Chapter 3.4 A Leap of Faith Part 4

"Last night, you told me that you would protect my son and me for three months, and in that three-month period, I needed to decide if I would join your mob and continue to receive your protection or not join and remain unprotected, with the threat of being forced to leave your region of influence if anyone else in your family found out about me. Is this correct?"

Thor nodded, growing serious. "Yes. I reached out to an associate, and he said that he has an available unit for you. It's on a better side of town, and there is a nice cafe that you can work at that is right below the place. The owner of the cafe owes me a few favors, so… you should have no issue getting employed there."

Loki was still trying to understand why Thor was helping him so much and looked over at him, his tone light yet cautious. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because if I am correct, you have been dealt the worst lot in life. And I have the ability to at least help you get on your feet; even if I have nothing to gain from it." He sighed then, figuring that Loki wanted to hear something more honest. "I do so much wrong in my life, Loki. Sometimes it's nice being able to… not do what I do for a living."

Loki's gaze softened, and he nodded, immediately understanding what Thor meant. "Well… thank you. I don't know what I'm going to do three months from now, but… I-I'm still thankful that you've decided to help me."

Humming softly, Thor shot the omega a gentle smile in return, glad that they were on the same page. "Is there anything from this apartment that you would like to take with you?"

Looking around, Loki realized that it would be better if he left these things here for the next omega that needed to turn their life around. "Is the new apartment furnished?"

"Not yet. But I can arrange to have furniture dropped off there." Answered Thor, pulling out his phone. "I'll stop and get us breakfast; why don't you and your son get ready." Loki seemed unsure and nervous, so Thor stood, figuring that the omega wanted some privacy. "I'll be waiting outside, downstairs."

Loki thanked Thor, waiting until the alpha left before moving to wake up Sleipnir. The young boy had been scared out of his mind yesterday and was convinced that Svadilfari was going to come and take them away. "Sleipnir? It's time to wake up, sweetheart."

The little boy stirred, beginning to wake up. "Mm… Mama?"

"I'm here, sweetheart. It's time to wake up."

Sleipnir groaned and began to stretch out in bed, opening his eyes completely. "Are bad men gonna get us today?"

Loki shook his head fervently, not wanting his son to think this. "No. The nice man from last night is going to help us and protect us for a little bit."

The young alpha's face immediately darkened. "Is he the man from last night?"

"He's the man that saved us, Sleipnir." He leaned forward then, gently kissing his son's forehead. "We're going to move somewhere else, today, okay?"

Raising an eyebrow in confusion, Sleipnir stared back at him, not understanding. "Why? Did Daddy find us?"

"No, no sweetheart. Daddy didn't find us. But… the nice man from last night felt bad for us, and is going to help us for a few months." Explained Loki, rubbing at his son's back. "And he said that he would get us breakfast, today. Let's get dressed."

It seemed that Sleipnir was still unsure of this plan, but he did as Loki asked, which the omega was thankful for. It didn't take them too long to get ready, after packing up the few toys that he'd been able to buy Sleipnir, Loki grabbed his hand and made his way downstairs, turning in his key. He explained to the old woman in charge of this place that he would be living somewhere else for three months, but he might return here. She was more than understanding, and let him know to reach out to her if things changed.

Thor was waiting outside for him and looked up when Loki and his son appeared, putting his phone away. "Are you ready to go?"

"We are," Answered Loki, the grip on Sleipnir's small hand tightening nervously. "A-Are you sure you want to help us?"

"Yes."

The answer came so quickly that Thor didn't even have time to be shocked by it. Over this period of three months, anything and everything concerning Loki had been surprising to him, and for what seemed like the millionth time today, he wondered just why he was so keen on helping Loki; especially since he had nothing to gain from doing so.

"Well… again… thank you." Murmured Loki, looking away nervously. He still couldn't help but think that this was all a trap, or that he was being too naive. But he didn't have a choice, really. Being attacked last night was one of the scariest moments of Loki's life and if Thor hadn't been there, he and his son would've been harmed. Thor's offer to protect him for three months was a godsend, as Thor was saying that in the event Loki's old family finds him, Loki would have the protection of Thor's mob, and wouldn't have to worry about defending himself.

And this meant everything.