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Alphas were the prime example of everything it was to be Aesir. They were strong, ruthless, born leaders and capable of being the greatest warriors known to the Nine.
However, there was no shame attached to being a beta. Alphas needed warriors they could trust to follow and support them – to marry them, even. Every man needed a loyal and brave beta wife – and a beta male could always be seen as respectable should he take a beta wife as his own.
However, there was always a disgrace to be found in being an omega – a male one even more so.
Omegas were Elven by nature, Vanir, perhaps. Rarely were they Asgardian and if they were, they certainly were expected to be women. An omega's place was in the home, tending to the cooking and cleaning. They had no place on a battlefield. They were too emotional, too weak. An omega was little more than a pretty trophy – a spouse for a man who did not want someone who would speak out of turn. It was an Aesir to be pitied.
When Anthony presented as omega at seven. His mother paled and his father threw a fit. He blamed Maria for her elven heritage. He threw over a table and grabbed Anthony by the arm, almost hoisting him off the floor.
“No son of mine will be an omega,” Howard had growled.
He’d dragged Anthony to Vanaheim on his next business trip after secluding Anthony in the house for days. He paid a Vanir a large amount of gold to keep his mouth shut and produce something that would hide Anthony’s true designation. The answer came in small pills manufactured by a healer. They were illegal and had a variety of potential side effects, but he made Anthony take them regardless. Every day – for centuries.
By the time Anthony was old enough to have his own forge and throw the pills away. He was also old enough to understand the prejudices of the Aesir. His parents had never spoken of his designation. They didn’t even do it in private. He was a beta to anyone who asked and if he ever breathed otherwise, he would be disowned.
Anthony grew up confused and fearful of anyone finding out that he wasn’t what he pretended to be.
When he was older and had excelled in his craft as a weaponsmith, he'd travelled to Vanaheim to apprentice. He had also visited Alfheim. He'd been curious about their different ways – their open and influential omegas - and so he had investigated. He'd learned omegas could be more than what the Aesir believed. He'd learned not to be ashamed of who he was.
But, he had still returned to Asgard, unable to stay on the other realms forever.
Anthony had learned not to care that he was omega but he'd still known he could never reveal what he was. He’d seen how the few omegas on Asgard were treated both before and after an alpha had claimed them. Anthony never wanted that fate. He'd kept taking the tablets – but he had altered them while on Vanaheim, not wanting any of the symptoms from his childhood. He still swore they were the cause of his unusually short stature for an Aesir.
It wasn’t the only precaution he took. Anthony never took alpha lovers; he couldn’t take the risk they’d work out what was under his beta scent. It became an odd peculiarity of his - just like his refusal to let an alpha intimidate or control him from designation alone. Many alphas found it insulting, but a few were impressed and joked he was so headstrong he’d gained the wrong designation.
He knew no one would be laughing if they discovered he was an omega.
It was that same headstrong nature that found him catching an unexpected person’s attention; Prince Loki’s.
He had never meant to catch the prince’s attention. He’d been at the training grounds, practicing with one of his new weapons. He’d wanted to test its balance and durability (he’d also long discovered that showing off his wares had a far higher chance of them being sold) when an alpha had attempted to intimidate him into giving up his weapon so they could try it.
They didn’t ask. They didn’t offer. They demanded.
Anthony had immediately bristled and told the man, if he wanted it, he’d have to beat it from him. The alpha had been arrogant and demeaning. He hadn't expected a weaponsmith beta could beat him. But Anthony had. Viciously and unquestionably. A few of his regulars had laughed and teased the alpha for underestimating Anthony. The alpha had grumbled under his breath but Anthony had only rolled his eyes and turned to leave the training fields. He’d caught curious and amused green eyes and frozen.
His stomach had swooped and something instinctual had rushed down his spine in a shiver he’d had to work hard to supress. Alphas had never had that effect on him and Anthony had refused to show it in a busy training ground. He’d made sure to look away from the alpha who had stolen his breath. He’d walked home on legs he refused to let shake. When he’d shut and locked his forge door, Anthony had pressed his back against the door and gulped in air.
