Your love echoes;

Warnings, mentions of past abuse, and of under- age drinking.

My beta, Spitfire47 is helping with editing of the chapters.

Chapter 17: Ties that bind pt 1

Beth woke up the next morning with her head pounding. She had collapsed emotionally exhausted on the way back to the farm. It had been a long time since she had let any emotion get to her or let it out, and Rick had carried her the rest of the way back, Not noticing or paying attention to the looks, questions or comments any of Rick's group or Hershel household was giving him, Hershel took over when rick reached the house with a grateful nod, Hershel gave Rick a nod to follow him to Beth room.

Everything in Beth's room was old polished wood, even her bed head and had old spiral pattern with Maggie and Beth's name in the middle. There was an old dresser table and mirror on one side and dressing draws on the other with an old armchair with a home made blanket hanging on the back of it in the corner.

There were sun catchers in the window. It was clear which one was Beth's because it suited her and he could see way she loved it. Hershel noticed Rick looking around, "most of the things were my late wife's. It is Beth's way of being close to her, her way of coping with my wife's death. The bed head was my wife's idea, Maggie has a similar one in her room.'' Rick nodded in understanding but said nothing.

Both looked at Beth and realised she had fallen asleep in her father's arms. Hershel laid Beth down to rest removing his daughter shoes Rick took the blanket from the arm chair and gave it Hershel to cover Beth. After a few moments silence Hershel cleared his throat.

Hershel saw the way they looked at each other. Beth so caring and loving so forgiving seeing Rick for the man that he is and how Rick would subtlety looking her over. How Beth eyes lit up and how easily it was it be with him and laugh with him.

But he also saw how Rick adjusted himself only to recover quickly without Beth seeing or noticing he saw the need and want, and the loneliness. But he also saw the kindness and gentleness of his actions in the way he helps his daughter and the want to help her. He was completely selfless when it came to Beth but he was worried it would be over written by his urges. He was a man after all and what man wouldn't want the company of a beautiful girl like his Beth. Though he knew Rick would never hurt her not on propose he was a decent man but still he had the right to worry didn't he? Rick was still a man and a man still had his needs.

''I would like to talk to both of you about recent events, but my daughter is very tired and needs rest, the talk can wait for now. But we will discuss this at a later time …''

Rick knew this talk was coming. He had expected it, '' of course.''

Hershel placed a kiss to his youngest daughter's forehead. Both left the room gently closing the door behind them.

When Maggie came Came in rushing to her father demanding to know about Beth Rick quietly and quickly excused himself letting Hershel calm his daughter Hershel gave a grateful nod as Rick made his way out the door.

Standing on the porch Rick sighed rubbing the back back of his neck. Rick knew Hershel was an understanding man but he had his morals but even a wise man like Hershel, sometimes there are things they don't – wouldn't understand, would this be one of them? Rick couldn't help but wonder how understanding he will be when he knows about the attraction to his youngest daughter? Who is old enough to even be his own daughter? Rick walked around the porch until he found a chair that faced most of the farm lowering him onto the seat, after taking to Hershel briefly he was having second thoughts ' Shit maybe I shouldn't be doing this, but she makes me feel everything, it feels good...right she see me like a human being, not a leader or a father but just as I am... I could take something for myself right?' Rick knew would have to talk to Hershel about his feeling for Beth at some point. he knew he had to but would it be accept by the farmer? Rick ran his hand over his face he knew the talk will come sooner or later but for now he needed a detraction and went to find Lori and Carl.

xxxx

Meanwhile Hershel was in the house trying to calm down Maggie who had been in a panic ever since Rick arrived carrying an exhausted Beth in his arms. With an understanding Rick left Hershel calm his eldest daughter. Rick made his way out to the rest of the group expecting to be ambushed with questions and comments from the group, only answering the ones that were out of concern for Beth. Completely ignoring the comments Shane was throwing at him.

Little did they know how quickly everything was going to change.

xxxx

Beth let out a heavy sigh she had slept through the whole night. Even missed dinner that was cold and still on her dresser from when either her father or Maggie had left it there from the night before. She groaned as Maggie came in and when her sister saw Beth was awake Maggie hugged her. Beth smiled and returned the hug tightly letting her know she was okay. Maggie looked at her with concern Beth smiled softly at her no matter how she felt, ''I'm okay really, just exhausted and I have a headache. Can you get something to eat and some tablets? I might rest maybe sleep a little while longer. '' Groaning at the throbbing of her head when Beth laid back down.

Maggie kissed Beth's forehead. ''Of course I will bring you something. I don't think it will stop dad stopping by though.''

Beth pulled a face and nodded knowing her sister was right. He would be more protective of her now it was only a matter of time. It was one of the reasons she didn't show her emotions or feelings she hated being fussed over and treated like a China doll, like she was fragile. She was everything but that.

Maggie laughed softly has she closed the door behind her sighing it was going to be a long day.

