Recapitulation

by Dani2013

An AU look at how the MSF might have gone differently for Beth and Daryl. Recapitulation chronicles Beth and Daryl's journey and discovery of each other and themselves in the midst of a mission to end the plague devouring humanity. They will have to come to terms with being abandoned by their family, dealing with a baby, and deciding what they mean to each other along the way.

36. Chapter 36

I don't own the Walking Dead or anyone or anything having to do with the Walking Dead. Thank you to everyone who has followed, favorited, and reviewed your feedback is appreciated very much and serves as a tremendous motivator.

Chapter 36

Beth dressed herself and Judith rather quickly knowing that Daryl was impatiently waiting downstairs. After considering the warm summer morning she pulled a t-shirt and a pair of shorts on Jude before quickly donning a pair of jeans, boots, and a loose fitting cowl neck sleeveless top. While the top was anything but, skin tight it did nothing to disguise her roughly seventeen week belly and really it didn't matter.

Clambering down the stairs with Jude on her hip she saw Mark and Daryl in the foyer and both men turned to her as she walked up. Mark was in his ACU's and Daryl had simply pulled his boots on with his jeans and t-shirt. His impressive physique was on display in the simple form fitting black t-shirt and, Beth practically felt her mouth water at the sight of his arm muscles flexing, as he reached out to take Jude from her. She cursed her pregnancy hormones for a second as well as Daryl's behavior earlier for inciting her desire so strongly. She forcibly had to remind herself that she was mad at the man for his heavy handedness in order to gain control over her rampaging need.

When she finally felt in control enough to look up from the hunter's arms to his face she found him smirking at her knowingly and her anger well and truly regained the upper hand. She suddenly hated that Daryl knew her well enough to be able to read her need so easily. He mitigated her anger slightly though as he thrust a foil wrapped package at her while he balanced the toddler on his hip.

"Here ya need ta eat," he commanded placing the package in her hand," ya can do it while we walk over ta headquarters."

Mark had already nodded to her in greeting and turned to open the door when staring at it quizzically she asked ," What is it?"

Pausing to reach down and tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear, that had escaped from her pony tail, he smiled," Turns out they have the supplies here ta do some baking once in a while. Talked ta one a the guys at the officers club last night and his wife works in the bakery. He's a friend of Waters and we all convinced his wife that there was a pregnant woman that would be exceedingly grateful to get a real blueberry muffin. She had one in her freezer so she sent it over with Mark this morning."

Staring at the foil wrapped package in awe Beth felt her eyes begin to water. Another unfortunate side effect of pregnancy, as she remembered the tiny package of hostess muffins that Daryl had been hording at the B&B. She still didn't know if Daryl had suspected that she was pregnant back then but, either way he had willingly given up the treat he had stashed for so long to make her happy. This man could be an unfortunate controlling demanding ass but, he was also one of the most considerate men that she had ever met.

Swiping quickly at her eyes she leaned into his side, the hip Jude was not sitting on, to give him a quick hug before offering a similar one to Mark.

"Thank you," she muttered to them both meaningfully before carefully peeling back the first layer of foil. She was greeted with the sight of a perfectly baked medium sized blueberry muffin and her stomach rumbled as Daryl and Mark ushered her out the door and onto the street.

Beth was so overcome with the gift and enjoying it that she mindlessly followed Daryl and Mark as they navigated through the post to command. A small cynical part of her wondered as she listened mechanically to the two men's chatter if that had been Daryl's intention all along but, then she dismissed the thought. The hunter didn't need to give her blueberry muffins to keep her busy. If he wanted to remain in charge he would there was no doubt about that. The muffin had been just what he stated it was, a thoughtful gift to the woman that was carrying his child. He knew how much she had been craving the things and like the resourceful man that he was he had found her one. There was no ulterior motive other than the hunters need to provide for his family.

As Beth polished off the last bite of the amazing muffin that had literally melted in her mouth Daryl and Mark came to a stop in front of a two story nondescript brick building. Crumpling the foil in her hand Beth sidled up next to Daryl as he reached for her. Throwing his arm around her shoulders he ushered her into the front door of the building.

