The Undertaker's Brides

Storm stared at Kane in disbelief, opening and closing her mouth as she tried to speak. He grinned at her, and the look in his eyes told her that he wasn't kidding.

"Married?" She fairly squeaked. He took one hand off her tush and gently pushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Yes, married." He sat up on the bed, still holding onto her so that she was now straddling him. Taking one of her hands in his own, he looked into her eyes. "Will you marry me?" Tears filled her eyes and she choked back a sob before nodding. "Yes." She whispered.

*******************

Paul Bearer watched invisibly from the corner, his eyes narrowed and burning with hatred for this..this bitch who stole his son away. It took all the strength he had to keep from revealing himself to them and beating her within an inch of her miserable life. He would get his son back if it were the last thing he did. Oh yes. No female was ever going to come between him and his baby son. He didn't care what he had to do or who he had to kill. His son would soon be back home where he belonged. For that matter, so would his daughter. How dare she threaten him the way she had! No one could intimidate Paul Bearer..especially not a woman. He watched Storm and Kane kissing passionately and felt the rage pouring out of him in waves. "Soon, my dear son" he thought to himself as he transported back to his secret basement. "Soon."

************

When Storm and Kane had finished celebrating their decision to be bound together and had dressed in clothes more decent for public viewing, they made their way downstairs to the Parlor to share the good news with the Brides and Taker. Everyone sat around the Parlor, engrossed in another poker game and arguing good-naturedly amongst themselves. Storm noticed that Jean was not present again, and felt disappointed that her friend would not be here to hear the news.

"Where's Jean?" she asked Taker. The disappointment evident in her voice. "She's gone on another journey, Storm. Why? Is there something you needed to speak with her about?" Nikki and Kaliegh were accusing each other of cheating as Cyn, Kiri and Judy looked on in amusement. "Well, actually..there's something we need to say to all of you." Storm could barely hide her smile as she felt Kane squeeze her hand reassuringly. The room suddenly became quiet as everyone turned to face them. "What is it? Has something happened again?" Nikki asked, her mouth twisting into a grimace.

"You could say that." Kane said quietly as he smiled under his mask. Storm laughed. "Yes, Nikki. But this time it's not a bad thing. Kane and I are getting married." Kaliegh and Nikki jumped up from the table in shock, spilling their beans onto the floor in the process. Cyn smiled warmly at the couple and Kiri appeared to have a tear in her eye as she gazed at her brother with pride. Judy was the first to speak. "Congratulations, you two." She stood up and stepped forward to hug her Sister as the other Brides followed, giving their well-wishes and hugs one at a time. "Promise me one thing?" Cyn asked as she hugged Storm tight. "What?" "You'll let me be a Bridesmaid?" "Of course, Cyn." Storm laughed.

The Dark Lord was the only one in the room who hadn't moved from the table. He gazed at Kane and his soon-to-be Bride with a haunted expression marring his handsome features. Storm noticed this and moved to his side quietly while the others were hugging Kane.

"Is something the matter, Taker?" His intense green gaze burned into her own as he looked up at her. "I'm happy for you, Storm. I'm just worried about Paul Bearer. You know he's going to do everything in his power to stop this, don't you?" Storm's expression turned to one of disgust. "That little toad will *not* stand in the way of our happiness. Kane and I are getting married and he will not stop it." She turned on her heel and stalked back to Kane as Taker sighed. "I hope you're right, Storm. I hope you're right." She turned around one last time. "Taker, would you please be so kind as to notify Jean with the news? I'd really love for her to be a Bridesmaid if she will agree."

***************

That night, Storm and Kane were lying side by side in their room as a cool breeze blew in from the open window. Storm's head was on Kane's massive chest as he stroked her hair gently. "Storm?" "Hmmm?" "Let's do it tomorrow." Storm propped herself up on one elbow and looked at him as if he'd just lost his marbles. "Don't you think that's a little soon?" He shook his head, his hair falling into his face. "I don't want to give my father a chance to do anything rash." She felt the anger well up inside at the influence that horrid Bearer had over them all. "Okay, Kane. Let's do it."

****************

Morning came, and along with it..the butterflies that filled her stomach. Storm awoke full of nervousness, and turned over to drape an arm across the man that was soon to be her husband. She felt Kane smile before she actually saw his face. She traced her finger across his full lips and nestled in closer to him, wishing that she could stay here in bed with him for all eternity. His arm was around her shoulder, and he gave it a squeeze.

