Chapter Eleven

Sunlight streamed through a crack in the curtains, blinding Negan as he turned his face and opened his eyes. Beside him Catherine slept soundly, nestled against him. Her blonde hair was splayed against the pillow and he leant down to kiss her neck. Her skin was warm and Negan smiled a predatory grin as he smelt his own scent marking the young woman. It never got old having beautiful women at his beck and call.

He contemplated waking the woman up and satisfying his morning cravings but quickly dismissed the thought. It wouldn't be good to let her think she had power over him. Treat them mean keep them keen. He thought to himself as he picked out a fresh pair of jeans and white shirt. He took a quick cold shower and emerged feeling more in control of his urges. He left Catherine asleep, he didn't want her to think he was too soft but after her week she could probably do with a good sleep.

"G'morning ladies," he smirked as he entered the main room which housed his multitude of wives.

"Good morning Negan," several of the women eyed him lustfully. A handful coldly, and a few with fear. It was a good mixture. "Tanya says our ranks are growing." Sherry, one of his newest wives, arched an eyebrow as she stood up to kiss his cheek.

"They are indeed beautiful," Negan returned the kiss and patted her rump firmly. "She's quite a slender little thing too. Maybe you could pick her out something nice?"

"What we gave you last night was no good?"

"Too big apparently," Negan sat down to his breakfast, taking a sip of coffee. "She came out the shower wearing that Goddamn sweatsuit - thought the bitch had gone crazy." Sherry frowned and stole a slice of toast from Negan's plate. "Tanya get Sherry her own breakfast."

"Honestly Negan, I don't think we have anything in her size." Tanya brought out several more plates and began dishing them amongst the women. "Have you told her what to expect here?"

"For a while she can just expect me," Negan leant back in his chair, grinning lazily. "I'm sure you ladies would appreciate a break."

"You're lucky we're not the jealous type," Sherry's smile didn't quite reach her eyes and Negan smirked in silent reply. He knew how each of his wives felt about him; some were repulsed by him and others himself. Others felt sorry for him thinking that this was the only way he could find a bedmate. Some felt victimised, as if he'd given them no choice when in reality no one was forced to stay with him. He couldn't abide men who took women against their will. Yet there were a few who enjoyed his company, and while they might not be madly in love with him could see the benefits of what he offered. Sherry was one who pitied him.

"Shame I can't return the favour." Negan's voice came out as a low growl as he looked behind Sherry towards a pretty young blonde; Amber. He had heard whispers about her activities, and from the way she tried to avoid his gaze he could tell they were more than just rumours.

"You should bring this in to her - wouldn't want her to be the jealous type." Tanya handed Negan a plate stepping directly in his line of sight.

"She won't eat all that."

"Well Sherry seems to have eaten most of yours," Tanya shrugged. "Wait here, she can have one of my dresses. It might be a bit big on her but she can pick out what she wants to wear. She'll know her style better, besides it's a bit overwhelming adjusting to this." Negan stood up and kissed the woman fondly, his free hand lingering longer than necessary on her lower back. It didn't bother him that more than half of his wives disliked or hated him. They were a means to an end, a convenience and a symbol of power.

Catherine was still fast asleep; her head buried beneath a pillow and her arms thrown over the top of it. Negan set the plate and cutlery on a small table and stood over the sleeping woman. His feet twitched to kick off his boots but he fought back the movement. He wanted nothing more than to lie down beside her and watch her sleep. Already he could tell she would be one of the few he would give some form of damn about; but in return she wasn't going to look at him with loathing. Still it wouldn't do for him to show the slightest bit of weakness. He'd killed for less. Catherine began to stir and emerged from beneath the pillow, seeing Negan she held the blanket around herself.

"Surely there's no need for modesty?" He teased holding the plate out. Catherine rolled her eyes and swiftly reached for the grubby sweatshirt which had been discarded on the floor. "How's your head?"

"Surprisingly not that bad," Catherine took the plate Negan was still holding and began tucking in to the eggs. "So what do I do all day?"

"Once you're dressed I'll take you out and introduce to my ladies." Negan held up the black dress Tanya had given him. "A short term fix. You are not going out dressed like that." Catherine shrugged and accepted the dress, her mouth too full to reply.

Showered and dressed Negan led Catherine out to meet his wives properly. They clustered around her, clucking in disapproval at the poor fit of the dress which emphasised how slim she was. Some of them he could see would welcome her; Frankie and Tanya among them. Several hung back, a look of wary bitterness on their faces while others dispersed with no interest in the newcomer.

The meeting room was full when Negan arrived and he propped Lucille against his chair and leant forwards.

"Congratulations on your latest acquisition," Simon raised his hand in a toast and Negan bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"Just coaxing her out of her shell fellas, don't worry. She'll be with Carson again soon." A shadow passed over Simon's face and he scowled angrily, but Negan refrained from defending his new wife. The matter was resolved as far as he was concerned. "Now then, where are we with our lil pigs?"

"Rounding them up. They'll be moving to the Hilltop in the next few days."

"Then we'll have to make sure to give them an escort. Send out your men, get them in position and ready."

"Should we take out the men?"

"No." Negan said sharply nipping the idea in the bud before it even had chance to bloom. "They're resourceful - they've shown that. We'll make sure they get the message but I want to try and recruit some of them. More groups are popping up - we can't let our numbers diminish." A few around the table nodded their heads in agreement. "Don't worry Simon, you'll get your time. I always look after my own."

"Can't argue with that." Simon nodded and his face broke out in to a grin. "Maybe after this has all settled down I can pay the Hilltop a visit. Reacquaint myself with ol' Greggory." Negan nodded hiding his own smile, a visit to the Hilltop meant plenty of booze for the rest of them.

"Let's get down to business then shall we?"