A/N: The story title comes from Nick Carter's song Don't Walk Away; Texasbelle91 gave me the suggestion for using a song title to title my story, and that was what immediately popped into my head, and it became my title. Just wanted to say that and thank you so much, Texasbelle91 for giving me that suggestion for the title. This story would have taken a long time to get published, if it wasn't for your suggestion.

This has gotten a few followers already! I'm amazed! Never expected this!

It was pointed out to me, by tanglingshadows, that the Italics are a little hard to read- Right now those italics are because these are flashbacks that Daryl and Beth are having. These are leading us to the present day. I'm sorry if you have a hard time because of the italics!

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own The Walking Dead it's characters or anything else about this show. I wish I did, though. And I don't own the song Don't Walk Away, by Nick Carter.


Chapter 2

Beth POV

I couldn't believe it. I looked out the window and who do I see looking in? Daryl. I knew he would come for me, but I was still scared that he wouldn't find me. I was taken in a car. I'm not even sure how long we've been separated. I've only seen the sun come up twice, but that doesn't mean my kidnapper didn't keep me drugged for a few days. He drugged me when he grabbed me, it's not a long stretch to think that. I never really thought I would see his piercing blue eyes again. The ones that see every little detail. He signaled to me to keep quiet, not to give him away. He has his own way of talking. Silence. The time that we've spent with each other, on the road, I've come to be able to read his body language, to tell what most of his shrugs mean, the way he'll roll his eyes, what each little signal means. In the way he looked at me, and put his finger to his lips, it told me "Shh, stay quiet, don't give me up. I'll be back." I trust him. I know he'll be back, and he'll get me out of here, before that man has the chance to come back. I know Daryl saw the bruise that's on my cheek, from when the preacher guy punched me.

It had to be at least an hour since I saw Daryl through the window, that I heard the front door open. I dozed in and out during that time. I wanted to hope that it was Daryl, but I was prepared for it to be the Preacher. I was as ready as I could be for more pain. I kept my eyes trained on the floor, he prefers me to look at the ground, I huddled back into a ball. As small a target as possible, to protect my self as much as I can, with my hands handcuffed and attached to a chain above my head. The door into this room opened. I couldn't stop myself from whimpering in fear.

"Beth."Daryl said, voice breaking halfway through my name. I looked up, tears streaming down my face, and there was no stopping them. He dropped his crossbow to the floor next to him and slid to his knees in front of me. His fingers gently found their way to my face, his thumb wiped away the tears running down my bruised cheek.

"I'm sorry, Daryl, I'm so sorry" I cried, leaning my cheek into his hand.

"'S nothing ta be sorry 'bout"

"I got taken from you. It's my fault, Daryl. I should have paid more attention. I knew you'd find me." I choked out.

"'S ok, Beth. Le's getcha outta here."

"Is he gone? I-I I"

"He won't touch ya, I promise ya, Beth." Daryl said and started to work on getting the handcuffs off me. It only took a few minutes. Once my hands were free I launched myself into his arms. Daryl didn't stiffen up like he normally does, when someone touches him. Instead he wraps his arms around me, and holds me tight to him. I feel more tears slide down my face, and sobs wrack my body. "Shh, Bethy. 'S all right. I gotcha. Ain't gonna let nuthin' happen ta ya. Not again."

I looked up, into his face. All I want to do is kiss him. I don't know how he'll react. I do it. I lift my head up and softly press my lips to his, once, twice, three times. He's frozen but then his head tilts down and kisses me back. It's not a soft kiss. It's one filled with fear, and hurt and desire, and something I'm not sure I want to name. After a moment he pulled away from me. "Are ya sure?" He asked. I nodded and kissed him again. This time just one brief kiss. "C'mon. We got things ta do. And ya ain't stayin' in here a second longer." He said, unwrapping his arms from me, but lacing our fingers together. With his free hand he grabs his crossbow and stands pulling me up with him. I cling to his side, I don't have a weapon, and I'm terrified. I don't want to get separated from him again. But the fear of the Preacher getting me is the bigger of the two worries in my mind.

Daryl led me out of this room and into the front room of the oversized cabin. I noticed two men, one standing right outside the door to the bedroom and the other directly in front of the front door, blocking us in. The man in front of the bedroom door took a step forward, smiled and said "Ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet ya. We been helping Daryl look for ya for a few days. My name's Joe, that over there is Jayne."

"Hi," I said, still a little nervous about these men. I looked up at Daryl's face, making sure they were trustworthy. He gave me a slight nod. I smiled at Daryl and then aimed my smile at the man named Joe. I trusted Daryl, and if he trusts these men, I would too.

Joe led the way out of the cabin, and keeping an eye on all directions led them to the tree line. Once inside the tree line we headed towards the back of the cabin. Daryl kept his hand in mine, and I stayed pressed against his side, but slightly behind him. Jayne was behind us a little ways, bringing up the rear. We came to a stop a little ways away from the shed/garage. I had no clue that was even there. You wouldn't be able to see it unless you went around the cabin. By the door of the shed/garage there was a man, it looked like he was keeping watch. I didn't recognize him as the preacher who took me. Was there more than one who took me? I only saw the one man, and I never heard any other voices. That doesn't mean much, though. Daryl's thumb rubbed gently against the back of my hand, I glanced up at him. He nodded, "'S all right. One o' ours." I nodded in recognition.

"Look's like things are going according to plan," Joe announced to us. "Let's go see what the boys have found." He led the way towards his man. The man nodded to Joe, Jayne and then Daryl. To me he said, "Howdy ma'am." I looked at him, shyly, and responded with 'Hi.'

"Did ya get him?" Joe questioned.

"Yes, sir. He's tied up and waiting for Daryl. The boys are keeping an eye on him." He answered. Daryl looked down at me, and pulled me so that I was directly in front of him. "Ya don't have to go in. Imma kill him fer takin' ya from me. Fer layin' a hand on ya, girl,"

"I'm going," I said, biting my lip. I wasn't letting Daryl out of my sight. I just got him back.

"Wha's on yer mind?" He asked, quietly. He unlaced our fingers and brought his hand to my face, cupping my cheek.

"Just got back to ya. Don't wannta let ya outta my sight. 'Sides, he deserves it." I answered, tucking my face into his chest. Daryl's arms snaked around my waist and pulled me closer, letting his crossbow fall to the ground. A gentle kissed pressed to the top of my head.

"Not goin' anywhere," was all he said. We stood like that for a few more moments. Joe and his men stayed quiet, giving us this moment to ourselves. Daryl took a step back, and took my hand back into his. I gratefully took it, and stepped half behind him again. Daryl took a half step forward, pausing to look me over, probably debating whether I could handle this or not. I stood a little bit taller, and gave a slight squeeze to his hand. It was all that he needed to continue on.

"There's no winners
And there's no losin
All we got is what we are
One mistake and I got you breakin
This time I think I've gone too far
Baby tell me why we don't speak
open your heart to me, love me tonight"

-–Nick Carter, Don't Walk Away-