I'm nervous to post this chapter...
There is smut towards the end of the chapter...so you have been warned.
A lot happens in this chapter, hope you guys like it.
Don't forget to review guys!
Enjoy!

Chapter 25: Lone Wolf

Looking back to the gate I could see the small convoy coming through the gates. T-dog locking the gate behind them with a new padlock. Watching them until they made it to our new camp.

As everyone hopped out of the vehicles, I saw them smiling, seeing if things went ok we could have a few days rest before we had to move on again.

Setting up camp was pretty easy. We angled the Cherokee and Prius on an angle to limit the gap at the front of our units. Finding a small abandoned car we moved it and then tipped in on its side, wedging it in between the other gap. Now the only way they would be able to enter the camp would be to go through the gap between the vehicles. T-dog had found a ladder so it made it easier to climb up and down from the trailers. I was now trying to figure out where I was sleeping. Rick, Lori and Carl were sleeping in one trailer, Hershel Beth, Maggie and Glenn were sleeping in the other. Leaving T-dog, Carol, Daryl and I to sleep in the trailer that had been housing the two walkers. The smell made my stomach lurch slightly as I put my head inside to test how bad it was. It was bad. I scrunched my nose up at the smell on the inside. It was going to need a day or two air out at least before I would consider sleeping in there. I would rather sleep on the ground or in the truck than in there right now.

"Ain't no way I'm sleeping in there, not till its had a good air out. I'll sleep by the fire, keep watch for a bit, before someone else takes over." I said folding my arms across my chest.

"You were on watch last night" Daryl grumbled.

"So?" I arch an eyebrow at him.

"You should 'ave a night off" Daryl glares at me.

"I don't need a night off" I growled.

"God, you two find like an old married couple" T-dog chuckled. Both Daryl and I narrow our eyes at him. "Ok maybe not" he said defensively, holding his hands up in mock surrender. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Glenn trying to hold in his laughter.

"What ever I'm going hunting. Be back later" I grumbled, bow over my shoulder, stalking out to the woods.

I was surprised no one had followed me out. I expected someone, mainly Daryl to follow me out or advise it wasn't a good idea to go out on my own. But no one did. I actually felt happier once I hit the tree line.

I really just needed to get away for a bit, Daryl's insistence I do nothing was grating my nerves. Maybe it was just having to live in such close quarters with these people all the time. They weren't bad people by any means, its just that we are living on top of each other at the moment. I miss my solidarity at times. If I had a choice I wouldn't go back to that, just at times I like to not have anyone else around. Just me and my thoughts.

I stalked through the trees looking for any sign of game in the area. A distraction. But not seeing much of anything as I entered to woods. There had to be something, I would just need to trek a little further in.

With a stroke of luck I came across a deer trail, I had only been walking about ten minutes before I spotted it. The tracks indicated it wasn't fully grown and probably a female. The idea that we could have a decent meal tonight was a good prospect. So I pressed forward.

I had been tracking a small doe for about half a mile. Luckily only coming across one walker on my hunting trip, I hoped it hadn't scared off the deer. But as I followed the tracks it looked as though luck was still on my side.

I came to small clearing and finally saw my dinner. This is probably the part where it turns into a cartoon of a roast on a plate with food smells wafting upward and towards me. But we weren't in a cartoon, it was just a doe, happily eating and unaware of me.

I watched and waited, a bolt in the string ready to fire when I could get a good shot off. I wasn't about to waste a half-assed shot that would end up making the doe bolt and then having to chase after it. The shot had to be as close to fatal as possible.

Finally it turned broadside towards me and I had my shot. I took a breath as I released the bolt, hitting it right where I needed to, just behind its shoulder, aiming for the heart and lungs.

As expected the doe bolted away, but I knew with that shot it wouldn't go very far. I shouldered my bow and took another look around the clearing, making sure it hadn't attracted any walkers. It seemed to be clear so I made a beeline for where the deer last stood, then started following the blood trail.

It hadn't gotten very far at all, had only been tracking the trail a few minutes when I came across the deer, fallen on its side, bolt sticking into its side, it was still alive but losing the battle.

