Author's Note: I am sorry for the long wait, but I think I have overdone it with the amount of stories I am currently working on. The good news? This is one of many updates to come this month on this fic. Empire is my NaNoWriMo project which means I have put all of my other stories on hiatus while I work exclusively on this one. I hope you like where this story is going, although I must warn you it will be far darker than Wolves without Teeth was. I can't wait for your feedback and thank you to everyone who left me feedback previously! Huge thanks to Squarepeg72 for alpha reading and starrnobella and GaeilgeRua for beta reading. xxDustNight

*Playlist* (Remove '*' for it to work): Empire: http*s:/*/open*.*spot*ify*.*com/u*ser/124640*1351/pla*ylist/2P4JPrUDdG*XyyYs6aEfuCr

Full Summary: Nine months after the fall of Fenrir, Hermione and Loki are still realms apart, physically and mentally. With a new threat lurking just on the horizon, complete with prophecies and time travel, will the two be able to save not only their budding family, but their friends' as well, or will evil prevail?

Trigger Warnings: Childbirth Complications, PTSD, Depression, Explicit Language, Sexual Content, Near Death, Character Death, Light Dom/sub, Light BDSM, Violence, Discussion of Miscarriage, Discussion of Suicide

Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The title, "Empire" comes from the song of the same title by the fantastic Of Monsters and Men. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.

Empire
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Loki Laufeyson
Rating: M (Rated Mature for adult language, violence, and sexual situations)
Part VII:
Proposition
Song Recommendations: "Free" by Ryn Weaver, "You Set Me Free" by Angie Miller, "Why We Try" by Matthew Mayfield, "Cosmic Love" by Florence + the Machine, and "Honey, Fire (Alt)" by Aaron Krause

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"I think we end up liking people because of their good traits.
Sometimes we end up loving them because of their flaws"

— Michael Landsberg

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Part VII: Proposition

At some point, Loki must have fallen asleep, the early evening having crept up on them. Sighing heavily, he turned on his side to watch Hermione as she slept. Like this, she was so peaceful, the stress of her life forgotten as she dreamt of, hopefully, happier times. Perhaps she dreamt of him and Gwyneira and a future where they lived in peace. Or maybe she didn't dream at all, over exhausted by her emotionally magical outburst from earlier.

Frowning, Loki reached out with one long finger and traced the contours of her face. She really was something else, wasn't she? Never in his long, long life had Loki ever imagined himself falling in love and actually wanting to be with that person forever. Yet, after a silly misight on his part, he found himself magically bound to the witch and in love… To be perfectly honest with himself, Loki wholeheartedly expected to be anywhere but here, curled next to someone he loved.

It had been barely over a year since the Rime Diamonds began binding their souls together. If someone had told him then what he knew now, Loki would have laughed in their face, and then probably slit their throat. But that was no longer who he was. Now, he was someone's life mate and most importantly, a father. Father. That was still a term he was getting used to calling himself, especially with his horrific past. His past parental issues led him to believe he was unworthy of children of his own.

Gwyneira was more than he could ever have dreamed of… She was a gift from the gods. She was his entire life, aside from Hermione. Loki knew in his heart that he would lay down his life for both of them. Hell, he'd nearly done just that ten months ago when fighting Fenrir and he hadn't even known about the baby then, only suspected. Now all of it was at risk again, and Hermione was a ticking time bomb. She literally could not keep herself together, the smallest situation sending her reeling.

Loki suspected he too was experiencing some rather complicated changes, but had no idea what they were yet. Inside, the darkness still lurked just out of his grasp, clawing at the edges of his mind and waiting to be released. Only, he was able to fully control his impulse to misbehave. He didn't feel the urge to cause chaos and destruction just for the fun of it. In fact, the thought made him swallow back a lick of fear. Allowing that darkness to resurface could be the tipping point in the upcoming fight.

Sighing and dropping his hand away from Hermione's face, Loki decided that he'd allowed her to rest long enough. They had many topics to discuss and Gwyneira would need to be retrieved at some point from Lady Lewis's care. Gently, Loki cupped Hermione's cheek and brushed his thumb across the soft skin. At the same time, he used his magic to pull her from the enchanted sleep he'd help place her under, unable to contain the smile that graced his lips as he watched her eyes flutter open and lock onto his.

"How fare thee, my love?' he asked gently, continuing his caresses. "Have you slept well?"

Shuffling closer to Loki, Hermione snuggled into his chest as she finished waking. "I did, and I feel much calmer now. It feels as if my magic has rebalanced itself." She placed one hand flat on Loki's chest, spreading her fingers out overtop his beating heart. "Thank you…"

"It was nothing, but I do fear we need to talk about the underlying issues here." He swallowed, staring intently down into her round face. "If you never truly open up about these issues you've had with Theo, then I will be unable to help you in the future."

