, pulling her body to his. "I’d say my chances are getting better."

She could smell the sickening stench of whiskey on his breath and she tried to fight him off, but found him stronger than she had originally thought. "Let go of me," she said through gritted teeth.

"Don’t be like that, baby," he said, crushing her lips with his.

She could taste the blood from her now split lip in her mouth and felt the rage rising inside her. As his tongue forced its way into her mouth she bit down on it hard, drawing blood. He screeched in pain, the blood spilling down his chin as he pulled away from her. He glared at her, wiping his chin and seeing his own blood.

"You bitch," he said, though his words were slurred by his rapidly swelling tongue.

Without warning he hauled off and punched Alicia in the face. Blood poured out of her nose. Feeling the warm liquid flowing down her face she let out an animalistic cry and lunged at him. He caught her easily and pinned her up against the wall.

"Looks like I will be getting into your pants after all," he said as he unzipped his jeans.

"Think again, asshole," Jeff Hardy called from behind him. The man turned to face him and was met with a wooden board to the face. He collapsed like a sack of potatoes. Jeff dropped the wood and turned his attention to Alicia.

"Are you all right," he asked cupping her face in his hands to get a better look at her nose.

"I’ll be fine," she said pushing him away. Her rage had caused her fangs to extend and her eyes were still blazing with anger. Her attacker groaned and she kicked him in the groin, adding insult to injury. "Stupid son of a bitch," she said spitting out blood.

"I should take you to the hospital," Jeff said. "You could have a broken nose."

"I’ll be fine," she replied, wiping the blood away with her hands. She hated herself for getting caught in this situation. It was then that she realized that her fangs were out. "No," she gasped. "This can’t be happening now."

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

No one will ever change this animal I have become

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal

"Are you sure you’re all right," Jeff asked hearing her muttering to herself. He tilted her head up so that he could see her face in the street lamp. He caught a glimpse of the light glinting off her fangs, but thought he had been seeing things.

Pulling away from him she closed her eyes tightly and willed the fangs to retract. She silently prayed that Jeff hadn’t seen them, not in the mood to tell him what she was just yet. Slowly the fangs retracted and she turned to face him again. He was watching her closely.

"I’m sorry," she said softly.

"No need to apologize," Jeff replied smiling. "I love saving the damsel in distress."

"Must be the southern gentleman in you," Alicia chuckled. Her nose had stopped bleeding by now. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped some of the blood from her face. "I don’t know how I could ever repay you for this," she said, her eyes meeting his in a hypnotic gaze.

"You could let me take you out to dinner," he replied smiling, never breaking the gaze.

"Jeff," she sighed, pulling away from him. "I can’t."

"It’s cool," Jeff replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "You’re with Johnny. I understand." He began to walk back toward the hotel.

"John…no, I’m not with him," Alicia chuckled shaking her head as she followed him. "Johnny’s like a big brother to me. I’m not with anyone. It’s just that…I recently lost someone special to me and I’m not exactly over him yet."

"I’m sorry," he replied. "I didn’t realize."

"If it’s all right with you I’d like to be friends," Alicia offered.

"That would be fine," Jeff said smiling. "As long as I don’t have to bail you out of trouble all of the time."

"Deal," Alicia replied. "Besides, I have other friends who do that for me." She regretted the words as soon as they had been uttered. Jeff looked at her suspiciously.

"Something tells me that you’re one of those girls who gets herself into loads of trouble," he said finally.

"Actually, it just sort of finds me," she replied with a smile.

Jeff chuckled, shaking his head. "Being your friend is going to be interesting," he said. She nodded, hooking her arm through his as they walked.

They walked back to the hotel in comfortable silence. Neither spoke until they were off the elevator on their floor. "My room is right here," Alicia said stopping in front of the door.

"Mine’s two doors down," Jeff said. "If you need anything, someone to talk to or anything else come knock. All right?" She nodded.

Just as she was about to knock on the door to her room it opened. Johnny looked at Alicia, dried blood soaking her jacket and shirt, and then looked at Jeff. "What happened," he demanded.

"Johnny, it’s nothing," she replied.

"Some ass was trying to rape her," Jeff said.

"And it’s a good thing that Jeff was close by because he saved me," Alicia said. "Now, can I come in and take a shower or are we going to stand in the hall all night?"

Johnny stepped aside to let her in. He watched her grab her bag and head into the bathroom before turning his attention back to Jeff. "Thanks for looking out for her," Johnny said.

"Anytime," Jeff replied. "I’ll see you around."

"Listen, Jeff," Johnny said before Jeff could walk away. He could tell that Jeff liked Alicia a lot. "Look, she’s not in a place in her life to start a relationship."

"She already told me that she lost a boyfriend," Jeff replied. "I understand that she’s not ready for anything like that. I just want to be her friend. If something comes of it then great, but I’m not going to push things."

"Good," Johnny said. "Because the last thing I want is to see her get hurt."

"You’re a good friend," Jeff replied. "I should get to bed. Got an early flight in the morning." He walked down the hall to his room, casting a glance back over his shoulder at the now closed door to Johnny and Alicia’s room. There was something about Alicia that drew him to her, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it. With a shrug he pulled out his key card and entered his room.

Once Alicia was out of the shower she tossed her bloody clothes into the trash. She was clad in a pair of pink cut off sweats and a black T-shirt. She sat down on the edge of her bed as she dried her hair. It was then that she felt Johnny’s eyes on her.

"What," she asked with a loud sigh.

"You can’t keep being so careless," Johnny said. "First Ariel and Trinity attack you and now you were almost raped? What’s next being held up at gunpoint in a convenience store?"

"I’m sorry, who died and left you in charge of my life," Alicia demanded, tossing the towel aside. "I can take care of myself, Johnny." With that said she crawled under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp before rolling onto her side with her back to him.

Johnny sighed, knowing the conversation was over. Not feeling up to going to bed just yet he headed out of the room. He needed to talk to Tommy and Rob.

Alicia heard the door open and close and realized that Johnny had left. Rolling onto her back she pinched the bridge of her nose and winced as a slight pain from the punch she had taken shot through it. The whole Thorn situation was putting them all on edge, but she felt the tension much more. With a sigh she rolled back onto her side and willed her body to sleep. Before long she was drifting into dreamland.

Chapter 7

Alicia stood with Mickie James, talking over what would happen during their match at the house show that night. They were determined to make the match something to watch. Neither woman was pleased that Ariel had interfered in the previous match.

"Excuse me," Johnny said to Mickie. "Could I steal Alicia away for a moment?" Mickie nodded, realizing that one of the panels on her skirt was coming loose. She hurried to get it mended before the show began.

"What’s up," Alicia asked.

"No one’s seen Ariel, Trinity or Thorn, but just be careful," Johnny said.

"I will," Alicia replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you certain this will work, my pet," Thorn asked Ariel, who was setting up a ring of candles.

She lit each candle and knelt inside the circle. "I’m sure," she replied smiling. "I just need complete silence." Thorn squatted next to her, capturing her ruby red lips in a heated kiss.

"You will have all of the silence you need," he said when the kiss was broken. "Trinity, let’s go." Obediently she rose from her spot on the bed and followed him out of the bedroom.

Now alone in the room Ariel closed her eyes and focused her mind on Alicia. She softly began to chant something over and over to break through the barriers Alicia had around her mind. When she finally broke through she smiled wickedly.

"Now for some fun," she muttered to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alicia was preparing for her match, stretching and getting into the proper frame of mind.

"You know you can’t win this match," she heard Ariel’s voice say. Spinning around she scanned the hall, expecting to find the buxom vampire smirking at her. When she spotted no one she shook her head.

"I must be going insane," she muttered.

"Well, talking to yourself is a sure sign," Jeff drawled. He had just finished up his match against Johnny Nitro, defending his Intercontinental title. Alicia smiled at his little joke, shaking her head.

"What’s this," Ariel said. "A new boy toy?"

"Stop it," Alicia muttered.

"I…didn’t do anything," Jeff said, eying her curiously. "Are you all right?"

"Sorry," she said, chuckling nervously. "Nerves…you know…trying to tell myself to stop being nervous. I know it sounds lame."

"Whatever works," he replied. "I should go change. Good luck against Mickie."

"Thanks," she called as she watched him walk down the hall. When he was out of earshot she turned from him and said, "I know what you’re trying to do Ariel. It won’t work."

"Oh, a challenge," Ariel purred. "I do love a challenge. So, when do you plan to bring Jeff home for Master to meet?"

"Never you b*tch," Alicia hissed. "I am never going back."

"We’ll see about that dear Alicia," Ariel replied, laughing wickedly.

I can't escape myself

So many times I've lied

But there's still rage inside

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself

Soon it was time for Alicia’s match. Ariel had not spoken to her since their spat in the hall. The match was going well, with both women exchanging blows, the upper hand changing several times.

Just as Alicia was getting the upper hand she felt Ariel trying to take control of her. "No," she said trying to shake it off.

"It’s useless to fight," Ariel purred. "I’m stronger than you."

"What’s wrong," Mickie asked seeing something in Alicia change. Her amethyst eyes darkened to a frightening shade of deep purple.

"Nothing," Alicia replied, whipping Mickie into the ropes. She slammed her down to the mat in a powerslam, knocking the wind out of her. Alicia began to ruthlessly beat on the Women’s Champion, not stopping when Mickie’s nose began to bleed profusely.

"Alicia," Mickie begged. "Please stop."

The begging brought Alicia back to her senses and she stared down at the broken woman before her, horrified at what she had just done. The referee had already disqualified her when she slid out of the ring, running to the back in shame.

"Alicia," Johnny called as she ran past him. He attempted to follow, but Tommy and RVD held him back. All three men had watched what she had done to Mickie.

In her mind she could hear Ariel’s wicked laughter. "I told you I was stronger than you," she hissed.

"Stop it," Alicia whimpered, collapsing to the ground holding her head. "Stop it!"

"Alicia, are you all right?"

Looking up she saw Jeff staring down at her, concern written all over his face. He held out a hand to her to help her up. She accepted it, though she kept her distance from him. He watched her closely, not understanding what was going on with his new friend.

"I’m fine," she lied. He opened his mouth to speak, but she silenced him with the wave of a hand. "Really."

"Time to have some fun," Ariel said with a wicked giggle.

"No," Alicia muttered feeling her feet moving toward Jeff. "Don’t do this, Ariel."

"You are so weak," Ariel growled. "I control you. You do as I will you to."

Unable to control herself she reached out and pulled Jeff to her, nestling her body against his. He gulped at her sudden forwardness. "Alicia," he said, as she ran a finger down his chest, a wicked grin curling her lips. "This isn’t you. What’s going on?"

"Shhh," Alicia said, feeling like a prisoner in her own body. She pulled his face to hers capturing his lips in a steamy kiss. When they head broken the kiss he was breathless. "Relax," she whispered in his ear. "I won’t bite…hard." With that her fangs extended.

"No," she muttered, fighting against Ariel’s control. "I won’t let you do this." Suddenly she felt Ariel’s hold over her slipping. "You are not stronger than me."

"I never said I was," Jeff replied, holding her at arm’s length. She seemed to be fighting an inner battle and he didn’t know what to do to help her.

"Have your little boy toy," Ariel hissed, losing her grasp on Alicia’s mind. "We’ll get you sooner or later. Your destruction is inevitable."

With that Alicia slumped in Jeff’s arms. "Alicia," he gasped, her head lolling to the side, eyes glazed over. "Talk to me." Her eyes slowly slid shut and she went completely limp in his arms. "Shit," he muttered and carried her to his locker room.

Gently he laid her down on the bench, still not understanding what was going on with her. With a sigh he went to find Johnny. If anything he’d know what was going on and would hopefully explain things.

Chapter 8

Jeff finally found Johnny in Tommy and RVD’s locker room. "Johnny," he panted, having run around the arena for the past twenty minutes searching.

"You all right, Jeff," Tommy asked. "Calm down and catch your breath."

"It’s Alicia," Jeff said once he had caught his breath. "She collapsed." Johnny, Tommy and Rob jumped to their feet when he said that.

"Where is she," Johnny asked.

"In my locker room," Jeff replied. The three men headed out of their locker room and headed down the hall. Jeff followed close behind. "I was going to bring her to the hospital, but I thought I should get you first."

"No hospital," Tommy said opening the door to Jeff’s locker room and entering. Johnny, Rob and Jeff followed close behind.

"What’s going on," Jeff asked. "She needs medical attention."

"She’s fine," Johnny said brushing some dirty blonde hair out of Alicia’s face. "She just needs to rest."

"She’s not fine," Jeff replied. "She was mumbling to herself before she passed out. She was acting very strange."

"You don’t know the half of it," Rob muttered. Tommy and Johnny shot him a glare.

"What the hell is going on," Jeff demanded. "And don’t tell me nothing." Johnny sighed turning his attention from Alicia to Jeff. He silently debated what to tell Jeff. "Someone better start talking or I’m walking out of here with her and taking her to the hospital."

"No hospital," came Alicia’s weak voice. All four men looked at her, relieved to see her awake.

"Are you all right," Jeff asked sitting down next to her and looking her over. "You scared me half to death."

