Chapter 28

Lori was pregnant. The only reason I found that out was because she had gone out to find Rick. She had not returned and so Shane went out to find her. He brought her back all banged up. She had swerved so as not to hit a lone walker on the road and she crashed. Andrea and Carol took her inside to clean her up and as I walked towards Daryl someone grabbed me roughly and pushed me up against the shed. Shane.

"What the hell are you doing!?" I hissed.

He said nothing but he pressed his lips to mine. I placed both hands on his chest and shoved him back. I stared at him with rage.

"Tell me you didn't feel anything?!" He said.

"I did not! Save complete disgust and pure hatred!" I snapped.

He glared at me and pinned me to the barn. I struggled against him but he was stronger then I.

"Shane let me go!" I snarled.

"Not until you admit you feel the same about me!" He growled.

"LET HER GO!"

I looked over Shane's shoulder. Chris was standing there.

"What are you gonna do little man?"

"I wouldn't be worried about what I'll do! Brandon and Anthony just went to get Daryl. That guy scares the shit outta me! And I don't even touch Prue. Imagine what he'll do to you if he sees you with her like that!" Chris said.

Chris walked forward a little.

"I'll tell you one last time. Let her GO!"

I saw three figures running towards us. I guessed that Shane saw them too because he let me go and stalked off.

"PRUE!" Daryl shouted.

I looked up and he ran to my side.

"Where is he?!" He snarled.

I said nothing but Chris was not so quiet.

"Come on." He said.

Brandon, Anthony, Daryl, Chris and I walked off in the direction Shane had gone. I took Daryl's hand and he looked at me.

"I'ma take care a this. Don'tcha worry darlin'." He said.

I had to smile. I never liked being protected as though I were some fragile porcelain doll. The way Daryl protected me…..it was different. He did not invade my space unless he knew he had to, he didn't follow me around, and he didn't play the 20 questions game with me. He trusted me. Shane was talking with Dale when Daryl grabbed him and punched him straight in the face. My eyes widened.

"Daryl what the hell…."

"He's defending me. Believe me I would stop him but Shane…."

"Had her pinned up against the shed." Chris finished.

I nodded.

"That doesn't mean this solves anything!" Dale exclaimed.

Shane pushed Daryl back and hit him where he had been wounded.

"NO!"

I lunged forward and pushed Shane off and held a knife to Shane's throat.

"Do NOT touch him again! And do not come near me or touch me or speak to me! Next time I will make sure you have a scare you will always know came from me!" I snarled.

I got off him and dropped next to Daryl. His stitches had popped. I gave Shane a death glare that actually make him step back. He got over it and started to come forward but Anthony and Brandon blocked him.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Anthony threatened.

Brandon made a show of messing with his gun. I smiled and helped Daryl up. I stumbled a bit. Chris immediately came and helped me. I got him back to…..our….tent and laid him down. I took off his shirt and looked at the damage Shane had done. I lit the little lantern I had and sucked in my breath. The stitches were coming out.

"Chris I need you to run as fast as you can and tell Patricia. Ask her for the things I'll need to stitch this back up."

He nodded and bolted out of the tent. When that boy wanted to run he could run. I turned back to Daryl. He was watching Chris run off.

"Guess I was wrong bout him. Good guy him." He grunted.

I smiled and he looked back at me.

"Did he hurt ye?" He asked.

I shook my head.

"No. Chris came just in time." I answered.

He nodded and I looked down.

"Why did ya choose me?" He asked suddenly.

I looked up. As I was about to answer Chris came back and I immediately went to work. Daryl truly was tough. He never flinched as I stitched his side. When I finished Daryl looked at Chris.

"Look after her when I can't." He mumbled.

I looked at Daryl and smiled. Chris nodded and then he left. I looked back at Daryl. He did not meet my gaze.

"How could you have asked me such a question?" I whispered.

He looked at me but did not speak.

"Daryl I love you. When I saw you I knew you were a good man. And my heart was yours right then and there. I am yours Daryl Dixon and that will never change." I said.

He sat up and crashed his lips down on mine. Even injured he was fast. I placed my hands on his face and kissed him back. When we separated I smiled and he placed his hand on my face.

"How can I make yer eyes change from red te that blue?" He asked.

I smiled and laughed. And for the first time I heard him laugh. I looked at him with wonder and love. He gave me a smile.

"There ya go." He said.

I shook my head and we lay down. I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes.

"I love you Prue."

I smiled and whispered,

"And I love you."