D-irty Secret

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/60750946.

Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: The Walking Dead (TV)
Relationships: Rick Grimes/Negan Smith, Rick Grimes & Amber
Characters: Rick Grimes, Negan Smith, Amber | Savior (Walking Dead), Dwight
(Walking Dead), Simon (Walking Dead), Sherry | Honey (Walking
Dead), Shane Walsh, Maggie Greene
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Nostalgia, Eventual Romance, Eventual
Happy Ending, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Omega Rick
Grimes, Alpha Negan Smith, Omegaverse, Needy Negan Smith, Scent
Kink, Scents & Smells, Impulse Control, Blood and Injury, Sweat, Body
Horror, Death Threats
Language: English
Series: Part 4 of NSFW ALPHABET
Stats: Published: 2024-11-22 Updated: 2025-05-10 Words: 40,245 Chapters:
33/?
 D-irty Secret
by HakendoMit

Summary

They say that Soulmates tend to never achieve glory and sow their seed because they won't
get to know their other half.

For some, Soulmates are condemned to loneliness and a life full of regrets proper of some
sort of curse, a hex that has been cast upon the unfortunate.

Negan has been waiting for so long...

Or.

Negan wants Rick so bad and fill him up real good with his pups because goddayum that mf
Rick is a real SNACK and who wouldn't want a piece of that cake, Negan sure does because
he just can't wait for the right moment to smack it as if he owns it, and Rick will be saying
"bet you dont even know how to use it" with a sassy remark and Negan says "bet I do" and
they will open the pups factory and ALJSDHKJASGHDKJGHAKSDHAJLSHDASD

Notes

Eventual crap. This will have many chapters. Yes.

I need to get serious help.

 Chapter 1

Negan, as the Alpha of the pack, never believed in those stupid superstitions about the
existence of "soulmates" that many of the elders of the group used to mention from time to
time. The mere idea that the universe, life or some higher force had control over their lives
was something that disgusted him to think about, since he was the only owner of his life and
the one who held the reins of his own path.

Ever since his beautiful Lucille died, Negan had never been able to find another partner who
could complement him the way she did. One of his biggest regrets in life was that he could
never have completed their union and had offspring together, though perhaps this was for the
best considering that a child of hers could be an agonizing reminder of her absence but, at the
same time, just seeing someone with such a resemblance could drive him to a madness that
would end up killing him.

There were many rumors that put Negan's title of "Alpha" at risk within his pack. The Saviors
became suspicious when they realized that Negan was never able to have pups and that all his
attempts to procreate were a just lies. None of his women said much about it and when
questioned they commented that they had aborted a "beautiful, vigorous and handsome male
cub."

Negan hated that stupid mark that was on his chest; subliminal reminder that he would never
find his other half, if the legends had even a shred of truth. If indeed some Omega, regardless
of gender, was out there, waiting, then he would move heaven and earth to find them. That
was why Negan began to develop protocols to make that search faster.

It wasn't until one particular night that his men reported that they had caught a group that
raided one of their many settlements, but it didn't matter much what they stole, but that one of
the group's members, precisely the leader, shared the same mark on his chest as Negan; the
ostentatious and charismatic lord and master of the Saviors.

Something inside Negan, a sensation so unusual that it started from his chest and went down
to his stomach made his world spin.

Was that man really what he had been looking for all this time?
 Chapter 2

Negan immediately ordered to be taken to the place where the arrest of that group of bandits
occurred. For a moment the leader felt despair flooding his body, and he wished with all his
might to be in that place and find the miserable who had the luck, or perhaps the misfortune,
of having the same birthmark as him.

Would this really be his golden opportunity to be with the one who was destined to share his
life for the rest of his days with? If so, a wave of jealousy began to invade Negan. What if
they had already been used by someone else? After all, no Alpha can resist the sweet scent of
a delicious Omega in mating season.

The mere idea of someone taking advantage of his other half was a thought that tormented
him to such an extent that an erection formed in him as he imagined the most scandalous
scenarios in his sick mind.

Stress has many ways of manifesting itself and one of them is smell. For the first time,
Negan's other men had the complete disgust of smelling their leader in any other way, since
such a penetrating, almost acidic smell flooded their nostrils, so it was not surprising that
once they were in the vehicle, they all lowered the windows in order to breathe some fresh
air, regardless of whether the air also smelled rotten due to the presence of the undead who
came to shake their world.

No one had the courage to look Negan in the face either, because his eyes were dilated and
his gaze reflected complete emptiness, a face worthy of a man lost in nothingness who
seemed not to return because there was nothing worthy to do so.

Finally, that putrid aroma that Negan was emanating stopped since a new one had arrived.
The men commented on how pleasant that smell was; from those who said it seemed to smell
like sweet fruit while others related it to distant memories such as the smell of grass after the
rain, vanilla or sugar turning into caramel. This did not go unnoticed by Negan who also
calmed down and his face reflected deep joy since the aroma he perceived was so unique that
his head short-circuited trying to relate it to something in particular.

When he got out of the car and saw a series of people kneeling, tied up and with black bags
over their heads, it was then that Negan showed himself attracted to only one of them.
Almost as if it were a natural command, like the order of a voice telling him which way to go
without hearing it.

Negan felt a connection...

And that scared him.

 Chapter 3

Rick Grimes was allowed to see the world around him after the bag covering his head was
removed. Beads of sweat fell from the policeman's reddish face who failed miserably to hide
his complete disgust at the situation. Being at the mercy of someone pointing high-caliber
weapons at you is not a very pleasant experience and that damn urge to pee caused by fear,
almost like a tickling sensation, made Rick try to hold on to a small hope so as not to lose
control.

Of all the men there, with their ostentatious tattoos and leather clothing, carrying weapons
that would knock him out without giving him a chance to blink, Rick watched with intrigue
the tallest of them, the one wearing a distinctive red scarf whose color stood out too much
among the black outfit he was wearing.

Rick was always told that someone like him had to be submissive, that his place in the world
was so insignificant and that his purpose was nothing more than to please. The members of
other packs hated Rick, that stubborn bastard who talked back whenever he got the chance
and had that nasty look in his eyes that made anyone who stared at him so uncomfortable get
mad.

Negan took a few steps towards Rick, steps that reflected his dominance over him without
saying a word. The dead leaves of a relentless autumn and the way their rustling intensified
gave the policeman a series of shivers because something in him told him that this bastard
was not like the others he had encountered on his path. His temper, the way his eyes
connected and the fact that something in Rick "clicked" were enough signs for him to know
that he was screwed, however he did not know how much.

"Hmm... I haven't seen one of your kind around here in a long time, especially one like you."

Negan took Lucille, his bat, and with a subtle caress he brushed the clean wood against Rick's
chin to force him to lift it and make them face to face.

"Anyone who had the pleasure to get their hands on you... and that smell..."

The leader had found the source of that singular aroma that drove him and his men crazy,
making each of them control their most primitive impulses out of respect, if they had an idea
of what that was.

Rick had the audacity to continue looking him in the eyes, something that made Negan feel
very hot inside. An Omega wanting to save the day having the audacity to look an Alpha in
the face without fear as if that would solve anything?

"It is my understanding that... you and your group stole from mine. We do not like raiders,
especially those who expect to act without receiving any kind of consequences for it."

"So I've done a spectacular job of getting the Alpha of the pack to take care of the matter
himself."
Rick revealed a mocking smile that made Negan raise an eyebrow. Was he dealing with a
prankster now too? Or someone who had a suicidal desire?

"We haven't introduced ourselves. What's your name? That way I'll know what credentials to
put on your grave once we're done with this."

"Make sure you don't damage my face too much. I want to become a very handsome walker
before my flesh falls off, okay?"

"Well, well, well, we have a lousy cunt among us."

"The lousy's name is Rick, Rick Grimes. Remember me, you'll never meet another one like
me."

And boy, no one would have believed that someone like Negan would agree with a complete
moron like Rick. In his life, he would never find someone like him... and that bothered him.

Of all the Omegas that could have been his soulmate, a big mouth with balls the size of the
moon had to be HIM. Couldn't they give him a submissive Omega who could obey his orders
and take the damn hint?

"Friends of yours?"

Negan voiced indifferently as he looked at the other members of Rick's group, some of whom
were too scared to intervene as they still had their bags covering their faces.

Others of them were calm, which was quite helpful in a situation where every move could
result in a horrible ending.

"Pack members. That's right. My pack."

"Mmm... let's put that to the test."

Negan ordered his men to take the bags away and eventually several men and women with
wild features showed themselves before Negan and his men.

Known for his sadism and getting what he wanted Negan chose to play a game.

"So you're the leader of this group of... things. When the ship sinks the captain must go down
with it. So... How much is your freedom worth?"

Negan commented in a sinister tone as his expression darkened, his eyes dilated and his
nostrils flared, and his chest jutted out as a way to show authority.

Rick had a slight intuition about where this conversation was going, and he didn't like it one
bit.

"I'll take this intrepid piece of shit who thinks he has bigger balls than me... in exchange for
your freedom it's a fair trade."
Negan unleashed a series of comments that made Grimes' role in the situation clear. It
definitely wasn't pleasant for Rick to hear his group comment on how great the idea was, how
his sacrifice would be remembered, and the fact that it was his fault they were in such a mess.

"Is this what you want to protect, Ricky?"

Negan pointed his baseball bat at the other individuals who were distinguished from betas
and omegas who acted like a hive mind, one too stupid for Smith's taste.

"The captain goes down with the ship, right?"

Rick answered, trying to hide the complete disgust he felt at being sold by his people. His
stomach turned and he began to vomit out of pure reflex. The betrayal hurt Rick, who didn't
believe that he had a group of ingrates behind him all along.

However, the soft caresses produced by Negan's hand who was positioned in front of him and
the way his body felt electricity with the close contact made the encounter something
particular.

"So, Rick..."

"You, and all of them, and the world... can go to hell."

"My word is law. Gentlemen! I'm sticking with him. You know what to do."

And without further ado, Negan's men raised their rifles.

It was all a pornographic festival of sounds and flashing lights. Rick could barely process
what he was seeing before he completely blacked out.
 Chapter 4

Rick woke up the next day in an unfamiliar room. He was lying on a bed with blankets that
gave off a rather pleasant smell to him, which made the policeman place his face on them and
rub it in soft movements in order to feel the texture of the sheets.

Grimes realized that the bed was way too comfortable, even more so than any pile of dirty
rags or old mattresses he might have laid his ass on before. The heat radiating off his body
from the blankets covering him made Rick not want to get up. Why would he? There was no
reason at all and if this was his last time enjoying one of life's greatest pleasures then he
would take advantage of every damn second.

"Are you awake yet?"

A thick voice came from behind Rick. He remembered that it was that Alpha he met the night
before and who ended the lives of the rest of his group by ordering his men to do his dirty
work.

"No, I'm not awake yet. Let me sleep goddammit."

"Come on, don't be like that. Let's talk. And maybe you'll enjoy having more time in bed."

"Can I answer you in this position and with my eyes closed? I'm listening."

Negan could only smile at Rick's obvious audacity. He took a chair and proceeded to sit
down in order to observe the curves of Rick's body covered by the blankets, and that bothered
him, not being able to see them clearly under a more intimate context.

"You're a bold bastard and I like it. So... Rick, Rick Grimes."

"And you haven't forgotten, I'm surprised."

"Well, being a PE teacher for a bunch of puppies makes you develop a lot of skills, learning
your students' names is part of that. Plus... your name has presence, I like it. It's not easy to
forget."

"You were a teacher? Wow. That makes sense."

"Does it make sense that a teacher, in charge of maintaining order and unity in a group, is a
leader? You're not far from reality. And what the hell were you before the dead came into the
world?"

Negan was interested and moved a little closer just to sneak a sniff of the sweet scent Rick
was producing.

"I was a sheriff... pretty unusual job for an Omega like me, huh? Nature doesn't dictate my
own nature, if you know what I mean. I saw my own kind get mistreated... and I didn't want
something like that for myself. It's not my life to just be some idiot male's semen repository."

"Sheriff? I wasn't expecting that, Ricky."

"Rick." Grimes answered seriously, lifting half of his body to finally look Negan in the face.
"My name is Rick, and you better use it. I'm not 'Ricky.'"

"Woah, woah. Easy, Rick. I guess I haven't told you my name yet, huh? Not formally." Negan
smiled, liking that attitude in people he met. "I'm Negan, Negan Smith, the pleasure is all
mine."

"Hmm..."

Rick only glanced to the side to notice that the room was in good condition, with a mold-free
ceiling and well painted walls, a small sitting area and even a television.

Rick set his gaze on a glass display case with various drinks inside.

"You mentioned that your nature doesn't dictate your nature... that sentence caught my
attention. What is your nature then, Rick? Because I have to say that I have never met an
Omega like you in my life. I can tell them apart very well... you have a scent and this...
morphology."

"Uh..." Rick just looked sadly at the bed and looked at his feet, which were making a couple
of lumps, moving from right to left due to nervousness. "I have... I have a condition. Before
all this happened, I was advised to be more open about it, you know? As part of my
acceptance process to lead a better life."

"Condition?" Negan had a slight intuition of what Rick could be referring to. So he adopted a
posture that reflected his deep interest in listening to him because, perhaps, they could both
learn something that could benefit them both. "If you like, you can... we can... uh... Do you
like alcohol? I have cigarettes and-"

"No, no thanks. I don't need stimulants to talk about my own shit." Rick took a sigh and
proceeded to pat the covers and then cling to them. "At first... it was easy to say that I was
sterile, you know? My parents told me I was, the doctor and the constant check-ups due to
the lack of a heat dictated that there was something wrong with me but they didn't know
what; however, my ducts were developed, my hormone levels were not altered..."

"Mmm... And what about... your mating? Have you tried... you know?"

Negan had to get that question off his chest because he was scared, even jealous, that
someone had already deflowered Rick. Such intrusive thoughts, so unlike him to worry about
the sex life of an Omega he barely knows.

"I tried," Rick commented, causing Negan to grimace, arching his eyebrow without realizing
it. "But my duct closes up."

"Uh?"
Negan felt relief upon hearing that.
And wow, for the first time he was able to breathe better and relax his posture.

"My conduit closes automatically. It doesn't let anyone in. I've lost countless partners because
of it and... I started to hate this shit of being "Omega", a hybrid piece of junk of nature. My
mother told me I was special, however I didn't expect to be a freak."

"A freak..." Negan smiled because that was exactly the kind of insult he usually said to
himself. Rick didn't seem to like the leader's reaction so he also stared into his eyes with
disgust. "Uh? Please don't get me wrong. I say the same about myself. Since you've told me
your shit... I think it's only fair that I tell you about myself."

"Is the man who killed my pack members going to open up to me? Just don't expect us to be
best friends."

"Come on, Rick. Those assholes sold you out for their freedom. Were you really going to
sacrifice yourself for ungrateful fucks like them?"

"Honestly? No."
 Chapter 5

"So... you're an Omega who can't conceive, huh?"

Negan chuckled with his own comment.

"Don't say it like that. As time has gone by... I've come to the conclusion that I'll never have
my soulmate. I'll never be impregnated and that's okay. The chances of me finding this so-
called 'other half' are so slim."

Rick laughed after having cried enough for too long. The subject in question was beginning
to become irrelevant to him, since he believed that his identity went beyond the norms that
his body could dictate.

"Soulmate? Tell me more. I've heard something about it but if you know a thing or two about
it..."

Negan pretended not to know much about it when in reality he was obsessed to the point of
depriving himself of sleep thinking about when it would be his turn to procreate and have
offspring, not only out of pride derived from his position as leader, but he also wanted to
have a reason to wake up every day without feeling miserable.

"It's a curse. Recessive genes from our ancestors that prevent procreation. Members like me
live around the world with a stupid birthmark. They say there are marked Alphas who can't
impregnate anyone because their seed is rejected by anyone who doesn't have the same
birthmark as them... and there are Omegas, like me, who can't enjoy the pleasures of the flesh
because we simply can't let anyone in."

"Mmm... And where do you have your mark? Can I... see it? Sure, if you allow me-"

"Ah. Sure. It's not like I can take it off... they tell me I could die if I try to do so."

Rick proceeded to take off his shirt, giving off an aroma that drove Negan crazy because
those pheromones drove him mad, however he couldn't ruin what might be his only chance.

And there it was.

Rick possessed the same mark that had caused so many problems for Negan himself. A pair
of animals that were joined together forming a heart. Smith paled because he had finally
found his other half, the only one who could carry and conceive his puppies, or at least that's
what all those legends said about soulmates.

Negan had to think about how to approach the situation. He couldn't scare Rick, otherwise he
wouldn't be able to procreate with him or in the worst case he might do something to avoid
fulfilling his destiny. What if he hid his mark from him? Negan thought that hiding his
identity as his soulmate would be ideal considering that he had the opportunity to win Rick
over, to slowly form a bond with him without him suspecting that he was trying to use him all
this time.

But wouldn't that be worse? Hiding the truth from him and having their relationship be a lie
all this time? Negan trembled just imagining all the paths he could take and the terrible
events that could unfold in each one of them.

Negan gave a clearly defeated sigh and just sat on the edge of the bed. For the first time he
was in a dead end, although that thought amused him because he wasn't actually looking at
the wall of the alley, he just didn't know which direction to go to get out of there.

"It's a horrible mark, isn't it? I made the same face when I first saw it too."

Rick pulled his shirt back on as he stared at Negan's back and obvious size. He was used to
seeing males like him all the time at the station but he had never had one so close in such an
intimate setting.

"Looks like you're not the only one with a factory defect." Negan laughed and managed to
relax his body just a little before making the first advance. "I was born special too."

Born special.

What a funny way to say you're screwed.

 Chapter 6

"Factory defect? I've found another word in my repertoire to refer to this shitty birthmark."

Rick just laid back down and proceeded to pull the covers back up around him. He was very
comfortable and didn't seem to have any intention of getting up. Negan glanced at him out of
the corner of his eye and a smile appeared on his lips. What a nice sight it was for him to see
someone so comfortable in his quarters, enjoying his comforts and with that face that
reflected absolute security.

That was ignoring the part where he literally killed his pack members and probably having
him there was a declaration of war to an enemy faction. Negan was so lost in the sight of
Rick lying so peacefully that the world stopped mattering to him at that moment. It was so
strange to him and so terrifying to feel something like that again. Only his beautiful Lucille
was the only one to awaken that side of him that he believed was hidden.

Damn nature.

Negan was so afraid of the same story repeating itself. He knew he had an innate talent for
wasting opportunities and making the world hate him.

The Alpha all this time never wanted to be alone but it seemed like he did everything in his
power to become the worst part of him. From never respecting his partners to pushing aside
all those who seemed to cross an imaginary line made by him so as not to show himself
vulnerable because, someone in his position, someone of his status, never, ever had to show
any hint of weakness.

Rick opened his eyes and stared at Negan watching him. More doubts were sown at the
Savior's unusual attitude.

"Can I ask you something? Considering the circumstances... Why did you let me live? You've
killed the rest of my pack..."

Rick asked calmly, settling himself so that his back was leaning against the wooden
headboard.

Negan scratched his head and got out of bed to take a few steps back and forth across the
room.

Seeing that every decision was resulting in a never-ending spiral of tragedy, Negan lifted up
his shirt and revealed his birthmark that matched Rick's.
 Chapter 7

"Oh... so that's the reason."

Rick smiled nervously and looked away. It took him a moment to compose himself, to even
understand the gravity of the matter and that in front of him was this mysterious being that
the legends spoke of.

Life was so cruel. Rick already had a plan, he already had a life project and a life projection,
so that all his plans changed so brutally without even being warned in advance was a blast!

After having wanted to meet this so-called "soulmate" for so long, after having been
humiliated and insulted by his condition, Rick was mad.

"I'm in shock too, Rick. Ever since I found out we had a matching birthmark... I thought they
were messing with me."

Negan laid down on the bed next to Rick, but the cop moved away from him, a little further,
still unsure of how to proceed in the face of such circumstances. Negan had killed Rick's
pack, though at the end of the day they would sell him out to save themselves.

Grimes realized it could have been fear, it could have been anything else, but in the end that
didn't leave Negan in a good place.

On the other hand, Rick had heard horrible stories about The Saviors, about how they were
the most dangerous packs, characterized by their brutality, by completely decimating entire
communities and eliminating all traces of life in order to preserve themselves on the food
chain.

Rick could only ponder as he covered himself with the sheets and avoided eye contact with
Negan.

"If I didn't have this stupid mark... Would you have killed me?"

The policeman asked while scratching his beard and staring intently at the lines on the
wrinkled sheets and the black and white checkered patterns they had.

"Yes. Just like the others..."

Negan sighed and nodded his head slightly. He felt sorry.

"At least you're honest. Ha... Did you... did you ever capture others like me? With marks."

Again the leader paled and his breathing changed, becoming heavier, slower, with difficulty.
It wasn't a pleasant topic yet Rick seemed to have a talent for making things awkward.

"Yeah, Rick. I... I took someone's other half. When I saw that they weren't compatible with
my birthmark... well, there wasn't much use for me or some of my men who are also... who
also have a soulmate out there."

"Damn... of all the males out there that could have been my soulmate... it had to be you?
Don't take this the wrong way but... you're not exactly someone I'd want to procreate with."

Rick commented without filters. It was not difficult for him to express his displeasure
because he had been told many times that his mouth would get him into trouble and that if he
did not learn to remain silent, the irreparable consequences that the weight of his words could
bring would be great.

"Maybe not now." Negan said with his unmatched confidence. He was used to getting what
he wanted by being rather sneaky. "This may seem like bullshit but-"

“And it is!” Rick interrupted. “It’s bullshit. “All my life I’ve waited for this fucking other half
and… Does it have to be you? I know the shit your pack has done to other communities.
They kill pups that aren’t theirs, they lash out and rampage at anyone who resists. There are
legends about supposed ‘orgies’ that people in your community have… And you expect me
to just go along with it?”

Something in Negan changed because he didn't like that someone so far below him, in social
class, condition and opportunities, even in the food chain, so insignificant, had the audacity to
speak to him that way.

"It's not what you want, Rick. We're meant to-"

"Go to hell," Rick replied firmly. "We're not meant for anything. Probably if we hadn't met
we would have lived our lives knowing that- Ugh!"

Rick grew frustrated. The scent of his particular fragrance, the result of the cortisol taking
effect, was a delight for Negan who was trying to hide his obvious erection.

"But that wasn't the case, Rick." Negan tried to be reasonable. If it had been another stupid
Omega he would have most likely given him a punishment to show him who was in charge.
"Our lives... our plans, both changed completely. You... you're the only one who can help me
have a pup."

Negan was subtle enough that he slowly approached Rick and tested the waters to see how
well his tactics would work. He was sure that Rick could smell him the same way he could
smell him.

"Can you imagine, Rick? Having a puppy inside you... knowing it's yours. I bet you've
wondered how all those stupid couples giving off pheromones must have felt. I was so
jealous too, Rick, jealous of all of them who could serve their purpose, showing off their little
shits... I know I say all this because I've never had any luck to procreate."

Negan noticed that Rick had calmed down, just a little. His scent had stopped being so strong
and had become sweeter.
"I once loved deeply, Rick. Her name was Lucille. She was so beautiful, too good and pure
for a shitty world like this. Do you know how horrible it is to have this mark? Not being able
to have your puppies with the one you love and want to spend the rest of your life with."

