Chapter Fifty Four - It's All Over

Chapter Song Suggestion "I Only Wish by Hoonie"

*note : all dialogues like so {example} are spoken from the predator's perspective

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THE PAST | Lars

He knocked against the Colonel's door, feeling less anxious than before. Last evening, when Mickael informed him that the Colonel wanted to see him, Lars wondered if he was in trouble.

"Don't worry about it, boy," Mickael had snickered. "It's something we both know you deserve."

Those words had calmed him down considerably.

"Enter," the Colonel called out. "Ah, Cadet Verhelst, I have been expecting you."

He saluted the man. "Good afternoon, Colonel Emory. May I inquire the purpose of this meeting?"

"Forthright as always," Colonel Emory chuckled, nothing in his tone suggested that he was offended. "You may not know this, Cadet Verhelst but I have been watching you from the very beginning you stepped into Ataxia. I can see why the First Lieutenant has taken a personal interest in you — as have I. It seems we have a keen eye for talent and I'm glad that yours wasn't wasted." He rose from behind his desk, carrying a shiny, metal pin in his hand. "You have served Ataxia for a good seven years and I think you have earned this — if — you are willing to accept."

Lars glanced at the outstretched emblem of prestige in the Colonel's palm. He was genuinely surprised. "Is that what I think it is?"

"It is precisely what you think it is," Colonel Emory confirmed. "All you have to do is say yes."

His mind raced. "If I accept this, it will raise questions." Lars wasn't exactly cadet of the year.

"That is my job to worry about, not yours," the Colonel shrugged off his concern. "It is also my duty to nurture promising individuals like yourself. I don't know what it is you seek here in Ataxia, Cadet Verhelst but, I can promise you that with this title of 'captain', it will open doors for you that have been closed all this while."

A moment of silence ensued as Lars pondered his decision. "If I accept this" — he met the Colonel in a challenging stare —"then I have a few conditions."

"Fair enough. I shall hear you out and we can take it from there."

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PRESENT DAY

The air hung thick and severe with silence.

Eira noticed everyone's shadowed expression, Florian's foremost. She didn't blame them. Lars's words were weighted with years of pain, vengeance, and despair. It had to be shocking to realize the Captain they adored had spent half of his life as an unsuspecting victim and captive.

"Levente's lucky that he's dead." Koga crushed his fist. "Or I would have sent him to hell with my own two hands."

"I'm sorry you had to endure that for so many years, Captain," Florian uttered, seemingly torn. "I can't believe that this has been going on under our noses for years…and yet…" – his eyes squeezed shut, as if in visceral pain – "what the hell were we doing?" Anguish strangled his voice. "Was everything we accomplished in the past few years a complete lie?"

"How can we trust the government again?" Koga joined in without reservation.

Kaiser who was quiet, addressed Lars. "What do you plan to do once you leave Ataxia? Where will you go?"

Lars clasped eyes with Eira, who reassured his decision with a smile. "We haven't decided yet but, perhaps someplace faraway from civilisation."

Florian straightened at once. "We?"

"Yes. Lars and I will be leaving together," Eira announced, feeling a twinge of guilt at Florian's crestfallen expression.

"No way!" Koga sounded betrayed. "You guys had been planning this all along?"

"What will happen to us?" Anaelle's soft question pierced the swirling tension. "Will we be assigned a new Captain?"

"Most likely," Lars acknowledged, exuding nothing but calm.

Silence reigned once more.

"Do you think there would be a place for us wherever it is you're going?" Kaiser casually threw out the question. Given Ataxia's state of disorder, he wasn't keen to stick around. The truth of recent events felt like the government had made a mockery out of his life's work. This place no longer held a promising future or purpose for him.

Eira and Lars communicated silently with their eyes. They hadn't thought that anyone would want to tag along, given it wasn't an easy choice to leave the place called home. For them both, Ataxia was never home.

"We wouldn't mind the company but, are you willing to leave Ataxia?" Lars asked bluntly. "Everything you've ever known is here, and I won't ask you to leave it behind for any selfish reason."

"Think about it," Eira urged kindly. "We still have weeks."

That evening, Eira and Lars laid under the stars, remembering the night they made a pact to leave Ataxia together.

"I can't believe it's truly happening," Eira mused, head on Lars's shoulder. "Is this what freedom feels like? It's been so long; I can barely remember."

Lars succumbed to a wry smile, kissing the crown of her head. "I'll do whatever it takes to free us from this wretched place."