"I’ll be fine," Alicia replied forcing a smile.

"We should get her back to the hotel," Tommy suggested.

"Yeah," Rob agreed. "She’s probably exhausted from the travel schedule."

"I still want an explanation," Jeff replied, crossing his arms across his chest.

"And you’ll get one," Alicia said ignoring Johnny, Tommy and Rob’s facial expressions. "But I would like to head back to my hotel room, take a nice hot shower and change into something comfortable." Jeff frowned, feeling she was brushing him off. "Once I’m all settled I’ll stop by your room. All right?" Though he didn’t like it he nodded.

"Good," Tommy said helping Alicia to her feet. "We should get you back so you can do all of that."

Once in the hall away from Jeff’s locker room Johnny turned to Alicia and said, "What are you going to tell him?"

Alicia sighed. "The truth," she finally replied. Tommy and Rob groaned. "I can’t keep it a secret from him much longer." With that she disappeared into the women’s locker room. She emerged a few moments later with her stuff. "I have to tell you guys something, but not here. I don’t want anyone listening."

As they were leaving they saw Mickie James being loaded into an ambulance. Alicia frowned, knowing that she had to make amends with her sooner or later. She bit her lip, seeing the looks on Tommy, Rob and Johnny’s faces. They looked extremely disappointed in her actions that night.

Once in the confines of Tommy’s rental car Rob turned around in the passenger seat to look at her. "Why’d you do that to Mickie," he finally asked the question on everyone’s mind.

"It wasn’t me," she replied. "Ariel took over somehow. I can’t really explain it. She started by taunting me mentally, through telepathy, and then she began to control my actions." She looked out the window, a tear slipping down her cheek. "She almost made me kill Jeff. When I tried to fight back….it was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. That’s why I passed out. I just felt drained."

"Wait a minute," Tommy said pulling into the parking lot of the hotel. "You’re telling me that vampires can do mind control to people and shit?"

"Not exactly," Alicia said sighing. "I guess we have a link because she sired me. She’s using that to control me."

"Kinda like a remote control," Rob said.

"Yeah," Alicia replied. "She’s strong guys, very strong, which means one thing."

"Thorn’s been teaching her," Johnny said. Alicia nodded.

"This is not a good development," Tommy said as he climbed out of the car. "If Ariel can do that then there’s no telling when she’ll strike again."

"I can tell you that she will definitely not try it again tonight," Alicia said slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"How do you know," Rob asked.

"Because it uses a large amount of energy," Alicia replied. "She had control of me for nearly an hour. If she’s not exhausted from that then she’s stronger than even Thorn."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How did it go, my pet," Thorn asked, returning to the hotel room.

"Very well," Ariel sighed. She was stretched out on one of the beds. As Alicia had said the session had left her weakened.

"Trinity and I have brought you a present," Thorn said smiling. "Something to help you regain your strength." He opened the door and Trinity entered carrying a woman over her shoulder. At this sight Ariel sat up, mouth practically watering.

She brought her over to Ariel and tossed the woman down at Ariel’s feet. Ariel tucked a finger under the woman’s chin, turning her head up to meet her gaze. Brown hair fell from the face to reveal the tear stained and bruised face of Maria.

She will do nicely," Ariel said licking her lips. "Shhh," she cooed at the distraught diva. "Ariel will take good care of you." She pulled Maria up onto the bed and cradled her head against her chest.

Maria began to cry harder, knowing that her life was about to come to an end. Ariel nuzzled her neck, nipping at the flesh, eliciting little gasps of agonized terror from Maria. When she grew tired of playing with her food Ariel sunk her teeth into the delicate flesh of Maria’s neck, draining her dry and letting the limp body fall to the floor. She looked at Thorn and Trinity with a smile as she wiped the dribbles of blood from her chin.

"How do you feel now, my pet," Thorn asked taking a seat next to her on the bed.

"Stronger," Ariel replied resting her head on his shoulder.

"Good," Thorn replied. He looked down at Maria’s body with disdain and kicked it away from their feet. "Trinity, take care of that." Obediently Trinity scooped up the body, disposing of it.

Chapter 9

Once Alicia was showered and changed into some sweats and an EC F’n W shirt she looked at Tommy, Johnny and Rob with a sigh. "I’m off to talk to Jeff," she said.

"Are you sure you want to do this," Johnny asked her. "You don’t have to tell him anything."

"I owe Jeff an explanation of what’s been going on," she replied with a sigh. "He must think that I’m insane by now."

"Then he’ll fit right in with our group," Tommy said smiling, trying to lighten the mood.

"If he doesn’t believe you he’ll think you’re insane anyway," Rob said.

"I know," Alicia said, frowning. She had only known Jeff a short while, but there was an attraction that she couldn’t deny.

"You like him, don’t you," Johnny asked. She nodded. "Well…I hope you know what you’re doing."

"So do I," replied heading out the door.

Once in the hall she spotted Mickie James being helped to her hotel room by Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle. She instantly felt guilty when she saw how bruised and swollen the champion’s face was. With a sigh she forced herself to go down the hall to talk to her.

"Uh..Mickie," she said, bringing the hate filled glares of Torrie and Candice.

"What the hell do you want," Torrie demanded, shoving Mickie behind both her and Candice.

"Come to beat on her some more," Candice demanded, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Actually I came to see how Mickie was doing," Alicia replied, trying to keep her temper in check. "And to apologize."

"Do you honestly think that you can just say you’re sorry for doing this to Mickie," Torrie demanded pulling Mickie in front of them.

Do you honestly think that sorry even begins to make up for this," Candice demanded. "Look at her! She's hideously deformed now," she said ignoring Mickie's glare.

Mickie, who was obviously in a great deal of pain, sighed. "Girls, please stop," she finally demanded. She turned her gaze back to Alicia, though it was hard for her to see through two swollen eyes. "Alicia, I’m not sure I can forgive what you did to me tonight," she said calmly.

"I understand," Alicia replied. "I didn’t expect you to be forgiving. All the same, sorry doesn’t begin to explain how I feel about this."

"Mickie needs to get some rest," Candice said, shoving Mickie toward the door to her room. Torrie nodded and tried to help.

Mickie stopped both women and looked at Alicia. She had sensed that something had changed in Alicia during her match and needed to talk to her about it. She did not want Torrie or Candice to overhear it though.

"I’ll drop by your room in the morning," Mickie said. "We need to have a nice long talk."

Alicia nodded and proceeded down the hall to Jeff’s room. With a deep breath she knocked on the door, waiting for Jeff to answer. "Here goes nothing," she muttered as she waited.

Several minutes later Jeff opened the door clad only in a towel. "Alicia," he said blushing slightly. "I thought you were room service," he said, pulling his towel tighter around his waist.

"I can come back another time if you’d like," she said, trying not to notice the beads of water trickling down his bare chest.

"No," he replied smiling. "I’ll just throw on something. Come on in." He stepped aside for her to enter the room. "Make yourself comfortable." He motioned to the bed and ducked into the bathroom.

Alicia took a seat on the bed and looked around at the mess. His dirty clothes were strewn across the floor by the bathroom. His suitcase stood open, clothes hanging out of it. She smiled, shaking her head because Johnny was the same way.

It must be a guy thing she thought as she turned her attention elsewhere.

Glancing at the night stand she saw a couple of photos in frames. One she recognized as a picture of his late mother and his and Matt’s father. She smiled seeing how happy and young they looked. The next photo that caught her eye made her breath catch in her throat. The picture was of Jeff and Shannon, both smiling happily at the camera.

She was staring at the picture so intently that she didn’t hear Jeff exit the bathroom. He watched her for a while, noting that though the picture was a happy one she looked very sad as she stared at it. When he saw a tear slip down her cheek he decided to speak up.

"That was taken about two years ago," he said, walking over to the bed. She looked up, startled, and wiped the tear from her cheek. "We went away for a weekend trip, just the two of us. Wound up getting lost everywhere we went, but it was good to spend time with my best friend."

"I didn’t realize that you and Shannon were so close," Alicia said setting the picture back on the night stand.

"Well, we used to be, but something changed a few months ago. He became distant. I guess we just grew apart." He sighed looking at the picture in her hands. "You knew Shannon," Jeff asked.

Alicia sighed, knowing that the topic would come up sooner or later. "We worked together a few times in ECW," she replied. He nodded. "I think I should tell you what I came to tell you and then everything will fall into place."

There was a knock at the door just then. "Room service," a male voice called through the door.

"Hold that thought," Jeff said answering the door. He signed for the food and allowed the man to wheel the cart in. He gave him his tip and closed the door behind him. "I didn’t think you’d be coming," he said, motioning to the cart. "I can share if you’d like."

"It’s all right," she replied. "I’m not hungry."

"Do you mind if I…"

"Go ahead," she replied.

"Thanks, I’m starved," Jeff said uncovering the tray and taking a seat at the little table. He motioned for her to join him and she did. "So, what was going on with you at the arena?"

"It’s really complicated," Alicia replied. "I think I need to start at the beginning and then hopefully you’ll understand." He nodded taking a sip of his water. "Here goes nothing," she muttered.

Jeff watched her intently as he ate, wondering what inner demons she was fighting. She seemed to be trying very hard to start off her story, but simply didn’t know how. Patiently he waited for her to start.

"Did you ever have one of those nights that change your life forever," she asked suddenly.

"Who hasn’t," Jeff replied with a smirk. "Signing with the WWE, winning the tag titles for the first time, winning the…"

"I’m not talking about those kinds of things," she replied with a sigh, standing and walking over to the window. "I mean a night that you know your life will never be the same no matter how bad you want it to be."

"What’s going on," Jeff asked standing and joining her at the window.

"I had one of those nights a few months ago," she replied meeting his gaze. "I’m not your normal everyday run of the mill girl."

"Well, I already knew that," he said smirking. "That’s why I like you. You’re not boring like most of the other Divas."

"Jeff…I’m…a vampire," she blurted out.

She watched as the words sunk in and he began to chuckle. "You certainly have a vivid imagination," he said, shaking his head. "A vampire? Come on."

"I’m serious," Alicia said, hoping he would believe her. "I was sired by Ariel. For a while I lived with her Thorn, Trinity and Francine."

"You really believe this story, don’t you," Jeff asked, realizing that she wasn’t joking. "You’re crazier than I thought."

"Trust me, I know how crazy it sounds," she said. "I can show you."

"Yeah," Jeff asked skeptically. "Go on, then."

With a sigh Alicia closed her eyes and concentrated. Jeff watched as before his eyes her fangs extended. When she opened her eyes they were the most demonic thing he had ever seen. They caught the light from the moon shining in through the window and glowed a deep shade of purple. He stumbled back, unable to believe what he was seeing.

Chapter 10

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

No one will ever change this animal I have become

"You…you really are a vampire," Jeff gasped, still backing away from her.

She retracted her fangs and her eyes no longer glowed menacingly. She sighed plopping down on the foot of the bed. "You can relax, Jeff," she said softly. "I won’t hurt you."

He relaxed a bit, sitting down on the bed and staring at her. "I never thought that vampires were real," he said finally prying his eyes away from her.

"That’s probably because they look like normal people," Alicia replied. "Jeff, when was the last time you spoke to Shannon?"

He thought about the question, though it was hard to concentrate on the reply after what he had just seen. "A long time ago," he replied. "Almost a year, I think. Why?"

"I sired him," she replied, not meeting his gaze. "He was my mate."

"Wait a minute," Jeff said, trying to make sense of what she was telling him. "You made Shannon…"

"Yes," she replied. "You can hate me all you want for that, but I hate myself enough for the both of us."

"What does that mean," Jeff demanded.

"Shannon’s…dead now," she replied, tears filling her eyes.

"You mean undead, right," he asked. "Vampires are undead."

"No," she replied sniffling. "I mean dead." She took in a shaky breath and forced the tears back. "Thorn beat me really bad one night for disobeying him. Because of that I betrayed him…or tried to. I helped Johnny and a bunch of guys from ECW ambush Thorn and the others in their mansion. Thorn anticipated the move and managed to escape, trapping me inside the burning mansion." Remembering that night hurt more than anything she had ever been through. "Shannon tried to save me, but got pinned under a flaming beam." Jeff closed his eyes. "Vampires and fire don’t go too well together."

"So, he’s really gone," Jeff asked. Alicia nodded, feeling a lone tear slip down her cheek. "And it’s your fault?" Again she nodded. "I think you’ve explained enough for one night," Jeff said getting up and opening the door.

Alicia stood, knowing that Jeff was missing his friend and hurt that he didn’t know he was gone. "I came here to tell you the truth about what I am," she said. "I’m sorry if I’ve upset you, but I felt that you deserved to know what happened to Shannon."

"Please leave," Jeff said, coldly.

Without another word she exited the room. Jeff slammed the door behind her when she was finally in the hall. More tears slid down her cheeks as she made her way down the hall back to her room.

"Alicia," Mickie called, seeing her heading her way. "I was just coming to see you."

"Where are your bodyguards," Alicia replied, wiping the tears away.

"I gave them the slip," Mickie replied with a smile, wincing as pain shot through her face. "Are you crying? What’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing," Alicia lied. "So, what were you coming to see me about?"

