Chapter Seven
Balor
Belladonna stood at the threshold of the mansion, her fiery hair a stark contrast against the overcast sky. The heavy wooden doors creaked closed behind us. Her green eyes held a determined glint, her chin lifted in defiance.
I took a moment to mentally prepare myself. “While we’re away from the mansion, I need you to call me Luke,” I said. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
I’d already told her a little about my club brothers as we’d walked to the front doors. And I’d confessed that only she and two others in Darkwood knew I was Balor Hades. Although, she still didn’t understand why I’d hidden my identity. Or perhaps she did to some extent.
Belladonna nodded. “You’ll explain more soon?”
“Yes. It will be easier to show you than tell you.” I led her down the steps and let out a breath. “I’m still not convinced a ride on my motorcycle is the best idea, but I know you’re stubborn. If this is what you want, then we’ll just go slow.”
I’d never imagined the day would come I’d take a woman on a ride. I’d have to go make sure I didn’t hit any bumps too hard. Wouldn’t do to hurt her or the baby. My baby.
The motorcycle roared to life, and I swung my leg over the back. I’d never had a passenger, and it was going to take a lot of willpower to keep from speeding off. I’d always loved the thrill of going fast. But I had a feeling Belladonna wouldn’t appreciate it if I scared her. With her being pregnant, I didn’t want to do anything to upset her. I’d go slow and steady.
I held my hand out to her and helped her up behind me. Her arms wrapped around my waist, and I nearly forgot how to breathe. I felt her lean against my back and paused to savor the moment.
With a deep breath, I focused on the road ahead. It was time to take my woman to meet the guys. I only hoped they’d take the news well. I eased the bike down the driveway and out onto the road. I’d usually speed up as soon as I hit the asphalt. Instead, I checked the conditions of the road and slowly increased our speed. The purr of the engine filled the air. I hadn’t realized how much I’d enjoy having a woman clinging to my back during a ride.
Belladonna’s grip tightened. I took the long way to the clubhouse, wanting to see how she’d react. I could always slow down more if I needed. Each time I leaned into a curve, I heard her let out a breathy gasp. I wasn’t sure if she was scared or having a good time. I wanted to think the latter.
The road wound through the trees, and I checked the mirror to see Belladonna’s eyes wide, a smile curving her lips. She’d tilted her head back, and I could tell she was enjoying the ride. I pushed the throttle open, keeping our speed where it wouldn’t hurt her or the baby, but enough to give her a thrill.
Belladonna let out another gasp as we hit a straight stretch and I picked up speed. Her arms tightened around my waist again. I patted her leg, then turned my attention back to the road.
I’d never thought I’d enjoy having someone ride behind me. I’d never offered, and no one had asked. The feel of her body pressed to mine, her arms around me, made me want to find excuses to take her on another ride. I’d made her smile .
The trees began to thin, and the terrain changed. Open fields stretched on either side of the road, cattle grazing. Her arms tightened around me again, and I heard another gasp. I smiled. Yeah, she was enjoying herself. Her hands smoothed down my chest before she relaxed her hold. I felt her shift and checked the mirror again. Her smile had gotten bigger, and her eyes were wide as she took in the scenery.
Soon enough, we’d circle back to the town and enter from the opposite side from where we’d started. I’d watch for the plot of land I’d bought when I’d decided to build the clubhouse. When I’d first begun this venture, I hadn’t known what to expect. I’d wanted to keep the town safe and needed a way to blend in and not draw attention to myself as Balor Hades. It had never been about more.
I’d wanted to extend the ride, but I knew the longer I kept her out, the more danger we could be in. I didn’t sense anyone watching us, but that didn’t mean they weren’t. I’d been careful, but I wasn’t perfect. Someone could have slipped past my defenses.
I turned off the main road and went down a few back roads until we reached the clubhouse. I pulled up in front and cut the engine. Belladonna’s hands shook a little as she let go of me. I helped her off the bike and got to my feet.
