Hotline

by SamiWammy

Hello : ) This is a series of one-shots based around Carol and Daryl. I am taking requests so content will vary from smut to emotional romance, horror, humor, you name it! If you want to see it happen, just send a PM. I'm a Caryl shipper through and through and I can't wait to see all the ideas you guys have for our favorite couple. Enjoy! 1st chapter is smut!

15. Territory

Hi again! I'm excited to be back so soon! We're picking up right from where we left off in the last chapter. Daryl and Carol are at the party, and Daryl decides to stick around. He needs to find out who Stephen is. Watch as our favorite hunter tries to deal with his jealousy. As always - thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead

Chapter 15: Territory

"You're amazing." said Stephen as he reached for his glass and took a sip.

Carol smiled and rolled her eyes, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

"You are."

"I wouldn't say that." she chuckled.

"Your group was out there…from the beginning." he said, still in awe.

Carol's hands were resting demurely on top of her knees.

"I can't imagine what you all must've faced…and yet…"

"What?" she asked, her blue eyes flicking to his face.

"You."

"What about me?" she laughed lightly.

Stephen raised a hand and let it drop back to his leg. "Your attitude. You're so positive. You haven't lost hope. That's incredible."

Carol almost let her mask slip, but quickly righted herself. "I'm not going to say it wasn't difficult. We had our share of rough patches…but we always managed to come through."

"I'm glad you did." he said.

She was still smiling at him. "Me too. I knew we'd find a place. Just never thought we'd come across something like this. What you all have here…what you've built…that's amazing."

It was Stephen's turn to chuckle. "Well it definitely didn't happen overnight."

"But you've been here the whole time?"

"Pretty much. I only lived about twenty miles from here when things got bad. I saw the walls go up when Reg and Deanna took the reins."

"You're lucky to have found this place early on." said Carol.

Stephen nodded and glanced down at his wine. "Sometimes…I feel guilty."

Carol's brows knit together. "About what?"

He sighed before meeting her gaze. "Being in here. Being comfortable when I know there are still people out there struggling."

"We can't always help that." she said, her voice soft. "Be glad that you didn't have to live the way we did. Like I said…it was difficult. I've seen the effects it can have on good people…strong people. It can wear them down."

Stephen's expression was thoughtful as he stared at her. "It didn't wear you down."

Carol cleared her throat and reached for her drink.

You'll never know what it did to me.

"I had good friends. I still do. If it weren't for them…I don't know that I'd be sitting here right now." she finally answered.

"Remind me to thank them." said Stephen.

She just smiled.

"If you weren't here…who'd bring the brownies?"

Carol let herself laugh. She was wiping at the corners of her eyes when she felt someone ease down onto the couch. When she turned to face the visitor, her lips parted.

It only lasted for a fraction of a second, but Daryl caught the look of surprise on her face. He took some small satisfaction from it. He gave her a slight nod in place of a greeting and then refocused on Stephen.

"Hi; I don't think we've met. I'm Stephen." The widower reached across Carol and held out his hand.

"Daryl." said the hunter. He accepted the offer and the two of them shook hands in front of Carol.

She watched the introduction with nervous skepticism.

"You're with Carol's group. Right?"

Daryl leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He nodded and took a sip of his beer.

As she sat on the sofa, Carol tried to come to terms with the fact that Stephen was on her left, and Daryl was on her right. "Didn't think you were coming." she said as she glanced at the hunter.

No shit.

"Jus figured I'd check it out."

"I was just telling Carol how glad we are to have all of you here. She's been singing your group's praises all night." said Stephen.

"That right?" Daryl asked before taking another sip of beer.

"She seems to think a lot of you all."

The hunter shrugged. "We ain't nothin' special."

Stephen chuckled. "Well; either way. It's good to have you here."

Daryl was clutching anxiously at his beer while he sized Stephen up.

Jackass.

The man's shirt was tucked into his khakis; his hair was combed and he was clean shaven. The hunter's eyes narrowed as he tried to determine if this was the sort of guy Carol wanted.

"You enjoying the party so far?" Stephen asked.

Daryl shook some of the hair out of his face. "Still gettin' used to it."

"I can understand that." said the widower.

"How 'bout you?" the hunter asked as he glanced at Carol.

"Hm?"

"All this." Daryl lifted his beer and gestured at the rest of the room. "You likin' it?" There was a very slight edge to his voice.

Carol swallowed hard. The only person who had the power to get her unhinged was Daryl. His cold blue eyes were trained on her face and she felt her heart rate speed up. She could tell by his expression that he was angry with her. The words she needed were slipping from her mind and all she could do was stare at him. The room seemed to get warmer in an instant. Sweat was quietly breaking out beneath her clothes.

As they stared at each other, images flashed in Carol's mind. Drops of water rolling down the planes of Daryl's body…His hands on her breasts. She gripped the stem of her wine glass a little tighter. When she remembered the way he'd taken her the night before…standing against the wall with her leg hitched up around his waist, Carol felt her breath catch. She knew that color was forming on her cheeks, but she couldn't help her body's reaction.

"Carol?" Stephen asked. He reached out, letting his hand rest lightly on her shoulder. "You alright?"

Suddenly shaken, she turned away from Daryl and faced the widower. His fingers burned where they touched her. "Hm?"

Daryl's teeth sank into his bottom lip as he fought to keep himself from grabbing Stephen's arm. Every instinct was urging him to stand…to drag the other man off the couch by the collar of his shirt. His left eye twitched when he imagined how it might feel to break that arm…he could almost hear the snapping sound. In less than a second, he could have Stephen on the ground…the hunter exhaled slowly, trying to control himself.

"Just asking if you were alright. Seemed like you were somewhere else for a minute."

"Oh," she smiled and shook her head. "No…I'm fine. Just a long day." A bead of sweat slid down between her breasts. She needed Stephen to stop touching her.

The widower smiled and gave her shoulder a gentle pat before withdrawing his hand.

Daryl watched with keen eyes as Stephen's arm fell away. His blood pressure was steadily rising, and his toes were curling in his boots. It didn't matter that the stranger wasn't touching Carol anymore…the fact that he'd laid hands on her at all, even if only for a few seconds, was enough to make the hunter's insides twist.

Touch her again you sorry-

But the bitter thought was interrupted by Carol's voice.

"I'm enjoying it." she said, facing Daryl again. "To answer your question."

The two locked eyes, each trying to puzzle out exactly what the other was thinking in that moment.

She continued to stare at him while she sipped her wine. The hunter looked hard, wanting to see past her front. He took in every detail…the lines and curves of her face, and he knew that she was sorry. He snorted and turned away, breaking the connection.

Don't matter. Ya let him touch ya.

Daryl brought the bottle to his lips and took a long drink.

"Glad you're havin' a good time." he muttered without looking at her.

A small crease was forming in Carol's brow as she lowered her glass. She stared at the man she cared so deeply for and tried to think of something…anything she could say to make him understand. Utterly at a loss, she sat on the couch and thought back to all the terrible situations she'd managed to overcome since the world fell apart.

She made it out of Atlanta…she survived the attack on the quarry, the herd that swarmed the farm…she'd fought to defend the prison and helped her family escape Terminus. She'd lived on the road during her exile, without a single soul to help her. All of these things, she'd endured…but for some reason, Carol couldn't seem to find the words to comfort her partner…to convince him that he was the only one she wanted.

Even if she had the words, Carol knew she wouldn't be able to say them out loud…not then and there, with Stephen sitting just over a foot away. So she cradled her glass in damp hands and cleared her throat again. "I'm really glad you came."

When she spoke, Daryl heard the sincerity in her voice. He didn't want to. He was content to stay angry with her…but he couldn't help it. The hunter cared about his mate and he needed to respond. Glancing sideways at her, he gave a small shrug.

"Figured I oughtta stop by. Least for a couple minutes."

Carol felt a little lighter. She knew she would have damage control to deal with later, but Daryl seemed to be calming down, and that was all she could really expect from him, given the circumstance. Wanting to break the awkward silence that had fallen over the three of them, Carol leaned forward and set her glass down gently on the coffee table. Bracing her hands on her thighs, she eyed both of her companions in turn.

"I don't know about you, but I'm getting kind of hungry. Can I get you gentlemen anything from the kitchen?" she asked, a polite smile plastered on her face.

"Naw…that ain't…" but Daryl didn't get a chance to finish the thought.

Carol was moving to rise from the sofa when Stephen gripped her shoulder again, keeping her in place. "You sit tight. Anything you need, I'll get it. What are you in the mood for?" he asked as he set his own glass down next to hers.

The hunter's entire body stiffened. He sat bristling and silently counted off the seconds that Stephen's hand had been on Carol's shoulder.

Panicking, she reached up and took the widower's hand carefully in her own. "No." she smiled, a nervous laugh escaping her. "No; you've done enough." she gave his hand a reassuring pat.

Every motion…every contact between Carol and Stephen made Daryl's skin hot. He could feel his temper flaring and he wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to contain it. His body was subtly trembling.

Swallowing hard, Carol stood and did her best to compose herself without either of her companions noticing. She released Stephen's hand and quickly licked her lips. "I've been sitting a little too long. It'll do me good to get up. Now what can I get you two?"

Daryl just glared at her in silence.

Stephen rubbed his neck for a moment. "Guess I could go for another brownie."

She let out a small chuckle. "That's all?"

He smiled up at her. "That'll do. Appreciate it."

Carol considered pressing Daryl again, but thought better of it. With her hands clasped, she gave the men a nod and headed towards the kitchen.

The hunter ground his teeth to keep himself from saying anything foolish. His nails were clawing at the slick bottle. He was becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of an outburst and it was taking incredible amounts of effort to remain civil. The entire thing was maddening…draining…

When he felt that he was nearing his breaking point, Daryl turned in time to catch Stephen staring at Carol's ass as she walked out of the room. Frustration quickly transformed into rage, making his heart beat faster…heavier….Blood began rushing in his ears.

Before he could speak, the widower glanced at him. "She's something, isn't she?" the man asked, chuckling.

The hunter's brows knit together, his lips parting a little as he sat in awe of the Stephen's statement.

"I mean; she runs around this place, taking care of everyone and everything…at least it seems that way. And even when she's supposed to be relaxing…enjoying herself, she's offering to help. Making trips to the kitchen…" he paused to rub his temple. "I don't know. It's just amazing. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile on her face."