The two of them slowly got out of bed and stretched their sleepy limbs. Kane went around to her side of the bed and gathered her into his arms, planting a soft kiss on her lips in greeting. "Are you ready?" She asked. Her voice was full of anxiety and worry. "Yes, I am. I just need to go and talk with my brother first. I don't think he was expecting it to happen this soon." Storm laughed a little, but there was no denying the fear that was evident. She hoped against hope that this would all go off without any problems.

Kane left her to dress, and she searched through her closet for ten minutes before she blew her hair out of her face in a huff and plopped down on the bed in frustration. Kane entered the room then and peered down at her. "What's the matter?" "I have absolutely nothing to wear to my own wedding!" She pouted. Kane sat down on the edge of the bed and grinned at her. "That's all taken care of. Come with me." She squinted at him quizzically, but said nothing as she allowed him to pull her to her feet and out of their room.

He led her down the hall to Taker's room and knocked softly on the door. A deep voice told them to enter, and as Kane opened the door and led her inside, she gasped at the sight that beheld her. There on the Dark Lord's bed was a long-sleeved red lace wedding dress, along with a red headpiece lined with tiny roses and lace. There was also a pair of matching red pumps placed carefully next to the dress as if just waiting for her to step into them. Taker stood watching them, his arms crossed and a small smile on his face.

"How did you know?" Storm asked, looking from brother to brother in amazement. "So you like it?" Taker asked sincerely. "Yes, it's just perfect. So I take it you're feeling a little better about this?" Taker crossed the room and lifted her chin with his finger until she was gazing into the depths of his emerald eyes. "I'm still apprehensive, if that's what you mean. But I want my brother to be happy, and I want you to be happy. I will do my best to protect the two of you and my wonderful Brides from Paul Bearer and anything he may attempt on any of you. I would fight to the death for my Brides." Storm knew as she looked into his soul that he would do just that.

************

The others were informed of the wedding that morning, and Jean arrived just in time to join her Sisters who were gathered in Kiri's bedroom dressing for the occasion. There were many hugs exchangd as she entered the room, full of her usual wit and humor. The Brides chatted amiably as they dressed and prepared for the ceremony, which was to be held downstairs in the very Parlor that brought them all together. Storm had decided that she wanted all of them to be Bridesmaids, with Kiri as her Maid of Honor and of course the Undertaker was to be the Best Man.

Storm's hands were shaking as Kiri entered the room to help her put the finishing touches on her makeup and put on the headpiece. "I'm sorry. I'm just so nervous." She told her, as she dropped her shoes for the millionth time. She was going to put them on last, since she hated walking around in heels. Kiri smiled undertandingly at her. "It's okay. Perfectly understandable." Storm thought she saw a hint of worry in Kiri's eyes as she'd looked at her, but she dismissed it as nerves and leaned on her for support as she finally put the heels on and straightened her dress. "Okay, I guess I'm ready." She said, as Kiri patted a stray piece of hair into place. "Let's go then." She said, taking her arm and leading her out into the hallway and down the steps into the Parlor where everyone waited.

Storm paused in the doorway of the Parlor as the strains of "Moonlight Sonata" drifted out. She'd wanted something less-traditional as the music to accompany her, rather than having the "Funeral March". Her heart lept in her throat as her eyes found Kane. He stood beside his brother, wearing an all-black tuxedo and looking more handsome than any man she'd ever laid eyes on. His mask was nowhere to be found, and she felt so much love for Kane at that moment she thought her heart would surely burst from happiness. She smiled at him through the tears that had begun to form in her eyes and he took her hand in his own as she reached his side.

They turned to face the justice-of-the-peace. He was a tall, thin man with a long beard that reminded her of the ones the Amish men wore. He read from the book he held in his hands, inserting the dialogue that she and Kane had come up with the night before when he'd proposed to her. She and Kane recited their vows and slipped the rings on each others fingers before her own hands began to shake again. She heard Kane's husky voice say "I do." Her own voice felt far away as she answered with her own "I do." Before she knew it the man before them was saying. "You may kiss the Bride."

Kane took her in his arms and held her tightly, kissing her with a passion she'd never felt before. "I love you." He said tenderly. "I love you too, Kane. Always."

