The days after Eric's death blended together. I spent most of my time laying in bed, staring at the radio sitting on my nightstand, wanting so badly for it to hiss to life and to hear his voice again. Losing both him and Amy was too much.

When Abby wouldn't sleep, I told her stories about her mom and dad. I told her about meeting them at the grocery store—about the laughter and smiles we shared—about the good times. I knew she was too young to understand, but talking about Amy and Eric helped me cope. I only had my memories to keep them alive.

Negan must have been worried for me because every night after Simon's compound was attacked he brought me dinner. We sat in silence that first night, eating our salads, until I broke down crying. I could tell my emotional outbursts made him uncomfortable, but he never left me alone. That night he curled up in my bed and wrapped his arms around me. We didn't have sex, but it was the first time in a long time that we were close. I didn't give a damn about his wives or my ultimatum. I just wanted to be held as I cried my eyes out.

I knew I'd have to learn to move on, but I felt stuck in the past. I was losing all of the people who'd been with me since the beginning. The girl living out of a grocery store was long gone, but Doveport was in the past too.

If I wasn't a leader, who was I?

During the day, I tried to keep busy. Keeping track of points and taking care of Abby were my only responsibilities, and I put all my focus into doing those tasks. Vivienne suggested we have a funeral for Eric, but I didn't see a point. I was sick of crying, and there weren't that many of us left to mourn him.

Negan was getting more and more frustrated having to deal with his new enemies. He refused to update me on what was happening, but I caught bits and pieces of conversations between him and Simon. The community was called Alexandria, and the Saviors were trying to find out where it was located. I didn't want to know what he was planning because a small part of me wanted revenge. Another part just wanted the violence to end.

It was early one morning when Negan knocked on my bedroom door and entered just as I finished changing Abby.

"I need you to come on a trip with me," he said simply. I snapped the buttons of Abby's jumper back in place and picked her up.

"What about Abby?" I asked, resting her against my hip.

"Viv's gonna watch her."

Letting out a sigh, I met his gaze. He was watching me, waiting for my answer. Lately, he'd been looking at me like I was a ticking time bomb ready to go off in a fit of tears at any moment.

"Where are we going?" I asked cautiously.

"It's a surprise."

I eyed him suspiciously. I hadn't left the Sanctuary in over a month, not since Amy's death. Whatever he had in mind intrigued me, but also made me very hesitant.

"Maybe you should focus on finding Alexandria," I muttered, putting my back to him.

"Simon's on it," he said. "Please? I promise it'll be fuckin' worth it."

That peaked my curiosity. There was almost an act of desperation in his request, and I couldn't help but wonder where he wanted to take me. Doveport was out of the question—Charlotte was probably making a home there and never wanted to see us again.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Meet me downstairs in ten minutes."

After bringing Abby to Vivienne, I grabbed a hoodie and went out to the lot where all the trucks were parked. Negan was waiting for me, leaning against a pickup, sporting his leather jacket and red scarf with Lucille resting on his shoulder. I got inside the passenger side and he into the driver's. I noticed a cooler in the backseat and Negan caught my gaze.

"Lunch," he mumbled, pulling the truck out of the yard. I watched the factory as we drove away and hoped Abby wouldn't be too much trouble for Vivienne. The little girl was just starting to get over her cold.

We drove for almost two hours and Negan was unusually quiet. He was almost tense, and fidgeted a lot more. I caught him glancing over at me a few times, but he'd look away the moment we made eye contact.

"You okay?" I asked, staring at him, concerned.

"Fuckin' peachy." He glued his eyes on the road and gripped the steering wheel tight. I considered bringing it up again, but didn't.

I was tired and considered sleeping during the drive, but I was too interested to see where we'd end up. I watched out the windows at the walkers we passed lumbering down the road and through the overgrown grass decorating the fields. Without people tending to the land, mother nature was beginning to reclaim the earth. I wondered if humanity would someday overcome the threat of the living dead, or if eventually humans would die out. I hoped for Abby's sake we would find a way to survive.

After a while, we came to a parking lot and Negan pulled up to a building I recognized. It was the sporting good store. I noticed the windows were now covered by what looked like black sheets. There weren't any walkers nearby, and the bodies that had been there months before were now gone. Negan opened his truck door and got out, taking the cooler with him. When I didn't get out right away, he came around the other side of the truck and opened my door.