"It's a really long story, Loki," Hermione told him, quietly. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, biting down on it with more force than necessary. "I hurt him, more than I realized at the time, it appears."

Bringing his hand up again, Loki used his finger to tip her chin so she was looking at him once more. "We have time, and I want to understand this so that I can help you move past it. Theo has made his intentions clear when it comes to you, it would be best for you to talk through the pain in order to move onward."

She sighed, heavily. Loki was right, of course; she always felt better after talking about her issues. Plus, if she wanted him to understand why she'd gone against the wishes and attended the funeral, then he was going to have to know about her past with Theo…Blaise…both of them. Closing her eyes, Hermione remembered a time long ago when Theo and Blaise held her in their arms… Just as quickly as the memory flooded her mind, it was gone again and her eyes flew open.

"A long time ago, after things ended with Draco, I dated Theo," she began, voice trembling. Tentatively, she met Loki's intense emerald eyes. He was waiting patiently for her to continue. Swallowing, she carried on. "It wasn't easy, but it's what I needed at the time. I cared for him, a lot. Although, I didn't realize exactly how much until it was too late and I'd already screwed it all up. He was the one to get me help for my night terrors… He did so much and I threw it all away."

"What did you do?" Loki suspected he had an idea, but he needed to hear it from her. She was trembling, her emotions beginning to break through despite having pulled herself back together in sleep.

"I… I am not proud of my past, Loki. I want you to know that." Looking up at him, she felt her heart aching as she remembered what kind of person she'd been at one point of her life. "I am not that person anymore… I would not do the same to you as I did to him."

"I do believe my past is riddled with far more heinous crimes than that of which you are currently alluding to, Hermione." Loki gave her a reassuring smile, the sins of his past haunting him as he did so.

"I know," she replied with a shrug. "But I've always been known as this honorable, brilliant witch with great morals. I'm supposed to be a role model, someone that people can look up to in the Wizarding community."

"That is a ridiculously high standard to place upon oneself," Loki intoned, settling back against the pillows so he could properly look at Hermione. It suddenly made sense, the way she broke down so easily. When one was expected to be perfect, any little wrongdoing felt like a hammer to the chest. He should know. He did know.

"It's just how it's always been since the war ended," she muttered, biting her lip again. "But I'm more reckless than I thought because as soon as Theo told me he was falling in love with me, I panicked. I ran away-right into Draco's arms."

"You had an affair." Despite suspecting that to be the case, the words still tasted sour in his mouth. He didn't look at her differently for her mistake, but it made him falter, nonetheless.

As if sensing this, either by the look on his face or through their bond, Hermione hurriedly sat up in the bed and took his face in her hands. "Loki," she said, tears filling her eyes. "I am not like that anymore. I love you far more than any of my previous lovers. I would never do something like that to you." A few tears broke free, sliding down her cheeks and leaving trails in their wake. "I was broken and so in love with Draco still despite the fact that we couldn't be together."

Covering her hands with his own, Loki looked her directly in the eye as he spoke his next words. "You do not have to explain your reasoning to me, Hermione. I have no room to judge you. I have killed people. Innocent people. People who did nothing to me." When he was met with yet more tears, he tried a different approach. Pushing through the bond, he let her feel the love he felt for her. "I love you. I trust you, Hermione, more than anyone else in my life. Ever. If you say you will not repeat your past mistakes, I believe you. Do you understand?"

Instead of replying, Hermione broke down completely. Sobs wracked her small frame as she collapsed in on herself. Sitting up, Loki merely wrapped her in his arms and held her close as she cried. There was something wrong with her, that much was certain. Her normal vibrant and strong personality was crumbling and he had no idea why. Worry settled in his heart as he wondered what to do next. Brushing the hair from her tear-streaked face, Loki placed a kiss to her flushed forehead.

"Hermione, love," he whispered. "Do not cry."

"I'm so-sorry!" She clutched at his arms. "I just can't keep it together. I don't know why."

"It is fine," he reassured her. "You will be fine. We'll figure this out together."

Suddenly, an idea came to him, his eyes growing wide at the revelation. His eyes raked over Hermione, realizing that perhaps aside from the pent up emotion she may have other needs that were left unfulfilled. Wetting his lips, Loki felt the first stirrings of desire as he imagined just how he could solve this problem for Hermione. Sliding his hand up the column of her throat, he gently guided her face to his. Loki smirked with satisfaction as her crying tapered off, confusion clouding her tearful, brown eyes.

"What are you-?"

"Shhh," he told her, pausing so that his words ghosted over her lips. "I have been here with you for far too long without showing you how much you mean to me. Let me help you relax...come undone…forget about the horrors that we live with for a little while." He lowered his voice, knowing just how much she enjoyed it when he spoke to her just so. He felt her shiver, but not in fear or from the chill of the room. His smirk became almost predatory as she practically melted in his embrace. "Good girl."

