Page 23 of Balor
The smile slipped from her face. She put the book aside and stood, then started pacing. Her fiery red hair caught the candlelight, and her green eyes blazed with determination. I watched her, feeling a mix of admiration and concern as she moved back and forth. The hem of her dress swished around her calves with every step, and I could see the agitation rolling off her.
The more worked up she became, the more her magick surged to the surface. I saw sparks dance along her skin and wondered if she’d even realized she was tapping into her powers.
She stopped and turned to face me, her expression resolute. “I know the risks in defying my father. I’ve seen what he’s capable of when he’s angry.” She placed a hand on her stomach. “And I don’t want our child to experience the same things I have. I won’t let him have my baby, Balor.”
“And I won’t let him have you.” I reached out to touch her shoulder, sliding my hand down her arm until I could take her hand in mine. “I’ll protect you, and our child, no matter the cost.”
Her gaze met mine. There was a hint of desperation there, but it didn’t lessen the defiance in her gaze. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. I know I’m not strong enough to take on my father. He’s had decades to perfect his magic. But I can’t go back to that life. I won’t.”
I lifted my other hand and cupped her cheek. “You won’t have to. I meant what I said. You’re mine, Belladonna. You’re not leaving me, or Darkwood. I’ll kill anyone who tries to take you from me.”
Her eyes widened. “You’d kill my father?”
I let out a harsh laugh. “I’d kill anyone who threatened my family. It doesn’t matter if they’re blood-related or not. He doesn’t want to come up against me. I don’t care how powerful he is. He’s no match for me.”
She placed her hand over mine. “I know you can take him down. I believe in you.”
I pressed my lips to her forehead, then stepped back. “You’re going to see a side of me you won’t like. I’m not walking away from this without more blood on my hands, and this time it will be people you know and possibly love. Those you call friends or family. Are you going to see me as a monster when this is over?”
She shook her head. “Never.”
“I’ve assigned some tasks to my club. They’re already putting things into motion. For now, I need you to conserve your energy. I’d prefer it if you didn’t have to fight, but I also want you to protect yourself if you need to. And that means being well-rested and with your magick fully charged.”
She nodded, but I saw the worry in her eyes. I couldn’t promise her I’d come out of this unscathed. I didn’t know if I’d survive. But I’d give it my best shot. I wouldn’t let Thaddeus Kline take her from me. Not when I’d just found her.
* * *
The members of Balor’s Saints MC gathered weapons, potions, and protective charms. Each item was chosen with care. With purpose. The air buzzed with anticipation. Collin sat in a corner, sharpening a blade, his movements slow and deliberate. Jackson held a small charm. Power thrummed in the room, making the hair on my arms lift as he imbued it with his magick. Everyone prepared in their own way.
I found a quieter part of the clubhouse, away from the chaotic preparations. The scent of incense wafted through the air. I heard the others working, but they seemed distant.
I glanced around, searching for Belladonna. My heart clenched when I finally saw her. She was in a secluded corner, sitting on a worn-out couch. I couldn’t tell if she’d sought the quiet or needed a moment to herself. Her head lifted, and our gazes locked. I saw worry in her eyes, but also determination. I’d had every intention of leaving her at the mansion, but partway here, I’d circled back to get her, worried that the coven might go after her while I was gone.
I crossed the room and held out my hands to her. She placed her much smaller ones in mine, and I pulled her to her feet. I studied her for a moment, then placed my hand against her belly. “Are you all right? I know you’re worried about what’s coming.”
She placed her hand over mine, keeping it against her stomach. “I’m not going to cower in a corner. I know you mean well, but I won’t hide from my father. I’ve done that long enough.”
I leaned down and brushed my lips over hers. “I’d burn the world to ash before I let anyone harm you. I don’t know how I got so lucky, Belladonna, but I won’t let you go. Not now. Not ever.”
She kissed me again, and I felt the last of my defenses crumble. I drew her closer, inhaling the scent of her. She never failed to arouse me. I had a feeling if we had more time, I’d be tempted to strip her bare and lose myself in her. I wanted to mark every inch of her body, until there wasn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind that she was mine.
“I need to know you’re safe,” I said. “I can’t focus on the battle if I’m worried about you.”
“I can’t ask the men to risk their lives to protect me. I know they will because they’re loyal to you. My father is dangerous, Balor. I’ve seen what he can do, and I’m scared. I’m not ashamed to admit it. But I’d rather die fighting back than be handed over to him.”
I kissed her, pouring everything I felt into that one act. I wanted her to know what she meant to me, how much I needed her. I pulled back and rested my forehead against hers.
“We’ll end him together,” I said.
She nodded and followed me across the clubhouse. I could feel the tension in the air. The men were ready to move. I didn’t doubt we’d leave destruction in our wake, and I could only hope we’d return with everyone alive and well.
It was time to show Thaddeus exactly who he was messing with. I’d make sure the last thing he saw was me ending him. No one threatened my woman and got away with it.
Chapter Nine
Balor
The intel I’d received said Thaddeus Kline and his followers were using an old plantation home outside of Darkwood. The place hadn’t been hard to locate. We’d arrived under the cover of night. The house loomed before us, dark and foreboding. Ominous shadows clung to the walls, flickering torchlight casting eerie patterns. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their movements methodical. I could feel the dark magick in the air, thick and cloying, like a heavy fog that settled over everything.