They were greeted by a female soldier, inside the rather plain entryway, who traded pleasantries with Mark before they were ushered into a waiting area. It was small with only five seats and a handsome young man sat at a secretary's desk in front of a large oak door.

Looking up from his paperwork he greeted, "Sargent. Mr. Dixon. I will let the Speaker know you're here." He rose then to exit the room before throwing Beth a bright sunny smile. She smiled back only to have Daryl pull her closer with the pressure of his arm. Confused she looked up to see him scowling down at her.

"What," she demanded curtly, " I am not gonna stop bein nice ta people cuz you're in a bad mood."

She watched emotions play out on the hunters face and it seemed he was just about to respond to her when the young secretary came back and announced," They are ready for you. Please just go on in," and they were suddenly being ushered through the large oak doorway, down a short corridor, and into a large room on the left.

They stepped into what appeared to be a board room and Mark quickly saluted the three people sitting inside as they rose to greet them. Then each of the three people stepped forward to introduce themselves in order of their rank. The first to shake Beth and Daryl's hands was four star general Katherine Murphy, followed by five star general of the army Matthew Douglas, and current leader of the United States and Commander and Chief Speaker of the House Jacob Carter.

After introductions were concluded everyone moved to take a seat and it was General Murphy who turned to Beth with a genuine smile," I hear Miss Greene that you and Mr. Dixon have a very special little girl on the way. Congratulations. At this point in our civilizations history any baby is worth celebrating but, I can't deny how exciting it was to hear about your baby from Doctor Matthews."

Dropping a hand to her belly and rubbing it in acknowledgement Beth uttered softly," Yeah I guess she's pretty special. I won't deny that it's terrifying though, to think about investing so much hope in one tiny baby, in my daughter."

General Murphy nodded with a genuine smile," I can understand your concerns Miss Greene but, we've been searching for a way to combat this thing since the epidemic started and this is the most solid lead we've gotten yet. You're the first credible case of a person surviving a bite that we have knowledge of and it's our duty to act on that for the good of nation and the people who are still fighting to survive within it."

Bright eyed Beth responded, " I want to help. That's why Daryl and I left Georgia because I wanted to help," she paused meeting eyes with all three powerful people in the room, " I am willing to do whatever it is that you need. I just…I just have to consider my daughters safety too and that isn't because I don't understand how important this is because I do. "

Daryl was placing a firm warning hand on her shoulder than as he settled Jude on his knee nonverbally pulling Beth back to their earlier conversation. Turning to take everyone in the hunter interjected firmly, " I know Waters already talked to you all about my guidelines. I am willin ta help and Waters assures me ya want that but, I have some stipulations about Beth and I won't budge on them."

"The Sargent was very clear about your stipulations Mr. Dixon," General Douglas clarified interjecting himself into the conversation. "You expect to take Miss Greene and your other daughter with you but, you want them kept in a secure location while the mission is carried out. We would actually prefer that your family stay here at Andrew where it's safe but, I can understand your reluctance to allow that so we can agree with your parameters albeit with some reservations."

There was a small pause before Secretary Carter spoke. Shuffling some papers in front of him the middle aged, handsome, dignified man finally looked up surveying both Beth and Daryl with a commanding gaze, " I've heard a lot about each of you from Doctor Matthews and Sergeant Waters. I think I can at least understand what you've gone through living outside Andrews walls over the last four or so years. I admire you both and Miss Greene," he paused to nod at her, " I know you have concerns about your baby's safety and I promise you no harm will ever come to her here." He picked up a pen then to tap on his palm before continuing, "When this whole plague started we," he gestured around him, " figured it was a minor inconvenience. We never imagined that it would signal the fall of civilization as we knew it. When things went so bad so quickly and I finally got here I realized after a time that I was the only one who was going to show up and then it dawned on me how bad this really was. My understanding only strengthened as others began to trickle in. Suddenly I was the Commander and Chief and I had Navy Seals straggling through the gates from California telling me the entire country had fallen into chaos. Since those realizations we have been desperately searching for a way to reclaim our country. It finally looks like that might be within our grasp and I understand that putting that much pressure on you both seems very unfair. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that we have any other choice and this isn't the first time in history that the fate of the entire United States rests on a chosen few shoulders. I can assure you both that I wish this was different for you but, it isn't and we can't bypass this opportunity." Turning to Daryl the speaker continued, " Mr. Dixon I understand from several of my Generals that you are one of the best marksman that they have ever seen. " When Daryl looked somewhat confused Speaker Carter clarified, " Apparently they were called down to the range by Sargent Waters yesterday while you were shooting."

