Happy Walking Dead Day! As always, here is my next chapter. I got a lot of positive feedback for Aaron, as well as some apprehensive feedback. Y'all should be apprehensive! This guy just went through a tragedy and he's in a pretty dark place, much like Rick was. I guess you'll have to read on and see what happens! There will be a lot more of Aaron in this chapter.

Thank you to:

texasbelle91, jaimek45, classykazmiller25'

ZombertHunter, HeartoSteel, kathymoonstone,

mrsreedus69, Rosie Doll Corpse, ElenaBillings,

and Serenity Blossom for your lovely reviews!

Also thank you to all those who took the time to follow and favorite my story. It means so much.

Disclaimer: I do not claim to win anything you recognize.

Warning: Sexual content.

Enjoy!

Chapter Seventeen (Rick POV)

"Well," Hershel said, giving me a small smile, "can't say I disapprove. I know you will take care of my little girl, but make no mistake, Rick, if you hurt her-"

"I won't," I said quickly. "I...I can't."

The old man gave a short nod and we both turned our attention to the unconscious man on the couch. All was silent for a while, except for the occasional laughter that would carry through from the kitchen. I was beyond relieved that Hershel seemed to welcome the idea of Beth and I with open arms. I can honestly say that I lost a couple of nights of sleep over the whole idea of...confrontation. Hershel had nothing to worry about. I would never hurt Beth, not intentionally at least.

"I look at you as my own son already, Rick. So it's not me that you have to worry about." He gave me another friendly smile and a pat on the back. "Have ya talked to Carl?"

I shook my head. "No. I wanted to talk to you first. I felt that you deserved to know before anyone else." That was kind of a lie considering that two other people knew, but it wasn't intentional, and he didn't need to know that.

He gave another nod. "I truly appreciate that. I'll talk to Maggie, considering she'll probably be a lot harder to handle."

"Thanks, Hershel."

He smirked. "You just talk to that son of yours. The sooner, the better."

I rubbed my face in my hands, praying to God that Carl will be as easy as Hershel was.

(Beth POV)

It was my turn for watch on Aaron, and I was grateful. It gave me time to think to myself about a few things without really being bothered. Everyone was kind of on their toes around the newcomer. He is intimidating in size and attitude from what we have been able to gather so far, and on top of that, we still haven't decided what to do with him when he's better.

Personally, I want him gone. After my last encounter with strangers, I wasn't too keen on letting anymore into the group, and from what I could tell, Rick felt the same way. He also didn't want me alone on watch with Aaron either, but after I reassured him that I would alert the group as soon as he woke up, he reluctantly agreed to let me do the job. It was later into the night now and Daryl was outside on the porch on watch with Carl, and everyone else was upstairs in their rooms

I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes for a moment, only to hear a rustling come from the couch. My eyes snap open and I look over to see that Aaron had begun to wake up.

His eyes blinked open a few times and they moved about the room in confusion before they landed on me. A smirk played on his lips. "Ah, so you are real, then? I thought your pretty face was only a dream."

I panicked and opened my mouth to call in Daryl, but Aaron spoke first.

"Hold on now, angel, I ain't gonna hurt ya. No need to call your boyfriend down here."

Now it was my turn to be confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, I see," he said, closing his eyes and snuggling further into the couch, wincing slightly in pain. "Y'all keepin' it secret? I would too, considering how much older he is than you."

Was he talking about Rick? How could he possibly know about Rick and I? He hadn't even been awake a full hour in our company and he has already guessed it?

He opened his eyes and looked at me, reading the expressions that were obviously fleeting across my face. "Oh come on now, sweetheart. There's no need to play dumb. He flipped shit when I started talkin' to you earlier. It's obviously he's very protective of you. I'm surprised none of the dipshits in your group haven't figured it out yet. It ain't like he was bein' subtle or anything."

"I..." I wracked through my brain to find a coherent sentence. "I still don't know what you're talkin' 'bout."

Aaron scoffed. "Still gonna play dumb? Alright. Well then if you're not together, I'm guessin' you're up for grabs." He looked at me with leering eyes and my body froze in fear.

"No she ain't."

I jumped out of my chair in surprise and looked over to find Rick standing there at the bottom of the stairs glaring at Aaron.

"She's mine," he all but growled, moving over to me and putting a protective arm around my waist.

Aaron gave a mocking laugh. "Well that ain't what the little lady says."

Rick's arm tightened around me. "She's. Mine."

The smirk never faltered on the injured man's face. "You sure are possessive of the little lady, aren't ya?"

"I advise you to stop now, son." Daddy came down the stairs and limped his way over to a chair. My heart thudded in my chest and I tried to pull out of Rick's grip in haste, but his arm only tightened. "Rick has sworn to me to protect my little girl, and if you at all threaten her in any way, I won't hold him back from whatever he wants to do."