"Are we playing pingpong again?" I asked in a tired voice. I really wasn't in the mood for games.

"Humor me," he said, offering his hand. I took it and he helped me out of the truck.

We walked up to the entrance and Negan took out his keyring to unlock the door. As I stepped in, the room was very dark and I blinked a few times trying to see. Negan set Lucille down near the door and locked the doors behind us. As I was squinting into the darkness, suddenly the area lit up.

The overhead lights were still off, and in their place were little string lights, hanging from the ceiling and decorating the walls with a soft, golden glow. I noted the ping pong table was still there, and so were the couches, but now there was also a large king size bed set up near the lounge area. I smirked at the bed illuminated by the dim lights and shook my head in disbelief.

"If you brought me here just to get laid…" I said, turning to face him, but then froze. My breath caught in my throat as I did not find him standing, but he was down on his knees staring up at me. I couldn't think. He looked vulnerable, but resolute.

"Negan…" I whispered, alarmed. I thought I knew what he was doing, but he smirked when he saw the fear in my face.

"I'm not fucking proposing, so you don't have to look so fuckin' scared." He smirked as he spoke, but I heard something strange in his voice. Through his hubris, I could tell he was nervous. "Simon said the stupid twinkle lights would be a nice touch, but I don't know shit about this romantic crap…"

"I don't understand," I said in a quiet voice. If he wasn't proposing, then why the hell was he down on the floor?

"Fuck, I suck at this kind of shit. I just… I need you to fuckin' know… I just wanted to…." He looked away and wiped at his face, smiling a bit. "Let me start over…"

I stared down at him confused and waited for him to continue. It was as if his cocky demeanor was nonexistent and suddenly replaced by a false sense of confidence. He licked his lips and then met my gaze, looking determined.

"I've been a brainless fucking ignorant piece of fucking shit. I'm sorry. I'm so fuckin' sorry, Elle. I've taken you for granted, but not anymore…" He swallowed, but didn't look away. "I'm leaving them. I'm leaving my wives."

I thought I might be dreaming as I stared down at him with wide eyes. I would have believed it was all in my head if Negan hadn't reached out right then to take my hand into his. Through his touch, I knew I was awake.

"After Lucille died, I had nothing and no one. Every time I cared about someone, I ended up losing them so I didn't see a fucking point. Then you came into my life and you turned everything upside down. I didn't think I could feel this way again…I didn't think I deserved to feel this way…And when I realized what was happening, it fucking terrified me. It still terrifies me. But I'm so fucking sick of running….of not being there for you when you need me….of not being able to say…"

His grip on my hand tightened and he paused, for only a few seconds, and then…

"I love you, Elle. I need you to fucking know that. I love you."

It was something we'd avoided—something I never thought I'd hear him say. Those three silly little words that were saved for sappy moments in movies. And there I was, having a sappy little moment all of my own.

But it didn't feel sappy. It felt genuine.

I stood there, frozen in place, not knowing what to say. What could I say? This completely took me off guard. I knew the right thing to do was say it back, but I couldn't find my voice. My mind raced a mile a minute as I tried to think.

I love him.

That wasn't in question. I'd fallen for him a long time ago. And that moment was the perfect time to tell him that I felt the same way he did. Through all the bullshit, I knew I loved this man. But as I stared down at him, I couldn't speak.

"I don't expect you to say it back, babe." He squeezed my hand again, reassuringly. "Not after I've been such a fucking prick. But if you give me a chance, I swear I'll prove it to you for the rest of our lives. If you'll let me. I'm going to rebuild society and I want you by my side every step of the way. We can make the Sanctuary into something good….I want to do good. For you. And for Abby. I'm sorry I couldn't save Momma Bear and Papa Bear, but I'm gonna keep you and that lil' Poptart safe. You have my word."

I was so caught up in what he was saying, I didn't even realize I'd started crying. Negan became concerned as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Fuck, babe. I'm so fucking sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry." He got up from the ground and cupped my face, wiping at my tears with his thumbs. His confession scared me, but if he was willing to do better and try to be a better person, that's all I could ask for. Giving him an ultimatum had been hard, and I really didn't expect he would choose me.

Smiling through my tears, I reached up and kissed him.

"Thank you," I whispered against his lips.

He tried to pull me in again for another kiss, but I stepped back out of his reach and smiled suggestively at him. This promise to be faithful had me wanting him for than ever. I began backing up towards the bed and Negan chuckled darkly.

