Page 15 of Balor

When I reached the bedroom, I saw Belladonna still in bed. She eyed me warily, and I had to admit it hurt. Not that I’d given her much reason to trust me. I’d kept her locked up in the house and hadn’t given her even the slightest bit of freedom. But as soon as I didn’t think she’d run, I’d undo the magick holding her here.

“I went to the clubhouse to talk to my club. Seems the coven isn’t willing to let you go so easily. I’m sure your father is the one pushing for your return.”

She stared at me for a moment, seeming confused. Then I realized she’d come here for Balor the mage, not Luke the biker. “I founded a motorcycle club in town. That’s where I was.”

“I was worried he’d come for me.” She rubbed her eyes and sighed. “Maybe I should leave.”

“You can’t.” I could have done this sooner, but part of me had been scared of what I’d find. I walked closer and placed my hand over her belly, then cast the spell I’d thought I’d never have to use. My hand glowed and so did her belly, as if it were lit from within. “Do you know what that means?”

She shook her head, her eyes wide as she stared at her belly.

“It means you’re pregnant.”

Her eyes widened. “How could you…”

She’d mentioned her father talking about me, had known I was a mage. But she hadn’t counted on the fact my particular bloodline wasn’t average. No one knew. At least, no one still living. And as far as I knew, I was the last standing Hades.

“I’m not human, Belladonna. I’m something far more dangerous. And my kind can sense things. The spell I just cast confirms it. It’s why I’m willing to fight for you, and not hand you over to the coven.” I tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’ll be confined to the mansion until I know you’ll stay put. I’ll be making some phone calls and giving orders. I don’t know how long we have before your coven arrives, but I’ll be ready for them.”

I’d thought I’d be alone for the rest of my life. It was why I’d hidden myself away in my mansion. There were plenty of creatures who lived forever, or a really long ass time, especially in this town. But a dark mage like me? There weren’t many of us, and with me being the strongest, it meant I’d always have a target on my back. Even among my kind, I was unique.

I’d not thought I wanted a mate. But now that I had her, I’d do whatever it took to keep her. Even if it meant taking on an entire coven.

Balor’s Saints MC would help. I’d originally started the club not only as a way to hide in plain sight, but also as another line of defense for Darkwood.

I reached out and placed my hand on her lower belly. I didn’t know if she was carrying a son or daughter. I only knew I’d protect them both with my dying breath. I’d never thought I’d have children. Hadn’t really cared. Until now. Until her.

Had it never occurred to her I’d keep her with me? Had she really thought she’d sleep with me then disappear and I wouldn’t bother looking for her? Eventually, I’d have grown curious and tracked her down.

I could still hear Jackson’s voice in my head.We can hand her over when they get here, or we can fight to keep her out of their clutches.

I’d fight. I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. To keep them both out of the clutches of her coven. It was what I’d sworn to do. She was mine. Our child was mine.

I’d protect them.

Even if it meant going to war.

I met her gaze once more and saw the sadness in her eyes. She’d not wanted this. Whatever her plan had been, I didn’t think it had included putting others in danger.

I left the room before I did something foolish. Like kiss her. Or claim her again.

Chapter Six

Belladonna

I stood at the entrance to the mansion’s library. The dark, heavy bookshelves loomed around the room, and the ember glow from the wall sconces only added to the melancholic feel. I took a deep breath and stepped inside, seeing Balor near the back of the room. His gaze was on the book in his hand, but I didn’t think he was reading it. Was he lost in thought?

I approached him, and the silence stretched between us. I could almost feel the tension in the air. He didn’t look up, but I knew he was aware of me. I smoothed my hands down the front of my dress, then twisted my fingers together. I’d faced down my father and run from everything I’d ever known. This man was my future. I could do this. I took another step and toyed with a strand of my hair before tucking it behind my ear. When I bit my lip, I saw his hands clench on the book.

Might as well jump in, right? We’d danced around each other enough already. I knew the sex was hot as hell, and we undoubtedly had chemistry. But I needed more than that, especially if he wanted me to stay.

“I realized I don’t know much about you. I’ve heard of your magick. I know how powerful you are. But I don’t know about Balor the man, only what I’ve heard about Balor themage, or what your life has been like. I don’t even know your favorite foods, or what you do for entertainment.”

His gaze lifted, and I saw the way his eyes seemed to penetrate me. I resisted the urge to squirm. Had I sounded presumptuous? I’d only now realized hearing about him didn’t make any of it true. I’d spoken about him like I knew the facts, but I didn’t. Those people may have never met Balor, or anyone who knew him. What if they were just rumors, or outright lies?

He set the book aside and sat back in his chair, his posture more guarded. “Is that so?”

“Your favorite hobbies and pastimes,” I said. “What’s your favorite food? What movies do you like? Anything, really. To have a life with you, I think I need to know more about you. And I’d like to understand you better.”

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