He’d heard people talk about what it was like to meet an alpha for the first time. Anthony had never understood it. Even on Vanaheim and Alfheim, he’d heard omegas mention with exasperation or amusement how it had felt to be hit by a wave of instincts when just the right alpha had come along. He’d still doubted he’d experience it, but he’d listened attentively to how it was counteracted.
Sometimes, he’d wondered if those Elven omegas hadn't known what he was, even though they’d never breathed a word. Why else had they been so candid and so helpful? But Anthony had never been daring enough to ask.
He was grateful for it now, because he utilised those same techniques to lower his heartrate and repress the feeling that even now made him tremble in his boots. He knew, from their recounting, that it hit the hardest the first time. He wouldn’t be so overwhelmed if he met that same alpha again.
Anthony had done his best to shake it off, but he’d been rattled. So much so, that he didn’t even realise who had been responsible for the effect on him.
Not until a day later when his forge door opened and in walked a tall, elegant man with green eyes and the strong scent of alpha that made Anthony’s breath catch. This time, he wasn’t almost bowled over by the feeling. This time, he met green eyes but didn’t completely miss the man’s appearance and clothing.
It was Prince Loki.
And that was when Anthony started to panic a little. He did his best to firmly clamp it down, not wanting his emotions to get the better of him. He’d doubled his dosage of tablets the night before, so he knew he’d be screaming beta not omega. He also knew that while the mages on Alfheim might have caught a clue, there was no reason Prince Loki would.
It wasn’t magic that let them sense him, after all. It was his questions and the poorer quality of the tablets he’d been using. He should be safe from the Trickster prince.
He hoped.
“How can I help you, Prince Loki?” he asked.
“Oh, merely a few answers. Howardson, wasn’t it?”
“That’s correct,” Anthony agreed politely.
“Hmm.” He hummed. “I hear you apprenticed outside Asgard.”
“I did,” Anthony admitted, feeling wary.
“I noticed your blade was not entirely of Asgardian make. I was surprised. It is rare I find an Aesir who incorporates the other realms techniques into his craft.”
“I see no reason to deny improvements simply because they are not solely Asgardian.”
Prince Loki’s green eyes brightened and Anthony’s hand twitched. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to touch the prince or have the man touch him. He tried not to think about it.
“And what of the Elven technique for seidr enhancement?”
Oh, Anthony thought, and suddenly he relaxed. He smiled charmingly, feeling on even ground abruptly.
“If you are asking if I know the best placement for runes to enhance a practiconers prowess in battle, then yes, Prince Loki, I do.”
The prince’s smile was sharp.
“Well then, I believe I may have a commission for you, Howardson.”
And just like that, Anthony was able to forget it was a powerful, attractive alpha in his forge and think about a customer and a commission. He was able to discuss the daggers with the prince and argue the best placement of runes and his insistence on his ideas. He was able to compromise when the prince could prove he was correct, and he was able to watch with pleasure as the prince looked surprised but nodded his agreement to Anthony’s suggestions.
He was able to bid the man farewell after the commission was designed and paid for – but he wasn’t able to forget beautiful green eyes and an amused smirk. In fact, by the time he fell asleep late that night, they were all he could think of as he closed his eyes.
Even though he was almost passing out from exhaustion, Anthony knew it wasn’t a good thing, but he assured himself things would be fine.
Truthfully, it would have been fine, if it had only been one commission.
If the prince had shown up once – or even sporadically, just to purchase new pieces. It could have been easy to sweep aside and forget about. He could guard himself around the prince and forget about it in the moments they were apart.
Only, it did not work so simply.
And perhaps he should have known as much, there were more warnings to the omegas tales than simply an initial reaction to an alpha.
Because, when Prince Loki visited him, they didn’t just talk about commissions. They talked about their travels to the other realms. About the best way to wield a dagger and, when Anthony felt confident enough, about seidr.
Suddenly, and without meaning, Anthony realised he’d befriended Loki and it made things… harder. Because he liked the prince. He was brilliant, intelligent and funny. They could be amazing friends but… that was where the problem came in.
Because Loki was also attractive and he lit up Anthony’s instincts like no one ever had. Where most alphas made him bristle and want to fight their authority – Loki never made him feel like that. Loki made him want to push if only to have Loki push back. He also felt safe with Loki. Something made obvious when they’d been together and someone had muttered a slur about Anthony associating with Loki.
