A/N: I need to apologize for the length of no updates. I have lost motivation because I didn't like the way I was taking the story. I'm going to try this and hopefully it gives me more writing options. Thank you to all who have commented and given input on my story. This chpt is longer than most and also has a heavy sex scene. Hope you enjoy!

-Eight-

Two Months Later…

Lake walked quietly through the woods with Scud at her side. Mud squished beneath her boots as she took in her surroundings.

"Where the hell did he go?" She asked aloud. Scud barked before tearing away. "Scud!" When he didn't obey, Lake ran after him. She stopped and began laughing at the sight before her.

Scud had the material of Daryl's pants in his mouth as he tugged him her way.

"Damned dog." Daryl grunted as he tried to free himself from the dog's jaws. Pointing to Lake, "Don'cha laugh. You ain't gonna learn to track if ya keep lettin' him do all the work." His words only made her laugh harder.

"If he's around, then why not use him?" She asked between giggles. She patted her thigh and Scud released Daryl. When he was at her side, she stroked his head.

Scud's deep growl made Lake yank her hand back. Two walkers drug themselves from the trees. Daryl grabbed Lake and shoved her behind him. Raising his bow, he shot one of the walkers before resetting his bow. The last walker was nearing when Scud attacked. The walker waved its arms as it fell to the ground.

Lake ran to Scud's aid and drove her knife into the walker's skull. Scud barked as Daryl walked to their side.

"I had it." He murmured. Lake rolled her eyes.

"Of course you did, but there is nothing wrong with accepting a little help now and then." She kissed Daryl roughly on the lips. He rolled his eyes as she scratched Scud's head.

Daryl grabbed Lake and yanked her away, "Daryl!" She yelled at his harsh movement. He pointed at Scud and Lake followed in the direction of his finger.

Falling to her knees, she sighed at the bite wound on the dog's neck. Scud walked over and nudged her with his wet nose. Lake looked up to Daryl for help.

"Thur ain't nothin' we can do fer yer dog." Daryl began loading an arrow.

Lake knew there wasn't anything that could be done. She fought the lump in her throat and the stinging in her eyes. She began stroking Scud and laughed softly when he lay next to her and offered his stomach. Tears slid silently down her cheeks as she fulfilled the dog's wishes. He was oblivious to Daryl taking place and aiming the bow at the dog's lolling head.

Lake's hand paused when the dog's body seized beneath it. When it fell still, she sobbed. Daryl grabbed her and held her fiercely as she cried for her lost companion.

Anger surged within her as Lake pushed away and pulled a gun from the back of her jeans. Cocking it, she walked to the walker and shot it's carcass over and over until a calm hand stopped her. Throwing the spent pistol to the floor at his feet, Lake walked away from Daryl and past Scud's dead body.

"Where ya goin'?" He shouted behind her. Lake didn't stop.

"I'm have to bury my dog." She threw over her shoulder.

Lake allowed the smooth dirt to fall between her fingers as she sat on Scud's grave; the reality of the world heavy on her shoulders. She heard the snapping of twigs behind her but she knew who it was standing there. She felt his presence.

"I'm sorry bout yer dog." Daryl's voice was soft.

"What are we doing Daryl?" She asked without turning. "Will it ever be safe enough to live without constant fear of being attacked? Of being bit and having to be the one being put down?"

She caught him kneeling next to her out of the corner of her eye. "Dunno. I guess we are just livin' for that day ya know? The day we don't have to live in fear. Nothin' comes without loss, but maybe the loss makes more sense if yer livin' for somethin'."

"What about a future? A family?" Lake wiped her eyes. "Could you just put your child down like that?"

"That wasn't my kid Lake." He was angry, she knew it.

"It could have been." She refused to look at him but she knew he watched her. "I'm pregnant."

Daryl was silent as she knew he would be. He stood and walked away leaving her alone with her thoughts. She didn't blame him for leaving; she knew Daryl just needed time.

Using one hand to push herself to her feet, Lake kissed her fingertips of the other and placed it on the grave. When she got home Daryl sat on their bed. He looked up as soon as she walked through the door.

"I don't know how to be a dad." Sadness and fear heavy in his voice. "I ain't ever thought I'd have kids."

Lake sat next to him on the mattress and stared ahead. "Yeah, I didn't think much of being a mom either." She felt him grab her hand. "Especially now."

"We have ta tell Merle." She scoffed at Daryl's odd concern. "He'll probably beat my ass. That or leave us."

"He won't touch you Daryl." Lake shook her head. "And would it be such a bad thing for him to leave us?" She faced Daryl. "I have faith in you. Fuck your brother. You don't need him to survive and survive well."

"He's my brother." His voice low.