When Daryl turned to glare at Mark the Speaker held up a hand in askance, " Don't be mad at him Mr. Dixon it's his job to let us know about things like that. My point however is this. We are at a unique crossroads in our nation's history and we need every able bodied skilled man and woman to be serving their country. I understand your concerns about Miss Greene and your child and I am willing to honor those but, only with some stipulations of my own."

Beth watched as Daryl fought an internal battle. She could see his desire to stand up, drag her and Jude from the room, and leave Andrews immediately. The archer did not take ultimatums well and it was obvious to everyone in the room that Speaker Carter was about to issue one. She could also see that Daryl understood how important this moment was both immediately and possibly for humanity in the foreseeable future.

Finally unable to hide the surly gruffness in his tone Daryl ground out warily, "Kay I'll bite no pun intended," he paused with a smirk," what are the stipulations?"

Looking quite pleased with himself Speaker Carter sat back in his chair a bit before looking to Beth," Everyone here at Andrews has a job but, for now Miss Greene yours will be looking after that sweet little girl of yours, and focusing on the baby that's coming." Turning to Daryl, unable to hide his enthusiasm, he continued, " You Mr. Dixon are far from the average civilian that stumbles through our gates. You have a unique skill set that puts you apart from most everyone else. You can track and you are an exceptional marksman. We want you to join Sargent Waters unit."

Daryl looked stunned for a moment before glancing at everyone in the room one at a time as if waiting for one of them to jump up and announce that this was all a joke. His gaze finally landing on the Speaker he half laughed, " You want me to be a solider? Like for Uncle Sam? You have got ta be kidding me and in Water's unit no less. I ain't takin orders from him. Hell I ain't takin orders from anyone."

"I assure you Mr. Dixon," Carter stated firmly, " I am not joking. If you want us to honor your demands in regards to Beth then we need you to do this for us. Besides you won't be taking orders from Sargent Waters. We would rank you as a Chief Warrant officer 3 due to your unique skill set. Technically you would outrank Sergeant Waters but, I hazard to guess that you could both work together to lead the team."

Still looking quite stunned Daryl snapped, " I ain't wearin a uniform and shit. That ain't who I am."

Still very nonplussed the Speaker replied," I think we can reach an agreement on that Chief Dixon. We want people to know you're with the army so maybe you could at least wear part of the uniform."

Daryl snorted," Yeah we'll see about that."

Then reaching out to put his hand on Beth's shoulder," If I do this….if I become one of your soldiers… then you'll allow me to take Beth and Judith along on the mission on my terms?"

Chuckling the Speaker clarified, " Mr. Dixon you aren't going to become one of my soldier's, you're going to become a soldier in the United States military, you're going to be serving your country. Let's at least be clear on that distinction. This isn't about me it's about your fellow citizens, the family that you might still have out there, the family that you have sitting right here with you. Throughout history men have joined up to protect freedom and life and liberty. Nothing has changed in what we ask of our soldiers it's just that liberty has taken a backseat to protecting life at this critical juncture in our nation's history." Then dipping his chin towards Beth and Jude," I still agree with General Douglas that it would be best for your two girls to stay here at Andrews but, if you insist on taking them then we can agree to that, on your terms, as long as you honor ours."

Daryl nodded before turning to Mark," I ain't takin orders from you. You even try it we're done."

Smiling like the cat who caught the canary Mark reached over to clap the hunter on the shoulder," Didn't you hear the Speaker Dixon? As a Chief Warrant officer 3 you actually outrank me. Let's do this though…..let's agree to work together to lead the team then we won't have any problems. It's essentially the agreement we had anyway."