Something in Rick, anger, could be seen in his frown. He soon crossed his arms, although he
didn't want to push Negan away, who was getting closer. When he noticed Rick's lack of
resistance, he took the opportunity to lie down next to him.

"Where did you get this technique? Seduction for dummies?" Rick laughed along with Negan
who thought it was a good joke. "I don't know if I want to, or can. I'm older and I don't know
if I can even conceive. It's very dangerous."

"We have good doctors," Negan tried to reassure. "They can make the delivery an efficient,
painless process."

Negan didn't understand why Rick was so resistant. Unlike his other partners he didn't fall for
his charms. Anyone would have wanted to throw themselves at the Savior and do all kinds of
dirty things that would make anyone who feared God's implacable wrath turn pale.

But that bold Omega was unfazed, it seemed like he didn't even care about his presence.

"I'll make it clear to you, Rick. We can do this the easy way, the hard way... or if you prefer,
the worst way. I have a lot to offer and we can work, together. Consider this an offer."

"Whoring myself for profit... I'm sorry, this is... this is extreme. What do you want me to say?
Do you want us to fuck? No, no. I need... time."

Negan looked disappointed but he couldn't show how desperate he was, not to Rick and much
less to an Omega.

"I know you're a smart man and you'll make the best decision. By the way, Rick... Are you
hungry?"
 Chapter 8
Chapter Notes

Thank you so much for your lovely comments! I'm sorry for late update.

"If you think you're going to charm me with food... well, you're right. I'm sick of eating
waste."

Rick laughed which caused Negan to smile at him as he didn't know how truly beautiful his
soulmate looked when he wasn't frowning.

"Waste? That's tragic, Rick. I need you to gain weight and get strong and all healthy. You
need to be in good shape when-"

Negan stopped when he realized the weight of his words and how Rick smiled nervously at
the Savior's statements who looked sadly at the other end of the room, specifically towards
the door that was far from the bed. For Negan this was a perfect way to exemplify how he
wanted to get out of that situation that he himself had created; an exit too far away and that he
did not deserve because he had to face the facts.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm still excited about the whole thing and the fact that... that you're that
special someone. Fuck, I still can't believe it... my other half."

"Mmm..."

Rick listened intently to Negan and could read between the lines of his need to reproduce.
Maybe he could get something out of his situation if he took into account how much Negan
needed him; the leader of the most feared criminal group in all of Atlanta and its
surroundings that spread like a parasite.

"You have leadership issues and need puppies, huh?"

Rick sensed it. The almost sarcastic way he expressed a tiny bit of concern made Negan's
expression change completely. How could that bastard Omega have the audacity to say such
things with such certainty? And with a precision that was too dangerous.

"It wouldn't be surprising," the policeman commented, making a special point of discrediting
Negan's position as leader over his pack. "An Alpha who is unable to breed is useless. When
the king has no one to give the throne to, then what will become of his kingdom? You must
be too desperate to want to fuck me and give you puppies."

"Rick... I recommend that you don't make those kinds of comments around my people. You
never know who might be listening. And... in any case, regardless of my intentions towards
you, you're going to give me puppies. That's not up for discussion... it's our destiny."

"Our destiny? And who the fuck said that?" Grimes reflected his complete opposition to the
idea. "Just because we're soulmates... that stupid fact doesn't mean that you and I..."

Rick looked away from Negan and stared intently at the mark on his chest, reaching to caress
it with the tips of his fingers.

"I'm sorry. The thought that my other half is the leader of one of the most bloodthirsty groups
in the United States still gives me chills."

Negan smiled and took the comment in humor. All this time he had never been empathetic to
Rick or stopped to ask him how he felt about such a large burden. If his men were already
taking a huge risk by exploring the surroundings and their heads had a very high price to be
captured, dead or alive, he didn't want to even imagine what would happen if it was
discovered that he had a partner who could actually give him children and secure a good
position in the hierarchy.

"I want you to know that I have no intentions of hurting you." Negan tried to calm his
Omega, who, like everyone else, was known for his sensitivity. "You must be very scared, too
confused. I understand that my reputation gives you a reason to fear, to... to be afraid of me."

Negan pulled away from Rick and just sighed as he settled back into bed and leaned his back
against the headboard. Grimes glanced at the leather-clad man and examined him closely; the
graying hairs of his beard, indicative of age, his dark, tired eyes a reminder of long sleepless
nights.

But what captivated him most was the sadness reflected in his face, the tiredness that had
already done its job and left behind a ghost of who once was.

"It certainly came as a surprise to me. Yeah, you... you scare me, you people... the things you
do. What am I supposed to do? I didn't want any of this."

Negan could only feel worse when Rick revealed his true feelings. He knew that the only
reason he felt so bad was because Rick was his only way out, the only person who could give
him offspring and he was desperate. If he were another stupid Omega he would have most
likely laughed and left things as they were without caring.

But Rick was that "one in a million", literally.

"So what can I do?" Negan began to negotiate. His charisma and wit had taken him to great
places, he was not a leader for nothing. "We have a situation. Let's find a solution, together."

Rick looked surprised when he heard that last bit, “together.” Was Negan really taking that
into consideration? Could it be that the man feared by even God himself was being
reasonable?

"This is complicated, for both of us, Rick. I know- fuck! I know that neither of us had this in
mind. I'd like us to give each other a chance. If not... if this isn't okay with you, then I'll let
you go."

The policeman opened his eyes in surprise and by sheer inertia his mouth did the same.

"Aren't you going to force me to have sex with you?"

Rick asked seriously, lying on the bed and becoming lighter as he covered himself with the
covers.

"I have no reason to force you. We can work together, start small. And... and if you need
help, or if you want a place to hide during... during your heat."

Rick avoided Negan's mischievous gaze at the mere mention of that word. He didn't feel too
comfortable talking about his mating season since there wasn't much to say after all.

"When that nature that you hate so much begins to call..."

"Don't say it. Don't even mention it... that would definitely be hell for me. Being forced by
my own body to want to procreate..."

"You know how much we suffer when we don't reproduce, Rick. In my case, I can fuck
whoever I want, even jerking off can help ease the discomfort... But you? When you're
panting on the floor, on the bed... needing to be impregnated, with your juices all over the
damn place and askin- no, goddammit, you'll be begging for it."

"That's not..."

Rick turned his back on Negan and tried to stop those intrusive thoughts from flooding his
mind. The idea of being penetrated, of having something with someone was an intrusive yet
arousing thought.

All those porn scenes he had seen as a youngster and a few adult films came to his mind. The
situation got worse when he saw Negan and himself in those scandalous scenes.

But what he feared most was the fact that he seemed to find some joy in them.

"I've been on online forums, looking for my other half before shit hit the fan. There was a
section dedicated to couples who were... together. You know what they said, Rick? When
your Alpha's pheromones get into your system..."

Rick felt an unusual heat running through his body and Negan's words, even his smell, were
torment.

"Why don't you just bring me that food you promised me instead of talking about all this
shit?"

"Oh, sure. Food... Do you like chicken? Crispy and delicious buffalo wings. Although I do
like a juicy steak a lot."

"It shows," Rick commented dryly. "The chicken is fine."

"Before I bring you food and start treating you like a fucking queen... I need to know what's
going to happen to us, Rick. Are you staying...?"

"I'm not running away, I have no way to even if I wanted to. And... and I have nowhere to go.
You killed my pack, you idiot."

"Oh, well. I forgot that part."

"Just bring the food, okay? We'll talk about this later. I already have enough with knowing
that we're linked."

Negan smiled and made a call through a walkie-talkie. Rick settled back to rest his eyes while
the food arrived.

His head was spinning.

 Chapter 9

It took a long time for Rick to wake up again. Negan's calloused hand caressed his shoulder
in a delicate motion to let him know that food was ready. By the time Rick woke up he
noticed Negan's unique smile up close.

The leader of the Saviors definitely had charisma, but the Omega's ego was so big that he
refused to believe that Negan was handsome because he was influenced by his obvious
attractiveness and that dreamy laugh, not to mention the characteristic aroma that he gave off.

Rick thought about how good that beard must feel scraping against his neck and-

"Control." Rick thought to himself. Otherwise he would get lost in Negan's charisma and
letting himself get wrapped up in an Alpha, especially one he had complete control over,
would be complete stupidity.

Just as his friend Shane told him when they went to a club or were part of an operation.

"And remember, Rick, once you give your (followed by a whistle and joining the index
fingers and thumbs of both hands to form an oval) to your Alpha, you will lose all your
privileges."

And boy was Shane right.

"Hey, Rick. Did you sleep well? They've already brought us our food. Are you still hungry?"

Negan asked gently as he walked to a small living room where a series of trays were placed
with the food he had previously ordered.

"What smells so good? Is that...?"

Rick wondered and after getting out of bed he went to the small living room where he could
clearly see how there were different plates with fried chicken wings, well-cooked meat and
orange juice. In addition, there was also a plate with salad, which he thought was a nice
gesture.

"Is all this for me?"

"If you don't like it I can order you something else, I'm sure-"

Negan was nervous because he really hoped Rick would like what he ordered for him. When
he noticed the thumbs up and the fact that Rick sat down to rub his hands and grab a chicken
wing, he knew he had made the right decision.

The way Rick was eating, that delicious way the food crunched and the movements of his
jaw tasting with a precision and speed that indicated he was enjoying every bite, sent shivers
down Negan's spine, and good ones.
"I see you're enjoying yourself. If you don't mind telling me... What was it like out there?
With the food."

Negan didn't bother to take any of the various plates because he was so focused on watching
Rick, so much so that he didn't want to waste a second looking away.

"It was pure pain. We had to rummage through the trash or whore ourselves for some food.
Even though we hunted... it wasn't enough. There's always an audience for everything, there
are colors for all tastes and, well, I have to tell you that things weren't going so badly for us in
that aspect."

"And what did you do? I imagine... I think you didn't have it easy."

"Easy? You could say not, we didn't, it wasn't easy. Let's just say... I worked some hungry
males, of course nothing to do with me having their cum inside me. If you're wondering, no, I
didn't suck anyone off and I didn't let their shit rub against me where you know either."

"Oh, really? Enlighten me."

"It was a system. I was in a community where this was normal. Each of us had a service. As
you know, because of my condition, I cannot be penetrated and the mere idea of sucking
someone off disgusts me so much. God, I am grateful that my mouth also hardens and does
not allow me to open it when someone..."

"How horrible, Rick... here in my community, while there are certain... services, we always
take into consideration those who offer them. We don't ask for profit, the last son of a bitch
who collected tokens from sex workers ended up with his genitals castrated."

Rick kept eating and that last scene disgusted him, so much so that he made a face of disgust
while chewing more slowly because the food stung.

"I'm sorry." Negan apologized upon seeing Rick's reaction to his anecdote.

"Don't worry. And to answer your question, in case your Alpha male ego requires it, no, I
have never been penetrated, I remain... erm... reserved."

"But what services did you provide? Excuse my intrigue."

"I'm not giving you any shit, okay?" Rick laughed as he took a slice of seared steak. "People
were always particularly drawn to my scent or anything that would please without
penetration. From footjobs to... uh... my pits."

That last thing made Negan smile because it didn't seem like a bad idea to him, plus he could
experience something new, but he had to refrain from making any advances so as not to look
like a desperate man who thought with his dick and not his head.

"And how did you survive that? It must be pretty tough to adjust to a system like that,
especially if they charged you... uh... Did they?"

Negan crossed his arms and stared intensely at the Omega.

"They did. I had to fulfill a quota. The best clients were the ones who were just looking for
company to get high or to help them inject themselves some shit. In case you don't know, I
know how to do so, so if you need me to help you with something, I can do it."

"You're full of surprises, huh?"

"I've never tried really hard shit. I don't like it. But the few times I had some recreational fun
I did well, and I got paid well, in chips of course."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Rick. I want you to know that once you're here, uh...
you won't have to relive those experiences."

"But this isn't about me." Rick leaned back on the couch and stared at the marble ceiling.
"There are a lot of Rick Grimes in your community. Do you really need to allow sex
services?"

"No one is forced, Rick. We have jobs, positions available, joining groups for collecting,
manufacturing and even butchering. Those who want to dedicate themselves to sexual
services do so because they want to. We are not horrible beings without hearts, most of the
time, but we are aware of the needs of our group and I would not let anything bad happen to
mine."

"Really? I thought you guys... considering the stories they tell about you..."

Rick was surprised by how calmly Negan was taking the situation, so much so that the
teacher adjusted himself in his seat and proceeded to take a more relaxed posture.

"That's what they are, stories. We'd rather be known as the most brutal motherfuckers than a
bunch of gutless fags. We have to earn people's respect or fear to survive. You know that, as
an Omega who had to adapt."

"That's different." Rick immediately contradicted. "I had to act differently because-"

"Because you were afraid."

Negan made Rick open his mouth in shock at his answer. The Savior stood up from his seat
and walked over to where Rick was lying. Smith asked Rick permission to move his feet so
he could sit down, to which the policeman agreed.

After Negan marked his space, Rick did the same and they were both together, sitting on the
couch and looking at the table with still-warm food.

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid. We're all afraid because we need to be afraid to
survive. I... I'm afraid too, Rick, just like you, just like everyone else."

Negan sighed uneasily and exhaled heavily.

"What are you afraid of?"

The question made Negan smile and clasp his hands together at his knees.
"Why do you want to know? Do you want to hit me where it hurts the most? Ha."

"Because I want to meet my soulmate. Remember? Give us a chance. How can I trust you if
you're a stranger?"

"Ouch!"

Negan put a hand on his chest, simulating pain and a sneer.

"So..."

Rick was still waiting for an answer. Negan gave up. He knew Rick was right, that the first
step to getting to know each other better was to trust each other, no matter how dangerous
that was. The Savior was in a very fine spot because after all, it was his soulmate he was
talking to.

"I'm afraid... afraid of being alone. I'm forty years old, Rick. Life is running out for me and...
I don't want to die alone. I see that my men have their golden families, they have their own
children... and I'm rotting away in loneliness. If you want me to be honest with you, I tell you
with all my heart that... you would make me the happiest man in the world if you would
allow me, if only you would give me the opportunity to enjoy that nature."

Negan smiled embarrassed. Shame consumed him and he couldn't believe how strange it was
to be vulnerable and expose himself.

"Whether we want it or not... we're destined, Rick. We're going to suffer, we're going to go
through some pretty horrible shit if our bodies don't connect. I don't want to suffer, Rick, I
don't want to feel those spasms and that desperation every time I'm not by your side. Holy
shit... We could die! If you leave... or if I leave..."

"I've read what's going on." Rick was also aware of the severity of his birthmarks and how
they were now "intertwined." Or at least that's what the forums said. "I'll have these cramps
and there will be a time when you... when I'll see you with different eyes. That scares me,
because I don't know you, God, I don't know who you are or what you want with me. Yet my
body, your body, the two of us must inevitably end up together."

"Heh. We can focus on what we can do now, on what concerns us at the moment. If you start
feeling... things, I can help you. We have plenty of pills and treatments to control your
hormones if you don't want me to... uh... touch you. But it's inevitable, I just want you to
know that."

"I know! I know. Eventually you and I will do all those things... but damn... fuck... I'm so
confused and scared. I might die! If my body can't handle it then-"

"Then I'll help you, because you're not alone. I want you to know, Rick... that I won't let
anything bad happen to you. I know this will be difficult, but let me work with you. Get to
know me, understand me, and maybe we can come up with something that benefits both of
us. How about that?"
Rick nodded and lightly tilted his head forward in affirmation.

"I'll try. Now I just want to rest a little longer. What time is it?"

"It's afternoon now. You've been sleeping for a long time. I assume you haven't had a bed this
comfortable in a long time."

"Years." Rick exclaimed, patting her back. "It was a nice nap. I guess now... I have to work,
huh?"

"Only if you want it. But guess what? My soulmate isn't going to get oil on his hands or
calluses from reloading ammo. If you want to get some sleep..."

"Oh, wow. So being the leader's soulmate has its perks."

"More than you can imagine."

Negan and Rick looked at each other for a moment, this time quite attentively as it was the
first time they had seen with such interest and intensity.

"I'm going to sleep some more. That bed is calling me and I'll be damned if I'm not going to
use it to its fullest."

Rick stood up and proceeded to lay back down. For a moment Negan realized that Rick had
actually lay back where he was in the first place, something that fed his ego.

"Oh, fine. Sleep, then. I'll stay here, in the living room. I'll deliver the leftover food and-"

"Sleep here with me."

Negan was taken by surprise by Rick's opening.

"Really? Is that what you want?"

"I need it, actually." Rick pulled the covers over himself except for his head as he continued
to stare at Negan. "The headache goes away when you're next to me."
 Chapter 10

"The headache? You didn't tell me. I would have asked for something to relieve it-"

Negan was stopped mid-sentence by Rick who raised his hand and revealed a friendly smile.

"There was nothing to say because there was no headache. Haven't I told you? All my life I
have suffered from a discomfort in my head. A constant, stabbing pain... I had trouble
sleeping. Today, with you, for the first time I was able to rest."

Rick looked happily at the ceiling and sighed in relief.

"So... we really are connected."

Negan lay down on the bed after taking off his slippers and covering himself with the
blankets.

"Now that you mention it, yes... ever since you arrived, a discomfort I've had for a long time
has disappeared, around my chest. All this time I felt a very strange pressure and now... now
it's gone."

"So... you and me..."

Rick was encouraged to approach Negan until they were face to face because the strong smell
that emanated from him, so characteristic of a strong and mature Alpha, was attractive to
Grimes, as well as relaxing.

"We're going to have puppies, if that's what you're wondering. They'll be beautiful. I'm sure
they'll have your gorgeous blue eyes..."

Negan resisted the very idea of caressing Rick, of feeling with his own fingers the texture of
his skin and the heat that emanated from his touch.

"You know we're only going to be together because we need to, you know?" Rick was cruel
but accurate. "At this point we can't be apart. We could die if you and I... if you and I don't
breathe the same air."

"That worries me." Rick's sentence hit Negan too hard, as he had come to terms with how
cruel nature could be. "May I say something, Rick? I need you to know, you need to know."

"Sure. If it helps me understand you..."

Rick yawned and closed his eyes, but he was still listening to Negan, he was just resting his
eyes.

"Ah..." Negan sighed and somehow it gave him relief to see Rick with his eyes closed, maybe
that way he could hide the shame he felt at that moment. "I want to impregnate you."
Negan was a little bit scared to see Rick open his eyes again so fast and stare at him. Words
weren't enough for the cop to express his surprise at that statement. His eyes were intense and
had no intention of turning away, unlike Negan who turned red and started to sweat.

"Don't look at me like that, Rick. I was honest at least, right? Hehe."

"Do you want me that much? Do you really want this?"

"Ah, damn it... you're making it very difficult for me. As the Alpha of the pack I must control
myself and not submit to my desires, to your charms... But how can I cope with all these
things you make me feel?"

"What do I make you feel, then? Enlighten me."

Rick's scent changed and became sweeter, which made Negan and his body react as they
were responding to their own instincts. With some embarrassment, Negan uncovered himself
and showed his crotch, covered by black shorts that had wet spots and, apart from giving off
a very strong smell, also protected the Savior's erect member.

"Wow! You're big."

Rick laughed and Negan seemed to like this, being exposed before his Omega's eyes.

"I'm someone who can resist it, you know? But I've never had it this hard before. And I don't
know if it'll be any different with you here. I mean, when I need to let off steam, I can do it
with one of my lovers. But... but I don't feel the same."

"Is this your way of telling me that sex won't be the same and I'll have something to do with
it? That you'll only be able to enjoy it with me? Don't give me that shit." Rick spoke
sarcastically about his companion's supposed condition. "And what do you want me to do?
Give in just because you're my soulmate? I don't think you understand the situation, and in
fact I'd like to explain it. Here... here I'm the one in charge."

Negan was excited to hear Rick saying that with such confidence as if he really believed his
words.

And boy was that intrepid yet stupid Omega right.

"Are you challenging me?" Negan asked as the ghost of a mischievous smile appeared on his
lips. "Do you think that just because you have that delicious... and appetizing hole for me to
fuck... I won't be able to get my way with others?"

"If you think I'm going to sit back and do nothing, then you're an idiot. I'm not surprised
though... when it comes to matters of the flesh, Alphas like you are very stupid. I'll make sure
you remember me."

Rick uncovered himself and soon sat on the bed. Negan watched as his partner pulled down
his jeans a little and placed his hand on his lower back. Rick made a gesture of discomfort
that soon turned into one of joy as he was biting his lips and his body odor had changed to a
spicier one, like that of a chili pepper burnt on the embers.
And then his hand came out and with it his fingers that were covered in a thick, clear liquid
that was running down the surface of his fingertips. Negan immediately identified that liquid
by the aroma itself, as this was an indication that the cavity was preparing for penetration and
the body's natural lubricant was being released as a way of indicating that, at least Rick, was
preparing for intercourse.

Negan, out of inertia, approached and proceeded to sniff Rick's fingers, to smell intensely that
nectar that he had tasted with his partners before. Rick's juices were different, sweeter, the
texture, even the taste, everything was a new experience that took him back to his first time
when he discovered intercourse.

"I figured. I didn't even tell you what to do and here you are, dragged along like the nasty,
dirty Alpha that you are. I survived thirty fucking years ALONE and I've been in the business
long enough to know where and how to have you. Tell me, Negan... Do you still think you're
in control?"

Negan shook his head and proceeded to put Rick's fingers in his mouth, simulating fellatio.

"Just looking at you makes me sick. Don't you realize how needy you look? You better treat
me right or else you'll die without ever having a stupid puppy."

Smith nodded at his Omega's harsh words and didn't mind being humiliated like that, as he
found joy in it.
 Chapter 11

"Are you listening to me? You can't be. When I try to have a serious conversation..."

Rick looked annoyed at the attitude of Negan who looked lost as he hadn't blinked for a good
moment.

"Uh? I'm sorry, I'm sorry. This whole thing also has me...has me I'm a little worried about it. I
agree with you on that thing you're saying. If we're apart too long... we could probably die.
No, no, wait… Fuck! I know we're going to die if you and I don't breathe the same air. Damn
it...!”

Negan was shaking his head as he pulled the blankets to curl up and generate some warmth
on that cold evening.

"I don't know how to process this either. It's so strange, so... weird. How am I going to live
from now on knowing that my life depends on you? I'm sorry, I really am, but I don't like you
and I don't know if I'd really want to!"

Rick also commented in frustration. The idea of having Negan's puppies, nay, even worse, of
being penetrated by Negan and messing with him was something he dreaded. After all it was
going to be his first time.

And that terrified him.

"I think the reason why I'm so affected is because of the fact that...it's you. You killed my
pack, I've heard things about you, about your people... and the fact that you told me so
confidently that you would have killed me if I hadn't had this stupid mark... How do you
expect me to just give in? That even the idea of messing with you... no, I can't do it. No, I
can't... I don't WANT to."

"Rick..."

Negan looked hurt at the obvious rejection from Grimes who only crossed his arms and by
then had turned away.

