Chapter 25 –
The floor trembled beneath him as he landed on his back flat against the cold surface. He glanced to his left and the realization came to him that he had narrowly missed the ornate serving table by mere centimeters. Perhaps, this had not been such a good idea?
"Conceding so soon?" his opponent jested as he lied still against the marbled tile. "It seems marriage has made you soft."
Loki's eyes narrowed as he rose up from the floor, taking in a deep breath as he contemplated his next move. "I beg to differ," he replied icily. It was time for him to go on the offensive but before he could complete his thought he felt the rush of wind as the steel tip of a hard black boot thrust toward his face. He countered quickly knocking aside the strike and going for the other leg in one sweep. He watched the sleek black form flip backwards through the air before landing smoothly like a cat a few feet away.
"You're holding back," the voice came at him without emotion. It was said not as a question but as a simple statement of fact. He rushed forward again propelling his arm outward as if to strike while he watched his target advance for a counter assault. He quickly cast his spell. The powerful side kick met nothing but air as he evaporated on contact. In less than a heartbeat he rematerialized behind his attacker as he closed his hand snuggly around the slender alabaster neck.
"That's cheating," she admonished as she stood frozen in his grip.
"Of course," he whispered seductively against her ear, "the god of mischief remember?"
"How could I forget?" she sighed breathlessly as she glided her hand against the inside of his thigh. He closed his eyes and gasped at the feel of her touch through his leather garment. That split second was all she needed as she elbowed him forcibly in the gut before grabbing his arm and flipping him back to the floor. Natasha stood above him triumphantly as she placed her black boot lightly against his chest.
"Eh heh heh heh, talk about cheating!" he chuckled as he tried to catch his breath.
"You're on the floor yet again?" she baited as she put a slight bit of pressure on the heel that rested against his breast," I'm beginning to think you like it down there."
"I can't deny that I love the view," he divulged as he gazed up at her. Her black uniform was like melted onyx that had conformed itself to her every curve. He moved his hand hesitantly to skim a single slender finger against her calf. Natasha's sapphire eyes tightened at his movement as she exhorted more weight on her foot. The burden did not deter Loki as he continued playfully inching up higher. Although in his current position his hold could not surpass her knee. He took note of the stance of her other leg as his eyes roamed her body appreciatively. Her demeanor was cold, all-business as she towered over him. No doubt she was waiting for him to accept defeat. He let his fingers dip slowly back down her leg before letting go completely.
"I suppose I should concede," he said casually before he flipped his body abruptly twirling sideways as he knocked her off balance. She rolled quickly to her feet rising slowly like a lithe panther stalking him with her blue eyes. "That you were a tad too confident in your hold on me," he jested as he observed her closely waiting for the perfect moment to make his move.
He couldn't contain his smile as he took in the sight of her. So strong and resilient with a brilliant intellect to match her physical prowess and she was as manipulative as he only she used her cunning to extricate the truth not to sow seeds of mischief. She was everything that he could have ever wanted in a mate and so much more. If it had been another woman who had bested him twice his ego would have been bruised but as it was he took great pride in her abilities. Their daughter would be a force to be reckoned with when she grew up for she would be instilled with the best from them both.
Natasha's expression was all concentration. Placing her feet attentively, never taking her eyes off his face. She began to inch toward him slowly. He swung toward her but she deflected it with a sharp blow that half numbed his wrist. She came at him in a fury as if she were the larger and more muscular of the two of them. She exuded confidence, seemingly certain that she would overwhelm him. The truth was that he seemed to be stuck in a defensive pattern as he warded off her punches and kicks until finally he saw an opening. He knocked her to the ground but she simply slid across the floor before swirling back into a standing position. Her lips curved in a smile and her gorgeous blue eyes glowed in satisfaction. He really wasn't sure how she stayed on her feet so easily perhaps she really was part feline he jested to himself as he watched her move in once more. Loki slid to his right as he hooked Natasha's left leg with his own, trying once more to bring her to the ground. He knew the rhythm of her movements. She would be up in a heartbeat and moving to her right only this time Loki was faster than she and he caught her from behind as he knocked her down once more. He pinned her in place holding both her wrists with one large hand over her head as he kneeled over her body. Loki smiled down at her like a wolf that had just made its first kill, devious and smugly satisfied.
"That's two to one," she said coldly," I'm still winning."
He howled with laughter as he loomed over her." Eh heh heh heh, so be it, my little spider." Then his lips were on hers, his kiss fervent as he released his hold on her wrists to make better use of his hands. He laid his body against hers keeping the bulk of his weight on his arms as he ravished her with kisses. She wrapped her arms around him, her fingers burrowing into his hair as she came alive, gone was the emotionless façade of a shield agent. He could feel the fire burning within her as she trembled under his touch. He whispered against her mouth, and his lips burned a fiery trail across her cheeks, to her throat, against her earlobe, then back to her mouth again. She arched against him using the weight of her body to flip their positions so that she was on top. His arms went around her instantly; his hands travelled the length of her body relishing the feel of her as she moved against him. She pulled away from him slightly, her red curls falling haphazardly around her face as she gazed at him. Her lips were so close to touching his it was sweet torture waiting for her to speak.
