My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Twenty

Pain.

The shooting, searing pain was the first thing to return. Brain thrumming against my skull, spikes stabbing every inch.

"I love you baby, I'm sorry! Come back to me!"

His words followed, distraught ramblings, each word running into the next. The usual strength and self-assurance absent, replaced with panic.

And so he should.

My blood froze at the recollection, the outburst inflicting more than just physical pain. The news of my babies' questionable parentage hitting him hard; a shock to everyone involved.

My babies.

Please God, let my babies be OK...

How can I still love him? Even after he did this?

As my eyes swept open, I discovered that we were in a car, Skye at the wheel and Negan sat underneath me, cradling me like a child. His hand pressed against the back of my head; this was bad.

"Hel... ma bbb..."

I couldn't speak, every attempt coming out as drivel. Focusing on his eyes was my next bet.

Please understand.

Bloodshot orbs found mine, tears glistening on pale skin. "I I'm so sorry princess. Please be alright."

Although my hands were shaking, I directed his chin towards my tummy. Negan needed to get my babies to Carson, and while my speech was on hiatus this would have to do. His eyes finally widened in realisation, "we're taking you to the doctor now!"

Hands dropped to my sides, the simple task of lifting them causing my head to spin. The darkness out the window soothed me, even the small amount of light coming from the headlights and internal electronics made me want to vomit.

"We're almost at the Hilltop Rackel! Just rest!" Skye's already high pitched voice rung up an octave higher than usual. Her volume somehow sprouting a new pain within itself. I curled further into Negan's lap, guiltily basking in his natural scent.

Just stay calm.

She blared the horn as the car came to a halt, swinging the door open as she waved her hand outside the vehicle. "Hey! Hey! Rackel's hurt, OPEN UP!"

I clutched Negan's shirt, not willing to be parted from him for even a second.

"I got you baby, Carson will fix this." His voice wavered towards the end, his lack of conviction confirming my greatest fears.

Brawny arms pulled me out of the car, jogging towards the entrance. Every step that he took jolted my head, the shooting pain from my shoulder to skull agonising.

The accidental nudge from Rick jarred me, a gurgling hiss the only noise erupting from my throat.  My old friend's hands scraped at me, trying to pull me away from my husband. "What the hell are you doing? How'd you get out? What happened?"

Rick's barrage of questioning fell on deaf ears, he was just wasting time. I blindly smacked with one hand whilst clutching my abdomen with the other. "Plaseee... helllp..."

Where is Carson?

Negan turned around and barged Rick back, "DON'T YOU TOUCH HER! WHERE'S CARSON?"

My leather clad Savior tried to run, but Rick was on his heels. "Hand her over, I'll take her to Carson!"

I tugged at my husband's collar, "Neee, Neee..."

Breathe girl, you need to breathe.

He stopped for a moment, eyes blazing, control slipping. It was guilt, he knew we were in this position because of him. His feet shuffled, not able to stay still.