He kissed her then, wasting no time as his tongue slid into her mouth to have a taste. He could live for four thousand more years and never have enough of Hermione. Her hands carded through his hair as he continued to kiss her, nipping at her soft lips while guiding her to lay back on the bed. She spread her legs willingly, allowing him to settle between her parted thighs. He wanted to relax her first before moving onto what he knew she truly needed. Under such duress as she was, Hermione needed to be dominated, and he would willingly oblige.

As difficult as it was, Loki controlled his body's wishes to strip her of her knickers and dive right into her core. He could smell her scent, her body awakening under his kiss, his touch. Large hands stroked down her arms, massaged swollen breasts, and then rested at her hips. Holding her down as he playfully pressed his hardness into the warmth between her legs, Loki moved his mouth to her ear. He made sure to leave heated kisses in his wake, enjoying the way she whimpered from the ordeal.

"I know what you need, you naughty girl," he hissed into her ear. She shivered again, her hips rolling up to meet his. Smirking into the crook of her neck, he scolded her. "Ah, ah, ah. Not yet. You have not earned my cock yet. You, my naughty little pet, have earned yourself a spanking."

Brown eyes flashed open to look at him with a mixture of nervousness and desire. "Loki, I-"

"Hush," he told her, placing one long finger over her parted lips. "You will address me in the proper terminology this night if you want your release. Now are you willing to play, or not?" He quirked one elegant eyebrow at her as he waited for a reply. If she didn't want to play, he'd probably still give in to her needs, his body wanting her just as badly. This was more fun, though, and he knew she'd missed being under his control, if only in this way.

Hermione stared up at Loki, her body humming with want, with need, so badly it was making her head spin. It had been far too long since she and Loki were together in this way and to be honest, she'd wanted their first coupling to be special. But wasn't this special too? He would care for her while they played this game just like always, being both demanding and respectful at the same time. He knew what she needed and she had to admit, she did need this. After everything she'd been through...she desperately needed to turn off her mind and let someone else be in control for a while.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded and gave her consent, "Yes, master. I'm willing to play." She watched as his emerald eyes flashed dangerously, his old self enjoying being addressed in this manner. It made her stomach clench in delicious anticipation.

"Very good, my pet," Loki murmured, one hand coming up to card through her hair. Curling his fingers lightly, he tugged gently as he pulled her upward. He gave her lips one quick kiss before pulling away. Letting go of Hermione, he rolled out from between her legs and resettled himself against the head of the bed.

Watching carefully, Hermione waited for further instruction, not wanting to do or say the wrong thing and ruin the atmosphere. She was good at that. When he was settled, Loki gestured at his lap, indicating that she should place herself there accordingly. Heart beating so loudly with anticipation that she just knew Loki could certainly hear it, she crawled over his legs and settled herself comfortably.

"You are well enough for this type of play, are you not?" Loki asked, suddenly unsure if she was truly healed enough from her pregnancy. He did not want to cause her any further injury.

Despite the situation, Hermione giggled at his antics. She threw a look over her shoulder that was full of love. Breaking character for just a brief moment, she lifted her hand and placed it gently on his chiseled cheek. "Loki, it has been more than enough time since the birth of Gwyneira. I am fully healed and besides, I heal differently now thanks to my bond with you."

Staring down at her with soft green eyes, Loki held her hand to his cheek for a moment longer before pulling it to his lips and kissing the palm. "I needed to be certain, love. You know I would never do anything to harm you intentionally."

"I know. Now," she said while giving him her most seductive look while wiggling her bottom. "Are you going to spank me, master, or am I going to have to punish you instead?"

She let out a shriek mixed with playful fear and excitement as he dropped her hand to grab hold of her hair. His eyes flashed dangerously and she couldn't help but moan wantonly as he gripped her behind with his other hand. Her words had the desired effect and now she was going to pay… Most deliciously.

"You watch that saucy mouth of yours, my pet, or I will make you suffer," he growled into her ear as he continued to tug at her curls. Releasing the grip he had at her bottom, he gave a one swift smack to the fabric covered surface in warning, earning him a yelp. He smirked, excitement coursing through his veins and making his cock throb. Oh how he had missed this.

"Yes, master," Hermione dutifully replied, hiding her smile in the blanket she was using to hold onto. Behind her, Loki had released his grip on her hair to turn down the tops on her knickers. One cold hand smoothed over her bottom while the other continued to slide her underclothing down her legs. She helped him by lifting her legs up so he could discard of them and then she was bare and waiting for her punishment.

"If at any time I lose myself, you know what to do," he reminded her softly as he continued to trace the curves of her arse.