"Use your magic," she ordered him, her voice like velvet. He could feel her hand tug at the belt of his leather pants as she continued," I'm feeling too impatient to unwrap my prize." Her tongue teased his lips, and then delved between them. The sensation was so tantalizing that he almost couldn't remember how to cast his spell. Then their clothes melted away and her hands moved across his bare flesh as he stared up at her. The way she looked at him, so completely absorbed in his body, hungry and aggressive as her hands moved lower he became undone, helpless at her touch. He dropped his head back, moaning in pleasure, hardening under her. Then he buried his face against her breasts taking one into his mouth, his lips and teeth swirling languidly upon one pebbled, rosy peak. The sensation was shattering, the taste of her enthralling. She gasped, clinging to him, her body yielding magically in his arms as he moved his hands upon her naked hips and between her thighs. She cried out his name as she closed her eyes, shuddering and breathing deeply against his neck as his touch became bolder and more intimate. She bit her lip and moaned as he entered her. She was straddling him, riding him, her legs against his thighs, driving him harder into her. Their bodies became one evoking need and searing heat and molten pleasure as they devoured each other reaching the peak of ecstasy. They stayed there unmoving covered in the fine sheen of their own sweat.
Loki breathed in the scent of her as he held her closely. No woman had ever smelled so sweet; no skin had ever felt so much like pure silk. Not for the first time he contemplated the amazement that he had found such a splendid creature and the even more incredible fact that she loved him.
"You feel so good," she murmured as she rested her head against his chest," sometimes I think I must be dreaming."
"If not for Rowan in the other room," he mused," I would be quite content to never move from this spot." He felt her body shake as she giggled against him and he grinned widely as his fingers played with the long red curls falling down her back. It thrilled him that he could make her so happy.
"Has it ever been this way for you with other women?" she asked suddenly. He was taken aback at her question at first. In all of the long talks they had shared during their time together that was one subject that had never been broached.
"I have enjoyed the physical pleasures of many maidens," he answered truthfully," but I've only ever made love to one. So my answer is no. It has never been this way for me before and now that I have you I shall never touch another." He felt her feathering light kisses against his chest before she raised her head, her bright blue eyes staring at him intently.
A knock on the outer room door interrupted the moment as Loki exhaled angrily. "I'm going to put an enchantment on that door," he threatened as he reluctantly parted from her," and the next one to disturb us will find themselves in the outer realms of a black hole."
"Loki," she chuckled as she raised herself from the floor their clothes returning immediately as she watched him strut toward the sitting room," such devious thoughts, I'm shocked."
He opened the door to reveal Thor standing on the other side a concerned look upon his face.
"Here to ensure that we leave Asgard as I promised?" Loki challenged," I assure you we will be gone before the evening."
"I've already told you Loki," Thor exasperated," this is your home. There is no reason for you to leave."
"What do you want?" he asked frigidly, purposefully ignoring his brother's statement.
"You were right about Malekith," Thor said solemnly as he entered the room more fully. Loki immediately cast a ward to hide their words from Heimdell. He had wondered when his brother would approach him concerning what had occurred in Svartalheim. Of course, he had to continue the pretense that he was unaware of what had transpired. It wouldn't do for Thor to know that he had been there.
"What happened?" he asked feigning ignorance.
"He brought up the weapons vault and what it contains," Thor advised," he requested access to the reality gem for a small spell supposedly to help his people."
"Ridiculous," Loki spat," At least it is out in the open I expected something more underhanded. I'm sure the All-Father put him in his place."
"He told him he would give the matter some thought," Thor sighed.
"What?" the young prince remarked as he secretly smiled to himself," That makes no sense. That is not like him at all."
"I know," Thor admitted," I tried to reason with him but it was no use. Good day, Lady Natasha," he added as she entered the room holding Rowan in her arms before taking a seat in one of the large chairs against the wall. He turned back to Loki as he continued," That is why I want you to come to the great hall with me. He will be here shortly to receive our Father's final answer."
"What purpose could I serve?" Loki inquired," You can't think that he would ever give it to him? And even if he did what could I do to stop it?" He felt his wife's gaze fall upon him and he wondered if she suspected that he had worked any mischief in the dark elves' realm. Perhaps, it had been unwise to admit to her that he had spirited himself there but he had felt certain at that moment that she would have known if he had lied. The bond between them could be a hindrance at times.
"Malekith is a sorcerer," Thor explained," you could sense if he is attempting to use any magic to alter our Father's decisions."
"So could Heimdell," Loki answered curtly as he stared intently at his brother.
"Heimdell's powers have been manipulated once already," Thor disclosed," if Malekith was responsible."
"I thought you were certain I was the one?" Loki interrupted," Perhaps, you should get Amora to help you? I'm sure she would be more than willing."
"This is not a time for your jokes, Loki," Thor intoned warily," Will you come or not?"
