The Undertaker's Brides

After a few hours of "work" the Brides had gotten the inside of the house looking half way normal. Then one by one, wondered off to explore the house inside and out. Kaliegh went onto the room where Kiri lay, the Undertaker sitting with her. She slipped a comforting arm around his shoulder and asked how Kiri was doing.

"She's as good as can be expected." He said with a sigh.

"I feel so bad...We were so wrapped up in our own problems to realize that she was in trouble until it was too late." Kaliegh said, her eyes full of concern as she looked over at her motionless sister.

"That is true, Kal....But I've been thinking about it for awhile now....Even if we had tried to stop her, she would not have listened. Her need to have a father after all these years was so strong that nothing would have stopped her."

"But even so....one of us should have been with her or something....then, when she got into trouble, the others could have been alerted right away."

"Maybe..." the Undertaker said. "But what if Paul had taken both down at the same time? Paul was a very powerful man, Kal...He could have done anything."

"Well...." Kaliegh said, sighing. "What's done is done. The important thing is what we can do for her now."

"There's not a whole lot we can do...We can talk to her....But until she wakes up..."

Kaliegh was quiet for a bit, trying to figure out how to word her next question. Not being able to find the right words, she just came right out and said it.

"Taker, why does Jean always leave us? Does she not care for the Brides anymore?"

"I don't know, Kal. I guess the grass is greener or there are bigger fish to fry, so to speak, where she's at."

"I get the feeling that she doesn't even want to be here anymore."

"I don't think that's the case. The things that satisfy you and I isn't enough for Jean.....So she needs her adventures to find fulfillment."

"So basically we're too boring..."

I don't know, Kal....Something like that."

"Well, I guess it doesn't really matter." Kaliegh said as she walked over to the window. "As long as she's happy....I just want her to be happy."

As Kaliegh stared out the window, the Undertaker became lost in his thoughts and a heavy silence fell over the room. Neither of them heard Kane and Storm walk in. Storm looked up at Kane, her face masked in confusion. Both Kaliegh and Taker seemed to be a million miles away...Having no idea they were no longer alone in the room. Finally Kane walked over and stood directly in front of his brother. He tilted his head and stared at Taker intently. Suddenly realizing that Kane stood in front of him, the Undertaker became startled and fell out of his chair. The loud crash of him and his chair falling to the floor was enough to make Kaliegh jump out of her skin.

"What the..." Kaliegh said, turning around so fast that she too lost her balance and landed on top of the Taker. She looked up at Storm and Kane to see that they both wore amused expressions.

"I meant to do that....I didn't want Taker to look like the only goof around here so I planned that...." Kaliegh said, her face red with embarrassment. While Kane helped his brother up, Storm helped Kaliegh to her feet and said, "Thanks Kal. Whether you planned that or not...I think we all needed that bit of humor."

From behind her, Kaliegh heard the Undertaker snicker and whirled around to glare at him.

"Yeah, right, you meant to do that, Kal."

"Whatever.." Kaliegh said, rolling her eyes.

The Undertaker took a step forward so that he and Kaliegh were side by side. He slipped an arm around her waist pulling her close as his face grew serious again.

"So what brings you two here anyway?"

"Well, we thought maybe you two would like some time alone." Kane said.

"So...we decided we would stay with Kiri the rest of the day and night." Storm said, finishing the sentence that Kane had started.

"Thanks...We really appreciate it." The Undertaker said as he practically ran from the room, dragging Kaliegh along behind.

Storm looked up at Kane, a smirk on her face. " Gee, you don't think he's in a bit of a hurry do ya??"

"He likes her." Kane said, happy that his brother had someone. "Alot...by the looks of it."

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

As Kaliegh waited for the Undertaker to shower, she stood by the window enjoying the warm sun that shined through. Many of the Brides took advantage of the warm weather. Cyn and Elentari worked on the yard, raking up pile after pile of dead leaves. Sky worked on trimming the ragged shrubs around the house, while Thalia whirled around on a riding lawn mower. And right in the center of all the activity stood Kiowa, barking out orders to the Brides.

~Where's Judy?~ Kaliegh thought to herself as she quickly scanned the yard again. Just as she was about to turn away from the window and join her man, she caught sight of Judy walking into the woods that surrounded three sides of the house. Kaliegh knew that when Judy was troubled, she liked the calming effects of the trees and wildlife.

With a sigh, she turned around and concentrated on bringing a nice bed into existence. She was exhausted from the recent events and wanted nothing more than to sleep. The Undertaker, however, had different plans. The moment he stepped out of the bathroom, he placed his lips on hers in a deep kiss. It didn't take long for Kaliegh's sleepiness to disappear and she kissed him back with equal passion. His intense hunger was breathtaking and soon the two surrendered to the inferno that burned within them.

Storm and Kane looked at each other with sly smiles as Taker led Kaliegh out of the room. To Storm he looked like a kid on Christmas morning who was just about to open his presents, and in a way....she supposed he was.