The mage hadn’t been angry on his own behalf – no, he’d been furious for Anthony. And for the first time in his life, Anthony hadn’t wanted to snarl and snap at some alpha defending him. No, instead he’d wanted to sooth Loki – to pull him away so he wouldn’t lose his cool. So, he could plan any revenge he wished to inflict with a clear head – with Anthony helping.
And that was when Anthony had realised exactly how big of a problem it was, because, the Elven omegas had warned him, if the right alpha appeared it would be all too easy to fall.
And he had.
Only, to Loki, he was just a beta. The kind of companion who stood by your side, perhaps not equally but at least with some manner of respect. But omegas didn’t have that option on Asgard – and the last thing Anthony wanted was to lose Loki’s respect.
So, what he felt, what his instincts wanted him to do – he buried it all. He upped his dosage of tablets again. He pretended he was just a beta. Just a friend.
Because anything else was a disaster waiting to happen. It would ruin the life he’d carved for himself, it would lose his respect and his ability to be free. Because, he didn’t sleep with alphas and he couldn’t sleep with Loki. He doubted his tablets would hold up against the onslaught of need he would feel.
And, if Loki found out...
Anthony didn’t even want to think about it. He just knew it would ruin everything because alphas didn’t fall in love with omegas on Asgard. They had possessions. Even with betas it was more about power than it was about companionship. But betas could be well regarded, they could be respected.
Queen Frigga was a beta and no one would doubt her power and authority – but everyone knew that she was meant to aid Odin. To then rear Thor and Loki. Betas had their place in society and Anthony refused to be a pretty bauble in Loki’s royal rooms, no matter how much a part of him ached for it. Ached to be Loki’s.
It was all those thoughts and more that had played on Anthony’s mind during the months of their friendship. He was currently slumped over a desk in his forge, his head in his hands, his fingers twisting in the strands of his hair. Loki was all he could think of lately. He wasn’t approaching a heat (the tablets made sure that he didn’t have any of those) but his instincts were becoming sharper and grating at him more.
He was probably due a good lay, but the thought of anyone else’s hands on his skin made him grit his teeth. He wanted to be pushed down on the bed and held in place. He wanted to twist and thrash and make them work for it.
He wanted Loki to work for it and chuckle under his breath.
To whisper, “Is that all the fight that is in you, my omega?”
He wanted Loki to like it.
Anthony groaned again and dropped his arms to the table. His buried his face in them. He spent most of his nights fantasising about Loki. Sometimes, it wasn’t even the sexual side. Sometimes, it was just curling up in the mage’s bed, surrounded by his scent and with Loki pressing down on top of him, keeping him close.
He wanted to feel Loki’s possessive touch and hear his whispered, “I want you here and nowhere else. Mine to treasure and please.”
But that was even more of a pipe dream than the sex.
Anthony groaned again; the sound muffled by his arms. When a hand touched his hair, he almost leapt out of his skin. In fact, he did leap out of his chair. His hand went to a nearby weapon even as his brain registered the scent and sight of Loki. He dropped the sword and blinked owlishly at the prince.
Loki looked equally surprised but whether it was from Anthony’s reaction or his own, Anthony didn’t know. They’d never shied from touch. Anthony was, well, not exactly affectionate by nature. He’d always kept himself well leashed, not wanting anyone to see beneath his manufactured status – but, he also couldn’t help touching Loki. Or rather, leaning into his space. They often sat side by side at taverns if they shared a meal. It made it easier to whisper about the other patrons, but it also made it easier to… touch.
But this was the first time Loki had done something so affectionate.
“Loki?” he asked.
“My apologies,” Loki quickly mumbled. “I should not have presumed.”
Anthony’s heart was racing. He swallowed around a suddenly dry mouth.
“Why did you?”
Loki opened his mouth only to hesitate. Anthony had never seen Loki hesitate. He didn’t know if that meant he was preparing to lie or tell the truth.
“You seemed distressed. I wanted to… alleviate it.”
It looked like the words cost him to admit. And possibly it did. Caring gestures weren’t common from alphas. That was more a beta's area – more an omega's area, and yet, Anthony wanted to press closer and get more of it.
It felt nice to be cared for. Hell, it felt better than nice, knowing it was from Loki. From the one – the alpha – he wanted.