"Yes, I do," she said quietly, knowing full well that there was a chance they both lost control. This would be the first time they'd been together since before the fall of Fenrir, and Loki had full control of his powers. No longer was he restricted by a magical cuff which meant his powers could surge forward in a moment of lost concentration on his part. Then again, she was just as likely to do something of the sort. Nevertheless, they would not deny themselves this just because of that. It had been far too long, and they needed this.

"Very well," he said, and it was the only warning she had before his hand lifted from her bottom and then returned in a hard smack. She gasped, the pain taking her breath away for a second, but pleasure quickly replaced it and her mind kicked into submissive mode.

Loki didn't know which sound was more beautiful; the resounding crack on her pert bottom or her sharp cry of both pain and pleasure. Either way, it spurred him onward and after a brief second where he massaged the spot where his hand had landed, he lifted it and prepared to go again. Again and again, and again he let his hand land upon her naked arse, turning the flesh from pink to smarting red. The color was exquisite just as her continued whimpers, cries, and gasps were like music to his ears.

"Mmmm," he hummed appreciatively as he paused to rub his hand over her bottom. The flesh was scalding hot to his touch, a mirror image of his handprint visible in spots. He smirked at his handiwork before gliding his fingers lower to trace between her thighs. "Oh, how wet you are for me, my pet. Are you close?"

"Yessss," Hermione hissed as his deft fingers slipped into her core. Her hands clenched the bedspread to keep from moving. She knew if she did that, he would remove his fingers and purposefully keep her on the verge of climax. "Master, please," she begged, her words gasping out of her as he continued to fuck her with his fingers.

"Please what, my pet?"

Oh so that's how it was going to be tonight, Hermione thought to herself as she felt that tightness in her lower abdomen beginning to grow and grow. As he added a third finger, she lost herself momentarily, her hips grinding down onto his hand. He began to withdraw, but she whimpered in frustration. "Please don't do that, master. Please make let me have my release."

"Just a moment more," Loki replied thoughtfully, as he returned his fingers to her core, moving more slowly this time. His other hand disappeared from the small of her back where it had been resting. One long finger trailed down her crack before he raised his hand and then brought it down forcefully upon her arse again. "I. Think. You. Need. A. Few. More. Lashes. First." After each word he brought his hand down, not stopping to massage the pain away.

It was exactly what she needed to send her barreling over the ledge she'd been teetering precariously upon, especially as he'd continued fucking her with his fingers. As the rush of her orgasm flowed through Hermione, she cried out, her vision going white as she came undone under his skilled hands. The orgasm seemed to go on and on, and Loki held her against his lap with one hand while he used his fingers to draw out every last bit for her. When at last she stilled, he removed his fingers and rolled her over so she could curl up in his lap.

Breathing heavily, she clutched at his chest and rested her head on his shoulder as the world resettled around her. Her body was still trembling and her bottom was delightfully sore, but she felt more relaxed than she had in a very long time. Kissing the base of his throat, she lifted her hand to cup his cheek. "I love you," she said breathily.

Loki merely chuckled, settling back into the headboard and holding her close. "I take it you feel better, my love?" The game over for the moment, he reverted to the other nickname he adored calling her since their reunion. "Are you sated?"

"For now…"

"Insatiable as always," he pointed out, brushing the curls from her damp forehead. Sighing, he frowned as she closed her eyes. There was still much to talk about, and now was the best time to do so. "Hermione?"

"Hmmm?" She didn't open her eyes, merely held him tighter.

"I realize that Theo may be holding a grudge because of your actions long ago, but I am still lost as to how Blaise plays into the entire ordeal. Perhaps you could further explain this to me before we go and fetch our daughter?" He hated to ask, but it needed to be discussed. Obviously, Blaise played a crucial role in the entire mess between her and Theo and without this knowledge, Loki would be unable to help guide Hermione through the loss of her friends.

"Well, that's where the story gets both interesting and complicated," Hermione said with a sigh as she snuggled as close to him as possible. Somehow she'd hoped to avoid talking about Blaise, but that didn't seem like it was going to happen.

"I'm sure I will be able to follow along," Loki teased, poking her lightly in the side. "Humor me and share the tale."

"Alright, but don't you go getting any ideas. Like I said before, I'm not that person anymore." She raised her eyebrows at him and he rolled his eyes in return.

"Very well. I promise not to get any ideas about whatever comes next in this story."

"Good." Hermione bit her lip, preparing herself to remember the happier times she shared with her former lovers. It really was a complicated mess. "Before things went south with Theo," she began deciding to keep most of the sordid details to herself, "Theo and I went to visit Blaise in Italy where he was banished to after the war. At first things were normal between the three of us, until one night Blaise and Theo propositioned me."

"What did they want?"

