"Never Give Up (On Each Other)"
Author: carmen_085
Disclaimer: I do not own any Walking Dead Characters. I do own all original characters.
Summary: In the months before the beginning of the apocalypse, Daryl finds himself homeless, alone, and with no direction. An adult Beth is struggling to balance her job, sick parents, and the farm. Feeling like the world is suffocating her, will taking a chance on a stranger change everything ? Can these two find what they need in each other before life as they know it ends and they must do anything to survive. AU but eventual ZA with full cast.
NSFW content- you're warned !
Chapter Twenty Six
Beth sighed feeling she'd lived a hundred years in just a day. All she wanted was a moment to herself, some time to process what had just happened and rationalize it. Jimmy had lost his mind and there was no pulling him back from what he'd become. But still, she'd known him all her life- just a year ago he'd comforted her as she cried herself to sleep. The smell of his cologne and his warm chest still buried deep in her memories. Reconciling that against the psychotic man who'd taken her hostage would need some time. Right now she wanted to wash up and at least try to get herself out of this moment. On her shirt were bits of blood and brain, his head exploding in every direction. Pulling the garment off she shed it on her bedroom floor. Shane had done the right thing and she couldn't be upset with, still the whole night had been so fucking abrupt- shocking- and that was hard to do in a world where the dead were walking.
Heavy footsteps clunked on the wooden stairs….and then there was that. Beth knew Maggie was standing in her bedroom door, arms crossed, and demanding expression across her face without even looking. She knew it because she could feel the tension in the room immediately increase, the air becoming thick and heavy. "You could at least act like you're happy to see me." Beth's back was turned as she stood there in nothing but a bra and pair of dirty jeans. She'd hoped to be able to slip into the tub across the hallway for a cold bath, but it seemed the day had other plans. Pulling a dark purple shirt over her head she turned and studied the older Greene for a moment.
"Welcome home Maggie." It was laced with sarcasm and she didn't care. Once upon a time she would have been happy to see her sister, thrilled even. But so much had happened since that time- so much that she'd had to bear the burden of alone. It had barely been two weeks since they'd buried her mama behind the barn. She wasn't over that, hell she'd not even had time to think about. The six tearful hours she'd had after Annette's burial was all the time there'd been to mourn her mama. First there was Carl, then Shane, T-Dog, and Daryl, then the girl missing in the woods, and after that Jimmy. Now it was Maggie, back at the center of the universe like always.
The older sister squinted shaking her head. "Wow, Beth. What's happened to you?" Her blonde hair fell around her face as she froze. It took all of five second for her to snap.
"What?" The intensity of her stare caused Maggie to deflate seeing that she'd made a terrible misstep. "Are you kidding me?"
Never one to be on the losing end of an argument Maggie found a half assed comeback, "Everyone's been through shit, Bethy. Glenn and I lost people….I've been trying to get back here since it started. I finally do and strangers have taken over the farm and you're no where to be found !" She took a step toward her laying on hand on Beth's forearm. "I was scared.."
Beth pulled her arm away shaking her head. "I can't do this right now, Maggie. I can't make you feel better. I can't take care of you too." Anger bubbled up as her voice raised a few octaves. "Fuck ! You have no idea what's happened." Maggie flinched at the expletive that burst from her little sister's mouth. Beth never swore, she was all sunshine and rainbows, goodness and dear me. Knowing that she'd all but abandoned her sister both before and after the world ended, Maggie carefully steering away from her own wrongdoing and headed to a more comfortable topic.
"You learn that from him ? That redneck you're hanging all over…" She let out a wry laugh rolling her eyes. "Daddy told me the two of you are together. I know the world's ended but Bethy there has to be something better…"
Beth cut her off. "Get the fuck out." Her blue eyes blazed with anger as she took a step into her sister. "How dare you. You have no idea Maggie. You never did." The older sister huffing searching for a rebuttal. However when Beth opened her mouth again she didn't recognize the bellowing voice that came out. "I won't hear this. NOW GET OUT !"
Maggie stared at her for a moment before turned and silently moving back down the stairs. Beth sat down on the bed, her chest heaving from the sudden confrontation. A few moments later she heard another set of footsteps on the stairs, these nearly silent and familiar she winced, wishing that Daryl had been far out of ear shot.
He appeared in her door silently studying her as they held each other gaze before he spoke first, "You alright?" His low, gravelly voice was a like a balm to her obvious agitation.