Daryl wasn't sure how to respond. He didn't think he could speak without snarling…every muscle in his body seemed to tense as the seconds ticked by. He imagined what his hands might look like at Stephen's throat.

"I mean…I'm trying here but…" he sighed and reached for his glass. "She's a tough one to read. Can't tell if I'm actually earning any points, or if she's like this with everyone."

The hunter's predatory gaze was locked on Stephen.

This piece of shit's talkin' about earnin' points?

So many responses were burning on Daryl's tongue, but he exhaled through his nose and kept them to himself.

Ain't tough to read when ya got her on her back, 'n she's beggin' ya to finish her…

He had one hand resting on his thigh; it was slowly curling into a fist.

"You've been part of the same group since the beginning, right? You must know her pretty well."

Daryl's eyes flicked to the other man's face.

I know what it fuckin' feels like when she comes…

"Hate to ask…but…any advice you can give me?" Stephen chuckled and took a sip of his wine.

Daryl realized he needed to say something; he'd been silent for too long. "Advice?" he growled.

"You know; tips…suggestions…anything that might give me a little bit of an edge here. It's been a while since I've done this sort of thing." the widower admitted.

The hunter brought the bottle to his lips again.

She likes bein' on top…she likes when ya play with her first…teasin'

Daryl wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist and tried to decide on an appropriate answer.

"Come on," Stephen urged. "You must know something."

But Daryl just lowered his gaze and shook his head. "Naw."

"Really? Nothing?"

The hunter could see Stephen in the periphery of his vision. "Naw. I ain't the one to ask."

"Oh." The widower sighed. "You two aren't close?"

The hair at the base of Daryl's neck stood up suddenly. He knew then, as he stared at the other man, that he'd wind up causing a scene if he didn't leave. With so much aggression teeming just below his skin, it was all the hunter could do to keep his mouth shut. Struggling against a powerful, all-consuming urge to lash out and strike something, Daryl rose from the couch.

Before he turned to leave, he eyed Stephen one last time. "Didn't say that. Just said I ain't the one to ask." The words came out as low growls, and Daryl wasn't interested in waiting for a response. He took another swig of his beer and left the widower behind him.

Jackass.

---

Carol was gripping the counter as she pulled a deep, calming breath into her lungs.

It's fine. Everything is fine. Stephen doesn't mean any harm…and Daryl just has to accept what's taking place between us. This is necessary.

She swore she could still feel the man's hand on her shoulder.

Forget it. It didn't mean anything.

She took another cleansing breath and shook off a sudden chill.

"Hey."

The familiar voice nearly made her jump. She turned to find Rick and Jessie standing just feet away. They both held drinks in their hands.

"Hi." she said, trying to sound calm.

"How's it goin' out there?" the deputy asked.

Carol smiled as she resumed her task. "It's pretty good. Everyone's been very friendly. Just came in here on a snack-run." She grabbed a spatula and lifted a few of the remaining brownies from the baking dish before dropping them onto a small plate.

"See?" said Jessie as she glanced at Rick. "This was a good idea. Bringing everyone together. I'm glad it's going well."

The deputy stared down at the contents of his glass. "Guess you're right. Just think it's gonna take some getting used to…this sort of thing. I haven't…we haven't…"

Jessie stopped him. "I know. It's a lot; but we're trying. It'll probably take a while for this to become your 'normal,'…but you'll get there."

"Listen to her Rick." said Carol. "We'll get there." She flashed them both a quick smile and grabbed the plate.

"Those were amazing by the way." said Jessie, her eyes going to the brownies. "The cookies you made last week were great, but these are just incredible. The boys are going to nag me until I figure out how to make them."

"Oh; it's nothing." Carol laughed. "Come over one of these afternoons and I'd be happy to show you."

"I might have to take you up on that."

Rick took a sip of his drink as he watched the exchange. He and Carol locked eyes for half a heartbeat, an understanding passing between them. The deputy gave her a subtle nod, letting her know that she was doing fine.

"Well, I'm gonna head back. Maybe I'll see you two out there." she smiled at them before hurrying on her way.

As she stepped back out into the living room, Carol wondered what was taking place between Rick and Jessie. She'd noticed the two of them talking on several occasions that night, and it made her anxious. It had only taken one brief interaction with the man but Carol was convinced that Jessie's husband was abusive. She was certain he wouldn't take kindly to the idea of his wife spending her free time with a stranger...a newcomer.

No time to worry about that now. Rick can take care of himself.

Working to keep her breathing even and her expression pleasant, Carol made her way towards the sofa. With each step, she wondered what might be waiting for her. She'd taken a risk leaving Stephen and Daryl alone together.

Carol trusted the hunter, as much as she'd ever trusted anyone, but she knew he had his limits. The more she thought about it, the more concerned she became. Attending the party was practically a punishment for Daryl, and Stephen's presence wasn't helping. She supposed it wasn't entirely absurd to think that there could be an outburst.

Please. Please just let this go smoothly.

Her hands were shaking where she gripped the plate.

You can do this.

Steeling herself, Carol kept walking. She moved through the crowd, but froze before she'd gone too far. Lifting her chin, she quickly scanned the room.

"Carol!"

Her brows knit together when she realized that the voice belonged to Daryl. Changing course, she tried to find her partner. She breathed a small sigh of relief when she spotted him standing in the hall that ran past the living room.

At least there's some distance between him and Stephen.

With the smile still on her lips, Carol stopped and stood a few feet from the hunter. "Hey. Still enjoying the party?"

Daryl snorted. He was leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. "Ya wanna drop the Susie Homemaker bit for a second?"

She cast a quick glance around the hall, making sure that there wasn't anyone close enough to overhear their conversation.

"Would ya quit? Jesus…" he growled under his breath.

"I'm just being careful." she snapped. "One of us should be."

He scuffed his boot on the floor and rolled his eyes.

"Wanna tell me what we're doing?"

"What; you got somewhere ya need to be?"

Carol sighed. "I told Stephen I was grabbing him something from the kitchen. I should get back there."

Daryl pushed himself away from the wall. "So that's it huh? Gotta go runnin' back to that jackass?"

Carol could feel her temperature rising. "Keep your voice down."

"Or what?" he growled.

She didn't have an answer for him.

He snorted again. "That's what I thought."

The plate was still shaking in her grasp. "Do you have any concept of how important this is?"

"Guess I don't."

"Clearly." she hissed.

"Wanna explain it then?"

Her blue eyes were cold as she glared at him. "That jackass…is one of the only things standing between us and our weapons. Or are you fine with your bow collecting dust in that building?"

"I ain't fine with any of this shit."

"If it's really bothering you that much...you should go."

Daryl glared right back at her. "That's what ya want, ain't it?"

"What?" she blinked, trying to understand the argument they were having.

"Just want me outta your damn hair so ya can carry on with that prick."

"Carry on?"

"How far ya plannin' to let it go?" He'd begun pacing a little.

Carol had to stare up at the ceiling for a moment. When she felt that she could speak without screaming, she refocused on the hunter. "I really…truly hope…that you're not saying what I think you're saying."

Daryl locked eyes with her. "You let that asshole touch ya."

"You think I liked it? Is that what this is about?"

"You tell me." he snapped.

Carol was about to let bitter words fly from her lips. She even took a threatening step in Daryl's direction, but her expression began to change when she realized what was happening.

"Oh my god…" she breathed.

"What?"

Carol stared at him in awe for several seconds.

"You're jealous…"

The hunter opened his mouth but couldn't seem to speak.

"That's what this is."

"It ain't…" he argued, backing away from her.

"It is."

He turned away and brought his thumb to his mouth.

"Daryl…"

"Naw."

Carol sighed as she tried to determine how to handle him.

"I'm just trying to get our weapons back. That's all. Stephen's the key to the arsenal. That is the only use I have for him."

Daryl shrugged. He still had his back to her.

"And I wasn't a fan of the touching."

He glanced at her over his shoulder.

"I swear." she said.

"Y'know I about broke that prick's arm, right?"

Carol smirked at him. "I'm glad you didn't."

He finally gave in and turned around, only to lean back against the same wall. His thumb was still at his mouth.

"I didn't want that man's hands on me anymore than you did."

"You sure about that?" he growled softly.

"Positive."

Daryl eyed his mate as he tried to gauge her sincerity.

"Come on…I think you know me better than that. What would I want with him?"

He shrugged again.

She moved in closer, whispering to him. "Yours are the only hands I'm interested in."

The hunter let his thumb fall away from his mouth. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." she smiled.

Daryl glanced to his right and inspiration seemed to strike. Moving from his spot against the wall, he walked down the hallway. He stopped in front of what appeared to be a closet.

Carol's eyes were narrowing as she watched him.

He pulled the door open slowly then lifted his chin to meet her gaze.

A deep crease was forming in Carol's brow.

No…he's not…

But the hunter hadn't moved. He was casually holding the door open, his eyes still on hers.

Carol looked around nervously, as if she could feel someone watching the two of them. When she refocused on Daryl, she could've sworn that he was smirking a little.

She stared at him in utter amazement and mouthed 'no.'

The hunter wasn't fazed. He let one hand slide down into his pocket while he continued to wait for her.

Still holding the plate of brownies, Carol made her way down the hall. When she reached her partner, she had to work to keep her voice down. "Stop."

"Stop what?"

"Whatever this is." she gestured at the open door.

"Quit stallin'."

"Stalling? Daryl….we can't do this."

"Longer ya drag this out, the harder it's gonna be to explain to that jackass where ya been."

"You're serious?"

"You think I'm playin'?"

"Daryl…" she sighed, her eyes closing for a moment.

"What? Tellin' me you're gonna spend the rest of the night cozyin' up to that asshole, but you can't kill a couple minutes with me?"

"I'm not 'cozying' up to him…"

"Then c'mon."

"No." she said, her teeth clenched.

Daryl lowered his gaze for several seconds. When his eyes flicked back to her face, he knew what he had to say.

"I'm startin' to think ya want him."

Carol's lips parted. "Daryl; I do not want Stephen."

"Ya'll looked real friendly on that couch."

She knew what he was doing. "Quit."

"Go on back there if that's what ya want."

"We can't do this…" she insisted, her patience wearing thin.

"I don't wanna see your ass sneakin' into my room later."

"Excuse me?"

"You need tendin' to…ya best find that new friend of yours."

"I don't want him Daryl…" Carol was running out of ways to say it.

"Naw?"

"No." She released a heavy sigh, knowing that she was falling directly into his trap. "I want you."

