Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Beck

“Now, Donnie boy, it’s time to sing. What is your stance on this “sister” and what is your sleuth’s stance on the subject at hand. Tell me the truth and you live. Lie and you both die tonight. It's simple really,” I said, cocking my head at him.

“Cora, Negan’s sister, his dad tried to sell her, he killed him, he put her in hiding but she resisted and found the sleuth that now protects her, thank goddess. She’s got three kids now. He will kill us all before anyone gets to her. That’s why he hates the blacks, they are so desperate to continue their dying line that they will destroy any woman they can get their hands on and profit off anything she produced that could gain a dollar. He smelled the cub on her the first day he brought her home. That's why he never called her again. He was trying to keep her away, but when she contacted him he figured she might want the protection the sleuth could give her, since we don’t have a woman that can produce. He wanted to see what happened. He doesn't condone that side of our world, I swear he has no ill will for Misty or the cub,” Donnie promised. He sounded desperate but sincere, however I’ve been wrong before and that cost me. Better to be safe than sorry.

I growled at his intentions even if it was just him testing if she wanted it. The idea of it rubbed me in all the wrong ways but also confused me, maybe a situation like this was just what they needed, however I didn’t like it. I walked over to Negan, kicking the radio aside, cutting off the music. I grabbed the end of the duct tape and began unwinding, ripping skin and hair as I went as Negan protested. Misty’s gun was still trained on Donnie.

“Your turn,” I said, snatching him out of his seat by his throat.

“Tell me about your sister and why I shouldn’t end you both right now for what you know,” I pressed.

“The kid is a cub, isn’t she?”

“You don’t get to ask the questions,” I said, shaking him. My bear was a heartbeat away from complete loss of humanity. Misty and Cricket were his girls, I realized. He was seeing red just like I was.

“My father tried to sell my sister, I killed him for it, tried to hide her away but she slipped away from my controlling ass and found her mate and a sleuth of her own. She has three kids now. I get to see them a few times a year, she is safe, and that's all I ever wanted for her. I swear, I didn’t pursue you for a reason, no woman deserves the dangers of our world. If you came willingly though, I can’t say that I would have said no,” Negan admitted, his voice gruff with the trauma I inflicted on his throat. I met Misty’s eyes, letting her decide, she lowered the weapon clicking off the safety as she released a breath.. I grabbed Negan up and shoved him away.

“What collateral did you gain,” Misty asked. Her jaw was tight, still not trusting as she processed the information.

“I have his cousin locked up in the basement,” Negan admitted.

Misty glanced down at the floor as if suddenly panicked by being so close. I found myself in front of her forgetting the previously conceived enemy amongst us. I tilted her chin up forcing her eyes to mine. Pure unfiltered fear stared back at me.

“I’ve got you,” I promised. She bit her lip and her eyelids fluttered before her eyes focused back on mine and she nodded, stepping out of my hold. I turned to Negan.

“Seems you got what you wanted. But I want something else from you.” My voice was still gravely, my bear still waiting under my skin, ready and willing to do whatever it took to keep Misty and Cricket safe. This wasn’t like my other charges, he was always aloof but willing to fight if it came down to it. Right now our instincts were aligned and I realized it was something I had been lacking for such a long time. So much so that it made me wonder about his change of demeanor.

“I want to know every fucking thing you learn from the bastard,” I insisted with a snarl.

“Easy, koda.” he said, referring to the breed of bear I am out of respect. I had forgotten that meant something to me. “He’s in the the first 72 hours of no contact but rest assured, he will be singing like he knows opera by Friday,” Donnie promised. “You’re welcome to join us,” he prompted, crossing his arms over his bare chest. He was overstepping his leader, probably because he knew that was best for him in this situation

“I have more important things to do, I shouldn’t have to say this but keep your mouths shut about Misty’s business or I will be paying you a visit. There will be no coming back from that,” I vowed.

“Give me my fucking keys, we are done here,” Misty ordered.

“In the visor,” Negan informed her, pointing at her car. She shut the passenger doors and I followed her around as she shut the trunk and the rear door. She slid in, adjusted the seat and leaned her head back against the headrest with a sigh. I crouched down next to her and her gaze met mine. The emotions swirling through her were hard to read.

“You gonna be okay to drive?” I asked. She nodded in response.

I pulled out the earbud she had given me last time and stuck it in my ear. “Call me when you pull out of here. I didn’t want her to feel anymore alone then she had to be right now. “I’ve got you, baby girl,” I promised her and she nodded numbly.