Page 33 of Balor

The group broke apart and I saw Belladonna sag a little, no doubt tired after everything that had happened. She held her head high, but I could see the fatigue in her eyes. I’d have to be careful not to tire her out too much in the future. She’d need plenty of rest for probably the next week, until she was firmly back on her feet.

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I’d like a bath and then get some rest,” Belladonna said.

I walked over to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be there soon.”

She nodded and walked up the stairs, her steps faltering a bit as she reached the top. I knew I wouldn’t be far behind her. I wanted to get some things in order first. Like how to keep her safe in the future, and to make sure the club knew they were welcome here, at least for now. I didn’t want them just barging in whenever, but I also didn’t want them to feel as if they couldn’t drop by when they needed us or wanted to visit.

I turned and walked down the hallway to my study. The men followed and filed in, taking seats around the room. I went to my desk and sat, then pulled out a few sheets of paper. I’d need to start making notes of what all needed to be done. If I wanted a future with Belladonna, and our child, I needed to make sure we were all on the same page.

The study felt familiar and alien at the same time tonight. I’d spent so many years in this room, but it was the first time I’d had hope for something more. The moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the floor and shelves. It left an eerie glow as shadows clung to the corners and spread across the walls. I’d always felt like I had one foot in the darkness. Now I wanted more. I wanted to be the man Belladonna could be proud of, and the father our child needed. I’d hidden too long. I wasn’t even sure how to live my life in the open, but I’d figure it out. I’d do whatever it took to keep my woman and child safe.

I’d been planning every little detail for so long, all on my own. Always a step ahead of everyone else. I’d need to keep that mentality in the days, weeks, and months to come. It wasn’t going to be easy. Things were going to change, and I’d need to be ready.

I could see the future stretching out before me, the possibilities endless. It made my blood hum in my veins. I felt… alive. For the first time in years. I’d spent so long playing a part, I’d forgotten what it felt like to live. To truly enjoy things.

“This is my home. But I want you to feel like you can come here when you need to. We’re not just a club, we’re brothers.” I smiled faintly. “Although, I don’t want to have a revolving door. I have a pregnant woman after all.”

The men remained silent, waiting for me to continue. I folded my hands in front of me, letting my gaze lock with each of theirs. “I’ve been pulling the strings in Darkwood for a long time. But I need to be more accessible. I need to step into the light. I’ve done that with you, the sheriff, and the mayor. Now it’s time for the rest of Darkwood to know who I am.”

“How is this new plan for Darkwood going to work?” Collin asked.

“By finding a way to integrate with the town more. I have a few ideas, but I’m open to hearing yours. We need to show them we can be trusted to keep this town safe and be a support system for those who need it.”

I could see the men were thinking about my words. Jackson placed his hand over his mouth, his expression telling me he was in deep thought. I hoped it meant he was coming up with some ideas of his own. This was going to be a group effort.

“And how do you propose we do that?” Clay asked.

“Community outreach. There’s a lot the club has to offer, and I’ve never asked you to do more than make sure the peace is kept. I’d like to change that. Perhaps hosting some town events or partnering with businesses. Showing them we can be an asset in more ways than one. Humans and supernaturals have lived together here for a while now, even if the humans aren’t always as accepting as they claim. It’s time to weed out the bad seeds, show them intolerance won’t be allowed in Darkwood, and those who break the rules will pay a hefty price.”

I could see them all thinking, mulling things over. Despite the fact Collin was human, he didn’t seem to disagree with what I’d said. Then again, he wasn’t like the average humans I’d ever run across. Which was why he’d been welcomed into the club.

“I’d like to see us hold events at least once a quarter. The town has a festival every spring we should participate in it, and we could host something of our own in the summer. Perhaps a carnival. We could make quite a bit of money to pour back into the town. I doubt there would be much grumbling if we made sure the school and fire department received a portion.”

Ben nodded, tapping his fingers on his knee. “It’s not a bad idea. But who is going to plan all of this?”

“I’m sure if I asked Belladonna, she’d be willing to help. Maybe some of the townspeople would want to work side by side with us on a few of the projects, much like the men who stepped up tonight and fought alongside us.”

My fingers flew over the keyboard as I sent off emails to the mayor and sheriff, giving them updates on what occurred and the future plans of the Saints. I could feel the excitement building in my chest. The real work was only just beginning, but I was ready for it. With the club behind me, and Belladonna by my side, I knew I could face anything.

I turned to look out the window, my gaze landing on the moonlight landscape. I’d make Darkwood safe, not just for us, but for everyone who needed a place to belong. My hand flattened against the glass and I leaned forward, resting my forehead against the cool surface.

I closed my eyes and smiled. I’d never have guessed this day would come. Now that it was here, I was ready for it.

“Anyone else have any ideas?”

The men remained silent.

“We’ll discuss it further another day. For now, I think it’s time we all got some rest. I have a lot to think about, and I’m sure you do as well. I’m certain more ideas will come to us if we’re well rested.”

We were all exhausted, and I for one really wanted a shower. They filed out, some of them moving a bit slower than usual. Despite their fatigue, I could see their interest as well. I’d definitely given them something to think about. It was clear they liked the idea of showing the town what we could do.

As my brothers left the house, I went in search of Belladonna.

I paused in the doorway to our bedroom and saw her sound asleep. The moonlight bathed her in a gentle glow, softening her features and making her look at peace. I could remember the feel of her skin, and a part of me wanted to crawl into bed with her right now. I could see the residue of the battle on my skin. I didn’t want to touch her with that filth on me.

I stripped out of my clothes and went into the bathroom. The water heated quickly, and I stepped into the spray. I watched as the water sluiced over me, taking the grime from the battle with it. I’d nearly lost her, and I’d make sure nothing like that ever happened to her again. Whatever it took, I’d keep her safe.

The water turned pink where it swirled around the drain. I used the soap and scrubbed my skin, and when I felt like I’d gotten rid of everything, I turned off the water. I grabbed a towel and dried off, then went back into the bedroom. Pulling some sweatpants from my dresser drawer, I tugged them on then walked over to the bed and pulled back the covers. I slid in behind her and pulled her into my arms. I inhaled deeply, savoring the fact she was here.Safe. She stirred in her sleep and I kissed her brow, murmuring for her to rest.