Letting out a long exhale Beth felt herself deflate as she slumped backwards collapsing onto the bed. "I'm sorry Daryl…" Coming to sit next to her he shook his head
"Ain't gotta be sorry." He was quiet for a moment. "I know how it looks…why she said it…" He trailed off. Beth immediately snapped up.
"Don't you dare, Daryl Dixon." She turned, forcing him to face her. Reflexively he looked away. Taking his chin gently she turned his face so that their eyes met. "I love you. Nothing and nobody will ever change that." Daryl ducked his head nodding reluctantly.
"Love you, too." It was the second time he'd said it to her and she found the warmth that bloomed in her chest and shot to her pelvis had only increased. Beth leaned forward and planted her lips against his. The kiss was soft at first but quickly deepened with her letting out a moan that caused him to pull away. A steadying breath and then a quick shake of his head. "Not here…later when we can be alone."
Daryl's heart was racing at the sheer want she had for him. Even with her sister raking her up and down she was still here with him, practically throbbing with want. The idea alone as enough to completely undo him. He'd never been someone's and he certainly never had anyone who was his.
Beth smiled and let out a soft laugh. "Can you help me with something ?" Daryl was quick to nod, not caring what she wanted only knowing that he would do it.
"I'll do whatever you want, Beth." She hugged him, their foreheads resting against one another as she sighed.
Shane respected both Daryl and Beth more than he thought he would. A couple weeks ago when he'd coming running up to the farm, Carl nearly bled out in Rick's arms and him dragging that shit head Jimmy along behind, he didn't think much of either one of them. Sure, Daryl looked tough but he'd been a cop in King County for almost twenty years and he knew the type. Southern redneck trash, surely he had a methed out cousin or brother he hung around with, committing petty crimes and being a general leach on society. They'd get locked up for the night and bailed out by morning. He and Rick had run thousands of Daryls in over the years. So really he didn't put much stock in the rough looking southern boy.
Beth was another story, slight and blonde, he wondered if she had ever thrown a punch in her life much less fought to survive. Her skin was pale and her eyes were deep blue. Any doubts he might have had about her toughness were recalled when she leveled the shotgun at Rick's face. This was her land, apparently, and they didn't take in strangers. Carl was shot, though, and barely alive. Her neighbor responsible she didn't have much choice. The boy laid out on the guest bed, Rick nearly incoherent with panic; it was just her and Shane at the moment to get done whatever needed done. And fuck could she get it done. Shane didn't make it his practice to hang around hospitals but he'd doubted that he'd ever met a nurse as good as Beth. She was fast, efficient, and methodical. Without the reassurance of the hospital and the legion of doctors that came with it, she was still able to diagnose, treat, and stabilize Carl. It was a goddamn miracle if anyone was asking.
After that she'd seen to everyone else; systematically treating and offering what little comfort she could. He knew right then that Beth Greene was one hell of woman. Taking care of all of them and keeping this farm running with some ground rules that had the more catered to members of his group huffing and puffing. Honestly Shane thought it amusing, watching Andrea and Dale wither at the idea of growing crops. Way things had to be now, though, and the sooner everyone realized that the better off they would be. Rick was still pressing for runs into the town to raid grocery stores, pharmacies and the occasional gas station. Pretty soon nothing was going to be left and everything in this area will have been taken by someone. Then they would need to go further out on longer runs which would be more dangerous. Shane knew there were supplies that they simply couldn't get here; clothing, medicine, weapons. But he also knew that their future was in making themselves self sufficient. Beth and Daryl seemed to understand that, while nobody else could.
Ever since they'd arrived on the farm, Rick had been pulling away from him back toward Lori and Carl. It was natural Shane, supposed but all the same he wished at times that it was still him. That he was still the guy for Lori and the dad for Carl, That first month on the run, while chaotic as fuck, was probably the best time of his life. He finally had what he always wanted. Reality always had a way of biting him in the ass, though, and sure enough when the others had come back from their Atlanta run there was Rick right along with them. The man he'd once considered a brother was alive and Shane knew he should be happy for that- elated even. But he couldn't be, also knowing that this demented idea of house that he'd been playing with Lori and Carl was now over. He knew nothing would be the same again.
