Balor (Balor’s Saints MC #1)

Chapter Two

Belladonna

I poised myself at the threshold, breath held as I waited. It was Halloween night, and I only had a few hours to get this done. I’d had a vision, one that had sent me running from my father’s coven and toward a man I hadn’t met. Not really. I’d seen him in my dream, but I’d never set eyes on him in person. I only hoped the spell I’d prepared would be enough.

The doorbell echoed in the stillness of the night, the silence making the sound seem eerie and full of anticipation. I heard a deep voice, then heavy footfalls. A moment later, the door swung inward, and a man stood there, the low light behind him making him seem even more imposing. I caught sight of his piercing blue eyes, and the black hair that brushed his shoulders. He looked me over, his gaze lingering on my breasts. I’d worn my tunic-style shirt a size too small, the laces straining to contain my chest. I knew the moment he realized I was a witch. His gaze snapped up to meet mine, and his posture grew tense.

I couldn’t risk him throwing me out before I had a chance to explain, or before I could get my spell off. I lifted my hand, the blinding ball of light already forming in my palm. I tossed it at him, the light bursting forth and striking him squarely in the face. He staggered back, blinking rapidly.

“What the fuck…” His voice trailed off as the spell took hold, his shoulders going slack. His eyes didn’t seem to focus quite right, and I knew he was seeing what he wanted to see, instead of reality. It wasn’t something I’d have done under normal circumstances, but I was desperate.

I stepped across the threshold to make sure the spell was working and pressed against him. His arms went around me, and I could tell by the look in his eyes he wasn’t fully present. The fact he hadn’t flung me away, or done worse, told me I’d been right. He wanted me, even if he thought he was caught in a dream. That’s all that mattered right now.

I pushed the door shut and locked it. “You do want me, don’t you?”

He nodded, still not speaking. I’d hoped he’d be a little more verbal, but it would make things easier if he didn’t talk much. Maybe I’d feel less guilty.

The spell would make me look like whatever he desired most, but I knew it wouldn’t hide the truth for long. He’d know I was a virgin, and I only hoped he wouldn’t stop. He had to claim me. The prophecy had said so. I didn’t know what would happen if he didn’t.

No, that wasn’t quite right. I knew exactly what I’d be put through. My father would follow through on his promise to sell me to another coven as a bride. I didn’t want that, and I’d do anything to escape my fate.

I licked my lips and reached for the ties of my shirt. I pulled at the laces, loosening them until I could tug the top down and expose the tops of my breasts. “How much do you want me?”

He growled and lifted me into his arms. He didn’t seem to notice the way his fingers dug into my hips. Or the fact I wasn’t wearing panties under my skirt. His nostrils flared, and I knew he’d scented my arousal. I’d never done anything like this before. I’d been kept under my father’s thumb. This… this was freeing. It was a night to be bold and daring.

He carried me up a flight of stairs and stalked down a hallway, then shouldered open a door before tossing me onto a bed. He reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off, throwing it aside. I could only stare at the sculpted muscles, the tattoos covering his flesh.

I’d known dark mages were dangerous, but this one… I’d been so foolish to come here, to take him with a spell. But I’d had no choice.

His raw power made me nervous, and yet I wanted to see more of him. He tore at the rest of his clothes until he stood before me in nothing but his skin. I swallowed hard, drinking him in. I’d never seen a man naked before. I was certain they weren’t all like him. He was like a dark god made flesh. I ran my gaze over him, taking in the sight of his cock, and a slight tremor went through me. I’d known it could hurt. I might not be experienced, but he seemed on the larger size. I didn’t know if I’d be able to handle all he had to give, but I’d find a way. I had to. My life depended on it.

I hurried to undress, not wanting the spell to wear off before he’d finished. He watched me, his gaze going over every inch of my body. I lay back on the bed and spread my legs a little, crooking my finger at him. His gaze heated further, and he didn’t hesitate. The bed dipped under his weight, and he came to me. I scooted back until I could lie on his pillow.

His hand curved under my knee, and he spread me wide. He knelt between my legs, his gaze locked with mine. I knew I shouldn’t have done this. It wasn’t ethical to use a spell on him, but I hadn’t been given a choice. He was the dark mage I needed. The prophecy had said it had to be tonight. I’d barely made it to his home in time. A few hours from now, the spell would wear off. I’d be lucky if he didn’t kill me.

He crawled over my body, his lips claiming mine. I kissed him back, and the feel of his skin against mine made my nipples tighten. I’d never felt anything like this. Not even when I’d touched myself. He reached down and cupped my breast, running his thumb over the nipple.

