Chapter 10: Howling

Every bit of self-control he had simply faded away the moment he kissed her. She tasted like honey and he knew in that moment she was the greatest thing to ever walk in to his life. The kiss lasted for a couple seconds before he pulled away resting his head to hers. He watched as her chest moved up and down with every breath she took. Beth was about to say something when he interrupted. "Don't." Worthless. No good. Redneck. Jerk. Coward. His thoughts got the better part of him and he knew he made a mistake. She began to speak again but he stopped her. "Don't." He wasn't ready to let go yet, he placed one last lingering kiss on her lips. He knew that kiss would be the last one.

Untangling his body from hers he backed away, not even bothering to look at Beth because it would kill him if he saw regret. He knew he was no good for her and he never would be and that is why he is never going to let that happen again. Looking up at the clouds he realized that it was about to storm, he began to walk away but not without throwing a "c'mon" over his shoulder. Walking through the woods once again he felt more on edge. He thought it had to deal with his conflicting thoughts on Beth.

As the rain began he maintained calm and collected. He looked behind him to see how Beth was holding up only to see her not there. "Beth." She didn't answer. This time a little more demanding, "Beth."

"I'm coming," she replied.

She wasn't supposed to fall behind, storms in the wilderness can be dangerous. He was annoyed to say the least and a little bit worried but he would never mention that. "Where were ya?" His voice was gruff and he knew it.

"I..I was.. my sweater got caught on a limb."

Getting in her face he barked, "Storms out here can be dangerous, don't ever stop."

Her eyes widened. "Do ya hear me?"

Exasperated she replied, "Daryl, my sweater got caught. There was nothing I could do about it."

He scoffed, "You could've been paying more attention instead of walking around in La La land."

That broke her and he knew it. "Do ya hear me?"

"Yeah, I heard you loud and clear," she smarted back.

He growled, "What did ya say?"

"I said.." A piercing howl silenced their conversation.

Beth was worried and she looked to Daryl for an answer. Being a tracker she knew he could find who or what was howling. Following the sound Daryl took off and Beth followed close behind. In the brush was a white dog with its leg caught in a trap. Daryl just stood and looked at the creature.

Beth gently walked up to the dog not wanting to scare it. Turning to look at Daryl, "Well aren't you going to do something?"

Daryl started unlatching the trap so that the dog could get free. He turned to look at Beth and her glassy eyes caught his. Daryl never wanted to see her have that look again. Releasing the dog from the trap it trotted away before Beth could catch it.

Beth looked like a child that lost her favorite toy. And that is why nothing could ever happen between him and her. Even though he did not view her as a child, he would always have a problem with the age gap.

He heard her mumble a silent, "Thank you."

" 's nothin', Beth."

She studied her boots while responding, "Still, thank you for doing it."

The thunder had started when Daryl caught Beth's hand and pulled her along through the trees.

Making it back to camp, the two were soaked and freezing.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Beth said looking up at the sky. Daryl remained silent but managed a nod before she headed toward her tent.

Mumbling under his breath, "yeah, tomorrow." He knew he had some apologizing to do but how in the world was he going to apologize when he never once uttered the words, "I'm sorry?"

Author's Note: I am so very sorry that this chapter was delayed. I hope you all will stick with me on reading this story I'm writing. Thank you for your continued support! Please let me know how you are liking this story so far, thank you!