Narrowing his eyes balefully Daryl accused," You knew bout this didn't you. Planned the whole damn thing?"

Shaking his head and still grinning the soldier countered," Nah I had an idea and the Speaker and General's Douglas and Murphy had their own after watching you yesterday. We all just kind of came to a mutual understanding on the matter."

Beth could tell that Daryl was still very uneasy about the direction of the conversation but, that he didn't really see an alternative to what was being offered.

Finally with a heavy sigh of acceptance the hunter eyed those sitting around the table before demanding, "Aright we're agreein on the terms now let's talk about the plan. First things first from what I understand we need to access a weapons armory outside Andrews?"

"Yes," General Murphy agreed," it's right outside Alexandria at an armory our teams secured a while ago. We keep certain weapons off post for a variety of reasons and grenades and RPG's are included in those weapons. Sergeant Waters feels very strongly that those items will be useful to your team in a tight overrun urban area and we agree. So the first step would be to retrieve those items."

"And then," Daryl questioned.

"Then," General Douglas began taking over," we would fly the team over to the United Kingdom. To Faslane the British Naval base to be exact as that would be the staging area and we would coordinate from there. The team will include yourself Mr. Dixon, Sergeant Waters, Chief Kelley since his specialty will be useful to you all, and Specialists Howard and Reed, as well as Private Nelson."

"Small and tactical," Mark surmised," and each member has a specialty that will be useful to us."

"So when do we leave," Daryl questioned looking to Mark.

It was General Murphy who answered however, "The convoy to the armory will leave tomorrow morning and we are still planning the departure date to Faslane. So far we have coordinated most of what's necessary but, air travel isn't as simple as it used to be. It looks like the flight would depart sometime in the next two weeks probably closer to fourteen days from now."

"Are there any questions," Speaker Carter asked sitting back to survey the group. When no one offered any he concluded standing up," Godspeed ladies and gentleman. We've been searching for this opportunity for quite some time I can only hope that we will soon be able to turn the tide in this battle." With that the Speaker nodded to everyone before turning to General Douglas," Douglas I have some communications from teams down in South Carolina that I'd like to go over with you. Do you have time to accompany me to my office?"

"Of course Sir," the General agreed and then the two men were striding from the room. General Murphy excused herself as well stating that she had further meetings to attend. Finally it was just Mark, Daryl, Beth, and Judith.

Jude had been sitting quietly throughout the meeting on Daryl's knee. Finally the inactivity caught up with her and she began to squirm in her father's embrace. Recognizing that it would be best to offer the toddler some stimulation Daryl stood prompting Beth and Mark to do so as well. Positioning Jude on his hip he seemed oblivious to the toddler as she flopped against him her head resting on his shoulder and her fist finding its way to her mouth in a parody of a yawn. Reaching for Beth sleepily she murmured,"Mama," making it clear she wanted both of her parents close.

Stroking her fingers through Jude's downy hair Beth murmured softly to the baby," Are you ready for a nap darling?" When the baby just stared at her with her wide blue eyes Beth could understand why people thought she was biologically hers and Daryl's daughter. With her light brown hair and blue blue eyes she could easily pass for their child and Beth wondered who the child she carried would look like. Would she have Daryl's dark hair or her own blonde or would she have the same light hair as Jude a mix between theirs. She assumed that the baby would have blue eyes but, she wondered about the shade hoping that they would be more the deep cerulean blue of Daryl's than the light cornflower of her own.

She was drawn from her thoughts by Daryl announcing to Mark," I need to take Beth and Jude home and I have some business ta attend to. You gonna be around later so we can catch up about tomorrow?"

"Yeah I actually want to gather the team around fifteen hundred at the barracks to discuss plans. You good to meet up with everyone then," Mark questioned.

"Sounds good," the hunter agreed wrapping an arm around Beth and beginning to usher her out of the room. Mark followed on their heels and soon they found themselves once more out in front of the building. Mark waved his goodbyes and then Daryl was turning them back towards their house.