Lake stood and gripped Daryl's chin. "If your brother leaves us over his niece or nephew then he isn't worth your loyalty. We need to be able to rely on him." Daryl's blue eyes were unsure. "He loves you. He won't leave."

"A baby." Daryl was far away.

"Yes, a baby. Yours and mine. A little ass kicker." Lake dropped her hand and looked up to the ceiling. "God, he or she will be the baddest child if you and I are any indication."

Daryl laughed. "I used to set shit on fire."

"I bit people." Lake admitted making them both laugh. Her smile faded as she continued to think. "I still want to rescue Judith."

"I know."

"Ya know what?" Merle asked at the door.

Lake looked over her shoulder. "Judith." She answered as she turned back around.

"What about er?" He asked again as he walked into the kitchen and sat in a chair.

"I still want to rescue her." Lake sat on Daryl's lap with an arm around his shoulders. "Oh and we're pregnant."

Merle's jaw dropped for a moment before he snapped it shut. Running a hand over his shaved head, he cursed. "Condom broke eh?" He looked to his brother who hid his face.

"Something like that." Lake replied.

"Where is the little shit?" Merle looked around for Lake's constant shadow.

"Dead." Her words curt as she picked at Daryl's shirt.

Merle looked confused. "What the hell is the matter with her?" He said to Daryl.

Daryl lifted his head, "Scud got bit. We ran into two geeks in the woods durin' our trackin' lesson. I put 'em down."

Merle slapped his knee before standing. "Well fuck me, I don't know what'ta say."

"That's a first." Lake mumbled.

"It's like a fuckin' funeral in here." Merle shouted. "My baby brother is havin' a kid. Let's celebrate. Uncle Merle is gonna teach the little shit lots of important stuff."

"God help us." Lake smiled as she stood. Holding out her hands, "Come on daddy, lets go get you drunk." Daryl groaned as she pulled him to his feet.

Merle whooped as he jumped from the porch to the ground. Lake shook her head at the crazy man. They climbed into the truck they found weeks ago and rode to the bar.

They had been in this area three months and through different scouting trips found a small bar that was untouched by destruction. Merle said it was divine intervention. He has always been an idiot.

They pulled into the parking lot to find a walker roaming around. Lake elbow Daryl and pointed. He rolled down his window and sat out on the door.

"Hold'er steady Merle." Daryl asked as he aimed his bow. Merle drove to the walker and Daryl shot. The walker dropped as the truck pulled to a stop. Lake followed Daryl out to retrieve his arrow. Merle parked the truck and jumped out.

The bar was quiet when they walked in. "Damn, with all this excitement, I need a whole bottle." Merle reached over the bar and swiped a half full bottle of whiskey. Taking a swig, he threw it to Daryl who followed his brother's actions.

Daryl held the bottle to Lake without thinking but stopped. "Sorry." He mumbled. Lake shrugged and walked to an old jukebox in the corner. Wiping the dust from the glass, she read the songs on the current page.

"Gah, I wish we had electricity. I could really use some Florence + The Machine right now."

"What the hell is that? A vibrator?" Merle roared with laughter.

Lake rolled her eyes. She watched as Daryl took another long swig of whisky. At this rate she'd have to drag him home in the bed of the truck.

Lake held her stomach as she laughed. On the stage, Merle and Daryl sang their own rendition of She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.

Merle swung his arms around as Daryl used a bottle of vodka as a microphone. There was a thump that made Lake pause. She listened but heard nothing more so she continued to watch the brother's struggle through lyrics they didn't know well.

The thump sounded again and Lake stood. Holding up a hand she tried to silence Daryl and Merle but both ignored her. She scooted into a booth and pulled down the blinds. What she saw sent her screaming and tumbling backwards.

"Shit." Daryl said as he made his way to help her up. "What the hell is the matter?" He looked at her like she was insane. She pointed to the window.

"Look out the window." She pulled her gun and checked the ammo. Merle walked up to her side slightly swaying.

"Sis, I think yer a lil coocoo." He said through slurred words.

Re-inserting the clip she cocked the gun and set it on a table. Pulling her second pistol, Lake did the same before turning to Merle.

"Fuckin' geeks! At least fifty." Daryl shouted as he scrambled from the booth and went in search of his crossbow.

"Coocoo huh?" Lake asked when she saw Merle's face pale. "I guess this crazy bitch will have to save your drunken ass."

"Where my bow!" Daryl shouted. Lake rolled her eyes as she watched her stumbling man.

"Behind the bar Daryl." She stated. Turning to Merle, she handed him one of her pistols. "Keep their attention. I have to get the truck. Meet me in the back as soon as I disappear with the truck okay?" She frowned at Merle who just nodded. She hoped they could hold it together.