The wedding had been wonderful. Storm was beautiful. Red for a wedding! Who'd a thought it! But it was beautiful. Judy had made the cake. All those years of doing them at work had finally paid off. Storm nearly cried when Jusy rolled the three tier wedding cake out. Instead of the traditional Bride and Groom on top of the cake, she had placed a pair of doves surrounded by some of the same red lace used in Storms gown. Judy had just wished for it and there it was. Red hearts adorned the sides of the tiers, and against the delicate pink icing, it was lovely.

She stood off to herself, and enjoyed the merrimaking till it was time for the Bride and Groom to take their leave. Kane wouldn't say where they were going to spend the next few days. Taker didn't like the fact they were leaving the comparitive safety of Kiri's parlor, but he wasn't about to try and stop them. Jean had just said her good-byes. She was going back to Annwn. Jean loved it there. Judy glanced over at Taker and Kaliegh. Those two were acting more and more like a "couple". With a sigh, she turned away and went into the kitchen, to clean up her mess. Kiri joined her there a few minutes later.

"Are you ok?" she asked softly.

"Is it that obvious?" Judy asked, pushing a stray lock of hair back with a soapy hand.

"Well, .. maybe not to everybody in there, but it is plain as day to me, that something's troubling you," Kiri watched her, with sympathetic eyes. Judy looked like she had been to a funeral instead of a wedding.

"Kiri, I'm leaving tonight. I have to, I need a few days of serenity, from all ths. First Kaliegh and Taker, then Storm and Kane's wedding.. I just need to leave for awhile. Please try to understand. I'll be back later."

Kiri saw the flick of pain in those blue eyes, at the mention of Kaliegh and Taker, and the withdrawn look afterwards.

"You love him, don't you?" Kiri asked.

Judy's startled, pained look told Kiri far better than words ever could. She was prevented from answering, by Storms excited voice from the doorway. "Come on, you two. I'm going to throw the bouquet." Storm's eyes sparkled like diamonds. Her happy expression brought a smile to both women standing at the sink.

"Sure thing!" And together, the three women went back into the living room.

Storm stood on an ottoman with her back to the room, as she tossed the bouquet backwards over her head. Kaliegh caught it easily. Amid happy, excited giggles, Judy happened to glance at Taker, to find his green-eyed gaze upon her. She smiled back at him, then went back to finish cleaning the kitchen. She didn't hear his approach, so when he touched her shoulded, she jumped.

"You startled me!" She smiled up at him. He looked so handsome in his tux.

"When do you leave?" He asked quietly.

"What do you mean?" She asked avoiding his eyes. That penetrating stare of his saw through to your very soul.

"Don't play games with me! When are you leaving?" He asked, with a growl.

Nervously, Judy glanced down at the dish cloth in her hands. "In about an hour." She whispered.

"Why?" His anger was simmering just below the surface.

"Because I need some peace from all of this! I need my mountains. They give peace of mind. I gain strength from them." She finished tiredly.

"Is that all? That the only reason?" His eyes narrowed as he waited for her answer.

"What other reason would there be? I just want to go home, that's all. I'll be back. But for now, I need home, MY home." She still refused to meet his eyes, afraid he'd read the truth in them.

Finally, it seemed like hours, before he turned away and left the kitchen. Three hours later, she was well on her way home.

********************

She had been home for four days, when she decided to go visit a wise man she knew over in Cherokee, North Carolina.

"Come in, Judy. The troubles you carry are great. Let us see the cause of them." His once black hair was now solid white, his face wrinkled with age. If anyone had been blessed with second sight, this man truelly was.

Judy entered his modest home and sat down in the chair indicated. The old man began to chant, and sprinkled some kind of powder in a pot of steaming water. The pungent aroma stung her eyes, and burned her nose, After what seemed like hours, the old man turned back to face her.

"Your friends need your strength, your power to defeat the evil that shawdows you all. The tall one needs you near. He needs you all near. The evil one is planting seeds of doubt within your mind, trying to seperate you and the others from the tall one. If this happens, he is lost forever. Go to him, and give him this pouch. He will know its purpose when the time comes. Before you go, you must prepare yourself. You must cleanse your mind as well as your body. There is a pond up in the mountains. You will know it when you see it. Emerse yourself in it's purifying coolness. Free your mind as well as your body." picking up a small clay jar, he placed it in Judy's hands."Rub this on your body before you enter the water. Then return to your friends. They need you. Go now, and do this cleansing. The time is running out." The wise man kissed her on the cheek, then walked her to the door, practically closing it in her face.