Waiting until Mark was out of earshot Beth announced," I'm coming with ya tomorrow."

With his arm still wrapped firmly around her Daryl agreed with an amused smile," Course ya are darlin. Think I already made it clear I ain't leavin you or Jude anywhere. My family is mine to protect. I ain't gonna trust anyone else ta do that."

Bristling while shrugging his arm off of her shoulder Beth snapped," I don't mean that I want to be dragged along as an accessory Daryl. I want to go as part of the team. I want to do something to help."

"You are gonna help," the hunter ground out between gritted teeth, " by staying out of the way and not doing anything stupid. That way I know your safe and I can focus on what needs doin."

"Daryl," she all but snarled as she halted on the middle of the sidewalk to whirl around to face him. Tapping him angrily on the chest with an index finger she raged, " Stop patronizing me you arrogant ass. You know better than anyone else how infuriating I find that. I am not helpless damn it. You made sure of that and I don't want to go back to playing Beth Greene damsel in distress. I don't need a protector. I can contribute. I can help. I want to help."

Grasping her firmly but gently by the elbow Daryl's face turned to stone as he propelled her the final few steps towards their home. Beth was so startled that she didn't fight back and suddenly they were standing before their door and Daryl was unlocking it. Once the door was open he guided her inside forcefully with a hand at the small of back.

Infuriated Beth reached for Jude who was dosing in the hunters arms," Give her to me," she demanded, " I need to put her down for a nap."

Ignoring the fury in Beth's tone Daryl took his time handing the toddler over, running his hand over the top of her head before leaning down to plant a tender kiss on her forehead, " Sweet dreams baby," he murmured before finally relinquishing her to Beth.

Affectionately the sleepy toddler reached for Daryl with a murmured," Da," before snuggling into Beth arms. She rested her head in the crook of her mother's neck before sleepily drifting off again. Her absolute trust in her adoptive parents was clear even with the anger simmering between them. Taking a minute to soothe the baby Beth dropped her own kiss on the top of her head before squeezing her tightly to her chest. She loved this little girl so much that sometimes her heart ached with it.

Whirling away from her lover she clambered up the stairs, more than happy to escape Daryl's presence for the moment, after the contentious morning. Beth took her time getting Judith down. Instead of putting the toddler directly into the crib she settled in the room's rocking chair and read the baby a story. By the time it was finished Jude was completely asleep and Beth felt much more in control of her emotions. Feeling much more prepared to face Daryl she slipped the baby under a thin blanket in the crib before leaning over to drop a kiss on her forehead. Judith sighed deeply before flinging an arm over her head in her typical sleep posture. Beth chuckled softly at the baby before tip toeing out of the room and pulling the door closed behind her. She found Scout lying in the hallway at her feet once she stepped out of the doorway and Daryl leaning against the wall opposite the baby's room.

The hunter's stormy expression warned Beth that while she might have calmed down some he hadn't at all. Grabbing her hand he all but towed her towards the master bedroom at the end of the hallway. Momentarily she thought about fighting his dominance but, she didn't want to make a ruckus outside the sleeping baby's room.

When they finally entered their bedroom she yanked her hand away growling," Ya coulda just asked me to come with you. Ya don't gotta act like a damn neanderthal."

Chuckling without any humor Daryl snarked, " Why not. Seems like I'm livin up ta everyone's expectations when I do."

Cocking her head to the side Beth studied Daryl for a moment. The hunter appeared both angry and yet somehow confident at the same time. Once upon a time his comment about being a neanderthal would have been self-deprecating. Now the comment almost rang with arrogance, like Daryl had embraced who and what he was without shame.

Daryl's change in demeanor threw Beth off balance and she wasn't sure how to respond for a moment. On one hand it was sexy to see the hunter so confident. On the other his suddenly controlling manner rankled her own new found independence.

They were locked in a staring contest for several long moments before the hunters expression softened slightly. Reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear he murmured softly," Ya are helpin."

Startled and not understanding the comment Beth muttered,"What?"