Loki nodded in acquiescence to his brother's request as his eyes fell upon his wife. He hated to leave her alone. He was certain the archer would come running the moment that his feet passed through the doorway. It was not that he didn't trust her but he hated the idea of Barton being near her as silly as it was.
"Come, my darling," he said finally," there is always a grand audience when the All-Father speaks. It is quite the spectacle."
As they maneuvered down the hall behind Thor, Natasha leaned closer to him and whispered for his ears alone," Don't do anything you might regret." He turned toward her sharply as she continued to glide next to him cradling their daughter in her arms. She needn't worry he thought to himself he was certain that he would regret nothing that transpired here today. He motioned for her to sit in one of the many chairs that lined the side of the hall as he remained standing next to her. He had been sure to enter in full armor, the golden horns of his helmet reflecting off the sunlight pouring through the expansive windows that framed the room. He watched eagerly as Thor made his way up to the dais to where the All-Father sat upon his throne. More than likely he was attempting to explain why he had brought Loki to this meeting. He had not spoken to Odin since their argument that first night that he arrived in Asgard.
"So this is the mortal that stole the great trickster's heart?" a voice he barely recognized pulling him from his thoughts as he turned to meet it," and your child?" the woman continued as she tossed her long blond hair back over her shoulders," how precious."
"I'm surprised the All-Father has yet to banish you," he snapped as he eyed her evilly. She was up to something or she would never have come near him.
"I suppose that is an honor he reserves for his children alone," she replied with a sly smile," which explains why you are still here as well."
"Be gone, Amora," he ordered," I have long since tired of your drabble and I needn't expose my family to such pain inducing boredom."
"I find you anything but boring. You've grown stronger since you last left Asgard. The magic is flying off you in waves," she said seductively touching her hand to his arm.
"Go find some other way to Thor's bed," he said dryly as he brushed her fingers from him as one would an insect," I can not help you."
"Why do you try so hard to get rid of me? Afraid I might tell your little pet more about you than you want her to know?" she laughed gaily as she placed a hand against her chest as if to emphasize her low cut top emblazoned in a bright metallic green.
"My name is Natasha," his wife said simply as she watched her daughter grab gingerly at her fingers not even bothering to raise her head towards the woman before her. "And there is nothing you could tell me that I would find the least bit shocking. So if that is your reason for being here you might as well listen to my husband and be gone."
"You've trained her well," the Enchantress baited as she eyed her carefully," I'm afraid you are in for a rude awakening. I know Loki, in every sense of the word to be precise and I guarantee there are things that I could tell you that would send you fleeing from him. Perhaps, straight to the awaiting arms of that little archer? He is one of your kind is he not?"
"Eh heh heh heh," he laughed mirthlessly, a wicked smile playing against his lips," You've done your homework, Amora. You wish to bait me, but to what end? Unfortunately for you Natasha does know me. For instance, the fact that I would have no qualm in snapping your neck," In an instant before the final word had left his lips he had the Enchantress by the throat with one hand, her feet inches from the floor as she grabbed frantically at his fingers while she struggled for air." For nothing more than alluding to the idea that you would attempt to take her from me."
"Loki, release her," Odin bellowed from the dais as Loki continued to stare into her eyes before tossing her with one swift motion.
Amora stood up quickly raising her hands as if to conjure up some retaliation but stopped at the sound of Loki's voice.
"Go ahead," he taunted," I've long since surpassed you in power. It would be my pleasure to show you how much."
"Enough, both of you," Odin raged," The Great Hall is not the place for these petty squabbles." He turned toward the soldiers at the great doors as he continued" Guards, show in our honored guest."
"I'm sorry,my darling," Loki whispered hesitantly as he turned to look down at his wife still seated at his side," I hope I didn't frighten you. I should not have behaved that way. I let my anger get the better of me."
"Don't worry," Natasha stated, a slight smile beginning to form on her lips," If I had not been holding our daughter I would have done it myself." His smile broadened as he turned his attentions to the entrance way. He wondered what game the Enchantress was playing. Could she be working with Thanos? He needed to keep a careful watch on her. It wasn't wise of her to show her intentions so boldly; she must have had a reason for doing so. It was obvious she wanted to cause a scene but why? He wished he had better control of his rage but just the thought of Barton made his blood boil over. As if on cue the archer entered the great hall and Loki watched him meticulously as he found a spot on the far wall to sit. It was a seat directly across from Natasha he noticed and it irked him.
"What was that all about, brother?" Thor questioned as he came to stand on his right side.
"All of the pathetic mortals running around that miserable world you are so fond of and you had to bring him along with you?" Loki seethed as he turned to the thunder god completely ignoring his brother's inquiry while he asked his own," Why is that?"
It was then that the guards returned announcing his entrance. "Asgard welcomes Lord Malekith, Ruler of Svartalheim, Eternal Emperor of the Dark Elves," the guard's voice echoed through the chamber.
Loki relaxed instantly as he watched the procession. The plans that he had so long labored over were finally coming to fruition albeit not exactly as he had originally intended. He would not let anyone get in his way. He was too close to victory.