"What are you smirking about?" Kane asked, teasingly.

"Oh, nothing.." Storm said nonchalantly as she sat down on the edge of the bed where Kiri lay motionless. Her expression became serious when she saw how pale and fragile Kiri seemed.

"Do you think she'll be alright, Kane?"

Kane walked slowly over to the bed and sat down behind Storm, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close to him.

"I hope so. She's the only family I have left, besides my brother, of course. I don't think I could take losing both her and my father so close together."

The two of them were silent then, both of them watching Kiri and hoping..almost willing her to come to and rejoin her family. To Storm all the Brides were Sisters..Soul Sisters that couldn't be seperated. She knew if she were to ever lose one of them, it would feel feel as if a big piece of her heart was missing.

Throughout the day the others came by and stayed with them for periods of time. Cyn, Kiowa, Elentari, Nikki, and some of the others sat and talked before finally retiring to their rooms for the night. The entire day was spent waiting, just waiting..and hoping for the best.

Taker and Kaliegh returned briefly as well later that same night. They came into the room holding hands and both of them looking happier and more relaxed. Storm could tell by the way they looked at each other that they were falling even deeper in love. She smiled, overjoyed that her Sister and brother-in-law had found happiness together, and she knew Kane felt the same way.

Finally, when neither Storm nor Kane could hold their heads up much longer, they reluctantly left Kiri's room, closing the door quietly behind them and heading down the hall to their own room.

Kane had created a large, canopied bed for the two of them that was draped in black and red, and there was a large window with a window seat. The rest of the room was furnished in cherry oak and there was a bathroom they'd also created for their own privacy. Kane picked Storm up into his massive arms and carried her into the room before she could protest, placing her gently on the bed.

"Kane..what are you?"

"Shhhh...It's time for some alone time of our own. "

He carefully removed his mask and placed it on the bedside table before closing his eyes for a brief moment. When he opened them again both of them were without clothing. Kane smiled down at his Bride before moving to lie down next to her. He waved his hand and the candles that lit the room were extinguished.

Eagerly, they reached for each other and soon their bodies were a tangle of limbs, their mouths moving over every square inch of their lovers' flesh. When they'd finally exhausted themselves, Kane pulled Storm on top of him and held her, his arms encircling her body to keep her there. Storm could hear his hearbeat as she lay her head on his chest.

As she listened to the beating of his heart slow and finally return to normal, she felt herself becoming sleepier by the moment. She was just at the point of dozing off when Kane spoke.

"Storm?"

"Yes?" She mumbled sleepily.

"What would you think of having a baby?"

Storm's eyes flew open so fast and she was so shocked by his simple question that she felt dizzy. She raised herself up and looked at him with a face full of conflicting emotions.

"A baby?"

"Yes. I was just thinking about losing my father, and now Kiri is...well...I don't know what is happening with her..but I was just thinking that there will be no one to carry on my side of the family..I want this, Storm. With you.."

Storm looked at him and felt the flood of love she always felt when she looked at her wonderful husband. Tears filled her eyes and she choked back a happy sob. She knew then that she wanted this as badly as he did.

"Yes, Kane. Let's have a baby."

Judy walked through the woods behind the house deep in thought, wondering what exactly WAS wrong, when it hit her HARD. She was lonely. But how could anybody be lonely, in a house FULL of people? But that was it pure and simple. Walking further than she had before, Judy slowly became aware of singing. A rich, deep, beautiful voice. Who could it be?

Following the sound, she came upon the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on. He was as tall as Taker, which was saying a lot, he had the most amazing blue eyes and a mouth that was made for kissing. "Now where did THAT thought come from?" She stood there silently listening to his wonderful voice. As he finished the song he was singing, she made her presence known.

"That was absolutely beautiful! My name is Judy. I didn't mean to intrude. But that song was beautiful! " She couldn't stop the blush that stained her cheeks when she met his startling blue eyes.

His look of surprise quickly turned to one of pleasure as he looked at the woman who had snuck up on him. Casually he unfolded his long frame, coming to his feet towering over her. She had to tilt her head back to look up into his face, smiling as she did so. His eyes travelled slowly over her body. He met her eyes and grinned back at her.

"Hope I'm not tresspassing ma'am!" His southern drawl sent little shivers up and down her spine. Plus there was that look in his eyes. It had been a long time since she had seen THAT look just for her.

Judy stared and smiled at this hunk of a man, unaware of what he'd just said, until he repeated himself. Blushing even more, she apoligized.

"Sorry, what did you say? " Gawd, she was acting like a school girl!

"I just said I hoped I wasn't tresspassing." He grinned that amazing grin again.

"NO, I mean Yes, but that's alright. Would you like to come back to the house with me and meet the owner? I'm sure she would love to meet you. Then you can obtain consent to 'tresspass'." She said as she looked up at the blonde giant.