The divergence began as soon as Carl was taken care of. They no longer had a common goal and with the boy out of their shared grasp and back squarely between his parents, Shane found himself firmly on the outside. Lori hadn't done much to change his mind either. The hell that he'd endured to see her and Carl to safety wiped away as soon as Rick reappeared. Not even a thank you, just a cold shoulder. Shane would be lying if he didn't say that it hurt. Take everything else out of the equation between them, and he thought he was at least owed some gratitude.
Naturally with himself on the outs with his actual group, he found himself gravitating toward Beth and Daryl. Not just because they ran this farm but also because he thought they had a fucking clue. He'd been sold on Beth the night she saved Carl's life, but Daryl took some time. Eventually Shane had to concede that if he was once a redneck piece of shit he wasn't anymore. Daryl was smart and tough and could see a problem from a mile away. He didn't say much but he was always watching and listening. Planning, anticipating, and reacting accordingly. A real survivor while the rest of them were hopelessly fumbling about in his wake. In the last week he'd helped Shane learn to set snares, traps, and some basic tracking. He was good at what he knew and together Beth and Daryl formed a sort of apocalyptic power couple. If shit needed done they got it done, simple as that.
Sitting on the porch stairs, Shane cleaned the rabbits he'd trapped readying them for the open fire pit. He was happy to contribute and do his part. Besides, the time alone let him watch the others without being so obvious. Beth's sister and her Chinese husband rolling up unannounced had caused quite the stir on the farm practically overshadowing the fact that Beth had been taken hostage by the psycho farm boy across the way. Shane wasn't even sure if everyone knew what happened yet and for her part Beth was handling it well. Still there was the matter of the walker barn and the very real possibility that Sophia was inside. Shane had agreed not to say anything about it until later when the entire group was together. He didn't care, either way the girl was still going to be dead.
"Hey…gotta take Beth down to the creek. Keep an eye on things ?" Daryl stepped down with Beth close behind a backpack in tow. Shane eyed them both before nodding his head seriously.
"Right." It was all that needed said. What was implied by the situation was that he keep an eye on Maggie and her man, make sure they didn't cause any problems. Any more problems. You'd have had to been deaf not to hear what just went down in the house. Beth telling her sister to get the fuck out. Whatever was said up there, Shane knew it had to have been pretty shitty because Beth didn't lose her cool for anything. Shane shook his head squinting as he pulled the hide away from the cottontail. One would think all this drama would have died with civilization.
The group was breaking and anyone could see that. Andrea was a perpetual bitch, constantly asserting herself as being just as tough as the men. Dale was busy chasing after her making absolutely sure she knew he cared. T-Dog was angry and restless wanting a plan and getting nothing. Carol was always crying which he expected to either get better or worse with the finality of what was going to come next. And then there was Lori who only went between the house and the barn avoiding everyone and everything except for Carl. Thankfully the boy was up and about with Hershel declaring that he should be fit for travel any day now. Finally they could pack up and move on to Fort Bening. While Rick should be making plans for that, he was instead lost and trying to keep up appearances on all fronts. Placating Lori, reassuring Carol, being gracious to Beth; none of it meant a shit without seeing the bigger picture.
Stepping over to the grill rack, Shane laid the meat over the open fire. It sizzled and popped as he stared at the flames. Behind him the porch door slammed shut as Lori appeared on the stairs. For a moment it looked like she was about to say something before she abruptly covered her face and bolted down the stairs. Across the yard and halfway to the barn he watcher her veer off and into a thicket of pecan trees. When she didn't immediately reappear he grabbed his knife and followed after, wondering what the hell was going on now.
It was mid September, and while the days were still blazing hot, the nights had turned cool. A small creek, maybe knee high, ran behind the farm in the woods. When Beth was a girl she'd often sneak off to sit beside it listening and to the water as she read a book or wrote in her journal. Easing down into the water she let out a gasp. It was cold, much colder than she would have guessed, still it was better than the farm right now. Her getting kidnapped and held hostage seemed like a footnote against Maggie's abrupt arrival. Christ not in a thousand years could she have seen that coming. Part of her, a very small part, had wished for her sister to come home time so many times. When she was drowning with her mama and the farm that's when it would have been great to see Maggie. Her and Glenn turning up as they had, making a thousand mile journey in the process was more than a little strange. Beth wondered, but right now she couldn't think about it too much, her head throbbed from everything that happened. Slipping under the cold water she gasped against the sharp chill.