The lovers stared at one another.

"Go on 'n show me then." he nodded towards the open closet, his eyes never leaving her face.

Carol blew out a breath and took one last look around, but the hall was deserted. The party guests were still gathered in the living room and the kitchen. No one had wandered in Daryl and Carol's direction yet.

She braced herself as she finally gave in and walked into the closet. Daryl followed after her and locked the door behind them.

The second they were alone, the hunter took the plate from her hands and set it on the ground. There was no light, and they had to rely on what they could feel. With limited space, they quickly collided. Daryl held her face in his hands as he kissed her. Carol couldn't help it…she moaned when his lips hit hers.

Wanting to stay close to him, she pressed her body into his while the kiss deepened. He was gentle as he held her, but his tongue sank eagerly into her mouth. She let him in, savoring his taste…a taste she'd been missing all day. Since they'd started whatever was going on between them, Carol had been struggling to decide what she enjoyed more…kissing Daryl, or sleeping with him.

After what could only be described as one of the best weeks of her life, she'd discovered that her partner could make her weak just by exploring her mouth. They didn't need to be naked…they didn't even need to be in bed. Whenever he kissed her, Carol felt her entire body come to life. He made her toes curl and her heart thrum.

"Fuck…" he breathed against her lips.

She shivered as she continued to kiss him. Her hands were massaging his chest, then sliding up to his shoulders. Color rushed to her cheeks when she felt his tongue, warm and wet, stroking hers. The sensation made her walls open…it was more than Carol could handle in that cramped closet.

"Stop…" she gasped.

"Naw." he growled as he ducked down to suck at the crook of her neck.

His lips hit her skin and she couldn't breathe.

"Fuck…" she reached for his long hair and pulled.

He bit her neck as his hands moved down to her sides.

"Don't…" she pleaded, the words coming out as breathy moans. "Don't…leave marks.."

But Daryl wasn't listening. All he cared about was being with his mate…touching her, tasting her…he grunted against her skin and sucked harder.

Carol whimpered in the dark.

The hunter closed his eyes as he memorized the taste of her skin. It sparked something inside him, and he gripped her waist. Every soft moan, every little gasp resonated with him. He wanted to stay trapped in the closet with her, giving in to the need that had been plaguing him since he woke up that morning.

Carol's fingers were winding in her lover's hair as she fought to keep from crying out. His warm breath on her neck was making her restless. He seemed to be everywhere at once and she wanted to lose herself in his touch.

As far as the two hungry people were concerned; time stopped the moment they entered the closet. There was no party…no world outside. It was just heat, hands, lips and groans. Rational thoughts were fading quickly, only to be replaced with pure desire.

Need drew them back together and Daryl kissed her hard. She pressed into him, loving the pressure. Breathing him in, Carol could smell the drops of water in his hair. She smiled into the kiss and combed her fingers lovingly through his locks.

"You cleaned up." she whispered between kisses.

The hunter released her waist long enough to pull his jacket off. "Mhmm." he grunted as his tongue flicked against hers. The leather hit the floor with a soft thud.

She laughed lightly, letting one hand trail back down to his chest. Carol felt the fabric of his shirt and realized he hadn't been wearing it earlier. "You even changed…" she mused.

Daryl sucked her bottom lip as he reached around to grab her ass. "I'm tryin'…"

Mimicking his actions, Carol's hands moved down his body until they dipped into his back pockets. She clutched at his ass, wishing he was naked. "You did all this for me?" she breathed.

The hunter bit his own lip as blood poured into his groin. "Maybe I did. Ya like it?"

She pushed her hips into his and kissed his jaw.

Growling, Daryl used his grip on her ass to keep her body flush with his. He held her against him as his cock got harder. "Son of a bitch…" he groaned.

Carol clawed at his ass through his pants.

The way she touched him made Daryl throb. His shaft was swelling and he needed friction. "Christ…"

They kissed as his erection continued to grow between them. Her tongue Slipped into his mouth, caressing him. Their moans seemed to make the small space warmer and sweat broke out on their brows. As they enjoyed one another, Carol forgot her mission…her charade. The hunter's strong hands were squeezing her ass, and Stephen became a distant memory. She didn't care about the brownies, or making good impressions; she just wanted Daryl. Every last piece of him.

She clutched at his ass one more time before letting her hands glide up his back. He felt so good…strong, warm. He was grabbing her waist again, his thumbs pressing in near her hips. Carol gasped and smiled. The hunter stopped kissing her and they stood close, panting as they studied one another in the gloom.

"What?" he asked, a smirk forming on his mouth.

She blushed as she wound her arms around his neck. "Nothing. I just like touching you."

"Yeah?" his fingers inched under the hem of her sweater, finding bare skin.

Carol was playing with the ends of his shaggy hair. "Yeah."

"That all ya like?"

She kept her eyes on his and slowly shook her head.

Intrigued, Daryl began advancing, forcing her to back up. A nervous giggle bubbled up from her chest as she tried not to stumble. There wasn't much room, and it didn't take long before she felt a wall at her back. With the hunter standing his ground in front of her, Carol had nowhere to go. She could feel heat rising from his skin, making it difficult to breathe.

Daryl swallowed hard, refusing to look away. "Tell me…"

"T..tell you what?" she stammered, her heart rate speeding up.

His hands moved slowly up her smooth stomach, over her bra. "Everything ya like…everything ya want…"

She had to close her eyes when he gripped her breasts. A tremor moved through her and she clawed the back of his neck.

"Go on," he urged gently as he pushed his hips into hers.

But all she could do was moan.

Daryl let his forehead rest against hers. His body was vibrating with need, but he wanted to wait her out. "Tell me woman." he breathed. A bead of sweat slid down along his jaw.

His scent was all around her…making her hungry. With those incredible hands on her breasts, she was at his mercy. "God Daryl…"

"Please," he begged, nuzzling her damp brow.

She groaned and clung to his neck. "You…I want you…"

The hunter's groin tightened. He growled at the feeling of his shaft pressing fiercely against his zipper. "Go on…"

Carol could feel his arousal and it took her breath away. She knew she would never get used to him. Quickly losing the battle with her willpower, she moved her fingers back into his hair…as if she could control him…control what was happening between them.

"I want everything." she whispered.

Daryl just grunted, nuzzling her again. His eyes were slammed shut as warm blood rushed to his manhood.

She moaned softly. "You…your body…all of it." Carol didn't wait for permission. Her hands slid from his hair and she quickly reached for his belt.

The hunter squeezed her breasts to keep himself from snarling.

"You should just quit wearing these." she teased.

Daryl let himself chuckle. "You gonna quit wearin' panties?" His chest was heaving as he waited for Carol to free him.

Her lids were getting heavy. "If you want me to." She smirked at him through the dark.

The tip of his cock leaked. He could hear the zipper coming down. The lovers held their breath as Carol's warm hand finally slipped down into his boxers, her fingers curling around the base of his thick shaft.

"Fuck…" she whined. He was already pulsing in her grasp.

"Yeah?" he breathed, licking his lips.

Carol glanced up into his face, a strong flush on her cheeks. "You're amazing."

"Christ…" he growled, another drop of liquid forming at the head of his cock. "Baby…ya can't say shit like that.." his hips bucked involuntarily.

Her lips spread into an amused smile as she massaged him. He'd never called her that before… "But it's true. This…" she ran her hand along his length. "You…everything. It's incredible."

Daryl couldn't take it. He ducked down, seeking shelter in the crook of her neck while she toyed with him. He let his hips buck into her hand every few seconds.

The sound of strained breathing and pounding hearts filled the closet. Carol took in every detail as she caressed her partner. She felt the warmth of his flesh, the weight of it in her palm…the way it seemed to throb when she pulled…It was reminding her of how painfully empty she was. He whined a little with every stroke. She rubbed the swollen head, feeling his slickness…it eased the way as her hand slid back down his cock.

"You're so hard…" she whispered. The words tripped off the end of her tongue before she could stop them.

Daryl sank his teeth into her neck, his member jerking suddenly.

"Baby…" she breathed, losing herself. Her grip tightened on his shaft.

Her touch was torturing him. Daryl didn't understand how everything she did could be so maddening. She'd touched him so many times before, but this was different. They were dragging it out…They were hiding together in a small closet, working to keep their voices down. He had his woman's breasts in his hands, her soft praises echoing in his ears, and her pale fingers wrapped around his cock. The hunter wanted her to keep stroking…keep whispering, but he knew that it would be too much. He was already close…

"You feel so good," she moaned as she rubbed him up and down.

Daryl's fingers were curling around the edge of her bra cups, tugging them down. He gasped when he felt her nipples.

There was a sudden, sharp pain between Carol's legs and she realized that she'd already lost control. It was just supposed to be a few frantic minutes together… She hadn't planned on anything more than kissing. But Daryl was irresistible. When he touched her, kissed her…caught her flesh between his teeth, she couldn't turn him away. As he brought her body to life, Carol knew that nothing had ever felt better. She'd spent her entire life hiding, scared…waiting for the next round of undeserved pain…it was difficult to accept that her reality had undergone such a dramatic transformation.

The hunter wasn't tearing her down…striking her…he used his hands to build her up and bring her joy. She wanted to savor every second with him…make the minutes last. The thought of leaving the closet was enough to make her groan. Her hand continued to massage his member.

"Jesus…" he whined.

Daryl's mind was reeling as he enjoyed his partner's touch. They struggled together in the dark, trying to control themselves. The stimulation was powerful, intoxicating… He felt weightless, dizzy, invincible as she stroked his length. Even through the heavy haze of his own lust, the hunter could tell that something deeper was taking place in the closet. No one had ever touched him the way that Carol did. He'd been with women, out of pure need…but names and faces had never been important. He'd been selfish, guarded…using his partners like vessels. That's all they ever were to him. Carol was different.

She frustrated him, emotionally…physically, like no one else. She wasn't afraid to challenge him, and the hunter naturally responded to her confidence. She'd earned her place in their world and Daryl respected her. He knew that she could survive without him…without any of the others. The realization only made him want her more. He wanted a chance to feel close to someone he considered an equal. Whenever he was inside her, the hunter experienced an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Knowing that she trusted him enough to share her body gave Daryl worth…and he'd grown addicted to that feeling.

He didn't deserve what she'd given him. The pleasure, the intimacy, the freedom…but she was still there…standing with him. She was touching him, loving him, making him feel as though his legs might give…and all he could do was growl into the crook of her neck. His thumbs brushed the tight peaks of her nipples and his cock pulsed in her hand.