I held a bolt in the string as I cautiously approached the wounded animal. Looking down at the animal I could see it was dying, slowly at least. My first shot had hit it where I needed to, puncturing both of her lungs and possibly the heart. She was bleeding to death from the inside. Pulling the string back I released the bolt aimed for her heart. She took another breath before she stilled completely.

I waited a few minutes before I used a bolt to poke the animal, make sure it was really dead. And when it made no movement I, still very cautiously, made my way round to other side of the deer. I grabbed it by the ankles and dragged the body a few feet towards the bank near on the edge of the river rolling it on to its back with its head pointed uphill. It weighed about sixty pounds now, I knew if I gutted and bleed the beast it would make getting it back to camp easier.

I placed both my bow and quiver on the ground, then taking off my hoody, laying it next to them and finally took my hair out of the braid I had put it in yesterday and tied it up into a messy bun. I needed to have my hair out of my face and also when it came to lugging it back to camp, I wanted as little "deer" in my hair as possible.

So stepping back over the carcass I grabbed the knife from my boot, took a deep breath and slit the beasts belly, warm blood coating the blade and my hand.

I methodically cut away all the insides from the deer, taking what I could and depositing them down the bank into the river. Once I cut everything loose, I quickly got down by the waters edge, washed my hands and stepped back over the body, then rolling it onto its side, watching and waiting for the insides to spill out, dripping down the bank and into the water.

At least that would take care of disposing of them. And attracting walkers. Had I been at home I would have buried the remains but I didn't have time or a spade to do it. So washing it away would be the next best step.

After a few minutes I drag it back a few feet away from where the blood and guts had spilled out and roll it onto its belly, then lift it by the head as more blood runs out of the body. The more I get out now, the less that will cover me on the walk back.

Finally satisfied it was drained as much as it could be I could start my walk back to camp, which wasn't going to be easy, but by gutting and bleeding the deer it had probably lost about fifteen pounds or so. I needed to get back as I was sure the group would be wondering where I was if I didn't turn up soon. And that meant I didn't have time to string the deer up, dry it properly. That would have to wait till I got back.

So I shouldered my bow and quiver, loosening the strap sightly so it wouldn't get crushed my the deer that was about to be slung over my shoulders. I tied my hoody round my waist and then with some grunts and groans I positioned the deer round my shoulders, holding it steady with the two sets of ankles. I definitely was going to need a massage tonight, the doe on my shoulders was the feather that just tipped the scales. I grumbled to myself.

I figured I was still about fifteen minutes away from camp. I was moving slower with the deer on my shoulders. I readjusted the deer for the fifth time in the last ten minutes, small shots of pain radiated through my shoulders and I could feel more blood seep into the back of my shirt. I grimaced at the thought. On the upside we were eating venison tonight. Silver fucking lining. I mused to myself.

I froze hearing snapping branches behind me. Of course this is the moment when a damn walker decides to stumble upon me. I scan the surrounding woods in front of me, making sure there weren't any more walkers lurking. Nothing. I turned around and shrugged the deer off my shoulders, letting it drop to the ground. I could see two walkers coming through the trees up ahead. I grabbed my bow off my shoulder and a bolt from the quiver, lining up the first shot I didn't hesitate taking down the first walker. It dropped about ten feet from me. I wouldn't have time to line up another shot for the second walker. So I grabbed another bolt and charged the walker, backing it up against a tree, using my bow as a barrier and then stabbing the bolt up through the chin and into the brain. Pulling the bolt free, the walker dropped to the ground.

I shouldered my bow and grabbed the bolt stuck in the walkers head, using my boot to help pull it free. I wiped the black goo on the walkers shirt and placed it back in my quiver.

Glancing at my hands I saw walker blood smeared over my hands and arms. I was still following the river back, so I quickly crouched down next to the water and washed away the walker blood. I didn't need to contaminate the meat I had just caught.

Looking down at the deer again I sighed. This venison better be worth the damn trouble. With a few groans I managed to hoist the deer back onto my shoulders, holding it steady by the ankles, more blood seeping into my shirt. I hoped I wouldn't come across any more walkers. It would be a pain to have to keep dropping the deer and then getting the damn thing back up on my shoulders. It would waste more and more energy.

