Page 29 of Balor

I stood in the center of the room, my body still vibrating from the energy I’d unleashed. My muscles trembled, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the power still crackling over my skin, or from the fact I’d given in to the magick. More light began to seep into the room, the dark shadows receding until I could see the other men once more. I didn’t miss the way they’d backed up to the wall. Even the vampire looked wary. Not that I blamed him. I’d have been wary of myself too.

The scent of ozone lingered in the air. I’d never conjured so much power all at once, and I had a feeling the spell I’d chosen had only amplified things. I’d wanted to embrace the darkness inside me. I hadn’t realized it would mean setting it free. I could feel it spreading through the house, and possibly beyond. I’d marked Darkwood, and the surrounding area, as mine. I didn’t understand why. Not completely. I knew it had felt right, but I didn’t understand what it would mean.

My muscles trembled and I wiped my face on my sleeve. My skin felt sensitive, every brush of my clothes sending a shiver down my spine. I hadn’t realized the power I’d been holding back. Not just today, but for years. I’d always used less than I had, afraid of what I’d do if I let it all out. Now I knew. I’d take over an entire town and mark it as my territory. My skin prickled, and I could feel the shadows watching me. Waiting for a command, or perhaps to see if I’d give in again. I didn’t know what would happen if I did.

My heart hammered in my chest, and I swiped at my face again, trying to clear my vision. I could tell my eyes had returned to their normal blue, which meant I’d pulled back enough to be human again. Or as human as a mage could be. I’d never been normal, and now I wondered how much more of a freak I’d become. The men in my club had no idea the power I held. Until now.

I knew they’d felt the darkness I’d unleashed. I could see it in their eyes. The wariness. The fear. The distrust. I’d wanted to keep them safe. Now I wondered if they’d ever trust me again. I was a danger to them. To everyone. I could taste the blood in my mouth, tangy and metallic. I’d thought I’d have to fight my demons. I’d never realized I’d have to fight the darkness I’d been born with, the one passed down through my bloodline. The darkness had always been there, always a part of me. I’d never realized how deep it went. I could feel it like a second skin. It had wrapped itself around me, through me, sinking into my very soul.

I could feel the shadows flexing, as if they wanted to consume the light again. I didn’t know if I’d be able to call them back once I let them free again. I swallowed hard, my throat working as I forced myself to calm. I didn’t know what I’d done. I didn’t understand the full ramifications of releasing that much power. The magick was heavy on my tongue.

I’d embraced the darkness. I wasn’t sure the men would follow me now. I wasn’t even certain they’d stay. I had a feeling the entire town had felt the surge of power. Which meant it was only a matter of time before Thaddeus Kline showed up. I’d thought to go after him. But something told me he’d be coming to me instead. The room was silent, the men watching me, waiting to see what I’d do next.

My gaze landed on the men in my club. Balor’s Saints. My Saints. I’d done my best to keep my identity a secret. Until now. Even telling them who I was hadn’t prepared them for this. I didn’t have time for their fear, or to answer their questions. My woman needed me, and I’d be damned if I’d let Thaddeus Kline keep her a moment longer.

I met each man’s gaze, but they all looked away. I couldn’t see my reflection. I didn’t know if my eyes were still glowing, but I could feel the energy racing along my veins. My power had scared me as much as it had them. I’d never felt anything like it before. I didn’t know if I could control it. I had to try. I couldn’t lose myself to the darkness. Belladonna would need me stable when I got her back.

“I know you’re all wondering what the hell just happened. Let me explain it as best I can. This entire time, you’ve known me as Luke Williams. I already confessed that isn’t who I am, that I’m Balor Hades, the man who founded the town of Darkwood, and a dark mage.” I rubbed at the back of my neck. “I hadn’t realized my power had been so repressed. I thought I was using my full potential. I didn’t realize how much untapped power I held until just now. I opened my family’s grimoire and performed a spell that would unleash the darkness inside me. I did it because I knew of only one way to get my woman back. I’d have to go through her father, Thaddeus Kline, as well as what’s left of his coven, and any members helping him from the Night’s Bane Coven.”

The men exchanged glances. I could tell they were a little scared. Had I seen a man do what I’d done, I’d be scared too. I didn’t know how to make them understand. I could still feel the energy crackling along my nerves, and I wondered if they could see it. My fingertips sparked, and I clenched my hands into fists.

“Belladonna Kline is carrying my child, is my fated mate, andwillbe my wife. I need to end her father and his coven, possibly the Night’s Bane Coven as well. I can’t do that if I’m holding back. I need to unleash everything I have, and I need to do it now. I’d planned to ride out and confront Thaddeus. I have a feeling he’ll be coming to me instead. I need to get to Belladonna before he realizes I have this much power. If he thinks he can use her against me, he’ll hurt her. Or worse.”

I forced myself to walk toward the door. I could feel the darkness inside me. I’d embraced it, but I didn’t know how to cage it again. The shadows seemed to follow me, whispering to me. I had a feeling I’d be hearing them the rest of my life. I’d called to them, and now they didn’t want to leave. I didn’t have time to worry about it right now.

“I’d be grateful if you followed me and helped me take down the people intent on destroying our town. But I’ll understand if you can’t -- or won’t.” Whether the coven intended to harm Darkwood wouldn’t matter. The townspeople would still get caught in the crossfire. It was inevitable.

I walked out and heard the men following me. Leaving the house, I went to my bike. Swinging my leg over the seat, I breathed in the cool night air. Even now, I could feel the tug of Belladonna’s magick. Closing my eyes, I focused on finding her. Sending out my shadows, I only had one command for them:Find her. They wouldn’t do much on their own, but at least I’d know her location. It was a start.

One by one, I heard the rumble of motorcycles as the men started their bikes. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I could do this. I could save Belladonna. I had to. I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever. I opened my eyes and started my bike. I could feel the vibrations through my body. I turned the bike and rode down the driveway with the others following me.

I didn’t know what would happen next. One way or another, tonight would end in blood. I could only pray it wasn’t Belladonna’s. I wouldn’t let Thaddeus Kline keep her. I’d end him first, and anyone else who stood in my way.

Even if it meant giving up my soul.

Chapter Eleven

Balor

It had taken far longer than I’d have liked, but we’d finally located Belladonna. Her father hadn’t gone as far as I’d assumed he would. The issue was getting her out of there and giving us space to finish what we’d started. I gathered the shadows around me and gave them the command to seek out my mate and bring her to me. I hoped like hell they wouldn’t freak her out.

“Are we just going to sit and wait?” Jackson asked.

“Do you have a better idea?” I folded my arms and leaned against a tree. “If we send in your undead army, what do you think would happen? I can’t have Clay turning into a bear and trying to retrieve her. Collin could very well get himself killed.”

“What about Ben?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Too risky. Can you imagine what they’d do if they got their hands on him? All that power at their fingertips? I’ve seen vampires under mind control before. It’s not pretty, and this coven seems like the type who would try to pull some shit like that.”

“Exactly how long will this take?” he asked.

I stared at him, wondering when he’d developed the attention span of a child. Before I could even give him a response, I heard Belladonna, and her father bellowing for her to return.

“Looks like you don’t have to after all,” I said.

I moved forward and searched the area for her. My shadows were keeping her obscured as she raced away from her remaining coven members. The moment she saw me, her eyes went wide, but she didn’t slow. If anything, she seemed to pick up speed.

I held out my arms and she hit me like a ton of bricks. Holding her close, I breathed her in. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

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