"I'm sorry, okay? I-"

"They had puppies." Rick commented rather ruefully. "They had people waiting for them,
they had dreams...and you took them away from them no matter what, and you would have
done it with me if not for this birthmark. I'm sorry, I know it seems like I'm exaggerating but-
"

"No, you're not exaggerating. You're right." Negan interrupted as he realized Rick was getting
desperate and had enough reason to fear him. "I'm not exactly the best man on this earth, I've
done things that I'm not proud of and... I think, in some way that I can't understand, you're the
best example of karma I've ever seen, you're the best example of karma I could have."
"And worst of all, we're tied together. Forever."

"Forever, Rick. It's... it sucks, doesn't it? That you have to give your body to me, a complete
stranger who's just met you and on whom your life depends, in many ways. I think it's only
fair that the person who can give me the greatest pride in this life hates me. Maybe some of
those things you've been told are true. How easy it would have been to infiltrate your group,
maybe find another way to get to you. I am so sorry that you are so afraid of me and that I
gave you those reasons."

Negan smiled and looked rather ruefully at Rick, at his beautiful blue eyes that reflected just
that, fear.

"I must be that disgusting..."

"Negan..."

"I'm sorry, Rick. It's just that I see you and... I think about that future that I think I deserve,
but maybe I don't, maybe I don't deserve it. Only time will tell what course this will take and,
for my part... I want to apologize to you. I brought you here, against your will and... How
stupid of me to believe that you could give in so easily. You're better than that."

Rick was just silent as he tried to read between Negan's intentions. The fact that he sounded
so convincing made Rick doubtful.

He had met Alphas like him before, the kind that would sweeten your ear and with words
they can take you places... but that hope, the way he was clinging to that illusion....

"You'd really like to have puppies of your own wouldn't you?"

Rick asked as he stroked his belly and made a a mental image of him being pregnant.

"That's one of my plans, yeah. If it's a male I'll make sure that he's the most hardened,
toughest son of a bitch in the damn place, a puppy that won't bow down to anyone and one
I'll be proud of. Of course, it's going to be quite a trip when he grows up and tells me he's
knocked up a girl or two out there.... He´ll be just like is dad. If you had met me before..."

"What if it's a female?"

Rick was curious as to what answer he'd get from Negan would give him.

"She would be my princess." Negan commented with a big smile. "I'd take it upon myself to
pamper and spoil her, and let her know how important she is to me. Daddy's little puppy. Can
you imagine? She'd be so beautiful and so...perfect. I'd probably be in charge of torturing any
asshole who laid a hand on her, and if I'm surprised there's a suitor... well, the bastard will
have to go through me first.”

Negan said the last sentence with a smile externalizing his deep desire to have his own pack.

"And what would you do, Rick? I bet you'd be the father who would shower them with lots of
love and affection, and they'd come to you complaining that daddy Negan scolded them."
"Well, if I had puppies I'd most likely- Wait, no, no...geez, I pictured a scene...you and me,
sitting around, while they run around and make a mess... fuck, anything to avoid the
loneliness."

"Anything to avoid loneliness, Rick, anything to avoid fucking loneliness."

 Chapter 12

What began as a journey of two kindred spirits out of ignorance and fear eventually turned
into a search for identity and understanding. Rick was able to get to know Negan and his
group better, how they worked with other communities and provided a wide range of services
that benefited both parties.

It was very surprising to Rick how Negan maintained control and resolved the disputes or
altercations that arose as part of the daily routine, from some guards demanding
improvements in their surveillance points to the growing complaints from representatives of
neighboring communities regarding the increase in walkers.

For safety reasons, Negan advised Rick to take some pills so that his hormone levels
remained balanced in order to prevent his unique aroma as sweet as peaches from driving his
people crazy who wanted to reproduce with Rick, although deep down Negan knew that this
would be impossible because his Omega could not open up to anyone.

But he didn't have the heart to find out, or put him in danger.

Rick watched with some curiosity as the males of the group worked at various activities that
required their large, strong bodies, such as those who participated in the various blacksmith
shops and those who were in active construction zones. The constant physical activity in the
heat of the furnaces was a delicacy for Rick as he was stimulated by those strong,
intoxicating smells.

As he walked through the greenhouse, a blonde woman with long silky hair and a beautiful
black dress approached him. She had a big smile on her face and a look of disbelief in her
eyes.

"I've never met a male with such a sweet smell." She said as she crossed her arms and looked
at a bunch of tomatoes, so red and shiny. "You smell... like lavender. I always loved the smell
of lavender and cinnamon, yes... lavender and cinnamon. Are you new?"

Rick smiled mischievously. It wasn't the first time someone had complimented his scent.

"I'm Rick. I'm glad you find my scent pleasant. Do you work in the greenhouse? Sorry, I saw
it open and-"

The woman shook her head slightly and sighed as she interrupted Rick with an innocent
laugh.

"No! No. Don't worry, you don't have to apologize. I'm Amber and I used to work in the
greenhouses for points, tokens... as you can see, there's always something to do here."

"Yes! I've noticed. And what are you doing now? Considering that you have to... get points."
Rick noticed that Amber looked away from him and she chose to look at the ground, not at
any specific point, as if she was trying to gather her thoughts before giving him an answer.

"A group of women and I work as housekeepers for Negan. If you've noticed, we dress in
black and we're the only ones who can wear these dresses as a way to recognize each other in
the group."

"Hmm... housekeepers, huh? Negan must be the laziest person not to do things himself."

Rick's comment made Amber's mouth drop open in shock. Did she hear right? Had an Omega
really said that?

"S-sorry? You shouldn't- they might hear you-"

"What? I'm just being honest. Yes, I've seen you, I've counted you... you're too...
conspicuous. You're the sixth woman I've seen in a dress. From what you're telling me, I'd
think you do more than just clean."

Rick frowned and crossed his arms as he got an idea of what was happening, and that thought
became more and more firm when he remembered that a few days ago he had seen two
women in black dresses walking quite happily through Negan's house after leaving his room.

Rick felt sick and his stomach turned, but he opted to do breathing exercises to avoid
arousing suspicion.

"But I think you girls are better than that. Negan is obviously the kind of guy who doesn't
know how to be alone and he must think with the lower head rather than the one he's
supposed to."

"My goodness! You are the most daring and bold person I have ever met... No one in this
community talks about him like that and if only one guard heard you and reported you..."

"What Negan needs is a reality check. I know his type. If you want to stand out from all his...
housekeepers or whatever the fuck your job is... I advise you to say no to him every time he
asks for what's between your legs."

"W-what? How-? N-no... I couldn't! My benefits depend-"

"They depend on the control you have over him. He'd give you more, even make you his
favorite, for the simple fact that you're the one who takes the longest to spread your legs and
let him in. He's not going to hit you if you say no and he'll most likely say "I'm going to take
away your benefits," to get the best of you, well, screw him and not like that! It's all about
control, Amber."

Rick decided to take out a pack of cigarettes and started smoking, extending the box towards
Amber who trembled at Rick's obvious audacity.

"You seem to know what you're talking about, Rick. Uh... there's no problem if-"

"Take one damn it. I'll deal with the unrelenting wrath of a stupid guard later."
"These cost a fortune." Amber took one of the cigarettes and asked Rick for a light to light it.
"Last time these were 400 chips... imagine how much alcohol costs. The cheapest one is 5000
chips and... oh, thanks, Rick. I needed that."

Amber smoked the cigarette so slowly, with such pleasure, because she didn't know if it
would be her last.

"I see why he likes you. You wear that stupid dress not just because it's 'feminine', but
because it's a symbol of possession. You show just enough but not too much, a way of saying
'you can look but can't touch, and you can't do anything else anyway because I belong to
him."

Rick could only laugh, a little too loudly. By then, a few guards were staring at him from afar
with angry looks, doing little to hide their displeasure.

"Oh, it seems I've angered the guard dogs, huh?"

Rick stared at the men and Amber immediately recognized them.

"It must be my fault. We shouldn't- we don't have to talk to... to men. I'm sorry, I've caused
you a problem. It seems they've noticed my absence."

The guards entered the greenhouse and told Amber that Negan was waiting for her and that
she needed to report immediately. She thanked him for the cigar and told Rick how sorry she
was.

Grimes could sense the sincerity in the blonde's words as she was soon escorted out.
Eventually Rick was forced to go to the cell block as it was strictly forbidden to interact with
Negan's women.

And when they asked for their cigarettes...

Rick had no qualms about dropping them into a puddle of water. For his action, he received a
good blow to the face that left him with a black eye.
 Chapter 13

Rick had spent the best hours of his life staring at a nice, moldy wall while it was hot as hell
inside his cell. At some point he heard footsteps and shortly after the door to his cell opened.

It was Negan and he apparently wasn't happy.

"It's you?"

Negan exclaimed angrily after realizing that it was none other than his precious Omega who
was naked, locked in a dirty, cramped cell.

"Who the fuck-?"

Negan turned to one of his guards who didn't know how to interpret his leader's cynical
smile.

"We did what our protocol dictates. He was seen talking to Amber and it is strictly forbidden
for any man-"

"Then he is excluded from that rule for FUCK'S SAKE! Holy crap! Why didn't you inform
me?"

Negan slammed the metal door, making the hallway echo, even the guard was scared because
he had never seen the Savior this angry.

"You were with Amber. How can we interrupt you when you're with your wives?"

Negan noticed how Rick's eyes widened and his look changed when he heard that word and
the implication it carried.

"Just shut the fuck up and bring me his fucking clothes goddammit!"

Negan ordered and the guard did as he was told. By the time Rick finished dressing, Negan
tried to pet him but the sheriff just moved away and continued on his way to the outside of
the cells.

Negan followed him, clearly desperate because he knew he had screwed up.

"Rick! Damn it, stop walking. Can you stop and listen to me instead of acting like a fucking
queen?"

The gym teacher cornered Rick and forced him into one of the prison rooms, specifically a
broom and cleaning supplies room.

"Are you acting like a fucking diva after I pulled your stinking ass out of there? You could
have spent DAYS in there drinking water from the pipes and eating cockroaches. Is that what
you want, you ungrateful piece of shit?"
Negan cornered Rick and forced him to look him in the eyes as he held his jaw with his
fingertips.

"Are you frustrated because one of your whores said no to you when you wanted to fuck
her?"

Rick laughed at the look on his soulmate's face as his eyes widened and a vein popped out on
his neck. That mischievous smile and the way his nostrils flared and his pupils dilated.

"What the fuck are you saying?"

Negan spoke quite seriously and his expression oscillated between a strange mix of anger and
disbelief.

"Did it make you mad that Amber wouldn't give you that delicious pussy you're used to? It
must have been... humiliating, having her prove in front of your other bitches that she was the
big bitch by refusing."

Negan laughed and showed his teeth, this while his eyes darkened and became smaller due to
the muscular movements that were working on his smile that increased greatly.

"The fucking guard... right, right, now it all makes sense." Negan was amazed by Rick's
incredible ability to influence others. "What did you say to her, huh, you fucking asshole?"

Negan gave Rick a light slap, which he actually disliked and made him rage.

"What was worse, Negan? Your bitch saying no or having to jerk off after not doing it for so
long because you took everything for granted?"

"You're a... little... bold asshole-"

"So what? Let me guess! You're going to start throwing everything out the window, punching
walls with your fists, or grabbing the first thing you can get your hands on and beating the
shit out of it because that's who you are."

"Why don't you just shut your mouth and stop acting like you own all this?"

"Because I do." Rick stated firmly. "I'm the only one who can give you what you want the
most, so you better treat me like the fucking queen that I am."

"And you think that gives you the right to act like a complete piece of shit? You fucking
idiot? You tell my women things they're not supposed to do... You humiliated me! Amber had
me where she wanted me and that puts me in danger! ME! Don't you care about me, you
complete jerk?"

Until that moment Rick had understood the gravity of the situation and how at that precise
moment he had made a mistake.

"In danger...? I didn't want to..."

"Of course not, you idiot! Of course you didn't want to but you did it anyway. You have no
fucking idea what it's like to have control around here. You think I like it, huh? You think I
like messing with them and having everyone say what a stud I am? That I love cumming on
their tits and that I'm the dedicated Alpha waiting for the right bitch to breed with because I
want my perfect puppies?"

"You're scaring me. Please get away, I don't want to-"

"You're going to listen to me!"

Negan cornered Rick to the point where some cleaning products fell to the floor and the
brooms followed in the same direction.

"I've been nothing but considerate and respectful to you! I've NEVER disrespected you! The
fact that you're... that my past... I just asked you for a chance! No... not this. You put me in
danger and thank heavens I knew how to handle the situation. They like to tell each other
everything, tell each other things..."

Negan expressed his obvious disappointment towards Rick and his attitude.

"I don't know what shit you've been through out there... But that's no justification for you to
do whatever you want with me and treat me like one of your clients! If you have a... contempt
or dislike for Alphas, gosh... I'm sorry! But I'm not THE Alpha, I'm your fucking
SOULMATE. How do you expect me to make you understand that?"

Rick remained silent, looking at the cleaning supplies scattered on the floor, the soap powder
scattered across the cardboard boxes, and the unique pine scent.

There was a long moment of silence after the leader's words.

"I'm scared." Rick was close to tears as his eyes were shining and his face turned red. "This
whole idea... of having someone who can actually... who can penetrate me... after everything
I've been through. I'm scared. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Rick burst into tears on Negan's lap, who immediately accepted him and put his arms around
him. They both fell to the ground, and yet Negan never let go.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to! I'm... so scared... How do I know this is true? That
you don't want me just because I can give you puppies. What do you want from me? To offer
me the whole world and then take me and throw me away after I give you what you want?"

"How can you think that?" Negan felt hurt and didn't understand why Rick's words had so
much weight on him, why they affected him so much. "Rick... We are destined! I can't live
without you, I literally can NOT live without you. The day you die I will go with you because
there will be no Negan without his Rick. Losing you... losing you scares me."

Negan gently caressed Rick's cheeks and dried his tears with his thumbs. He liked to get lost
in his deep gaze, in that pair of blue eyes that revealed a deep pain.
"I understand, I understand that you acted out of fear, and that... that your intentions weren't
to hurt me. Nothing happened, okay? Nothing that can't be fixed. Come here... calm down."

Rick found security in Negan who only stroked his hair and patted him on the back.

"You must be very tired, and thirsty. How about we go to my room and...?"

Rick just smiled and shook his head.

"To the same bed where you fuck your women?"

"Come on, Rick. I stopped fucking my... lovers, in bed since you got here. We do it on the
floor, we put down some blankets... but not in the bed. In our bed."

"You and I need to talk. Set boundaries. If you don't want this to happen, we need to talk."

"Heh. That's why I love you, Rick. You're smart, impulsive as hell but... I appreciate you."

"I accept your invitation to bed. I'm tired and your guard... damn, my eye hurts."

"Who was the son of a bitch who hit you? Was it that asshole who put you in the cell?"

A possessive tone took over Negan who hated seeing that black eye on his Omega.

"No, no. It was another one... with a beard and red tattoos on his arms. He hit me too hard for
some fucking cigarettes, the ones you gave me."

"Mmm... okay. Yeah, I know who it is. The one with the octopus tattoo, right? Yeah, I know
exactly who laid a hand on you... God, he attacked my Rick..."

Negan already knew how he was going to set that bastard on fire, maybe he would cut off his
genitals or maybe he would tear him to pieces.

"Don't hurt him, okay? He was just doing his job."

Negan opened his mouth and smiled, somewhat confused.

"You want me to show mercy? Mercy for the one who laid a hand on you? No, no, Rick. This
requires a corrective. No one touches what is mine."

"Yours? Like an object?"

"Mine as a part of me. Mine... mine as my partner."

Negan's face changed and Rick trembled because he had never seen his other half speaking
so seriously and without blinking.

"What I do or don't do with him... it's none of your business, but I want you to know that this
won't happen again. Come on, come on, come and rest."

Negan invited Rick to stand up again and they both headed to their respective homes.
The guard paled as soon as he saw Negan walking next to the man he hit a few hours ago.

And the way Negan looked back at him...

Nothing good could come of it.
 Chapter 14

When he entered the room, what Rick did immediately was take off his shoes and his upper
clothes, leaving his bare chest giving off that smell that Negan loved.

The Omega lay back on the bed and stretched his limbs as he felt those soft blankets
caressing his pores again. Negan followed shortly after and hugged him, this because Rick's
sweat was a relief for the horrible itch the Savior felt on his skin.

Both became dependant of each other in many ways.

"I want you to know that I'm not mad at you, Rick. I have to say that an ability like yours can
take you places. I want you to tell me... How did you know exactly what to say to Amber to
get her to listen to you? The way you boosted her confidence..."

Negan expressed with some intrigue as he caressed Rick's face with his cheek; he was
dumbfounded when he realized how Amber challenged him and he actually liked it, he found
it a breath of fresh air that one of his women set limits for him, something he wasn't used to.

"I've met... I've met males like you. I'm sorry, but you all follow a pattern. You don't know
shit about that because you're an Alpha, you have most of your problems solved. Me? Not
me. I had to fight to earn my place before and after the dead came back to life."

Rick placed his hands against his belly and looked at the ceiling before sighing heavily.

"We live in a society where we're seen as semen repositories, puppy factories. It's only
natural for an Omega to be under-confident because they're waiting for their precious Alpha
to do things for them... and now I realize there's some truth to that. Look, my life has changed
since I met you, and I appreciate that, but still... you weren't around thirty years ago."

"And I curse all that wasted time, Rick. I could have made you the happiest person in the
world, spoiled you like you should have been. We could have traveled the world..."

Negan felt a strange sense of nostalgia because he was clinging to memories that didn't even
happen but he really wished they had, plus wasting time affected him quite a bit. Negan
impulsively snuggled into Rick and smelled the sweet scent of his sweat.

"Growing up in an environment that's against you from the start, pushed aside because you
can't do what you're supposed to do... I always hated myself. I hated this birthmark, I hated
you without knowing you because I needed you, because I might never find you, and I hated
that my status, that my life depended completely on a damn stranger."

Rick said feeling some sort of relief as words went by.

Negan watched as Grimes snuggled into his hairy chest and pulled the sheets over himself,
placing a pillow between his legs. He'd never felt so jealous, especially over a damn pillow.
"And what do you think... of my lovers? They are a part of me, of this... facade to maintain
my status. Many believe that I can't impregnate them because it has to be on really specific
days! Or that I'm the one who decides who to have my damn pups with."

Negan laughed, his chest puffing out as his body grew excited at the thought of copulation.

"They're the obvious reminder that I can't get what I want. I mean... I wish this had been
'natural', without you having to fuck them just to secure your position as the 'strong,
masculine male.'"

"You know I don't feel anything for them." Negan put his arms around Rick and gently
rubbed his back. "I just feel sorry for them, because they're forced to be with me. I don't
doubt that some of them really want to be lucky and get pregnant, or that there are even some
who enjoy happy hour."

The mere thought of Negan, naked, drenched in sweat and exhaling as his movements
increased in speed in the midst of an unbridled act as natural as sex made Rick perceive
himself as a pervert.

And he didn't think it was normal, either, that tickling sensation that ran through his genitals
when he thought about Negan in something so intimate.

But he was also jealous. Rick believed he had the upper hand simply because he was Negan's
soulmate and no one could give him a family but him.

"I just want to be by your side." Negan said honestly, speaking in a firm tone of voice and
with a seriousness that made Rick look at him in the same way; with a pair of eyes that didn't
look away and revealed mystery. "As the days go by and the weeks fly by... your scent has
changed. The way you leave my blankets and the way even your behavior has changed...
You're going to be in heat soon, right?"

Rick was embarrassed and did not have the courage to answer.

How did Negan know he was about to go into heat? And the worst thing was that it was so
strange, an unknown, almost foreign term. After so many years, Rick would go into heat... for
the first time.

"I don't know what it's like," the sheriff admitted, swallowing and letting out an almost
agonized sigh. "It's... it's going to be my first... my first heat. I don't know what it's like to be
in heat."

"Oh."

Negan seemed serious on the outside but on the inside the mere thought of actually
deflowering Rick, that there was one person in the world who he was sure would belong to
him completely and who was prepared and designed only and exclusively for him...

All of this excited him and he would be the biggest liar of all if he said it didn't occur to him
to fuck Rick at that moment, show him his place and take him to heaven.
"You won't be alone." Negan stroked Rick's hair with that damn gentleness that sent
electricity through the humble Omega's body. "If you'll allow me... Can I be with you during
this process? I don't want my Rick to feel unprotected..."

Rick purred in response, nodding with subtle nuzzles towards the Savior's furry chest.
 Chapter 15

Rick knew that the Saviors' compound had a library. He was so curious to understand what it
meant to have a soulmate that he didn't hesitate to go there to satisfy his need for answers.
Upon entering, he noticed that there were quite a few people inside who were too immersed
in their reading and were enjoying a cup of coffee or chocolate. Winter was coming after all.

The chestnut understood that reading was a real luxury since for a moment, however fleeting
it was, they could escape from their sad reality and be a sailor lost in murky waters or a
simple traveler waiting for their next adventure into the unknown.

Rick headed to the biology and anatomy area. He had a feeling that he might be able to find
just what he was looking for there. After searching through several old books with worn
covers and dirty, dusty pages, Rick found a book that talked about the myths surrounding
"soulmates" titled "Ties That Bind; The Mystery of Soul-Mates."

When Rick took a seat at one of the many tables in the library he noticed that Amber was
there, sitting and reading a fashion magazine.

"Amber?"

Rick greeted her in a friendly tone. The blonde then looked up and smiled at Rick and stood
up from her seat before hugging him.

"Rick! Nice to see you here. It's been a few days since our talk in the greenhouse. What
brings you to the library, huh?"

Amber invited the gentleman to sit down, to which he agreed as he sat in front of Amber and
not next to her.

"I'm just doing a little research. It's nothing out of the ordinary. What about you? Are you
planning to order these models from a catalogue? Negan will like them."

Rick noticed that Amber was on a page of the magazine that sold lingerie.

"This? No, not in your life, haha! After all... a housewife like me won't need this, not with
Negan." Amber began to look around to see if anyone was watching them from afar and
avoid any snitches. She spoke to Rick in a low voice. "In fact... Negan hasn't asked us for
anything since the last time I've talked to you."

Rick looked surprised at such a revelation. Doubt and intrigue spread across his face.

"What do you mean by 'anything?"

"You know what I'm talking about!" Amber blushed and fanned herself with her notebook.
"Sex. Since then he only asked us to accompany him and do chores. We don't even go into his
room anymore, he says we're not allowed in from now on."
"Huh? And that's a problem?"

Rick felt a certain pleasure knowing that Negan was limiting himself and putting barriers to
their special place.

"No, well, it's not a big deal. I mean... the guy's not ugly... I even felt sorry for him when I
was trying to make conversation with him after we screwed. The doctors told us that Negan
can't impregnate us because his seed isn't suited for us... God... what I wouldn't give to be
able to carry his pups."

"Oh yeah?"

Rick tried to hide his smile because then his theory was true, there was someone who wanted
to have a family with Negan for convenience.

"I'd have my life sorted, all of this would be mine. I guess not all of us can get what we want.
And yeah... Negan will still be supporting us, at least."

"You're lucky, then." Rick knew that at best Amber didn't have to risk her life on a search
party or wear herself out doing hard labor. "Getting paid in high-value bills just for cleaning
and doing chores. I guess that's what every Omega wants, isn't it? To feel like all their efforts
and humiliation are worth something."
Rick's comment made Amber close her magazine and soon a grimace of disgust spread across
her lips.