"What do you think? Two young wizards holed up in an Italian villa with a witch willing to experiment sexually." She was blushing now, finding it odd that after all this time she suddenly felt embarrassment over her sexual exploits from her younger years.

"You… You did not…" Loki trailed off, voice full of disbelief and a incredulous smirk on his face. It was hard to imagine his Hermione involved in such illustrious affairs."You?"

She swatted at him playfully, cheeks burning now. "Shut it, you. I told you I was different back then. I was lost and they made me feel like….I don't know. Special. I felt loved and special as silly as that may sound." She looked up at him. "Come on, Loki. Tell me that in your many years that you've never experimented with multiple people at once."

His lips curled into a smirk that spoke for itself and he chuckled darkly. Carding his hand through Hermione's disheveled curls, he replied, "I have done much in my time that would make your toes curl. Perhaps you would be interested in hearing more about my ventures sometime, hmmm?"

Hermione shivered with desire at his words, but pushed that aside. "See, I knew I was not alone in this. And maybe. We'll talk about it sometime."

Loki laughed and then so did she, breaking the seriousness in the air. More relaxed now, Loki shifted Hermione so that she was laying alongside him and he could stare down into her face. "There has to be more to the story, though, aside from that."

"There is… Eventually, Blaise was allowed back to the UK and he and I began dating. I think I loved him, actually, but I was still too blinded by my love for Draco. That ended up being the breaking point for him." She sighed, remembering all too well the day she came home to find Blaise's suitcases packed at the end of the bed. "He left, and I believe ran into Theo's waiting arms, but I'm still unclear on all of that. I was a bit lost at the time."

Loki traced his lips thoughtfully, processing the information she'd given him. "It is probably safe to say that perhaps Blaise still loved you in a way and Theo thinks that by him sacrificing himself to save your life, he was showing he loved you more?"

Talked out, Hermione collapsed backward into the pillows and blankets. Blowing the air out of her mouth in a puff that ruffled her curls, she sighed heavily. "Probably, and that makes me feel ten times worse. I never wanted any of this, you know?"

"I do," Loki intoned, running his hand over the soft skin of her naked thigh. He continued rubbing her thigh, hoping to soothe her troubles, at least for the moment, while he pondered on the situation.

"Blaise came to me when he found out about the prophecy. He was scared, terrified really," Hermione admitted. She refused to look at Loki, knowing she was keeping a certain prophecy from him, one that involved not only Hela and herself, but their daughter as well.

"I gathered as much."

"He'd remembered the prophecy and wrote it down for me. Ultimately, I destroyed it, but after that we began planning. He asked Theo to marry him so they'd get to spend as much time together as possible in case the worst happened." She paused, voice catching as her emotions began to get the best of her once more. "He-didn't want to die. He wasn't supposed to be there."

"What's done is done, Hermione," Loki told her, removing his hand from her leg and sitting up in the bed. "We cannot alter the past, but we can prepare ourselves for the future. Hela will not be easy to conquer. In fact, I am uncertain as to why she gave in so easily to begin with."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Fear was coursing its way through her veins, the thought of the Goddess of Death making her more frightened than ever before.

"Someone with motive would not simply walk away from a fight they knew they could easily win," he told her, running a hand through his long, dark locks. Hermione's head jerked so she could meet his gaze and already he knew what her next question would be.

"How would you-"

"How would I know?" he interrupted, voice raising ever so slightly. He laughed, but not in the way that made her relax. No this was a dark laughter, sinister almost. "Have you so easily forgotten who I am? Who I was? There was a time when I willingly allowed myself to be beaten to a bloody pulp so that I found myself back on Asgard and out of Thanos' hands."

"That was different," Hermione began, but again he stopped her.

"How so? I knew the real prize was Asgard's throne and that if I managed to get back there, I could get my hands on it if I played things right. It worked. The Chitauri were defeated by the blasted Avengers and I was whisked back to Asgard to atone for my sins. What I was really doing was biding my time. I had ulterior motives, and I believe Hela does too."

"I forget sometimes…" Hermione trailed off, not quite knowing how to put into words what she was thinking. Loki was complicated, and she so often forgot that. In essence, he was frightening to an extent. He was far more powerful than she was, even with her newly awakened powers. He was surprisingly strong and could wield a knife better than a five star chef. Swallowing, she met his emerald gaze.

"You forget what? That I was once the villain? The monster parents told their children about at night, as it were?" He hated bringing that up, but it was true. It was good for her to be reminded now and then where he came from in case he ever fell away from this benevolent new persona. He gestured between the two of them."You knew who I was going into this relationship."

"And I chose you anyway, Loki!" Hermione urged, sitting up and placing both hands on his chest. "I chose you anyway, despite all the horrible things I'd heard about you. It didn't matter that the Rime Diamonds bound us together, something about you drew me in and I fell in love regardless of all that."

