Chapter 9 ~ Payback, Depletion, and Odin, Oh My!

~Loki~

The feel of her tongue was driving me crazy, my mischievous side beginning to take over. The mock innocence of her face and voice tipped the scales a bit further. Two can play this game I thought wickedly. I moved the tray of food on my lap back onto the bedside table, gently tugged her so she was lying down once more, and moved myself so I was hovering above her. I was careful not to put any weight on her, but just my presence on top of her was enough for her breath to hitch. I slowly leaned closer and closer to her until my lips were just barely brushing hers.

"Are you messing with me?" I asked again, her lips moved with mine.

Her eyes closed and I felt her slow exhale before seeing them open again. When they opened again they were once again a dark emerald green and I loved it.

"Yes," she breathed.

"That's what I thought," I smirked and ran a soft hand from her neck, down her side, nearly grazing her breast with my thumb. When my had reached her thigh Jinx's ragged breathing stopped all together, so I slowly brought my hand around to run against the inside of her leg the rest of way down to her ankle. Then I moved so I was once again beside her on the bed.

I heard her breathing whoosh back into action and smiled softly. I then pulled the tray of food back onto my lap and innocently asked, "More food?"

"What?" She sounded adorably confused.

My smile grew, "Did you want more food? Or are you full?"

Her face hardened slightly when she replied, "Well I would love more, but I seem to have found my way into a lying position again and I would prefer not eat whilst on my back."

I put my hands under her arms and pulled her back upright to settle against the pillows once more. "Bread, cheese, or fruit?"

"I don't really care, whatever is fine."

Her voice was weary; she was getting tired again, I could tell, so I decided not to tease her any more. She really did seem to enjoy the orange berries so I decided to keep giving her those. She ate them slowly, it seemed she was fading fast.

Then suddenly I could tell something wasn't right, I felt the last of my magic slip from me and felt the severe pain shoot through her. Her eyes shot open and her mouth formed a thin line. It looked like she was biting her inner cheek to keep from screaming.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," I emphatically apologized, "my magic has drained from the prolonged use of it to keep you from hurting."

There were tears in her eyes, but she had yet to let them fall. She shook her head, then in a voice that was almost inaudible she tried to comfort me, "No, not your fault," her voice was choked.

"I must leave to regain my magic, but I could get one of the healers to put under a sleeping spell until I am able to help with the pain again." I felt so bad, I wanted so much to stay with her, but I knew I would regain my magic quicker out amongst nature.

Jinx was very pale and sweat was breaking out on her forehead. She gave a small nod, "Okay," the word was a whimper.

I quickly left the room to go find a healer that could perform the sleeping spell. If I hadn't been so distracted by the very presence of Jinx I could have performed the spell myself before the last of my magic left me. Now I couldn't even transport myself, my magic was well and truly gone. I ran into my father before I found a healer. I knew he could perform the spell easily and I was in a panic, I could feel the pain in Jinx increase by the second.

"Father, will you please come perform a sleeping spell on Jinx, my magic is gone and she is in severe pain." By the end of my plea my jaw had clenched against the pain I was feeling from Jinx. I could hardly take the pain and it was only a fraction of what Jinx was feeling.

Odin watched me for a few moments, I'm sure my face was showing my pain, before responding with a simple, "Of course my son."

I sighed in relief, "Thank you," I left for the gardens as soon as Odin started on his way to Jinx's room.

~Jinx~

As soon as I knew Loki was out of hearing distance I began whimpering. After a few minutes of that it was no longer enough and I began to scream. I didn't want to alarm anyone so I turned my head into the pillows to muffle the sound.

I was breathing in short shallow gasps when I heard the door open. I grit my teeth against any unwanted noise as I turned to see who had entered the room. A large imposing man with long white hair and beard and a golden eye-patch covering one eye stood at the end of the bed.

"Hello, you must be Jinx," his voice was soft, but strong.

I nodded slightly not trusting myself to relax my jaw and not emit another scream.

The man continued, "I am Odin, Allfather, King of Asgard," my eyes widened slightly, but he just kept talking, "Loki asked me to perform a spell to put you to sleep until he can return and assuage your pain again. Are you in a lot of pain?"

I nodded again; it was all I was able to do.

"Alright," Odin soothed and walked to my side to settle me back into a supine position, "just relax, my dear, and you will be asleep before you know it."

I watched as he waved a hand above me, a golden light emitting from his hand. That was the last thing I knew before my pain subsided and I drifted into a heavy slumber.

~Third-Person POV~

As soon as Odin heard Jinx's breathing slow and deepen he took his first good look at the young woman. She was pretty, slight and pixie-like. He could clearly sense the connection between her and Loki. It was clear that Loki had been feeling her pain when he had been talking with Odin earlier and Odin was fascinated. He had only once before seen a connection like that of Jinx and Loki's. He was curious if she could temper the mischievousness of Loki, though if anyone could it would probably be her. He could sense her strength and had clearly seen it while he was speaking with her. She hadn't made one noise of pain, she simply grit her teeth and bore it. Yes, she was very strong indeed.