"Where are you going?" he drawled, staying where he was. He was no longer nervous and I could see the cocky expression returning to his face. I reached for the zipper of my hoodie and pulled it off, not answering him. "I thought sex was off the table…"

I sat down on the bed and cocked an eyebrow at him. "It was very presumptuous to have a bed brought in. Was that Simon's idea too?" I laid my hand flat on the mattress and gilded it over the comforter. Negan had a hungry look in his eye as he watched me touch the bed.

"Simon wanted you to have options."

"How very thoughtful of him." I grinned.

I continued to glide my hand across the bed. The sexual tension was thick, but neither of us made a move.

"Take your shirt off," he suddenly said in a low voice.

"Hmm?" I asked, unable to hide my smile.

"You fuckin' heard me. Take it off." He was trying to act serious, but I could see a hint of a smile as he said it. I pretended to ignore him, feeling the cool bedding. Finally I turned to look at him.

"You first."

He held my gaze for a long time, neither of us moving. Then, keeping eye contact, Negan reached up and pulled the red scarf away from his neck. Tossing it down, he moved painfully slow as he unzipped his leather jacket. I bit my lip and stared as he removed it and then pulled his t-shirt over his head. He kicked off his black boots and took off his belt. Finally, he removed his pants and was left in only his boxer briefs. I made no effort to hide the fact I was ogling him and his growing erection that was starting to show. He grinned as he saw me studying his half naked form.

"Your turn," he said with a sly smile.

I shook my head no, still smirking.

He began to close the distance between us, slowly walking over to the bed.

"Why do you have to play so hard to get?" he asked, reaching me. I didn't move as he placed two arms on either side of me and leaned in to look me in the eye.

"You've already got me," I said as my eyes went down to his lips. Instead of kissing me, he hooked his fingers underneath my shirt and slowly began to lift it up. We held gazes until I couldn't see him as the shirt was pulled over my head.

Once I was free of my top, Negan gently pushed me down onto the bed. I smiled as he crawled over to cover me with his body. Finally, he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. I felt the burn of his beard as he left little love bites down my neck and across my collar bone. He smiled against my skin—a devilish grin that caused a warmth to stir within me.

"I fucking missed you, Elle…" he breathed. I reached up to cup his face and look into his eyes. It wasn't that we'd been apart—but there had been a wall between us. Right then, it was as if it was being torn down.

"I missed you too," I admitted as I gazed at him through my eyelashes. His mouth find mine again and I melted into his kiss. Wrapping an arm around his neck, I pulled him closer, needing to feel more of him.

Catching him off guard mid-kiss, I rolled over to be on top and straddled him. He stared up at me in amusement, and then wrapped his arms around my back. He moved into a sitting position and I wrapped my arms around his head as he began to unhook my bra.

"I could kiss every inch of you," he said with a growl. His mouth found mine again and then he began to kiss down my neck and towards my breasts. My bra fell away and was tossed to the side just as his mouth found one of my nipples. I cried out, clutching out to the back of his hair as my cheeks reddened. The action only seemed to egg him on, as he moved onto my other breast. Overly sensitive, I squirmed, needing so much more.

When he stopped to gaze up at me, we drank each other in. Lust blown eyes and expressions of want were painted across our faces. He placed his hands on the hem of my jeans and I closed my eyes as he unzipped them. His hand moved down the front of my pants and he gently rubbed a finger against my folds. My mouth opened slightly and I gasped at the feeling, and then rolled my hips, needing more of the delicious friction. I grinded against his hand for a bit, building my arousal.

I was close to reaching my peak when he stood up and laid me back down onto the bed. He tugged at my jeans, pulling them away along with my panties and exposed my entire body to him. Lifting my foot, he kissed the top of it and began leaving a trail of kisses up my leg. I held my breath as he passed my knees and reached my thighs. Just as he reached my heat, he stopped.

Thrusting upwards, I let out a whine, needing so much more.

"Patience, baby…" he whispered, rubbing his scruff against my inner thigh, making me tremble. I felt his nose near my soaking mound, but still, he teased me.

I was about to beg him to stop dragging it out when I let out a loud gasp. His tongue delved into my entrance. I clutched the bed sheets tightly as he parted my lips and flicked his tongue against me. He took his time, moving painfully slow. I lifted my hips and he took the hint, speeding up his movements, sucking and nipping hungrily. I threw my head back and dissolved into ecstasy as he brought me over the edge within a matter of minutes.