And so I continued trudging my way back towards camp.

I saw Carol standing watch on one of the trailers as they came into view through the trees. I hated to think what I looked like right now. I could feel the blood had soaked through the shoulders and collar of my shirt, I was certain I had some in the back of my hair and probably running down the back of my shirt. I was definitely going to jump into the river once I had dropped this off at camp.

I had just cleared the tree line when I could see Carol pointing in my direction. Here comes the cavalry. Moments later Daryl, Rick, Carl and Glenn appeared weapons pointed at me. I wanted to shake my head for their wrong assumption but the deer on my shoulders restricted my movements.

"Don't you think if I was dead I would be eating the damn thing not hauling this through the woods?" I grumble, slightly annoyed.

They all seemed to sigh in relief and lowered their weapons.

"Well you gonna help a lady out or just watch?" I ask looking to them.

I wasn't sure if it was surprise or something else. But my shoulders were killing me, especially after having both my bow and Daryl's crossbow over my shoulders when we were riding earlier. And carrying a forty-five pound deer back to camp had certainly made my shoulder tighten uncomfortably.

Finally they moved forward to help, lifting the deer off my shoulders. I groaned a little in pain as the weight was lifted.

"You alright?" Rick eyed me.

I nodded. "Shoulders are just a bit sore. Um...so I've gutted and bleed it but think you guys can butcher it while I go clean up. I'm guessing I'm caked in blood right now" I say as I go to rub my neck, only to find it slick with blood, grimacing slightly.

Rick nodded. I could feel Daryl's eyes on me, surely checking to make sure the blood wasn't mine and I didn't have any injuries.

Walking back into camp I got several strange looks.

"What the hell happened to you?" Lori asked a bit panicked.

"Hunting. Caught a deer. Bloods not mine" I said nonchalantly. They didn't have anything to fear, wasn't bit, just smothered in deer blood.

"So the blood isn't yours?" she asked accusingly.

"No" I said flatly. "I'm going to go clean up" I say walking over to my bag, taking off my bow and quiver, my machete and untying the hoody around my waist.

Beth comes over just as I'm grabbing some clean clothes and shoving them into a plastic bag.

"Here, I got you a clean towel and some soap, looks like ya need it" she grinned, placing them in my bag for me.

"Yeah, I think I do. Thanks" I smile back.

She walks back over to Hershel. Lori is still giving me funny looks, I suppose she waiting for me to turn into one of them. She finally looks away when Daryl and T-dog appear holding the deer. Wonder if I'll get a thank you. I think as I start to make my way down to the river.

I stripped out of my boots, socks and jeans, laying them next to my clean clothes and towel. My jeans still seemed to be relatively clean, so they could have a wash another day. Grabbing the soap I waded into the water, it was cool but not freezing. But I wouldn't be able to stay in here long, other wise I would risk hypothermia.

I scrubbed as fast as I could, washing my hair and the back of my neck, then stripping out of my remaining clothes and scrubbing the blood, dirt and grime out of them. Now clad in only my underwear I bought my now clean and drenched clothes with me to the shore, placing them on a big rock on the shoreline.

I had just picked up my towel, wrapping it round me when I thought I saw movement off to my left. Reaching for my knife, I clutched the towel and stood slowly. A lone walker stumbled out from behind a trailer and was making its way towards me. Of course a bloody walker would turn up just as I naked. Perfect timing. I turned to face the walker, which had now started moving faster towards me. I waited as it came closer, clutching the knife tighter in my hand.

I was just about to strike, when it dropped to the ground, a bolt sticking through its skull. I whirled around to see Daryl standing atop the bank, crossbow still raised. How long had he been standing there I wonder? I'm not sure whether I should be thankful or outraged that he was possibly spying on me.

"How long were you standing there?" I ask raising an eyebrow.

He shifts uncomfortably under my gaze before he turns and walks away. What the hell?

I quickly dry myself and get dressed, then wring out the excess water from my clean clothes. I walk over to the walker and pull the bolt free. I'm still wondering how long he had been there. If he had been watching me, the thought doesn't creep me out like it should, it makes me almost smile. This is just too fucked up. At this rate I would need another cold shower...well swim.