"I said," Daryl clarified stepping closer to her," that you are helpin. Your doin the most important job of us all by takin care a that baby your carryin." He paused to drop his hand to her belly and reaching out he placed his large palm over her belly button.

"Pfft," she all but snarled, " you know that isn't what I mean. I want to help the team. I want to actively do something to help."

"Sorry darlin," the hunter all but crooned as he crowded even closer to her," but I can't allow that right now."

"Damn it Daryl," she all but shrieked," you don't get it I…"

She was cut off as the hunter stepped all the way into her causing their bodies to collide from chest to hip to thigh as he wove his hands into her hair pulling her pony tail loose.

"No," he murmured fiercely but still with obvious control," you don't get it baby girl. You're young, wild, reckless. Like a pretty little spirited filly that hasn't been given a job yet, hasn't been broken yet. It's time ta grow up darlin. I taught ya how to survive in this world but, I can't teach ya to think with your head and not your heart. Ya gotta do that on your own." Pausing he kept his gaze locked on hers as the pads of his thumbs caressed her cheeks idly," Ya want ta be a leader and I get that but, a leader don't make rash decisions based on emotion and feelins. They make choices based on logic and they calculate which requires that they ain't goin off half cocked."

Angrily she choked out," I don't…." only to be cut off once more by the hunter.

"You do," he railed firmly," you're a passionate woman Beth and while I admire that you have to learn to control it to be a leader. I am lookin out for you, for the team, by makin these choices. Damn it woman if I let you participate in this mission to the extent that you think you should what do you think that would mean for the rest of the team?"

When she just stared at him flummoxed and without an answer he continued fiercely," Instead of doing their jobs and watching each others backs they each and every one of them would be focused on protecting you and our baby because she is the mission Beth. Without her the rest of this would mean nothing. Letting you do what you want would endanger all of their lives Mark, Lucy, Brian, Mike, and Artie because instead of doing their jobs they would be worried about you."

Reality slammed into Beth as she considered Daryl's words. With a heavy sinking feeling she realized just how accurate his assessment was. She had been so focused on her feelings and what she wanted to do to help that she hadn't considered how that would affect the rest of the team and the overall mission itself. She didn't consider herself a prideful person but, suddenly Beth felt herself choked by her own foolishness and inability to acknowledge it. She loved these people that had become her family and she wanted to be a good leader. Daryl's words made her realize that she wasn't being a good leader by putting her own selfish ambition ahead of the safety of those she loved.

Softening even more at her crestfallen expression Daryl tried to reassure, "Ya gotta trust me baby girl. I ain't tryin ta lead ya wrong I promise ya."

"What about you," she finally forced past her tight lips," if havin me along puts them at risk what about you. Why isn't it safer for me to stay here then at Andrews?"

"Because," Daryl ground out suddenly fierce again, "because you're mine and it's my job ta protect ya and I ain't gettin separated from you no matter what. I ain't gonna let ya go doin something stupid but, I ain't lettin you out a my sight either."

There were several long moments of silence as they stared at each other panting harshly their faces only inches apart and their bodies connected. As Beth stared into Daryl's eyes she saw the storm raging in his cerulean blue orbs.

Finally letting out a harsh moan the hunter muttered, "Your mine and we got business ta finish from earlier," before dropping his head to claim her mouth in a possessive kiss.

Beth's emotions were a waring mess as Daryl claimed her mouth demandingly. She was slowly becoming familiar with her possessive commanding lover and she found her body melting into his compliantly. There was a small part of her that rebelled at the domination but, mostly she found that Daryl's behavior turned her into a mass of hormonal jelly. Moaning she leaned into the kiss allowing him to deepen it as her body flooded with heat and anticipation. She could already feel the moisture pooling between her thighs as she imagined what it would feel like for him to touch her there.

Pulling back enough to scoop her into his arms Daryl ground out," That's it baby girl. You belong to me body and soul. I am gonna make you scream my name," as he latched his lips onto her neck below her ear.