"There is the Hermione that I fell in love with," Loki said reverently, his hands coming to wrap gently around her wrists. He could feel her fiery personality through the bond and it made his own heart soar. "I was wondering where she had gone." He gave her a smirk, the one he reserved just for her and watched as she returned the gesture.

"You have helped me in ways you'll never understand, Loki," she began softly. "I was so lost in my life, never knowing if I'd ever find true love again, and then there you were, posing as the Allfather." She laughed, her brown eyes sparkling.

Loki used one hand to tug her so that she was straddling his lap, enjoying her delighted look of shock as she settled against his hardness. He adored her fiestyness, and more importantly, how she never showed any signs of being afraid of him or his past. "I am not one to be overly sentimental or open to affection, having found it a weakness for so long. But you have changed me for the better. I would not be here with you now had you not seen the good in me that I no longer saw myself."

"Loki," she whispered, her fingers trailing up and down his naked chest. "You have far more good inside you than you give yourself credit for. When I'm with you, I feel like the old me. The one before losing a baby, Draco, and almost myself because I no longer felt I was someone able to be loved."

"Nonsense," Loki implored. "There is no way someone as brilliant, beautiful, and beloved as you could ever feel such a way." When she made to argue, he let go of her wrists and cupped her face in his hands as he sat up in the bed. He was glad that Hermione had the sense to use her knees to stay steady on his lap. "I understand that you struggle with depression and your issues from the war, but that does not mean your are unlovable. Never think such dark thoughts, especially with me as your mate. If I can be allowed to love, then you, my dear one, deserve all the love in the universe."

It was far more sentiment than Loki had ever expressed in his long life, even more so than when he was a child telling his mother that he loved her before being tucked into bed each night. That seemed like ages ago now, and his heart ached at missing Frigga and a time when he was more innocent than monster. It appeared that Hermione was moved to tears by his words, unable to speak. Instead, Loki watched as she bowed her head, a few stray tears dropping onto his chest.

"Do not cry, my love," Loki said gently, wiping away her tears. When she showed no sign of relenting, he pulled her to him and kissed her soundly. It was slow and passionate and entirely different than the kisses they shared earlier in the evening. She clung to him as if the world were ending, and perhaps it was, but for now they had this night. They had each other.

Slowly, and without breaking their kiss, he guided Hermione to lay back on the bed and once again moved between her legs. His tongue massaged hers as his hands slid down her stomach and then under the thin fabric of her camisole. Long fingers brushed the undersides of her breasts and she gasped into the kiss, so he did it again. Parting, reluctantly, from her lips, he began peppering kisses down her neck as he removed her shirt and discarded it off the side of the bed. Leaning backward, he stared down at her naked form below him.

"Beautiful," he murmured, enjoying the way her cheeks turned pink at the compliment. Wanting to join her, he quickly moved from the bed and removed his trousers. His heart beat quicker at the way Hermione stared longingly up at him. She too was a sight to behold, her body readily spread for him, her curls framing her head.

Rejoining her on the bed, he crawled up her body and captured her lips once more. Her hands rested on his shoulders, holding him to her as they tasted one another. Loki wanted her to feel just how much he loved her, and tonight he would show her with his body. Gone were the games and the titles of master and pet. Right now she was Hermione, his beloved, and he planned on making sure she knew that no matter what, she held his heart.

One hand swept down her body, his fingers ghosting over her damp folds before slipping inside. She was ready for him, their earlier play and this new passion easily preparing her for his entrance. Positioning himself, Loki slid inside her wet heat, causing them both to groan. Loki broke the kiss, panting into the crook of her neck as he filled her entirely. It had been far too long since he'd felt at peace, and he certainly did now. Joined with Hermione he felt home. He felt whole. He felt loved.

"Loki," Hermione breathed , raking her fingernails gently down his back. "Please, I need you to move. I want… I need…" She was incapable of saying much else, the feel of him inside of her more perfect than she remembered.

"Say no more, love," he whispered, placing a kiss against the soft skin behind her ear. Bracing himself on his elbows, Loki took her lips once again as he began to move, his hips moving backward only to surge forward once more. Hermione whimpered into the kiss, her own hips meeting his every thrust.

She clawed at his back, the desire pooling in her lower abdomen quickly as he made love to her. This time she was the one to part from his lips, despite wishing she could kiss him forever. Her body felt tingly, obviously their connection drawing Star Magic as they moved as one. They had no immediate use for the magic, but this time she would keep the power safe within her body for later use. Pushing aside thoughts of battle and powers, she tuned back into the feel of Loki as his cock slid in and out of her core.

"Oh, Loki," she practically sobbed, overcome with emotion as he moved her to new heights of pleasure. Never before had she felt so attuned to someone intimately. She clutched at his back, holding him tightly as he panted into her shoulder. She was nearing the end, and it appeared Loki felt the change in her body too for he began to move just a minuscule faster.