“Thank you,” Anthony said quietly.
Loki smiled tightly and looked away
“Yes, well.” His voice turned wry. “It seemed to do the opposite.”
“No,” Anthony hurried to say. He even shifted closer. “No, I was startled but it was… it was nice.”
Loki looked back at him and there was something in his eyes that made Anthony feel scorched. His heart picked up again and he felt frozen in place. Like prey before a predator – like he was seconds away from being caught. Only, it sent a thrill through him. He had to grip the table to keep from leaning towards the other man.
Loki was the one to break it. He cleared his throat and looked away again.
“It’s evening and I did not wish to spend another night at a feast with my brother. Do you wish to accompany me for a meal?”
Anthony’s heart leapt even when he knew it was dangerous to spend a night with his prince. He wanted time with Loki but he was increasingly concerned about what he would do. He knew he couldn’t up his tablet dosages anymore. It would start to get dangerous – and yet, he didn’t know if they’d be able to hold his instincts back indefinitely.
It was a thought he was trying his hardest not to think about – because if his instincts overtook his tablets, everyone would know. And someone might try and claim him. Loki might try and claim him and if the prince tried to make him… Anthony would run.
Anthony should run – before it happened, before anything could break. He should flee to Alfheim and hide behind the many Elven mages who wouldn’t care for his status. He had enough of a reputation as a weaponsmith he would be accepted on their realm easily. He could do it but… but he couldn’t leave yet.
He didn’t want to give up Loki.
And Anthony hated it.
(Only, he didn’t – he couldn’t. Loki was too amazing to hate and as much as it hurt him sometimes, he didn’t want to give up what he felt when he saw Loki, or when they had a fleeting touch.)
“Yes,” Anthony found himself saying. “I’d love a meal.”
Loki smiled, but something about it seemed a little off. Anthony tilted his head, but he couldn’t parse it from the prince’s expression.
“I shall wait until you change.”
Anthony gave him another searching look before nodding. He pulled off his leather apron and hung it up before moving deeper into his house. He could still smell Loki’s scent lingering in the forge and he took in a subtle breath. The intermixing of their scents would always make his chest feel warm.
If only he could have it as more than just a fleeting moment between visits.
But, he knew he never would.
Anthony changed into a tunic and pants. He even washed his face, arms and hands and fixed his hair. He wanted to look good. He knew Loki had seen him in worse, but, if they were going to a tavern, it wouldn’t do well to show up covered in lingering grime.
He did have a moment where he stood before the mirror, touching his hair and shivering as he remembered Loki’s fingers caressing the strands. He closed his eyes and could almost believe it was Loki’s hands on him.
But, he made himself stop and shake it off. He pulled himself together, had the tablets he was due to take and went back to meet the prince.
Yet, when he reappeared, Loki didn’t look any more at ease. He seemed agitated and Anthony wondered if he hadn’t been pacing. Anthony immediately wanted to step close and soothe him – soothe his alpha. Anthony bit down on the instincts and busied his hands with pulling on his jacket.
“Where shall we eat tonight, Loki?” he enquired, keeping his tone light.
There was a pause, before Loki replied, his voice was soft.
“I thought we might have a private meal. I’ve arranged for it to be sent to my chambers.”
Anthony froze. His heart also felt like it had hurtled up to his throat only to drop to his stomach. Loki’s chambers. The place he had imagined but never visited. The place that would be drenched in Loki’s scent. It was his most intimate space and where few people had ever visited.
And Anthony knew two things abruptly.
He couldn’t go.
But, he also couldn’t say no.
Not because Loki wouldn’t let him, but because Loki so rarely opened himself to anyone. To be invited into Loki’s chambers was a deepening of their friendship. If he said no, he would be unlikely to receive another invite again. Loki would take the rejection to heart.
So few people wanted to be friends with Loki and Anthony wouldn’t become one more disappointment.
He would just have to be very, very careful.
Anthony plastered on a smile and hoped his fingers didn’t tremble as he finished sliding on his jacket.
“Shall we walk, or will you teleport us?”
Anthony expected they would walk. He expected Loki to parade Anthony’s friendship to the realms. It would solidify their association and reveal exactly how close they had become – and yet, Loki surprised him.