Unable to help herself, the words seeming to escape of their own volition Beth found herself moaning, "Yes….please…oh….Daryl," as the hunter laid her on the bed and began to strip away her clothes. He worshipped her body slowly taking the time to kiss and caress every part of her from the tips of her ears to her toes all while avoiding the one area she wished he would focus on the most. As he suckled gently at her swollen breasts she jerked her hips demandingly against his jean clad groin hoping to satisfy the ache at her center.

Releasing a rosy nipple with a pop he only chuckled as he griped her hip in his large palm and demanded, "Patience sprite patience," before dropping his lips back to his task. It seemed to Beth that he worshipped her swollen sensitive breasts mercilessly with his tongue and teeth and fingers as her core begged for his attention.

Finally panting and covered in sweat she moaned helplessly," Please Daryl," as she threaded her hands through his hair trying to pull his face up to her own, " please I need you now."

Raising his head Daryl inched up her body to fuse his lips to hers passionately their tongues dueling for several long moments before he pulled away and rose from between her legs. Moving off the bed he stood staring down at her his eyes locked on hers as he slowly grasped the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.

Beth watched him eagerly her tongue darting out to wet her suddenly dry lips as her lover revealed his rock hard abs and muscular arms. She wanted to taste him, all of him, and then his hands were dropping to his belt buckle. Slowly his eyes never leaving hers he undid his belt, unsnapped his jeans, and pushed down the denim along with his boxers. As he revealed his muscular legs, cut hips, and fully erect manhood Beth pushed up onto her elbows. Reaching out for his hand she intertwined their fingers as she pulled him back onto the bed.

He went willingly kneeling once more between her thighs as he reached out to touch her folds with and index finger.

"You're so ready for me," he hissed as his finger came in contact with her flooded entrance.

"Please," Beth found herself moaning as she arched into his touch.

Dragging his finger up to her clit Daryl circled it gently for a moment before demanding on a moan, "Tell me who you belong to."

"What," she panted too focused on the feel of his hands to really focus on his words.

"Tell me sprite," Daryl demanded dragging his finger back down before removing it and scooting his groin up against her own. Taking himself in his hand he drug his tip up and down her soaked core before grinding out, "Tell me who you belong to. Tell me who your tight little body belongs to. Whose baby that is inside you."

Unable to bite back her moans Beth raised her hips trying to drag him inside herself as she choked out, "You Daryl. We belong to you. Please I need you."

Thrusting inside her with one forceful possessive plunge of his hips the hunter was fully seated inside her tightly clenching channel as he moaned, "Your mine. Always gonna be mine. Never anyone elses. Only mine," as he began to rock against her.

"Yes," Beth groaned raising her hips to accept each of his deep forceful thrusts," only yours. I've only ever been yours," as they strove towards the ultimate completion.

The drawn out foreplay and anticipation on both of their behalf's made the act almost desperate as they strove to finish together. Daryl was almost rough in his domination of Beth as he sought to mark her as his in both his own mind and hers but, she accepted it willingly and eagerly. The room was filled with the sounds of their harsh panting and the slap of skin against skin.

Diving down the archer kissed her passionately before drawing back and demanding "Come for me Beth," as he combined his deep forceful thrust with his fingers circling her clit.

"Daryl," she all but shrieked as her hips drove up against the pressure of his digits which were playing her like an instrument. Her head thrown back against her pillow her body arched with tension she ground against him as she felt the familiar coiling in her womb. Then she was flying apart gasping and moaning and sobbing as she bucked against the hunter wildly. Grasping her hips Daryl released a harsh moan of his own as he dove into her clenching channel one final time before allowing her to milk his release from him.

Pulling out and rolling off of her he threw an arm over his head as he lay back against the pillow panting. It was Beth quiet giggle a moment later that had him turning his head to look at her quizzically.

"What," he managed to pant still trying to catch his breath.

Smiling at him almost giddily Beth responded," Like father like daughter. Jude sleeps like that too with an arm over her head."

Rolling onto his side so that he was facing her Daryl observed, "Yeah I noticed that. Funny considering that we ain't blood related at all."

"Hmmm," Beth murmured still smiling, " blood or not you've been around her whole life Daryl. She's bound to have picked some things up from you."