Not wanting to miss a moment of her undoing, Loki kissed up Hermione's throat and gave her one more searing kiss before holding himself aloft. He stared down into her eyes as she gazed up at him, face full of love. So much love, and all for him. Knowing she was close, he picked up his pace, his hips snapping against hers and making the most delicious of sounds. She wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him to move deeper.

"Yes," he rasped, holding back his own release. "Gods yes, Hermione." As he felt her walls begin to pulse, he adjusted his position to hold her hips as he knelt on the bed. The new angle was just what she needed, her orgasm taking hold and making her cry out his name over and over again. He continued pounding into her for just a second longer before allowing himself to join her. He felt the power of the Rime Diamonds pulling Star Magic into his core, but ignored the sensation to focus more on what was unfolding below him.

Together, they moved as one until, at long last, they were both spent. Slowly, Hermione lowered her legs from their position around Loki's waist to rest on the bed. Her thighs trembled still, her core reminding her of the passion they just shared. She slid her hands down his muscular arms until she could intertwine their fingers. Loki allowed her to do so, his emerald eyes almost appearing to glow in the semi darkness of the room. She suspected that had a bit to do with their connection and the magic they shared. As he relaxed back into a kneeling position, he slid from her body and she sighed in contentment.

"I have never shared such a moment with anyone as I have just shared with you," she whispered in the the quiet that settled between them. Her heart was full and she wanted nothing more than to be wrapped in Loki's arms forever and forget the horror that awaited them outside this room. More than ever, she wished they could just take Gwyneira and run far, far away.

"Shhhh," he told her, moving so he could settle beside her again on the bed. He pulled her into his arms and tugged the blanket up around them. He brushed her curls from her face and then placed a tender kiss upon her lips. She responded in kind, her body melting against his and warming his cold heart. "You have me eternally, Hermione. We will share many a moment such as this in our lifetime. I will do everything in my power to ensure that for you."

Sighing in what could only be described as relief, Hermione felt herself drifting off slowly. Despite her long rest earlier, she felt the weight of the day lifting off her soul. Suspecting Loki was sharing some of her sorrow through the bond, she allowed it this time. "Do you really mean that?" she mumbled against his chest, feeling sleep beginning to draw her in.

"Of course-"

Loki stopped mid-sentence, his head whipping up to stare at the doorway. He'd heard movement just beyond the open door and was immediately on guard. Hermione sensed his change in demeanor and was suddenly wide awake, first looking up at him and then in the direction he was. He felt fear grip her, the feeling so strong through their bond that he tasted it in the back of his throat.

"Who's there," Loki called, one hand protectively wrapping around Hermione as he used the other to call his dagger from the dresser. He didn't feel safe until he felt the hilt hit his palm. His fingers gripped it tightly, prepared to face whoever was lurking in the shadows.

As footsteps sounded in the hall, Hermione gripped Loki tightly, her wand somewhere in the living room. She was thankful he had his dagger at least as the intruder breached the doorway. Fear quickly evaporated, replaced with confusion as a familiar face stood in the doorway looking both embarrassed and uncomfortable at finding the two of them in such a manner.

"I'm sorry," Theo apologized as he stepped into the room, his hands held up in a gesture that showed he meant no harm. "I didn't mean to disturb the two of you." He met each of their stares in turn before dropping his gaze to the floor.

"Theo?" Hermione asked, unable to keep the astonishment from her voice. She sat up in the bed, making sure to hold the quilt to her naked chest. "What are you doing here?"

"I-I came to talk to you," he stammered, scratching at the back of his neck uncomfortably. "And to apologize for what I said…" He met her eyes then and shrugged. His voice was full of anguish, his eyes full of unshed tears. "It was uncalled for. I'm sorry."

"Theo…" Hermione trailed off, her heart breaking all over again for her friend and the loss she knew he was feeling. "I'm not mad at you. I could never be mad at you."

"But you're hurt and that's so much worse. No matter whatever happened between us, Blaise-he loved you too, and you him at one time. I shouldn't have said what I did. Can you forgive me?"

Hermione felt Loki's hand press against her lower back as if urging her to be careful. She knew Theo, though, and he wouldn't be here unless he didn't truly mean this apology. "I can," she answered honestly, her own voice catching as she tried not to cry. "I don't want to fight. With anyone," she added hastily, glancing at Loki, who was watching her with guarded eyes. "Can you give us a moment and then we'll meet you in the living room?"

"Oh! Of course, I'm sorry." he blushed and then turned and escaped the room, his footsteps carrying him down the hall.

Not wanting the wizard to overhear, Loki use their bond to communicate with Hermione as she crawled out from underneath the covers and began redressing. He wants something from you, he told her, moving from the bed and grabbing his trousers.

