Page 21 of Balor

“You’re really okay with this?” Ben asked. “I mean with making the witch your mate?”

I nodded. “I am. I won’t let you hurt her whether with your words or actions.”

I met Jackson’s gaze and saw his distrust. I didn’t know what he’d seen when he looked at Belladonna, but I had a feeling it was more than her magic. I knew the man wouldn’t back down, but I’d hoped he’d be the first to accept her. I’d been wrong.

“Even if she is carrying your child, doesn’t mean she’s not our enemy,” Jackson said. “You’d ask us to believe you’ve claimed the daughter of a man who kills without remorse? A coven leader known for his cruelty? That you’d bring her into our home and let her stay?”

“Yes.” This wasn’t going the way I’d hoped. I’d known it wouldn’t be an easy sell, that they’d make me work for it. But this was getting ridiculous. I also didn’t want them stressing her out. It couldn’t be good for her or the baby. Which meant I needed to put a stop to this soon. I’d let them have their say, but I wouldn’t let them walk all over us.

Belladonna’s gaze met Jackson’s, Ben’s, then Collin’s, and finally Clay’s. I saw the challenge in her eyes. She might be afraid, but she wasn’t going to back down. Not unless I asked her to. She was a fighter, whether she realized it or not.

“I think we’re done here. I’ll give you some time to come to terms with everything. Belladonna isn’t to blame for what her father or her coven does. She did her best to escape them, and she needs our protection, not condemnation. Understood?” I asked.

They each nodded, even though I noticed Jackson was more reluctant than the others. I’d need to talk with him later. Find out exactly why he had such an issue with her. It wasn’t like he hadn’t known she was mine. We’d already talked about it before, and he’d seemed at least somewhat supportive. So what changed?

I took Belladonna’s hand and led her outside, then got on my bike and started it up. I helped her onto the back once more, feeling her hands go around my waist.

“Hold on tight,” I said.

The ride back to the house was quicker than I’d have liked. I’d taken a roundabout way to the clubhouse, hoping to give her more time to enjoy herself. I’d taken the direct route back. I needed her. Needed to be inside her.

I helped her off the bike, then lifted her into my arms. Going straight to the bedroom, I eased her down onto the bed. She stared at me with a hungry gaze, and I knew she wanted me every bit as much as I wanted her.

Chapter Eight

Balor

The candlelight cast flickering shadows across the walls of my study, the scent of leather-bound books mingling with the faint aroma of aged wood. I sat behind my desk, fingers tracing the spine of an ancient tome, lost in thought. The gothic atmosphere of the room was a stark contrast to the modern world outside, a sanctuary of sorts. In fact, the furniture in here would be considered antique now, but I’d owned these pieces most of my life.

Even though the mansion had all the modern conveniences, I’d tailored the lighting in this room to resemble the wall sconces and chandeliers of my early years. The candles looked real, and I used magick to light them. Except these wouldn’t burn the house down, or ever die out. No need to replace them. They’d been designed to last forever.

I glanced at the book on my desk. It wasn’t the one I’d inherited from my family, but it had been written around the same time. The spells inside were a mix of light and dark magick, but most were on the darker side. I’d only been skimming the surface of my abilities for a long time now.

A soft rustle drew my attention to the window, where a raven perched, its beady eyes fixed on me. My curiosity piqued, I rose and opened the window. The raven hopped inside, a small scroll tied to its leg. I untied the message, and the bird took flight once more.

Unfurling the scroll, I read the words scrawled in a hurried hand.Thaddeus knows. He’s coming for her and the child. Act now, or all is lost.

My curiosity turned to dread. Her father knew? How? No, it didn’t matter. If he’d discovered her pregnancy and her betrayal, and was coming for her and our child, then I didn’t have much time to prepare. I’d reached out to my contacts, but there was still too much uncertainty. I had no idea how many people were coming for her, what their talents were, how strong they were. Even Osran hadn’t given me enough, and he typically could find out anything about anyone. Instead, I’d gotten a text that said he’d hit a snag, whatever the fuck that meant. Though I’d told Jackson about the impending danger, and my club was doing what they could, I wasn’t sure we were ready yet.

A storm of emotions raged inside me. Anger, fear, and a fierce protectiveness. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the tempest within. My fists clenched, and I felt a flicker of dark magic trying to burst free. I muttered a curse under my breath, my mind already racing with tactical plans.

I needed to gather the Saints. If Thaddeus was coming, we had to be ready. Darkwood had stood against many threats, but I had a feeling Thaddeus would be unlike any other. And I would not let him take Belladonna. Or our child.

I eyed the raven. “Tell your master thank you.”

It ruffled its feathers before turning and taking flight. I wasn’t sure which of my allies had sent it, but I was grateful. Sooner or later, they’d come to ask me to repay the favor. Until then, I needed to focus on the matter at hand.

I straightened, resolve hardening into grim determination. I wouldn’t let Thaddeus win. I couldn’t. Not when so much was at stake.

I crumpled the note in my hand and tossed it into the fireplace, watching as the flames consumed the paper. Then I left the study, already calling for the Saints to gather. We had a warlock to confront.

I’d be damned if I let him take what was mine.

Now I needed to figure out how to act without making Belladonna panic. Her conviction her father would come for her was different from knowing he was on his way. The stress couldn’t be good for the baby. I ran a hand through my hair and used a stealth spell to slip out of the mansion and make my way to my bike. It was time to meet with my brothers and come clean about everything. Soon enough, they’d know who I was. They’d never seen me in an all-out battle. Once they did, I’d never be able to be Luke again.

The ride was quick as I broke every posted speed limit. It wasn’t like the sheriff was going to pull me over. Not if he liked getting paid at any rate. I pulled to a stop and got off my bike, heading inside.

We didn’t really have a formal place to meet, so I snapped my fingers, silencing all electronics in the room and drawing everyone’s attention to me.

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