Back at camp everyone seems to be very happy about the prospect of having venison for dinner. Who could blame them, I was looking forward to that too.

I reached for my hoody and slowly put it on, pain splintering through my shoulders. They were so uncomfortably tight now. I was going to have to get it fixed tonight or I wouldn't be any use tomorrow.

Daryl had been avoiding looking my way ever since I got back from the river, even when I went to go say thank you he walked off in the other direction. Was he embarrassed that he had been caught? I'd confront him sooner or later, I don't think I was mad.

I poked my head into the trailer to see how bad the smell was now. It still smelled pretty rank. It would probably need another day or several cans of air freshener if we found some. There was no way I would be sleeping in there tonight and I doubted any of the others would be. After a bit of discussion it was decided that Carol and T-dog would sleep in Rick's trailer, Daryl was on watch and I decided I would sleep next to the fire. It didn't bother me to sleep outside, even with everyone else sleeping inside. It would just be for a night. I had walked away before anyone could protest, feeling quite smug. That was squashed, when about twenty minutes later T-dog came back into camp carrying a tent. I reluctantly thanked him. Now he was the smug one.

Daryl had butchered the deer and we figured we would have enough for the next few days. And that was down to the size of the deer and we also had no where to store it.

Lori, Carol and Beth prepared dinner, it smelt mouthwatering.

Dinner was amazing. It was only venison with some herbs that we had found, simple but tasty. I hadn't eaten that good in weeks, none of us had. I actually felt full. And clean. Damn today had been a good day. Don't jinx it.

Quiet conversations were had around the fire. Everyone seeming to enjoy the break from the madness. It felt peaceful for once. Long may it last.

"How long did you track the deer for?" Rick asked as he sat beside me, pulling me from my trance.

"Just over half a mile I reckon. Hardly any walkers either, so that was lucky. Only came across two on my way back. Was a pain, had to drop the deer, take them out and then get the damn thing back up on shoulders" I instinctively reached out massaging my shoulders. They were still so tight and sore.

"They still bothering you?" he asked.

I nodded. "Forty-five pounds of deer will do that to you" I snort.

"Should get someone to help you with that" he smirked and I was sure his eyes flicked up to Daryl on top of the trailer. I rolled my eyes. I wasn't about to ask Daryl, especially since he had been avoiding me since the river.

"A good nights sleep should do the trick" I lie. And I'm sure Rick saw through the lie too but he never argued it.

I was lying on my back now, just looking at the stars. It had been months since I had the opportunity to admire them.

I watched as Carol had taken a plate up to Daryl still perched up on the top of the trailer on watch. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Ya know there's room in trailer for you" she said.

I heard him grunt a reply.

"You'll need some where warm to sleep after you have finished your watch" she said quieter this time.

I didn't hear if he replied or not. I honestly didn't know what to make of the situation, I wasn't even sure I was jealous. Carol was going to do whatever she could to get Daryl. I on the other hand, was confused. So I continued staring at the stars.

When I propped my head up to look at the group, only T-dog, Glenn and Maggie remained. Everyone else must have already turned in for the night.

"Thought ya might have fallen asleep, was afraid we were gonna have to carry ya to bed" Maggie jests me.

"Just looking at the stars, got a bit lost" I say stretching, wincing a little at the pain in my shoulders. "Do you think you can do me a favour?" I ask biting my lip.

"Sure" she asks suspiciously.

"I pulled all the muscles in my shoulders today, think you can help work out some of the kinks for me?"

I saw her eyes too flicker to Daryl. I ignore the look. If I make a scene it will only make it worse.

I sat myself in front of her and finally got some of the relief I was needing all day. I made sure to keep my sighs to myself. That would also no doubt cause more teasing. It wasn't long before the massage was getting the rest of my body to relax and I was ready to go get some sleep. I thanked Maggie, said my good night's to T-dog and Glenn and headed for my tent.

I had put my bag in the tent earlier and a blanket. Now looking into the tent I noticed more blankets, even two pillows and Daryl's bag. So he was sleeping here? Or just hadn't decided whether he would take Carol's offer yet... Honestly I was too tired to care right now.