"I just want some peace." Amber opened up and looked closely at the dirt under Rick's nails.
Under normal circumstances she would probably feel disgusted but then she remembered that
this was not a normal context and they were not normal people. "While my mother was sick
her daughter was whoring herself to get enough to eat and meds. In the end she died and
well... I'm still here."

"It must have been hard to believe that your efforts were ultimately for nothing."

"That makes me so angry! Maybe... Ugh! I know she was doomed but a part of me... God!"

Amber burst into tears as she covered her face with her hands because she was afraid of being
exposed.

"A part of you would have liked to work in something "worthy" and for your mother not to
die thinking that her daughter was a whore. If you'll allow me to guess... I sense that you feel
guilty because you came to like this "whoring" thing. I'm not going to judge you if at some
point you came to like fucking with Negan even if at first you felt repulsed."

Amber smiled through her tears and nodded slightly. She even chuckled! But not because it
was funny, but real.

"You're not a slut. You do what you have to do to survive, end of story. If the way you found
to cope and deal with this was to find pleasure... don't feel dirty because you liked Negan and
wanted to test the waters to see if something would work."
Rick said his words so calmly that it was chilling. Amber, on the other hand, opened her
mouth in surprise and after another smile, she wiped away her tears and sighed.

"Who told you that? I... I didn't! Well- I just... it was just a moment, okay? Maybe-" Amber
was so shocked by Rick's terrifying yet accurate statement that after licking her upper fangs
she exhaled exhaustedly. "I stopped caring, okay? I might have clung to the possibility of
being more than just one of his whores. But oh well..."

"That's how it happens. You stop caring and just want to get the job done."

"Well, then he'll realize it, you'll see. That's why I thank you, Rick. When I refused to sleep
with him... You should have seen his face! For the first time, I felt respected, and setting a
mark never felt so good."

Amber commented and the contempt towards Negan was evident by how she addressed him.

"That bastard... that's why I hate Alphas so much. Even after the world went to hell, they're
still in control. They treat us all like objects, they don't care about us. If you want some
advice, Rick, since you gave me some... and I'm telling you from experience; don't give your
hole to an Alpha if he's really into you. Now that I think about it, I know I could have gotten
more out of Negan if I'd just been smarter."

She opened her fashion magazine again and the lingerie section now repulsed her. Rick
remained silent as this was not the first person to tell her that he should guard himself and not
give in to the charms of an Alpha.

"And do you have a job here? I haven't seen you that much!"

Amber's words echoed in Rick's head.

Of course he had a damn job.

Hugging Negan after the bastard got drunk and cried like a baby in his lap.

Listening to Negan until he fell asleep and knowing each of his horrible secrets because he
trusted him enough to tell him the reasons why he was going to hell.

And of course, there was the fact that he was the only one who could give him a family and
that his life depended on him because if something bad happened to her then he would die.

"Let's say I'm a handyman. A jack of all trades. I don't have a specific job because I have so
many activities during the day."

"That's good! As long as it gives you a job of course."

Rick and Amber continued with their reading and in the process Grimes found something
interesting regarding soulmates.

"Historical records date back to the existence of multiple couples bound by an unbreakable
and invisible bond even before their conception. Soul mates represent an enigma to the
modern world of medicine, often subject to superstitions. There is no "soul mate" gene and
studies performed on patients labeled as "soul mates" based on compatible birthmarks show
no alteration in their reproductive sexual organs or the rest of their anatomy."

Rick didn't know why but he had the feeling that the more he read he was going to discover
something that was better left forgotten.

"It was not possible to take a tissue sample from this birthmark because the patients objected
strongly, showing unusual aggressiveness in the face of the potential danger that the
alteration of the birthmark represented for them. The samples of bodily fluids expelled by the
subjects lacked elements that would distinguish them from common samples."

Rick sighed in relief knowing that at least he wasn't that different, but he couldn't understand
why he could only mate with Negan.

Some things the book mentioned referred to the subjects' need to be together. The Omega's
sweat was a relief for the Alpha's constant itch, while the Omega could relieve their ailments
by being in contact with the Alpha, freeing themselves from constant headaches, dizziness,
and fatigue.

Shortly after Rick read about a theory that posited soulmates as definitive proof of the
existence of past lives that were found after their life cycles ended, a group of armed men
burst in.

"Oh my God!" Amber closed her magazine and looked at Negan's men in disgust. She
thought she knew why they were there. "Aren't you tired of following me around, Dwight?"

"You know how it is, Amber." A blond man in dirty clothes approached the table, looking
distastefully at Rick. His burn marks all over the face were pretty scary. "Don't you learn? We
put your ass behind bars and you're still here, pushing your luck. You know that-"

"Yes, yes. No talking to Negan's women. Can I finish my reading?"

Dwight raised an eyebrow and smiled at Rick.

"I don't think you understand the gravity of your situation." Dwight slammed the book on
Rick and threw it to the floor. "Stay away from Negan's women, dick."

"Hey, Dwight! Leave him alone. I was the one who started talking to him. If you have a
problem with Rick, you have a problem with me."

Amber stood up and defended Grimes.

"Now you're defending him? Know your place, you have no say in this you little b-"

The Savior didn't expect to receive a slap from Amber and a push.

"I know my place, you fucking piece of shit. I'm Negan's WIFE and you better respect me or
else I'll have you castrated and raped by dogs."
None of the men accompanying Dwight intervened, many of them seemed surprised because
they had not imagined that one of their leader's women could have such anger inside her and
have the guts to stand up for herself.

"You want me to report you, idiot? Is that what you want? I'll have them defecate on your
corpse, I swear to God- Pick up Rick's book, NOW!"

Dwight reluctantly complied with Amber's order, picking up the book and dropping it onto
the table with a loud crash.

"We're just doing our job, Amber."

"Fuck off. You know I can have friends, right? I'm sick of every guy I talk to ending up dead
or missing. If anything happens to Rick I swear to God I'll come after you and tell Negan
what you're doing with the supplies-"

"I GOT IT, AMBER." Dwight interrupted before more information was revealed on air,
before the watchful eyes of other people who were watching closely, curious. "Negan will
know about this."

"Is that supposed to scare me? Are you threatening me? Of course he will because I will tell
him myself! I'm sick of everyone having control over me. I'm not afraid of you anymore,
asshole. Get out of here!"

After Amber's order, the guards left the place, but not before Dwight stared at her with
complete disgust.

"Well, that was something."

Rick commented in a mocking tone.

"It was! I'm sorry, Rick. I have to go report this to Negan... if Dwight finds him first..."

"Go, go. Thanks for the help, Amber."

Rick watched the young woman leave in a hurry, while he was still holding that stupid book.
 Chapter 16

Rick left the library having more answers regarding the stages of heat and how his body was
going to start changing, from his hips that would grow to the point of becoming wider to the
release of a scent that would indicate to his Alpha that he was ready to procreate. Rick didn't
know when but he was sure that he would meet God as soon as his body could no longer take
it and demanded to do what his nature dictated.

As he walked along with several books in hand that talked about the habits of Omegas during
mating season and the dangerous anatomical structure of the males, Rick could tell that there
was a large group gathered in the boiler area of the compound. From what he could hear,
there was a great commotion.

As he approached, he asked to pass through the group of people who were standing in rows,
watching the scene. When Rick was able to get to the front, he saw Amber and Dwight
fighting each other.

"I have the right to talk to whoever the fuck I want! I'm sick of you following me
everywhere!"

Amber pushed Dwight in an attempt to get him out of her personal space. This caused the
man to crash into a table with several tools on it, which fell to the floor with a loud clattering
sound.

"It's to protect you, BITCH!" The guy with half his face burned said with disgust. "Anyone
can take advantage of you! Don't you understand or are you stupid? We're just following
orders!"

"I'm just so sick of this shit! I'm going to report you!"

Amber growled. Her eyes showed dilated pupils; her iris now a vertical line. Her fangs got
bigger just like her nails turning into claws.

"Then do it, bitch! Report me for doing my fucking job!"

Rick could sense that both Dwight and Amber were giving off a very strong and unpleasant
aroma of cortisol because they were furious with each other and if it weren't for their status
then they would most likely have started fighting to the death.

Just when those present began to intensify the encounter by inciting both of them to fight by
shouting and insulting them, they fell silent at the exact moment when Negan made an
appearance by coming down some stairs with two guards at his side.

"What is going on here?"

Negan spoke out loud as he witnessed the commotion at the factory and how two of his
closest associates were the reason. His voice, now different, whose vibration ran through
Rick's body, gave an idea of why he was a true Alpha.

"Negan! Amber won't stop talking to men when she knows it's not allowed. If she can't
respect your rules then I doubt she can keep her loyalty."

Dwight seriously explained why Amber's actions were highly questionable.

"Then that must apply to you too! You keep following me around, I have no privacy, I can
barely breathe knowing you're my shadow." Amber defended herself and denied Dwight's
insinuations about her. "You're talking about loyalty? I don't think you're the best candidate to
talk about that."

The situation was so tense, yet Negan had great composure and didn't seem to be affected.
His face was serious, analytical, trying to find out what was hidden in the dialogue of each of
those involved.

"Could you tell me what's going on here?"

Negan asked calmly. One would have thought that Negan would act angry, that he would
even yell but no. He just wanted answers and he knew that if he let his emotions take control
of the situation then the problem would only get bigger.

"Dwight hasn't stopped following me for the past few months, and his people too! They even
follow me when I go to the bathroom! I need privacy."

Amber explained, crossing her arms and looking disdainfully at the guard who stared angrily
into her eyes.

"It's my job! Could you please explain to Amber that it's literally my fucking job to keep
track of her, Negan?"

"And is it also part of your job to disappear or scare away every man who approaches me?
I'm tired!"

Amber commented as her voice became a little shriller.

"Amber, honey. You know there are rules that must be followed. If you wish to speak to
someone there must be a guard present, for your safety. I would be very sorry if anything bad
happens to you."

Negan said in such a sweet tone that it made the blonde blush, who looked down at the
ground and her face turned red. He approached her and caressed the outline of her chin with
his fingers.

"But Dwight has been too rude, quite aggressive. He doesn't ask me, he questions me. I don't
like the way he approaches me, how he appears out of nowhere at the most inopportune
moment."

"We can fix that. Just have more trust, more communication. Dwight is only looking to
protect you, he knows that I will cut off his dick and kill his entire family if he gets too close
to you. Right, Dwight?"

Dwight nodded confidently and stood firm.

"Now then, may I know who Amber was seen with, Dwight? Because I'm not in a good mood
and that bastard better learn his place."

It didn't take long for Dwight to point at the group of people gathered around. Every single
one of them moved away from the man being displayed who turned out to be Rick who was
still holding his books.

Negan could only laugh.

"Rick? I should have thought of that sooner! Ever since you got here, all you've done is cause
trouble, huh?"

Negan approached his Omega and took him by the shoulder to pet him.

"Maybe 'trouble' is my middle name."

That damn audacity, Negan really loved him.

"You have to know there are limits, Rick. You wanna act like you got bigger balls than me?
Because two of us can play that game."

"Well, considering you're a piece of-"

SMACK

Rick now lay on the ground with half his face hot and a terrible urge to cry. He rubbed his
cheek, which was completely red, while he stared at Smith in astonishment.

"Did... did you just hit me?" Was all Rick could say as he scanned his Alpha's figure. "Did
you fucking hit me?"

Rick laughed and picked up his books again, as if it were a way of doing the same with his
dignity.

"Rick-"

Negan had realized what he had done and when he tried to grab the sheriff by the shoulders,
he moved away.

"Get the FUCK away from me."

The blue-eyed started to growl and look with contempt at Negan who knew he could have
acted better.

But Dwight's evil smile, the happy faces of the other men, and Amber's mortified look all
made him feel watched, exposed.
"Rick..."

Negan tried to excuse himself but it was too late.

Rick could only flee.

 Chapter 17
Chapter Notes

Thank you all so much for reading this POS work! I'm glad you liked this and, please,
stay tunned! More load of CRAP coming soon!

And thank you for your kind comments! I love to read them and answer to them! I'm
glad we have this exchange through the comment section!

I would like to mention HadasaGrimes for their kind and constructive comments!

It had been several hours since Rick escaped from the Saviors' Sanctuary. Negan knew he had
made a mistake when his actions had driven away his other half, and as a result, all the
benefits he had gained from him had disappeared.

Negan felt his skin burning as his sweat was like acid, and he gave off an aroma strong
enough to make his men cover their noses and turn their faces away in disgust when he
approached them.

The leader was also suffering from a rash that started on his chest and spread to his genitals,
characterized by swollen testicles and the production of smegma that he hadn't realized was
there, perhaps because Rick and his hormones kept it at bay. Having all that cheese-like
discharge made his glans turn red and hurt.

In a moment of anger, Negan entered his room and began to destroy the furniture using his
enormous strength. He broke the walls by hitting them with his fists, leaving scratches too
noticeable to have to work on them and hide them, and the closet he had was smashed to
pieces when Negan himself slammed it against the floor as many times as he could.

Negan began to complain about an unusual, rather sweet smell that when people were asked
if they perceived it, they denied it.

That smell, that feeling it gave him, the way the scent soothed the incessant pain in his head a
little, it was definitely Rick's. If the others couldn't smell it then it meant that he had to take it
upon himself to go after the source.

Negan said he was leaving, leaving Dwight in charge of the Sanctuary patrol unit, as well as
giving precise instructions to his most trusted men on what to do in his absence. He got into
one of the jeeps his group had and drove through the dark forest hoping to meet Rick as soon
as possible. He didn't want some walker or worse, someone with very bad intentions to get
there first and do things to Rick that just thinking about made Negan tighten his grip on the
steering wheel and dig his claws into the leather.
That route reminded him of the one he took the first night he met Rick, when he was
informed of the existence of someone who shared his same birthmarks. Negan felt desperate
and hoped to get as soon as possible to the origin of that delicious aroma that made him erect
to such an extent that while he drove he rubbed his legs together.

Negan was sorry for having acted like that, for having been so afraid and in the process
hurting too deeply the one person in the world who could ease his pain.

There was a moment where Negan was just driving on autopilot, focusing solely on the dark,
desolate roads of the forest, and the echo of those monsters was wrapped in the air, giving
him a bad omen of what could happen if he didn't find Rick soon.

Negan thought about how stupid he had to be to let Rick go and treat him the way he did. The
idea of something bad happening to Grimes as a consequence of his actions seemed like a fair
trade, a fitting punishment for all the atrocities he committed in the past.

Negan had passed the point where he found Rick the first time, he knew this very well when
he saw the traces of the campfire that his men started next to the packs of cigarettes they left
on the ground, in addition to the fact that on the side of the road were the graves they dug to
bury the bodies of the members of Grimes' group.

However, there was no sign of Rick.

Negan continued driving until that scent reached the point of intensifying, he was not going
to rest until he met him again no matter how long it took.

Negan's actions paid off when the scent finally stopped at a cabin deep in the woods. The
lights were off, yet that delicious aroma was coming from inside, Negan could feel it, even
taste it.

Gathering his courage and mentally preparing himself, Negan walked over to the door and
knocked twice. Never in his life had he felt so desperate over something as banal as waiting
for someone to open a stupid door.

But Negan only needed those hormones, that touch to ease his ailments. By then his hands
were covered in blisters that were bleeding, as were the soles of his feet that by then would
have completely soaked his socks with blood.
Negan never expected to see the deplorable state he found Rick in once he opened the door.

"H-hey. You... y-you... c-c-" Rick babbled weakly as he tried to stand up. He was naked. How
could he not be? If his body gave a strong indication that his skin was peeling off. "Ah..."

Rick collapsed, although Negan reacted in time to put his arms around him and cushion his
fall.
 Chapter 18
Chapter Notes

After a long wait, here it is!

Thank you so much for following this work and for your patience.

I hope yall have a wonderful day, and have a nice reading!

"Rick! Rick... Holy shit!"

Negan hugged Rick as they both lay on the ground. The Savior's face reflected absolute
horror as he stroked his Omega's head.

"Rick..."

Negan carried his soulmate over to the already blood-stained bed and caressed him. It hurt
him greatly to see those sheets and mattress soaked in crimson, as well as that nauseating
smell of iron that permeated the room.

The Alpha realized that there were many books regarding mythology surrounding soulmates
and the dangers of having one. If Negan wanted to help Rick and understand his situation on
a deeper level, then he had to dig even deeper to find out why their bodies had such a violent
reaction.

Negan's findings were surprising when he learned that the hormones they naturally secreted
were filtered into the air, however a load of them could survive and enter through the
respiratory system, thus beginning the process of mutualism.

"We can't be separated..."

Negan only confirmed the worst when he saw that the books spoke with great precision about
the changes their bodies could go through in the event that both organisms were separated for
long periods of time or, failing that, one of the two died.

"Negan?"

Grimes's weak voice could be heard in the background, interrupting the Alpha's reading.

"Rick? Rick! What the fuck happened to you?"

The worry and torment that Rick's condition might be irreversible made him tremble with
fear. Negan approached the edge of the bed to check on his partner.
"I don't know... my head hurts trying to remember... my body... everything hurts. How did
you find me?"

"Because of your smell." Negan sighed as he stroked Rick's hair and moved down to touch
his face with his hands. "You asshole, you scared me."

"Hehe... seems like that's the only thing I'm good at."

Rick answered without looking at Negan because he had his eyes closed and was very
exhausted.

"We could have died, you idiot."

"It would be a fucking gift, then. Win-win..."

"Don't talk nonsense. I read your shitty books... you knew this could happen, huh?"

"Every damn line."

Negan grimaced in disgust. He was angered to know that Rick's actions were completely
intentional, even if it meant their lives.

"For what reason? Is it because you hate me that much? You don't want... this? Between the
two of us."

The disappointment in Negan's tone was too evident to go unnoticed.

"I've always hated your kind," Rick admitted, opening his eyes weakly and looking at Negan
with contempt. "I love mornings, I love the smell of coffee, I love the pain of never being
able to procreate, but if there's one thing I hate, that I detest with all my might in this
sorrowful life... it's Alphas."

Rick burst into tears. His tears contrasted with his bloody face, giving it a unique shine.

"Rick..."

"I hate you... always on top of us, always the heroes, the center of attention... God, how I
HATE depending on you. You are irrefutable proof that life hates me."

The bitter way Rick's words were thrown out made Negan feel a lump in his throat who still
couldn't understand why his other half was acting like this. Maybe there was something that
even Rick himself wasn't willing to reveal because of how painful it was.

"We don't have to be enemies. I... I'm sorry, for humiliating you. I'm afraid, afraid of losing
my status... afraid of losing what I've built so much and... afraid of being seen as..."

"Being seen as me. Being seen as someone as pathetic and weak-"

"No! Just-"
"You're just a selfish bastard just like me. I wish you'd never found me. Just let me be."

"Well you're wrong." Negan frowned again and his posture changed, he was angry at the way
Rick spoke. "These last few weeks with you have made me rethink what I want for my life. I
need you, Rick... I can't live without you, take that in any fucking way you want, I can't live
without you by my side."

"Just because you're hurting doesn't mean I have to feel sorry for you," Rick said through
tears, facing Negan and challenging him. "Remember, you got us into this situation."

"I know! I know, dammit. I know I screwed up and let my fear take over. I'm scared, Rick,
please understand me... I'm scared." Negan believed that in a situation like this, words would
be the only thing that could fix things, even if it was a futile attempt. "I acted badly and I let
myself be carried away by what others might think of me. Please, try to understand me... this
is not an easy position I'm in."

"I didn't deserve to be humiliated by everyone. Did you see their faces? Your men, your
people... How can I forgive you when you make everything so complicated?"

"And I'm not looking for you to do it. I just... I just want you to tolerate me." Negan leaned
on the edge of the bed and caressed Rick's hands. "I'm a detestable being, I know, but give me
the chance to work as a team, with you. I beg you."

"You already told me that and look what happened. I don't know if I want to go back... I don't
know if I want to. After what happened... How can I possibly go back?"

Rick blushed and avoided eye contact with Negan at the embarrassment of being violated.

"You must come back. Please, Rick, do it for me. I don't want to suffer, not like this. What
can I do to earn your forgiveness?"

The look in Negan's eyes and the way his voice reflected need, as if he were clinging to his
last hope, made Rick's point stronger. It was all about control and at that moment a part of the
sheriff's ego declared victory when he saw that the Alpha, not only of one of the most
dangerous groups and whose immeasurable influence crossed barriers, but also for the simple
fact of being an Alpha, was on his knees beside him begging.

How could he resist? Rick stared at his peeling skin and the blisters that formed around his
body. If he didn't take care of himself, he probably wouldn't live long enough to revel in the
emotions Negan was giving him. There was no greater act of hatred and contempt than
having him in the palms of his hands.

Own him.

Because Rick understood that at that moment and with Negan's actions, even risking his life
and entering into the unknown, alone, with the sole objective of finding him, indicated that
Grimes was not a simple Omega destined to procreate as the purpose of his existence.
"We can't go out like this." Rick proceeded to unbutton his shirt with his bruised fingers,
exposing his hairless, bruised chest, almost looking like someone brutalized him mercilessly,
though in reality it was his body's reactions to the absence of his Alpha's pheromones.
"Please... take off my pants. We need this."

Negan gulped nervously.

"You and I...?"

"We just need to put our bodies together. Our sweat... the blood coming from our wounds,
even our secretions. We must heal before we leave here. Take off my clothes."

Negan agreed and carefully proceeded to remove each of Rick's garments, bringing with him
bits of dead skin that stuck to the cotton.

Rick was in all his splendor, just as he came into the world. This sight was really attractive to
Negan who felt a primitive need, so natural, to want to rub his hands over his body, explore it
and make it his own.

Even in a situation like that, Negan thought it was curious to see that Rick's penis showed
signs of erection since it was not completely flaccid.

"Damn... you're handsome."

Negan stared. His dilated pupils were an indication that he liked what he saw.

"Now it's your turn... take off your clothes. I need to feel you." Rick exclaimed almost as if it
were a plea. "Please."

Electricity ran through Negan's body at the sound of that. What he would give to hear Rick
say "please" to him in other contexts. It didn't take long for Negan to strip off his clothes, as
not only was he doing it at Rick's request, but he also had to undress since his own sweat was
irritating his skin.

Rick looked at Negan's toned body, his hairy chest and abdomen, and the unique coloring that
ranged from black hairs to those that were fading to gray. Grimes could feel his insides
expanding and could swear he was expelling juices as he felt thin lines of liquid running
down his buttocks.

"Your body..." Rick seemed surprised to see that Negan had signs of irritation, rashes that
wouldn't heal and pimples that even ran across his genitals. "Are you... are you also
suffering?"

"Since you left. Not a day has passed and look at me."

Then Negan proceeded to take off his belt, letting his legs breathe after being imprisoned by
the denim that until then had taken on a yellowish, almost brown hue, due to the acids that
were corroding the pants and wearing them out at an accelerated pace.
"What happened there?" Rick seemed too focused on Negan's underwear that was stained
red. Apparently he had bled too. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"No. It's the absence of your pheromones." Negan laughed before pulling down his
underwear, exposing his erect member. "I peed blood this morning and my balls are swollen.
And God... this damn cheese started appearing around the head."

