Survivor (Book #1 of the Survival Series)

Chapter Twenty

---Juli's P.O.V---

I was lifted off my feet and into Luke's arms. I nuzzled my head into his chest as I felt him starting to run. I heard him curse under his breath before we started moving. I looked over his shoulder as we ran and ducked down quickly. The man who's name I had learned to be Brian was standing as his people ran towards us, guns loaded and bared.

"Daryl, take one of the girls." Luke yelled as Daryl hopped on his bike. Fay hopped-wait...Fay! It really is her! Fay hopped on Daryl's bike and he started it up, Fay turned with a gun in her hand and aimed ready to fire. We reached the truck and Charlie flew open the door and climbed in the back. Luke put me in the passenger seat and I slumped down. He jumped over into the drivers seat and started the engine and took off. I saw my gun sticking out of his pocket, I grabbed it and checked to see if it was loaded and indeed it was. My window was shattered and glass poured into the truck all over me. I gathered all the strength an will I had and sat up and aimed the gun at the men and women running at us. There were six people following us in total. Brody, was not one of them. I shot the gun and missed I shot again but this time I hit my target. The man fell to the ground in a motionless heap. I usually never missed but with the exception of the truck moving so fast and me being still dizzy and nauseous, hitting him square in the forehead was pretty impressive.

"Nice shot Jules." Luke commented, I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Thanks." I muttered coming got the realization that I just murdered someone. Luke turned a little and saw my face.

"It's not murder." he said quietly, "They attacked you first." I nodded but still felt the guilt on my shoulders.

We drove back to the prison following Daryl. It wasn't that far but we kept taking wrong turns and stuff to make sure we didn't have anyone following us. Once I shot the man his group of followers stopped shooting but who's to say they didn't send someone after us.

We finally got into view of the prison. I just couldn't wait to be at a place I called safe. The gates ahead opened and Daryl drove through and us behind him.

The gates closed and people immediately surrounded the truck and Daryl and Fay. Luke jumped out and ran to my side of the truck and opened the door and started to pick me up.

"No, I'm fine. I can walk." I insisted but he shook his head.

"I just made you run and you were exhausted. I'm carrying you and you will like it." he smiled picking me up. Deep inside I wanted him to carry me, I didn't want to say it out loud though, that would seem a little helpless and I'm not.

When Luke turned to face the crowed we were (mostly me) bombarded with questions.

"Where were you?"

"What happened?"

"You still look sexy." I turned to see Carl on crutches smiling a little. "Even though I can't have you, I will state the truth."

I looked at Luke who's expression was, happy? He was smiling? Laughing a little because I could feel the vibrations against my chest.

"Thanks," I said quietly. I motioned for him to come closer. "I want to talk to you later, okay?" I whispered into his ear but loud enough for Luke to hear over his snickering.

"Deal." Carl whispered and then crutching away (I don't think that's a word but I'm gonna use it anyway.)

"What's up with your face?" wow that hurt a little.

"Why did you run away?"

"Are you okay?" Finally, someone who cares about me.

"Where were you?!" Another voice yelled, Yes, they yelled, they didn't ask politely they yelled.

"Leave her alone!" Daryl growled, "Leave the poor girl alone. Only specific people will be able to talk directly to her. You will hear what happened from someone else or if Juli wishes she can tell everyone at once." Daryl said to the crowd, "Got that?" Murmurs came as a response from the crowd. "Now go do something useful, or whatever you people usually do around here."

The crowd dispersed, Daryl turned to us.

"I'll explain to Rick what I know and when Juli is feeling better she'll tell Rick and us what happened." Daryl motioned between him and Luke. Luke nodded and looked to me.

"Sure." I said quietly as the horrid memories filled my head. I shook as Brody's words passed through my head.

"You will want me," He smirked as he trailed kisses down my neck as I squirmed to get out. "You'll want me more than ever."

I shook in Luke's arms, he looked down at me as I grabbed his shirt and pulled my head into his chest while letting tears finally escape my eyes.

"I'm gonna take Juli inside now..." Luke said pulling me closer and tightening his grip on me. "You go find Rick and I'll let you know when she's better enough to talk." Luke said to Daryl as he started walking. With me in his arms giving him a little extra weight it took a bit longer to reach the cell blocks.

He carried me all the way to our cell. I don't know how he's not tired, I do weight a bit more than I look but it's because of muscle.

Before I knew it we were back in our cell. I couldn't wait to feel the comfort of being somewhere in which I could call safe, not home though, I don't know if I can ever call it home. I mean, I got here a week ago, it was too early.

Luke set me down on the bottom bunk, I wanted the top but I wasn't going to argue at this point, he'd already done so much for me, it would be asking too much.

I shivered again as Brody's words slithered through my brain.

"You're worthless and pathetic." He hissed as he slapped me,again. "No wonder Luke let you go." This time it was a punch. Then it happened again, he changed personalities. "You're beautiful, gorgeous!" He stroked my cheek. "Your mine."

I shook violently as memories again flooded back. I've been through bad things but nothing this bad. Luke ran out and came back in with another blanket, I shook my head, it was too hot in here.

"You're shivering Juli," Luke said clearly confused by my actions. I managed to get an "I'm fine." out but that was all i could muster. He walked out yet again and then came back with some more food that I'm guessing he got from my house. And handed me a water bottle filled with dark blue liquid.

"What's this?" I asked quietly, Luke sat down on the bed smiling, "Blue Gatorade." I guess by his chuckling that my eyes lit up at the sight and familiar taste of my favorite sports drink and possibly my favorite drink. I guzzled the whole bottle after taking a few small sips, I heard laughter coming from the doorway. I looked up to see a smiling Rick and a laughing Daryl. I looked up and smiled a small smile.

"So Princess, you ready to tell us exactly what happened out there?" Daryl asked

"Daryl, maybe Juli needs a little more time." Rick said slowly taking in my bruises and cuts, but before he could say anything else I interrupted him.

"Rick, I want to tell you..." I started as his face lit up a bit, "But, I...I don't know if I'm ready to re-live all of that..." I mumbled a little at the end but I know he heard me.

"Oh, that's okay...but please," Rick smiled a little, "As soon as you're ready I would like to know." He started to walk away.

"I'm sorry." I whispered. "I'm sorry..."

"You don't want to run away Juli," He smiled a devilish smile, "You don't want to go back there..."

"Why not?" I asked, but more like mumbled, my lip was numb.

"There will be a war..." He took a pause and time to turn and look at me directly, "And we will win...and you will finally be mine.."  I looked at him a million things running through my brain, "...Forever.."