"That's it." she breathed.

"Naw…"

"It's okay. I want you to."

Daryl was trembling as he fought the urge to come. He bit her neck to release some of the tension trapped inside him.

Carol squeezed his cock and they both swore.

"Quit…" he pleaded, his eyes slammed shut.

But Carol just shook her head. "You're close."

The sound of her hushed words made him throb.

"It's okay. I wanna get you there."

He tugged weakly at her nipples and grunted.

"Please…let go." Her free hand slid under his shirt and she felt his stomach quiver.

"Carol…"

"What is it baby?"

"I want ya." he growled softly, his hips bucking again.

Wetness hit her core and she stopped the motion of her hand.

Daryl finally pulled back from the warmth of her neck and they locked eyes. Breathing hard, the lovers each waited for the other to speak. He memorized her face…the incredible combination of need and doubt in her expression. He knew she wanted it, but he needed to hear her say the words.

His fingertips grazed her nipples lightly and he felt her body shiver in response. Carol's grip had loosened on his manhood and she didn't know what to say. It was dangerous…being so close to him. His scent alone had the power to make her wet. The way he was studying her made it impossible to think straight. Every last cell was screaming for contact.

"We…we can't…" she said, her mouth going dry.

The hunter was silent but for the sound of his breathing.

"Not here."

Daryl's ocean-colored eyes were trained on her.

"We can't." she repeated.

The hunter couldn't wait anymore. He moved into her space, catching her mouth with his. When he heard her moan, his tongue slipped under hers. The pain in her core intensified and she knew her body needed him. Daryl put everything he wanted into that kiss…his lips moving gently against hers while he explored her mouth. He wanted to give her what she gave him…make her blood sing, get her high…

He sucked at her tongue and felt his cock growing. Knowing that she didn't have the strength to fight him, Daryl reached for her zipper.

"No…" she muttered between kisses. But Carol was panting against his lips, needing him more with each passing second.

The hunter undid her zipper and immediately began pushing the khaki's down her slim thighs. Goosebumps rose where his fingers brushed her. The wall at her back held her up.

"Stop…" she moaned, but the plea was empty. She let Daryl catch her bottom lip between his teeth.

He only broke the kiss to tug her pants the rest of the way down. She stepped out of them automatically. Daryl was drawn back to her lips and they groaned into each others mouths. He pushed his hips into hers and she pushed back, needing friction. Carol was still mumbling 'no' as he caressed her tongue with his own, but her hands moved to her panties just the same. Before she could push them down, the hunter pulled away from her mouth.

They were panting in the gloom…their bodies so close together. Daryl held his lover's gaze as he reached for her hands. "Don't." he breathed, his tongue darting out over his lips.

Carol swallowed hard, sweat dripping into the well of her throat. "Wh…what?"

The hunter's eyes flicked down to the lace that covered her core. There was a rumble low in his chest as his manhood throbbed. "Leave 'em on."

Carol nearly slid down the wall. She could feel her knees giving way.

Daryl was still staring at her panties as he pushed his pants and boxers down low on his hips. All he could think about was getting inside her.

Feeling her natural hunger rush to the surface, she reached for his neck and pulled him violently towards her until they collided. She kissed him hard, sucking and biting at his lips…making him snarl. He bucked his hips and felt the lace brush his cock.

"Fuck…" he panted against her lips.

Instincts took over and Carol brought one leg up. Daryl's broad hands went to the backs of her thighs and he lifted her almost effortlessly. With the wall at her back and Daryl's body in front of her, Carol was trapped. Her legs wound around his waist and she immediately began writhing against him. She could feel the hard outline of his cock rubbing her sex.

"Still think we can't?" he growled. The words were low and laced with need.

Carol's hands formed tight fists in his hair. "Stop talking." she breathed.

With a half smirk on his face, Daryl reached down between them. He had to bite his lip when he felt the damp fabric of her panties. "Shit…"

She let the back of her head rest against the wall as her core tightened.

The hunter strained to see through the dark. His fingers explored, dipping down until he could feel the source of the moisture. His eyes closed as he slowly rubbed the fabric, enjoying how wet it was.

Carol couldn't take the teasing. She needed him to fill her. He was so close to her entrance and her walls were already contracting. The desire tore through her suddenly, bursting from her lips. "Touch me!" she whined, her body desperate for penetration. "Please…now…"

"Fuck woman…" strands of hair were hanging in his eyes. "Ya want it?"

The pain in her core made her wince. She could feel his fingertips stroking the fabric…

He pressed against the crotch of her panties, making more wetness seep from inside her. "That bad?"

Carol was ready to scream. She'd never needed anything or anyone as badly as she needed Daryl in that moment. She wanted to feel full. "Please…" she begged.

The hunter drug a single fingertip up slowly along the crotch of her panties and felt her shudder.

"Daryl…" she hissed, clawing at the ends of his hair.

But the hunter didn't answer. He simply pushed the thin fabric aside, revealing her wet core. Carol's walls were open and ready for him. "Hold onto me woman."

She managed a nod and did her best to keep her legs around him.

Daryl was breathing hard as he fought to keep his mate pinned to the wall. He used one hand to hold the crotch of her panties out of the way while the other gripped his cock. When he pressed the blunt head against her slickness, the hunter sighed in ecstasy. The thrill never seemed to go away.

"Yeah," Carol moaned. She tilted her pelvis, trying to coax him in.

He belonged with her. It felt too good…her breasts, her lips, her sex…her entire body fascinated him. When they were together, Daryl's orgasms were so intense that he swore he'd blacked out on a few occasions. She always took everything from him, leaving the hunter aching, spent and completely satisfied. Daryl had never experienced physical pleasure like that with anyone else. He knew it had to mean something. That what they were doing was right…It had to be.

The hunter let himself indulge as he pushed the tip of his member gently against her entrance. Releasing the lace, his hand moved to the underside of her left thigh where he squeezed her flesh. He was still gripping his shaft, keeping it in place between her legs. Daryl's eyes were closed as he rubbed himself back and forth along her wetness.

"Fuckin' hell…I love this pussy." he growled, almost as if he were speaking to himself.

Carol whimpered. She could feel pressure where the swollen head was pushing against her sex.

Daryl continued to move his hips, letting the tip slide along her slit. "Shit…ya keep it so wet…"

She tugged at his hair again…her body was starting to shake with an unfulfilled need.

"Ya want it?" he breathed.

"Fuck…yes." The pain in her core was too strong.

He gripped himself a little tighter. "Ya want this cock in your pussy?"

Carol forced herself to look him in the eye. She was panting, her chest heaving…but she held his gaze. "I want it all."

Daryl lunged for her mouth, wanting to consume her. They seemed to breathe into one another…their tongues meeting time and again. The kisses were heated, wet…almost angry. He sucked her bottom lip, letting her taste flood his mouth. The sensation of her soft lips moving against his was giving the hunter a strong rush that he could feel from his head to his toes. Needing to move, he angled his hips and worked to guide himself to the right spot.

A sharp gasped escaped Carol when she felt him begin to push. It never got easier for him to penetrate her, but she didn't care. She wasn't complete without him, and she was willing to endure as much pain as it took to be with her partner. Every time, an unrestrained swear would fly from her lips and her body would freeze. It didn't matter. Carol needed to feel him inside her. So she kept sneaking into his room, shedding her clothes and letting their bodies join.

Loving him every night for the past seven days had taken its toll. She'd nearly forgotten what it was like to walk, sit or stand without a strong ache between her legs. The soreness had become familiar. It was just one more thing she had to work to keep hidden throughout the day.

Daryl was already lightheaded from their kisses, which made breaching her entrance that much more difficult. Her mouth was wonderfully distracting, sweet…wet…and he could feel the lace of her panties grazing his shaft. But she pulled his hair suddenly, spurring him on, and the hunter focused on pressing against her softness. The slick evidence of her arousal was coating the head of his cock, driving him crazy.

Impatient, desperate…The hunter clutched the flesh of her left thigh hard and bucked his hips. A deep crease formed in Carol's brow as she whimpered into their kisses. Daryl couldn't seem to get inside her. The resistance was too strong. The tip of his member tightened and he worried that he would come out of sheer frustration. His shaft had gone completely rigid.

"Baby…" he groaned. "Let me in."

Carol clawed at his scalp and tried to breathe. With her eyes closed, she focused on her core. She let her need for her lover course through her veins until she could feel her body transforming. Slowly…her walls re-opened and her passage widened. "N…now…" she whispered.

Daryl gripped her thigh and thrust. The lovers both let out long, painful moans as the head of the hunter's cock pushed past her tight ring. The shaft followed, sliding up smoothly into her sex until her pelvis was flush with his. When he felt his length slipping into her, Daryl shuddered. He hadn't expected her body to swallow him so suddenly.

Carol arched into the thrust, taking him all the way into her pussy. She continued to moan as her walls began molding around his hard-on. Her thighs were already trembling. She pulled his hair and felt him pulse deep inside.

For several seconds, the hunter let himself savor the connection. He didn't move…he didn't speak. He simply closed his eyes and focused on the warmth of her sex…the way she gripped him. Her core was slick and soft against his cock…her body welcoming him in.

"Aw…Christ…" he could feel her leaking around the base of his shaft. "That pussy's wet…"

The sound of his voice was enough to make her insides quiver. She swallowed hard and tried to get the words out. "Y…you….you do that to me."

"Fuck…" he growled, squeezing her thighs.

"Please…"

Daryl was growing inside her.

She whimpered again, rocking her hips a little.

The hunter couldn't take it anymore. He bit his bottom lip and thrust hard, taking the air from both of their lungs. He felt himself hit the top and her core seemed to tighten instantly.

Carol's mouth was open but she couldn't speak…she couldn't even moan. The pain and pressure between her legs was overwhelming. His shaft was stretching her.

But Daryl didn't need her to say anything. He hissed as he pulled back, his member slipping through her passage until only the first few inches remained inside. The way she rubbed him as he moved…it made him restless and he forced himself back in before either of them could blink.

Her core was full and she tugged angrily at his hair.

"Yeah?" he breathed.

Carol bucked against the invading hardness.

The hunter lunged for her mouth, kissing her as his hips began to move between her legs. He kept her open with his cock and her legs tightened around his waist. Her tongue slid past his while his member sank into her softness. His hands moved roughly to her ass as they rocked against one another.