"Just lay down next to me." Rick made a space for Negan to fit in, though since the bed was
too small and Negan's wingspan took up most of the space, it wasn't unusual for Rick to have
to use his Alpha's body as a replacement for the bed. "Is this okay?"

"It's perfect." Negan began to growl as he felt comfortable next to Rick. Grimes' sweat and
blood were like a cream that soothed the itch on his skin. "Do you feel it? Can you feel me,
Rick?"

"We're only doing this so we can stop suffering." Rick closed his eyes and let himself be
enveloped by the fragrance coming from Negan's abdomen while the touch of the Alpha's
expert hands made the pain fade away. "Haven't you showered?"

"My skin is peeling off on its own, Rick. When I went to take a shower... the water in the tub
turned red. I was scared, I thought I was going to die." Negan clung to Rick, refusing to let
go, to let him go once more. "I won't survive without you by my side. I'm scared, Rick."

"It's about time you realized." Rick remained defiant and seemed unfazed by Negan's words.
"And I'll make sure you remember that."

"I don't need you to leave again. How about we stay like this for the rest of the day? While
we recover. Besides... I already missed having you like this."

"Me too."

Rick said without thinking, the comment came so naturally. Negan smiled at his Omega's
validation.

"I'm sorry, Rick. I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have hurt you. I've been thinking, and maybe I
should introduce you as my Omega. That way they'll respect you, but I'm also afraid. If
someone finds out about us... you could be in danger. Someone with bad intentions could
come after you just to hurt me."

"Then you're going to have to teach me how to defend myself." Rick traced a line up and
down his lover's right pectoral. "And our pups will have to do it too."

Had he heard wrong?

Pups?

Did Rick really say pups?

Negan didn't have time to go into more detail as Rick fell asleep in his arms.
 Chapter 19
Chapter Notes

This chapter is dedicated to Mykka and shina1986! Thank you so much for taking your
time to give a comment and keeping up with this story!

Negan was the first to wake up the morning after. The sight couldn't have been better when
his eyes opened after a night of rest and he saw Rick's face, still sleeping so peacefully and
with a peace that could be seen in his expression that gave him a nice feeling over his
stomach.

Just feeling the delicate caresses of his breath against his chest made Negan grateful to find
him again and to be able to enjoy those small moments of relief.

And Negan's primitive instinct taking the form of a huge erection became present as he
hungrily observed his Omega's curves, delighting in his majestic naked body and knowing
that one day all of that would be his, being able to claim it as it should have been from the
beginning.

Rick grunted slightly, giving an indication that he was about to wake up, and there were hints
of body movement as he began to curl his fingers and toes. The yawn followed shortly after.
When his blue eyes looked directly into Negan's after becoming conscious, Rick stared at
him for a long time trying not only to understand how they had gotten into that situation,
since he was too weak the day before that he didn't have many memories of how he got there,
but to recognize him.

Rick had finally stopped bleeding and his skin had restored itself, or at least partially since
there were still some scabs and marks from the many wounds that had occurred in the
absence of Negan's pheromones in his system.

"Good morning, pretty pup." Negan greeted with a big smile and patted his shoulder. "Did
you sleep well?"

"Good morning." Rick replied shortly before yawning and curling up on his companion's
chest, not out of pleasure, but because being close to him relieved the discomfort in his head,
and he couldn't complain about the smell because it was pleasant. "I slept well. If you had
arrived late... I probably would have died."

"You don't have to blame yourself." Negan had the audacity to stroke Rick's hair and his
cheeks with the thumb of his right hand, which was also scabbed over because the welts had
disappeared. "This was... this was my fault."
"We're both responsible." Rick knew it was futile to resist and that denying his involvement
in her suffering was delusional. "My wounds have healed, partially. And yours?"

Negan smiled at Rick's genuine concern and after turning his face, he yawned, this so that the
heat wave would not directly impact Rick's face.

"I'm feeling much better, thanks to you. My testicles are no longer swollen and I no longer
have the itch in my groin. I swear I started bleeding from scratching so much..."

Negan looked sadly at Rick's chest, realizing that his birthmark had become even brighter,
darker, and had increased in size.

"Looks like you'll be on heat soon," Negan guessed. "Your mark... and mine. They've grown,
and from what your books say..."

"You'll have to impregnate me." Rick faked a smile. He still didn't like the idea because it
scared him. "God... I can't process the fact that I'll have puppies, with you."

"Well, they're sure to be the most beautiful puppies in the world." Negan tried to calm the
situation down, his thick, hairy, large hands stroking Grimes' belly. "We'll have our puppies
right here."

"I can almost feel them... growing, moving inside me."

"Can you feel them, Rick?" Negan moved closer to his lover and was now at a dangerously
close distance. "You're going to feel them... when you open up to me. You're going to be able
to feel them, touch them when they kick your belly..."

"Negan..."

Rick hated that his body, that those damn pheromones had that effect on him. Now he was
seeing Negan with different eyes, cursing the fact that in that position, in that state,
everything was set up for them to go to the point of no return.

The sheriff approached and for a moment was about to give in to the temptation, to join his
lips with his Alpha's, but Negan only laughed and moved away.

What a treacherous move.

"I'm sorry, Rick. I can't. It's not right..."

Negan scratched his head and shook it constantly.

Rick knew he shouldn't give it any importance, that he wouldn't have to feel rejected and,
above all, that he wouldn't have any reason to feel so hurt.

If Negan was a stranger...

So why did he feel a pang in his chest when his display of affection was not reciprocated?
"Control, Rick." The male thought to himself in order to lessen the damage. "We're together,
we depend on each other. He needs me."

"Okay..." Rick tried to hide feeling hurt after doing some breathing exercises. Boy, did he
ever think rejection would have that much of an impact, especially when he was the one
receiving it. "Are we going back to the Sanctuary?"

"Of course, Rick. I'll make some changes to the rules and keep my men informed. They won't
bother you again... as long as you know your place and respect me."

"Know my place? What the fuck does that mean?"

Rick frowned, angrily.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to ask you to humiliate yourself or not defend yourself,
just... keep your comments to yourself and try not to spread your rebellious thoughts. When
you give too much power to your own..."

"It's too bold of you to assume that an Omega with power can't"

"You can't have that much power" Negan interrupted firmly. "You understand, Rick. I bet you
had problems with your own kind when you were sheriff in the other life."

"That's different. One of my people defended herself from her Alpha in a case of domestic
abuse, workplace violence... just because we defend ourselves and mark territory doesn't
mean we're dangerous."

"Rick, you literally ran away from the Sanctuary because you didn't know how to handle a
situation." Negan smirked, trying to emphasize his point. "And even though you knew what
was going to happen... You preferred to die and take me with you! You almost killed me."

"That's..."

"That's one reason why you can't have that much power, why an Omega can't have that much
power. It's in your nature. You... you're emotional, you live to nurture, to educate, to stay at
home waiting for your Alpha. You're not cut out to lead."

"Fuck you, Negan. I'm more than that and I can prove it."

"Let's take it step by step." Negan knew that with Rick he had to be subtle, manipulate the
situation and the speech to make him believe he was right. "Together. I know you're someone
capable, but you have to prove it. Not to me, but to my people."

"And how am I supposed to do that if you don't want me to work? Your men are fucking
savages who look for any excuse to attack me."

"Because they haven't gotten used to you," Negan replied grumpily. "You're free to do
whatever you want, Rick. I won't object, but I won't make you take any risks either. If you
want to work, you can help out in the fields, help the men with construction, but you won't be
near the blacksmiths or part of the search team."
"You're insufferable, you know that?" Rick laughed after giving Negan an angry look, so
much so that Grimes' irises stopped being circular and turned into a thin vertical line. "And I
hate you for it."

"Don't be mad at me, pup." Negan didn't let himself be defeated and seemed to find joy in
how Rick challenged him. "Your barking amuses me. You should be thankful I'm not taking
that audacity away from you."

"You can never take something that belongs to me away from me." Rick's defiant stance
didn't change. "Not even if you're the only one who can give me something I've always
wanted."

"You're telling me I'm going to have to work on my charms to get you where I want you?"
Negan blew in Rick's face, the smell of his breath far from being unpleasant was quite
striking to the Omega who was beginning to react with a small erection, and his entrance
began to expand. "I'm not worried. Your body will soon be asking to be claimed, and we will
open the puppy factory."

"I bet you don't even know how to use it."

Rick said with a mischievous remark, letting himself be carried away by the hands of his
soulmate who began to caress his back but refrained from going any lower.

"Well, bet I do."

Negan replied, not allowing his ego to be violated. It was so common for him to see someone
like Rick approaching him out of inertia, how soft and delicate Omega palms rested on his
rough skin, over his chest, and, just when Rick was so close to sealing his fate with a kiss of
death...

He stepped away.

Rick had turned the tables on him!

And the male liked that.

"You're going to pay for this, Rick." Negan whispered something that was more of a threat
than a promise. "And you're going to thank me for it."

Rick could only tremble at the things someone like Negan could do to him.
 Chapter 20

The trip back to the Sanctuary was pleasant for the couple as they contemplated the changes
they would have to make once Rick rejoined them.

“I don’t want Dwight attacking me again.” Rick complained, expressing his complete disgust
at the way he was being mistreated by the Savior. “He… seems to have something against
me. I didn’t come here to displace anyone… and I’m very sorry if your men feel threatened
by me.”

“Let me tell you, you're the least of my men's worries.” Negan came clean. It was a surprise
to him that Rick even thought he could figure in his men's twisted minds. “They've got
enough serious problems to be bothered by you. In their words, you're just a pussy that needs
filling, but that's it. You're not a threat, you're not someone they should be watching their
backs for.”

“Ha. So that puts me at an advantage. You can never expect anything from someone because,
precisely, you don't, right? If they knew I almost killed their leader...”

“That'll be our secret, Rick. They can't know about this connection... and that worries me.
They don't see you as a threat because they have no fucking idea what you can do to me if
something happens to you. Maybe... maybe it's wise for me to find a place for you to stay, our
little sanctuary. A place only the two of us know exists.”

Negan seemed quite different when he was worried about what might happen to Rick, not
only the fact that his death was imminent, but that there would be pain involved as his body
suffered the consequences.

“I think if we're smart about this, we could coexist. Ah, that's one of the reasons I was
worried about being your soulmate... your people, what they're going to say. Just because
you're the leader and make a rule to protect me doesn't mean everyone will abide by it.”

Rick sighed tiredly at the amount of stress caused by all those scenarios in which anything
could go wrong, or worse.

“I'll apply some rules. You know how to shoot, right? You say you were a sheriff. I need
someone like that on my side, someone with knowledge, with intellect. That way I can
defend your continued presence in my circle.”

“You want me to become what? One of your guards?”

“My bodyguard. You're literally the reason I'm alive. I can say I need someone to look after
me even in my sleep... we could fabricate something, I don't know, a threat, that my life is at
risk. If I increase security and deploy you naturally, they won't be able to suspect.”

“You seem to have everything under control.” Rick was surprised by the unexpected way
Negan planned something to justify his closeness. “And your men wouldn't have a problem
with me being a macho man? After all, I've been in groups where it's frowned upon—”

“What? Don't start with this nonsense, Rick. My people don't give a shit if you're with
someone of the same sex. Look, don't worry about that stuff, not now. We should focus on
what's important... a story. I'll say... I'll say that you saved my life, that I was hunting and one
of those assholes caught me. I have to come up with something coherent, something they can
swallow and not object to.”

“Are you capable of lying like that... just to safeguard my safety?”

"I'm willing to sell out the fucking world if it guarantees your safety. Oh, Rick, you really
came to change my life. You've caused me so much grief, but I know it'll be worth it."

Negan continued driving calmly while observing the beautiful meadows in the middle of a
beautiful autumn afternoon with a splendid orange tint over the skies.

“I want your room to become my nest,” Rick exclaimed as he leaned his arm against the
truck window and let his face be bathed in the extravagant light that refined his features.
“And I want pillows, lots of pillows. I want only a mattress on the floor, and... it will better if
it smells like you.”

“Rick?” Negan smiled at the thought of his room being designated as his soulmate’s nest.
“Woah… my room… our special place. Heh, I definitely like that idea. I had… another one
of those visions. God… how wonderful it would be to come home after a long day and… see
you lying there nursing our pups.”

“You’d like to, huh? I bet just the thought makes you want to make those puppies.”

Rick expressed himself in a mischievous tone, which was immediately received by the Savior
who just looked away.

"Well, I wouldn't mind if we skipped the process and you just dropped your panties for me.
I'd do to you what I've never done to any of my women..."

“What do you mean, huh?”

Rick was still driving, still distressed, as a small flash came to his mind, like a memory.

“Kissing you.” Negan felt so stupid for revealing that. What was he? A teenager? “I would
kiss you, because that’s something I don’t do with them. A kiss… is more than just a way to
show ‘love,’ attraction, or whatever you want to call it.”

“Kissing? Well, you have the look. You must be the kind of man who would probably rather
have a threesome with two omegas than one alpha and one omega because, well, it's all about
control. Your kind are afraid of losing control.”

“Heh, you little fucker... you have a control kink or some shit like that. I've never met anyone
like you. And... I applaud you, Rick, because you're not like any omega I've ever met. You
resist my charms, my scent, you resist me. It only makes me want you more. Do you know
how many jerks I've had to give to try not to do things to you, Rick? I want you, but you deny
me, you push away.”

“You just have no idea how to approach me.” Rick opened up, speaking with the same
bluntness he received from Negan. “You’re used to getting everything easily, to others giving
in because you have something to offer. You’re aggressive, overly violent… but it just so
happens that you don’t scare me.”

“I never asked you how you really felt about your... pack. You probably know Amber. She
became my wife under similar circumstances to yours. She was with a group, accompanied
by her mother as well. I gave her a choice... become mine or go to the same hole as her pack.
Amber and her mother made it out of that situation, the others didn't.”

“And Amber gave herself to you out of fear.” Rick sighed, connecting the dots between what
Negan was telling him and what Amber had said earlier. “And she keeps doing things out of
fear. If I'm honest with you, well, maybe you just let me cross the line, answer you back in
front of your people... because I have this stupid mark. If it had been anyone else, maybe you
would have killed me as a show of authority in front of your people.”

“Rick... How can you say that?”

 Chapter 21

“Because you confirmed it to me, Negan. If I didn’t have this stupid mark, you would have
killed me even if I had another mark, you confessed it to me. Do you see why it’s so hard for
me to trust you? You disgust me. The only reason we’re together is because of this mark,
because we literally can’t be apart because we’re going to die if we don't breathe the same air.
I... I don’t love you.”

“But Rick! I came for you, I looked out for you-”

“BECAUSE YOU WERE SUFFERING, Negan. You didn't even come to me at the time, you
didn't give me any reason to come back, and you didn't bother to find out what happened to
me, that is, until you started suffering from my absence. You're just... so full of yourself.
When you talk to me like that, when you get close to me... it's not you, it's your hormones
trying to impregnate me. How can I even look at you when all you provoke in me is complete
disgust? Your actions, what you do...”

“Rick... you know I came for you because we both needed it. I didn’t know—hell! I had no
fucking idea this shit was REAL. How did you expect me to know that my skin was literally
going to fall off or my balls were going to swell to the size of lemons if you left? Rick... don’t
you realize that you’re the one who hurt me even though you know we have a mark, that
we’re connected?”

“That's different. You humiliated me and hurt me, you harmed me. Don't tell me you didn't do
anything to me when you reacted the way you did, in front of your people.”

“Now we’re just calling out each other our failures, Rick?” Negan stopped the car and stared
Rick straight in the eyes. Anger was rising in Negan’s face as he frowned. “Why don’t we
talk about how you started talking shit to one of my women to get her to oppose me? Why
don’t we talk about what just happened? Rick, you WERE going to kill me, and you did it
with the full intention of hurting me. You DID know what could happen to us; it was all
premeditated. Mine was a spontaneous reaction… But you?”

“I don’t need this shit.” Rick tried to open the truck door to get out, but Negan locked it
before he could get away again. “Let me go, Negan.”

“Oh, no, sir! No. You’re going to hear me, you fucking delusional omega.” Negan took off
his seatbelt. Grimes did the same, but all he got was Negan on top of him while they leaned
against the door. “I’ve had enough. I feed you, I care about you, I give you a fucking roof
over your head... And it’s still not enough?”

“Open the fucking door!” Rick bared his teeth, which had begun to sharpen, and his pupils
were now forming a thin, dilated line. “You’re hurting me. Open the fucking door!”

“Well, maybe that’s what it takes for you to start respecting me!” Negan slammed his fist
against the roof of the vehicle so hard he even dented it. “Think carefully, asshole. YOU
ALMOST KILLED US.”
“You don’t know what it felt like to be there! You don’t know what I’ve had to go through—”

“WELL YOU DON’T KNOW MY SHIT EITHER.” Negan roared, grabbing Grimes by the
shoulders forcefully, hurting him. “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH
TOO. But since you hate Alphas that much, since you hate people like me, our problems
don’t interest you because you think we’ve got our lives together. Well, I’m sorry, RICK,
THE MARTYR.”

“Don’t call me that! I’m not a martyr!”

"Well, if you're not a martyr, then you're a fucking bitch! You whine about everything and
complain when things don't go your way! If only I'd known my Omega would be a fucking
whiner like you, always playing the victim..."

“I don't play the victim! You're used to a submissive Omega, one you can mold to your liking
and use whenever you want. Well, I'm not like that, and if you think whining means giving
me my fucking place above all your shit... then yes, I am a fucking whiner who cries and
protests about everything.”

“Look at him right there! Coming up with pathetic excuses for his lack of balls.”

Negan mocked to the point of laughing, an action that angered Grimes who was beginning to
struggle.

"The man who uses excuses to justify his excessive ego finally spoke! Is this how you want
me where you want me, idiot? Humiliating me, raising your voice at me..."

“Yeah, I could have you wherever and whenever I fucking wanted. I can force you to give me
puppies, I can force you to do many things, Rick. You mistake my benevolence for
oppression. Your mind, deranged by the things that happened to you, confuses my affection.
You're pathetic, and I pity you.”

Rick opened his mouth to try to respond, but that last bit really got to him. The sheriff
grimaced and looked downcast at any point in the car: at the radio, the steering wheel, even
the damn glove compartment. Anywhere was fine to look as long as he didn't see Negan.

“Let me go.” Rick shouted, almost in a whisper. “Let me go now, please.”

“Rick...” Negan noticed the reddish color on his partner's face and that beautiful crystalline
gleam in his eyes. “I'm sorry, I went too far. I didn't mean to hurt you.”

“Yet you did, again.”

“Then talk to me! Let me understand you. How do you expect me to understand why you're
like this if you won't even tell me what's going on? I don't know if you're going through some
shit, but—”

“Yeah, idiot. I'm going through something, but I don't trust you enough to tell you. Fuck off.”

“Well then, fuck you, Rick. Until you're able to think, we'll talk properly.”
“Ha! Now it turns out I'm the problem. Typical alpha idiot who thinks he's perfect.”

“I'm going through things that still bother me, Rick!” Negan defended himself with a snarl.
“But I have to put that aside for the sake of my people, for the sake of what I'm building. I
don't have the time to feel sorry for myself like you do. I have to act, because otherwise…”

"No wonder you behave the way you do. While you bottle up your shit, I expose it. We're
different even in that way..."

“Bottle up my shit? You don't know anything about me, Ricky. Don't talk so confidently
about someone you don't even know. But if you want this to be a fucking pain contest, then
so be it. Sometimes you give me a major headache with your bullshit.”

"And this is how you treat your soulmate? You really are amazing. No wonder you're alone
despite having so many women by your side."

“Now you’re insulting me? Stop being such a sensitive jerk.”

“Besides being pathetic, I'm now being sensitive?” Rick laughed. “Well, if being sensitive
means not accepting your crap, then of course I'm sensitive. I don't even like you, I don't have
feelings for you. We're only together because we need to. Maybe I should disappear for a
while, so you can reflect.”

“Do you see now why your kind can’t have power?” Negan only reinforced his point. “You
Omegas are so sensitive, so… emotional. Let’s save this conversation for later, shall we?”

“Don’t expect puppies anytime soon, that’s all I’m telling you.”

"Why do you bring our puppies as a weapon when we argue? Of course you'll give me
puppies, there's no arguing about that."

Negan got back up and sat back in the driver's seat.

“You seem VERY sure of it. Just because you inseminate me doesn't mean you're going to
have a shitty puppy.”

The leader of the Saviors gave Rick a sharp smile at that comment, which awakened in him a
sensation he had never felt before, a chill that ran through his entire body as if it were a
cramp, a discomfort that made him feel extremely distressed.

“I hope you’re not implying you’d be capable of an abortion, Rick.” The male’s expression
changed completely, frightening Rick, as he had never seen his lover so angry. “You don’t
know what I’ll do to you if you ever hurt our pups.”

“Do you think I'm scared of you? I can cut open my belly and take out the bastards if I want,
eat them just to fuck you up. No soulmate and no puppies... Do you want it to get to that
point?”

“You know I can chain you up, right? I'll impregnate you, I'll chain you up... I don't care if we
feed you while your hands and feet lie tied to the ground. When you bring out my pups, well,
I'll keep you alive, but captive, away from my puppies.”

“I’m NOT going to let you take my puppies away from me! They’re not going to turn into
another version of you.”

Negan smiled maliciously as he saw Rick so excited about his pups that weren't even there.

“Oh, really? Are they your puppies now?”

“What? Of course they will be. But not yours... I mean, they won't be like you. Because, well,
you... You know what I mean, damn it!”

“You subconsciously know we have to unite in body and mind for you to have those puppies.
Why are you so complicated, Rick? It's just sex.”

“Well, it's a shame you only see it as sex, because to me it's something more. Don't you
understand, idiot? It'll be my first time. What if it hurts? Or if I bleed or... something bad
happens. It's so easy for you to say because you just stick it in and that's it.”

“Well, I'm sorry, I didn't know the subject was so sensitive for you. You know what? Let's
talk about this when we get home. I'll make you your favorite dish, and then we'll figure out
what to do. Okay?”

"After all the shit you told me, do you think I want a damn thing from you? Well, you're
lucky we can't break up under normal circumstances, otherwise..."

Rick just closed his eyes and waited for Negan to drive all the way back home.
 Chapter 22

Rick had been gently woken up by Negan after they had safely arrived at the Sanctuary. Since
neither of them had a change of clothes, the pair got out of the vehicle, causing a scene when
the other Saviors saw them drenched in blood and giving off a scent that, at least if they
focused on Rick, was something similar to an aphrodisiac, since his Omega blood—not to
mention an Omega as difficult to find as a "Soulmate"—awakened in all those males an
instinct they had to suppress.

Negan was pretty clear when he called his people, those closest to him, and told them that he
and Rick had worked together to divert a massive horde of walkers that were headed straight
for the Sanctuary. While Negan wasn't going to say that Rick saved his life, because that
would be subject to stigma—how shameful would it be for an Alpha to be rescued by
someone of such a vastly inferior rank—he could work his charms to make his people believe
that they both supported each other in order to preserve the Sanctuary.