Lake ran through the back of the bar ignoring Daryl's call after her. When she was out the back door, she immediately was confronted by a walker. Grabbing her knife, she drove it underneath the walker's chin. Pulling it free, she wiped her blade on her jeans and kept running. Gunshots sounded and Lake picked up pace around the building. She hesitated as the front came into view revealing the crowd of walkers trying to break into the bar. Even if she could get to the truck, it was doubtful she would be able to get it out of that crowd.

Lake took off down the road. Her heart pounded as she ran. Houses passed but she couldn't find a vehicle. A semi sat deserted at a gas station. Lake climbed up into the cab trying to catch her breath. She searched for a key but couldn't find it. Pulling down the visor, the key dropped into her lap. Hands trembling, she turned over the ignition and cursed as it sputtered.

"Come on you fucker… come on." She bounced in the driver's seat when the eighteen wheeler roared to life. Switching it into first gear, Lake pulled the truck out of the gas station careful not to hit anything. Straining to see over the dash, Lake could see the bar surrounded by walkers. As she neared it there was one more gunshot before it fell quiet.

Cursing, Lake switched into fourth and stepped on the gas. She fumbled with her seatbelt before hearing it click. The speedometer hit fifty-five when she hit the crowd. She slammed forward upon impact. The truck plowed through the walker's crushing them as it went. An arrow hit a zombie in front of the truck and Lake cheered. Daryl still had her back. She turned the semi in a wide circle before floor boarding it back through the crowd.

As she went through a second time, the semi met resistance due to the many bodies beneath it. Lake strained to get the truck through but it drew to a stop. "Shit!" She shouted. Walkers began to attack the eighteen wheeler so Lake climbed through the window and on top of the cab. Standing on the roof, she unloaded her pistol into the walkers around her. It was then that she noticed the truck had been abandoned. Jumping up and down, she screamed for Merle and Daryl. The bar door opened and the brother's ran to their truck.

Lake fought to keep her balance as the semi began to rock. The truck cranked and she looked to see Daryl climbing out the window into the truck bed.

"Lake!" He screamed. She jumped up and down again as they approached. The semi groaned as it began to tilt. Lake started to cry.

"Daryl! Hurry!" She shouted. She fell to her knees and gripped the edge of the cab.

"Get on the hood!" Daryl shouted. Lake didn't hesitate as she slid down the window onto the hood of the semi. Walkers moaned and fought to climb each other to get to her. "Shoot them!" Daryl yelled again.

"I don't have any more bullets!" Lake reached down and pulled her knife and began stabbing walkers in the face from where she sat. One walker grabbed her boot and tried to pull her from the hood. Merle plowed the truck into it and Daryl held out his arms.

Lake leapt. She sobbed as Daryl's arms embraced her. He frantically stroked her hair and kissed her face. Merle drug a couple walkers before they rolled out from beneath the truck. When they reached the gas station, Merle stopped and let Lake drive. Daryl refused to let go of her hand as they made their way back to the cabin.

The truck slid to a stop in front of the house as Merle threw open his door. "Goddamnit! That was too fucking close."

Daryl's arms went around Lake as he held her close. Merle finally stopped cursing to look at Lake, "You bit?" He asked.

Lake looked down.

"Take the cabin, check over yer girl." Merle took a pistol from the cabin before passing them. "I'll try and see if I can't find us some dinner." He stumbled and Daryl reached out to grab him. Merle shook him off, "I'm fine. Just a lil drunk is all. I work best drunk." Both knew he was lying but decided not to question Merle when he was wired.

They watched Merle disappear into the woods. Daryl jerked Lake to him. "What the fuck were you thinking you stupid girl?" He shouted at her.

"I…I just-"

"Just shut yer damned mouth." Daryl gritted out before wrapping a hand into Lake's hair and slamming their mouths together. "God, I was so…fucking…scared…" Daryl bit out through kisses. Their tongues tangled as he yanked her up and around his waist. Carrying her to the cabin, he kicked open the door before dropping them onto the bed. "You stupid…stupid…God…" He kissed frantically down her body, yanking off her clothes, as if this was the last time they'd ever love one another.

Lake arched as Daryl sucked her breasts. He groaned as her hand slid down and inside his pants to grip his cock. Thrusting into her palm, Daryl grabbed a fistful of her hair using it to pull her head back and expose her neck. He sucked the flesh of her neck, as Lake pulled off his shirt.

When the material fell, Daryl grabbed Lake's wrists and pinned then above her head. He kissed her then, their tongues fighting in anger and need. This wasn't the time to make love. Their emotions were too strained, this was about primal need.

