Page 38 of Balor

Belladonna’s smile widened. I heard the sound of a child’s laughter, and she squeezed my arm. I couldn’t help but notice the way a few people paused their conversations to watch us. I didn’t sense any hostility from them, though. If anything, they seemed… pleased.

I’d done my best to make sure Darkwood was a safe place. While I’d never come face-to-face with some of the residents, they’d known I was here. And I’d taken the time to learn as much as I could about every single resident. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted to belong until this moment. I’d also thought it was the town that had needed me. Now I wondered if it was the other way around.

Belladonna turned, and I followed her gaze. A woman held a small child by the hand. The little girl waved, and Belladonna waved back. The woman dipped her head and walked farther down the sidewalk.

We continued to stroll through town, pausing every so often so she could peer into a store window. The park was up ahead. I’d never really paid attention to the area, but now I wondered if it could use some improvements. I picked up my pace, wanting to see it for myself.

Belladonna glanced at me, her smile softening. I squeezed her fingers and led her toward the park. It wasn’t far, but the walk had felt longer than it should have. How had I never paid attention to this place?

It looked like a good place for families, and I wondered if I’d see Belladonna bringing our daughter here when she was older. I noticed an old oak tree up ahead and led Belladonna to the wooden bench beneath it. I sat and pulled her down next to me. The dappled sunlight left patterns on the ground, and I stared at them for a moment. I hadn’t realized how much I’d wanted this. To be accepted. Not just by my club, but by the town.

“They seem to like you,” Belladonna said, clasping my hand and placing it on her thigh. “I think they like me too.”

“I’ve never seen the town like this. I always stuck to the shadows. I keep thinking that I should have done this sooner, shared who I really am. Now it feels like I’ve been hiding for no reason.”

“Maybe this is exactly when you were meant to step out and let people see how you really are. Clearly, everyone knew of Balor Hades. They just didn’t know you were also Luke. I think they’ve been waiting for you to reveal yourself and mingle with everyone.”

It was possible. I closed my eyes and drew in a breath. The scent of the fresh grass, the warmth of the sun on my face… It was peaceful here. And I wanted to take that peace back with me. I cupped Belladonna’s cheek and kissed her gently.

“I think I’m ready to go back to the mansion,” I said. “We have a lot to discuss.”

She blushed but gave me a smile and nodded. I stood and helped her up, then led her back toward the truck so we could return home. Even though we hadn’t gotten any shopping done, I felt like maybe we’d accomplished something better.

Despite the things I’d recently discovered, and my fully unleashed powers, I still couldn’t see the future. I had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but something told me we’d have many happy days ahead of us. Not just me and Belladonna, but the entire town of Darkwood. Things were changing, and in the best of ways.

I’d called this place home for a long time, but for the first time since I founded this place, it actually felt like one. And I knew I had the witch at my side to thank for it all. If she hadn’t shown up that night, dosed me with a magick spell and taken advantage of the situation, then we may have never gotten to this point.

I could have lost out on my mate and daughter, could have stayed hidden for much longer, and I’d have missed out on so much.

Despite what I’d been told about Belladonna being the most powerful of witches, her powers were still at a relatively low level. I had to wonder if she’d ever tap into that potential. But I also knew she most likely wouldn’t try unless she had a good reason to. If they hadn’t awoken inside her when Thaddeus Kline had kidnapped her, then they might very well always remain dormant.

Not that it mattered. I didn’t care how powerful she was. Belladonna was mine, and that was the only thing I cared about.

When we got home, I saw the way she yawned and knew it was time for another nap. She’d been resting a lot since the big battle, and since stress wasn’t good for her or our daughter, I had no problem lying in bed with her whenever she needed to close her eyes for bit.

I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed it. “Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.”

She nodded. “I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time.”

“I’ll have a doctor come check you out tomorrow. But I think everything that happened with your coven took a bigger toll on you than you realized. You’ll bounce back soon enough.”

In the bedroom, I stripped down to my boxers and helped her into her nightgown, then we crawled into bed together and cuddled close.

She traced patterns on my chest with her finger. “I think we’re going to have a good life together. You, me, and our daughter.”

I kissed her forehead. “I know we will.”

I stroked her back, feeling her relax against me. Her breathing evened out and I knew she’d fallen asleep. I didn’t care if we did more than this. Having her in my arms was enough. I closed my eyes, savoring the feel of her. This was all I needed. All I wanted. I’d found my purpose. My reason for living. And I’d cherish it -- cherishthem. Always.

Her breathing was a steady rhythm, one that lulled me to sleep. I knew things wouldn’t be easy, but I had hope for the first time in my life. I drifted off to sleep, feeling lighter than I had in years. Because I’d found my home. My family. And I’d do whatever it took to keep them.