Being accepted was an unusual process for Rick, who had long been disrespected due to his
condition. The treatment he received from Negan's men was different, less aggressive, and
they even stopped showing indifference towards him. It was possible to see that some males
in the pack refused to accept Rick, even ignoring him or walking away because they didn't
want to hurt him, but this wasn't a problem for the others, who were intrigued by Rick's
nature.

During one meeting, Rick had the opportunity to chat with some of them in the midst of what
appeared to be a bar chat.

“Look who’s here, Rick the Prick.” Dwight commented with disgust when he saw Grimes
enter the bar and take a seat right next to his table. “Looking for trouble again?”

Rick smiled at Dwight's behavior and shrugged, trying not to make a big deal out of it.

“No, not at all. I have no desire to end up like you. I like the way my face looks right now
thank you very much.”

Some members of the group burst out laughing, while others gasped in surprise. Did Rick
even know why Dwight ended up like that? And if so, who would have told him?

“We don’t like faggots like you, Omega cunt. Go back to the shithole you came from.”

“Dwight, you should stop.” A rather pretty woman with long brown hair and light skin
expressed her disgust. “The poor guy hasn’t done anything to you. Just look at him; it’s not
like he could do anything anyway.”

“Thanks for the help,” Rick commented sarcastically. “Why do anything to Dwight when life
has already done all the work for me? Just look at him.”

“Let’s see if you’re still laughing when I rip your guts out!”
“Stop it!” Amber intervened by slamming her fist on the table, leaving claw marks from the
stress. “Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too personally, Dwight? If you want to
sleep with Rick, you’re doing a terrible job.”

“What?” Dwight immediately responded to the implication. “What the fuck? There are plenty
of better pussies around here than Rick's.”

“Well, you’re right about his smell,” another man, a man with a prominent mustache and a
grim look, said. “I wouldn’t mind burying my nose in that stinking pussy of his at all. What
do you say, Rick? Would you like to give me puppies?”

“Ugh! Of all the things Simon could say at a time like this, that’s exactly it.” Sherry looked
disgusted. “Control your impulses, you idiot males. We’re talking to a protégé, after all.”

Sherry pointed out a very particular necklace Rick wore around his neck. It turned out to be a
gold chain with a small red gemstone.

“I've only seen three people wear one. Simon among them. Who the hell are you, Rick
Grimes? Did you manage to manipulate our leader into granting you such an honor?”

“I haven’t manipulated anyone. Maybe you should ask him yourself if you care that much,”

“Huh? I thought this son of a bitch was just answering for laughs, but apparently he’s serious.
You really are a ballsy bastard, with an ego way too big to be an Omega.” Simon snarled
defiantly at Rick’s obvious imposition on them. “Just let me remind you, a pup like you can’t
possibly be on par with us. You may have earned Negan’s affinity, but that means nothing if
you can’t be a part of us.”

"Do I detect rebellion?" Rick stood up and walked straight toward Simon, who also stood up,
refusing to be intimidated. "Are you defying your leader's orders?"

“You must think you have bigger balls than any of us to stand toe-to-toe with the leader's
right-hand man, just so you know. My word is law, too. Don't get it twisted, Rick.”

“I don’t give a fuck about your word because I only follow Negan’s, asshole.”

Rick growled and bared his fangs as he felt threatened by Simon.

“I see, I see why Negan set his sights on you. An Omega like you is hard to find... I don't
know if you're too brave, or too stupid, but maybe you should refrain from these kinds of
interactions. Having a seal doesn't guarantee your safety.”

"Why? Am I intimidating you? I don't need a seal to say you and your people can eat shit and
die."

Rick didn't know that his responses had drawn the attention of some females, who were
amazed by Rick's display of authority and how genuinely attracted they were to his attitude.
Some Alphas even imagined outrageous scenarios starring Rick, seeing him refuse to bow to
the man who was arguably the most dangerous in the Sanctuary.
“Good morning, princesses!” Negan entered the bar, kicking down the door and flashing a
big grin. “I can smell the fucking cortisol coming from miles away!”

“Negan,” Simon acknowledged, stepping away from Rick. “Tell your pet to stop messing
with us. The boys and I came here for a drink, but Rick seems to have a problem with us.”

“Ugh. With more important things to do, I doubt we should be bringing this kind of
complaint to Negan.” Amber chimed in. “It’s just a misunderstanding, nothing Simon and
Rick can’t work together.”

“Well said!” Negan nodded and winked at Amber, which angered Rick, who frowned. “I
don’t give a shit about your childish problems. Rick, Simon, come here, both of you. Now.”

Both Alpha and Omega took a step forward, confused. Negan was known for his
unpredictable nature, and no one knew what might happen at that moment.

“Now...” Negan took them both by the shoulders and sighed. “I want you to shake hands.”

“Shake hands?” Rick looked disgusted. “I have no idea where his hand has been. And you
want me to shake it?”

“Speak for yourself, champ.” Simon took the initiative and extended his hand toward Rick.
“Let’s get this over with. Don’t disobey.”

“Whatever.” Rick agreed. Simon’s grip was strong, too strong. After a few seconds, they
broke away and looked at each other with displeasure. “Hmm…”

“See? It's so easy. We're all friends here. Now, Rick, follow me. Simon, keep up the good
work... and by the way, I heard somewhere that you were questioning the seal I put on Rick.
Do you have anything to say about that? I don't like rumors.”

“I don't like feeling left out,” Simon confronted. “This... stranger can't come in and have a
seal while people who've been with you for years are fighting for one.”

“Everyone is a fundamental part of what we're building. Trust me, okay? I know you're a
smart man, Simon. Don't let me down. And if you ever question what I do, I appreciate it.
Every thinking person should question everything, even themselves... but I won't tolerate you
pushing ideas on people. Watch your mouth.”

Negan signaled for Rick to follow him, leaving the bar and the group behind.
 Chapter 23

“You really like getting in trouble.” Negan invited Rick to sit in the sitting area inside his
room. A few plates of Rick’s favorite dishes were set out on the small table, from perfectly
cooked meats to pastas that gave off pleasant aromas. “And no matter how hard I try, you
always find a way to be a pain in someone’s ass.”

"I'm not going to let myself be humiliated, not even by your men. I think you're having a hard
time understanding that I'm your fucking soulmate, not one of your whores."

Rick expressed disdain at Smith's mocking comments regarding the recent confrontation.

“Fucking fighting Simon? Rick, you should be grateful I could smell your sweat when you're
in danger. Simon could have attacked you, and rightfully so! If you have that seal, it's reason
enough for others to respect you; no one can touch you.”

“What the hell are you saying? Do you realize how stupid that sounds? Simon can attack me,
but no one else can touch me? So if we’re going to get down to this, I hope Simon can lick
the wounds I’ll inflict on his sorry ass if he provokes me again.”

“UGH! Damn it, Rick, stop acting like a damn diva and learn to obey! All I ask is that you
obey, that you learn-”

"Learn my fucking place? Screw you! I won't bow my head to anyone if that's what you want
me to do. Until you understand my limits and what I'm willing to allow... then this topic of
conversation is over."

Negan grimaced, his right eye twitching at the obvious offense Rick's response carried.

“I don't want you to get hurt, Rick. There are rules here, there are things you can't change. It's
you against MY system, and in MY system, these attitudes of yours can lead to rebellion, to
anarchy.”

“Everything about you, everything always has to be about you and your people. Everything!
And where the fuck do I stand? What about what I want? You're lucky we're dependent on
each other because otherwise I would have thrown your fucking ass out of my life and left
forever, which I was willing to do.”

“You’re not serious.” Negan, as always, tried to mock and dismiss Rick’s argument. “You’re
just angry. You’ll get over it. You’re so sensitive...”

“That shit again? What the fuck is wrong with me being sensitive? Stop messing with me. It's
like me saying you're a control freak who gets mad when things don't go your way.”

“You think you’re so smart, right? A genius, a know-it-all! Making assumptions about me
without even—”
"You don't know me either, and there isn't a single fucking day that goes by that you don't tell
me the way I act is comparable to having a flaw! Go away, I don't want you sleeping with me
tonight."

“What?” Negan laughed because Rick was now ordering him around. “Do you realize what
are you asking for?"

“I don’t want you around. I’m disgusted by the fact-”

“You know we can't separate during our rest, right? We tried it, and you woke up with a rash
all over your body while I had balls the size of a basketball.”

"So if you care so much for those hairy balls you carry, you should stop giving me reasons to
stay away from you. I feel lonely even when you're by my side."

That last comment hurt Negan, who didn't try to refute it because he was truly hurt by the
brutality with which those words echoed in his head.

“Why are you so cruel to me?” Negan changed his tone of voice and looked downcast at the
red velvet carpet. Rick always found a way to be cruel to his feelings. “Do you really feel this
way? Do you still feel lonely even when I’m with you?”

“Negan...”

Rick tried to approach his alpha but he just stepped away.

“I feed you, I protect you... I care about you in ways you can't imagine. Before you came into
my life, I always dreamed of finding you, of fulfilling the purpose for which I was created. I
always wanted my own family, my own puppies, a reason to feel less miserable in this
painful life.”

“Negan- I really don’t- I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean to-”

“No, it’s clear to me you don’t want this. I was so mean and cruel to bring you here by
force... because you don’t see me as your soulmate, but as a monster. I’ve always been that to
you. No matter how much I tell you how much I love the idea of being able to start a family
with you, how much I would like to be by your side and meet you in eternity, you don’t love
me.”

“Because I don't know you. You were so... aggressive, and the way you show your affection...
it's so suffocating. It doesn't seem like you want a lifelong partner, but someone who will
give in to your desires. And, you're right... you're not responsible for what others did to me...
but the way you do things makes me afraid. I'd like to escape, but knowing we can't be apart
frustrates me.”

“I just wish you wouldn’t hate me, wouldn’t despise me the way you do.”

“I don’t hate you. Even though you sometimes make me so angry that I’m completely
insane… I don’t hate you.”
“I find it hard to believe. The way you look at me, the way... the way you DON'T look at
me...”

“If only you were less aggressive... I repeat... I don't hate you.”

“I don’t believe you, I find it hard to believe you knowing that-”

Negan watched curiously as Rick took his right hand and began stroking his palm. Grimes'
caress sent small waves of electricity through the Savior's body, who began to roar, enjoying
the sensation.

“If you behave, there might be more of this.”

Rick gently approached and kissed Negan on the cheek. The leader enjoyed the close contact,
the way his body began to react, and the fact that Rick was showing him a side of himself
that seemed genuine.

“Mmm...” Negan instinctively leaned closer, hoping to contemplate Rick’s unique beauty, to
lose himself in that pair of blue eyes that drove him crazy and that he wouldn’t hesitate to
lick if the opportunity presented itself. “All you’re doing is pushing your luck, Rick...
because if I wanted to, I’d rip your damn clothes off and we’d open the puppy factory right
now.”

“First, I want to know if my alpha is a good match. And I have to build my nest... I want
pillows, lots of pillows, and sheets. The damn bed goes, but you leave the mattress on the
floor.”

“For being an Omega, you really ask for a lot. You never get enough...”

“Perhaps you are not able to give me enough.”

“Oh, OH, Rick. I suggest you be careful... because if you make those kinds of statements,
well, I'll be sure to leave you with a good memory... or give you reasons to take that language
out of your mouth.”

“I hate stupid hormones.” Rick continued stroking the lines on Negan’s palm, sending a
pleasant shiver through his Alpha. “They make me see you in ways I shouldn’t.”

“Come on, Rick... let me show you what an Alpha like me can do. Please give me that
delicious biscuit you’ve been saving for me.”

Negan began to sweat and his pupils dilated. It was clear he was ready to begin the foreplay
stage before sex.

“No, I can't. Otherwise, you'll have power over me. I'm not like your whores... and that's why
I'll make sure you remember that every damn day.”

“Rick...” Negan smiled because he was already so frustrated from receiving so many
rejections, so many times that the idea of masturbating again to release himself didn’t seem to
be on the cards; he was getting fed up. “Don’t force me to reclaim what’s mine. Please... I
need that delicious hole... that demands to be filled.”

Negan bit his lip and in an unexpected moment he positioned himself over Rick, brought his
face to a distance too dangerous for that kind of encounter and sighed as he contemplated the
joy of creation once again.

“Please... I can't... I can't go on like this. I'm begging you, Rick... give it to me. I'm the only
one who can get you in touch with that part of you that's simply natural, and that life has
taken away from you for so long.”

“I’m not ready. I know you’re afraid of being alone, and that you’re desperate.” Rick hit the
nail on the head, which paralyzed Negan at such a precise statement. “But I can’t. How can I
give in when the things you do disgust me?”

“Rick... you know I don't mean to push you away. I just... I just wish you'd understand that
I'm afraid of losing you. I've lost people before, people I loved, and now... now I'm a sad man
who pushes away everything he loves. Don't be afraid, don't feel contempt for me. After all,
we're together.”

"So will you stop acting like I'm something you can control? I'm not your accessory."

“You’re not, Rick, and I’m so sorry I made you feel that way. You are special… and that’s
why I’ll stop. I hope the day comes when you don’t feel disgusted by me and we can—”

Negan didn't expect Rick to feel compassion for him and just give him another kiss, this time
over his hand.

A kiss was enough to soothe the discomfort plaguing him. Negan's patience was running out.

“Rick... What can I do to make you and I...?”

“Wait. Wait until my heat arrives... and apparently, it will be very soon. I can feel it, feel it
growing inside me. It will be soon, very soon. And by the time it arrives...”

Rick chose to remain silent because then Negan would take revenge for all those times he
frustrated him.
 Chapter 24

The days passed relatively peacefully. Because Rick's heat was approaching and he refused to
give in to Negan, Grimes had to wear patches to keep his hormones in balance, to prevent
other Alphas from harming him.

The members of the Sanctuary were beginning to question why there were days when Rick
and Negan were together, without separating at all, and that, if they did, they began to give
off such an unpleasant aroma that it was impossible for them to go unnoticed.

Being by Negan's side gave Rick an interesting perspective on how he behaved. While when
they were alone together, he was, to a certain extent, a very attentive and affectionate
individual—aside from those instances when his behavior, riddled with hurtful comments
about how an Omega could never lead, occasionally gave Rick headaches—when Negan was
in charge, he came across as a very intelligent individual, someone who commanded
influence not only with his gaze but also with the power of his words.

No one questioned him, and a corrective was prepared for those who dared to contradict him
without reason or, in the worst case, to interrupt him when he was speaking or giving
instructions on how to proceed with the resource-gathering groups.

Somehow Rick understood that he was a lucky guy to be Negan's soulmate, because if he
hadn't been, if he hadn't shared a brand, he would most likely have died that night when he
and his group stole their resources.

Rick accompanied Negan on a visit to a nearby colony, a human settlement that had ties to
the Sanctuary. Rick dressed in fine garments specially given to him by Negan's dressmakers,
for something that characterized the Sanctuary and its people was not only the fear they
instilled in others with cruel and invasive tactics, but their presence, the way they presented
themselves to others.

The troops departed at dawn, amidst weather that was chilly for the men's liking, who seemed
too deep in thought. Rick could only identify the sound of engines and the leaves being
crushed by tires as they made their way through the forest.

“Hilltop? I've never heard of that place before." Rick decided to break the silence and subtly
touched Negan's hand, taking advantage of the fact that no one could see them because a
large blanket covered them. “Friends of yours?”

“You could say that. Their leader, Maggie... we have history.”

“History?” Rick raised an eyebrow, a hint of jealousy evident. “Was she one of your w-...
women?”

Negan stroked Rick's hand as he liked the feeling that his touch gave.
“No. I killed her husband. They were found in a similar situation just like you... although
they killed my men. They're people you have to be careful with.”

“Why did you let them live?”

“To leave a message. Maggie's husband... was a turning point. Without him, her leader might
be too fragile to understand that no one messes with us. We don't tolerate insubordination.”

The journey was long. By the time they reached Hilltop, they could see a series of large walls
standing tall. There were some very well-armed guards on two enormous towers, looming
over those who dared to stand in front of the community gates. Soon, a man emerged, a man
with a beard and long brown hair. Rick thought for a moment about those statues of Jesus that
had hung above his community church before everything went to hell.

“Maggie’s expecting you.” The man commented disdainfully as he looked at Rick closely.
Who could this strange man be whom he’d never seen before? “Don’t waste her time.”

“I just came to complete the transaction, Jesus. Now, fuck off.”

Negan and his men entered the community. Many people lay gathered on a large street while
others, perhaps families, watched fearfully from the windows of their homes. The atmosphere
felt so tense, so uneasy that Rick thought of every horrible thing that could happen to them.
One false move, one poison-laced word, something, anything, was enough to start a
massacre.

Among all those people there was a well-dressed firm woman, with her arms crossed and a
fixed gaze.

“Wow! There was no need to throw a damn party for my arrival,” Negan said, smiling so
hard that he was mocking the obvious displeasure on the faces of the civilians who didn’t
want him there. “Why the long faces? Negan’s already here, baby!”

“Just take your shit and get out of here.” Maggie cut the act short and confronted the leader.
She quickly ordered her men to bring out the sacks and crates of supplies that had been
promised, though Negan could tell at a glance it was less than agreed upon since more crates
of produce were needed. “The harvest is slow.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m afraid to tell you, that’s not part of our agreement, and I
don't give two fucks. I mean… we have to be consistent, Maggie. Your community gives me
the exact amount of resources, and you get protection.”

“What part of the harvest is slow don’t you understand you freak?” a red-haired, bearded man
exclaimed. “We’re starving while your people are taking everything.”

“Abraham, stop.” Maggie immediately stopped her partner, lacking the strength to face
another round of gunfire. “We don’t have enough resources; we can barely survive on what
we have. You can’t just ask us…”
“Resources?” Rick unexpectedly interrupted Maggie. Both the Saviors and the Hilltop
residents were intrigued. Who was the stranger? “What resources do you lack of?”

Maggie looked so bewildered. Even someone like her could sense an Omega's pheromones,
so why was one of them speaking so confidently? Even having the audacity to speak over
Negan?

“Uh... well... some of our equipment broke down. We need to find fertile land, which means
expanding. But without people... without support, we can't-”

Maggie even smiled because no one in that group had bothered to ask about her problems.

"That's why you can't get the milestone ready on time?"

“That's precisely why,” the man who called himself Abraham exclaimed. “You demand more
from us than we can offer. We don't have enough people to... to go out there and find
resources, or failing that, expand our lands.”

“Had you previously notified us of this?”

Rick looked closely at the male named Abraham who nodded without looking away or
hesitating.

"That's correct. We've told the burntface and his people about the lack of resources and that
the weather wouldn't help with the harvest either. But since no one cares..."

Hearing Abraham's complaints, Negan turned to Dwight since he clearly had no prior
knowledge of it, but the Savior did not look back. He fucked up real bad and he knew it.

“Hmm... and let's say we give you some men. Would that help me avoid this shit on my next
visit? Because this is an insult.”

“Insult? Insult is being treated like damn slaves. Insult is-”

A voice sounded from the crowd. The Hilltop residents made way, and from among them
emerged a man dressed like a police officer, well-armed and with a look that put anyone who
thought they were above him in their place.

But no one understood why, so suddenly, his speech was interrupted by itself, that he himself
refrained from continuing with his wave of insults since what he was seeing in front of him,
or rather, who he was seeing in front of him, was reason enough to remain silent.

“Rick?”

The sheriff could only say one name, just one name because it was the only thing that came
to mind at that moment.

“Shane?”
 Chapter 25

“Rick!”

Shane was overcome with emotion at being reunited with his old friend. When he tried to
approach him for a hug, Negan's men raised their weapons and told him to back off.

Of course, Negan wasn't happy to know there was another male in Rick's life, especially
another Alpha. It was no surprise Shane was one, given his large, prominent muscle mass,
and those damn pheromones that were swarming through the air like a damn pesticide.

“Put down your weapons,” Rick ordered, taking the initiative to approach Shane and be
surrounded by him. Boy, did he miss him. “Shane…”

“I didn’t know you two knew each other,” Negan sneered as he watched the pair get too
close. Negan pulled out a gun and ordered the sheriff to step back, not liking the sight of him
with Rick. “And I don’t like it.”

“Are you an ally of the enemy, Rick? I thought you’d be better than that.”

Shane seemed disappointed with the path Grimes had taken during the epidemic.

“The enemy? Shane... I didn't know you were still alive! Since the incident... I've been
wandering alone. You weren't there, no one was. And Lori? What about Lori? Last time I saw
her...”

“She’s fine. Pregnant, expecting my puppies.”

That last comment made Rick's stomach sick. How was that possible? The entire time Rick
knew Shane, he bragged that he'd never have children, that they were a waste of time, and
that as the Alpha he was, leader of the pack, he'd have better things to do than take care of
stupid pups.

“I see. You didn’t waste any time.”

Rick said in an acidic tone.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there, okay? There were a lot of them. Even if I could have taken you
with me… we could have died back there. You were on life support, and… What did you
want me to do?”

“Which was the equivalent of leaving me to die.” Rick stepped back and stood behind Negan.
“You were my friend. You always told me things… To protect me from people like you?”

“Rick... don't take it like that. We did what we did to survive. I didn't have it easy. Lori was...
She was devastated! It took YEARS for her to come to terms with your death... years of
wondering when you'd come back, or if you even made it.”
“You know what? All I’ve done all these years is survive, and that’s what I plan to continue
with or without you.”

“So this is how it's going to be, Rick? Always so stubborn... thinking you have the biggest
balls even though you're a-”

Rick's friend was leaning toward him out of inertia, but he was pulled away from Rick when
Lucille's point was placed against his chest, like a threat. Negan didn't like it when others
messed with his property.

“I suggest you back off, Shane. You've been a pain in my ass in the past, don't give me any
reason to finish the job.”

Because Shane perceived things and noticed the details, a smile appeared on his lips as he
connected the dots.

“So... you found him, huh, Rick? You finally found your soul-.”

Shane thought it was too obvious. Both Negan and Rick hoped Shane wouldn’t continue,
because if he did, their secret would be out.

“How many men do you need, and what equipment is damaged?” Negan unexpectedly
interrupted before Walsh could finish his sentence. “The problems of allied communities are
our problems.”

Maggie raised an eyebrow as it was strange that Negan himself, the man who sowed so much
fear in her community and surrounding communities, seemed so kind and concerned.

“Quite a few. We need to repair the walls of the old orchard, and the mill too. The irrigation
equipment has been failing—”

“Let's say no more.” Negan couldn't care less. “Gavin! Make sure you listen to these people's
needs. I want a report so I know how to proceed and how many people to send. Holy shit…”

Negan was frustrated. Rick really was a problem, even the people he associated with were. If
he had known that Shane knew Rick and seemed to know the nature of his condition, it was
an indication that his position as leader and Rick's life could be in danger if someone
connected the dots.

Maggie was very confused and scared. Why was Negan acting in good faith? What was he
trying to achieve by offering his support in a situation that wouldn't have even mattered to
him in the first place? Curious, she approached Rick, sensing that his presence might imply
something beyond the obvious.

“You seem like the most sensible one in your group.” Maggie looked Rick up and down,
giggling inwardly at the clothes that in another life would probably have been synonymous
with plenty and wealth. “I’m Maggie. I see you’re the… advisor?”

“That’s correct. It seems Negan has a history with this community, with you guys in
particular.”
"I wish you'd been there when he blew my husband's brains out. I despise yours, and we're
only doing this because there's nothing better. Okay?"