"Not here," Mickie said. "Can we go to your room?" Alicia nodded and led the way back to her room.

When the women entered the room they were greeted by the sight of Tommy, Johnny, RVD, Sabu and Sandman. Alicia sighed, knowing it was going to be a long night. All she wanted to do was bury herself under the covers and sleep that horrible night off.

"There she is," Sandman exclaimed. He gave Alicia a big bear hug, leaving her gasping for air. He then turned his attention to Mickie. "Yeesh! What the hell happened to your face?"

Alicia slapped Sandman’s shoulder. "Suffice it to say I kicked her ass," she said. Mickie nodded, wincing at the sudden pain in her face from the action.

"That’s my girl," Sandman said slinging an arm around Alicia’s shoulders. "High five!"

"Thanks," Mickie said.

"No problem," Sandman replied, his hand still in the air waiting for Alicia to slap it.

Alicia shrugged him off of her and shoved him away. "You’re a doofus," she said shaking her head. "Didn’t any of you tell him what happened?"

"Oh yeah," Sandman replied. "You went all vampy and…." Tommy smacked Sandman upside the head.

"Did he just say vampy," Mickie asked.

"Mickie, what did you come to see me about," Alicia said realizing that the women’s champ must have realized something was up during their match.

"You changed during our match," Mickie replied. "I wanted to know what was going on. Seriously, did Sandman say vampy?"

Alicia sighed, taking a seat on her bed next to RVD and Sabu. "Why does it have to be twice in one night," she muttered. Sabu and RVD quirked a brow at her questioningly. She turned her gaze to Mickie, who was waiting for an explanation. "Yes, Sandman said vampy."

She then explained to Mickie everything that had happened over the course of the past several months. The women’s champ listened intently to the story. Alicia couldn’t tell if she was believing anything from the expression on Mickie’s face, but she hoped this time would turn out better than her talk with Jeff.

"You mean Ariel can control you with her mind," Mickie asked, shocked and relieved at the same time. She had been afraid that Alicia didn’t like her and that was the reason for the attack in the ring. "Wow. I mean…just wow."

"Look, Mickie, I won’t blame you if you don’t believe a word I just told you," Alicia said.

"Lord knows I wouldn’t if I hadn’t seen all the shit I’ve seen," Sabu muttered. Rob swatted his shoulder and motioned for him to be quiet. Sabu replied by flipping him off and going to sit by the window.

"I believe you," Mickie said, sitting down next to Alicia and placing a hand on her shoulder. "And I forgive you."

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal

"You don’t have to," Alicia said. "I wouldn’t blame you if you hated me." She stood and walked over to the window, staring out at the full moon.

"How can I hate you," Mickie asked. "You’ve always been so nice to me. Well…yeah you kicked my ass in the ring, but now that I know why...I can’t hate you, Alicia." She joined Alicia at the window and turned her so that they were face to face. "You’re a good person. Anyone who spends any amount of time with you can see that." She looked to the men in the room. "Am I right?"

"She is right," Tommy agreed. RVD, Sandman and Sabu all nodded.

"Try telling that to Jeff," Alicia said, tears filling her eyes. "I told him what I was and now he hates me."

"Who needs him," Mickie said pulling Alicia into a hug. "When the shock wears off he’ll come around."

"Mickie’s right," Johnny said, joining the hug.

"Thanks, guys," Alicia said sniffling.

"Does this mean that Mickie’s a part of the group now," Rob asked.

"I guess so," Alicia said smiling.

"Great," Sabu muttered.

"Lighten up, Sabs," Alicia said. "Mickie can help us."

"Stop calling me that," Sabu grumbled. "Welcome to the group, kid."

Mickie smiled, happy to be part of something. "I should get back to my room," she said with a sigh. "Candice and Torrie will be looking for me." She gave Alicia a quick hug and left.

"Not to rain on the parade here or anything," Tommy said. "But she’ll be a target now that she’s part of our group."

"I know," Alicia sighed. "But I’ll look out for her. Now if you boys don’t mind I’d like to hit the sack. It’s been a long night for me."

"Yeah, we should head out too," Rob said. "Come on, Sabs." He chuckled when Sabu began to grumble idle threats under his breath for the nickname. Tommy and Sandman followed them out.

Chapter 11

Alicia and Mickie were talking to Victoria about the match that was kicking off the house show that night. Since Mickie couldn’t compete in her current state Alicia was booked in a match with Victoria. She had gotten word that her punishment for injuring the women's champ would be handed down on Raw.

They had just worked out how to start the match when Candice and Torrie approached the group. Both women had their hands on their hips and looked extremely aggravated. The three women tried very hard to ignore them, but soon found it impossible.

"Mickie," Candice said. "What do you think you’re doing talking to this one?" She hooked her thumb at Alicia as she said this one.

"Yeah," Torrie agreed. "Didn’t you learn your lesson when she did that to your face?"

"Ladies," Victoria said, not liking the way that they were talking about her new friend. "If you have a problem with Alicia the you can take it up with me." She turned her attention to Candice and eyed her newly fixed nose. "And I really don’t think you want me to readjust your new nose, now do you, Candice?" Alicia and Mickie had to stifle giggles when Candice visibly paled, a hand shooting up to her nose.

"N-no problem, Victoria," she stuttered. "Just pointing out that Alicia hurt Mickie last night. That’s all."

"And I’m quite sure that Mickie knows that," Victoria said. "Mickie, do you need Candice pointing out the obvious to you?"

"Nope," Mickie replied, unable to keep the smile from her face.

"Anything you’d like to add, Torrie," Victoria asked, turning her attention to the dumbfounded blonde standing there. "Or would you like me to rearrange your features too?"

"N-n-no," Torrie stuttered. "We’ll see you later, Mickie." She took Candice’s hand and scurried off down the hall.

Alicia and Mickie couldn’t help laughing now. "Damn, Vic," Alicia said still chuckling. "Remind me to stay on your good side."

"Seriously," Mickie chuckled. "Were you really gonna rearrange Torrie’s face?"

"Nah," Victoria chuckled. "Just hated the way they were talking to Lee Lee," she said using her nickname for Alicia. "No one bad mouths my friends and gets away with it."

"Thanks for having my back," Alicia said smiling. "Excuse me ladies," she said. "Need to use the facilities before the show starts." Mickie and Victoria nodded as she headed down the hall and around the corner toward the ladies room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How’s Alicia doing today," Rob asked Johnny as he stretched. Johnny watched Rob and winced as he propped one leg up on one bench and then the other on another so that he was doing a split.

"She’s all right since she had that talk with Mickie," Johnny replied. "I haven’t seen her since we got here. Said she needed to spend some girl time with Mickie or something like that."

"Well, at least she’s got a new girl friend," Rob commented, finally finished with his stretching routine. "She can’t hang out with us guys forever."

"She’s got Jazz to talk to about girly stuff," Johnny replied. Rob just chuckled. "Seriously though I’m not sure if Mickie is a good addition to our group."

"Fresh eyes couldn’t hurt," Rob replied. "Maybe she’ll have some different insight on how things should be handled."

"Yeah, I guess," Johnny replied. "I just think that she’ll be a liability once it comes time to do battle."

"Maybe, maybe not," Rob replied. "I trust Alicia’s instincts. She knows what she’s doing, Johnny. You have to trust her too."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alicia was just washing her hands when she heard the door open and close. She could hear the sound of heels clicking on the tile floor and assumed it was Torrie or Candice or both. She didn’t bother to look up into the mirror as she washed her hands. One run in with those two was all she could tolerate tonight.

"My, my," came Ariel purred from behind her. Alicia spun around to face her sire. "Look what the cat dragged in, Trinity." Ariel’s bright red lips were curled into a wicked smirk.

"Seriously, you look like shit, Alicia," Trinity said, mocking concern. "Are you getting enough vitamins?"

"I’m not in the mood for you two," Alicia said trying to sound much braver than she actually felt. She attempted to push her way past the two, but they shoved her back into the sinks. Her head connected with the mirror and cracked it.

"You’re not going anywhere," Ariel said. "Except to see our master." Ariel and Trinity grabbed an arm and dragged her out of the bathroom. Alicia could see Thorn waiting down the hall. No one else was in sight at all. The women threw her down at his feet and held her down there.

"You did well, my pets," Thorn said softly. "Now leave us." Ariel and Trinity nodded and scurried off. "Rise."

Alicia glared up at him and rose to her feet. He eyed her clothes with disdain. "What do they have you wearing," he said shaking his head. She wore a black cropped tank top that was slit up each side and laced together with red ribbon. The neckline was slit and red ribbon laced that too. Her tights were black and were open on the sides with the same red ribbon as the top lacing together either side. "They have you looking like a bride of Kane reject," Thorn said with a sigh.

"Well, puffy shirts and peasant skirts just don’t cut it in the ring," Alicia replied.

Thorn chuckled, the sound a low rumble in his throat. He reached out and grabbed her by the hair, pulling her close to him so that she was face to face with him. "I should kill you right here, right now," he hissed. "There’s no one here to stop me."

Alicia struggled to get free, but he held her tightly. "You’ll never get away with it, Thorn," she replied. "My friends will…"

"You’re friends will all die a slow painful death," Thorn replied with a chuckle. "Do you honestly believe that they stand a chance against me?"

In her heart she knew that he was right, but she refused to admit it. "Let me go," she yelled, hoping someone would hear her. He released her hair to grab her hands before they could connect with his chest, holding her wrists tightly as she struggled. His movements were faster than she had remembered them being.

"You disappoint me, Alicia," he said. "You’ve grown weak in your absence from me." He spun her around and pulled her to his chest, holding her throat with his hand. "Come back home and you will live like a queen by my side."

"No," she grunted as she struggled to get free of his grasp. His hand tightened around her throat like a vice. She coughed and sputtered as his gripped tightened even more. "Let…me…go," she coughed.

"Hey! Let her go," someone called. Alicia wasn’t quite sure who it was because she was slowly sinking into blackness from lack of oxygen.

"You got lucky this time," Thorn whispered in her ear as his grip on her loosened. She felt herself falling, but someone caught her before she hit the hard concrete floor.

"Alicia," the person called, slapping her cheek gently. "Come on. Look at me." He world was spiraling into blackness even as she tried to focus on who had saved her.

Chapter 12

Alicia forced her eyes to focus on the face before her. Concerned green eyes greeted her as she slowly came back to earth. "Jeff," she asked. "Is that you?" She coughed and sputtered; her throat aching.

"Yeah," he replied. "It’s me." He touched her throat, making her wince. "We should have someone look at that." A deep bruise was already starting to form.

"No," she said pulling away from him, feeling strong enough to stand on her own. "I’ll be fine."

"Right," Jeff replied. "I almost forgot you’re a…yeah, you’ll probably heal up quickly." She nodded. He glanced in the direction that Thorn took. "So, that’s Thorn?"

"Yeah," Alicia replied leaning against the wall for support. This didn’t go unnoticed by Jeff and he moved closer to her to help. "I’m all right," she lied.

"No you’re not," he replied, draping her arm around his shoulders so that she could lean on him for support.

"I thought you hated me," she said softly as she reluctantly accepted his help.

He looked at her like she had grown an extra head. "No," he replied. "I don’t hate you. It’s just that the other night when you told me about Shannon…I don’t know. It was just a lot to take in all at once."

"Jeff," she said weakly. "I feel lightheaded."

"All right," he said. "Let’s sit down for a little bit, ok?" She nodded as he helped her sit on the ground, taking a seat next to her. "Better?"

"Yeah," she replied, leaning her head against the wall behind them. "Thanks for saving me, yet again."

"It’s the southern gentleman in me," he replied with a smirk. "I can’t resist saving a damsel in distress." This made her chuckle a little.

"You’re in danger now," she said, not meeting his gaze. "Ariel knows how I feel about you and she’s probably told Thorn. Now that you stopped Thorn from trying to hurt me…" She stopped talking when she realized what she just confessed to him.

"How do you feel about me," he asked.

Her cheeks flushed bright red as she met his gaze and then glanced away, staring at her hands. "I like you, Jeff," she admitted. "Probably more than I should considering how uncertain my future is."

"Everyone’s future is uncertain, Alicia," he replied. "Some more than others." He sighed and looked at her, his eyes going to her throat where the bruise had begun to fade already. "I’d still like us to be friends, if that’s all right with you."

"I’d like that," she replied, smiling as she met his gaze. "Maybe…something more will come of it…we’ll see." He nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Feel strong enough to walk," he asked after a moment of silence. She nodded and accepted the hand that he offered her, helping her to her feet. "We should probably find Johnny and let him know what Thorn tried." She nodded and allowed him to lead the way back to the locker rooms.

Johnny got to his feet when he saw Alicia leaning on Jeff as they entered the locker room. "What happened," he asked.

"Thorn attacked her," Jeff said lowering her down to the bench. "He was choking her."

"Would that really kill her," Rob asked. "I mean she is a vampire and all."

"Probably wouldn’t have killed me," Alicia said. "But it sure hurt like hell." She smiled up at Jeff and took his hand. "If it wasn’t for Jeff…who knows what Thorn would have done to me."