Changing out of my jeans and wrapping myself in a few blankets, I lay my head on the pillow and instantly grinned. I don't remember the last time I had a pillow. Tonight was going to a good nights sleep, I could just feel it. Maybe it was more to do with exhausting myself earlier in the day. Thinking back over today, it really had been successful. Trailer park full of goodies, deer for dinner, I'm somewhat clean, I had a night off watch duty and I had a pillow. This had been a good day. I found it very easy to fall asleep that night.

I had just walked into the trailer when he pulled against my arm, spinning me round to face him. His eyes holding a look as though I was about to be devoured. I bit my lip, nervously, a little excitement bubbling under the surface.

Pulling me against him, his lips finding mine instantly, growling into the kiss when he first makes contact. His kisses turn more urgent as he presses me up against the wall, dragging one of my legs up on his hip as he presses himself against me, feeling him hard against me. The barriers of his jeans and my underwear, stopping him from wanting to bury himself in me. I moan into his kiss, causing him to grind harder against me. My hips starting to move with his as I crave more friction.

He breaks the kiss, alternating between licking, nipping, biting and sucking on my neck. I'm sure there would be some bruises, especially from the biting and sucking. Every time he bites a fresh part of my skin, I moan loudly. I can feel him smirk against my skin each time.

I reach forward, my hands going straight to his belt, he growls grabbing my hands and pinning them above my head with one hand. I pant loudly as he pulls back, his eyes black with lust, a smirk ever present. I know he's about to have his fun. I bite my lip in anticipation.

With his free hand he palms one of my breasts through my top, my nipples already hard and begging to be touched. He seeks one out pinching it lightly through my top, testing how loud he can make me moan, how long it will take for me to beg him to touch me, to fuck me.

He bends down taking my other nipple in his mouth, teasing me through the fabric of my top. His eyes watching my every breath, every move, every whimper.

Its not long before I'm writhing beneath his ministrations. His mouth still assaulting my nipple, he moves his other hand down my stomach, my breathing hitches, anticipating his next move. His nails rake over my skin just above my underwear. I groan, looking down at him, the grin wide on his lips. He dips his fingers past the waistband and finds me slick with excitement. He has me so worked up now. I'm close to giving in and he knows it. He's just waiting for the words. He presses his fingers against my clit, working it mercilessly. I whimper and my legs buckle slightly, his grip on my wrists tighten holding me upright.

"C'mon I wanna hear ya beg" he groans against my neck. I only manage to get a moan out. His finger continues to circle my clit and I can feel myself getting wetter. He moves his hand down, roughly pushing two fingers into me, moving them in tortuously slow as I clench around his fingers each time he withdraws them. I can feel the heat bubbling up inside, I'm so close.

"Daryl" I finally moan...

I jerked awake, panting, my body hot with sweat. Then images from my dream returned to me, my body still flush with excitement. Holy shit...I was having a sex dream about Daryl. Shit. I'm so glad he wasn't around for that. This is so embarrassing. My breath is still coming out in pants. That dream was so real. I can still feel the excitement pulsing through my body. I was pretty sure I was wet too.

"What's wrong? Ya called my name" Daryl grunted sleepily beside me. Shit. When did he come in? How much had he heard?

I froze. In panic? In shame? In embarrassment? I wasn't sure. I think maybe a mixture of all three.

He turned over, looking at me through hooded eyes. I must have looked like a deer in headlights. Say something!

"Um...dream" I mutter.

"Bad dream?" he said through a yawn.

I freeze, my breath hitches in my throat "Um..." I stutter. Shit all the words are stuck in my throat, its like my damn tongue won't let me lie.

He looks at me, and in the darkness I can see him narrowing his eyes slightly, trying to figure out what was going on. He knew something was up.

"What's up?" he asked as he shifted closer to me. "Yer' actin' weird"

"Just...just forget it Daryl" I stuttered. God his name sounded so sinful right now. Damnit I needed a cold shower or... I shook my head.

"No...tell me" he said and it was more of a command.

I swallowed nervously, covering my eyes with my hands. "I had a dream...about...you" I mumbled the last part.