The way he touched me, the reverence in his gaze, made me question everything I’d been told. I knew I’d used a spell to make him want me. I just didn’t understand why he was being so gentle. I sucked in a breath as he slid his cock through my folds. This wasn’t what I’d pictured for my first time. Although, I couldn’t have asked for a sexier man.

He reached down and rubbed his thumb over my clit. I gasped at the sensation, my back arching. He did it again and again until I couldn’t hold back. My pussy clenched, my breath coming fast and hard. I came, but my body was far from satisfied and only wanted more.

He slid his hand down my stomach and didn’t stop until he’d cupped me. A finger pressed against my folds.

“Wet,” he muttered. “Ready for me.”

“Yes.” My face burned. The spell wouldn’t last much longer. I needed him to hurry and finish what he’d started.

He pressed a finger into me and stilled. “You’re a virgin.”

“Yes,” I said again, wondering if that would be a turnoff for him. I didn’t think it would be. Not after seeing the look in his eyes. He wanted me. And I needed him.

Balor groaned and pressed his forehead to mine. “I’ll try not to hurt you.”

I didn’t think that would be possible, but I appreciated the effort. My lips parted on a gasp as he slid another finger into me. He stretched me a little, then began pumping them in and out. He continued to rub my clit, making me wetter. I’d never felt anything like this. He made me feel so… full.

When he withdrew his hand, I whimpered. He positioned himself at my entrance and began to push into me. I clutched at his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin. He kissed me, and I felt the moment he took my innocence. I cried out, and he froze.

“Shh. Just give it a moment, and the pain will ease,” he said.

I nodded, unable to speak. I’d known it would hurt. I hadn’t realized how much until this very moment. My body trembled, and I took several deep breaths. He remained still, letting me adjust to his size. I felt like he was splitting me in half. When I shifted my hips a little, he pushed in deeper. I gasped at the feel of him filling me. I’d never felt so full in my life. He pulled out almost all the way before thrusting back into me.

My body heated. My skin felt too tight. I clutched at his shoulders again, my hips moving to meet his. He picked up his pace, his fingers pinching and rolling my nipples. The slight sting only made the ache between my thighs worse. I needed… something.

His weight on top of me didn’t feel oppressive. In fact, I loved it. I ran my hands over his back and down to his ass. He was magnificent. He thrust deeper. He’d been made to fill me. I’d been made for him. Only him. I’d been so worried I’d get here and find out I was wrong. The spell wouldn’t have worked if he hadn’t wanted me, even if he didn’t realize what was happening was real. It would make him see his deepest desire. I didn’t know how much of himself he’d retain. I’d never dabbled with spells like this one before. It went against everything I believed in.

His lips met mine, his tongue pushing inside my mouth. I’d never kissed a man before tonight, and I couldn’t help the small moan that escaped me. He swallowed the sound, his hips making a slapping noise against mine. One of his hands slid down my body, his thumb pressing against my clit. He rubbed the sensitive bundle of nerves, and I shattered. My back bowed, and I cried out his name. He continued to thrust into me, prolonging the pleasure.

“Mine,” he growled.

“Yes,” I said.

He thrust harder, his rhythm faltering. I felt his cock thicken, and then warmth flooded me. He kissed me hard, nipping at my lips. I’d thought we’d be finished now, but I realized he was still hard inside me. My heart raced when he flipped me over onto my knees, pressing against my back until my cheek was against the sheets.

He gripped my hips and thrust into me from behind. Balor moaned and pushed in deep, holding still for a moment, as if he was savoring every second. Then he began thrusting into me again, not going slow or being gentle. He took what he wanted, what he needed. It wasn’t long before I felt the warmth of his release again.

He eased out of me, and fell to the bed beside me, drawing me against his chest. My eyes burned with unshed tears at what I’d done to this man. I’d tricked him into claiming me. I only hoped it was enough, that the prophecy had just fully come true. I didn’t think I could handle it if he sent me back. I wasn’t sure I’d make it out of his house alive. I’d gone to a man known for his cruelty. He was more beast than man, or so the rumors said.

* * *

Balor

Morning light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I blinked against the brightness, my head throbbing. Muscles I hadn’t used in a while protested as I shifted slightly. I felt the warmth of another body against me, her scent wrapping around me and holding me immobile. The sheets were tangled around my legs. The faint scent of sex lingered in the air.

I wasn’t sure what had happened last night. My thoughts were fuzzy, and I tried to piece things together. I turned my head and saw a beautiful redhead lying next to me. Her fiery hair was a stark contrast against my dark sheets. She looked peaceful, her breasts rising and falling with each breath. The sheet covered her from the waist down, but I could see every inch of her creamy skin above that.