There was a knock at the door. Rob answered it. "Hey, Rob," Victoria said. "Is Alicia here? Someone said they saw Jeff helping her in here. We have a match in a few minutes."

"I’m fine, Vic," Alicia said coming to the door. Her strength had finally returned and the bruising around her neck had finally faded. "I just stumbled and Jeff was making sure I was all right." She looked back over her shoulder and winking at Jeff. "Let’s go kick some ass, girl!" Victoria chuckled and led the way to the Gorilla position.

The match went off without a hitch and both women gave the crowd a show that they truly enjoyed. The match saw Victoria winning via the Widow’s Peak and the three count. Once they were through the curtains Victoria looked to Alicia, all smiles.

"What’s with the smile," Alicia asked tossing Victoria a towel.

"I just appreciate you giving me a run for my money," Victoria replied handing Alicia a bottled water before slinging an arm around her shoulders.

"Not a problem," Alicia chuckled.

"Well, lookie what we have here," Trinity said smirking at the two women as they walked the halls. "Seems like little Alicia found herself a new friend."

"Isn’t that precious," Ariel purred.

"Don’t you two ever give up," Alicia sighed.

"Back off," Victoria said, stepping up to the two women.

"Vic, don’t," Alicia said. "They’re not easily bullied like Torrie and Candice."

"That’s right," Ariel said not flinching at the fact that Victoria was in her face. "You tell your best buddy here not to mess with us."

"You want some," Victoria yelled. "Come on!"

"Vic," Alicia said tugging on Victoria’s arm. "Come on." She managed to pull Victoria to the women’s locker room.

"Why didn’t you let me pound those bitches," Victoria demanded.

"Trust me, you don’t want to get involved with them," Alicia replied pinching the bridge of her nose. "They’re bad news." Victoria was still fuming, but she accepted Alicia’s explanation. "I’m gonna grab a shower. You gonna be all right?"

"Yeah," Victoria said with a sigh. "I just hate it when people pick on my friends."

"I know," Alicia replied giving her a quick hug. "I appreciate that you have my back."

"You go grab your shower," Victoria said, going into her locker. "Johnny’ll be waiting for you."

Alicia headed into the showers. She quickly soaped up and rinsed off, knowing that Johnny and the others would be worried about her since the attack. When she emerged from the shower Victoria was not in sight. The water running told her that her friend had finally gone to take her shower. Alicia dried off and dressed.

"I’ll see you back at the hotel, Vic," Alicia called into the showers before leaving and going to find Johnny.

The hot water felt good in Victoria’s aching muscles. She sighed and ran her hands through her soapy hair, enjoying the ginger and honey scent of her shampoo. She was so engrossed in relaxing under the hot spray that she didn’t hear the door to the locker room open and close.

"This is just too easy," Trinity said to Ariel with a chuckle.

Ariel nodded as the two women made their way into the showers. Victoria had her back to them, rinsing out the shampoo from her hair. Before she could turn around Trinity reached out and slammed Victoria’s head into the tile wall. She let out a startled, pain filled yelp as she crumpled to the floor of the shower.

"Still think you’re hot shit now," Ariel asked kicking Victoria in the ribs.

A nasty bruise had begun to form on the right side of her face where it had connected with the tile. Blood trickled from her nose and her bottom lip was split. As the two vampires began to kick her relentlessly she curled up into a ball, begging for them to stop. Soon blackness overtook her.

"Trinity, stop," Ariel commanded. "We’ve done enough damage…for now." She smirked looking at the broken woman at their feet.

"I think we could do more," Trinity replied. Ariel shook her head at her.

"It’s enough," she replied. "We only want to send a message to Alicia, not kill Victoria." Trinity groaned, but listened to Ariel. "Let’s go." With that the two women headed out of the locker room.

"Alicia, have you seen Victoria," Mickie asked, joining her on her walk to Johnny’s locker room.

"She was in the shower when I left the locker room," Alicia replied. "You can try there."

Mickie nodded and headed to the locker room. Alicia had just gotten to Johnny’s locker room when she heard Mickie scream. "Someone call 911," she called. "Oh my God!"

Alicia headed back to the locker room and found Mickie staring into the showers, a mortified expression on her face. She followed the champ’s gaze and saw Victoria’s broken and battered body on the tiled floor. Her blood mixed with the water as it swirled down the drain.

Alicia quickly shut off the water and knelt beside her friend. "Vic, come on, sweety, talk to me," she said. Victoria was unable to respond. She was out cold. "Mickie, get me some towels," she called. Mickie stood there, stunned. "Mickie," Alicia yelled louder. "Get me some towels to cover her up!"

Finally able to move Mickie grabbed some towels and handed them to Alicia. Torrie and Candice entered the locker room chatting, neither woman having heard Mickie’s panicked cries. They stood stunned at the sight before them.

"What did you do now," Candice demanded, her hands on her hips.

"I didn’t do this, you dim witted twit," Alicia grumbled. "Make yourselves useful and call 911."

"Ok," Torrie said pulling out her cell phone. She grabbed Candice and headed into the hall to make the call.

"Who could have done this," Mickie asked, gazing at Victoria.

"Ariel and Trinity," Alicia said, standing and turning away from Mickie. "They tried to start something after our match and Victoria stepped up to them." She hit the tiled wall, fighting the tears that came to her eyes.

A half an hour later Victoria was being loaded into an ambulance. She still hadn’t regained consciousness. Alicia watched her friend being loaded in, feeling completely helpless. She had gotten the message that Ariel and Trinity had sent loud and clear. None of her friends were safe. They could attack at any moment and they would take advantage of that as much as possible.

"Alicia," Jeff said finding her in the crowd. "What happened?"

She looked at him, the tears she had been fighting back finally spilling over her lids. She buried her face in his chest, startling him. His arms wrapped around her protectively. Johnny, Tommy and Rob caught up with them and he looked to them helplessly.

"Victoria was attacked in the shower," Rob said to Jeff.

"It was Ariel and Trinity," Johnny added, frowning. He rubbed Alicia’s back, wishing he could do more to console her.

"Let’s head back in," Tommy suggested. "The show is almost over."

Jeff nodded, leading Alicia back into the arena. She had calmed down a bit, but still clung to him. She knew that she had to distance herself from her friends or they would all suffer the same fate or worse, but for now she just needed to be held.

Chapter 13

Somebody help me through this nightmare

I can't control myself

Somebody wake me from this nightmare

I can't escape this hell

Jeff guided Alicia to the locker room to pick up her bag and jacket. "Do you want me to drive you back to the hotel," he asked. She nodded. He looked at Johnny and said, "I’ll drive her to the hotel." Johnny nodded as he, Tommy and Rob gathered their things.

The three men watched as Jeff guided her out of the locker room. "He seems to care about her," Rob pointed out. "I think she needs that more than ever now."

"Yeah," Johnny said with a sigh. "She does, but Jeff is going to be a weakness for her too."

"Thorn and the others will most likely target him next," Tommy agreed, frowning. "Come on, guys. Let’s go back to the hotel."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeff glanced at Alicia out of the corner of his eye as he drove. She hadn’t said a word since Victoria had been taken away in the ambulance. She had been staring out of the window since they had hit the road. He saw the turn off for the hotel and turned on his turn signal. Alicia finally looked at him.

"I don’t want to go to the hotel just yet," she said softly. "Can we just go somewhere and sit for a while."

"I think I know a place," he replied. He turned off his turn signal and kept heading straight until he found the turn off for a small beach. He parked the car and got out, opening Alicia’s door and helping her out.

Together they trudged through the sand to the shoreline. They sat in the sand, just out of reach of the waves. Alicia stared out into the water for a long while, not saying a word.

"They’ll attack you next," she said softly.

"I know," he replied, taking her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. "But I’m willing to take that risk." She looked at him, her amethyst eyes, dark and full of fear. "I know what you’re trying to do, Alicia," he said. "You’re trying to push me away, but you can’t fight this battle on your own. You’ll die."

"Maybe that’s for the best," she replied, tears shining in her eyes.

"You don’t mean that," Jeff said.

"What kind of a life do I have right now, Jeff," she asked. "I survive on animal blood. I can’t go out with my friends in the daylight." She choked back a sob. "I wake up screaming from nightmares that I can’t make go away." She hung her head and allowed the tears to fall. "I’m better off dead."

"Hey," he said tilting her face up so that she was looking him in the eyes. "You’re not better off dead. You have friends who are willing to die for you. Do you understand how lucky you are?"

"My friends are better off without me," she replied pulling her face free from his grasp and looking away. "Johnny deserves a normal life. One where he doesn’t worry so damn much about me." She sniffled and wiped her eyes.

"And what about me," he asked. "How am I better off without you in my life?" She scoffed. He once again tilted her head to face him. "I like spending time with you, Alicia." With those words he closed he gap between them and pressed his lips to hers.

Her skin ignited in little prickles of fire as he touched her. His hands ran through her hair, one resting on the back of her head and the other sliding down to the small of her back. Gently he pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss.

She could feel the desire rising inside of her as his lips kissed a trail down to her collarbone. Her fangs extended as his hands slipped under her shirt, cupping her lace-encased breast. She moaned as one hand expertly slipped to the clasp of her bra. He pulled her into his lap so that she was straddling him. She kissed his neck, nipping the tender flesh gently.

Coming back to her senses she shoved him away when she felt him unclasp her bra. "Jeff, we can’t," she panted re-clasping it. She felt her fangs and realized how close she had come to biting him. Within moments her breathing came back to normal and her fangs retracted.

"I’m sorry," he said, his own breathing coming back to normal.

"It’s not that I don’t want to," she said. "I just can’t trust myself. The blood lust just gets to be too much and I don’t want to hurt you."

"I understand," Jeff said. "We should probably get back to the hotel before they send out a search party." Alicia nodded and accepted his help in standing up. They rode back to the hotel in silence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"There you are," Tommy said, worry written all over his face. "We were worried when you didn’t meet us back here. We thought maybe Thorn and the others got you."

"Nah," Sandman said smiling at Jeff and Alicia. "They were just getting lucky on the beach."

"How did you…what are you psychic now," Alicia asked.

"Nah," Sandman laughed. "Your hair’s all messed up and you’ve got sand on your shoes."

"Observant for a drunk," Jeff commented. Alicia smiled, shaking her head. He took a seat on one bed next to Rob and Sabu.

"Dude, on the beach," Rob asked with a smirk.

"Nice," Sabu commented.

"Nothing happened," Jeff replied to them. "It’s not what you guys think."

"Tommy, can you get everyone else here," Alicia asked.

"Sure," he replied picking up the phone and he began calling the others.

"I’ll get Mickie," Alicia said leaving the room and heading down a flight of stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A half hour later everyone was assembled in Johnny and Alicia’s room. She stood before her friends and eyed each one of them. The announcement she had to make was going to be a difficult one, but she saw no other way.

"I just wanted to thank all of you for being there for me when I needed you," she said.

"You know we’d do anything for you," Jazz said.

"Yeah, you’re good people," Tazz agreed.

"As you know Thorn and the others are back," she continued. "And Victoria was attacked tonight." Everyone in the room nodded. "I can’t ask any of you to risk that kind of injury just to help me."

"You’re not asking," Balls interjected.

"We’re volunteering," Big Show added.

"Hell, a fight’s a fight," Holly said. "I don’t care if I crush a vampire or some punk in the ring."

"I just wouldn’t feel right knowing you risked your lives…"

"Alicia," Al Snow interrupted. "If you’re trying to get rid of us…it’s not going to work."

"Yeah," Mickie spoke up. "We’re your friends and we’ll be there for you when you need us. Right, guys?" Everyone agreed with her.

Jeff finally spoke up. "I think I know someone who can help," he said. All eyes were on him, waiting for him to say more.

"Well, who is it," Sabu asked impatiently.

"He’s someone who is familiar with this problem," Jeff replied vaguely.

"So, get him on the phone," Sandman said.

"It’s not that easy," Jeff said with a sigh. "The only one who knows how to get a hold of him is Edge. Considering his past with my brother…I don’t think he’ll be too willing to help me out."

"Then I’ll ask him," Alicia said, realizing who Jeff had been talking about.

"Then it’s settled," Tommy said. "Alicia and Jeff will go find out how to get a hold of this person and then we can go from there."

"Sounds like a plan," Rob said. "Let’s call it a night. I’m beat."

Everyone filed out of the room, wondering who the person is that Jeff would try to contact. Jeff stopped in front of Alicia on his way out. "I’ll come get you and we can track Edge down in either the gym or his room." She nodded and walked him to the door.

"Thanks for being there for me tonight," she said giving him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. He smiled and left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While the others waited for the elevator Mickie opted for the stairs to head back to her room. As she entered the stairwell she felt hands on the back of her neck. Before she knew it she was pinned with her face against the wall.

"You’ll make a lovely snack," Trinity said into Mickie’s ear, her fangs extending.

"Don’t," Mickie begged.

"Begging won’t work on me," Trinity said with a wicked giggle. "I’m going to rip your throat out." With that she lowered her fangs to Mickie’s neck and punctured her flesh, tearing out a chunk so that the wound oozed slowly. "You can tell Alicia that this is just the beginning." With that she dropped Mickie to the ground.

