Negan's Daughter

| Chapter 23 | Crossed

"Breanna, wake up," Carl urged while shoving me in the side. I jolted awake and gave him a confounded look. His face, however, caught my alarm and immediately drained the fogginess from my sleep deprived brain.

"W- is Max okay?" I scrambled out while sitting up and searching the church for him.

"He's fine- it's not Max. It's Beth." My eyes immediately narrowed. Was I dreaming? "She's alive." The words came out his mouth with such seriousness I found myself widening my eyes and immediately pushing myself to my feet. Without another word I started off to find Rick.

As I approached Rick I noticed Daryl next to him with an air of urgency enveloping him, his bow was strung over his shoulder and his muscles were tense.

"Is it true?" Rick and Daryl's attention landed on me.

"Yeah," Rick answered, a small smile tilting the firm line on his face. "She's at a hospital a while from here. We're heading off today to get her back." Rick's words caused a smile to take over my face and by instinct I turned towards Carl and brought him into a tight hug. Beth was alive. She was okay. My best friend would be back with us soon. My mind shot into the last moment I had seen her at the prison. The tight way she held my hand as if knowing if I let go it would probably be the last time I saw her. I released Carl and turned towards Rick again.

"Are you sure she's alive?" I asked with a desperate tone leaking through my voice. Daryl grunted.

"Met someone who she got out," Daryl turned to reveal a boy standing by the side of the church with a solemn expression on his face. I furrowed my brow.

"Got out?" I questioned. Daryl grunted again.

"He said they don't let people leave. Once you're saved you owe a debt to them." Daryl responded. I nodded slowly while trailing my eyes back towards Rick.

"Do you have a plan on how to get her back?" I asked. Rick shifted onto his right leg.

"We're gonna secure this place then head there. Get as close as possible to see who's guarding it, how many people are there. If we can catch one of there's we can make a trade." I clasped my hands in front of me and glanced towards the church anxiously.

"I want to go." I spoke up. Rick and Carl examined me with a surprised look. I shifted uncomfortably.

"What about Max?" Rick asked with a gesture towards the church.

"He'll be fine." I spoke coldly. The three stared at me unsure of what to say. Luckily, Daryl moved on.

"Can you hold your own?" Daryl asked.

"I've made it this far," I answered. Daryl glanced at Rick.

"You good with this?" Daryl asked. I furrowed my brow at Daryl then focused on Rick. Rock paused, his eyes shifting to Carl before heading back to me.

"You can come. Stay close." Rick stared at me seriously and I nodded with pursed lips.

"I understand." I responded softly. Rick nodded and stood straight.

"Get your things," he waved. Without hesitation I started towards the church, Carl following close behind.

"I'll watch him while you're gone." He spoke up. I swallowed back sudden guilt. Although he tried to seem calm I could tell through his voice he was worried about me leaving. I turned abruptly and slammed into his chest. Carl stepped back and examined me with confusion. My eyes searched his trying to vocalize the words stuck in my throat. Carl, sensing this, raised his hand to the side of my shoulder. "Are you okay?" he asked. I exhaled slowly and glanced around looking for Max. Seeing he wasn't present, I grabbed Carl's hand and squeezed it. My eyes shut.