My gaze skittered around the room. I saw her clothes near the door leading to my bathroom, and my own littering the floor. I swallowed hard, trying to remember everything. It had been so surreal, I’d almost thought I was dreaming. But it would seem I’d very much been awake. I stared at her, the realization hitting me that I’d slept with the witch lying next to me.

She mumbled in her sleep, her nose wrinkling. I tensed, my gaze never leaving her. I wanted to know what she’d done to me, and why. Because I’d realized one thing. It wasn’t a dream. I’d had sex with this woman, and from the soreness in my muscles, I’d guess more than once. I felt something deep inside me respond to her presence. The witch had power, and she’d used it against me. But why? What had she hoped to gain?

Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked a few times before focusing on me. The moment she realized I was awake, her eyes widened, and she scooted away from me, her gaze darting around the room. I didn’t know if she was looking for her clothes, or for an escape route. Didn’t matter. She wasn’t going anywhere.

“What did you do to me?” I asked, my voice eerily calm. I was angry, but I wouldn’t show it. Not yet. I’d hold back until she gave me a reason to show my displeasure. First I’d give her a chance to confess.

“Nothing.” She shook her head. “I didn’t do anything.”

I lifted a brow. “Try again, little witch. I might not remember everything from last night, but I know you used a spell on me. I can feel it. Now are you going to tell me why? Or do I need to drag it out of you?”

She sat up, and her hands shook as she pulled the sheet up to cover herself. I hadn’t missed the way her gaze had dropped to my chest, nor the slight widening of her eyes. I wasn’t sure if she was afraid of me, or if she liked what she saw. Maybe both.

“I had to,” she said. “It was the only way.”

“The only way to what?” I asked.

She licked her lips, and I saw the way her hands clenched the sheet. “To save me.”

“You cast a spell on me to save yourself?” I snorted. “You’ve got about five seconds to start talking, or I might forget I don’t hurt women. I have ways of making you talk that don’t require me to lay a finger on you.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice, little witch. Now tell me why you used a spell to get me to fuck you. You gave me a magick roofie?”

Her eyes widened. “It’s not… that’s not what I did.”

“No?” I forced my voice to remain low, even though I wanted to snarl. “Because it sure as fuck sounds like that’s exactly what you did.”

“Please.” Her voice wobbled. “I meant it when I said I didn’t have a choice.”

Her magick hadn’t impacted me as much as I was claiming. But I wasn’t letting her off easily. While yes, it had affected me to some extent, and made my memory a bit foggy, I hadn’t been entirely out of it. With the difference in our power levels, I had to have wanted her on some level to allow her magick to work on me at all. Perhaps my body instinctively knew something I hadn’t yet figured out.

I leaned in close, my lips brushing her ear. “You stole my free will. I’m going to count to three, and you’re going to tell me why. One.”

“Please, don’t do this.”

“Two.” I nipped her earlobe and took a deep breath, her scent invading my senses. “Last chance, little witch.”

I felt the power crackling through the air seconds before I heard her murmured words. “ Aradhel en’ naur .”

“Three,” I said, even as her spell wrapped around me. I felt the bindings tighten, but I had power of my own. And I didn’t need to speak the spell to use it. I grinned as I shattered her bindings and used my magick to bind her in return.

The ropes I created glowed with an eerie light, and I watched as they wrapped around her wrists, holding her arms above her head. I tightened them until I saw her wince in pain. I wasn’t done yet. More bindings circled her ankles, spreading her legs wide, exposing her cunt to my view.

She struggled, but the more she fought, the tighter my bindings became. I heard her breath catch as they slithered over her skin like a serpent. “What are you doing?”

I chuckled and let the bed dip as I stood over her. “I believe I was counting. And I distinctly remember saying three. Which means you’re out of chances.”

“Please.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I had no other choice.”

“Tell me why you used a spell to get me to fuck you. Tell me why you thought I’d let you leave here alive after stealing my free will.” I reached out and let my fingertips trail down her belly, stopping just above her pussy. “Tell me why I shouldn’t use you as you intended to use me.”

Her face paled. “I needed to fulfill the prophecy.”

“Prophecy?” I asked. “What sort of prophecy?”

She swallowed hard. “That you would father the greatest witch to ever live. But it had to be last night. By midnight. If I’d had more time, I could have done things differently. I didn’t hear about it in time to do things the right way.”

I rubbed my chest, feeling the dull ache. “And why did you need to fulfill this prophecy?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Because my father was going to sell me to another coven. I’d heard rumors about the other man. That he’d already killed two wives. I couldn’t live that way. So I ran.”

“And thought I’d protect you?” I asked.

“You did.”