Daryl made his way down Lake's body before using his mouth on her most intimate area. Lake screamed as an orgasm tore through her body. She was floating back down to earth when Daryl stood to yank down his pants. Grabbing her arm, he pulled her up and pushed her against the wall. Lake braced herself against the rough wood as Daryl entered her from behind.

She moaned at being filled. Daryl began moving in rhythmic thrusts as he sucked and nipped her shoulder, neck, and earlobe. His hand reached down and messaged her to the point she thought she may die of pleasure. Lake threw her head back against his broad shoulder as he continued to fuck her.

Daryl groaned and gave one final thrust just as Lake fell into oblivion. He panted heavily with her as they stood there silent.

Daryl pulled from her body and turned away. He rubbed the back of his neck with a frustrated hand. "Did I hurt ya?" He asked.

"No." Lake tried to steady her breathing. She walked to the bed and fell on her back. "That was…wow." She breathed out.

Daryl stood above her and lifted her legs one at a time examining them closely. "Checkin' ya for bites." He answered without being asked. He moved up her body until satisfied she wasn't bit.

"Thank you." Lake told him as he pulled on his pants. He shrugged.

"Don't fuckin' do that again Lake. You understand?" She had never seen Daryl more serious about anything. It was extremely sexy but she knew it wasn't the time to point out that fact.

"I promise." She told him although she knew she'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant saving his life.

"You gonna come huntin' with me?" He asked. His tone softening and returning to his shyer self. He scratched his beard and waited for her to answer.

"Yeah, I'm coming." Lake said as she stood and dressed.

Out in the woods, Daryl seemed to draw into himself. They didn't speak for awhile before he stopped and turned to her. "Look," He scratched his head and looked about. "I'm sorry for back there. For callin' you stupid. I was just-"

"It was stupid." Lake interrupted. "You weren't wrong to get upset. Don't worry about it." Daryl nodded before continuing to a trap they set earlier in the day. When they found it empty, Daryl cursed.

"We're gonna have to leave soon. Nothin's here to eat." He kicked at the dirt and wiped at his forehead.

"We need to find the others Daryl." Lake knew he hated her bringing up the others.

"They won't take Merle. Not now that we're outta the prison." Daryl said as they walked to the next trap. "I'm not leavin' my bruth'r."

"We won't leave him, but we owe it to Rick to tell him about Judith. We have a better chance of getting her back with the entire group trying to rescue her." Lake shielded her eyes against the setting sun. "It's going to get dark soon. We have to go back."

Daryl nodded, "This is our last trap." He nudged her jaw with his knuckles. "Let's hope thurs somethin' there."

As they approached the last trap, a familiar groaning sound put them on alert. The walker sat in their trap unable to get free. Daryl lifted his crossbow and took aim but Lake stopped him.

"Wait!" She yelled. Daryl swung on her as if she was crazy. She pointed, "Look at it. It is familiar. Who it is?" Daryl inched closer and squinted. The walker was missing an eye as well as most of its lower half.

"Hell if I know?" He turned to her. "Who is it?" He asked.

A gun cocked behind them. "It's The Governor." She whispered as they froze. They turned to see Rick aiming a gun at them.

"Rick?" Lake questioned with shock. "What are you doing?"

"I should kill you both." Rick said as he pointed his gun on them. "You just gave her to him?" Rick was now addressing Lake.

She shook her head slowly. "He attacked Carol and I at the prison and killed Carol when Daryl tried to rescue us…" She let her words fade.

"So you just handed her over to him without a fight?" Rick gritted out.

"Aw, fuck you man!" Daryl shouted as he raised his bow. "Lake almost died. That asshole shot her an she still dragged her fuckin' body after yer kid. Where were you?"

Both men stood with weapons pointed at one another but unspeaking. The walker strained against the trap behind them. Daryl cursed before swinging around and shooting The Governor straight through the head.

"I hate geeks." He bit out as he walked over to the walker and pulled his arrow from its skull.

"How are the others?" Lake asked. "Is Judith okay? Did you get her?"

Rick watched Lake as she questioned him. As if finding her guiltless, he dropped his gun. "Tyreese and his sister found him trying to leave the prison with her. That was when walkers attacked. They were able to get away with her but The Governor…" Rick looked over at the walkers as Daryl walked to Lake's side. "Must have been a painful death." He stated.

"Good." Lake said as she grabbed Daryl's hand and began walking away from Rick.

"Where you going?" Rick asked. Lake turned and shook her head.

"We are leaving. We have Merle and I can't be a part of a group whose leader would accuse me of something like you did." Lake looked up to Daryl who nodded. "It's best for everyone this way. We'll take it from here."

Rick seemed to be struggling with their decision but Lake didn't wait or care.

"Bye Rick." She threw over her shoulder without looking back.