"You alright ?" Daryl's gravelly voice broke the silence as she hummed a reply. He hadn't questioned her when she asked him to do this. It seems crazy, disrobing and bathing in the wide open where a walker or god forbid a person could happen upon her, but she needed this.
This peace, this time alone to reset herself. Beth soaked her hair rubbing a sizable dollop of lavender shampoo into her honey locks. Her mind then wandered to Jimmy and the way that he'd broken, his mind fracturing into a thousand non sensical pieces. His wife and children were in the barn and she wasn't sure she could live with herself if she didn't help lay them to rest. She was also fairly certain that carol's daughter was there too. That was the very next thing that they needed to deal with once they returned to the farm and gathered everyone up. She dreaded it, and knew Carol would be destroyed. She wondered if Rick's group would move on then. Maybe that would be for the best, still she couldn't deny that there was safety in numbers. Lathering the rest of her body she forced her mind to go blank. Everything would be dealt with in time.
Daryl adjusted himself on the rock as he kept his keen eyes roving about. He'd not bat an eye when Beth asked him to keep watch while she washed up in the creek. If they didn't have the farm and all the comforts it provided this would just be another part of life. He guessed that she wanted some time alone to pump the brakes. Everyone should have been overjoyed to see Beth back safe and sound, but instead they were crowded around Maggie, crowed over the new arrival. Hershel himself beaming like Daryl had never seen before, it was if the prodigal son had returned home once again. Beth told him long ago that the eldest Greene had always been the favorite, her daddy's pride and joy. Prior to Daryl's arrival, Maggie had played the part of the weekend daughter. Coming for visits and placating Hershel's drinking and bad behavior in favor of keeping the peace. Beth was then inevitably left to deal with the nuts and bolts of reality once Maggie had gone and things returned back to normal. It wasn't fair but Beth just shrugged; life wasn't fair.
Over the last few months she'd told him bits and pieces about her sister. He'd never pried gathering that it was a sore subject. Now he could see why. Maggie was certainly something else. Overbearing would be an understatement, and even Daryl had to swallow back anger at the way she immediately attacked his relationship with Beth. He supposed that it was the lowest hanging fruit. Beth was amazing and if he wanted to wallow a bit he could admit to himself that perhaps he was the weakest thing about her. Some uneducated, unwashed redneck that had shown up just when the world was changing and people like him actually became useful.
He couldn't say that, though, not without knowing deep in his gut that it was bullshit. She'd defended him like a lion, telling her sister to fuck off. Beth hardly ever swore but when she did she really meant it. There was no doubt, no hesitancy, no second thoughts; he was hers- completely hers- and even still he couldn't profess to understand why. He did know that it stirred something deep inside him. A want, a primal urge to show her just what that meant to him. Nobody had ever wanted him like she did; willing to walk through the fire of hell to prove he was her guy. Adjusting himself on the rock, Daryl found his pants uncomfortably tight. This was neither the time nor the place, but arousal was inconvenient as he now understood, coming on and consuming him and his practicality in a plume of raw need.
Behind him he heard water sloshing and knew that she was getting out of the creek. He'd turned his back as soon as she pulled her shirt over her head, affording her the privacy she needing by coming out here in the first place. His heart was pounding though, imagining her glistening wet in the afternoon sun. Blinking, he let a breathy grunt escape his lips. God, no one had ever done this to him in his entire life.
Beth emerged from the water and immediately noticed the tight set in Daryl's posture. Had something happened ? "Daryl ?"
He turned around and there she was, better than even he could could have imagined. Her skin was shining with tiny droplets of water as her long honey colored hair hung wet and dripped down her back. His gaze traveled down her body to her pert breasts, rock hard nipples, and flat, quivering tummy. Eventually he settled on her glistening slit, pink and with a light covering of delicate blonde curls, nothing in the world could force him to look away.
Beth saw the way his eyes raked her over and the lust behind them. Immediately she felt her core begin to throb. This was not what she wanted when they came out here but now she found it out as all she could think about. They'd been together a handful of times now with her doing nearly all of the initiating. The idea of him taking charge made her quiver. She stood there, making no effort to cover herself, waiting to see what he would do next.
Despite the rushing of blood in his ears, Daryl knew they were alone. Over the years he'd cultivated a sixth sense- an absolute knowing when it came to the forest- himself and the trees blurring together as one in the same. She was giving herself to him right now, and after everything else that had happened today, he couldn't stop his restraint from crumbling.
