Page 20 of Balor

I led Belladonna inside, and I knew this would be the first of many tests. The others would want to know why I’d brought Belladonna here. They’d want to know why I’d called her mine. She’d have to prove herself, and I had a feeling it wouldn’t be easy. I could force them into compliance, but it would be better in the long run if I didn’t have to. I needed them towantto protect her.

Belladonna stepped into the clubhouse, and I could feel the weight of suspicion settle over the room. She tensed, her hand tightening around mine. I gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze and led her farther into the main area. I heard the murmur of voices, but one by one they fell silent. I didn’t need to turn to know Jackson had followed us inside. I wasn’t sure if he wanted to protect me, or if he didn’t trust Belladonna not to do something. Either way, he wasn’t the one I needed to worry about.

Clay stood across the room, his back to us. He’d been in his human form when we’d pulled up. I should have known he wouldn’t be able to resist shifting. As a grizzly shifter, he was half feral on a good day. I knew the rumors about him, but I also knew he had the loyalty of every single member of the Balor’s Saints MC. He’d proven himself time and again. I could only hope Belladonna didn’t run screaming when she saw him.

His steps were slow and deliberate as he made his way toward us, the floor creaking under his weight. I knew he was taking his time, probably hoping it would make the moment more dramatic. The ripple of fur and the crack of his bones shifting made me wince. I’d never been much for public displays, but I could see the benefit in this particular instance.

The closer he came, the more I realized Belladonna wasn’t the only one being tested. I’d claimed her as mine, but they needed to know I’d protect her. That I’d lay waste to anyone who tried to take her from me. Maybe I had something to prove too. I felt the tension in the room ratchet higher. I saw the way the others shifted, their eyes on Clay. I’d known he would do this. I had to show them it didn’t bother me. Even if it did.

Clay’s nostrils flared, and he came closer, sniffing the air. His lips peeled back, and he issued a low growl. I saw Belladonna shiver from the corner of my eye. I wanted to pull her into my arms and hold her close. I had a feeling that would be seen as a weakness. I couldn’t afford to show any right now. I saw the way Clay’s eyes narrowed, his focus shifting to Belladonna. I stepped into his line of sight, blocking his view of her.

“She smells like a liar,” Clay said, his voice a low rumble. He was one of the few shifters I’d met who could still speak in their animal form, and I had to admit it sounded rather frightening.

I heard the sharp intake of breath, saw the way the others shifted, their gazes flicking to me. I knew what they wanted. I also knew they wouldn’t get it.

“She’s here because I want her to be,” I said, my voice steady. “You’ll accept her as my woman. You’ll also accept the fact she’s here to stay.”

The body language alone screamed of hesitation. I’d expected it.

Collin moved closer, his gaze going to Belladonna. He held out his hand. “I’m Collin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I saw the way her lips tipped up, and she placed her hand in his. “I’m Belladonna.”

I could see the wheels turning in their heads.

“Belladonna isn’t the wicked woman you think she is.”

I felt her stiffen beside me. I knew she didn’t like what I was about to say, but it would make things easier. Or so I hoped.

“She’s carrying my child. So before any of you does anything stupid, keep in mind that harming her is also harming my baby. And I don’t think I need to spell out what will happen if you do that.”

For a moment, I thought things might go easier than I’d expected. Then Clay let out a low growl, one that raised the hair on the back of my neck. I’d known it was coming. Had to prepare myself not to react. I’d barely managed it.

“Clay,” I warned.

I didn’t think I’d ever seen Clay back down from a fight. Or a challenge. Until today. He stopped and began shifting back to human. Someone tossed him his pants, and he quickly dressed. Hopefully before Belladonna got a good look at him.

I’d seen Clay shift a few times, but it rarely happened in front of me. He’d always been careful to keep his distance. I’d never admitted it, but I hated seeing him shift. I knew it was painful. The pop of bones and muscles made me wince.

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with uncertainty. Their eyes flicked between me and Belladonna. I knew they were waiting for something. I just wasn’t certain what.

Collin’s acceptance and Clay backing down were the catalysts the others had needed. One by one, they stepped forward, introducing themselves to Belladonna. All except Jackson. I felt the tension ease, but it didn’t disappear completely. I knew it would take time for them to accept her.

I met Jackson’s gaze and saw the doubt in his eyes. “You’re wrong about her. About what she is. She’s not the monster you think she is.”

“You mean to tell me she’s not the warlock’s daughter?” Jackson asked.

“She is. But she’s not wicked.”

Jackson’s gaze went to Belladonna. I heard her soft gasp and knew he’d done something to try to frighten her. I felt her press closer to me, her hands going to my chest. She buried her face against me, and I felt something shift deep inside me. I pulled her closer, my hand sliding up her back. I dipped my head, my lips brushing the top of hers. I felt the tension leave her body and knew she’d been afraid of Jackson.

“Whatever you did, don’t do it again.” I leveled my gaze at Jackson.

Clay’s nostrils flared and his eyes darkened. “He’s telling the truth about her pregnancy. I can smell it. She’s carrying his baby.”

“Thought you said she smelled like a liar,” Ben said.

Clay shrugged. “She does smell of deceit. But I can’t deny she’s also pregnant with Luke’s kid. So I’ll protect her if it comes down to it because that means keeping the baby safe.”