Bitten

Rescue

Loki and Clint located the tracker on Natasha's suit. It had been ripped from her. Thor must have told Victoria about it. Next to the torn uniform they found Natasha's stingers. Loki screamed in agony.

We know where she is, son. Came a voice in Loki's head.

Father? Loki answered telepathically.

Return to your friends. Once prepared Heimdall will transport you. He has already provided the location to your Tony Stark.

Thank you, Father. "Clint pull close to me. Heimdall has located them. We must return to Stark in Avenger Tower."

Loki grabbed Clint's arm to keep him from falling once they returned.

"Thanks Loki. I will never get used to that." The archer staggered over to a seat.

"Where is she Stark?" Loki walked with determination over to Tony, whose face was twisted in concentration.

"They are not on Midgard." Said Heimdall.

"What do you mean?"

"Seems as though that brother of yours has found a way to leave this realm without the bifrost." Heimdall answered.

"How can that be?" Questioned Clint.

"Looks like we underestimated Thor." Answered Steve. "He stole the Tesseract."

Loki's eyes grew wide. "I thought it was destroyed."

Tony and Bruce exchanged looks.

"Midgardians! Why do you do this?" Loki paced in frustration, running his fingers through his long raven hair.

"We just wanted to understand how it worked, Loki. We thought we had it secure." Bruce answered timidly.

Loki continued to pace. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. He looked at his friends. They had meant no harm. Right now, he needed them to return his beloved and return his brother to his right mind.

"We will address this later. I ask again, where has this vile creature manipulated my brother to take my love?"

Before anyone could answer, Loki raised a finger. "Where are our 'guests'?"

"The Council and the Count sleep in guest quarters." Answered Bucky. "They're itching for a little payback and don't worry, they do not hold Thor responsible."

"They have already passed judgement on both." Said Tony.

"Both?" Clint walked over slowly, regaining their footing.

"Both Jessica Rabbit and Queen of the Night Katherine." Answered Tony.

"And the sentence?" Loki cocked an eyebrow.

"Death." Answered Dracula. His eyes were hooded but could not hide the rage he felt for Loki.

"You should be resting, Count." Said Bruce sensing the tension in the room.

"I intend to go with you."

Loki balled his fists. "Don't you think you should attend to your daughter?" He growled.

"So now you care for her?" Dracula's eyes began to glow.

"No, Count, I despise her. Her jealousy has put many at risk."

"Do you see yourself as innocent in this?" Dracula moved at lightening speed until he stood toe to toe with Loki, his fangs bared.

"No." Loki took a deep breath. "I do not. I make no excuse for my behavior, however, even you see Katherine went too far. I am sorry for your loss. Let us hope we are not too late to stop others."