“I shall teleport us. You’ve mentioned before that you gain no ill effects from it?”
“No,” Anthony said, unable to hide all his surprise. “I have had many elves teleport me.”
Loki’s smile was surprisingly tight as he stepped closer. And Anthony did not think it through at all. He had to bite down on a small keen when Loki stopped directly in front of him. He tilted up his head and hoped to the Norns his eyes hadn’t darkened. He had to physically stop himself from swaying forward when Loki touched his arm.
When Loki’s magic burst to life around them, he gasped. Anthony hoped he could blame the teleportation on the way he grabbed Loki. On the way he completely lost control and pressed his face against the mage’s chest.
The scent of him, oh the scent. It felt like home.
He wanted to do anything he could to stay wrapped around Loki and never let go. The scent was everywhere. Because his eyes had fallen closed but he knew he was in the prince’s chambers. He knew he was in a place he would happily seclude himself in. He’d move in his items and rub himself on the bed and couches. He’d make it their scent.
And Norns, he had to stop thinking like this, by the Gods.
Anthony snapped his eyes opened and stepped back. His pulse was hammering and he was swallowing thickly. He knew his eyes were wide as he stumbled away from the prince – but, but Loki’s eyes were dark and he quickly caught Anthony’s hand.
Anthony sucked in a sharp breath. Their palms were touching, his fingers twined with Loki’s and he was hit with such a strong wave of want that he was torn between panic and surrender.
Panic at least, was easy to accept.
Because, he’d been panicking all his life and he’d lived this long undiscovered by never letting anything overrule his need for survival. He started to pull his hand away, but Loki held firm.
And that should not have given him a bolt of something warm. It shouldn’t have made him feel like he was wanted – but when combined with the look in Loki’s eyes, Anthony found himself frozen.
Because he did trust and feel safe with Loki. Any other alpha and he’d yank away and shout. But with Loki, he didn’t.
“Anthony,” Loki murmured.
His tongue came out to wet his lips and Anthony’s gaze zeroed in on it. When it was followed by Loki’s thumb daring to stroke his hand, Anthony shuddered.
“Anthony,” Loki said again, and this time he sounded a little more confident. “I do not believe I am the only one who thinks highly of our friendship.”
Anthony swallowed but couldn’t answer. He nodded instead.
“And it has not escaped my notice that since our association you have been… free of partners.”
Anthony tensed. His whole body flooded with abrupt and immediate terror. He tried to pull away, but Loki made a soothing motion. He also stepped closer and touched Anthony’s hair and Anthony – he stilled. He looked up at Loki’s green eyes.
The gaze that had stopped him in the middle of the training ground. Loki looked so hopeful, so yearning and for a moment, Anthony’s heart leapt and he grabbed Loki’s jacket for something to keep him standing.
“I have been free of them too,” Loki murmured. He laughed bitterly. “Not that there has been many of them to choose from, I do admit.”
His fingers carded through Anthony’s hair and Anthony swayed towards his touch.
“I know you have many to choose from I… I also know you have refused all alphas who have ever expressed interest. And yet… here you are, in my arms and I… Anthony, I so desperately want to court you.”
And suddenly, the haze on Anthony’s mind disappeared like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over him. His eyes flew wide and he stared at the prince in front of him. The alpha who was all but declaring an intent to claim.
“Wh-What?” Anthony stuttered.
“I would be an alpha worth accepting,” Loki said, his hand moving to stroke Anthony’s cheek. “I would treat you like the prize you are. A brilliant man to stand at my side. A fierce intellect who I can call my partner.”
He cupped Anthony’s chin and tilted it up slightly – but not in a demanding way, nor a submissive way. The touch was reverent, the movement gentle. Anthony could break away but he didn’t – he couldn’t. He was shocked. Loki looked at him with pure longing and affection.
“I would give anything to call you mine. I have wanted to call you mine since the first moment I saw you. When I wondered why in the Norns I yearned for you so fiercely. When I sought you out and it was proven you were a mind to rival mine.”
His thumb brushed the edge of Anthony’s goatee.
“It would be my greatest honour, to call you my beta.”
And abruptly, every sweet word Loki had whispered turned to ash. Anthony found the strength to press his hands to Loki’s chest and push. He shoved the prince away – but he saw the man’s shock. He saw the pained crack that shattered his hopeful mask and flooded it with sorrow and regret.