"What? Me? Why?" he asked, he seemed confused. I really don't want to spell this out. It was embarrassing enough what I had just said.

I sighed. Fuck.

He continued to stare at me, until finally it seemed to click. He cleared his throat awkwardly. I was still hiding behind my hands, too embarrassed to face him right now.

"Ya wouldn't be blushin' if you were havin' a bad dream" I could hear his smirk. And his comment only seemed to increase the blush covering me now. I was having trouble coming up with a witty remark, my brain was still flashing images of my dream in my head. I wanted to groan in frustration.

"So are ya gonna tell me the dream or not?" he asked nervously.

"Are you gonna tell me how long you were standing at the river for this afternoon then...you never answered me earlier" I ask, my face still hiding behind my hands.

I hear him shift beside me. "Wasn't there that long."

It didn't quite give me an indication to how much he had seen. But since he avoided me pretty much for the rest of the day, I'd say he seen me with a little less than the towel I had been clutching when the walker showed up. Shit he didn't expect me to answer him now, did he?

"I told you...so..." he said quietly.

"Barely" I mumble. " I had a dream about you, ok?"

"Ya said that already...So?"

"Soooo what? What if was a dream about me putting a machete through your head? Do you want to hear about that?" I say, trying to back out of the hole I was digging.

"From the way you were moanin' and pantin' I doubt it was about that" he smirks. Smug bastard!

I've gone frozen again. He had heard a lot more than I had originally thought.

"You're right, it was that kind of dream...That what you wanna hear?" I mumbled out, still not able to look him in the eyes, afraid I would burst into flames or something with how embarrassed I was.

"So this dream..." he mused. God, he wasn't going to let this go. I wish I could die from the embarrassment right now. I needed to turn this back on him, make him nervous.

"So you weren't spying on me today then?" I said, a hint of teasing in my voice.

He cleared his throat, shifting slightly beside me. I grinned. Then I felt the heat from his body radiating towards me. He had shifted closer to me, I wasn't sure if that was his intention but I could take advantage of this situation. I peeked out from under my hands, to see that he had indeed shifted closer.

"Wasn't spying" he mumbled.

"I was naked and if you weren't spying what were you doing there? Coming to join me?" I tease.

I watched him shift again, then freeze, his hand starting to reach out towards me only to stop. He was thinking too much. I think he wanted to make a move, but resolved to leaving it to me to push. We had teased a bit over the last few days, kisses, teasing touches, words laced with wants and needs.

"Fuck it" I mumbled and leaned over, pressing my lips to his, waiting to see how badly I misread the situation. He froze instantly. Shit. Just apologise and then move to the edge of the tent.

I pulled back, muttering an apology. "Sorry...didn't mean to...shit...such a fucking idiot..." Grabbing my blankets and moving away from him, turning over to face the wall. So the dream had got the better of me. I had completely misread the situation. Idiot! As I lay there stewing over what I did, I was waiting for him to bolt out of the tent or yell at me...something. But he just lay there unmoving and silent. I wasn't sure if it was shock or anger or something else.

"Why'd you..." he trailed off.

I sighed, finally something. "I thought...I thought, I dunno...I had it wrong" I mumbled.

"Ya didn't 'ave it wrong" he said quietly.

I glanced over my shoulder at him, trying to get a read on him. The tent too dark for me to see his face completely.

"So why'd you leave me hanging?" I ask.

He looks to me, "Caught me off guard" he smirks.

I lay my head back down on the pillow, smiling. I wasn't going to make another move. At least not tonight. The moment had passed and I was afraid I would look like an idiot for the second time tonight., regardless of what he had just said. So I resolved that I would try to get back to sleep. I just hoped I wouldn't have another dream like before, as good as it was, it made things so much more frustrating.

So...what did you guys think?
So much happened in that chapter...The idea of gutting a walker, no problem, the idea of gutting a deer makes me squeamish. How strange is that? The Walking Dead has made me indifferent to walker gore lol! But I did actually enjoy writing that part, it was different.
Should Daryl or Camille make the first move next time?
I do think they should act that dream out for real though lol
Let me know what you thought of this chapter...