Beth remembered she needed to talk Rick about what was between them but it could wait she needed rest. She had no idea why Rick had such an effect on her, was it the way she felt about him? Or how he was only thing she thinks about and they are away at the back of her mind and like the feeling? Or the fact he treats her like she want to be treated and doesn't walk on egg shells around her or treat her any differently? It felt right and she wanted more of whatever Rick was doing to her she felt wanted and loved that was all she ever wanted. She fell asleep with thoughts of Rick and a smile on her face.

Not knowing of changes she was about to face with and without him.

xxxx

Meanwhile Glenn was pacing the fence line, while the others were getting ready to go out for shooting practice for some of the group and Greene household. Maggie, Jimmy and Patricia all asked to learn to use a gun Maggie told Rick that Beth was planning to come down later after she had a rest.

Glenn was wrestling with himself, whether or not to tell Rick and the others about the walkers in the barn. Maggie begged him not to tell anyone that it was something Otis used to do and that it was complicated. But it wasn't about just them any more it was also about the safety of the entire group and if they were going to stay there they needed to know didn't they? Shane was a loose cannon at the best of times. But Rick was level headed, smart and was probably the best person to tell and to find a solution that didn't have Shane going in with guns blazing well he could only hope right? He was torn, between the loyalty and to the safety of the group and his feeling for Maggie. He had never felt anything like this for anyone before and he wanted it to continue. He wanted them to continue, but if he told the group it would put them at odds.

Glenn had no Idea what to do.

xxxx

Later that morning, Glenn looks between Rick and the group and Maggie on the truck shaking her head every time he looked at her. After looking at the group, Dale knew there was something bothering Glenn and it also had to do with Hershel eldest daughter and whatever it was she didn't want him to tell. Glenn was a good kid with a good head on his shoulders and the kid had heart. If something was bothering him it was for good reason.

''Glenn, son why don't you help me with the van? I have a loose radiator, causing water to leak and the belt needs fixing. Why do you take a look, you may learn something?'' Glenn nodded thankful to Dale. At least someone noticed, maybe he can ask Dale for some advice.

xxxx

Rick paced the fence watching each person point to shoot, helping Shane and correcting those who have never held a gun before. As guns echoed through the field all he could think of, was Beth and seeing her smile again. He felt her pain as she told him of her son that was taken away from her so soon all he wanted to do was hold her. To kiss it all away and love her, but he also made a promise he must keep their relationship on a friend level until Beth was 18 though they had kissed a few times. He couldn't deny the feelings that he had bottled inside of him but he had to control himself for now He had promised Hershel and Lori that he would not take it any further until it was discussed at length what his intentions were with her and if she felt the same. Even so he would not be with her until Beth was 18. Rick sighed ran his hands over his face that and the fact that Beth was ignoring him since the last kiss.

He will still stay with Lori friendship wise and help her with baby and whatever else she needed. They had been through too much just to walk away and try to help Carl understand why his parents aren't together any more-that will be the hardest part. For Carl to understand and Rick knows and expects Carl will be angry at both of them for some time, and may act out. He sees Carl may have a crush on Beth, the way he watches her and asks if he can help, and Beth follows her to a point which will make it harder to tell him about himself and Beth. Rick hopes it will smooth over, over time but first has a lot to figure out before they talk to Carl. Of course Rick still loved Lori and Carl, it was different love with Lori but he still loved her. He always will. But just it will never be the way it was and never will be again.

He just hoped everything will work out eventually.

xxxx

Glenn gratefully went with Dale. While the other made their way to the field near the farm. After a little encouragement from Dale, Glenn told him about how he thought and suspected something was going on between Beth and Rick Dale didn't what to think with that one and will let it go for now until he could see if there was anything going on and but for now he wasn't really that concerned. Glenn went on to how his relationship with Maggie was a little tense. Forgetting he hadn't told dale or any of the group about his relationship with Maggie. Dale had something to say about that for sure Dale, went off at him for sleeping with Maggie and what Hershel would think.

Glenn just nodded after some more small talk Glenn turned to leave hesitant to tell Dale about telling Dale about the walkers in the barn but after the talk with Dale Glenn did feel a little better.

But the problem at hand was could Glenn still tell Rick about the walkers in the barn? And how would it affect Maggie. There was only one find out and Glenn had made up his mind maybe it was better to just go to Rick first hand and worry about the rest later.

xxxx

T dog watched Rick and the group from a distance though he didn't join in with the activities. He watched as they handed guns out and the shooting practice.

T dog was more concerned about their leader and his actions and possible feelings towards a certain young daughter of the farmer Hershel. He was not blind the young blonde was quite attractive and he could understand if there were any interest in her. But he felt there was more to it than a passing flirtation.

The way Rick was protective towards the young blonde baffled him, had he known her from somewhere? That kind of protectiveness didn't come from nowhere and they had only been on the farm for no more than two weeks? He knew he is not the only one who has noticed Rick's actions towards Beth. None of the others had voiced it, except Shane who has made it known how he felt about it, on more than one occasion but who was he to judge? He did not know if there was anything there for sure. It may just be Rick being himself.

T dog had only known Rick for three weeks but he has gotten to know what kind of man Rick Grimes is. Rick is a smart man and protective of those he cares for, family or those in their group. Even after Sophia's disappearance and Carl being shot, the man stands by what he believes in and hates to see any for them in danger. That is something T dog admires in a leader, and in Rick himself.