Pausing as she pulled on a pair of jeans, Hermione gave Loki a curious stare. What do you mean? She resumed dressing, now focused on Loki.

He wants to ask you something important, I am just unsure what. I suspect it has to do with Blaise. We should be wary of whatever awaits us. Fully dressed now, Loki waited by the door as Hermione pulled on a hooded jumper and swept her hair into a hair band.

Worried now, Hermione walked over to Loki and took his hand. Whatever he wants to talk about, I will make sure to keep an open mind and heart. I promise you that. I won't make any decisions without consulting you, okay? You're my partner in all of this… My soul mate.

He regarded her for a moment before nodding and tugging her into his chest. "Okay," he said aloud. "I will trust you with this one, even though I want to rip him limb from limb for distressing you as he did earlier this day."

"Thank you," she murmured, sliding up onto her tiptoes to kiss him briefly. She felt the tiniest bit of pressure as he returned it, but she knew he was concerned about what awaited them in the living room. "Come on." She tugged him from the room, only stopping once they stood staring at Theo's back.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?" Hermione asked Theo as she and Loki came into the living room. She waited patiently as Theo turned away from the fireplace, his eyes haunted as he stared at her from across the room. Her heart began to pound as he reached into his cloak pocket and she felt Loki tense beside her. Maybe he was here to harm her, after all. His broken heart too much to bear.

Instead of his wand or a weapon, Theo pulled something else entirely from his pocket. A trinket she'd not seen in a very long time. In fact, she'd thought them all to have been destroyed many years earlier, in an accident in the Department of Mysteries. She stumbled backward, suddenly thankful for Loki as he grabbed hold of her shoulders to steady her.

"Is that?"

"Yes."

"But...they were…"

"Not this one," Theo said boldly, glancing down at what he held in the palm of his hand. It glittered in the light from the fireplace, taunting her and making her stomach clench in fear. "I found it in my father's old belongings."

"What do you want, Theo?" She asked, her eyes falling shut as a sense of foreboding overtook her body. Behind her Loki was sending question after question through their bond, but she ignored them all. She needed to hear Theo say it aloud or she wouldn't believe it herself. Opening her eyes, she faced this challenge head on, her heart pounding so loudly she was unsure she'd be able to hear him speak at all.

"I need you to use it, Hermione," Theo whispered, holding it out to her now. "I need you to use this Time-Turner and bring Blaise back to me."

She felt her world tipping sideways even though she was standing still. A rushing sound filled her ears as possibility after possibility flew through her mind. Shaking her head numerous times, Hermione backed away from Theo and the Time-Turner. She ran into Loki, causing them both to stumble. He held her upright, his hands gripping her so hard she was sure there would be bruises on her shoulders tomorrow, if not later tonight. Quickly pulling herself together, Hermione vehemently slashed her hand at the blasted Time-Turner, knowing only bad things could come from this. However, it wasn't her who finally replied, but Loki instead.

"No." The Jotun pulled Hermione's upset form against his side, tucking her protectively under his arm. "I have no idea what that thing does, but I have a fairly good guess. You've upset Hermione for the last time today. Get out and take that thing with you." His voice was low, the unspoken threat dripping from every word.

Clearly not expecting this outcome to his proposition, Theo nodded his head and swallowed audibly. Tucking the Time-Turner away in his pocket, he quickly turned away and disappeared through the floo in a flash of green flames. Once he was gone, Loki turned Hermione in his arms and checked her over, examining her pale face and trembling form.

"Hermione?" He inquired, voice gentle but firm as her chest rose and fell rapidly. She met his eyes slowly, her brown orbs wide with an emotion he couldn't place. He had a sinking suspicion it was hope, but he shook that thought away.

"Loki…" She swallowed and then tried again, clutching at her chest as she spoke. "I have to-"

"No," he growled, barely refraining from shaking her forcibly. "You will do no such thing," he demanded before taking two fingers and placing them at the base of her jaw. "I'm sorry, but you leave me no other choice." He spared her a mere second of confused shock before using his newly awakened powers. Loki forced Hermione into a deep sleep, his magic surging forth and into her body to knock her unconscious. He caught her before she could hit the ground, her body hanging limply in his arms.

Breathing heavily himself as fury raged through his veins, Loki turned and stalked back toward the bedroom where he carefully deposited Hermione back on the bed. Staring down at her seemingly lifeless form, he tried to collect himself before he lost control of his emotions, and in essence, his magic. He knew she would be furious upon waking and did not anticipate that moment, but for now, Loki tore at his hair in frustration before dropping to his knees.

This was going to end badly. He could see it now. There was no way Hermione would be able to avoid the temptation of Theo's supposed proposition. The only question now was, who would suffer in the end? Hermione or someone else entirely. Only time would tell.