Mickie lay there, too weak to get up and get help. The blood loss was already starting to affect her. The blood began to pool around her and her breathing slowed. "Alicia," she said weakly, fighting the blackness that threatened to take over her.

Chapter 14

The next day Alicia woke and showered before Johnny even stirred. She had been unable to sleep for longer than an hour at a time, waking with the feeling that something wasn’t right. She couldn’t shake the feeling and finally rose and showered and dressed around seven.

"You’re up early," Johnny said with a yawn. He sat up in bed rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Couldn’t sleep," she replied pulling her hair into a sloppy bun. "I can’t shake this feeling that something is very wrong."

"What do you mean," he asked furrowing his brows.

"I can’t explain it," she replied with a sigh plopping down on the edge of his bed. "I just feel like one of our friends is in trouble."

Hearing this Johnny grabbed his cell and began making calls. Alicia took his lead and began making calls herself. Several people cursed them out for waking them so early, but all of their friends were fine. All but one had answered their phones.

"Johnny," Alicia said as she listened to the phone ringing on the final person’s end. "Mickie’s not answering her phone."

"Maybe she’s in the shower," Johnny offered. "She likes to get up early and have a work out. Maybe she just got back from a run or something."

"I’m going to check on her," Alicia said grabbing the key card and shoving into the back pocket of her jeans. "I’ll let you know what’s going on."

The feeling grew stronger as Alicia neared the elevator. She pressed the button and waited a few moments. When the elevator took forever to arrive she opted for the stairs.

She pushed open the door and headed to the landing, but tripped, nearly stumbling down the stairs. Looking down at what she tripped on, the color drained from her face.

"Mickie," she called looking down at the fallen Diva. There was a small puddle of blood surrounding her head. With a shaky hand she reached out and rolled Mickie onto her back, revealing the chunk of flesh missing from her neck. "No," she gasped, stumbling back, her back hitting the wall.

"Alicia," Mickie groaned, barely able to speak at all. Alicia was at her side in a matter of second, holding her hand.

"Who did this to you," she asked, tears slipping down her cheeks. She knew the answer already, but needed to hear it from Mickie.

"Trinity," Mickie replied. "She says that this is just the beginning."

"I’m going to get you help," Alicia said trying to will the tears to stop. "You hold on, Mickie." She pulled out her cell phone and dialed 911. She could sense that Mickie was not far from death and she vowed to do everything in her power to prevent that.

"Yes, my friend’s been attacked. There’s so much blood." She gave the operator details of where to find her. "Please hurry. She’s been here all night."

Alicia looked down at Mickie, the tears still streaming down her face. "I’ll be right back, Mickie," she said. "I need to get something to stop the bleeding." Her fallen friend didn’t respond. She had lost consciousness once again.

Alicia headed into the hall, trying desperately to remember Jeff’s room number. She finally pounded on a door, praying it was his. He answered the door rubbing sleep out of his eyes. "Alicia," he asked sleepily. "What’s going on?"

"Mickie’s been attacked," she replied. "She’s in the stair well, still alive, but just barely. I need ice and a couple of towels. Please tell me you have ice."

"I think I still have some," Jeff said heading into the room to fetch his ice bucket. "Yeah there’s still some in there." He handed over the bucket and grabbed some towels. "Did you call 911?" He followed Alicia to the stair well and gasped at the sight before him.

"I called," Alicia replied grabbing some ice cubes from the bucket. "They’re on their way." She turned her attention back to Mickie. "This is going to be cold," she said softly. "It’ll hopefully help slow the bleeding." She placed the ice and wrapped the towel around Mickie’s neck. There was no response and Alicia feared the worse.

Jeff placed a hand on Alicia’s shoulder as he knelt down next to her. "She’s still breathing," he said sensing her fear. "It’s shallow, but at least she’s still breathing." Alicia nodded, resting her head on his shoulder.

Soon the EMTs arrived. "You may have saved this woman’s life," one EMT said to Alicia. "The ice and towel kept the wound from getting worse." Alicia watched Mickie being loaded onto the stretcher and wheeled into the elevator. Jeff held her hand as they watched the doors close.

She turned to him, her amethyst eyes full of fear. "Someone should go with her," she said. "Johnny, he’ll go." She rushed to the room she shared with him.

Johnny took in the sight of Alicia covered in blood. "What happened," he asked dropping the towel he had been drying his hair with. "Are you hurt?"

"It was Mickie," Jeff replied.

"Trinity attacked her," Alicia said with a sigh. "You have to go to the hospital with her."

"Why me," Johnny demanded.

"Because I can’t," Alicia replied. "Besides that Jeff and I have to find Edge."

"Fine," Johnny said. "I’ll follow the ambulance." He slipped on his sneakers and threw on a shirt before heading out of the room.

"I need to change," Alicia said looking down at her blood stained clothes.

"I’ll meet you back here in ten minutes," Jeff said. "I need to get dressed." Alicia nodded heading into the bathroom to wash up and change. Jeff let himself out.

As promised ten minutes later Jeff knocked on the door. They headed down to the hotel gym and scanned the equipment for Edge. They didn’t find him, but they did spot his tag partner Randy Orton. Alicia pointed to him and Jeff nodded, realizing he would know where Edge was.

"Randy," Alicia called heading over to the stationary bike the Legend Killer was riding. He pulled his ear buds out, a huge smile on his face.

"Why hello," he said to Alicia as he climbed off of the bike. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"We’re looking for Edge," Alicia replied. It was then that Randy realized Jeff was there. "Would you know where we could find him?"

"His room," Randy replied wiping the sweat off his brow. "He wasn’t fully awake when I called him to join me here. Room 425."

"Thanks, Randy," Alicia said turning to walk away.

"Whoa, whoa, what’s the rush," Randy asked, grabbing her wrist and turning her back to face him.

Jeff removed Randy’s hand, glaring at him. "Hands off, Orton," he said. "She’s taken."

"Sorry, man," Randy replied holding up his hands. "I didn’t know."

Jeff placed his hand on the small of Alicia’s back and led her away from the gym and Randy Orton. She couldn’t help smiling at what Jeff had just said. Once they were on the elevator again she smirked at him.

"What," he asked.

"I kinda like the possessive thing you just pulled with Randy," she replied. "You know he’s not my type, right? I mean he’s cute and all, but I don’t like a guy who spends more time in the mirror than I do."

Her words made Jeff chuckle. "He just thinks he’s God’s gift to women and I hate that," he said.

"This is Edge’s floor," she said as the elevator doors dinged open. They made their way to room 425 and knocked. When no answer came they knocked again, this time louder.

"I heard you the first time," came Edge’s voice from inside the room. He threw open the door and glared at who had woken him for a second time that morning. "Hardy," he grumbled. "What the hell do you want?"

"Sorry if we woke you," Alicia said. Edge dragged his glare from Jeff to her. "We need your help."

"Why should I help him," Edge demanded.

"Because you’re the only one who can help," Alicia replied. "We need to get in touch with someone and you’re the only person who knows how to get in touch with him."

Edge looked from Alicia to Jeff and back to Alicia. Grumbling something under his breath he stepped aside. "Come on in," he said, keeping his eye on Jeff.

Chapter 15

"Thanks for letting us in," Alicia said taking a seat at the foot of Edge’s unmade bed.

"Make yourself at home," he muttered perching himself on the edge of the chest of drawers next to the TV.

"Adam," Jeff said, bring Edge’s glare to him as he sat down next to Alicia. "If there was any other way we…"

"Can it, Hardy," Edge said and turned his attention to Alicia. "What is so damn important that you had to wake me up?"

"You’re probably going to think we’re crazy," Alicia said blushing slightly. His glare was making her very uncomfortable.

"Try me," Edge replied crossing his arms across his chest.

"Well, you know Kevin Thorn and his valet Ariel," she asked. Edge nodded. "Well, that whole vampire thing…it’s not a gimmick."

Edge chuckled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You woke me up to tell me that Thorn and Ariel are vampires?" He chuckled again, shaking his head. "Tell me something I don’t know."

"Trinity and Francine are vampires too," Alicia said. "And so am I."

"Enough," Edge said, furious that they were wasting his time. "Enough of this bullshit. What the fuck do you want?"

"She’s telling the truth," Jeff said. "Look, we wouldn’t have bothered you, but we need help getting in touch with someone. Only you know how to do that."

Edge sighed, once again pinching the bridge of his nose. "You want me to contact Gangrel," he asked. When they both nodded he sighed loudly. "Do you realize what you’re asking me to do? I had closed that chapter in my life…I thought for good."

"Please," Alicia begged getting up and walking over to him. "Thorn and the others are killing off all of my friends. I have no idea how to stop them. I think Gangrel can help. Please, Adam, help me."

The look in her amethyst eyes broke his heart and he softened at her words. "All right," Edge said. "I can see that you’re desperate. Exactly what kind of vampire are you?"

"The kind with a heart," Jeff replied with a smirk.

Edge rummaged through his bag until he found his cell phone. With a sigh he paged through his contacts until he found the number he was looking for. He pressed the call button and went into the bathroom for privacy. Jeff looked at Alicia and shrugged, sitting down on the foot of the bed once again. Alicia sat next to him, nervously waiting for Edge to wrap up the call. They could hear him bickering with Gangrel before he hung up and came out of the bathroom.

"He never fails to give me a hard time," Edge sighed tossing his phone back into his bag. "It just so happens that he’s in town. Big surprise there. He wants me to bring you to him." He sunk down on the bed with a sigh.

"If you just tell us where he’s staying we’ll go on our own," Alicia said.

Edge shook his head. "He wants me to bring you to him," he replied. "He’s all too aware of what Thorn’s been pulling and he feels you’ll be safer if I take you myself." He grabbed his sneakers and slipped them on. "We should go. He’s waiting."

"Yeah, there’s just one problem," Jeff said looking out the window. "It’s broad daylight outside. Alicia will be dust in a manner of seconds in that."

"Relax, Hardy," Edge said grabbing his jacket and headed to the door. "I know way to get to him without going out into the daylight." He opened the door and looked back at them. "Are you coming?" Jeff and Alicia quickly followed Edge out of the room and down the hall to the elevator.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnny sat in the hospital waiting room. It had been two hours since Mickie had been brought in. She was currently in surgery to repair the damage Trinity had caused. He slumped in his seat, tossing aside the pamphlet on STDs he had been using to keep his mind off the fact that he was in a hospital.

"Any word on Mickie yet," Tommy asked taking a seat beside him. Rob and Sandman were close behind.

"How the hell did you guys know about Mickie," Johnny asked.

"Alicia called me," Tommy said. "She said that Edge is taking her and Jeff to see Gangrel."

"Well, that’s good," Johnny said. "At least Edge is being cooperative."

"So, how is Mickie," Rob asked.

"I don’t know," Johnny frowned. "She’s been in surgery for almost two hours now."

Just then a doctor came through the doors. Johnny stood as he approached the group. "Are you the family of Mickie James," he asked.

"Well, kind of," Johnny replied. "We’re her friends."

The doctor frowned, but didn’t feel like arguing with the gentlemen. "The wound that she received was quite extensive," he began. "Someone or something literally tore a chunk of flesh from her neck. We were able to repair the damage and close the wound. She’ll have a nasty scar, but she’s going to live."

"Thank you, doctor," Johnny said. "Can we go see her?"

"She’s still out from the surgery. It would be best if you came back tomorrow," the doctor replied before excusing himself to go on rounds.

Johnny nodded and turned to his friends. "Looks like we go back to the hotel and play the waiting game until Alicia and Jeff get back." The others nodded and followed him out of the hospital.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are we taking the scenic route," Alicia commented as they tromped through the sewers. "Because I think I’d rather fry in the afternoon sun than have to smell this for a moment longer."

"It’s not much farther," Edge replied. "If you want Gangrel’s help you’ll have to deal with the stench."

"He’s right," Jeff said taking her hand and urging her on.

They finally made it to a door, which Edge opened and ushered them inside. "It’s just up these stairs now," he said softly.

"We’re in another hotel," Alicia said as they climbed up the stairs. She could hear the sound of the kitchen staff and make out the maids making their rounds. Edge nodded. "He knew where Thorn would be?"

"Look, I don’t know what Gangrel does or doesn’t know," Edge replied as he opened the door to the lobby and led the way to the elevator. "All I know is that he was expecting a call from me and he is very eager to meet you." He pressed the button for the elevator and they waited for it to come to the lobby.

They got off on the penthouse floor. "I see he still has expensive taste," Jeff commented as they came to the door of the penthouse. Edge shot him a glare and knocked on the door. It opened on its own and the three stood in the doorway, looking into the empty room.

"Come in," came a voice from just out of view. "I have been waiting for you."

Chapter 16

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

No one will ever change this animal I have become

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal I have become

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal

"I always hated when he did that," Edge muttered. "Come on. It’s best not to keep him waiting."

"Kay, creepy much," Alicia said to Jeff, who chuckled. "Who exactly pays for Gangrel’s luxuries," Alicia asked as she followed Edge into the sitting room of the suite.

"Who needs money, my dear," Gangrel asked, coming into view from one of the bedrooms. Alicia gasped, not expecting him to have heard her. "I have excellent hearing, despite my age."