But Anthony couldn’t give in. His hands shook, but he knew it was all a pretty lie. Oh, Loki didn’t know it was a lie, but Anthony did.
Beta, he said. Partner, he said. But none of the words would mean anything when attached to an omega.
“Anthony,” Loki said, sounding wretched.
“No,” Anthony said, the word ripped from his throat. “No.”
Loki’s expression broke – and something in Anthony broke too. Because it was like claws at his heart. His instincts, heart and mind had declared this one and Loki had said it back and for a moment, for a perfect moment, he’d started to say yes.
And now, losing it hurt all the more – but Loki wanted a beta and all the tablets in the Nine would never make Anthony be that.
Anthony had all but run out of Loki’s chambers, but the prince never called for him or tried to chase him. Anthony was both grateful and pained by it. Anthony had never thought rejecting his chosen alpha would hurt as much as this.
He didn’t look where he was going. He simply fled. Anthony didn’t look at anyone and he didn’t go to his forge. Instead, he followed a path he hadn’t taken in years. The city had felt claustrophobic when he’d been a child. Swallowing down tablets that made him nauseous and pretending to be something he wasn’t while instincts battled with the suppressants inside him.
He’d preferred to escape to the beach. Few people liked to spend time at the water’s edge, especially not at night. Anthony found his feet following a path he hadn’t trod for centuries. It was overgrown but he pushed the branches aside until he could slip down to the sand. He didn’t walk far before he dropped down with his back to the rockface that overlooked the water. He could see the rainbow bridge in the distance and the expanse of space. He watched the lapping water and almost wished he could go back in time to when he was a child.
Not because it was any better when he was younger, but at least then he might have moved to Alfheim before he could have met Loki – before everything could have spiralled out of control. Anthony shuddered and drew up his legs. He pressed his face to his knees and pulled in a deep breath. But it didn’t help, he could still smell Loki’s scent on him. He could remember Loki’s cool touch on his face and the caress of fingers in his hair.
For a fleeting minute, he almost wanted to rush to the bifrost and have Heimdall send him to the elves. He had friends there, he could appear on their doorstep and they’d let him inside. If he blurted out the truth, they might even let him stay a few weeks.
He could reinvent on Alfheim.
But Loki loves the Elves, he’ll visit there eventually.
Anthony shuddered again. The idea of seeing Loki flooded him with a conflicting mix of desire and aversion.
Midgard then? He hasn’t been there in centuries. He might not go there again.
But they were so young. There would be little to do and he’d have to hide his identity and talents – but, no one would think to look for him there. He could disappear easily among the mortals.
And if Loki ever visits, he’ll have probably forgotten about me. Found an actual beta to claim.
Anthony bit down on a whine of pain that wanted to break free. He hated the idea of Loki with another, but, what else was there to do?
There wasn’t another choice.
Yet, before he could move, he felt the air shift. He sucked in a breath, but didn’t move. He could sense him – he could smell him.
“Your distress is loud enough I feel I could hear it anywhere in the Nine.”
It was Loki and he sounded gutted. He sounded as if Anthony had ripped something important from him and he could barely stand. Anthony didn’t move, but he heard something heavy hit the sand.
“Anthony,” Loki said, sounding wounded. “Please tell me how I can help?”
Anthony squeezed his eyes shut.
“Would you prefer to knock me to the ground in front of Asgard? Shall I declare to the realm that I have no claim on you now or ever? Should I leave Asgard?”
His voice broke on the last word and Anthony’s gaze was dragged to the prince. Loki was kneeling on the sand. His hands were on his knees and his expression was agonised. Everything about Loki screamed remorse and pain.
And yet, Anthony also knew that Loki would do anything he said. Anything if it meant easing Anthony’s distress.
And for the first time, Anthony realised how strange that was – because, Loki was an Asgardian alpha. He shouldn’t care. He thought Anthony was a beta and that meant the suppressants were working. There was no reason for him to feel things as much as Anthony – an omega did.
“W-Why?” Anthony croaked out. “Why do you care?”
Loki’s gaze twisted with confliction and yet even though he did glance away to stare at his hands, he answered.