Every inhibition disappeared. There was no concern for consequences…Carol just needed him. So she held his hair in her fists and let her body arch into his. The wall made her back ache, but she didn't care. Once Daryl set the pace inside her, pain became pleasure and she quickly began to lose herself. With her eyes closed and her mouth open, she focused on her lover's body…on the way he pushed himself into her sex with no restraint. His long, hard shaft was sliding all the way up into her softest parts.

"H…harder…" she stammered.

Daryl pulled back. He was panting, his shirt growing darker with sweat.

Carol's eyes fluttered open when she felt him looking at her. He continued to buck between her thighs.

"Ya sure?" he growled, his tongue darting out over his lips.

She let one hand trail down to his neck while the other remained in his hair. They stared at each other, but Carol couldn't bring herself to say the words. As she studied her lover's face in the dark, and felt his hips move, she realized that she'd spent her entire life being careful. All she'd ever done was hide, plan, calculate...before the turn and after…the caution was necessary. Her survival depended on it.

She didn't take chances…until she kissed Daryl in that kitchen. Ever since that night, Carol had been aware of a change taking place. Pure physical hunger could seize her in an instant…forcing her to seek relief in her lover's bed. As a wife, she'd grown used to being docile..submissive when it came to sex. But with Daryl…she came to life. They moved together, as equals, giving and taking…offering up everything they had. They pleasured one another until they were both spent. It was always with a sense of urgency and desperation that he took her, and Carol matched his enthusiasm stroke for stroke.

Her breath caught as the hunter thrust again. She focused on his blue eyes, fascinated by the color. Every time their bodies joined, Carol could feel herself waking from a deep sleep. He pulled her into the present, loving her the way no one ever had. She knew that this version of herself…the woman who was wrapped around the hunter, sweating and struggling...she'd always been there. The passionate, reckless animal who cried out in pain as her mate took her in a cramped closet…she was the person Carol had been waiting her whole life to become.

She didn't know what the future held for her and Daryl…whether the connection would last. But she wanted to embrace it for as long as she could. He pushed up suddenly, nearly hurting her, and she gasped. The rush that came with every motion of his hips made Carol's head swim. Adrenaline was speeding through her veins, forcing her to move.

Watching him as he watched her…their bodies working in perfect sync, Carol could feel her pleasure building. His damp hair was slipping through her fingers, but there was nothing she could do. He gripped her ass hard, making her moan.

"Ya sure…" he muttered again.

Carol's insides hugged his length as he slipped in deeper. She couldn't take it and her head went back to rest against the wall. "Yes! Yes…please…"

Daryl seized the opportunity to bite her neck and jerk his hips. Her core tightened again. "God…damn…woman…" the words were hot on her skin.

"Baby…"

"I'm tryin'…" he grunted as he pushed himself into her.

"Oh fuck!" she groaned. Her nails were clawing at the back of his neck.

The feeling of her ass in his hands was fueling the hunter's need, making his cock throb within her walls. All he wanted was his woman. He wanted to feel her come undone all around him. Her slender legs were locked around his waist, keeping their pelvises flush…his manhood buried inside her. As her amazing body continued to welcome him in, Daryl couldn't help but to feel like he belonged there.

He loved her harder, grinding his hips into hers while she writhed against him. Her sounds echoed in his ears as he sucked at the crook of her neck. He knew then; he'd never enjoyed a woman's body the way he enjoyed Carol's. The taste of her skin on his tongue…the salt…it made him growl. Her scent was addictive and he couldn't seem to stop breathing her in.

With his strong cock between her thighs, Carol could feel herself nearing the edge. All he had to do was keep pushing. Every thrust made her weaker and her breaths became staggered. She could feel his scruff on her neck and the powerful suction of his mouth.

"Baby…it's…so good…." she sighed, arching into him.

"Damn." he snarled, bucking hard.

Carol's eyes rolled back before they closed. When his length slid into her heat, her entire body shivered. "God."

"Aw…" the head of his cock was getting tight.

"Just…don't…stop."

"I won't," he muttered into the crook of her neck. "I won't."

Pulsing and aching, the lovers unleashed the animals inside them and pleasured one another in the dark.

---

Michonne was doing her best to appear interested in the conversation that Deanna and Reg were having in front of her. The couple managed to corner her early on and she'd been looking for any excuse to duck out. While Deanna continued to share her plans for growth in Alexandria, Michonne's eyes scanned the room for any sign of an ally.

She hugged herself, feeling strangely uncomfortable in her long-sleeve top. She was growing increasingly anxious until she caught sight of Glenn. He was moving through the living room and seemed to be looking for something. She refocused on her companions and cleared her throat politely.

"I'm sorry; Just need to talk to Glenn for a minute. Excuse me."

"Oh no. You're fine. Please." Reg gave her a smile as he gestured out at the rest of the room. "Think we've taken up too much of your time already." he chuckled.

"I'll be back." she lied, nodding to each of her companions in turn.

"No rush. Enjoy yourself!" Deanna called after her.

Michonne smiled at them over her shoulder before moving out into the crowd. She made a bee-line for Glenn and reached out, catching him lightly by the arm. "Hey."

"Hey. What's up?"

"Not much. Just needed a break." she glanced back at Deanna and Reg; Glenn followed her gaze.

"Yeah. They're talkers." he said.

"How are you holding up?"

His hands went to his hips as he looked around the room. "Fine. Just…"

"What?" she asked, her arms folding across her chest.

"Nothing. I lost track of Daryl."

"He was here?"

"Saw him a little while ago…he must've ducked out."

"Didn't think he'd show." she said, shrugging.

"Yeah. I was hoping he'd hang around for a while." Glenn moved closer and lowered his voice. "I just think we should stick together for things like this."

Her expression grew thoughtful. "Me too."

Glenn blew out a breath. "Mind checking on Maggie? I'll be back."

"Sure."

"Thanks. She was with Tara and Rosita."

"I got it. Go on."

He nodded before turning away. As he hurried through the room, Glenn tried to remember where the first-floor bathroom was. He'd overheard Deanna explaining it to another party-goer, but it managed to slip his mind shortly thereafter. The evening held too many distractions for him.

Lost in thought, Glenn failed to notice that the sounds of music and conversation were fading. He'd wandered past the living room, and found himself in a hallway. Scratching idly at the back of his head, he looked left and right. He could see a few different doors on either side of the hall, and knew one of them must lead to the bathroom.

Sighing, he tried to wrap his head around the fact that the Alexandrians had all been living in pristine, fully furnished houses since things fell apart. The fact that they'd had access to running water…hot water, and seemingly unobtainable luxuries like hand towels and toilet paper…was enough to make him shake his head.

All this time…

He wondered if the Alexandrians were too far gone to become assets. It was difficult to imagine any of them fighting herds beyond the walls.

They'd put us at risk.

But he guessed the point was moot. The group was settling in, and Glenn didn't think it would be wise to move on just yet. So they were casting their lot with the homemakers, the former paper-pushers, the young and the elderly. It made him uneasy, but he knew their situation could be worse.

Maybe they can learn. We did.

Shaking off the concerns for the time being, Glenn continued on down the hall. He reached up to rub his neck, but something made him pause. His footsteps slowed to a stop. With his brows knitting together, Glenn slowly lowered his arm. He stood perfectly still in the hall and waited.

Not even a second later, the sound reached him again…a thud…like something hitting a wall. He could feel his body stiffen on instinct…tension quickly winding itself around every muscle. In that moment, as he lingered frozen in the hallway, Glenn wished he had a weapon. He heard the sound again, louder…followed by a muffled cry of some sort.

Fear kicked in, making him swallow hard. Someone was being hurt… His thoughts immediately went to Jessie's husband. Of everyone the survivors had met within the walls of Alexandria, Pete seemed to be the most aggressive. Rick had warned the others that the man was hostile…and at the very least possessed the capacity for physical violence. They'd given him a wide berth, but Glenn knew their paths would cross at some point.

He's here?

He hadn't remembered seeing Pete amongst the other party guests.

Could've slipped in…

But Glenn didn't have time to overthink it. The strange sounds were demanding his attention. He turned and found himself staring at the nearest door. Working to remain calm, he reached for the knob with a shaking arm. Just as his fingers were closing around it….he heard someone swear on the other side of the door.

"Fuck…"

Glenn froze as his eyes widened. The voice…the drawl was unmistakable.

Daryl?

His mouth was quickly going dry and he couldn't seem to make himself let go of the doorknob. He was rooted to the spot.

"Godammitt…"

Glenn couldn't seek shelter in his own denial. The voice was too familiar, and clearly belonged the hunter.

No…

The crease in his brow deepened as he tried desperately to keep unwelcome thoughts from crowding his mind. His breathing had picked up and all he wanted was to leave…to go. But then he heard a sound that was infinitely more disturbing that Daryl's unrestrained swearing…that same muffled cry…

Stricken by a sudden, morbid curiosity, Glenn moved in closer. He was incredibly careful as he leaned against the door and pressed his ear to it. Holding his breath and gnawing his lip, he listened. One sweaty hand still clung weakly to the knob.

"Jesus."

"Mhmmm…"

"C'mon!"

"Oh…god…"

"Ya like that?"

"God…yes!"

The color drained from Glenn's face in an instant. His breath caught and he tore his ear away from the door as if the wood had burned him. He couldn't even remember moving his hand, but it seemed to have fallen limp, releasing the knob.

Disoriented, he staggered back several steps and stood in the middle of the hall. Running his hands over his face, Glenn tried to process what he'd just overheard. It was all so agonizingly clear…he couldn't hide from it. No one was being hurt…and no one was in danger.

His palms were clammy and he could feel beads of sweat forming at his temples. It wasn't just the words that had been uttered…it was the two people who'd spoken them. Glenn's stomach flipped a little.

Daryl…and Carol…

There was no mistaking the voices of his friends. He'd heard her moan…

No.

It was too much for Glenn to sort through then and there, not that he wanted to. But the sounds were echoing in his head. He slammed his eyes shut, trying to forget them.

Daryl and Carol…

He didn't understand. The hunter had never shown any interest in pursuing a physical relationship with anyone, at least since Glenn had known him. It didn't make sense. Daryl was always so guarded…doing everything in his power to ward off contact of any kind.

But Glenn heard them. They were in a closet together…and there were only so many things they could be doing. They were cussing and groaning…making those sounds that Glenn knew he would never un-hear.