"Gangrel does his voodoo and gets free suites," Edge said. Jeff nodded remember nights on the road with him back in the day.

"Right," Alicia replied. "And you can read minds too I see."

"It’s a gift," Gangrel said smiling. "Adam, it’s good to see you again."

"Whatever," Edge replied blowing him off. "I brought them to you like you asked. So, I’ll be seeing you around."

"Stop," Gangrel said. Obeying the command Edge stopped dead in his tracks. "Have a seat." Again Edge obeyed and took a seat across from the couch.

"I wish you wouldn’t do that to me," Edge muttered, crossing his arms across his chest and almost pouting at being powerless.

"All right you need to teach me how to do that," Alicia smiled.

Gangrel turned his attention to Alicia, it was then that he noticed Jeff standing next to her. "Jeffrey," he said smiling. "I didn’t think I’d ever see you again."

"Wasn’t for lack of trying," Jeff replied.

"Now, that’s not nice. I tried to be a good mentor to you and Matt," Gangrel said. "I’m hurt."

"You tried to turn us," Jeff replied.

"You too," Edge exclaimed.

"Silence," Gangrel ordered. Edge sunk in his seat and was silent.

"Look, we’re not here for pleasantries," Jeff said. "We have a problem."

"Yes," Gangrel said, sounding bored. "You’ve met Thorn. One of my biggest mistakes."

"Wait a minute," Alicia said taking a seat on the couch. "You’re the one responsible for Thorn?"

"Had I known then what I know now, I assure you, I would not have sired him," Gangrel sighed and sunk into the chair next to Edge’s. "He was not always the bloodthirsty monster he is now."

"Do you know Ariel too," Jeff asked sitting down next to Alicia.

"Ariel is still with him," Gangrel asked. Alicia and Jeff nodded. "I had heard that she perished in a fire a while back."

"I can assure you that she’s still around," Alicia moving the collar of her shirt to reveal the scars from her bite. "She’s been getting into my mind too. Has she always been able to do that?"

"Every vampire can do it to some extent," Gangrel replied. "I do believe that Thorn has developed her abilities though."

"I can’t do that," Alicia replied, shaking her head.

"Have you ever tried," Gangrel asked.

Alicia sighed, not knowing what to say. "I wouldn’t know where to begin," she replied finally.

"I see," Gangrel sighed and shook his head. "Just like Thorn." He muttered something unintelligible under his breath. "He sires them and only trains them if he sees fit."

"That could explain why Trinity did what she did," Jeff said to Alicia. Gangrel looked at him expectantly. "She practically tore out Mickie James’ throat and left her for dead."

"Ah yes. This Mickie must have done something to enrage her. An enraged untrained vampire is dangerous," Gangrel frowned. "So, Thorn has more than just Ariel at his side?"

"Yes," Alicia replied. "He also has Francine. There were others, but…my friends were able to kill them the last time we battled."

"Impressive," Gangrel said. "Boys, I will need to be alone with Alicia. You may leave now."

"Finally," Edge said getting up.

"Now, wait just a minute," Jeff protested. Edge groaned and sat back down. "If you think I’m leaving Alicia here with you, you’re nuts!"

"Jeff," Alicia said touching his hand. "I’ll be all right. If he wanted to hurt any of us he would have by now."

"Thank you, Alicia," Gangrel said smiling.

"Are you sure," Jeff asked.

"Oh for God sakes, Jeff," Edge groaned. "She’s not a china doll. She’s a fucking vampire. She’s not going to break if you’re not around!"

Jeff glared at Edge. "Fine," he finally said. "You call me if you want to leave."

"I will," Alicia said touching Jeff’s cheek. "Don’t worry. I’ll be fine." She kissed him softly on the lips.

Edge was already at the door when Jeff finally agreed to leave. He looked back at Gangrel and said, "If you hurt her in any way I will hunt you down and kill you with my bare hands." With that said he left with Edge.

"Seems like you’ve bewitched the young Hardy," Gangrel said smirking. "He’s quite fond of you."

"I’m quite fond of him too," Alicia replied.

"And yet you have not given yourself to him," Gangrel commented.

"Hey, let’s make a deal," Alicia replied. "You don’t read my private thoughts and I won’t walk out the door."

Gangrel chuckled. "I can see why Ariel chose you," he said still chuckling. "Strong willed. Very good." He grew serious then. "I know you’re afraid of hurting him while in the throes of passion, but you have to trust yourself more than that."

"Seriously, not here to get sex advice from you," Alicia said sighing.

"Fine, we’ll begin training now," Gangrel said taking a seat. "First, I need you to come take a seat in front of me. If I am going to train you I need to see your past."

"You can do that," Alicia asked, going over to him and taking a seat on the floor in front of him.

He nodded, placing his hands on her temples. "Close your eyes," he said. She did as she was told and as if she were watching it on television she could see the events of the past several months. When he pulled his hands away from her temples there were tears streaming down her face. She had seen Shannon dying again and it was almost too much for her to bare.

Gangrel pulled her into an embrace. "He didn’t die in vain," he said to her, wiping her tears away. "I now understand why you’re so hesitant to give yourself to Jeff. I’m going to help you. All right?" Alicia sniffled, her amethyst eyes clouded over with unshed tears. She nodded, hugging him tightly.

Chapter 17

"Now, I need you to trust me completely," Gangrel said moving aside the furniture in the sitting room. "I am going to do things that you may not like, but I assure you it is not my intention to hurt you."

Alicia took a deep calming breath. "I trust you," she said.

Gangrel smiled. "Good," he said. "Because I want to end Thorn’s reign of tyranny as much as you do."

"I highly doubt that," Alicia replied, her eyes becoming cold.

"I saw what he did to you, Alicia," Gangrel said. "If for nothing else I would kill him for harming a creature of such beauty." He caressed her cheek. "Shall we begin?" She nodded.

"Close your eyes," he said, pulling a deep crimson silk scarf out of his pocket. "I am going to teach you to trust your instincts and your senses other than sight." He placed the scarf over her eyes, making her gasp. "It’s only so that you don’t cheat," he whispered in her ear. "Use your hearing and your sense of smell."

He walked over to the door and pulled a walking stick out of the umbrella stand. Without warning he rushed at Alicia. Just before he could swing the stick around to sweep her feet out from under her Alicia grabbed it and flipped him over, holding the stick across his neck and pinning him down with her weight.

Gangrel chuckled, proudly. "Very good," he said as she pulled the scarf off her eyes. "That is something you must rely on with Thorn. He will strike when you least expect it and when you are most vulnerable. If you keep your other senses aware you will never be caught off guard."

"Thank you, Yoda," Alicia said smirking.

"Help an old man up," Gangrel said, feigning annoyance with her joke. She released her hold on the walking stick and helped him to his feet. "Good, we did not need to use much time on that skill. Are you ready to learn how to communicate using only your mind?"

"Yes," Alicia replied.

"Good," Gangrel said smiling that she was such a receptive student. He quickly moved the furniture back into place, placing two chairs facing each other. "Have a seat," he said motioning to the chair opposite the one he had just sat in. Alicia took a seat.

"You’re not going to blindfold me again, are you," she asked.

"No," Gangrel chuckled. "This requires only your mind."

"All right, oh guru," Alicia said, chuckling when Gangrel grumbled something under his breath.

"Close your eyes and listen carefully," he said. Can you hear me, Alicia? Answer using only your mind.

"If I knew how to do that I wouldn’t be here, now would I," Alicia replied.

"You’re not listening," he said. "Listen." Use your mind to speak to me. It’s easier than you think.

This is pointless. I have no idea how to do what you’re asking of me.

"You just did," Gangrel said smiling. All you need to do is focus on what you want to do.

I can’t believe this. She smiled. I could mess with Ariel using this, couldn’t I? A little payback?

Yes. Gangrel chuckled. But let’s concentrate on what we’re here to do, all right?

Sorry, new skill, got excited.

"No need to apologize," Gangrel said. Alicia opened her eyes and looked at him, nodding that she understood. "Now see if you can tell me what I’m thinking."

She concentrated on him, his face unreadable. With a sigh she closed her eyes and began to see an image forming. As it cleared she giggled. "You’re thinking about Edge in a pink tutu? Now that’s seriously disturbing," she said.

"I was hoping that would give you a chuckle," Gangrel said laughing.

"It’s a scary place inside that head of yours isn’t it," Alicia giggled.

"You have no idea," he replied with a smirk. "Now, all that is left to teach you is how to get people to do your bidding." Gangrel frowned. "For this I will need to call up room service to have a guinea pig to use."

"Do what you have to do," Alicia replied shrugging. "As long as I can learn that nifty trick."

Gangrel rose and headed into the bedroom to call room service. When he emerged several moments later he took a seat across from her. "Someone will be up shortly. I requested some nice hot tea. I thought we could use some once I have taught you everything," he said smiling.

As promised several minutes later there was a knock at the door. "Room service," a man called through the door.

"Will you get that for me please," Gangrel asked.

"On one condition," Alicia replied. He motioned for her to name the condition. "You pay this guy. No voodoo. He survives on tips."

"Very well," he replied with a sigh, rising from his chair and heading into the bedroom to retrieve some money.

Alicia stood and answered the door, smiling at the young man with the tray. "Come on in," she said. He followed her into the suite setting the tray down on the coffee table.

"Ah good," Gangrel said smiling seeing the young man. "I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind staying and helping me and my young companion here with something."

"Um..all right," the man replied. "What do you need me to do?"

"Relinquish control of yourself to us," Gangrel replied, without batting an eyelash.

"All right," the man said with a shrug.

Alicia looked at Gangrel wide eyed. "It’s just that easy?"

"Remember, you need to concentrate," he replied. "Give it a try."

Alicia thought for a moment and then concentrated. "Do the chicken dance," she said smirking. Obeying the command the man began to do the chicken dance, complete with sound effects. "This is awesome!"

"You may want to tell him to stop," Gangrel said, trying not to laugh.

"You can stop now," Alicia said, also trying not to laugh.

"Are you going to pay for this," the man said.

"Silence," Gangrel said turning his attention to Alicia. "Is there anything else you would like to make him do?"

"When you leave this room you will forget anything that happened in here," Alicia said, not knowing if it would work. Gangrel smiled. "Well, pay the man," she said to him. Gangrel sighed and handed the man the money for the tea and a tip. Together they watched the man leave the room "Do you think that command will actually work?"

"Well, if I get evicted from my suite we’ll know," Gangrel said smiling. "For now let’s have some tea."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Alicia got back to the hotel it was long after dark. She pulled out her keycard and entered the room she was sharing with Johnny. Tommy, RVD, Jeff, Sandman and Johnny were all playing cards when she entered.

"Any word on Mickie," Alicia asked.

"She’s stabilized," Johnny replied. "Trinity really did a number on her." He pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket. "Oh and Victoria called." He handed her the message.

Alicia quickly read it and smiled. "I’ll go visit her tomorrow sometime," she said. She went over to Jeff, sliding her arms around his shoulders and resting her head on his. "Jeff, could we go to your room," she asked softly.

"Huh, oh sure," he replied. "I’m out, guys."

"Just as well," Rob said smiling. "You were about to lose big time." He set down his hand and the others groaned.

"Hey, you two," Sandman called with a smirk. "Don’t do what I wouldn’t do!"

"That doesn’t leave much," Alicia replied making him and the others chuckle.

"What’s going on," Jeff asked once they were out in the hall. Alicia took his hands and led the way to his room with a smile.

"Open the door and you’ll find out," she replied. Obediently he opened the door.

Once inside Alicia pulled Jeff to her and pulled his face down to hers, crushing his lips with hers. Once the kiss was broken he was left breathless. "Alicia," he stammered. "What does this mean?"

With a smile she pulled him over to the bed and pushed him down into a sitting position. She pulled his shirt over his head, discarding it on the floor. He did the same with hers, kissing a trail down her neck to her collarbone.

"Are you sure about this," he asked as he rolled her onto her back.

"I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life," she replied, pulling his lips back down to hers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Does anyone else think it’s strange that Alicia is getting lucky in the midst of Thorn and the others’ murderous rampage," Tommy asked, setting down his cards.

"I think it’s sweet," Rob said.

"Besides, we all need stress relief," Sandman said guzzling a beer.

"Guys, can we not focus on that," Johnny said. "That’s the last thing I need to think about right now."

"Johnny’s right," Rob said. "I think we should call it a night." The others agreed, wrapping up their game and going to their respective rooms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So, what made you change your mind," Jeff asked as he and Alicia lay in bed, their bodies coated in a thin sheen of sweat. She was spooning up against him, his arms around her. He lazily traced a finger over her bare shoulder and back.

"Gangrel," she replied sleepily, fully spent from working with Gangrel all day and the lovemaking.

"Remind me to thank Gangrel for that," he said kissing her shoulder and pulling her closer to his body. She shifted so that she was laying with her head on his chest, the sound of his beating heart lulling her to sleep.

Chapter 18

The next morning Jeff woke before Alicia. He brushed some hair out of her face and watched her sleeping curled up against his chest. With a content sigh he wrapped his arms around her, unable to believe the night they had spent.

"How long are you going to watch me sleeping," Alicia asked with a smirk, her eyes still closed.