He softly rubbed the side of my leg as I came down from my high. Laying back against the pillows, trying to catch my breath, I watched over my heaving breasts as he climbed back onto the bed and over me, sans his boxer briefs. His erection rubbed up against my inner thigh and I suddenly felt nervous. It was like that first time all over. The anticipation was palpable. Though I'd been through so much heartache and pain in recent days, I could escape from all of it.

If only for a minute. I'd just let him take me away.

Negan's mouth found the base of my neck and he sucked against it softly. I took a deep breath and exhaled. Then, he slid into me and I let out a cry of pleasure.

We moved together; a harmonic rhythm that came from knowing the other. With each thrust he made, I met him with a roll of my hips. I didn't even hear our moans as they filled the large room, or hear him whispering little nothings against my skin, telling me how good I felt and how beautiful I was. I was too focused on the sensation of him filling me up—too enamored with it all.

Because it was love.

We were making love.

I wasn't just a fling.

I was his, and he was mine.

No more pain.

Just love.

He lifted his head to gaze down at me and our eyes met. I smiled a bit as I took in his handsome face and tears filled my eyes. My emotions got the best of me, but before I could cry, he leaned down and gently kissed me. I clutched onto him tightly and deepened the kiss. We stayed like that—him burying himself deep inside me, thrusting in and out, until he slowed his movements. I clenched around him, succumbing to the bliss just as he came inside me.

When he pulled out, I was staring up at the ceiling of the store, gasping for breath. Negan rolled over to my side and laid on his back next to me. We both remained there in silence for a few minutes, basking in the aftermath. When I finally turned my head, I found him looking at me.

"I love you," he whispered.

I smiled at him.

"I-" I began to answer him when I was cut off by a loud hissing noise.

We both glanced over to where it had come from—Negan's pants. The sound rang out again and I realized it was his radio. A muffled voice said something that I couldn't quite make out. Negan groaned as I sat up to go get the radio.

"Fuckin' leave it," he grumbled, burying his face into one of the pillows. I laughed and rolled my eyes at his dramatics.

"It could be important!" I said, as I kicked my legs over the side. Right before I could stand up, Negan wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back onto the bed.

"Negan!" I laughed, as he nuzzled into me and pulled me against him. Fighting against his hold, I managed to escape long enough to stumble off the bed and rush over to grab the radio.

"Boss?" Simon's voice came through as I made my way back over to the bed and crawled in next to him. I gave Negan a warning look as I pressed the talk button.

"Hey, Simon. It's Elle," I said. Negan smirked deviously at me and then disappeared underneath the bed sheets. I felt him slowly start to kiss my abdomen, causing me to shiver.

"Hello, Elle," Simon greeted me and I could hear he was in a good mood. "Is Negan there?"

I bit my lip as I felt his nose rub up against my inner thigh.

"Umm…. he's a little busy at the moment…" I said with a sly smile. "Can I take a message?"

There was a short silence and then the radio hissed again.

"Tell him it's about Alexandria."

Negan re-appeared from under the sheets and snatched the radio out of my hand. I raised an eyebrow in surprise, as he pressed the talk button.

"What the fuck's going on?" he asked.

"Dwight did good. He captured four of them, and I finally met their leader, Rick. He's a cocky son of a bitch. They're trying to get to the Hilltop, but we've set up roadblocks on every route."

"Excellent." A sinister smile spread across his face and I frowned. I hated to be reminded of that side of him after being so intimate.

"What do you want us to do, boss?" Simon asked.

"I want their leader," Negan replied instantly. I placed my hand on his arm, causing him to look at me.

"Don't hurt them."

Negan took his finger off the talk button and gave me a stern look.

"This fucker killed Eric. He killed our people, Elle," he argued.

"You can talk to him. You can make it work. Please."

Negan stared at me for a long time. I could see he was conflicted. Then pressed the talk button, still keeping eye contact with me.

"Fuck with them a little longer, but no one dies. I want to talk to this Rick the Prick."

"You got it," Simon replied. "I'll keep you updated."

Negan set the radio off to the side, ending the conversation.

"Really?" I asked, staring at him surprised. I couldn't believe he wasn't going to let Simon kill any of them.