"I was surprised when you announced your resignation," she confessed. "I hadn't expected you to inform everyone so soon."

"This unit is one of the few good things I have achieved here. It's my responsibility to ensure that everyone will continue to thrive after we are gone."

She made a sound in the back of her throat. "I wouldn't have guessed that Kaiser would want to come with us. I wish everyone would." Eira propped an arm on his chest, gazing down into his eyes. "I've been thinking...what do you think about creating a place for people in need? Like a haven for those who seek shelter from the harsh life of predation?"

He mentally dwelled on it. "It sounds like something you would do."

"You're not objecting?" Her tone hopeful.

"We can revisit this subject after we find an ideal place to settle down," he remarked instead. "It's good to have purpose but, right now, my priorities are on you and our baby."

Eira involuntarily shivered, raising her arm to show him her goosebumps. "You're too good to be true. Have I told you how much I love you?"

He laughed, a delightfully mellow tenor sound that fell pleasantly on her ears. "I'm open to any ideas of how you would do so."

She returned his smile, dipping her head to nuzzle his neck. "Why don't you tell me what you want?"

Lars resisted a groan. He was fucking exhausted but every time he was near Eira, every cell in his body was charged with impatient desire. He hoped it would be for a long, long time. "Look at me."

Lifting her head, Eira could barely breathe, powerless under the spell of his golden eyes.

"All I want is for us to be together every day for the rest of our lives. I want to raise a wonderful family with you and make more memories together. I want us to make up for the past ten years we wasted, and I don't care what the future brings, as long as our family is safe, healthy, and happy." He touched his forehead to hers. "I'll keep us safe, and we'll protect our children. Anyone who threatens us, I'll kill them."

This was far from the ideal proposal but, she would take it. She never imagined he would bare his soul, and Eira would never take his words for granted. Cupping his cheeks, she crushed her mouth to his, pouring all her love into that single kiss. His hand cradled her nape and his tongue played with hers, the feel of it was so intimate and familiar, it sent wild tremors through her.

She loved him with a bonfire passion, not a simple warm, steady flame. She loved his temperament, the confidence that superseded any hint of arrogance. "I love you, Lars," she panted. "I can't even begin to describe this feeling I get every time I see you. You're the only one I trust with my heart and soul. No one else can love my flaws better than you do." Another lingering kiss. "You know me better than I know myself. I love the way you encourage me within my limits, and you're not afraid to tell me no when I refuse to listen. It's excruciating to admit that you bring more good into my life than I do to yours."

His response was a smug, masculine chuckle. "You're wrong. I believe that we both fulfil the needs and wants that we are looking for in our partners. I've found mine in you and I can look at you all day long, and it's enough to put a smile on my face."

She drew back with a quizzical frown. "Are you that simple-minded?"

"Sweetheart," he drawled. "Men are just that simple-minded."

A naughty smile played upon her lips. "Say that again."

"What? Sweetheart?"

She nodded vigorously. "I've never heard you call anyone that." It sent thrills down her spine and to lower, damp places.

"Sweetheart," he repeated in his low, smoky voice.

A moan nearly escaped her. She dug her claws into him. "If the others weren't nearby, I would jump your bones."

Sexual heat flared, making his eyes look like they were on fire. "You know…I've heard that pregnancy increases a woman's libido." His smile was annoyingly cocky. "Is this what I have to look forward to in the coming months? And here you wanted to threaten me with abstinence."

"I don't believe you," she sulked. Deep down, she worried he might be right. Even without the added libido, she already wanted him every day.

"We'll see about that," he said in a blasé manner, yanking her back down so that he could shut her up with his mouth.

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Lars entered the tribunal — one of the few buildings unscathed by the attack. It was overcrowded with new and familiar faces though most were flushed with anger. He took a seat beside the glowering Hakon whose arm was still set in a cast after tousling with a warhog.

"Prime Minister, this is unforgivable! To think that the Lieutenant General was involved in such atrocious activities! And Veres Falconer was alive all this time!" Commander Zheng Wei of fundamental provisions roared. "I demand a reconstitution of the military defense division."

"I believe Commander Zheng Wei is exaggerating, Prime Minister," Commander Armanev remarked coolly. "The military defense division will cooperate for an open investigation to the late Lieutenant General Levente's crimes. Anyone found supporting Levente will be tried and executed. It was my negligence and err that permitted Levente to get away with inhumane children experimentation, abduction, and mass murder. As the Commander, I shall take responsibility and resign from my post after resolving this issue."

