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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The dining room felt too warm, too quiet, too tense. Negan sat at the head of the table like a king who inherited the throne five minutes ago. He dragged out a chair beside him and with dramatic flair, set Lucille upright in it.
"Right here, baby," he murmured, patting the seat. Tessa ended up next to him, the closest chair. Carl sat across from them, posture stiff. Judith sat with Olivia in her arms, babbling mostly.
"Im not waiting for your brother anymore. I don't know where the hell he is, but Lucille is hungry."
"Darlin' pass the rolls"
Tessa hesitates.
"Please"
Suddenly, a voice breaks the tension.
"Negan!"
Spencer. Tessa recognized that voice right away. Spencer had tried many times to talk to Tessa, however, Rick was quick to but an end to his attempts.
Negan sucked his teeth, stood, wiped his mouth easily, then picked up Lucille from her chair. He tapped the table twice with his fingertips, a casual gesture of command. "Don't go anywhere," he said, not even looking at Tessa.
Then he walked out, the room going cold behind him. Tessa stayed where she was, hands in her lap, heart thudding softly. Carl kept pacing tiny circles near the doorway, agitated but trying to pretend he wasn't. Olivia hovered, nervous and apologetic even though none of this was her fault.
Minutes passed. Tessa didn't sit back down. She just waited, arms folded, eyes flicking toward the door every time she heard a boot scape outside. Finally the door swung open again. Negan stepped inside, that same last grin stretched across his face.
"There she is." His eyes locked straight on Tessa. He motioned with two fingers.
"C'mon sweetheart. We're taking a little stroll."
Tessa blinked at him. "Why?" Negan didn't bothered answering. He walked towards her, sliding a hand around her waist with deliberate confidence, guiding her forward before she could protest. His touch was warm, heavy, controlled.
Carl stiffened immediately. Olivia froze in place. Tessa tried to step back, but Negans grip tightened just a little, just enough to remind her she didn't get a choice.
"Dont be shy," he teased as he walked toward the door. "Spencer's been dying to see your pretty face."
He led her outside like she was a prize he was showing off, hand firm at her waist. The winter light hit the porch, cool against Tessa's skin compared to the heat of Negans palm. Spencer stood by the old pool table, shifting nervously from foot to foot. He looked confused when he saw Tessa beside Negan, surprised, and thrown off.
Negan laughed at his expression, leaning close to Tessa's ear as they walked.
"Stick by me," he murmured. "It'll be fun."
She swallowed hard. Negan released her waist only when they reached the pool table, stepping forward with Lucille resting casually on his shoulder.
"So," he drawled, "What can I do for ya, Spencer?"
Spencer straightened, trying yo look confident. He landed his speech, talking about Rick, leadership, community, stability. He talked like a man who practiced this in the mirror. Negan listened at first, pacing slowly around Spencer, studying him with a half smile that never touched his eyes.
Tessa stood near the edge of the porch, close enough to hear every word, close enough to see everything. Carl and Olivia lingered behind her. Carl was ready to jump in front of her if anything went wrong. Spencer kept talking, voice wavering as he tried to sound impressive.
When he finished, Negan nodded thoughtfully.
"You know... I get what you're saying."
Spencer blinked. "You do?"
"Oh yeah." Negan circled him again, amused. "Rick... he's got a whole lots of faults. Makes some shitty decision. No doubt about it."
Spencer straightened a little, hope flickering in his eyes. Negan tilted his head, smiling like he was about to reveal a secret.
"And you...you're saying maybe you could be better. That right?"
Spencer swallowed. "Yes. I-I think that's fair."
Negan stepped closer. "You know what I think?" A pause. Spencer held his breath. Tessa gripped the porch railing. Negan leaned in
"I think you're trying to get me to kill Rick so you can take over."
Spencers face fell. Negan voice softened, almost sympathetic.
"And that... takes guts."
For a split second, Spencer looked relieved. Negan's smile sharpened.
"And then theres you. The guy who waited for Rick to be gone so he can sneak over and talk to me and get me to do his dirty work so he could take Ricks place. So I got to ask. If you want to take over, why not kill Rick yourself and just take over?"
"What? No, no. I didn't- I don't."
"You know what I'm thinking? Cause I have a guess."
The knife flashed.
"You got no guts." He plunged the blade into Spencers stomach. Spencer gasped, stumbling back, blood draining fast. Tessa's breath caught, Carl stepped forward instinctively. Negan stepped away delighted, watching Spencer struggle.
"Oh how embarrassing!" Negan laughed, pointing at the blood spilling out. "Would you look at that, you do have guts! I've never been so wrong in my goddamn life!"
Carl clenched his fists. Tessa felt sick. Negan watched Spencer collapse, shaking his head slowly.
He turned his head slightly toward Tessa, just enough for her to know he was checking whether she was paying attention.