There was something so jarring about thinking of his friends as normal people with basic physical needs. His hands were in his hair when another seemingly painful cry rang out. The noise from the closet began building in intensity. Glenn's eyes were wide and fearful as he realized what he was about to overhear.

No…

"Woman…"

"Yeah…"

"Need ya to take it…"

"God Daryl!"

"Oh my god," Glenn mumbled to himself, his voice wavering. He took another shaky step back, away from the closet. His stomach continued to churn. It didn't make sense…any of it. Questions flew through his mind, making him wince.

When…how? How long? Did she seek him out? Why would they…why here? Now? In Deanna's house?

"Daryl…" she moaned again.

Glenn couldn't handle it. She was getting louder and he knew he had to move. He wasn't about to stand in the middle of the hallway and hear his friends come.

"Oh god." He cupped his forehead and tried not to picture the two of them naked…moving together. He wasn't sure he could even stomach the thought of the hunter's…in her…

"No!" he said aloud.

"Fuckin' hell Carol…that pussy's tight."

Glenn had to blink several times. He felt his legs going numb and worried he might pass out. His mouth was still dry but he managed to swallow as he slowly backed away. With his heart beating heavy in his chest, he jogged clumsily down the hall towards the living room, never once looking back.

---

Carol wasn't sure how long the two of them had been in the closet, and she didn't care. All that mattered was Daryl, his body, and the things he could do with it. The way he moved his hips had her in a trance.

"Like that…" she moaned softly.

The hunter groaned as he pushed his cock into her. The feeling of his woman wrapped around him was the only thing Daryl needed. With every thrust, he was claiming her…letting her know she was his. He loved being buried inside her, filling her core while she rocked her hips to take him deeper.

The way her walls moved against his shaft was hypnotic. She hugged him just right, making him harder. He could tell, as they moved together, she wanted it as much as he did. Carol's hands were everywhere. She pulled his hair, massaged his neck, squeezed his shoulders…she was always touching him. With her lips, her moans, her hands and her sex, she was telling him everything he needed to know.

Daryl had never been with anyone so responsive. Her legs shook as he stood between them, and the slickness in her pussy was building with each passing second. He slid back and forth easily, his momentum steadily increasing. Whenever he hit the top, a small gasp escaped her. He snarled as she tilted her pelvis, allowing every inch of his manhood to sink in. The hunter wanted to feel her deepest parts and make her weak. So he tightened his grip on her ass and bucked hard.

Carol's nails dug into the back of his neck as she writhed against him. Before Daryl…she never imagined sex could be so incredible…that it could overwhelm her…make her cry… Whenever she and Daryl were together, the rush was almost more than she could handle. He made her blood sing and her body hum. When he was inside her, Carol's senses were heightened. She could feel the delicious pressure of each of his fingertips as they pressed into her flesh…she could smell the sweat in his hair…taste his scent on her tongue. She'd grown addicted to the flavor.

Every last growl was unique…every grunt…every strained whine. She loved hearing the sounds of his pleasure ringing in her ears while he took her. The way his scruff brushed the base of her neck sending a jolt of electricity straight down to her core… The force of his thrusts took her breath away and it was always a struggle to hold on…to keep up with him. The friction made her crave him…a need so bad that it crippled her. Her hips worked on their own to counter his movements.

She tugged at the ends of his hair as his member slipped into her core so smoothly. Her entire body shivered at the sensation. A slave to her lust, Carol opened up for him, taking his erection deep into her heat and holding it there. She rocked her hips, savoring the hardness inside her.

"God…" she whimpered softly.

Concerned, Daryl moved one sweaty hand to the side of her face. "Baby?"

Carol's eyes fluttered open; their hips hadn't stopped moving.

"Ya alright?" he asked, licking his bottom lip.

She took a staggered breath and focused on the man in front of her. The color in his irises made her heart beat faster. When she looked into his face, she knew that he truly cared about her. The realization was powerful and she couldn't fully process it while he was moving inside her.

"Carol?" he let his thumb graze her cheek.

Her eyes closed as a sigh passed her lips. She wound her fingers in his hair, not wanting to let him go. The warmth of his hand on her face was so welcome. She wished that they didn't have to leave the closet. But her body couldn't take much more. He was pleasuring her and she could feel her climax coming. The push and pull between her legs was intensifying.

"I'm good…" she finally whispered

"Ya sure?" He was trying to see through the strands of hair that hung in his face.

Unable to control herself, Carol leaned into his space and kissed him. He groaned, opening his mouth and her tongue slipped in. As they tasted one another, Daryl's hand moved clumsily back down to her thigh. With his grip secure, he picked up the pace…his pelvis colliding with hers. She caressed his tongue, making him restless.

The lovers moved in perfect sync…their bodies taking over. He let her explore his mouth while he indulged in the wetness all around his cock…the softness of her walls as they pressed in… Daryl wasn't worried about holding his erection…it had never been an issue with her. At some point, he'd realized that he enjoyed the sheer act of making love to her so much that things fell into place naturally. The pure fun of it kept him hard for as long as she needed him. He'd never left her unsatisfied, and she'd never failed to make him come.

Powerless against the forces that always seemed to draw him to her, Daryl whined into their kisses and began thrusting harder. As his cock moved in and out of her sex, he could feel his partner losing control. Her insides were trembling…she was getting tighter. He had to force himself up into her heat. The pressure was building…

Carol bucked her hips, taking everything he had to give her. She clawed angrily at his scalp when she felt his throbbing member press into her center. It was too much. The urgency of his thrusts became painful…his stiff shaft penetrating her over and over…Carol was nearing a breaking point.

Daryl sucked at his lover's tongue, and her passage seemed to narrow. He had to keep pushing through…find that spot… He knew she was close. With her pussy squeezing him, the hunter finally tore his mouth from her's.

"Sonofoabitch!"

She whimpered as she writhed against him. Delirious with pleasure, she swore he was getting bigger…

The hunter stood his ground, keeping their rhythm strong. Every stroke was amazing. He kept jerking his hips, trapping her against the wall. His fingers were curled around the undersides of her thighs.

"Carol…" he growled, his chest heaving.

All she could do was cling weakly to his shoulder blades.

"Carol!" he snapped again, thrusting angrily.

She cried out and trembled, her own hips still moving to satisfy her body's hunger for him.

"Wh…what…baby?" the words tripped off the end of her tongue.

He leaned in, his lips at her ear. "Take it." he whispered.

Carol's lithe body arched on instinct.

Daryl felt himself sinking in and sighed, his breath hitting her earlobe. "Yeah.."

"Like that?" she moaned, her pelvis flush with his.

"Aw…fuck yeah…jus like that…"

"Daryl!" she clawed at his shoulder blades.

"Stay with me woman." He bucked, strong and steady between her shaking legs. The hunter had never felt anything like the powerful suction of her body…

Carol let him in while her arms moved to wind around his neck.

Daryl's brows knit together, his lips parting. He could feel his cock leaking. The heat and pressure of her pussy were sending him closer and closer to the edge. He was slipping into her wetness…

His thick, smooth shaft was making her hurt, but she couldn't stop moving. Her hips crashed into his as she took him in.

"God Daryl…"

"Take it baby…" sweat had plastered dark hair to his temples. His hands moved from her thighs to her ass. "Want ya to take it all."

"I will…" she panted. "I will…"

Daryl placed a clumsy, wet kiss to the side of her neck as he thrust.

Carol clung to him fiercely with her legs.

She was almost there; he could tell. Her walls were closing in around him, trapping him inside. Daryl could feel the muscles at her entrance starting to constrict around the base of his cock.

"Aw…aw…"

Carol loved the sounds he made when he was about to come. She'd never heard anything so sexy. Bucking frantically against him, she rode his hard-on, taking him deeper and deeper. His fingers were clutching at her ass…his lips were at her neck, and she was losing her mind.

"Fuck…Daryl…"

The hunter was breathless, sweat flying from the ends of his hair as he took what he wanted from his woman. He whined, sliding his manhood right up into her center.

"Christ!"

"Yeah?" she moaned, her nails pricking at the back of his neck.

"You're so damn wet…" he pushed and pulled between her thighs.

With her ankles locked above his ass, Carol countered his thrusts. The friction made them both cuss.

"Godammitt!" his cock jerked inside her.

"Please…fuck…please…" she begged.

"Aw….what baby?"

Carol's mouth was dry. "I want you…to come."

Daryl clenched his teeth and hissed as he fucked her.

"Please!" she cried again. "I want you to come inside me."

The crease in the hunter's brow deepened.

"God Daryl!" she could feel him stretching her.

He bit her earlobe, sucking it while he continued to thrust.

Carol groaned, her head going back. His member was swelling and pulsing within her walls. The closet had grown uncomfortably warm, and the lovers' scents hung heavy in the air. As they struggled together, Carol and Daryl took greedy breaths, pulling the smells of sex and sweat into their lungs.

"Fuck…you're hard!" she whined, tilting her pelvis for him.

"Ya like it?"

She could only moan.

Daryl squeezed her ass. "C'mon…tell me!"

"Yes!"

He pushed all the way in, hitting the top.

"God…I love your cock…"

The hunter leaked again, the head of his dick was getting tighter and tighter. The pressure was almost painful and he knew he needed to let go. Her smooth walls were rubbing his length, urging him to come.

"I love that pussy."

Carol rocked her hips, letting him take her.

Losing himself, Daryl clawed angrily at her ass. "It's fuckin' mine!"

She felt more wetness hit her core. "Yeah…"

"That's my goddamn pussy…'n I ain't gonna stop until I feel it fuckin' come." He picked up the pace, thrusting furiously between her legs, pinning her to wall.

Carol's eyes flew open in shock at the new sensations. He was reaching places he never had before. She could already feel bruises forming near her tailbone, but she didn't dare stop her partner. Whatever had taken hold of him was causing the hunter to ruthlessly attack her sex. He was moving in and out so quickly…so forcefully, that Carol couldn't breathe. All she could think about was his stiff cock sinking into her pussy.

Without warning, Daryl slid one hand to the weak spot at the back of her right knee. Snarling, he gripped her hard and forced that leg up. Carol gasped but he didn't care. All he wanted was the heat inside her. He felt her body open and wasted no time. The hunter held his woman's leg up and drove himself deep into her core.

He swore he felt every inch of himself slipping into her sex, up through her passage… "Aw…take it woman."

Carol was panting, suffocating under her sweater…she couldn't believe what her lover was doing to her body. With her leg up, he was thrusting in, as deep as he wanted. She could feel the veins on his shaft.