“I’m sorry about your husband. He must have been a good man.”

“He was beautiful. It’s only fair that anyone who shares a bond with Negan suffers the same
fate.”

Rick swallowed. He was public enemy number one without them even knowing it.

"Yeah, for sure..."

After gathering the resources, Negan's group began to withdraw from the community,
however Shane watched Rick with a smile since he believed he had the formula to stop the
Saviors' tyranny once and for all.
 Chapter 26

Negan waited patiently in the living room as he watched Rick enter, and after he closed and
locked the door, he ordered him to sit on a couch near him.

Rick nodded and after sitting down, he was greeted by Negan's cold gaze that was
accompanied by a smile so unusual that it was the first time he had seen it, especially from
his Alpha.

“What the fuck was that, Rick?” Negan asked casually, stretching his arms across the couch
and spreading his legs to take up as much space as he could. “You never mentioned before
you knew Shane, and for what I saw you seem to know him pretty well.”

“You never asked.” Rick tried to defend himself, but it was clear Negan wasn’t happy and
wasn’t going to put up with his humor either, so he immediately corrected himself.
“However, I can answer anything you want to know now that the subject is here.”

Negan seemed partially satisfied with this, so he ordered Rick to proceed. The sheriff sighed
and prepared to give the most relevant details of their relationship.

“Shane and I... were friends, grew up together, and have known each other practically our
whole lives. We lived in Atlanta... and had a good time. And in case you're wondering... no,
we were never anything, in case your ego is wondering if I had sex with him... or if I even
tried to. When the outbreak hit, I fell into a coma because I was shot. From then on, I thought
everyone, that my entire past, was dead.”

Rick commented after exhaling heavily. From his expression, the way his shoulders slumped,
and the tone of his voice, it was clear that something was hurting him.

“You mentioned this Lori girl. Who is she?”

“Lori... she's my ex-wife.” Rick smiled, trying to hide his pain. “For a moment… for a
moment, I thought maybe I could father children, you know? After all, unlike many Omegas,
I can get erections, and there was sperm in my semen. I tried to have sex with her, but… I
could never get her pregnant.”

“Hmm... you really are special, huh? So... Shane left you to your fate to go fuck your wife.”

“What? I... I don't know. I don't want to think he did something like that, or that he took the
opportunity to... no, I can't think of Shane as someone that bad. Just... Can't we change the
subject?”

“No, Rick. Shane clearly knows something, he could have detected it... he knows about us. If
rumors start spreading... I'll have to eliminate him.”

"Why? Shane doesn't know anything; it's just a supposition he has, which, while accurate, is
unfounded. As long as he doesn't see your bare chest, as long as..."
“Rick, your friend is a menace. He's a pretty stubborn bastard, even worse than you. I had to
beat the shit out of him to make him know his fucking place because the little asshole has no
idea who he's talking to.”

Negan's head started to hurt, so he tried to massage his forehead with his fingers, but it was
no use. It wasn't until Rick walked over and stroked him that the pain eased.

“Rick... I can't stand your rejection any longer. You do me so much good... and so much
harm. Please, I need to impregnate you. I can't wait, I can't wait anymore. Your nest is ready
and your scent has already changed, both of us are ready for the act. Please don't deny me
now, not now...”

“Negan...” Rick tried to look away, but his lover’s firm hand prevented him from resorting to
this tactic and he looked at him directly. “I...”

“I promise to be gentle, I promise not to hurt you, and I promise to stop when you ask me to.
I just want... I need... I'm going crazy.”

“Is this what you want, Negan? Do you really want me that much?”

Rick was feeling more attracted to this male that a part of him really wanted to give in,
wanted to leave behind everything he'd ever been warned about Alphas and be one with
whom he was destined.

“I'm going to take care of you and protect you... and of course we'll have the most beautiful
puppies the whole damn world has ever seen. Please, Rick...”

Negan proceeded to touch the sheriff, exploring him with his large, thick hands through
delicate caresses that began with his face and descended to his chest, his curves, his legs.

“I can’t...” Rick tried to hold on to control when Negan placed himself on top of him, his lips
torturing him as they brushed against the delicate skin of his neck. “No... I mustn’t give in...
I’m not one of your whores...”

“No, of course you're not.” Negan whispered in her ear with damned slowness. “I only screw
them because they don't mean shit and that's it... but you... I want to fuck you, and then I'm
going to fill you up real good with all my love. After I'm done, we're going to start all over
again to make sure I impregnate you properly, to leave my pups deep inside you...”

“Negan...” Rick felt his walls clench at the threat. Negan was serious and had no intention of
stopping. “No... don’t fuck me...”

“Yes... yes, I'll fuck you...” Negan's body shifted, becoming wider, giving off a stronger
scent, and his nails took the form of claws that dug into Rick's skin but didn't hurt him. “I'm
going to fuck you... and I'm going to leave them inside you... I'm going to leave my puppies
inside you...”

Negan was so excited that he didn't mind saying his intentions towards Rick out loud.
“But before I fuck you... I'm going to eat that ass of yours. I'm going to eat that stinky hole of
yours whole, because you've been a damned, daring bastard who needs to get fucked good.”
Negan even went so far as to insert his claws through Rick's pants. He was surprised by how
Rick gave in to his kisses and spread his legs on his own so that Negan's intruding fingers
could make their way through his entrance, massaging it, playing with his juices. "Just look at
you..."

How easy it was for his fingers to enter, to feel Rick's interior so warm, so wet, so ready for
what was really coming next.

Before they could continue their devious ways, before more clothes were removed from their
bodies, a fool had the audacity to knock on the door of their chambers, interrupting the act.
 Chapter 27

“Fucking hell.” Negan roared in anger at the knowledge that his moment was being
interrupted. “I’ll rip the head off that asshole who-”

“No, no. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” Rick kissed Negan on the cheek to try to reassure
him. The teacher felt relieved and took advantage of the moment to steal another kiss from
Rick, since he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to see his Omega showing compliance.
“We don’t want you killing anyone today, not today.”

“Only you are capable of calming me down. I'll open the fucking door...”

Negan let out a roar shortly after snuggling his head against Rick's chest and, after pulling
away, took large steps towards the door.

“What the fuck do you want, huh?” Negan saw Simon standing on the other side of the door.
Even Simon could sense that he’d interrupted Negan at a delicate moment. “Shit better be
good.”

“I’m sorry, Negan. I’m sorry to interrupt you. It’s... Shane, he came all the way here to talk to
you... and Rick. He’s requesting an audience with both of you.”

Simon seemed uneasy because he feared that his action might backfire on Negan.

“An audience? What the hell would he want...?”

"He hasn't given us any explanations. We've asked him, but he tells us it's something very
important that you should know."

“Ugh. Wait, I’m coming.” Negan closed the door and quickly turned to Rick, having a small
idea of what Shane was up to. “Your shitty friend, Shane, wants to talk to us. I have no
fucking idea why he came all the way here… but he’s got some serious balls to step foot in
here.”

“It’s probably about us… I think it was probably a bad idea for me to come with you.”

Rick felt guilty, so he grabbed a blanket and covered himself with it. Negan approached him
and, taking his hands, caressed him.

“No, no. It was inevitable... since our bodies... well... we triggered this shit. We can't be apart
for too long, and at any moment you'd have to join me, so no, this isn't your fault.”

Rick smiled at his mate's understanding words, so he nodded slightly and sighed,
overwhelmed. They both got ready and were escorted to a room that had been set up
exclusively for such encounters. Some of the Saviors were curious at Shane's sudden arrival,
as he was no stranger to the group. It was known that he had led several mutinies against the
group in the past and was forced to work for them in order to "tame" him so he wouldn't mess
with them again.

There were even rumors that Shane Walsh had managed to have sex with one of Negan's
women, although no one knew who or if this was true, since Negan himself lacked sufficient
evidence to support the accusation.

As Rick and his Alpha entered a modest living room, Shane sat on a black leather couch as
he watched the pair intently.

“Rick! Are you okay? I hope this idiot didn’t hurt you-”

“WATCH your fucking language, doll.” Negan immediately interrupted Shane, who was
already ready to hug Rick after standing up and getting within striking distance. “And for
your information, I've treated Rick better than you ever have.”

"We grew up together, Negan. I know things about Rick that you'll never, ever, in your entire
life, know."

“Let it be clear, I won't tolerate this kind of behavior, Shane. You better treat me with respect.
I don't give a shit if you're Rick's friend. I'll punish you if I see fit.”

Shane felt the pressure mount as he watched Negan's men put their hands on their weapons, a
clear sign that they were threatening him and wouldn't tolerate his behavior becoming
disruptive.

“I assume they already know about the condition you and Rick suffer from.” Shane sensed,
because even the way they were escorted suggested a certain secrecy. “Because that’s why I
came here.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Shane. I suggest you leave right now before.”

“I can smell it.” Shane was clear, too specific. “Looks like Rick wasn’t the only one who hit
the jackpot.”

Fortunately, Negan's most trusted guards were in the room, so there wasn't much
confrontation over it. Smith looked at the dark-haired sheriff with disgust, not liking the way
he was smiling.

How he wished he could wipe that stupid smile off his face once and for all.

"I'm not here to cause trouble. I think we can come to an agreement. We know that, well, if
Rick's nature is discovered... by the wrong people..."

“What’s your point, Shane?” Rick frowned and crossed his arms, unhappy with how Shane’s
presence made him feel at that moment. “What are you up to?”

“You don’t know this, Rick, but these assholes... they do horrible things. They sacrifice pups
as a show of authority, they kidnap our females to do things to them... and the son of a bitch
standing next to you is not a good man. Whatever the fuck he told you, you should doubt
him. Negan and his people are not good people.”

“And your people are saints?” Negan immediately contradicted. He didn’t want Shane’s
words to be like poison, something that could corrupt Rick. “Would you like to tell Rick
about the time you attacked my men and killed them? Rick, that group of bastards
decapitated my men and hung their bodies from trees. That’s why I bashed the fuck out the
head of this asshole’s leader’s husband. So they’d get the damn hint.”

“Because you deserved it, but whatever, I'm not here to discuss that. I know you and Rick are
Soulmates... and if anything bad were to happen to Rick, you'd be in danger. That could free
all the communities you hold under your yoke... but that would mean losing my friend, and
I'm not going to allow myself to lose him again.”

Shane seemed overly sympathetic to the situation, so much so that he stated at Rick and then
nodded slightly, trying to reinforce his point.

“I saw how you acted, how you behaved, and only a fool wouldn't be able to realize there's
something going on between you two. I'll keep your secret, not for that stupid ape Negan, but
for you, Rick. I just hope Negan treats you well, because otherwise he'll have problems with
me.”

“What are you saying?” Negan couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Now you want to
protect Rick when you literally abandoned him? If you had been his true friend, the best thing
you could have done would have been to take him with you across the sky and sea, not
banging his fucking wife. Don’t give me that crap, Shane.”

“You don't know the context, the conditions under which I had to leave him behind. I didn't
come to explain myself to you. I want you to improve the conditions Hilltop is subject to with
the Saviors. Reduce the number of tributes; we want better equipment and opportunities.”

“What?” Negan was already thinking about how he’d make that insolent little worm
disappear. “And why the fuck would I want to do that?”

“Well, it would be a real tragedy if something bad happened to Rick, especially since with
him dead... well, you would be too.” Shane twitched his nose and pursed his lips, truly
enjoying the moment of power he had at that moment. “I did a lot of research on soulmates,
too. I tried to help Rick find his.”

“Is that a threat?” Negan was enraged by Shane’s audacity. “Have the balls to speak your
damn intentions.”

“I only want the best for my people... but especially for Rick. And if you want me to be clear,
fine, I will. Improve our conditions, or I'll make sure your dirty secret reaches undesirable
audiences.”
 Chapter 28

“What if I kill you right now?” Negan let out a growl after standing over Shane. Taking
advantage of the fact that Shane was sitting, Smith positioned himself in front of him so that
his crotch could collide with the sheriff’s face. “I could make you my men’s cum dump
before we throw you to the dead.”

“You won’t.” Shane didn’t look down at Negan. The two egos of two alpha males provoked
peculiar reactions in Rick, since, while he wouldn’t deny the scent was pleasant, if he were
there too long, he might go crazy. “Rick won’t let you touch me. Right, Rick?”

“What?” Grimes seemed taken aback by Shane’s bold statement. “Shane, do you realize what
you’re talking about? If this gets out… they’re going to kill me. Are you willing to sacrifice
me for your own good?”

“Well, it's easy for you to take that stance because you're on this son of a bitch's good side.”
Shane seemed disappointed with Rick's position. “I hope at least he takes you in kind and that
the perks are fucking awesome, considering we're starving and have to risk our asses to
survive, since, as you've noticed, they take most of our resources. They're not asking for fifty-
fifty, they're asking for seventy percent of everything we produce. Do you think that's fair?”

Shane had the audacity to look Rick straight in the eyes and tell him what he thought.

"The food you eat, the food this bunch of jerkos has the nerve to put in their stomachs, was
produced with our resources, resources they seized by sowing terror. Have you told him yet,
Negan? About what you did to the family that opposed you, what you did to their puppies."

Negan took a step back and immediately turned his gaze to Rick, whose expression had
completely changed. Grimes looked scared, even disappointed.

“Tell him, Negan, come on, tell him how you lined them up in a fucking execution line while
your men shot anyone who dared to look away.”

“Shut up, Walsh! I mean it!”

“What did they do to you, Negan?” Rick began to shake, and a rather unpleasant feeling
began to form in his chest, as if something were pressing too hard. “So is it true? Is what I
heard true?”

“No! Shane’s just saying nonsense. You call those little shits who deliberately poisoned my
men by taking advantage of their appearances by being puppies? Because of course, in a
world like this... no one doubts a puppy’s intentions.”

“What did they do to you then?” Rick wanted answers. “What the hell did you do, Negan?”

“WE SHOT THEM DEAD FOR FUCK'S SAKE!” Negan exclaimed, almost in a roar. “They
deserved it! Every single one of them. They killed my men, men with families, men with
people waiting for them, men who never got the chance to see their kids grow up because that
chance was taken away from them. Shane isn’t telling you how many lives THEY took from
us.”

“You didn’t have to be so cruel!”

Shane exclaimed angrily.

“Shut the fuck up!” Negan was fed up with Shane and slapped him so hard he even split his
lip. “Don’t compare the lives of five pieces of SHIT to the lives of SIXTY men who put their
trust in me! All those families I had to explain to as to why we suffered such a miserable
loss.”

Negan turned to Rick and realized that Grimes still didn't believe him, because that look,
those dreamy eyes were no longer there.

“Rick... please believe me... I only did the right thing. My men... they died in the worst
possible way. Those sons of bitches Shane mentioned... they were poisoned with hemlock.
Do you know how horrible it was to watch my men choke on their own vomit? Watching
them writhe on the floor while they shit themselves... and it wasn't even shit... it was blood.
They died writhing and not knowing why!”

Negan turned to Shane and grabbed him by the hair, shaking him.

“I gave those ‘puppies’ you mentioned a peaceful and painless death, unlike the fucking hell
they put my people through. Don’t come demanding things from me that your shitty people
don’t deserve.” Negan brought his face close to Walsh’s, so close they could both feel each
other’s breath. “Luckily for you, I’m a compassionate man, so I’ll let you go and let this
spectacle of yours pass. If this gets out, if Rick’s nature gets out… I’ll know it was you.”

Negan got to the point of hurting Shane, pulling his hair so hard that the policeman's face was
already turning red.

“I'll do things to you, Walsh. I'll make sure to take away your Alpha ego by shoving it so
deep up your ass you'll fucking thank me. And before I kill you, I'll make sure you watch
twenty of my men rape your wife to death."

“You son of a-!”

Shane angrily rose from his seat, but before Negan's men could raise their weapons, ready to
fire and eliminate the threat, Rick stood up and interfered with the confrontation.

“Enough, you two! Enough with this shit, both of you!” Rick exclaimed as he extended his
arms, his hands resting on Negan and Shane’s hard chests. “No more of this, please. No
more. Just give him what he wants, Negan, and let him go.”

"How can you ask me that, Rick? Didn't you hear that? It would be paying back his people
for the harm they've done to us. I just can't—"
“YES YOU FUCKING CAN! The last thing I need is for the communities to spiral into more
conflict. And from what Shane said, and what I saw when we went there, it won't be long
before the people of Hilltop rise up against the Sanctuary. I don't want this, I don't need it.
Not now.”

Rick was trembling. Negan didn't understand why his mood had changed so suddenly, though
he had a sneaky suspicion considering their previously interrupted encounter.

“Hmph…” Negan grunted and glared at Walsh in distaste. “You’ll pay for this. Only because
Rick wants it, but if it were up to me, you and your people would be underground, your
homes burned to the ashes. Gavin! Set up a meeting with Maggie to inform her of the
changes regarding the tribute. Anything to kick this motherfucker out.”

“I knew you’d come around,” Shane commented mockingly. “Don’t forget to invite me to the
gender reveal. Uncle Shane should know what color clothes the puppies will wear.”

Negan was blinded by rage and punched the sheriff so hard that Shane fell to the ground.

“I’m going to kill you if you don’t get your fat ass out of here right now.”

“Only Rick knows what hell it must be like to be with you. That's why I feel sorry for him.
I'm leaving.”

Walsh disappeared shortly after leaving Rick in a state of dismay.

“Rick...” Negan tried to put his arms around him to calm him down, but he was pushed away.
“Please don’t do this to me.”

“I need to rest. This... I don't know how to process this. If Shane tells the others... I'll be dead.
If a conflict breaks out...”

“Nothing will happen, Rick, not if we have control. Just... let me figure out how to fix this,
okay? If anything gets out, if I find out... they won't know I have my men embedded in their
ranks. They'll tell me anything.”

“So... Are you going to reduce the tribute? You know you don't have to do it for me.”

“No, I saw this coming. I have to attend to the needs of the people of Hilltop as well. I heard
the harvest was indeed poor, and we verified it when we went. Remember? I'll handle this.”
 Chapter 29

Shortly after their meeting with Shane, the lovers returned to their room still shocked by the
sheriff's audacity.

"Can you believe that little cunt? He comes here and starts demanding like I'm his bitch."

Negan commented angrily. Due to the conflict, a pain in his head appeared on his forehead,
which was beginning to show veins on the sides due to increased blood pressure.

“There was nothing else to do. We've resolved it, temporarily. If anything else happens, we'll
know what to do.”

“I hate being in this position.” Negan sat down on the couch and surveyed the room, which
was now covered in various curtains and pillows lying on the floor. “But I have faith my
infiltrators will have news.”

“They will.” Rick began to crawl onto the mattress that was also on the floor after taking off
his shoes and his jacket. Negan followed shortly after walking barefooted. “Hey, handsome.”

“Hey YOU, handsome.” Negan studied Rick’s face and tried to decipher the thoughts behind
his gaze. “Would you have a problem if… I don't want to continue what we started? I’m
sorry, but Shane’s visit… took away my inspiration.”

“I have no problem. He took away mine too. Besides, with my damn heat coming... I think
there'll be plenty of time for you and me to get some action in.”

“About that... Was I too quick? Too intrusive, perhaps? I don't know... I don't know if I went
too far.”

Negan was worried that in the heat of the moment Rick would back out.

“We got off to a good start. I really enjoyed that dirty talk... you made your intentions clear.
Now that I think about it... Can you imagine how interesting it would have been if Hilltop or
any of those other communities had found me first?”

“I would march to war just to have you. It wouldn't be a question of whether you would like
to come with me or not; I would make you come regardless of your decision.”

“Is it true? Would you go to such extremes for me?”

“I’d abandon the fucking world just to have you all to myself. If you think your arrival here
was turbulent... well, it’s because you didn’t really know me a few years ago.” Negan
snuggled into Rick’s chest and pulled a blanket over himself. “That same night I would have
gotten you pregnant. You’re lucky that a lot of things happened in my life, things that have
redirected me.”
"Well, I'm sure I would have put you in your place anyway. You know damn well I'm not into
that possessive Alpha shit."

“You really are a big mouth, aren't you? You say all these horrible things and you reject me. I
still would have had you where I wanted you.”

“You don’t even believe that.” Rick played with Negan’s hair, tangling it with his fingers.
“But I appreciate you clinging to the illusion that you’d have some effect on me.”

“That's why I like you. You represent everything I hate in a person these days. You're so
cheeky, always have something to say with that big mouth of yours. My God, you're such an
asshole. If you weren't my soulmate... I probably would have fucked you real good just to
show you who's boss around here.”

“To show me who's in charge here, or because... only then would you have me under your
yoke. Remember, all my years of previous experience have taught me how to treat your kind.
Yes, damn it, I'll suffer during my heat, when it comes... but you? You'll be hungry for me.”

“You sound so confident even though you don’t even know me that well.” Negan caressed
Rick’s face and tested the waters to see if he’d agree to give him another one of those kisses.
Fortunately for him, Rick got the message and agreed. Wow, Rick’s lips were a delight.
“Ah… I’ll never get used to this. My Omega… one made just for me…”

“You and I have things to talk about.” Rick’s expression changed as an intrusive thought
called Shane entered his head. “You must tell me everything. How you know those
communities, the things you did before coming to power… who you were before you were
Negan.”

“I’ve done bad things, Rick.” Negan tried to fake a smile, as the mere thought of
remembering them sent shivers down his spine. “What Shane said was partially true. Yes, I
killed an entire family with my own hands… because they killed my men. It was a fair trade.
Before I came to power… well… I’ll tell you, I wasn’t a saint.”

“Should I be worried about our relationship being revealed then?”

“Do you want the truth or the lie I just made up a few seconds ago?”

“Negan...”

Rick waited for answers. He'd never felt so anxious in his life.

“Uh... yeah. You do have to worry about being my soulmate. Many have tried to kill me, and
if they know that getting rid of you is a way to eliminate me completely... then yes.”

“I was afraid of it.” Rick sighed after feeling her body tremble. “I really saw it coming. At
least you’re not sugarcoating it. You should show me who I should be wary of, then. Even if
it’s Shane himself.”

“Rick...”
“You may have been a monster, you probably still are, and I'm just seeing this version of you
because I am who I am...”

“No... please don't say that. You know I only want the best for you and I would never do
anything to hurt you, and if I did it in the past it's because I was afraid.”

“I wish we weren't forced to be together,” Rick confessed. He found the situation particularly
frustrating. “Maybe this way, living in exile... I'd find some peace.”

“Are you living in fear around me, Rick? That hurts me.”

“How can I not live in fear?” Rick responded immediately with disgust. “Your men hate me. I
just don’t belong here. I wasn’t cut out to be a Savior, so much so that even the people at
Hilltop realized it.”

“But we can work, forge an attitude in you, Rick. You're built to survive, to lead. You'll also
be the one who'll teach our pups how to defend themselves when Daddy Negan and Daddy
Rick are long gone.”

“You have so much faith in me. God, thinking about the future overwhelms me. I never
thought I'd get to this point because now I'm not thinking about myself, I'm thinking about
someone else... Can I ask you something, Negan? It's something very personal.”

Negan was curious and that was reflected in how he looked at Rick with a confused look.

“Huh? Sure, Rick. Whatever you want.”

Rick sighed and mentally prepared himself for the next sentence. There was no point in
putting things off any longer.