Judy was use to his ways. She took the lid of the small jar he had given her, and smelled the stuff inside. Such a foul odour, she wondered if she would be able to stand the foul mixture. She knew it was important that she did exactly as he said. Judy thought about what he'd told her. She had no idea where to find the pond he spoke of, yet did not doubt his words, that she would know it when she saw it.

Carrying the pouch for Taker, and the small jar, she got back into her car, and started home. Half way there, for no reason that she could name, she turned off the highway, headed up into the mountains, suddenly knowing what she would find at the end. The road wound round and around, seeming to go on forever. at the endof it, she had to walk along a path, going deeper into the woods. Giant red oak, and trees she did not recognize, grew tall and thick all around her. Finally, after about half an hour, she came upon a clearing. Here was the pond! Slowly, Judy began to remove her clothes, not giving it a second thought.

*************

Taker and Storm were the first to see Judy pull up in front of the parlor. Storm actuall beat the big man out the door and was hugging Judy, by the time he got there.

"Damn it's good to see you! Why did you leave? I've missed you." Storm chattered, pleased as she could be that Judy had returned.

"Is Kane not keeping you busy enough?" She asked straight faced, eyebrow arched.

Taker stood back, hands on hips, just watching her. Smiling at both of them, Judy turned and closed the car door, after removing her leather duffle and some sort of rawhide pouch.

"Storm, take Judy's bag inside. She and I need a minute. Ok?" He asked, not taking his eyes off this most disobedient and not to mention confusing Bride.

"It's good to see you. I've missed you all." She met his eyes, and smiled with genuine warmth. He knew she'd satisfied whatever had carried her away. He saw peace, and something else, in her eyes.

"What has happened to you? You look different somehow." He walked over to her, and leaned against the car beside her, and crossed his arms.

Smiling brightly, she answered honestly. "I saw you and Kaliegh come in that night. I saw y'all kissing and it tore me apart. It hurt. So I went home. I put that monster behind me. I wish the two of y'all well."

Her warm reguard as well as her honesty, had caught him off guard. He had the grace to blush at least. He thought him and Kaliegh had been alone. "It is not what you think..." He tried to explain.

"Don't say anything else. It doesn't matter, now. We have trouble coming. A friend of mine, said to give this to you, that you would know what to do with it, when the time came to use it." She handed him the pouch and pretended not to notice his long fingers briefly touch hers. But he noticed!

"Judy! Damn, Girl, it's good to see you again!" Nikki was the first one out the door and down the steps. Irish, Sky, Cyn and the rest of the Brides were right behind her.

Judy was hugged and made welcome by all. Kane and Storm rejoined the group outside. Judy smiled with pleasure and talked to all at once. Finally Kiri put a stop to it all.

"Come on, this calls for a drink! The Lost Bride has returned to the fold." She urshered everybody back toward the house. She noticed Taker and Kaliegh talking by Judy's car. Kaliegh's head jerked around as she looked at Judy's retreating back. Kiri looked back at the other, as she too, made her way inside.

She was pouring glasses of wine for everyone when those two joined the group. She noticed that Kaliegh seemed nervous. Passing out the wine, she raised her glass toward Judy, in toast. "Now we are whole again! Now our number is complete! May it always be so!" Then drained the glass.

Judy blushed with pleasure at the kind words, and ducked her head momentarily. When she looked back up at the group around her, all humour had left her face.

"I love you all! Y'all have become my family. The only one I have. But the thing is, we were brought together for a reason. And that reason is Paul Bearer. Trouble from him is rapidly approaching. We must prepare. We must be ready. I fear our very existence in THIS world or the REAL one depends on it. While I was at MY home, I went to visit a friend of mine. A Cherokee wise man. He saw the time was rapidly approaching. he said the life of one depends on our being ready." At this last statement, she looked straight at Taker. No one there could mistake who she was talking about. Taker held her eyes, refusing to look away....

Book Twelve of The Undertaker's Brides

© 1998 by The Brides of Darkness

**This story cannot be used in any way without written permission