Every small increment of space between them felt like too much and it was to Loptr’s pleasure that his Omega wriggled closer to him until he felt like his own body might open up and admit him inside. It provoked such strong urges to protect Loki, to shield him from everything that could possibly harm him whether that harm was physical or emotional. Yet he also knew he would feel pride in everything his mate would accomplish and in the fact that Loki did not need his protection to defend himself. The other jotun could be lethal and cunning enough alone, or else he might not have survive thus long unclaimed.
Loptr’s eyes fluttered shut to savor those graceful fingers in his hair, every incidental scrape against his scalp sending a hot stab of desire whilst also calming him so that he might as easily slip back into slumber as be aroused into another coupling. He hummed thoughtfully at Loki’s proposal, his mind already mulling over the options. There was Alvaldi, his second, and while he trusted all of his warriors–no hunting party could coordinate without said trust–it was Alvaldi that he confided in.
As he weighed the benefits of giving over command to Alvaldi, Loki proposed another idea that was so ingenious it had his chest warming with a flood of affection. “I have managed to snare the most wise of all the jotnar as my mate,” he said in wonder, his eyes now open and bright as they gazed upon his Omega with new appreciation. “It is the solution to all of our troubles and can only benefit this village more. My hunters can bring their own mates and finally find some rest from the long voyages. My Loki, beautiful and intelligent.” He gave a soft, incredulous laugh and leaned to pepper kisses across his mate’s cheeks and jaw before catching his lips in a deep kiss.
Loki had never once before sought out the approval or appreciate from anyone for his ideals. He had simply acted and reacted, did what he think was best for the village. If anyone had anything negative to say, he would deal with the consequences. Or if they offered him praise, he would raise his chin to them and state such praise was deserved.
But when Loptr praised him, Loki felt a warmth suffice his chest. He grinned broadly, his red eyes glittering as he exhaled a whimper. He wanted to please his mate, more than anything in the world. And when Loptr leaned in to kiss him, Loki melted into the embrace and sought to deepen it further. Just a kiss was enough to make him tremble, to make him slight between his thighs, and he pulled Loptr close to enjoy his body. And they would do so, again and again, until both were simply too exhausted to continue.
Proposing the plan to the rest of the village had been met with some resistance at first, but when everyone realized the ingenuity of the plan, they became very receptive. It would take one long trip to bring the beasts back to the village, and Loki’s heart nearly broke when he realized Loptr would have to travel with the hunting party to assure everything went as planned. He felt absolutely devastated, but he knew his mate had a duty to be with the hunters. It didn’t stop him from nearly sobbing in Loptr’s arms the day he left.
A few months passed, and Loki pined for Loptr more and more each day. He knew his beloved would return to him, but with each increasing day, his anxiety grew. That was, however, not the only thing that grew. Their multiple coupling had resulted in Loki carrying his first litter, and his belly expanded more and more each day. He was unsure how many little babes he was carrying, but he cared not for the number. The more, the better -- as long as all of them were healthy. By the day the horn sounded, signaling the hunters’ return, it already looked as if he was ready to pop with just one babe.
Loki rushed to the village edge, nearly shoving other much larger giants off their feet in his haste. He spotted the party, followed by a large line of beasts. A smile grew on his face -- they had been successful! But all of it would be for naught if he didn’t find his soulmate in the crowd. Bright red eyes searched each face in the distance, both hands curled protectively over his belly. “Loptr!” he called, unable to stay stoic for much longer. Everything in his very soul called out; he needed to see him.