"You vampires are really freaky, you know that," Jeff teased. She chuckled and kissed him softly. "So, what’s on the agenda for today?"

"I need to go to the hospital to see how Mickie and Victoria are," Alicia sighed. "I’m really worried about Mickie."

"She’s going to be all right," Jeff said, rubbing her shoulders. "She’s a tough chick." Alicia was quiet, lost in her own thoughts. "Want me to come to the hospital with you?"

"I’d like that," she said smiling up at him. "I need to shower and change first though." With that she gathered her discarded clothes and slipped them all back on. "I’ll meet you by the elevator in a half hour," she said. He nodded, watching her slip on her shoes and leave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A half hour later Alicia and Jeff met up at the elevators. They went down to the lobby and through the exit to the sewer access. As much as she hated it, Alicia knew that this would be the only way to the hospital in broad daylight.

After walking for a while they made it to the hospital. They made their way into the main part of the hospital. Alicia spoke to the receptionist to find out what rooms Victoria and Mickie were in. Thanking the woman she took Jeff’s hand and together they headed to the elevator.

"Hey, Vic," Alicia said entering Victoria’s room. She gave her a big hug. "How are you feeling?"

"You mean other than the pounding headache and the aching ribs," Victoria teased. "I’ll survive," she said. She looked from Alicia to Jeff and back at Alicia with a wide grin. "You hooked yourself a Hardy?"

Alicia chuckled, blushing. "What can I say, Vic? I love a southern gentleman," she replied. Jeff chuckled.

"I want to kill the bitches that did this to me," Victoria said. "It was Trinity and Ariel." Her brown eyes took on a more serious look. "There was something unnatural about them. They were stronger than they should have been."

Alicia sighed, going over and closing the door. Luckily, Victoria was in a private room. "Vic, they are stronger than they should be," Alicia said. She went on to tell her all about the vampires.

"I want to fight with you," Victoria said, wincing as she got out of bed.

"Vic, you can’t," Alicia said, ushering her back into bed. "They already used you as a punching bag. I don’t want you to take a chance of getting hurt worse."

Victoria sighed, knowing that Alicia was right. "Fine, just promise me something," she said finally.

"Anything," Alicia replied.

"You make those bitches pay for what they did to me," Victoria replied.

"You got it, honey," Alicia said smiling. "We should head up to check on Mickie." She had turned her attention to Jeff, who had been leaning against the wall as the women talked.

"What happened to Mickie," Victoria asked.

"Trinity attacked her," Jeff said, finally breaking his silence. "Bit out a chunk from her neck and left her for dead. Alicia found her in the stair well the next morning."

"Is she all right," Victoria asked, her blood boiling at what Trinity had done to her friend.

"They stabilized her yesterday," Alicia said with a sigh. "I just want to see her to make sure she’ll be all right."

"Let her know I’ll be up to see her as soon at they let me," Victoria said as Alicia and Jeff left her room. Alicia nodded before closing the door behind her.

They headed up to Mickie’s room. Knocking lightly on the door Alicia poked her head in. "You decent," she asked. Mickie chuckled weakly from her bed.

"That depends on what you mean by decent," she replied, wincing as the stitches in her neck pulled a bit. "I was wondering when you’d drop by."

"I’m sorry it took me so long to come see you," Alicia said sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I wanted to check on Vic first. How are you doing?"

"I’m afraid I’ll live," Mickie chuckled, wincing as the pain shot through her neck. "Hey, Jeff," she said smiling. "Is it safe to talk about you know what in front of him?"

"I know all about Thorn and the others," Jeff said smiling, pulling over a chair and sitting down.

"I met with Gangrel," Alicia said to Mickie. She went on to explain how Gangrel knows Thorn. "He’s helped me a lot. He’ll be there during the final battle with Thorn and the others."

"I want to be too," Mickie said pouting.

"I know," Alicia said taking Mickie’s hand and giving it a squeeze. "But after what Trinity did to you there is no way I am letting you anywhere near them again." Mickie sighed. "I promise I will make that bitch pay for what she did, Mickie. All right?"

"Thanks," Mickie said, her eyes tearing up. "You’re a good friend, Alicia." She leaned forward and hugged Alicia, who returned the gesture.

"You should rest," Alicia said standing. "I’ll be by tomorrow to see you." Mickie nodded as she watched Alicia and Jeff leave.

Once in the hall Alicia sighed, hugging her arms around herself. Jeff saw this and pulled her into his arms as they walked toward the elevator. "She looked so weak," Alicia said, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I hate them for doing this to my friends."

"I know," Jeff said, kissing her temple. "We’ll get them for it."

"You may not like this, but Gangrel seems to think we need one more person to help us out," Alicia said, resting her head against his chest as they rode the elevator.

"Who," Jeff asked.

"Edge," she replied. "Gangrel was adamant that Edge be a part of this."

Jeff sighed, not liking the situation at all. "I guess we know where we have to go now." Alicia nodded, knowing it was going to be a battle to get Edge to help out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yes, master," Francine said into her cell phone. "I managed to get Kennedy, Chavo, Helms and Mercury."

"Excellent, my pet," Thorn purred. "How did you convince them to join us?"

"I have my ways," Francine giggled. "Oh and that Hardy boy is going to be a problem. Lashley too. We may need to eliminate both of them."

"Let me worry about that," Thorn said. "Ariel and Trinity have been quite productive as well. They just reeled in Nitro, Dykstra, Orton and Masters." He chuckled. "You didn’t bite any of them did you, Francine?"

"No," she replied. "I simply promised them everlasting life if they please you."

"Good," Thorn replied. "Alicia thinks she’s going rally her weak little troops around us and outnumber us, but she’s got another thing coming." With that he ended the call.

Chapter 19

"No way," Edge said shaking his head. Alicia and Jeff had spent the better part of an hour trying to convince him to join their cause.

With a sigh Alicia stood. "All right," she said. "I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice."

"What? What the hell are you talking about," Edge asked. "What’s she talking about," he asked Jeff, who shrugged.

"Adam, you are going to help us," Alicia said concentrating like Gangrel had taught her.

"Yes, I will," Edge said, then groaned. "Damn it! Of all of the things to teach you!"

"You don’t have to like helping us out," Alicia said. "But you will help."

"Yeah, I got it," Edge said, sighing as he crossed his arms across his chest.

"Meet us in mine and Johnny’s room in an hour," Alicia said smiling. "It’s room 345."

"Yeah," Edge grumbled. "See you then."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matt had just finished up on the treadmill in the hotel gym. He was bending over to tie his sneaker when Ariel found him. She was just sneaking up to him, a bat in her hands. She raised it, about to knock out the older Hardy brother when someone called out to him.

"Hey, Matt, look out," Lashley called. "What hell is wrong with you? Crazy bitch!"

Matt straightened up and spun around, finding Ariel standing over him with the bat. "What the hell," he asked, furious. Ariel swung the bat, missing Matt by millimeters. She let out an frustrated groan, hissing at Matt before running away.

"Are you all right, man," Lashley asked.

"Yeah," Matt replied, shaken by the ordeal. "Thanks for the heads up."

"Yeah," Lashley replied. "Something is fishy about that woman."

"Not just her," Matt replied. "Trinity and Francine too. And there’s something off about that Alicia chick too."

"Come on, man," Lashley said tossing his towel over his shoulder. "I’ll walk you to the elevator."

"Thanks," Matt replied, grabbing his own towel and bottled water.

Together they headed to the elevator and pushed the up button. As the doors dinged open they saw Jeff and Alicia up against the back wall, kissing. Matt groaned, seeing his little brother.

"Jeff, what the hell," Matt demanded.

"Hey, bro," Jeff said smiling goofily at him. "Have you met Alicia?"

"No, but I’m guessing you’re more than just good friends with her," Matt replied entering the elevator. Lashley was keeping quiet as the brothers spoke. "How much time did you wait before you fucked this one?"

"At least I’m getting some," Jeff said and then groaned regretting his words. He tossed an apologetic look at Alicia, who just shrugged the comment off. "That’s not the point. You’re being rude to Alicia, Matt."

"You’re right," Matt sighed. "Hi, I’m Matt. This dipshit’s older brother." Alicia smiled and nodded a hello to him.

"What is your problem," Jeff demanded.

"What’s my problem? Crazy ass bitches like this one," Matt said hooking a thumb at Alicia. She felt her cheeks flush, wondering if Matt knew what she was.

"What," Jeff demanded.

"Ariel," Lashley said finally speaking up. "She tried to hit Matt with a bat in the gym."

"Damn it," Alicia muttered. "I’ll kill the fucking bitch." Jeff took her hand to calm her down. This gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Matt.

"What the hell is going on," Matt demanded.

"Not here," Alicia replied. "Come to my room and we’ll explain everything."

"Fine," Matt sighed, not in the mood to argue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Did you dispose of Matt Hardy and Bobby Lashley," Torn asked Ariel.

"No, master," she replied, pouting her blood red lips. "I was going to take care of Hardy first, but Lashley caught me." She sighed. "I have failed you, master. I must be punished."

Thorn chuckled. "I’m afraid, dear Ariel, that you enjoy your floggings much more than you’re supposed to." He sighed. "No, the bigger punishment for you would be for me to do nothing."

Ariel pouted more. "Very well, master," she said. "What shall we do now?"

"We wait," Thorn replied. "Trinity and Francine are out gathering the men you three have personally chosen."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Is this it," Alicia asked looking at the small gathering of her friends. Tommy, RVD, Sabu, Sandman, Johnny, Jeff, Matt and Lashley all sat around the room.

"The others all had prior commitments for the company," Sabu replied with a sigh. "We’re all you got, kid."

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of Edge. "Finally," Alicia muttered going to answer the door. She ushered in the Rated R Superstar. "You’re late."

"Got tied up," Edge replied.

"Couldn’t decide what ridiculous pair of shades to wear," she replied pointing the sunglasses he had just taken off.

"I’m here," Edge replied. "Don’t expect me to be a willing party to this shit." He turned around to take a seat and spotted Matt sitting on the bed with Lashley and Jeff. "Hell no," Edge said shaking his head. "I am NOT working with HIM."

"You don’t have much of a choice in the matter, Adam," Alicia said. "Sit." Obediently he took a seat next to Lashley on the bed.

"Could someone please tell us what the hell is going on here," Matt demanded, shooting daggers at Edge.

Summarizing the past few months Alicia explained to Matt and Lashley what had been going on. "Wait a minute," Lashley said. "You expect us to believe that Thorn and the women are vampires."

"Too much for your meathead brain to understand," Edge asked, chuckling at his own joke. Lashley punched him in the arm. Edge groaned in pain, rubbing his now sore arm.

"Oh, I’m sorry, my meathead brain thought you asked me to punch you as hard as I could," Lashley replied. "Get your head out of your ass and stop acting like you’re better than all of us."

"All right," Matt said, still struggling to believe all of this. It was different for Jeff. He had always been more open-minded. "So, Thorn is a vampire and the women are vampires too. You’re a vampire as well, but not like them. Why are we all here?"

"We plan to end Thorn," Alicia replied.

"How," Matt asked.

"We contacted Gangrel," Jeff replied. "He’s going to help. He’s been teaching Alicia how to control her abilities."

"Suddenly it makes sense why Adam is here," Matt replied. "He always was Gangrel’s favorite."

"Blow me, Matt," Edge replied.

"Not getting any since Amy left," Matt asked. Snickering could be heard coming from the other men.

"Enough," Alicia said quieting the room. "We’re here because I have a plan. Would any of you care to hear it?"

"Sorry," Matt said. "Go on." Alicia nodded and began to detail her plan to them.

Chapter 20

"Are you sure about this," Jeff asked Alicia. The very next night the plan was about to be put into action.

"I know you’re worried about me, but I’ll be fine," she replied, cupping his face in her hands. "Gangrel has taught me well. I trust his knowledge and I trust you guys to back me up." She placed a soft kiss on his lips.

Matt watched his little brother and Alicia and groaned when she kissed Jeff. Lashley placed a hand on Matt’s shoulder. "He seems to really care for her, Matt," he said.

"Yeah," Matt replied with a sigh. "Christmas is going to be fun. Yeah, daddy, this is Alicia. She’s a fucking bloodsucking vampire, but don’t worry Jeff really cares for her."

"You have serious issues, man," Lashley replied shaking his head.

Jeff sighed. "I just hate the thought of any of them laying a hand on you," he said softly. His green eyes were filled with concern.

"I’ll be fine," Alicia reassured him. "Go on and get the others out of here." He nodded, not wanting to leave her, but taking the others and heading out of the stair well.

Alicia inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves. You’ll be fine. Gangrel could sense her trepidation and tried to reassure her. Just remember what I taught you. She nodded and began to concentrate on her link to Ariel.

Ariel. Can you hear me, bitch? She waited and got no response. She worried that it had not worked. Once again she closed her eyes and concentrated on Ariel. I know you can hear me. Come get me, bitch. You know where I am.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Shut up," Ariel screeched, holding her head. Alicia’s message had gotten through to her, very loud and clear. Thorn quirked a brow at her. "Alicia is screaming in my head, master," she wailed.

