In a world ruled by fear, survival comes with a price.
When her brother's attempt to overthrow the Saviors fails, Tessa finds herself under Negan's watchful eye-protected, controlled, and dangerously close to the man she should hate. As violence, po...
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Negan narrowed his eyes down at the much shorter girl, that wolfish grin tugging lazily at his lips. Lucille rested heavy on his shoulder, like an extension of his body rather than a weapon soaked in blood.
"You know what, sweetheart?" he drawled. "I'd like to believe I've been pretty damn generous with you. Real generous." His grin widened as he leaned closer, lowering his voice until it brushed against her ear. "So generous..."
He paused, savoring it.
"...that I'm gonna let this little stunt slide."
The smirk never left his face, but his eyes glittered with warning—sharp, predatory, promising consequences she couldn't yet see.
Tessa's heart pounded so hard it made her lightheaded.
Generous?
He had murdered her people. Stolen from her home. Torn her community apart brick by brick. And now he stood there, calling himself merciful.
Fire burned in her throat. Words clawed at the back of her tongue.
She swallowed them.
Arguing with Negan here—now—would only get someone she loved killed.
Negan cocked his head, clearly pleased by her silence. "Smart girl," he murmured. "Now tell me... did you get what you needed?"
Her gaze flicked down to the photos still clutched in her hand.
Damon's smile. The blurred ultrasound.
The ache cut deeper than any weapon ever could.
She didn't answer.
Negan noticed, of course. He always did. He reached forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "Whatcha got there?"
Before he could touch them, Tessa snapped the pictures back against her chest.
"Don't."
His brows lifted in amused surprise, like a cat delighted by a twitching mouse. "Feisty," he said lightly. Then he chuckled and leaned back. "You remind me of someone I used to know."
The grin returned—sharper than before.
"Well, lucky for you, sweetheart, I'm a sentimental guy. I'll look past this." He wiggled his eyebrows. "You can make it up to me at dinner."
Tessa's stomach twisted violently.
She said nothing. Just turned and walked out of the house, forcing her legs to move even as her chest clenched and her hands trembled.
Negan's low whistle followed her, lingering in the air like a promise she didn't want to understand.
⸻
Outside, she stood beside the truck with Negan when Rick approached, jaw tight, shoulders squared. He handed over the two missing guns without a word.
Negan chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, would you look at that. Right here the whole damn time." He tapped Lucille against his palm thoughtfully. "Now, Rick, let me tell you somethin'."