"I'd do anything for you," he responded. I knew from the look on his face he was serious. Reaching up to touch his face, I pulled him in to kiss him again. He met my lips briefly and then his mouth moved down past my breasts and back to my stomach.

"Shouldn't we start heading back?" I asked through a giggle as he disappeared under the bed sheet.

"Hell no," he said as he nuzzled against my abdomen. "You have my full fuckin' attention. And you always will."

A while later, Negan finally let me get out of bed. We got dressed and ate the sandwiches he'd packed for us. I commented on the lack of BLTs, and he promised he'd make it up to me. I was just zipping up my hoodie when I heard a strange sound. Negan and I both looked up and over to the door. Going over to the window, Negan pulled back one of the black sheets to look outside and his face turned grim.

"Fuck…"

Going over to him, I peeked out the window and gasped.

There were walkers everywhere.

The parking lot had to have at least twenty of them, and they were all wandering around aimlessly. I tensed up as I watched them, and then Negan let the sheet fall to cover the window.

"We're okay," he said, trying to reassure me. "Just stay behind me and we'll get to the truck." He grabbed Lucille, who was sitting near the door and held her out. "She'll keep us safe."

Nodding, I was preparing myself to make a run for the truck when I glanced over to the aisles. Going back into the store, I walked up and down a few until I found what I was looking for. Reaching up to where it was hanging, I pulled down a large metal bat.

Going back over to Negan, he grinned wide at me and then got a serious look on his face.

"Be careful."

When he opened the door, I watched as every head turned to face us. Each walker realized we were there and then started making their way over to us. Negan went right up to the closest one and swung Lucille, bringing her crashing into its skull and sending it toppling to the ground. We'd parked fairly close to the store, and there weren't that many walkers in our way.

Bringing up my bat, I hit a walker that was reaching out to grab me. Knocking it down, I glanced over to see Negan had two coming up on him, but he swiftly killed them both. In a matter of seconds, I reached the truck and opened the passenger side with plenty of time to spare before the closest walker could reach me. Looking back over, I watched as the majority of the walkers advanced on Negan. He swung like a madman, cussing and demanding they try harder. I was just about the close the passenger side door when I saw something out of the corner of my eye.

There was another group of walkers coming from around the corner of the building, advancing on him from behind.

"Negan!" I called, getting out of the truck and watching frightened. He was too preoccupied with the other walkers that he didn't even hear the horde quickly approaching. Knocking down a walker that was almost to me, I wielded my bat and sprinted over to him. They were almost to him and I watched in horror as one reached out to try and bite him.

I swung with all my might and brought the metal bat right into the creature's side, sending it toppling to the ground. Just as it fell, I felt a bony hand grab my ankle and I went down on top of the walker I'd just knocked over. The metal bat fell out of my hands and I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Wincing, I pushed myself up and kicked the advancing walker away. Grabbing for my bat, I quickly finished it off before it could get back up.

Next thing I knew, Negan was grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the truck. Everything was a wir as the walkers advanced on us, but he opened the driver's side door, motioning for me to crawl in. I did so automatically, panting and wide-eyed.

Once in my seat, I stared forward in shock. Negan got into the driver's side door and put the truck into drive, pulling away just as the walkers reached it. He let out a loud laugh as we drove away.

"Holy fuck, that was insane!" he exclaimed, slapping the steering wheel. "I bet those fuckers heard you moaning and hoped to get a little view. You shouldn't be so loud, babe."

My heart was pounding so loud, I could barely hear him. Negan was watching the road, and while his eyes were off me, I glanced down the front of my hoodie to look at the blood seeping through my shirt.

I'd been bitten.

Negan had been in trouble and I'd rushed over to save him. I had shoved the walker off him, but when I'd fallen, it had sunk its teeth deep into my flesh right above my left breast. I turned to look out the window and willed myself not to cry.

There was only one thing going through my head over and over again…

My promise to Amy.

We reached the Sanctuary two hours later and I felt as if I was going to burn up. I knew the fever had definitely started to set in and could feel sweat forming on my brow. Negan led me to my bedroom and didn't seem aware of my situation.

"I'm gonna give your room away, if that's alright with you. Figure you'll be bunking with me from now on…" He reached up to touch my face and I smiled a bit and nodded. A look of concern came over him and he stepped forward. "Are you feeling okay, babe? You're warm as hell and you look like you're cookin' inside that damn hoodie of yours."