I gave a sharp laugh. “Did I? Or did you use a spell to make me think you’re mine to protect?”

She flinched. “It doesn’t matter. You said the words. Claimed me. I’m yours, whether you want me or not.”

I leaned in closer. “And what if I don’t want you?”

Her lower lip trembled, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “Then I guess I’ll die. My father… he’s the head of the Coven of Eternal Night.”

I frowned. I’d heard of them. They weren’t a group I wanted to get tangled up with. Or have in my town. If there was one, there would likely be more soon enough, assuming they weren’t already here. They practiced dark magick and were bent on gaining more power. From the rumors, they weren’t above using blood magick to get what they wanted. Of course, I’d never met one until now, so it wasn’t firsthand knowledge. More like supernatural gossip.

“Go on,” I said.

She looked away, unable to meet my gaze. “He has a deal with another coven. I’m to be married to the son of the other coven’s leader. My future would be nothing but pain and suffering, ending with my death, and there’s no one strong enough to stop it.”

“What does that have to do with me?” I asked.

“I’d stayed hidden in my room, hoping to delay the marriage a little longer. When I heard my father talking to the other man, I learned about the baby I would conceive. The man I’m promised to… their coven has a seer who told him I’d give birth to the greatest witch to ever live. What she didn’t say at the time was that the baby needed a certain father. You.”

“Then how do you know?” I asked.

She shrugged. “They weren’t the only ones she told, and I’m excellent at eavesdropping.”

I crossed my arms and stared at her, processing everything. By every right, I should punish her. Either lock her up or toss her out on her pretty little ass. But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to do that.

“My father and his coven are afraid of you. I’ve heard him mention you before, and from the things he said, you’re the only person who can make him back down.”

I frowned. “They should be afraid. I’d kill anyone who dared come to my town and cause trouble or try to claim it as their own. I have ways of dealing with people like that. But as long as they stay away from Darkwood…”

Her eyes widened a bit, and I saw fear mixed with the tears. “I didn’t know what to do. I drove, but I used a spell to get me here faster and cloaked my presence. I didn’t stop until I reached your home. I knew it was yours because of the magick protecting it.”

“You thought you’d knock on my door and what? I’d invite you inside and tell you to strip down? You must have known I’d never touch you without the spell you used.”

She winced. “I didn’t plan it. Not really. I just… reacted. I was running on fear and instinct.”

“I think you did plan this entire thing from the moment you heard my name.”

Her eyes filled with tears again. “I swear. I didn’t know. I didn’t want to do it this way, but it was the only chance I had. If I’d gone with the other coven’s leader, he might have killed me long before I gave birth. I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want my baby to die. I’m sorry. So very sorry.”

“Why would he risk losing a powerful child?” I asked. If that was the selling point for Belladonna being his wife, then it didn’t make sense.

“Because he’s the sort who wants all the power for himself. If he thought his child would outshine him, he’d not hesitate to kill them.” She licked her lips. “My coven and his are both well-known. My marriage to that awful man would have brought our covens together. Think of it as a political marriage between royal families.”

I saw the way her hands shook. Knew she realized exactly how much trouble she was currently in. The slight scent of fear teased my nose, and I knew she was terrified of me. It calmed the beast inside me, knowing she’d been right to fear me.

“The prophecy you mentioned. Why Halloween night?”

“Because it’s when the veil is thinnest between worlds. I don’t fully understand it.” She swallowed hard. “When I heard my father talking to the other man, I knew I had to act quickly. I didn’t have time to come up with a plan.”

I heard the truth behind her words. I wasn’t happy with the situation, but I didn’t see as I had much of a choice. If the other coven wanted her, they’d come for her. And I wouldn’t let them take her.

“Do you have a place to stay?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“You’ll stay here for now. I’ll put a protection spell on you so you can’t leave the mansion. I won’t have you running off.”

She had to know how effortless my magick had been and knew exactly how powerful I was. She’d be a fool to run. My gaze raked over her, anger still simmering in my veins, but under that was something else. Desire. I didn’t think it was lingering aftereffects of her spell, which meant there was something real between us.

Her eyes widened. “I haven’t agreed to stay.”

I reached out and let my fingers trail down her belly again. “You think I care what you want? You took away my free will. It’s only fair I return the favor.”

She shivered and closed her eyes. “I guess I deserve that.”

I let the bindings fall away, although I didn’t release my hold on her magick. I didn’t trust her not to cast another spell on me. I didn’t think she’d done anything beyond whatever she’d used to get me to sleep with her. I’d been able to watch what happened by peeking into her mind. She hadn’t lured me in any other way. Even though I’d been unable to stop myself, I hadn’t been a puppet.

