Mischief and Magic

Chapter 26

Stark's eyes widened. "She's working with Hydra?" That would explain why Hydra wanted Morgan. It would explain all of this. Except why Morgan's mother wanted her back after all these years. She'd literally dumped Morgan on his doorstep. Now she suddenly wanted his daughter back. Needless to say, that wasn't going to happen. "Mor? You okay, kid?" he asked, his concern for his daughter outweighing everything else.

Loki nodded. "Yes. And she wants Morgan back because she has her first tail."

"You said she's divine-level. Can she get through your wards on the tower?" Stark knew Loki had protected the place. That didn't mean he wouldn't double-check that the wards were still in place.

"She may be divinity-level, but she's no goddess," Loki replied. "Lady Morgan is uninjured, but she is terrified."

Stark nodded and brushed Morgan's hair back from her face. "You're safe now, kiddo," he reassured her. He'd noted she hadn't answered him. He didn't blame her. She was in shock. He could see for himself that she wasn't ok.

Loki held her close. "They got in through the girls' locker room," his voice was a growl. She was supposed to be safe there and it had been luck that he had been there to protect her.

Stark frowned. "The school was supposed to up their security."

Loki nodded. "Clearly they did not do enough."

"Clearly," Tony said dryly. "Why don't you rest, Mor? I'll call the school and have some words with them." None of those words would be kind. Tony didn't often use his clout in such a way, but he would now. He'd do anything to keep his daughter safe.

Loki tightened his embrace around Morgan, cuddling her close so she would feel safe. "She's safe with me," he reassured Stark.

Stark nodded. "I know." That was a big step for him - to trust Loki. It hadn't been all that long ago that Loki had thrown Stark out the window.

Loki carried Morgan up to her room and used magic to change her into something more comfortable before gently tucking her into bed. She needed the warmth and safety of her own den before she would come out of her shock. She clung to him. She was used to danger, but without her arc reactor, she felt unarmed and helpless. Loki looked at her, not moving away when she clung to him so desperately. "Do you want me to stay with you?" he asked her gently, his voice soft, like he would use with a scared animal.

"Please?" she asked softly.

Loki nodded and lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms.

Morgan held onto him tightly. "I don't like this feeling," she admitted softly as she hid in his arms.

Loki kissed her hair. "I know. But I have an idea."

"An idea?" she asked curiously.

"Could you repurpose your old arc reactor into a bracelet or a gauntlet?"

"I was working on it before it died." She was brilliant and Loki wasn't surprised.

"Then you could use it as a weapon or a way to summon a suit like your father does."

"Don't you make fun of Dad's suits?" she asked, not wanting Loki to mock her too. She cared too much about Loki's opinion of her and his respect.

Loki chuckled. "Usually. But only because I enjoy teasing him. I don't actually mean anything by it. And I would never tease you like that," he wouldn't risk hurting her feelings.

"You won't think poorly of me?" she asked softly.

Loki shook his head. "Not at all."

Morgan nodded. "I'll work on it after a nap." She needed to rest and calm down first.

Loki tucked her blanket around her. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised. He was there and would guard her.

"Thank you," she whispered. She was coming down with a severe case of feelings for Loki. And more, she was finally starting to admit it to herself.

Loki kissed her hair. "Rest, little one."

Morgan purred softly, snuggling into his arms. It took her a while to relax, but Loki hummed softly, helping her drift into sleep. Eventually, her ears drooped, and she dozed off.

She was adorable when she slept, purring softly. She trusted Loki completely, something few people did. Even Thor didn't trust him that much. Loki treasured that trust. The kit nestled closer, using him as a pillow. Loki didn't mind, she was endearing when she did that.

*

A couple of hours later, she stirred, looking groggy but much calmer. Loki smiled down at her. "Hello, darling."

She gave him a warm smile. "Hey, Lokes."

Loki nuzzled her gently. "How are you feeling?"

She nuzzled him back with a soft purr. "Better." A little quiet and rest had done her good.

Loki purred as well. "I'm glad. Your intuition was spot on."

She nodded. "It was..." She didn't quite understand how, as she usually didn't have feelings like that.

Loki kissed her hair. "I won't let them get you."

"I know," she said warmly, her trust in Loki absolute. "I should get down to the lab," she said, rubbing her eyes. She would feel better when she was armed and armored.

Loki nodded. "Would you like me to go with you?"

She nodded. "Please." The idea of being alone while someone that powerful was after her made her uneasy.

Loki stood and offered his arm for her to cling to if she needed it. He was gentle and reassuring as he escorted her around the Tower, ensuring she felt safe. He had protected his share of noblewomen before, protecting one kit he cared for was child's play in comparison.

They reached her lab, where she resumed working on her weapons and armor.

Loki gave her some Asgardian gadgets to play with and de-stress, including a tiny model of a soulforge he had built. "It's too small to scan anything but your finger," he said apologetically, "but it works."

Morgan's eyes lit up, and her tail swished excitedly as she examined the gadget. Her father soon joined them, helping her finish her new arc reactor and armor. It was made of nanotech, just like his own suit.

Loki stepped back, letting them work. They made an adorable duo, and it was obvious how much Stark loved his daughter. And how brilliant the pair were. Morgan had definitely inherited good genes from Tony in that department.

Tony smirked at Loki. "You can take a couple of shots at Reindeer Games to test these out," he teased once the project was complete. Morgan now had gauntlets, chest armor, and armored boots. It was a good start to an emergency set. Enough armor to protect her vitals, a way to escape, and an emergency weapon.

Loki chuckled. "I don't know if that's a good idea, but you look amazing, Lady Morgan."

Morgan giggled. "You know I'm not going to attack Lokes," she told her father. He should know better. "Besides, Nat's dragging me to a training session later." She tapped the arc reactor on her chest, and her armor vanished into it. With weapons, armor, and an arc reactor again, even if it wasn't keeping her alive, she felt much more confident.

Loki smiled. "Very impressive, milady."

Morgan grinned and hugged him. "Thanks, Lokes." Loki returned the hug carefully, mindful of Stark's presence. He had no intention of getting on Tony's bad side. Morgan released him and beamed. She felt much better.

Loki smiled down at her. "You look much more confident with your weapons."

"I don't like not being able to defend myself."

"No one does. I'm proud of you for using your creativity to overcome obstacles."

Morgan's tail swished happily at his praise.

Loki meant every word. He never said things he didn't mean—not to those he cared for. That kind of deception was reserved for court life.