"Beth…" It was desperate and breathy, making her center ache for him. Parting her lips her eyes filled with need. That was all it took to completely push him over the edge. In a moment he was next to her, kissing her like it was the last thing he'd ever do. Hungry, needy- devouring her lips and tasting her tongue. Daryl's sudden boldness coupled with the thrill of being out in the open, had Beth's head spinning as she reached for his belt with only one thing on her mind. Deftly he batted her hand away. This was going to be all about her.
Daryl couldn't pretend that he knew what he was doing and his heart was pounding wondering if he was about to make a fool of himself. Pure lust, coupled with the love and devotion she had for him, pushed him out of his tightly wound comfort zone and onto foreign ground. He loved this woman and he intended to show her. Trailing his lips down her neck, he settled on her breasts massaging the one as he suckled the other. Beth gasped arching her back and pushing herself further into his mouth. If this was as far as he went it would have been enough- more than enough. But taking a breath and steadying himself he pressed on, the shock evident on her face.
Beth couldn't stop the tremor that rolled down her spine when Daryl's lips moved over her breasts and down her flat tummy. Kissing her in earnest his lips worked over her hip bones and to her thighs. It was only then, when he settled on the soft skin of her pelvis, that it dawned on her what was about to happen. Never had anyone done this to her. Her most sensitive, private part just inches from his lips she shook with anticipation. She was already throbbing and swollen begging for his touch with her ever increasing wetness.
He'd never even considered going down on a woman before, Merle having condemned the act saying it was for men who were pussy whipped. This was Beth, though, and it wasn't just about making her feel good it was about making her feel loved. Holding her by her jutting hip bones he steadied them both as he took his first hesitant swipe. She reacted instantly bucking her hips and crying out. Daryl looked up, never wanting to hurt her in any way, and saw that her eyes were rolled back in her head with unequivocal pleasure. Settling against her center he began licking more insistently, drinking everything she gave him and teasing her clit for more. He knew right then that he would never tire of her sweet taste. Everything about the act was so intimate and special he relished in the feel of her lips against his, pulsing and soaked with need. He licked and sucked, varying his strokes and causing her to unravel in his hands.
Beth was incoherent, trembling with pleasure she'd never known before. Every nerve ending in her body sparked and fired as she couldn't help but to thrust her hips forward. At some point she'd wound her fingers through his hair latching on tightly. Beth's legs felt like jello eventually giving out as she crumbled to the ground.
All she could do was whimper lacking the coordination to right herself back into position. Daryl, however, was quick to lift her by the hips, gently placing her on her towel which was spread out on a nearby log. Kneeling in front of her, he spread her legs stroking her gently with his fingers as he took both breasts into his mouth. She bucked forward, desperately needing the more intense stimulation of his mouth. Carefully he replace his finger with his tongue, picking up where he left off. Beth gasped, her legs coming to squeeze around him needing some way to anchor herself in place. Her belly spasmed and quivered, bouncing up and down with raw pleasure as the first sparks of her climax began. Daryl rested his palm against her not just to steady her but to feel how she was quaking for him right now. In his own pants he felt pre-cum leak from his tip staining the front of his underwear. None of this was about him, but still he couldn't help his body's own response.
When she came it was a torrent, gushing from her center with a shout that echoed to the heavens. Her eyes slammed shut, her body shook uncontrollably, her chest heaving for air; Beth catapulted head first in a pleasure she'd never known. Daryl held her in place by her hips, letting her surrender herself completely as he slowed his ministrations to a languid pace. When she released her legs he finally lifted his head, their eyes making lazy contact. Beth felt like she was in a dream. Gathering her in his arms, he held her against him tenderly, whispering in her ear. "I love you Beth."
People couldn't just be running off anymore and Lori should know better. The farm was as safe as anywhere could be, but that didn't mean shit couldn't happen. His gun tucked safely into his waistband, Shane left the yard closing the gate behind him. When he found this woman he was going to give her a piece of his mind. He shouldn't be running after her in the first place anyway, this was Rick's wife and where the hell was he right now?
Shane let out something between a growl and moan knowing what he was about to do would only cause more problems. Still, he'd not be able to live with himself if something happened to Lori. Not like it would change things between them, what was done seemed to be done. And even if she did have some epic change of heart not like Rick was just going to step aside.