That and the fact Rick has bought Hershel and his girls into the mix, maybe just to help or to insure there was a place here. Problem was the farmer hasn't made it easy. He knows better than to expect to stay here, they may have to hit the road sooner or later, but things with Beth, friendship or otherwise just may complicate things.

T dog just hoped Rick knew what he was doing and was ready to deal with whatever came with the decision he made. Sighing T dog made his way back to the camp.

xxxx flashback xxxx

Beth once again was tied to the bed and closed her eyes a shiver ran down her spin. Her back still raw from the belt and sweat and blood no doubt on the sheets yet she felt numb some sort of drug that Liam forced her to take. Liam had left her to his father to finish off and she knew it was going to be a rough night and he would be hours before he was satisfied.

Beth breath hitch as Nathan came into the room fully naked. He was in his late 40's, he just slid in the side of fit but still was a bit on the large side with, average in looks. Beth could tell he worked hard at the gym to get where he was and she was at his mercy again for the night. He left nothing to the imagination and he was already hard. Shiver run down her spine and turned away from him as he sat down next to her.

''Now Beth you are going to take everything I give you like the good little slut you are, aren't you...'' Beth kept her head turn from only to have it roughly turn to face him and made to face him and look into his eyes.

''You know what will happen if you don't - don't you? You are mine until I tell you otherwise,'' with that he smashed his lips against her own, biting her lower lip causing it to bleed. A small tear ran down her face and all she could do was pray that her family would forgive her one day before opening her mouth for him, letting his tongue invade her mouth. Then he was roughly ripping the rest of her clothes off her with force not caring of the pain he caused Beth. Then he pulled the clothes from the raw parts of her skin causing Beth to cry out in pain.

without warning he turned her to the side he slammed into her make her cry out.

He thrust into her hard and deep.

''That is such a tight pussy," Nathan moaned maliciously. "That's it you will take everything I give you like the good cum slut you are and I ain't done yet as your ass and that pretty mouth of yours is next. ''

Beth cried out as he fasten the pace turning her head, tears ran down Beth cheeks. One day they were going to get her pregnant, or kill her – maybe both and there was nothing anyone one could do about it.

xxxx

Beth had suffered headaches and pain in her stomach the entire day, was pulled out the memory as she felt darkness around her collapsing to the floor the bottle she was slipping out of fell to the floor.

Maggie hearing the noise upstairs ran to see what it was only to find her sister collapsed on the floor with a bottle of gin next to her. Beth needed attention and help from their father, she should of seen it sooner, but making the decision to clean the bottle up before telling their father. The last thing they needed was their father aware of Beth's drinking though Maggie knew that Beth only drank when her flash backs were bad. However Beth had promised Maggie she wasn't drinking any more, which made her wonder how bad Beth was struggling to make her lie to her own sister about drinking and how much pain was she really in?

Maggie would get their fathers help first and deal with the rest of it later.

xxxx

Maggie gently placed her sister on the bed in her room and felt her forehead which was sweaty but cool. Her sister was in some sort of shock and need their father. Worried, Maggie went looking for her father only to have made at to the porch before seeing her father and Rick as well as his entire group including Jimmy and Patricia coming back from shooting practice.

Maggie briskly walked up to them, '' dad can I speak to you and Patricia inside please?''

Before anyone could ask what about, Maggie turned heel and walked back to the house. Hershel sighed, he knew his daughter was upset but the reason he needed to find out. So with that Patricia and Hershel followed her into the house to have Maggie waiting for them when Jimmy came into the door Maggie turn to Jimmy.

''Jimmy can you find some chores to do around the farm? I need to talk to Dad and Patricia alone, '' sending Jimmy a look of apology not wanting to upset him.

Jimmy shrugged his shoulders, "sure I could find something to do," and headed out the door. Wanting for Jimmy to leave Maggie sank down into a seat.

''Dad I wasn't exactly truthful about Beth this morning, when I went in early this morning Beth was in pain. She winced at any light in her room when I tried to open the curtains, she told me she had a headache and ask for something light to eat and pills. I felt something was wrong but I didn't push her she had a rough night I don't think she got any sleep and I heard her crying during the day. I should of told you, I heard a noise and went to see what it was it was Beth she had collapsed she is in some sort of shock and is not responding to anything I have tried. I'm sorry dad I thought she was okay...''

Hershel pulled his eldest into a hug, '' how could you have known? Beth has hid things and herself so well the past few years. We couldn't have known how much she had suffered, but let's not worry about that now I need to see my daughter and we will worry about the rest later. Patricia will you bring my bag and a IV drip. ''

With that they headed up to Beth's room with Patrica not far behind.

A/N; sorry for such a late update. I haven't had much time to write as much I would like to but I am hopping that will change soon. I will try to keep up with the monthly updates. I have decided to split this chapter into two parts I would be too long other wise. I will have more chapter point of views coming your way soon, and what will happen between Rick and Beth? stay tuned lovely readers. Reviews always welcome ox.