Wait. "Daddy-"

My dad looked at me and smiled warmly. "Why don't you go upstairs and have a talk with Rick? I'll keep an eye on him."

Without another word, Rick dragged me upstairs to his room, practically slamming the door behind us.

"What about Judy?" I said softly.

"Carol." Rick began to pace the room and I could tell he was struggling. Rick has developed into a very possessive person over the people and things he cares about, rightfully so.

I slowly made my way to the bed and sat down. "Rick," I said softly, holding my hand out to him. "Come lay with me. Tell me what's on your mind."

Rick ignored me and continued to pace, taking deep breaths.

"Rick, come and lay with me," I said more sternly. "You obviously talked to my dad. What did he say? Come here, my love."

Rick finally stopped and looked at me, staring at me for a moment before slowly making his way to me and laying on the bed, pulling me against him. "You're dad is okay with...us."

I smiled brightly. "No more hiding."

He chuckled and kissed my forehead. "No more hiding. That doesn't mean we can openly bang like rabbits, Bethie. We still have to be discreet."

I giggled at his analogy. "I know, I know. We can be discreet right now," I said in my most seductive voice, leaning in and kissing his neck.

Rick let out a deep groan and tilted his head back slightly, allowing me to continue my assault. "I don't know, baby. I'm not sure right now is a good idea."

I gently took him by the shoulders and pushed him on his back, allowing me to climb on top and straddle him. I continued to kiss his neck and face. "It really turned me on when you got all possessive over me earlier, daddy."

He let out a shaky breath. "Yeah?"

"Mhmmm." I reached down and tugged on the bottom of his shirt, pulling it over his head. I continued to kiss my way down his chest to the top of his pants, looking up at him as I undid his belt and pants.

"That's because you're a naughty girl, aren't you, baby?" He growled, gripping my arms and flipping me onto my back, forcing himself in between my legs.

"Yes," I breathed, more than ready for whatever he was wanting to do to me. My body ached for him so much it hurt. It was an itch that only he could ever scratch, and he knew it.

Rick leaned down and started to kiss my neck softly, nibbling on it every once in a while. "What do you want me to do to you, little girl?"

I whimpered and squirmed in blissful agony beneath him. "I want you to fuck me. Please."

Rick growled at my words and bit my collar bone. "Such a naughty girl."

"Yes," I gasped, arching up into him. "Yes, Rick. Please."

He made quick work of my pants and panties, as well as finishing off his own. He waisted no time in aligning himself with my soaking entrance, and I knew right then that this was not going to be some sweet love making. My suspicions were confirmed as he slammed his entire length into my body with one hard thrust, nearly causing me to scream out in a mixture of pain and incredible pleasure.

Rick was relentless, thrusting in and out in a reckless abandon, as if his life depended on it. Which right now, it felt like it did. If he stopped now, surely I would die.

Rick leaned down and nibbled on my ear. "You like that, baby? You like when I fuck you hard like this?"

I moaned in response, unable to even think coherently. My nails racked down his back causing him to hiss, and he reached around grabbing my wrists and pinning my arms above my head.

"You're such a naughty girl," he growled again. "You're mine."

"Yes," I breathed again.

"Say it," he said harshly.

"I'm yours."

"Louder."

"God, Rick, I'm yours!"

Rick reached in between our bodies with his free hand and rubbed his thumb against my clit, bringing the edge of glory that much closer. My toes curled as he pounded into me and my eyes widened as the earth shattered around me. Stars clouded my vision and I was vaguely aware of Rick pulling out and cumming on my stomach with a loud groan. He collapsed next to me and grabbed his disregarded shirt, cleaning off my stomach.

I lay there spread eagle, desperately trying to catch my breath. "I love you," I gasped between deep breaths. I gave an exhausted laugh. "God, I loved you, Rick."

Rick reached over and wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me to his body, showering my face in tender kisses. "I love you too, baby girl. So much."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and sighed happily. "I never thought in a million years that I would ever have you."

Rick's brow furrowed as he looked at me. "What do you mean?"

I blushed and laughed nervously. "I had the biggest crush on you for the longest time."

He laughed heartily and brushed a stray hair from my forehead. "How long?"

"Since you guys came to the farm."

Rick's eyebrows rose in shock. "That long, huh?"

I bit my bottom lip and nodded, incredibly embarrassed.

He leaned in and kissed both of my cheeks tenderly. "Well now you have me, baby girl, and I have you, and I don't intend on ever letting you go."

AUTHORS NOTE: Awww Rick is being all sentimental and such. I love writing this pair. It's way too much fun. Anyways, tell me what you guys think! Please review. I really do want to hear what you guys have to say. It means so much to me. Thanks!