Shaking the absurdity of it all away, Shane ducked into the thicket of pecan trees following Lori's trail easy enough. Bent over a log she was heaving loudly enough for him to hear. Stopping short, Shane stared at her already too skinny frame and wondered how long she'd been sick. He wondered if it was something serious. And then he wondered if this was the sickness…the one that turned people in walkers. A genuine fear bubbled up inside him. Coming to squat beside her he placed a hand on her back without even thinking about it.
"Easy now…" She heaved violently, nothing coming out as the bones in her back jutting into the palm of his hand. For once, Lori didn't resist him, accepting his comfort in a clear moment of weakness. It cracked part of Shane's heart back open, breaking down a wall that he swore he wouldn't let her through again. Eventually she calmed, slumped backwards and ending up resting against his knee. Again, Shane couldn't help himself as he stroked her hair back from her sweaty brow. "You alright ?"
Lori took a deep breath, her eyes staring at a spot on the ground, she seemed a million miles away. She didn't answer at fist and he was honestly unnerved by it wondering if something more serious was going on. Beth was a great nurse but if Lori had cancer or some other serious illness, Shane knew there wouldn't be much they could do. When she made eye contact with him he knew the smile was forced.
"Yeah…just something I ate." Standing up, she slipped out of his hands as she pushed the hair out of her face. Looking between the small pile of vomit in the dirt and Shane's concerned eyes she shook her head trying to look more convincing. "Really, I'm ok." She touched his forearm rubbing it for a moment before turning back toward the house. "Come on…let's get back."
He stood up staring at her seriously. It was a chance for her to be honest with him and tell him what was really going on. Tearing her eyes away she started walking and he knew that was that. Whatever was happening she had no intention of telling him. Their trust, the trust that had kept her and Carl alive for that first month on the road, was gone. Part of him wanted to collapse to his knees right then and there, beg her to come back and talk to him. They didn't have to have anything but trust- nothing else mattered to him anymore. Another part of him, a larger part, was angry. Angry that she could shut him off so easily, and angry that Rick had come back. Everything was so perfect until he showed up.
"Whatever…" Walking out of ahead of her his strides were angry as he broke through the trees and happened upon Rick and Carl just outside the barn.
Rick knew Shane well enough to know that something was wrong. Eyeing his former partner and then his wife right behind he narrowed his eyes, "What is it ?"
Shaking his head Shane chucked a thumb behind him, "Ask her." Stalking past them all, he didn't care to be in the middle of Grimes family drama any more. Daryl and Beth were back from the woods meeting up with him at the gate.
Immediately picking up on the agitation in his posture, Beth's sweet voice interrupted his tirade. "Something happen ?" Her mind immediately went to her sister and what drama Maggie could have stirred up in the last hour.
Letting a breath out Shane shook his head. He was more than happy to take out his frustrations on Rick but Beth didn't deserve it. "Nah…just the usual." His eyes darted to Rick and Lori in a tense conversation as Beth's gaze followed. Humming her understanding she nodded, not needing or wanting to probe the situation any further.
"Alright. We're going to make dinner, get everyone around the table. Then we need to figure out what's going to happen next. With the girl…." She trailed off, Shane meeting her eyes. "And with everyone else."
He'd never doubted Beth's mettle or her resolve when it come to running this farm. It was her property and if she was about to throw them out he wouldn't be surprised. Still, he also knew she was immensely caring and thoughtful. Putting a boy out onto the road would not sit well with her, no matter how well he now was. If they were going to leave it would need to be on their terms. That didn't mean she wasn't about to set some additional rules; her sister surely about to complicate matters.
"Alright. I'll get everyone in the house." Daryl nodded as he opened the gate the three of them nearly knocked over as Maize bolted from the yard making a beeline directly for Maggie's black Toyota. They watched as the dog sniffed every inch of the car eventually settling herself at the trunk. A few whiffs at the crack had the German shepherd barking and raising hell. Immediately Beth went to her, grabbing her collar and dragging her back toward the house. She never barked like that, and now was not to the time to start. Every walker in Georgia had surely heard it.
Corralling the dog back into the yard Shane followed Beth but Daryl stayed behind taking a few steps toward the car. Something about the whole situation didn't sit right with him. Staring at it for a moment he turned back toward the house his eyes meeting Glenn's as he stared at him from the porch. A strange apprehension on his face, he forced a smile and a nod that Daryl did not return.
TBC….
A transition chapter that is laced with future problems. Next chapter is already in progress expect update this weekend or early next week. Thanks for reading as always !