Bloodlines.

Chapter Twenty One; Negan Captures Eugene.

The next morning, Negan woke up in his room, sunlight just beginning to seep through the cracks of the sanctuary walls. Today was the day he planned to return to Alexandria, collect more from "Rick the Prick," and remind everyone who was in charge. He swung his legs off the bed, grabbed his leather jacket, and slung it over his shoulders. With Lucille resting on his shoulder, he strode purposefully down the hallway toward Alyssa's room.

Arriving at her door, he paused for a moment before pushing it open. The sight inside caught him off guard. Alyssa was asleep—truly asleep. For someone who had spent the past week defying him at every turn, she looked... peaceful. Her face was relaxed, free of the anger and fire she usually directed at him.

Negan's eyes flicked to the bed. She hadn't even gotten under the blankets, choosing instead to sleep on top of the covers. Stubborn as hell, even in her sleep.

Lucille rested against his shoulder as he leaned against the doorframe, quietly observing her for a moment. In that moment of stillness, she looked innocent, almost vulnerable—a stark contrast to the fiery, vengeful woman he'd been trying to break.

A flicker of something unnameable stirred in him, but he quickly buried it. Shaking his head, Negan muttered to himself, "What the hell are you doing, getting all soft?"

He clanged Lucille against the doorframe with a loud bang, jolting Alyssa awake. She shot up instantly, her defensive instincts kicking in, eyes blazing as she realized who was standing there.

"Rise and shine, Miss Grimes," Negan drawled with a grin, his usual bravado back in place. "Big day ahead. We're heading back to that little slice of heaven you call home."

Alyssa rubbed her eyes, shaking off the sleep, before glaring at him.

Negan chuckled. "Come on now, sweetheart. Don't make me drag you out of here. Get your ass up."

Without another word, Alyssa stood, shooting him a scowl before heading toward the door. She didn't bother to respond as she brushed past him, but the fire in her eyes told him she wasn't done fighting—not by a long shot.

Negan watched her go, shaking his head with a bemused smirk. "One hell of a girl," he muttered to himself before following her down the hall, Lucille tapping rhythmically against his shoulder.

Negan quickly caught up with Alyssa in the hallway, his long strides matching her determined pace. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path with Lucille resting casually on his shoulder.

"I need to bring you with me," he said firmly, his eyes locking on hers. "You're the proof they need to see. Let them know you're still alive and kicking. I don't want any misunderstandings, no mishaps... and I damn sure don't want to have to take more of your people out."

Alyssa's jaw tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't respond, but the defiance in her glare was answer enough.

Negan leaned in closer, his voice lowering but losing none of its intensity. "And you're going to behave yourself. Got it?"

Alyssa crossed her arms, standing her ground. "What's the matter? Afraid Rick might finally grow a pair if he doesn't see me breathing?"

Negan chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "Oh, you've got jokes this early, huh? Keep it up, Miss Grimes, and I might just leave you in the truck like a bad dog while I go have all the fun."

Alyssa scoffed but didn't reply, her gaze unwavering.

Negan straightened up and smirked. "That's what I thought. Now, let's go. We've got a busy day ahead."

Without waiting for a response, he gestured for her to follow as he began heading toward the sanctuary's entrance. Alyssa stayed a step behind, her fists clenched at her sides. The tension between them was palpable, each step a silent battle of wills.