The crowd went into an uproar.

"Settle down!" Prime Minister Devillers exclaimed. "In light of the situation, I accept your resignation, Commander Armanev. However, you aren't solely to be blamed. Ataxia holds responsibility for Novak Levente and Veres Falconer's crimes. After a thorough investigation, Ataxia will provide complete restitution to all victims and soldiers involved. That being said, I shall personally head the investigation of all three divisions and beseech everyone's cooperation."

"There is something I would like to include, Prime Minister Devillers." An assertive voice declared.

Devillers's gaze was directed to a striking pair of blue. He would never forget those eyes. "And what would that be, First Lieutenant Strauss?"

"I would like to offer my services in the investigation of Lieutenant General Levente's crimes. I have been keeping track of his activities and whereabouts for the past ten years. This information will undoubtedly be of use to you, Prime Minister." Mickael casually unfolded from his seat. "Also, once this investigation comes to a close, I would like to nominate myself as the next Commander-in-Chief of military defense."

Commander Armanev's gaze sharpened upon the older man. It was a known fact that Mickael Strauss had rejected the position more than ten years ago, marking him as the youngest candidate in Ataxian history. However, Strauss didn't want that heavy responsibility. Armanev's eyes narrowed. Why did he change his mind?

The same question ran through Devillers's mind but, he couldn't deny that Strauss was an outstanding soldier – probably even more so now. For Strauss to lead the military defense after recent events, it would be foolish of him not to accept. He gave a curt nod. "I will take your candidacy into consideration."

It was a lie. Everyone knew it was only a formality.

No doubt, the Prime Minister already made up his mind to accept Mickael Strauss as the next Commander-in-Chief. Part of Armanev felt bitter that he hadn't paid more attention to Levente in the past but, he always admired Mickael Strauss. At least, he could resign in peace, knowing the military defense division would be in good hands.

"Thank you for your consideration, Prime Minister," Mickael uttered smoothly.

Colonel Emory cleared his throat. "Then, let us commence with the reports of the attack. Captain Verhelst, your unit was directly involved with both Levente and Falconer. Can you give us a detailed explanation of the incident?"

Lars rose to his feet. "Certainly, Colonel."

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Eira was getting impatient.

It had been eight hours since Lars was called in for the meeting and Florian was the only one who was permitted inside the tribunal as a witness.

"There's something strange about your recent blood test," Anaelle mentioned distractedly. "I seem to be picking up high levels of one particular hormone" – she immediately whirled around, a myriad of emotions crossing her face – "Are you pregnant?!"

Eira didn't know why she felt guilty for not telling Anaelle soon enough. Her voice was tiny as she answered, "Umm…yes?"

"Does the Captain know?"

"Yes, he knows."

Anaelle blew out a huge breath. "Unbelievable! How is this possible? All female kill hunters are regularly vetted and prescribed with contraceptive shots…unless," – her brows slanted in confusion and her gaze drifted to clawtail –"could it be possible that he's responsible for it?"

Eira appeared puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," Anaelle urged excitedly. "When the Captain found you on the verge of death, this little one saved your life. Its blood merged with yours and healed you. There's a possibility that clawtail here neutralized every harmful or unnatural substance in your body to restore your cells." Her face turned impossibly radiant, almost euphoric. "I can't believe it! This is…amazing!" Anaelle picked up the sleeping cub who woke up from being jostled. "There is so much to discover about you!"

The cub mewled.

"Isn't it time you named this little fellow?" Anaelle asked, handing the cub over to its master.

Eira raised the cub to her eye-level. "Given the important role he has played in our lives, what do you think about the name 'Titan'? It means great strength, intellect, and importance."

"It does have a nice ring to it."

A smile stretched Eira's lips. "Then, Titan it is." She tickled the cub's chin, glancing into its emerald green eyes that mirrored hers. "What do you think, Titan? Do you like that name?"

{Mommy. Titan.}

Yes, Eira thought. Titan would grow into a fearsome predator, one that would be a great protector and defender.

"Captain's back!" Koga announced, arriving with Lars and Florian. Earlier this morning he insisted to escort them to the tribunal.

Eira rushed forward. "How did it go?"

Lars pulled her into his arms, breathing in her comforting scent. "It's all over."

Those three words made her tremble with relief. Sinking into his warmth, she didn't even stop the tears from falling. "Finally."