"I'm fine," I said, stepping away from him. "I better go get Abby."

"Alright. Bring her crib and we'll set it up there too." He smiled one more time at me and then walked off.

I quickly hurried into my bedroom and then removed my hoodie. Looking down at my blood stained shirt, I carefully pulled it over my head to study the bite. The teeth marks were prominent and very deep. I fell back onto my bed and stared off into nothing.

I'm going to die…

My life didn't flash through my eyes. I just felt scared. I didn't have much time left, but there was so much that needed to get done. I'd promised Amy that I'd take care of Abby. How the hell was I going to do that now? I'd fucked up. I had hours, at best… and I needed to think of something.

Then it hit me.

Grateful my mind was still functioning, I swallowed the lump in my throat and dried my eyes. Pulling on a clean shirt, I tossed the blood stained one onto my bed and headed for Vivienne's room.

I knocked only once and heard her call for me to come in. Opening the door, I forced a big smile as I watched her rocking Abby in her arms.

"I hope you two had fun," she said, smiling at me. "She's been sleeping a lot today."

"Thank you for watching her." I took Abby into my arms and winced a bit as she was pressed against the throbbing wound on my chest. Vivienne cocked an eyebrow as I took the baby from her.

"Are you alright, Elle?" she asked in concern.

"I'm fine," I said, keeping that same smile on my face. I had the urge to cry, but I fought it with all my might.

"Are you sure, sweetheart? You don't look very good…" Vivienne reached out and placed an arm on my shoulder and I nodded, trying my best to be convincing. "Honey, you're burning up…"

"Yep. I'm just… I'm really glad I met you, Viv." I lost my battle and a tear fell down my face. Vivienne's eyes widened.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

I shook my head and turned from her. I didn't have time for proper goodbyes, but Vivienne was one of the last surviving members of Doveport. She'd been such a good friend to me, and I hoped she would forgive me for what I was about to do.

"I'm not feeling too good, but I'm fine. I'm gonna go lay down. Goodnight, Viv."

"Okay…" Vivienne didn't sound too sure. I felt guilty I wasn't being honest with her, but I wasn't sure she'd understand. The Sanctuary needed her now.

I raced back to my bedroom and shut the door. Packing up all the baby supplies I could, I grabbed the diaper bag and then went over to the closet. I pulled out a small car seat and huffed as I dragged it out. Then, I went over to my dresser and opened it. Picking up my Ruger, I checked to make sure it had some bullets and then tucked it into the back of my pants.

Setting Abby into the car seat, I stared down at where she was sleeping peacefully, binky in her mouth. I took a few deep breaths and then pulled on the backpack. Hefting the car seat, I took both it and the diaper bag and headed out of my room.

Moving carefully down the stairs, I passed by a few Saviors who gave me a stern look. I ignored them and hurried by as fast as I could with the heavy car seat. I felt weaker than usual, but I ignored it and lugged Abby and the supplies outside.

Going over to the truck Negan and I had just driven, I noticed Brandon was gassing it up. I took a few deep breaths and then approached him. Setting the car seat gently on the ground, I pulled out my Ruger and aimed it at looked up just in time to see me point the gun at him and his eyes grew wide in fear. Before he could reach for his gun I cocked my mine.

"Drop it," I ordered. He took it out slowly and then let it fall to the ground. Raising his hands up in surrender, he looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. Maybe I had. "Put the car seat in the truck and buckle it in." I ordered, still holding him at gunpoint.

"Elle… I don't know what's going on…" he started to say, but I took a few steps forward and narrowed my eyes at him.

"Now!" I bellowed. Brandon nodded and then scurried over to the car seat. Hoisting up Abby, he carried it over and set it into the back. I waited for him to put the seat belt through the plastic dividers. Once Abby was properly buckled in, he slowly stepped out from the truck and I shut the door.

"Keys," I demanded, holding out my hand. Brandon reached into his pocket and gave them to me. Once I had them I motioned to the gate. "Open it."

"You're gonna regret this," he said, as if he was trying to convince me to stop.

"I really doubt it," I muttered. Brandon did as he was told and went over to open the gate. Getting into the driver's side, I turned on the truck engine and quickly sped out of the Sanctuary yard.

Looking into the rear view mirror, I watched as the factory became smaller and smaller.

I knew Brandon was going to alert Negan as to what had just occurred.

But none of that mattered.

I had a promise to keep.