“It is not the same for mages,” he whispered, his voice rough. “We do not form… attachments as others do.” He looked up and his eyes blazed. “I want you as mine. I yearn to court you and tie our lives together because my instincts crave someone to… to complete me.”
Anthony’s eyes widened. He had heard about it, but he hadn’t paid much attention thinking it would never become relevant. But if Loki was saying what he thought Loki was saying then… then Loki had to be the most powerful person on Asgard. Because, mages didn’t have connections like that, master mages had connections like that.
Which meant, Loki truly was looking for a partner.
Anthony’s tongue felt heavy, but his heart was also racing with hope. And suddenly the distress radiating from Loki was too much. He lifted his hand and held it out. Loki grasped it firmly and shifted forward. Before Anthony knew what was happening, he was pressed against Loki and curled around him. His face was held against Loki’s shirt as he breathed the alpha in. Loki held him tight and buried his face in Anthony’s hair.
“I would never force you to have me,” Loki whispered roughly. “You fear alphas. I know it, I’ve sensed it. I would never be the kind of alpha you fear. I swear to you, Anthony. You would never be anything but my equal.”
Anthony squeezed his eyes shut tightly.
“Do you court the Alfheim way?” he gasped out.
Loki tensed. “Asgardians don’t court the Alfheim way.”
But there was something in his voice that made Anthony raise his head. Loki’s eyes spoke even when his lips didn’t. Anthony knew that Loki did appreciate the way of the elves. The way of equality and partnership. He’d all but confessed it when he’d spoke of mages.
“But you do?” Anthony whispered, needing to hear it.
Loki swallowed. “I would.”
If I was courting you.
It went unsaid, but Anthony knew it was true.
He lifted his hand and touched Loki’s cheek. The alpha leant into his touch and closed his eyes. Something submissive and repulsive to an Asgardian alpha – but affectionate to an elf, to Loki. A mage who had travelled and studied on the realm for longer than Anthony had.
And the gesture broke his last conviction.
“I’m not a beta,” Anthony whispered.
Loki’s eyes snapped open and he turned to look at Anthony head on. Confusion was in his eyes before they ran over Anthony’s body. They flared green with seidr and Anthony knew that Loki was looking for things unseen. Something that if a master mage knew what he was looking for – he would see.
Anthony’s heart was pounding but he held still. He saw the moment Loki realised. His gaze snapped to Anthony and the unnatural sheen disappeared from his eyes.
“You’re…” he trailed off; the word unspoken.
But he knew.
Anthony started to tense but Loki touched his hair – he stroked it the way he had earlier and Anthony curled his fingers in Loki’s jacket. He still felt jittery and unsure but Loki tightened his hold and somehow pulled him closer.
“You could not be any less the one I wanted,” Loki whispered. “Any less the partner I want.”
And Anthony… he slumped. He pressed against Loki and finally let out the soft keen he’d been holding in. Loki shushed him and laid a fierce kiss on his head – but it wasn’t enough. Anthony turned his face and caught Loki’s lips. He felt the mage startle before he gently kissed back. Anthony pressed harder but Loki broke the embrace.
“Anthony,” he murmured. “Anthony. You have not told me what you want, I cannot-”
“Yes,” Anthony gasped.
Loki stilled. “Anthony…”
“I have wanted you since the moment I saw you on the training grounds,” he hissed. “The alpha who made me want. More then I have ever wanted. I can’t look at anyone. Only you. Gods, Loki.” He dug his fingers into Loki’s jacket. “I just can’t be your possession. Your pretty bauble. I’ll kill you before I let you treat me like some thing that you can control-”
“Never,” Loki snarled. “You are mine as you are. I want no simpering slave. I want my half,” he insisted. “I care not what you present as only that you are mine and I am yours.”
I am yours, the words sent pleasure and possessiveness bolting through Anthony and his hands slid to Loki’s face, holding him in place as he caught the mage's lips and kissed him hungrily.
This was what he wanted. What he needed.
“Alpha,” he groaned against the man’s lips.
And despite all the words Loki could have said, his fake designation and the one he’d confessed. Loki held his gaze and said the sweetest word he could have ever heard. The word that let Anthony knew he had fallen utterly and completely for the right alpha.
He said, “Anthony.”