Daughter of a Dixon {Book Two}

05: She's My Kid

Present Day.

It was like the world came to a halt for a moment, with my Dad staring at me and me staring right back at him. He had aged considerably, the weight of the world pressing down on him more than ever over the past six years. It's no mystery as to why. I noticed a scar he had above his left eye, one that wasn't there six years ago, but still appeared old. I had no doubt he had noticed my new scars as well.

"I didn't mean for you to find out this way," I started, choosing my words slowly. I was surely getting a strong sense of déjà vu in that moment.

He still remained silent, but slowly dropped his gun, hand trembling. I slowly rose into a standing position, making my movements slow and predictable. Not being around Dad in six years, I had no knowledge to predict what he would do or say next. There was no way to tell, and that was a heartbreaking thing considering I used to know him so well.

"I tried to come back," I said quietly, "but... this time, it wasn't my choice."

I waited in another silence, and eventually, Dad muttered one, quiet word.

"Sid."

He made a move to come closer to me, as if to hug me. But, just before he could take a step, he stopped, going frozen. Then, I felt a cold blade press itself against my throat.

"Nuh-uh-uh," someone said from behind me, and I instantly recognized the voice. I grimaced, and wanted to throw up in my mouth. Now I'd really done it.

Alpha spun me around to face her, blade still to my neck. The recognition in her face was immediate, and a sinister smile creeped across her face. "Well... this is quite the surprise," she said in her distinct accent. Then, she turned to my dad.

"For the record," she said menacingly, "I had no intention of killing any of your people... All I wanted was for you to come with me... Just you." She leaned down close to me, whispering right in my ear, and I flinched. "But now I suppose it'll be the three of us..."

She moved away, and I felt her jerk her head, indicating for my dad to follow her. "Come with me, or I'll kill her."

"What makes you think he cares about me?" I asked, trying to throw her off the trail. Of course it didn't work - she tightened up on the blade, pressing it against my throat just a tiny bit harder.

"Don't play games with me," she warned harshly. "I can tell by the pained look in his eyes... the hurt... the confusion... Oh, yeah, he's missed you somethin' awful, hasn't he?"

Dad made a step forward, grunting in anger, and Alpha pressed the blade harder. I gasped, and Dad froze. I could just tell Alpha was smiling in that moment.

"Now..." she said quietly. "Let's get going... I've got something special waitin' for you.."

The sun was rising before we reached our destination, and Alpha had stepped on the backs of my feet so many times I could've sworn I had blisters. I also had a strong feeling she was doing it on purpose, but considering I had a blade pressed to my neck the entire walk, I decided not to speak up about it.

We eventually stopped at what looked like an edge of a cliff. An loud series of growls and moans was coming from down below, and then I realized what she was showing us.

The horde had grown a considerable amount, and as Alpha walked me extremely close to the edge, I could see thousands upon thousands of walkers roaming around. Dad was beside me, looking down into it with utter disgust.

"Our people are among them," Alpha said proudly, gazing down with admiration. "Steering them... The only reason you and your friends are alive is because I let you live," she said to Dad.

"I let you live," she continued, and I could tell she was talking to me. "And yet you held a slaughter on my people..."

"I'm not with them," I said, indicating my head towards Dad. "The ambush was me and my group, not his. We were looking out for them, but they didn't know that."

"Well, aren't you sweet," she said, and as the last word exited her mouth, the blade broke skin on my neck. I exhaled sharply. I visibly saw Dad tense.

"What do you want from us?" he growled, and once again, I sensed Alpha smiling.

"I want you and your people to stay off my land, and I've marked a North border to my land that should be very clear to you. The land between the broken interstates and river to the South is mine, and the next time your people cross into my land, my horde will cross into theirs, and people will die... Take a nice, good look at the border as you leave, you won't miss it."

Dad stood there, staring wordlessly.

"Go," Alpha commanded. "Your friends are waiting for you in the field due North."

"What're you gonna do with her?" Dad grumbled, motioning to me. I tensed, and instinctively swallowed.

I heard Alpha let out a breathy laugh. "Well, let's just say she's caused me quite a bit of trouble in the past.. Although, I have left my mark on her as well." Then, she reached out and traced over the scars above and below my lip, and I had to do everything to keep from squirming out of her grasp.

After a moment, Alpha sighed and dropped her hand. "You know, I think I'll keep her for myself, I-..."

"Nah," Dad said, shaking his head adamantly. "She's mine."

"How's that so?" Alpha questioned, turning her head to the side.

Dad waited before answering her, but he finally did when Alpha pressed the blade harsher against my neck, digging it deeper in the skin, for incentive.

"She's my kid," he mumbled, looking away.

Alpha gasped. "Is she now?" she questioned, peering around to look at my face. "Oh, now I can see the resemblance... The same eyes on both of you."

Then, she laughed, and it was as evil as could be. "Still, she's staying with me... you have my daughter, and now I have yours. It's strategy, more incentive for you not to bother me, or my people, again. I know you wouldn't harm Lydia, but I can't say the same for your daughter. I've tried to break her once before, and that was a joy, but it did cost me. I intend to try again, and this time, I will succeed... Now, get going."

Dad didn't budge, and knew he was caught between a rock and a hard place. One final time, Alpha pressed the blade further into my neck, and I let out a quiet gasp. "Go," Alpha commanded.

And reluctantly, Dad did. He sauntered away, head hanging low, not daring to look back. His fists were tensed at his sides, and I knew he wanted to run back and beat Alpha as hard as he possibly could. I wanted to do the same.

Alpha chuckled once Dad was gone, and leaned down close to whisper in my ear. "Now," she said, "We've got a lot of catching up to do, don't we?"

And with that final word, she spun me around and forced me to walk once again.