The clubhouse door opened and I saw Jackson in the doorway, waiting for us. The look in Jackson’s eyes gave me pause. I had a feeling he’d discovered something about Belladonna or her coven that he hadn’t liked. My gaze took in the clubhouse at his back. The clubhouse was everything I’d wanted it to be. I knew it would be a while before Belladonna could call it home, but I’d make sure she felt comfortable here. It was the safest place, aside from my home. It had been built to withstand just about anything, and the walls kept out a lot of noise. Considering the club members, that was a good thing.
I stepped closer to Belladonna, watching Jackson’s gaze settle on her. I saw the suspicion in his eyes and felt my jaw clench. I’d thought Jackson would be the one to welcome us. I hadn’t expected him to be the first to question why we were here. Even though he hadn’t said anything yet, I could read his thoughts without using my ability. Just looking at him was enough to tell me he didn’t like Belladonna being here.
I watched the way Jackson’s gaze sharpened, and I knew he was still trying to figure out why I’d brought Belladonna to the clubhouse. I saw the tension in his shoulders. He didn’t trust her, and I didn’t know what to do to make him understand she wasn’t a threat. At least, not to us.
“Jackson,” I said, my voice steady.
“Luke,” he said, his gaze shifting to Belladonna again. “I see you brought the witch.”
“She has a name.”
Jackson’s lips tipped up. “I’m sure she does.”
I took a step closer. “Her name is Belladonna. You’ll treat her with respect.”
“I don’t have to like her.”
I felt Belladonna’s hand on my back. I turned, seeing the way her eyes widened as her gaze went over Jackson. I’d warned Belladonna to call me Luke while we were here. Now I needed to make sure she knew I’d protect her, no matter what.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d move out of the doorway so I can bring my woman inside.”
“Your woman? Are you sure?”
I turned, reaching for Belladonna’s hand. I saw the way it trembled as she placed it in mine. I pulled her closer. “My woman. Now, as I said, move.”
“Yes, Pres,” Jackson said, stepping aside. I saw the way his eyes moved over Belladonna again. I had a feeling I’d need to keep an eye on him. The necromancer could be unpredictable at times.
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 to want to 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.”
“You’re really okay with this?” Ben asked. “I mean with making the witch your mate?”
I nodded. “I am. I won’t let you hurt her whether with your words or actions.”
I met Jackson’s gaze and saw his distrust. I didn’t know what he’d seen when he looked at Belladonna, but I had a feeling it was more than her magic. I knew the man wouldn’t back down, but I’d hoped he’d be the first to accept her. I’d been wrong.
“Even if she is carrying your child, doesn’t mean she’s not our enemy,” Jackson said. “You’d ask us to believe you’ve claimed the daughter of a man who kills without remorse? A coven leader known for his cruelty? That you’d bring her into our home and let her stay?”
“Yes.” This wasn’t going the way I’d hoped. I’d known it wouldn’t be an easy sell, that they’d make me work for it. But this was getting ridiculous. I also didn’t want them stressing her out. It couldn’t be good for her or the baby. Which meant I needed to put a stop to this soon. I’d let them have their say, but I wouldn’t let them walk all over us.
Belladonna’s gaze met Jackson’s, Ben’s, then Collin’s, and finally Clay’s. I saw the challenge in her eyes. She might be afraid, but she wasn’t going to back down. Not unless I asked her to. She was a fighter, whether she realized it or not.
“I think we’re done here. I’ll give you some time to come to terms with everything. Belladonna isn’t to blame for what her father or her coven does. She did her best to escape them, and she needs our protection, not condemnation. Understood?” I asked.
They each nodded, even though I noticed Jackson was more reluctant than the others. I’d need to talk with him later. Find out exactly why he had such an issue with her. It wasn’t like he hadn’t known she was mine. We’d already talked about it before, and he’d seemed at least somewhat supportive. So what changed?
I took Belladonna’s hand and led her outside, then got on my bike and started it up. I helped her onto the back once more, feeling her hands go around my waist.
“Hold on tight,” I said.
The ride back to the house was quicker than I’d have liked. I’d taken a roundabout way to the clubhouse, hoping to give her more time to enjoy herself. I’d taken the direct route back. I needed her. Needed to be inside her.
I helped her off the bike, then lifted her into my arms. Going straight to the bedroom, I eased her down onto the bed. She stared at me with a hungry gaze, and I knew she wanted me every bit as much as I wanted her.