"Guess so ," he intoned quietly before reaching out to lay his hand on her swollen belly. Stroking over it as he rested his head on his other upturned arm he mused," You're really startin ta fill out Greene."

"Hey," she snapped feigning anger," I can go back to pissed off emotional Beth at any time Daryl. What exactly are you implying about the mother of your child?"

Chuckling the hunter raised dancing eyes to her as he mused," Not what your thinkin baby girl. Ain't an ounce a extra flesh anywhere on ya. If I had my druthers I would be force feedin ya four times a day." Continuing to stroke over her belly he continued, "S'just that your little belly ain't so little anymore." Then with some consideration after tilting his head," Though I guess compared to Lori at this point your still pretty tiny and she wasn't that big."

Beth could see the worry starting to form on Daryl's features so she hurried to reassure him," Doctor Matthews says everything is fine Daryl. First time moms often don't bloom," she used air quotes to make her point, "as quickly as a woman who has had babies before. Lori had already had Carl by the time she was pregnant with Jude. Doctor Matthews says my stomach muscles are just really strong still that's all." Reaching out to stroke some of Daryl's hair out of his eyes she continued, " The doc says I should be able to feel the baby move soon."

"Really," the hunter questioned perking up some at the prospect.

"Mhhmm," she mused relaxing into the feel of Daryl rhythmically stroking her belly, "but it will take a few more weeks after that before you'll be able to feel anything."

When the hunter just hummed his agreement there was a long period of silence before Beth girded the nerve to say," I am sorry."

"Bout what," Daryl questioned moving to flop back on the pillows and pulling Beth with him. She eagerly snuggled up against him throwing a leg over his hip and resting her head on his strong chest as she clarified, "Bout bein so pig headed and not using my brain to think like a leader. Leading people is about getting a job done and making sure all members of the team have the tools they need to accomplish the task. It ain't about personal glory at the expense of the team members or mission. I am sorry that I wasn't able to see that."

"S'okay sprite," Daryl murmured sleepily against the top of her head," learnin ta be a leader usually involves a learnin curve. It ain't something that you're just good at right away. Everyone makes mistakes and if I could I'd let ya make em. It's the most surefire way for ya to learn. But, I can't do that right now. This ain't about missing a project deadline or some other inane thing. Mistakes at this level cost people their lives and I can't let that happen. I couldn't live with myself and quite frankly you wouldn't be able to either. I have to protect ya from that and ya need ta trust me enough ta let me do that."

Nodding against his chest Beth finally understood that Daryl's motivation over the last several days had not come from a desire to control her but, instead from one to protect her. She needed to get her own ego in check in order to be a valuable member of the team and shame coursed through her as she realized that she had been acting like an irrational brat. She kept making mistakes and for some reason Daryl kept patiently walking her through them. Inadequacy assailed her as she began to doubt herself and her abilities.

As if sensing her tension Daryl sleepily leaned down to kiss the crown of her head," Whatever it is you're worrying bout sprite don't. Just relax and get some sleep while Jude is resting. You need it and whatever it is you're worryin bout will still be there later."

Seeking comfort Beth borrowed even more strongly into Daryl's side as his arms tightened around her, focusing on the rhythmic beating of the hunter's heart, and allowing that to lull her to sleep. He was right after all, her worries would still be there later and she was exhausted.

Finally got this finished. Sorry for the wait but, I hope everyone found it enjoyable. Beth's made some leaps toward understanding where Daryl is coming from as well as her own motivations. So some definite growth there. My next update is a chapter that I am working on for Moments but, then the next stop for this story is the armory near Alexandria. I have been gearing up for this portion of the story for a while and I am super excited to write it. I hope everyone is going to be just as excited to read it. Anyway thank you so much to everyone who reviews, follows, and favorites. I can't even begin to express how important it is to know that people are enjoying the story. When I know that readers are excited about what is going to happen next it really motivates me to finish the next chapter as soon as possible! Also because I can't reply to them personally a big thank you to all the guest reviewers. Your reviews are very much appreciated as well.