I picked up a shirt and tossed it to her. “Put that on. I’ll take you to the kitchen and feed you. We can talk more.”

I pulled on a pair of sweatpants, then I led her down the hall. I tried to ignore the hurt look in her eyes. From the scent of blood in the air and her overall demeanor, I had a feeling she’d been a virgin until last night. I wasn’t the only one she’d hurt with this stunt. Did she even realize what she’d stolen from herself?

As we walked to the kitchen, she rubbed at her neck and ran her hands down her arms. She had to be feeling my magick restraining her. I wondered about the man she’d spoken of before. How powerful was he? I wasn’t really concerned. There were few in the world who could match me. Most had died long ago.

When we got to the kitchen, I pointed to the table and chairs. She sat while I went to the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs and some bacon. I felt her gaze on me as I made breakfast for us. Even if she’d offered to help, I wouldn’t have let her. Not until I knew more about her and our situation.

I heard her stomach rumble and fought not to smile. When was the last time I’d done something like this? It wasn’t like I’d lived my life as a monk. But it had been decades since I’d cooked for a woman, and I’d never allowed one to live with me, even temporarily. Despite the fact I didn’t look older than thirty-five, I was closer to two hundred years old. Unless someone bigger and badder came along, I could easily live another two hundred years. Well, that or bind myself to someone who didn’t have a long lifespan. Then I’d halve my years with her.

Bonding for my kind wasn’t the same as a shifter’s mate bond. It involved a blood ritual, some heavy magick, and giving up part of my lifespan, which meant I needed to be damn sure. The flip side was that we’d feel each other’s pain. I could handle it, but could she? Even among mages, I was rare and didn’t do things the way most people would.

I finished cooking and plated our food, adding toast to each. After I set it on the table, I poured her some juice and grabbed a bottle of water for myself. There was still much we needed to discuss, but I wasn’t sure I was in the right frame of mind for it.

“I really am sorry,” she murmured.

“You may have felt justified in what you did, but it doesn’t make it right. Like I said before, if you weren’t a woman, things would have ended differently. I’d have killed you for casting a spell like that on me.”

She winced and quietly went back to eating. I was honestly surprised she hadn’t asked me why I hadn’t shaken the spell off. Technically, I could have, which meant on some level, I hadn’t wanted to. My powers were far greater than hers. While I’d been intoxicated on her magick, had my baser instincts kicked in? I didn’t remember reading her thoughts and memories, but what if I had and knew she was only doing what she had to in order to survive?

Sadly, I couldn’t read my own memories so I’d never know for sure, not unless everything came back to me. I caught bits and pieces of what happened in flashes. The entire picture, however, didn’t want to form in my mind.

When she’d finished eating, I cleared the table. Staring at her, I wondered what I should do with the little witch.

“Did you bring anything with you?” I asked.

“Just a few changes of clothes. I didn’t exactly have time to pack everything.” She dropped her gaze to the table. “I’d planned to stay at a hotel or something.”

“Right. Because you didn’t want to be here when I woke up.”

Her cheeks flushed pink. “I knew you’d be angry. Who wouldn’t?”

“I am.” I sighed and leaned against the doorframe. “But once I sort through everything in my head, I’ll do what I can to help you. First and foremost, there’s a chance you could be pregnant, especially if that prophecy is right. You’re not leaving here with my kid in your belly.”

Her face went even redder and I couldn’t help myself. I let my magick wrap around the both of us, and the scene that came to me made my breath catch. Fucking hell. Yeah, some part of me had known what was happening and let her do what she wanted. Which meant, I’d recognized her on a deeper level. My mate. Didn’t mean I’d let her off the hook easily.

Since she was a witch, she probably wouldn’t have sensed anything. From what I knew of her kind, they didn’t typically have destined mates. Unless, like now, they were paired with another supernatural being who did. The witches I’d known in the past all married for power, political connections, or to tie two covens together. I assumed it was the same for her coven.

“That’s right, witch. You’re mine now and so are any kids we have.” I pushed off the doorframe and leaned on the table, getting in her face. “You’re never leaving here. Do you understand now what you’ve done?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Good. I assume your car is in my driveway?” She nodded. “Then I’ll grab your things and bring them inside. If you try to set foot outside the house, it won’t be a pleasant experience for you.”

After I retrieved her bag, I’d shower and change. Thankfully, I’d retrieved my motorcycle from the clubhouse the day after I’d met with my club brothers. If there was ever a time I needed a ride and to feel the wind in my hair, it was now. My head was all kinds of fucked up, and I needed to sort shit out.

Maybe then I’d have an idea of what to do with the tempting redhead.