Beth

I came to with a massive headache, in a small clearing. It took me a few ta remember what the heck happened. I dunno how long I was our for, but as soon as my captor realized I was awake he was crouching in front o' me. I realized my hands are tied together in front o' me, too.

"Have ya figured out who I am yet?" He asked an' I shook my head no. "Ya aren't the brightest, are ya? No wonder my piece o' shit sons like ya,"

Sons? "Yer Will Dixon?"

"'Bout fuckin' time, fuckin' dumb ass blonde." Merle an' Daryl both tole me there daddy was mean as a skunk so I didn't say anything. "I been followin' my sons for a long time now, watchin' ya wit' 'em. Got them all soft, actin' like pussies," He paced around me, mumblin' an' rantin' for a while. "Little bastards ain't worth anything, coupla fuck ups,"

How dare he talk 'bout them like that? "Those men are a lot better'n you," I said, without thinking 'bout the consequences. Will whirled around ta face me, his face bright red. Before I even blinked he's in my face. "Why do ya hate them so much?" Still not thinkin'.

I didn't see his arm move- I only know it did cause my head snapped to the side with the force o' his slap. I didn't have time to react, not that I could do that anything, since my hands are tied, before he punched me a coupla times. I spit out some blood from my split lip an' tried not ta cry. No one's ever risen a hand ta me 'fore. If Merle an' Daryl could handle worse from him, I'm not gonna cry over a coupla bruises an' a split lip. "Don't ya talk back ta me, bitch. Next time it'll be worse, teach ya." He stalked over ta the fire an' I let my head fall back against the tree. My eye is swellin' shut now.

I hope Carl an' Jude are doin' okay. Much as I want Merle an' Daryl ta save me I don't want them ta see their father. They thought he was dead an' gone. Joe an' Glenn should be back ta camp by now. Will they wait for Daryl an' Merle ta come back from the run or come after me themselves? Glenn won't wait. Coupla hours till nightfall.

Will suddenly stood up, lookin' into the woods 'round the clearing. "I know you're there. I taught ya ta track an' hunt. Ya think I left my trail that easy to follow accidentally? Fuckin' morons. Come on out, boys." He called out, teasing. I looked where he was focused an' saw movements. He sounds sure it's Merle an' Daryl.

I watched as Merle an' Daryl an' Maggie stepped outta the woods. Merle's face is red an' he looks angry an' scared; Daryl's shuttin' down, I can tell. He ain't as calm as he seems. An' Maggie looks confused. No one said anything, I dunno if they've even seen me yet. I don't wanna draw Will's attention back ta me, curled up against the tree still.

"Look who finally decided to join us," He taunted.

"Where the fuck is she?" I love the sound o' his voice. I didn't really think I'd be hearin' it again.

"That how ya greet yer ole man?"

"Naw, jus' abusive fucks,"

I tried ta call out ta Merle but my voice cracked from cryin' an' not drinkin' anything since lunch. It was enough ta get their attention though.

"Oh god, Bethy!" Maggie cried, taking a step towards me. Before she moved far Merle shoved past her. I couldn't see Daryl anymore. Merle knelt on the ground in front o' me, an' cut the ropes on my wrists.

"Shit, baby girl." He said, touching my face lightly. I tried not to but I winced anyways.

"Hi baby," I murmured.

"Ya don' look good,"

"Thanks, ya ok?" I said, dryly.

"Yer askin' me if I'm ok?" He chuckled

"He's yer asshole dad," I smiled, but it turned into a grimace.

"Imma kill the sum bitch, suga."

"I know, yer gonna do what ya gotta do," Of all things in this new world that's the lesson I hated to learn the most. Ya do what ya gotta do.

"Tell Dar ta get his butt over here, would ya?" He studied me for a moment, lookin' like he wanted ta argue. "Go on. Sooner ya get all this over wit'…" I trailed off, not bothering to finish. "You'n Dar need ta face this demon sooner than later,"

"Beth? Ya alright?" I forgot 'bout Maggie for a moment there.

"'m fine," I lied. I'm glad Daryl sat down next ta me then. I don't wanna talk ta Maggie right now. If I talk ta my sister right now I'm not gonna be strong an' Daryl and Merle need me ta be. "Don' ya dare shut down, Dar. Me'n Merle need ya. Yer better'n him. I seen how ya were few minutes ago, how ya tryin' ta be now. Don't ya dare."

A/N: This is shorter than I had originally planned but I decided to split it into two chapters. It was ugly otherwise.

Hope you guys like it, and I want to say thank you for all the well wishes I recieved over my troubles that I've been having. You guys are amazing!

I'll update again sometime on Sunday. I love you all but Warped Tour is taking precedence over my life for the day.

Don't forget to R&R