Page 32 of Balor

Balor turned to face me, and I saw the shadows still swirling around him. My heart stuttered in my chest, fear lodging in my throat. He was too powerful. Too dangerous. And he was mine.

* * *

Balor

I took a step forward, and then another. Belladonna watched me. I wasn’t sure if she’d welcome me. I was covered in blood, all from the coven she’d called family her entire life. The magic still crackled in the air. I knew she could sense it. I saw the way she trembled, but she didn’t back away. If anything, she moved a step closer. Her green eyes glowed, and I wondered if it was from the power I sensed in her, or something else entirely.

I reached her side and pulled her into my arms. She settled against my chest and I breathed her in. My hands shook as I pressed my lips to the top of her head. I’d been scared I’d lose her. Now that she’d seen what I was capable of, the way I’d easily slaughtered her coven, would she want to remain with me? This power of mine, it wasn’t of this world. I’d heard the whispers in my family before, that our power came from dark gods. I’d never believed it until now. The darkness surging inside me was proof enough I was the closest thing to a living god in this world right now.

“Are you all right?” I asked.

Belladonna nodded. “I am. You saved me.”

I leaned back and tipped her head up. “You saved me too.”

She really had, even if she hadn’t realized it. I was no longer hiding who I was, had embraced my family’s legacy, and would stop at nothing to protect the people of Darkwood… including my mate and child. From this point onward, I knew my future would be different from what I’d envisioned before. And I was okay with that.

I looked around at the clearing. It would take time to clean this place up. The ground was littered with debris, and the faint mist of magick still hung in the air. The scent of smoke lingered, and I knew it would take a while for that to dissipate. Thaddeus Kline’s body lay on the ground, his eyes wide open and staring at the sky.

My gaze went to the members of my club. They’d done so much for me, and never asked for anything in return. I hadn’t planned to reveal my true self. I’d hoped to keep my identity a secret a little while longer. If it weren’t for Belladonna, if the coven hadn’t wanted her, I might have succeeded. But I wouldn’t change a thing. This moment had been a long time coming. I’d been hiding in plain sight. Now…

I was free.

I reached for Belladonna’s hand, curling my fingers around hers. I felt the way she trembled, and I knew she’d been scared. I’d make sure she never had to face that fear again. I’d protect her and our baby.

I saw the way Belladonna looked at me. The way she studied me. She’d saved me. She didn’t even realize it. Whether I’d known it or not, I’d been waiting for her. I’d needed her. She’d given me a reason to keep going. The town would be safe now. The Coven of Eternal Night had been annihilated.

Since some of the Night’s Bane Coven had been present in the previous fight, there was a chance they could come back for retaliation later. I’d need to ask someone to keep an eye on them. If they so much as hinted they were going to come to Darkwood, or attempt to hurt the people I cared about, I’d wipe them off the face of the earth.

I looked at the men around me. “Let’s head back. Our work for the night is done, but we’ll need to cleanse this place after we’ve gotten some rest.”

I kept hold of Belladonna’s hand as we made our way back to my bike. I’d make sure she had everything she needed. When we reached my bike and swung my leg over. I settled Belladonna behind me, her arms coming around my waist. I reached back and pulled her closer. I felt the way she relaxed against me. I’d make sure she knew she was safe. I’d protect my family, no matter the cost.

It was time to go home.

Chapter Twelve

Balor

Stepping through the mansion’s grand entrance, Belladonna’s hand clasped in mine, I shivered as the heavy door groaned and closed behind us. Adrenaline still thrummed in my veins. I could feel Belladonna’s heart race, and even though we’d been victorious, I wasn’t sure the danger had completely passed. The club had followed us back and filled the entryway.

On the opposite wall, the grandfather clock chimed, the sound echoing through the space. I didn’t glance at it. The hour didn’t matter. There were more important things to deal with right now.

“I have some plans for the club,” I told them. “I want to be more involved with the town and its future. There’s no reason Darkwood can’t be a place where people like us coexist peacefully. And with me no longer hiding who I am…”

Jackson stepped forward. “We’re with you, Balor. Whatever you need.”

I inclined my head. “Thank you. I don’t plan to make all the decisions. I’d like to hear from all of you. I know some of you have skills I could use. And yes, we’ve already been putting stuff into motion over the years, especially the last five years, but I want to make additional changes, take on more than we already do.”

The others nodded, and I could see the wheels turning in their heads. I’d given them a chance to walk away, but they’d followed me into battle, and I was grateful. I knew I had their backing, and together we’d make Darkwood safe for our kind. And any humans who wished to live among us.

My chest swelled with pride. Not for myself, but for the men who’d come together to do what was right and protect those weaker than us. They were a good group, and I couldn’t have asked for better brothers.

“We’ll need to increase our presence in town,” I said. “Let the people of Darkwood know they have protection, other than from the Sheriff’s Department.”

The group broke out into low murmurs as they discussed ideas and ways to make it work. They’d likely wanted to do more for a while now. I knew they’d come up with some solid ideas on how to make it happen.

With a little effort, I could picture the town thriving and growing far more than it had since I’d created this place. I’d have to be careful how quickly we did things. Too much growth at once wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing. There was no doubt in my mind that we’d make it work. We had to. I wanted this town to be a safe place for my woman and child.

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