Thorn frowned. "Someone has taught her a new trick," he muttered.

"Master," Ariel cried. "She won’t stop!"

"Silence," Thorn ordered. Ariel quit her whimpering and whining, staring at him. "What is she saying?"

"She wants me to come get her," Ariel replied. "She won’t stop."

"Trinity, Francine," Thorn said to the other women. "Take Ariel and go get Alicia." Obediently they each took one of Ariel’s arms and headed out of the suite.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I was beginning to wonder when you would come," Alicia said smirking when she saw Trinity, Francine and Ariel came to the stair well.

"Shut your mouth," Trinity replied, slapping Alicia across the face. She tasted her own blood in her mouth and glared at the brunette vampire. "You wanted us to find you so bad. Now we’re here and it’s three on one, bitch."

Alicia held up her hands. "Whoa," she said. "You win. I’ll come with you ladies willingly."

Ariel eyed her suspiciously. "Why," she asked.

Alicia sighed heavily. "I’m tired of you picking off my friends one by one," she replied. "I give up. Take me back to Thorn."

"I knew you’d see it our way," Ariel smiled. "Trinity, Francine take her away. I have some things I need to take care of." The two women nodded, smiling maliciously at Alicia. Each woman grabbed an arm and began to drag Alicia down to the basement of the hotel.

They picked up a heavy chain, shackling Alicia to the wall. "You know, ladies, I’m not really into the whole bondage thing," Alicia said nervously.

"Shut it," Trinity said, shoving a cloth into her mouth and duct taping it. Alicia glared at her. "You’ll have a front row seat to the ass kicking your little mortal friends are in for." Both she and Francine began to cackle.

"They’ll be like little lambs being led to the slaughter," Francine giggled.

Alicia continued to glare at the women. She knew that being bound in chains and gagged she wouldn’t be able to help the others. Within a few moments she saw Ariel walk into the area with some men in tow. Ken Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kenny Dykstra, Randy Orton and Chris Masters all filed into the basement and stood awaiting orders.

"What the hell are we doing down in this dank basement," Mercury asked, a look of pure disgust on his face.

"Silence," Thorn said. "Alicia, do you like my little army?" Alicia glared at him, but did not try to speak to him with her mind. "Nitro, Mercury go keep a lookout at the entrance to the basement." The men nodded. "Kennedy, Orton, Dykstra and Guerrero come with me."

"What about us," Masters asked, pointing to himself and Helms.

"You’re to help Ariel," Thorn replied.

"Come on, boys," Ariel purred, leading them away.

Why are we always left behind? Trinity asked Francine.

"Don’t question the master," Francine said to her.

"What," Trinity asked. "I didn’t say anything."

"You just said something to me in my mind," Francine replied.

"You’re crazy," Trinity said, shaking her head.

Maybe you’re just trying to drive me crazy. Francine replied.

"Why the hell would I try to drive you crazy," Trinity demanded.

"What the hell are you talking about," Francine asked.

"Don’t play stupid with me," Trinity replied.

Scared I’ll take your place as the dumb one. Francine replied. Trinity grabbed a plank of wood and broke it so that the end was jagged.

"You bitch," she said brandishing the makeshift stake.

Alicia watched the exchange, taking great pleasure in being able to imitate the women’s voices perfectly telepathically. She watched as Francine did the same with a plank of wood by her. It would be just a matter of time before both women were dust.

"You want me, come get me, bitch," Francine shreiked.

Trinity rushed at Francine pinning her to the ground. She tried to stake her, but Francine grabbed her wrist and turned it, making the bones crunch. Trinity backed up, flicking her wrist to set the bones right again.

"You’ll pay for that," Trinity said and rushed Francine once again. They two women tumbled to the ground, landing on a wooden crate, which splintered. Francine’s stake went through Trinity’s chest. The splinters of the wooden crate penetrated Francine’s back and protruded from her chest.

Alicia looked at her handy work as both women were stunned at the injuries. Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it? they both heard in their heads followed by Alicia’s wicked laughter. Moments later they disappeared into clouds of dust.

Ariel returned with Masters and Helms carrying various weapons. She looked around the basement and didn’t find Trinity or Francine. Before she could call out to them she heard Alicia in her mind. Dust to dust. In that moment she knew that they women were gone.

"Free her," she said to Masters. She handed him the key to the chains.

"We can hear the others coming," Nitro and Mercury said rushing into the basement.

"You," Ariel said to Helms. "Go get Thorn." He nodded and rushed off to find Thorn and the others. "You," she said addressing Masters. "Release her and put her in the Master Lock." Masters smirked and nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure this is the right way," Jeff asked Gangrel.

"Jeffrey," he said leading the way to the basement. "Alicia has been in contact with me the whole time. She’s told me where she is." When he got to the entrance to the basement he stopped them.

"What is it," Matt asked.

"Masters," Gangrel replied. "He’s got Alicia in the Master Lock."

"What the hell are we waiting for," Jeff demanded, trying to push past Gangrel. He pulled the younger Hardy back.

"It’s an ambush," Gangrel replied. "Thorn has gotten some men to help him out."

"He hasn’t turned any of them, has he," Tommy asked.

"No," Gangrel replied.

"While we’re standing around here Masters is hurting Alicia," Jeff said impatiently. "Why the hell aren’t we going to help her?"

"We will, but we need to pick our moment. When no one comes in they’ll send out a couple of men to scout the area. When they do we blindside them and gain the upper hand," Lashley replied, placing a hand on Jeff’s shoulder. "She’s tough. She can handle the Master Lock."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"They should have been here already," Thorn frowned. "Nitro, Mercury go see what the hold up is." Both men nodded.

As they came to where Gangrel and the others laid in wait Jeff grabbed Nitro and Matt grabbed Mercury, smacking their heads together. The men let out surprised grunts before slumping to the ground unconscious.

"Can we go in there now," Jeff demanded.

"Yes," Gangrel replied smiling at how well the brothers worked together. "Leave Thorn for me and me alone." Everyone nodded as they headed into the basement.

"Go," Thorn commanded. He grabbed Alicia from Masters and pushed the young man into battle. Alicia slumped in Thorn’s arms as he dragged her away from the others. He knew that Gangrel was amongst them and he wanted to make a point to him.

Kennedy rushed Sandman, earning him a crack across the head with the Singapore cane. It took several more and Edge slamming him into the wall before the younger man was knocked out completely. Chavo and Rob were facing off, exchanging a series of kicks and punches. Edge decided to help Rob with Chavo, adding some kicks and punches of his own. Sabu made short work of Helms, slamming him head first into a concrete wall.

Dykstra was proving to be difficult for Tommy to subdue, but the balance shifted when Sabu joined in. Lashley had his hands full with Orton. Johnny was facing off against Masters. He was close to getting the Master Lock when Sandman caned Masters, helping Johnny fight.

Gangrel found Thorn standing over Alicia. As he tried to sneak up on him Ariel jumped on his back. "Did you honestly think you could sneak up on me, old man," Thorn asked.

"I may be old, but I am wiser than you are," Gangrel replied with a smirk. He caught Ariel’s wrist before she could plunge a stake through his chest. With little effort he flipped Ariel off of him, her head connecting with the concrete. She lay motionless on the ground.

Thorn pulled up Alicia, who was finally recovering from being in the Master Lock. "I’ll kill her," Thorn said holding a stake of his own over Alicia’s chest.

"Do it," she told Gangrel. "Don’t worry about me."

"Oh, so noble," Thorn said, pulling her arm behind her back to keep her close to him. "Your nobility will do nothing for you when you’re dust."

"Release her," Gangrel commanded. Thorn just laughed.

"You’re mind control doesn’t work on me," Thorn replied still laughing.

"I should have killed you in Prague when I had the chance," Gangrel spat.

"Always such jealousy," Thorn replied. "I am faster, stronger and better than you in every way. That kills you, doesn’t it, old man?"

"I have no reason to be jealous of a monster like you, Kevin," Gangrel replied.

While the two vampires chattered away Alicia tried to break free of Thorn’s grasp. Unable to pry herself away from his grip she resorted to a last ditch effort. With all of her might she stomped on his foot. As she had hoped he released his grip on her. Before she could get away from him he reached out and pulled her down to the ground by her hair. Her head connected with the concrete and the world went blurry momentarily.

"Son of a bitch," Gangrel grunted before rushing Thorn. He managed to tackle the younger vampire to the ground, landing on Thorn’s stake. With every bit of his energy he plunged his own deep into Thorn’s chest.

"No," was all Thorn could gasp out.

"Burn in hell," Gangrel grunted out, rolling onto his back.

Alicia crawled over to him, pulling his head into her lap. "This can’t be the end," she said, sniffling, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Master," Ariel cried, having regained consciousness. She crawled over to Thorn just as he turned into dust.

"You made me so proud," Gangrel said smiling up at Alicia. "You were an excellent student." With that he too turned to dust.

"No," Alicia cried.

"You did this," Ariel screeched at Alicia. She scooped up the stake Thorn left behind. "You bitch!" She let out a loud screech and rushed at Alicia.

"Alicia," Jeff called, running to shove her out of the way. He shoved her from the oncoming stake, but turned around in time to get the stake embedded in his stomach.

Ariel stumbled around, stunned by what had just happened. As she turned around Alicia plunged the stake from Gangrel deep into her chest. "Enjoy hell, bitch," Alicia said as she watched Ariel disappear in a cloud of dust.

She dropped to her knees by Jeff, who was coughing up blood, the stake still embedded in his stomach. He tried to speak, but she placed a hand over his mouth. "Don’t talk," she said, knowing what he was going to say. She could sense the life slowly draining from him. He would be dead long before an ambulance could make it to the hotel.

The others stopped fighting. What few men left of Thorn’s army who were still conscious watched the two a moment before gathering the others and leaving. It was then that Matt saw that his brother was hurt.

"Jeff," he cried and kneeled by his side. "Don’t just stand around! Call an ambulance."

"It won’t help," Jeff said, coughing. "I’m dying, Matt."

"There has to be something that can be done," Matt exclaimed, not willing to say goodbye to his brother so soon.

"There is," Johnny said, he and the others coming to stand by Jeff and Alicia. She looked up at him, shaking her head. "You know what you have to do."

"I can’t," she said, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"He’s dying, Alicia," Tommy said.

"What? What’s going on," Matt demanded. "If you can help him then do it!"

"You don’t understand, Matt," Alicia said.

He grabbed her by her shirt collar. "I don’t care what you have to do," Matt said. "Help him! I am not losing my baby brother because you refuse to help!"

"Matt, please," Jeff said weakly. "Alicia," he said taking her hand. "I’m ready."

She sighed loudly and looked at her friends. "Close your eyes," she said softly. He did as she told him. Allowing her fangs to extend she bent down and bit into the tender flesh of his neck. Jeff winced at the pinpricks, but did not stir much after.

Matt watched, wide eyed. He now understood what was happening. His little brother would continue to exist, but he would be undead now. Grateful that he wouldn’t have to bury his little brother he allowed Alicia to do what she had to do.

Alicia drained him just enough to bring him to death’s door. Carefully she removed the stake from his stomach and kept an eye on the wound. Silently she prayed that it wasn’t too late.

Moments later the wound began to repair itself and Jeff gasped, opening his eyes. "Welcome back," Alicia said, brushing some hair out of his face.

"Thank God," Matt said pulling his little brother into an embrace. "I was so scared I’d lost you."

"You should know that it takes more than a stake to the stomach to kill me off," Jeff chuckled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days later Alicia and Jeff were in Mickie’s hospital room. They had delivered the news of the demise of Thorn and his harem. Victoria entered the room, holding hands with Johnny. Jeff and Alicia watched the two curiously as Johnny pulled a chair over to the bed and pulled Victoria into his lap.

"When did this happen," Alicia asked.

"Oh you know, while you were pretending to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Johnny replied, wrapping his arms around Victoria.

"Isn’t he cute," Victoria gushed.

"You think you’re the only one allowed to find someone," Johnny asked with a smirk.

"Oh, Alicia," Mickie said, changing the subject. "Vince came by to see me today. He said that the title needs to be vacated since I’m in no condition to defend it. The good news is that you’ll be the new women’s champ." With that said she let out a loud yawn.

"Why don’t we all leave Mickie to get some rest," Alicia said to the others. Johnny and Victoria left, Alicia and Jeff not far behind.

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

No one will ever change this animal I have become

Help me believe it's not the real me

Jeff wrapped his arms around Alicia as they headed toward the elevators. He nuzzled her neck as they rode it down to the basement of the hospital. Victoria and Johnny watched, smiles on their faces as they left the two alone to ride the rest of the way down.

I am so glad that you chose me to be your mate.

I didn’t choose you, Jeff. You chose me. I’m glad that you saw past the monster inside me.

Somebody help me tame this animal I have become

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal

"You could never be a monster to me," he said as he led the way through the sewers back to the hotel. "You’re my beautiful girl and I will cherish you for as long as we both live."

Alicia stopped him, making him face her. She stood on tip toes and placed a kiss on his lips. "I will cherish you forever, Jeff. You gave me a reason to exist." With that said he smiled softly and gently pulled her along toward the hotel, intent on showing her how much he cherished her.