"Jus…fuckin'….take it…" he snarled, jerking his hips.

"Oh…oh….oh…god….please…Daryl….god…I..I…"

But he just shook the damp hair out of his face and thrust harder. "I'm gonna make that fuckin' pussy come."

Her wide eyes found his and they stared at each other, their pelvises colliding…he was pushing in, making her core ache.

"That's it…" he growled, his tongue darting out over his lips. "Want ya lookin' at me when ya come."

Carol swallowed hard and managed a weak nod.

Daryl's eyes were blue slits, his fingers were curling so tightly around the back of her knee.

"Ya like havin' this dick between them legs?"

Her hands slid down to his chest where she clutched the fabric of his shirt in her fists. She nodded and bucked against him.

The hunter smirked at her. "Then go on 'n take it."

Carol's expression was pained, but she needed him to keep going. "It's…so….good…." she moaned.

"Aw….fuck…yeah…" Daryl panted, the head of his cock was swollen. As he thrust into his lover, the hunter knew her pussy was made for him. She fit him just right…perfect. Her walls hugged every inch of flesh, stroking it…making him throb. "Take…this…cock…"

"Yes!" she gasped, tugging at his shirt…she needed to hold onto something.

"C'mon baby…nice 'n deep…jus like that…all of it…c'mon now…" he licked his lips again, his eyes still trained on her face as his hips moved.

She was getting weak. Each time he sank in, Daryl seemed to hit a new spot. She could feel his member sliding in to the hilt. He was keeping her pussy open.

Carol was so full that it hurt. He was thick inside her, heavy…strong and pulsing. She just wanted to feel him come. So she bucked against his erection, creating the friction they both craved.

"Like that! Take it right there baby…fuck…" he snarled.

The combination of Carol's sex surrounding his shaft, the lace of her panties brushing his cock as he moved, and the way she was moaning…it was making Daryl's head swim. He'd lost control and couldn't stop himself from taking her roughly against the wall. Their skin had grown slick with sweat, but he fought to maintain his grip on her leg and keep it up, giving himself more room. The hunter wanted everything his woman had to offer. So he let himself swell and grow inside her, and he drove his hard-on deep into her center.

He was too big. Her entire body was rioting…protesting the invasion. But each time she felt his length slipping into the wetness between her thighs, Carol whimpered. He belonged there…inside her, connected to her… She let her lover have his way while her legs continued to shake. Time seemed to slow, and her vision began to blur as Carol felt herself nearing the edge.

"Oh…oh…oh…" the cries flew from her lips like pleas for help.

The sounds only made Daryl push harder. He shook the hair from his face again and noticed that his partner's eyes were beginning to close as the pleasure took her. He growled, jerking his hips hard.

"Said I want ya lookin' at me!"

The air left Carol's lungs. She could feel her core starting to spasm. Her blue eyes were wide…fixed on Daryl.

"That's it…stay with me woman." The hunter continued to thrust, enjoying the friction between their bodies…her insides rubbing him again and again… He knew she needed him. Her tight body was sucking him in…

Carol was still clinging to him, with one trembling leg curled around his waist. She pushed her hips into his, welcoming his cock. The long shaft was so slick and smooth with her wetness that he dipped into her sex easily, making her groan. She felt it…felt him…deep inside, taking her, loving her…tearing her apart….she never wanted him to stop.

"Fuck!" she whined, her pelvis colliding with his.

Daryl still had one hand on her ass and he squeezed hard, driving his dick into her.

The way he was moving through her core had Carol mesmerized…pushing in, pulling back…

"I want it…there…there…right there…" she cried, feeling the head of his cock hit her spot.

The hunter stared into her eyes as he thrust. "I feel it…" he breathed. "You're close."

She was gripping his shirt so tightly that her knuckles had all turned white and her hands began to ache. "Fuck me…" she begged.

Snarling, Daryl widened his stance just a little and threw the lower half of his body into the motion. He assaulted her sex without mercy, loving the way he could glide straight into her deepest places.

"Gonna make that pussy come…" he growled.

Carol was bucking restlessly against him, taking his manhood and letting it fill her.

"Right there…fucking…god…right there!" she urged.

The hunter's chest was heaving as he pumped his hips, drilling himself into his mate…desperately seeking to satisfy her. He held her gaze, and thought for half a second that she looked more animal than human. Another bead of sweat followed the line of his jaw.

With his member inside her, and his hand on her ass, Carol knew that he owned her…at least in that moment. She couldn't look away…not when his eyes were locked on hers, demanding all of her attention. Hot blood rushed through every vein as a strained cry burst from her lips.

Carol's once vibrant eyes glazed over and her body arched into his. She tugged fiercely at the front of his shirt but couldn't seem to speak. She was vibrating…

Daryl felt his own breath catch as he watched his lover's expression change. He'd witnessed her orgasms before, but the spectacle never ceased to amaze him. He saw her lips part…her brows knit together as if she was struggling…in pain. The hunter was still thrusting, pleasuring her, and he could feel the sudden increase in pressure deep between her thighs.

"C'mon…" he whispered. "C'mon woman."

Carol tightened the grip of her leg around his waist as he broke her. She just wanted to hold on. He pushed his incredible manhood up into her sex…into her weak spot…and she lost control. In that instant, with the head of his cock throbbing inside her…pressing in…Carol let go. She trembled and writhed as her body released every last ounce of tension she'd been carrying.

"Daryl!" she gasped, her eyes finally slamming shut. "I…I can't…"

"Ya can." he urged, letting his forehead rest against hers. "Let it go. All of it." He continued to buck his hips.

For a fraction of a second, Carol's walls opened wide, letting him slip all the way in…but the pleasure was too great. A powerful spasm struck, forcing her muscles to contract around him. Hungry for his hardness, her insides pressed in quickly, squeezing every inch of him.

"Aw…shit!" he whined.

With a frightening grip, Carol held him in her passage. White heat flashed….sudden and blinding behind her eyes. She was too weak to keep fighting. Sighing and arching, she let herself drown in the euphoria. The feeling washed over her like warm water; she could feel it in her toes and her fingertips. Thoughts were blurred as the wetness rushed from between her legs, surrounding Daryl's member. She could still feel it, long and hard…the hunter continued to send himself through her core, again…and again…amplifying the pleasure and the slickness inside her.

The orgasm wracked her frame, making her tremble. She whined and forced herself to move with him, to rock her hips against his thick cock. She was too wet, sliding quickly along his length with each motion. Her walls were clinging to him, fluttering…squeezing in ecstasy…and she swore she could feel his shirt tearing in her hands.

Moaning and writhing in the grip of her orgasm, Carol managed to mutter a few strained words to her partner. "I….I'm…still….coming…"

The crease deepened in Daryl's brow. The wetness leaking from her slit was making him shiver but he had to keep going. Her muscles were constricting around him…holding him so tightly… "Baby…aw…christ…keep it open!"

Carol's broken cries filled up the closet as Daryl continued to thrust. He was swelling inside her and she needed to feel his climax. She wanted his release… "Daryl…yes…." She threw her head back and let him use her body.

The hunter slammed his hips into hers, loving the way she felt wrapped around him. He gripped her ass hard and bucked faster, moving in and out of his mate with incredible speed. The back and forth was becoming too much for him, and he felt himself jerking when he slid in. The way his cock fit inside her was maddening

"Aw…fuckin'….shit…" the tension in his groin was becoming unbearable.

"Daryl!" she moaned, her orgasm still washing out around his member.

"Christ!"

His body was pounding into hers, and neither of them could take much more. The heat in the closet was stifling, their clothes were damp with sweat, clinging to their bodies…their scents were everywhere, like poison that they couldn't stop breathing in. All they could see, feel, taste was each other…

The hunter had taken everything from her and Carol's hips were finally slowing. She was becoming limp in his grasp…her leg began to slip from around his waist. But Daryl hadn't reached his end. He needed the friction…the motion of her body rocking against his. His hand moved quickly from her ass as he tried to keep her leg curled around him.

"I'm close…" he panted.

Carol could only sigh and moan as he forced his cock in.

"Stay with me woman…keep it goin'." He gripped her ass again, urging her to move with him. "C'mon…ride it."

It took every last ounce of Carol's strength to buck her hips the way he wanted her to. Her core was sensitive in the aftermath of an incredible climax, and each time he thrust in, his engorged member rubbed her trembling walls…making her whine.

Daryl sank into her and swore that all the blood in his body was pouring into his cock. He couldn't remember ever being so hard…it hurt, but he needed to take his mate. He needed her body.

"That's it…" he snarled once her hips regained their enthusiasm. "Ride my dick woman…take it…like ya want it…"

"Ohhh…." she moaned weakly, the muscles at her entrance still contracting around his shaft.

The hunter kept pushing, savoring everything about his partner. The way her sex gripped him, the smell of her skin, the firm flesh of her ass...the motion of her hips as she continued to move with him. She was so wonderfully wet, and he slid through her heat so quickly. The head of his member was painfully tight…All he wanted was to stay buried inside his woman.

"Daryl! Please…come…" she begged.

"Woman…" he growled. His breathing was ragged…strained.

"I wanna…feel it…" Carol angled her hips, letting him penetrate her as deeply as he could.

Daryl was thrusting restlessly between her legs, driving himself closer and closer to the edge…slipping all the way into her narrow passage and hitting the top…back and forth. The only thing he was sure of was the way her body felt around him.

"Baby…" she cried weakly, "Please…I want you…to come…"

His brows were knitting together as the muscles in his lower belly tensed.

"Fuck…this goddamn pussy…" he snarled.

"Yeah…" her hands were still clutching his shirt.

"Aw…shit…Carol!"

"Please!"

His nails dug into the flesh of her ass and he bucked even faster. He couldn't take it… Her body felt too good…too tight.

"Christ…jus take it baby…c'mon….like that…take it…take it…fuck!" The hunter was sending himself straight up into her center. He was so stiff and he couldn't take the pressure. He could feel his pleasure coming and he had to close his eyes. With his sweaty forehead resting against hers, Daryl jerked his hips angrily, attacking her sex.

Carol was moaning, leaking around him, pulling at his shirt…panting and struggling. His hardened manhood was filling her up, stretching her. The hunter could barely breathe. Carol was countering every move…tilting her pelvis just right…taking him all the way into her pussy. Daryl's mouth had gone completely dry but he couldn't stop thrusting.

"Christ…fuckin'…" He was dipping in and out of her.