"Be my pleasure. Lead the way!" Gawd, he was gorgeous!!!

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

"Girl where did you find him? And are there anymore like him?" Nikki asked eyeing the newcomer appreciatively. Judy grinned. "You might say I stumbled across him. He has a campsite a ways from the house. I found him while i was walking this afternoon. He's nice isn't he?"

She paused setting the table for supper to watch the big blonde as he listened to whatever Kane was saying. Taker was leaning against the mantle, his look unreadable. Judy smiled brightly as the big blonde glanced up and caught her watching. He smiled back at her.

"I think I'm in love!" she said as she turned back to the group of women. They all laughed as she rolled her eyes and blushed all over.

Kaliegh hugged her friend. "I hope this works for you. I've never seen you so radiant!"

Taker heard the last as he entered the kitchen. Scowling down at Judy, he took her by the arm and drew her away from the other women. "You don't know anything about this guy. Where did y'all meet?" He growled

"I told you where we met. And i hope to get to know him MUCH BETTER!" Her eyes glowed with an inner fire that he knew very well!

Narrowing his eyes, as he looked at this disobedient Bride, he had the feeling he might be about to loose her, and he didn't like it one bit. Frowning as the thought came to him, making him wonder how long before "Trace" came down walking funny!

"You better be damned carefull! I think Trace and me need to have a talk!" His green eyes glowed with anger, that growl that would have driven her nuts at another time, was present as well.

Suddenly more angry then she had ever been in her life, Judy grabbed his massive forearm and ORDERED him outside. "Take your dead ass out to the back porch, NOW!!!" The fact her voice was barely above a whisper, add to that, the blue sparks that fairly flew from her, brought total silence from everyone there. Taker looked at her and his own anger began to grow.

Without another word, the two people went out the back door, closing it behind them. The women waited for the raised voices in a tense silence. Kaliegh started toward the door, intent on lending her friend moral support, if necessary, only to be stopped by Storm.

"I think they need to have this time alone. Judy's found somebody and he needs to understand that. Leave them to their argument." Storm glanced at the door worriedly. Kaliegh was uncertain, but did as she was asked.

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

Judy paced back and forth trying to get control of her temper. She would not even look at this big red-head until she did gain control, or there was no telling what she would say!!

"Judy you don't know what you're doing! You're lusting after this guy, and not thinking clearly." The growl obvious in his deep voice. But he'd said the wrong thing to THIS Bride.

Judy stopped her pacing, her body went more rigid with each word he uttered. Finally she turned to face the man she called her Lord of Darkness. Fire flashed in her eyes, and if looks could in deed kil, he WOULD be a Dead Man!

"Lusting after him! As I seem to recall, you didn't have a problem when you were the object of MY LUSTFUL WAYS! But you do now. Sounds to me like you're jealous! Is that it? Are you jealous of Trace and me?" After her first explosive statement, her voice returned to it's previous deathly quiet.

The idea of being jealous struck him as funny and he made the mistake of smiling. Judy saw it and reacted out of instinct. With a boot foot, she delivered a kick to the shin, to make a pro- football player proud. Then, when he bent over to grab the abused shin, she smacked him so hard his ears rang. Startled he glared at her as she turned and stormed back inside.

"Judy you come back here,NOW!" He bellowed at her disappearing figure.

Everyone in the parlor jumped when he yelled at his disobedient bride. All but Trace. Slowly, he came to his feet ready to take on this man that had obviously upset this woman with fire in her eyes! His woman! Even though they just met, it felt as though they had known each other forever. He wasn't going to allow this man or anyone else to hurt her.

Judy walked right up to Trace, placing her small hand on his arm. "Will you take me away from here?" She pleaded, anger making her eyes sparkle dangerously.

Pulling her into his protective embrass, he met the other man's eyes coldly, as he answered her. "Come on. No one here will stop you. I'll see to that!" And together they left the house.

"Well, Taker, it looks as though you really sis it this time. Why couldn't you just let her be happy and wish HER well?" Cyn and Nikki both glared at him accusingly.

Kaliegh looked like she wanted to cry or run after her friend. Taker clenched both hands into fists, threw back his head, rolled back his eyes, and growled in frustration.

For the first time in a long time Kane spoke before the group. Looking straight at his brother, Kane said, "She is in danger this night. You should not have let her go."

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

"Trace, take me back to yor campsite." She whispered.

She felt him stiffen at her side. Looking up at him in the growing dark, Judy saw a strange look come over his handsome face. "If I do, I won't let you go back."

He watched her closely, wanting to be sure she understood his meaning. The look he gave her brought out an animal like response in her. With a moan, Judy was in his arms, holding on for dear life. She too, felt as though they'd known each other for an eternity. That they were soul mates.

Later, much later, she explained to this Golden Haired Adonis, as best she could anyway, about the Brides and about Taker......

Book Nineteen of The Undertaker's Brides

© 1998 by The Brides of Darkness

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