"I get it. I need to know you better, but there's still this wall... and I need to break the
motherfucker."

"Rick? Are you alright? If you need-"

“Oh for fuck's sake! The only thing I want... what I need right now...”

"Hey, Rick. I'm sorry if this is too much for you. I can find pills and stuff. But you don't have
to-"

"Oh just stop goddammit. Shut the fuck up for good and fuck me. This is the only way."
 Chapter 30

Negan seemed genuinely surprised by Rick's indecent proposal, so much so that his signature
mischievous grin spread across his lips. It was truly intimidating to watch Negan smile
because when he did, his facial muscles contracted to the point where his eyes appeared
smaller, and consequently, the darkness emanated from them.

“Well, Rick, I like your enthusiasm. However, you should know that I'm feeling very tired,
really. I don't know what's happening to me these days; it's probably the age.”

“These days? You haven't told me you've been feeling bad.” Rick asked, doubt spreading
across his face. “May I know what's wrong?”

“It's just that, tiredness. I've been under so much stress these past few weeks. Not because of
you, of course, but I've had my days where I just don't want to see the damn world.”

"So what tires you out? Because ever since I met you, you've always been this vigorous,
energetic man."

Negan remained silent to collect his thoughts and think carefully about what he was going to
say next.

“Okay, Ricky Dicky. Remember when I told you about Lucille? She... she was one of the first
women I ever met. She was truly beautiful—I'm not just talking about her looks, because my
God, her parents made her with so much love. Her smile, the way she talked, the way she
kept me in my place... wow, even her walk. Everything about her was perfect, and of course...
I messed up.”

Negan didn't have the courage to look Rick in the eye because he was embarrassed by how he
might be perceived at that moment.

“I cheated on her shortly after finding out about all this “soulmate” crap. A part of me,
completely frustrated, wanted to break free, knowing I’d never be able to have children. Of
course, Lucille was initially understanding, saying that many couples prefer to live puppy-
free these days, and honestly... my financial situation wasn’t exactly the best.”

Rick took his hand and held onto it as if he were holding a great treasure. Negan closed his
palm to hold Rick's hand inside, interlacing their fingers.

“But you wanted a family.”

“Exactly. And she couldn't give me that. I looked on these stupid dating forums and shit,
uploaded pictures of myself, not showing my face, of course, but my birthmark. I didn't want
any of the parents of the stupid kids I was teaching to find out and lose my job.”

“Forum?” Rick raised an eyebrow, having a rather peculiar memory of it. “Was it
SoulMating.net, by any chance?”
“Uh? That’s right. Why do you ask?”

Negan had a slight intuition, he was just waiting for Rick to put the rest of the puzzle pieces
together.

“I once met this person on chat... “Schlong-a-dong's Locker.” He was a guy who contacted
me because we seemed to have made a connection. But hey... this was a few years ago, and if
memory's not wrong... it was just a week before the outbreak.”

Negan seemed lost because that name was running through his head. “Schlong-a-dong's
Locker,”

“Let me guess... You were Mr. Above the Law?”

Rick smiled at how stupid that name sounded.

“Fuck...” Rick began rubbing his forehead at another obvious truth. “We were going to
meet...”

“So you were him? Damn... Are you telling me I knew you before all this shit?” Negan
laughed. His laughter was so loud that even his face turned red. “Woah, Ricky! You and I...”

“You and I were going to meet in a completely different context. A recipe for chaos, right?
Two men living under the shadow of failed marriages and no children... looking for some
love.” Rick felt something strange in his stomach when he thought about the amount of
wasted time and how much they could have done in all those years. “I spent so many years
waiting for this moment... and thinking I was going to have it. This shit is horrible.”

“I guess hormones and all that make you think a lot about what's coming next. Am I wrong?”
Negan tried to sound sympathetic. “Oh... it's been years since the outbreak, and yet things
still don't seem to be getting better. And at the end of the day, we...”

“At the end of the day, we're still here.” Rick stroked Negan's cheeks so gently that the Alpha
began to growl softly. “But probably not tomorrow. After all... we almost died because of
me.”

“I already told you not to say that, Rick. Hell... I never thought I was that inconsiderate. I
should have seen it from the beginning. You just wanted some respect, a place where you
were seen as Rick and not as a means to something. I'm so sorry I made you feel so
invalidated.”

Negan's words were accompanied by a bittersweet tone because he was ashamed of how he
acted as soon as Rick set foot in the Sanctuary.

“I inadvertently repeated with you what I should never have done to my Lucille. I hurt you in
ways you didn't deserve. Even though you were here and I knew the implications of your
presence in my life... I continued sleeping with my women to try to reinforce the idea that
that's what you were, one more hole whose name I wouldn't even mind learning. And with
your attitude, it seemed like it would be easy.”
“What changed?” Rick asked, moved by the situation. “You wanted to forge that idea so
badly.”

“Well... a lot of things happened, of course. Among them, how you came into my life and
how you didn't lose your values. At the end of the day, you remained you no matter how
many times I tried to mold you. I've come to realize that you're special and that everything I
ever knew about your people is a lie. If I had a theory... I'd say you were destined to be an
Alpha.”

“Destined? What do you mean?” Rick blushed, having never before considered the
possibility that he might have been born differently. “Me, an Alpha?”

“Of course. Just look at yourself. You should notice the way you approach the world. All this
time, I thought your attitudes were those of a resentful Omega, but I think you're just
someone who was born with a mentality that doesn't match your body.”

“Hmm... I've heard that before. One of the theories about soulmates is that we share
characteristics in order to be equals. For example, no matter how much power you possess or
the fact that it's you... it doesn't mean anything because we're neither above nor below each
other.”

“And it took me a long time to realize that. I'm so sorry I said all those things about you,
Rick. I didn't mean what I said because I was afraid... I was afraid of the fact that maybe you
were the only one who could stop me.”

“Stop you?” Grimes smiled at the possibility that his mere existence might symbolize for his
man. “No. We both have to find a way to work through all of this. It’s been a process filled
with confusion and uncertainty… and part of you was right, too. I’ve had some very bad
experiences in the past, and I hated being seen as an object. When your attitudes were similar
to those of all those men who once tried…”

“Rick...” Negan hugged his other half so tightly that he didn’t care if anyone walked through
that damn door and saw them so close. “I didn’t know. I’m so sorry for insisting without even
asking why. That’s why you were so reluctant to the idea of you and me...”

Rick accepted the display of affection and snuggled into Negan's lap, feeling his warmth so
pleasant, so welcome.

“We won't do anything you don't want to do, I promise. If you don't feel ready to... to
procreate...”

“No, no. I told you I'm just delaying the inevitable. I want... I want to have puppies with
you.” Rick sealed his fate by giving Negan one of those kisses he loved so much, “I don't
want to waste any more time. These past few days, my body's been burning, and I've got an
itch down there that won't go away. Don't let me suffer.”

“Oh, my dear Rick... don't be afraid. I'm not a cruel man. I would never let... my precious
Omega suffer the complications of heatstroke.” Negan kissed Rick back after exploring his
body with his touch and the warmth of his fingers. “My God... Is this really happening?”
 Chapter 31
Chapter Notes

I promise, the next chapter is going to be something. Thank you all for your support!

Negan continued with what he'd left unfinished, his fingers once again threatening to enter
Rick, but this time they weren't intruders, but guests who fit in without complications. Rick's
sweet moans were proof of how much he enjoyed feeling something inside him other than his
own fingers, even though he tended to masturbate when it was unbearable to find the right
man who could make him feel all the things he'd been deprived of.

The sound of their tongues colliding, trying to show dominance over each other, was a
prelude to what was to come. By then, Negan had already stripped Rick of most of his
clothes, leaving him with only his socks on.

“You’re so handsome, Rick…” Negan took his time scanning Rick’s figure again, noticing
the unusual amount of body hair, which, for an Omega, was quite noticeable. Hair on his
chest, around his tits, and spreading across his belly. “Mmm… with you like this, I don’t
even know where to begin. You’re so… gorgeous, so perfect.”

Negan thought it was funny seeing Rick's semi-erection because, although he was born male,
his status as an Omega didn't allow him to have an erection as powerful as Negan's. Rick's
penis fit perfectly in Negan's palm, and that was saying something considering how small he
was.

“Look at you, you fit in the palm of my hand. I've heard that Omega's cum is quite sweet; in
some cultures, it's used as a condiment because of how sweet it is... Could it be true?”

“I don’t know… Want to find out?”

“Mmm... later, but right now I just want to explore you, see how you react to me.” Negan
hadn't realized that part of the changes in Rick's body came with the enlargement of his
mammary glands. Out of sheer curiosity, Negan proceeded to suckle Rick's tits, an action that
made Rick shudder and arch his body because it tickled him so much. “Mmph!”

“Ah! N-Negan!” Rick bit his lip and moaned so loudly that anyone standing behind the door
in that room could hear him. “Nnn... ah... Ha! Stop it! Ha ha!”

The Omega was laughing because the mere act caused him great grace and a tickling began
towards the sides of his belly.

“Ah! Phew…” Rick tried to catch his breath shortly after Negan stopped. “Haha… I didn’t
know that could happen.”
“Oh! I’m sorry, Rick. Are you okay?”

Negan looked puzzled as Rick laughed.

“I'm fine! I'm fine. Don't worry. It's just... no one's ever been like that to me.” Rick covered
himself with a sheet, embarrassed that Negan would see him like this. “I've had... encounters.
All of them were shit. Do you have any idea how it felt? There was no room for Rick Grimes.
They were all Alphas like you, people like you who only see us as objects.”

"So that's why you hate Alphas... Is there anything I can do to change your perspective? You
had a bad experience, and I don't want to be another one. I know I've made mistakes, but..."

Negan's voice found comforting silence as Rick's lips once again found their way through
them.

“We have made mistakes, and I would like to believe that this will not be one of them.”

The lamps illuminated the walls of the room, which cast a pair of shadows that seemed to
dance to the rhythm of a melody that only they knew.
 Chapter 32

Rick Grimes had woken up after a long night. His body ached so much that he couldn't sit up,
as the slightest effort sent a jolt of pain through both legs. When he looked at his stomach, he
noticed a strange mark around it.

As if it were a tattoo, Rick stroked his skin, not taking long to relate the strange mark to his
birthmark, except that the animals, one resembling a rabbit and the other a wolf, were now
lying on top of each other in a circle, no longer a heart.

“Oh...” A shiver ran through Rick at the implication of that mark. Negan had already done his
work, and apparently it was good enough to impregnate him so thoroughly that they didn't
need another session to achieve it. Rick caressed his belly in gentle circular motions, his
mind racing with the thought of what would become of him during his pregnancy. “Fuck...”

And speaking of Negan, he was fast asleep, even his snores so loud that after a while they
became a dead sound from how quickly one could get used to them. Rick could notice that
Negan's mark had also grown larger, now covering most of his chest.

Rick closed his eyes and tried to remember how they both ended up in this situation. As he
did so, Rick he as different memories, like a camera flash, began to flood his mind. Before he
could recall, Negan opened his eyes and gazed at his creation. Negan let out a loud howl,
which, to his surprise, was heard by the other members of his pack, who followed suit shortly
after.

Something about Negan had changed, and it was obvious. From the way he looked to the way
he smelled, Rick didn't know why he seemed so different. The sheriff observed Negan
closely and still couldn't understand why he seemed different.

Where were his gray hairs that oscillated between shades of black and white? And his
expression lines? What had happened to the scars that adorned his body and were the focus of
so many stories when he was asked about them?

Rick stopped immediately, terrified, and saw through the large mirror on the dressing table
the answer to those doubts that spread through his mind.

“Well, well ...” Negan hugged Rick from behind, both of them staring at their reflections. “Is
this what my Rick looked like when he was in his early thirties, maybe?”

“What...?”

Negan was showing himself to be more affectionate than usual despite the fact that the event
had ended the night before.

"How about a second round, handsome? Because I'd love to repeat those hours of foreplay,
but now I'll be the one in control."
“Control? What are you talking about?”

Rick was still trying to process the fact that he had gotten quite a bit younger.

“Don't you remember? You hurt me. Yesterday you behaved like a fucking animal, Rick... Do
you really not remember anything? Yesterday you were riding me like a pro, you made me
eat your ass when you sat on my face to do all those things you were deprived of.”

Negan caressed Rick's breasts, which by the way were no longer firm, but had acquired a
circular and compact shape.

“I did that? Impossible. I couldn't have behaved like that...”

“No? You made me your bitch last night and forced me to thank you. Are you going to tell
me you just forgot about our first time? That really hurts. Let's get back to the mattress so I
can tell you.”

Negan kept trying to calm Rick down but his attempts seemed useless as Grimes' mind
seemed elsewhere.

“Have you seen our marks? I impregnated you, and I impregnated you so well that I think I
should be given a medal, don’t you think?” There was some pride in the Savior’s words, who,
unlike his Omega, seemed very pleased with the benefits their encounter had yielded. “My
pups swam so deep inside you that I already marked you. One thing that separates my sperm
from ordinary sperm is that mine can travel faster, which increases the chances of a
successful impregnation.”

Negan was so happy, and feeling so vigorous, that he got down on his knees to caress Rick's
belly and kiss it.

“Your stupid friend Shane probably had to fuck that Lori so many times and didn't succeed...
And me? Once was enough for you. My puppies...”

Rick was shaking as Shane's words kept swirling around in his mind.

“And remember, Rick, once you give your biscuit to your Alpha, you'll know his true nature.
You'll lose all your privileges because he's gotten what he wanted.”

“Now, Rick... since I managed to impregnate you... I have to relocate you.”

Negan had a number of places where Rick could stay safe, and he also knew of a very good
doctor who could help him better understand his condition and how to proceed.

“I need to let my doctor know about this, Harlan's his name. You already know him; he gave
you your hormone-control medications. He’ll know what we need to do now that you’re
pregnant, and what the implications are. I don’t want to find out that if we separate, it will be
fatal, not a warning.” It was surprising to Rick how attentively he took the whole situation,
even going so far as to prepare for the future, “I have to do something... I have to do
something. They can't know you gave me these puppies...”
“What the fuck?” The sheriff exclaimed almost instinctively, angrily. “Why the fuck not?
What the hell are you up to, huh?”

“Rick, Rick, hear me out... they can't know this. These people... even though I'm the fucking
Alpha of the pack, they also play by rules. Remember that shit I told you about my people
getting used to you? It's a lie, it's bullshit, they won't do it because they hate you.”

“AND YOU JUST TELL ME THIS SHIT NOW?” Rick grabbed a cream from the vanity
and threw it at Negan. “YOU WAITED ALL THESE FUCKING MONTHS TO TELL ME
THAT?”

“I know, and I’m sorry! But if I had told you, you wouldn’t have agreed to have-”

“YOU ARE A SON OF A BITCH.” Rick was so angry that the urge to break the mirror with
his bare hands seemed like a tempting idea. "You're a son of a bitch, and I'm going to get you
for this. Let it be clear that I'm not going to sit idly watching a WHORE taking care of what's
MINE. Besides being a real FOOL, you're mistaken."

“Rick, handsome... don’t get mad. We can talk about this and-”

“You inconsiderate son of a bitch! My puppies... They belong with their father! Not with a
surrogate mother. Do you only think about yourself, idiot?”

“Rick, Rick, listen to me. This is just a temporary situation. If we find a way-”

"I'll find a way to tell you to fuck off someday. Let's go see the fucking doctor before I rip
your head off."

“Please don't get angry. Stop taking things so seriously. You're overreacting.”

“What?” Rick was on the verge of tears when Negan emphasized that last point.
“Overreacting? You’re calling me out for protecting what belongs to me?”

“Remember, they’re not just yours, Rick, Those puppies are-”

“Go FUCK yourself.” Rick had had enough of Negan’s crap, so for the first time, he raised a
hand against him. The slap was so hard that Negan was stunned by such audacity. “You’re
not the one who’s pregnant, your body isn’t the one that’s going to go through changes you
don’t even know are part of until they appear, you’re not the one at risk of dying during
childbirth, you fucking alpha idiot.”

Rick became upset and soon began to cry.

“You better tell me everything you’ve been keeping from me right now, Negan, because if
there’s one thing I know VERY WELL about people like me, it’s that I can decide whether to
get the little shits out of my system and REJECT your puppies.”

Negan opened his eyes in astonishment, his pupils dilating, but his irises became a thin
vertical line. His skin prickled, and a devilish grin appeared.
“I don’t think you’re capable, Rick. You have no fucking idea what I’ll do to you if you hurt
my-”

“OURS, THEY ARE OURS.” Rick took a perfume bottle and smashed it against the vanity,
then placed the broken tip on his stomach. “I’ll do it, idiot, I’LL DO IT.”

“No, no, no. Just... calm down, calm the fuck down, Rick...” Negan threw up his hands in
defeat, knowing that his attempts to calm Grimes down would only cause him to hurt
himself. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Yeah, I’ll tell you everything, I’ll tell you everything, but
just... just calm down, okay? And drop that fucking glass because you’re making me nervous.
Can we talk?”

“Speak.” Rick now placed the tip of the broken perfume on her neck. “And think carefully
about your words, because you’ll be left without Rick and puppies.”
 Chapter 33
Chapter Notes

So, hello there! Thank you all for your kind comments! I've been having so much work
these days and, honestly I've started to have some difficulties trying to keep this work!
But I just want to say that I appreciate you readers for giving this thing a try!

I'm sorry for the late update, I hope to bring more chapters soon, as I'm currently
working on another series and it's a thing trying to keep works on date! HAHA.

Have a nice day!

“Please, Rick. Don't hurt yourself, okay? We'll talk this out and-”

Negan could swear that at any moment Rick was going to do the stupidest thing possible:
scar him for life.

“I've tried talking to you before, you inconsiderate son of a bitch. All I get from you is crap
and more loads of BULLSHIT. I want to know everything NOW.”

Rick had no intention of removing the piece of broken bottle from his neck. One false move,
one wrong word, anything to end it all right there. One thing Grimes always prided himself
on was that he was always in control of his life after being denied the opportunity to enjoy his
nature, so he would also be in control of his own death.

“Okay, okay! Goddamit. When you arrived… when you arrived, my men hated you. They're
used to submission, to people doing their bidding. But even though you were trapped, even
though you were under our power… you always found a way to be bold, to impose yourself
on us. Even the night we caught you.”

“The night you caught me… wait, I don't remember what happened… The last thing I
remember is the lights and…”

Rick's eyes were filled with doubt, as he didn't like the possible implications of what could
have happened to him in that unconscious state.

“You went crazy, Rick. You started attacking my men; we don't know where you got that
strength from. They would have shot you if I hadn't explicitly ordered you to be sedated.
Rick… six of my men had to hold you down while one of them injected you with shit to calm
you down.”

“What? What are you talking about? I don't even have that much strength. Look at you, look
at my body, look at yours.”
“WELL, I DON'T KNOW,” Negan answered loudly, sounding particularly annoyed. “I don't
know, but that's the story. And your attitude... your attitude shook the world of my people,
even mine. You could have been a submissive Omega, been mine from the start and just...
nod and accept the comforts, dedicate yourself to raising and nurturing my pups... but no.”

“I am Rick! Not an object or a means to something. You and your men can go fuck
yourselves. Your pack is shit, and so are you. You deceive me, threaten me, and hurt me in
ways you don't even realize because you're so full of yourself. Go fuck yourself, Negan.”

“Rick...” Smith tried to move closer, but this only angered Grimes even more, who still had
the piece of glass near his neck. “Okay, fine. I'm sorry. Yeah, I messed up... but how did you
expect me to act, Rick? These people respect me, and with that same respect, they'll come
after my head if my position as Alpha is threatened. Bowing down to someone like you? That
would send them a direct message.”

“And what am I, uh, asshole? Am I your semen repository? Is that what I am?”

Rick was on the verge of tears, watching a complete stranger redefine who he was.

“No, Rick... you're not that to me. My people... everything I've built... I'm afraid of losing it
all!” Negan pleaded, clasping his palms together as if he were praying. “You don't know
these people, Rick... they'll do things, they'll do things to you if they ever find out that you...
that you're carrying a child in your womb... I can't allow you to go through that danger. My
pack DOESN'T accept you, and the only reason you're alive is because of me.”

“Then let's escape! That way-”

“That's how we're going to die.” Negan slowly stood up and walked over to Rick, his hands
up. “Rick... please understand me. I don't want them to hurt you, I don't want to give them a
reason. Do you know how many people are eager to give me what only you can? They'll rip
your stomach open to shreds just to fuck me good.”

Rick couldn't stand the pressure and vomited instinctively. The situation disgusted him so
much that he begged for it all to end once and for all. Rick went from anger to tears as he
caressed his now marked belly. Negan wrapped his arms around him, trying to offer him a
safe place.

They were both afraid.

“I hate that life puts us in these circumstances, Rick. First, it takes me away from you for so
many years, and now, even though I have you by my side…”

The sheriff said nothing at all because there were no words that could get past the lump that
formed in his throat.

“Come on, Rick, get it all out. Get it out, handsome. Daddy Negan is here, okay? We'll find a
solution. Of course, I won't take you away from our precious children. You'll watch them
grow, you'll nurture them with so much love. I'm going to so enjoy watching that belly of
yours grow, being a part of this and supporting you as you change.”
“Negan…”

“Please understand me, Rick. It hasn't been easy for me to get to where I am, and any
decision could ruin everything. It's too much to bear on both of our shoulders. But we can
work together.”

“But you always say the same shit!” Rick was fed up. “You always say you're going to
change! That 'we'll work together' only for you to end up doing the same shit. I'm done.”

“I know, and I'm sorry!” Negan continued stroking his Omega's hair and scratching his back
to try to reassure him. “This is complicated enough as it is... I can only offer temporary
solutions, and I'm sorry.”

“It would have all been so easy if you'd never found me.”

“Ricky!” Negan was genuinely affected by that comment. “Don't say that. We would have
found each other eventually, and you know it. Our nature called us, just like it was before you
and I got to this point.”

“So why do you keep trying, huh? This whole situation is stressing me out and causing me so
much pain.”

“Because you're that special someone, Rick. I'll never find someone like you again, damn it.
You've got a fucking seal on you so my people won't hurt you, and so far they've been. My
men will respect you even if their feelings for you aren't genuine. Only two people know
about your existence, and each one has a different version because that's the only way I know
that if anything were to come out, I'd know who to cut off.”

“Really?” Rick smiled at the hilarious way Negan phrased that last part. “Of course you're
serious. But what will we do then?”

“We'll find a solution. Rick, just because there's a third person involved doesn't mean they'll
push you away and you won't be able to enjoy your job as a father. Only you will be the only
one who can nurture our child, only you will be the only one who can calm them because the
blood will guide them to your warm arms.”

Negan snuggled into Rick's chest and gently rubbed his head in the middle of his.

"That doesn't take away from the fact that you're still a piece of shit." Rick closed his eyes
and tried to enjoy the small moment before walking through the bedroom door and facing
reality. "I'll choose who that damn 'surrogate' mother will be. If I don't like something, I'll
leave with my pup."

"Dream on, Ricky." Negan was surprised that despite the situation, Rick still believed he
could do something so daring. "Dream on. Come on, get dressed and let's get this over with.
We need to go see the doctor to figure out what to do with you now that you're pregnant."
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