"Just come!" she begged.

"Shit…baby…I….fuck…"

"Yeah…" she sighed, knowing he was nearing his end.

Daryl was so incredibly high, lost in his woman…surrounded by her…everything started to rush. The blood in his veins, the climax he'd been fighting for…he pushed deep into her and felt the orgasm speed violently down the length of his cock. With his heart racing, the hunter let out a long groan and shuddered. His shaft was rigid inside her. He gasped when he felt it jerk…semen shooting from the tip.

"Aw…" he whined, relishing in his own release.

Carol bit her lip and moaned, her hips still rocking. She loved feeling him come…the sudden warmth as he filled her up. She let her body stroke him slowly…gently.

Daryl's entire frame was subtly shaking in the aftermath of his climax. He was panting as he let himself finish…his member spurting every few seconds. He could feel Carol's wet walls massaging him, squeezing, milking him until he thought his legs would give. She drew every last ounce of pleasure from him, coating her insides. The hunter growled and throbbed between her thighs for several minutes before the head of his cock finally stopped twitching.

Savoring the connection they still shared, Carol let her head fall back to rest against the wall. Daryl moved clumsily to her chest. He could feel the fabric of her sweater pressed to his damp cheek. Her pussy was still so tight around him, but his erection was dying. She'd taken everything thing from him.

Her muscles continued to constrict around his length and he knew he was going soft. "Baby…" he muttered under his breath.

Carol was still enjoying the feeling of his manhood inside her. "Mmm…what?" Her grip on his shirt had finally relaxed.

Exhausted, Daryl lifted his chin and stared at her through the dark. "I swear…to fuckin' christ…you're gettin' tighter."

She blew out a breath and chuckled. "You sure you're not just getting bigger?"

The hunter snorted and shook sweaty hair out of his eyes. "Fuck."

Carol smiled. "Glad you enjoyed yourself."

Daryl was still kneading her ass with one hand, and holding her leg up with the other. "I ain't the only one…am I?"

She sighed, shaking her head.

The hunter bucked his hips weakly to get her attention. The action made them both hiss.

"Why do you always need me to say it?" she asked, smirking at him.

H nipped at her jaw, loving the salt her could taste on her skin. "Jus like it. That's all."

She was still clenching around him, deep inside. "I can't believe we just did that."

It was Daryl's turn to chuckle. "Why? Ain't all that different from what we been doin' for the last week."

"We're at a party…." she said, her hand brushing some of the damp hair from his brow. "We are guests in Deanna's home…and I'm sure we've got people looking for us."

"Tellin' me ya feel bad about it?"

"I didn't say that…"

"Ya feel bad for gettin' off while your ass was supposed to be curled up on that couch with that prick?"

Carol tugged at his hair and looked him in the eye. "I've never felt bad about what happens between us. I don't think there's any reason to. I'm just surprised that we wound up in this closet with our pants down."

He let himself smirk at her. "You think I was just gonna stand by 'n watch him work on ya?"

"Work on me?"

"Sumbitch was starin' at your ass when ya got up to go to the damn kitchen."

Carol snorted. "That doesn't mean that…"

But Daryl didn't let her finish. "I know what it means. That's why I brought ya in here." he growled.

She cocked her head to one side as her eyes narrowed. "So this…" she rocked her hips, feeling the flesh that was still buried between her legs. "Was what? You making a statement? Was this you marking your territory?"

The hunter stared at his mate. Their bodies were connected…his semen was inside her. He couldn't imagine her belonging to anyone else. "What if it was?"

Carol blinked, unsure of how to respond.

Daryl was impatient. "You don't answer me…I'll turn your ass around, get them hands on the wall 'n fuck ya again. I don't care who's waitin' on ya."

Her core tightened at the thought. "Bullshit."

"Come again?" he snapped. The sweat was beginning to dry on his skin.

Carol leaned into him, whispering against his lips while she played with a lock of his hair. "I know we haven't been doing this long…but I know you."

He swallowed hard. He could still feel the lace of her panties brushing the base of his cock.

"You need a breather." she teased, a smug smile on her lips.

"Ten minutes…Ten fuckin' minutes 'n I could be in that ass…" he breathed, his eyes locked on hers.

"As much as I would like that..." Carol sighed. "We don't have ten minutes."

The hunter exhaled slowly through his nose and bowed his head.

"Hey. That doesn't mean we're done for the night…just for now. Let's make nice, get through this party, and then we can head home." she said, doing her best to reassure him.

When Daryl met her gaze again, his expression was skeptical. "You gonna be in my room later?"

"Where else would I be?"

He squeezed her ass and nuzzled her forehead.

"We can do this." said Carol.

"This?" he asked in a low growl.

She smiled at him and ran her fingers through his hair. "The party, Alexandria…us."

The hunter did his best to absorb what she'd said.

Us…

He wondered how a word that small could carry so much weight. There was something unnerving about it. Daryl hadn't been part of an 'us' since he and Merle were on their own when things first fell apart. He guessed Rick's group was an 'us'…but him and Carol…that was different.

As they waited for their bodies to relax, Carol could see that he was over thinking it. "Daryl?"

"Hm?"

"I wasn't trying to…I…"

"Nah." he growled softly. "It's fine."

She dropped her gaze and focused on the rumpled fabric of his shirt. "Just thought…this little demonstration of yours…"

"Demonstration?" he echoed.

Carol was starting to chuckle again.

The hunter clawed at her ass. "Ain't nothin' little about it…your ass came hard woman."

"I know. All I'm saying is…you marking your territory…just made me think that you wanted there to be an us." She ran her hand over the front of his shirt, smoothing a wrinkle.

"Maybe." he whispered roughly.

Carol was still smiling.

"How's it work?"

She blinked a few times, unprepared for the question. "Hm. Guess I hadn't really thought it through." Her experience with relationships boiled down to Ed.

"Does it mean that asshole back on the couch can't lay hands on ya?"

"First of all; he never could." she clarified.

Daryl huffed.

"I guess it means whatever we want it to mean." said Carol.

"I don't want him touchin' ya."

"I don't want anyone touching you." she admitted.

The honesty seemed to surprise both of them and they eyed one another.

"Alright." he said, clearing his throat.

The smile was spreading on Carol's face. "So there's an us…"

He gnawed his lip and thought back to the farm…to losing Sophia. He remembered Carol bringing him dinner on a tray as he lay in bed, useless and healing…her lips brushing the top of his head. He thought about the prison…standing on an overturned bus as they teased one another. Something inside Daryl tensed at the memory of Carol's supposed death. The hunter was sure he'd never experienced the warm rush of relief quite like he did when he found her in the tombs…shaking, alive…

He remembered holding her hand, his heart racing as the two of them braced themselves for death…their van hurtling from the overpass. It was all painfully vivid in his mind. Traveling through the city…escaping Terminus. She was there. The feeling of her warm body so close to his brought Daryl back to the present.

"Guessin'…there's always been an us." he said, his voice low.

Carol didn't know what to say. She stared at her lover for several seconds…until she couldn't stand the sliver of space between them. Knowing that words would fall short, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his.

Daryl's eyes closed as he let her have her way. No one had ever kissed him like she did. She slipped into his mouth so easily, and his tongue found hers. They sighed and moaned into their kisses, indulging in one another until the need for air forced them to separate.

"Fuck…" he breathed.

Carol licked her lips and tried to relax.

"This your way of sayin' you're up for another round?"

She chuckled and kissed the corner of his mouth. "I am…just not right now. We really need to get back."

"Fine." Daryl squeezed her ass again.

Carol smirked at him. "You ready?"

He nodded, the tip of his tongue resting between his lips.

She took a deep breath and braced herself.

The hunter slowly lowered her raised leg and began to pull himself from her core. "Aw…fuckin'…shit…" he could still feel her walls clinging to him.

"Just do it!" she whined.

The damp lace was rubbing his shaft as he slipped from her. When their bodies separated, the lovers cried out and collapsed. Carol slid down the wall groaning. Daryl hit his ass and cussed. Panting and adjusting, they sat facing each other, their heads tipped back to rest against opposite walls.

Their knees were raised. Carol's legs were clamped together as she ran her hands over her face. Daryl's pants were around his thighs. He wiped some of the sweat from his brow before clutching his own hair.

"Damn…" he muttered.

Carol felt so terribly empty and weak without him. His release was leaking from her core…her panties were wet. "You had to make me leave them on." she sighed.

The hunter lifted his chin and stared through the small, dark space. There was a slight smirk on his mouth. "Your ass liked it."

She rolled her eyes.

He chuckled, realizing that he'd discovered a new fetish.

"Laugh it up. We still need to figure out how to get out of here."

Daryl's brows knit together. "You wantin' to go first…or?"

Carol thought about it. "I can. What are you gonna do? You gonna stick around for a while?"

"I ain't fuckin' leavin' ya here with that asshole, if that's what you're askin'."

Her eyes narrowed. "Nothing's gonna happen."

"Don't matter. If you're stayin'…I'm stayin'."

Carol just shook her head and sighed. She didn't want to admit it, but there was something sexy about Daryl's sudden sense of possession. "Fine. So we'll leave together…"

"Alright." he nodded.

She giggled, feeling more excited than she had in years.

"But when it's time to go…we're leavin'. I ain't stoppin' to chat with all these assholes…ain't explainin' nothin either."

Carol could feel her core tighten at his words. "Fine."

"When we get home…I want ya in my bed. I ain't done with you woman."

Wincing, she forced herself to move from her place against the wall. The pain in her core was intense, but she didn't care. All she wanted was her man. Carol crawled, fumbling in the dark, until she was between his raised knees.

Daryl's hands went to her face, holding her as he leaned forward and kissed her. He caught her bottom lip between his teeth and pulled for several heartbeats. When he released his mate, the hunter was stricken by their positioning. The corner of his mouth was hitching up as he looked at her.

"What?" she asked, a dreamy look on her face.

He shook his head slowly, already thinking about all the things he wanted to do to her once they were back home. "Nothin'…I jus…like seein' ya like this."

A crease formed in her brow. "Like this?"

Daryl reached for her breast, squeezing it tenderly through her sweater. "On your hands 'n knees…between my legs…" he growled softly.

Carol felt herself get warm all over. She couldn't handle the way he was talking to her. "Let's get through the rest of this party, and then you can get me on my knees again later. Sound good?" she whispered.

"Yeah." he smirked

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Please let me know what you liked about this! More to come soon!

-Sami