№44|Operation: Free The Lost Soul
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Eponine looked at the DNA strands for the umptethe time, she smacked her forehead with her palm, “Eponine, you’re the head scientist back in your kingdom! How can you not solve this?! This is baby stuff!”

She hit her head on the table, “then why is it so hard…!” Eponine groaned.

She looked at the tablet, and the security film of the interrogation room showed the rampaging wolves, “I’m sorry, Matias...just wait a little longer.”

She raked her fingers through her hair, a single strang falling into a sample of the virus. She jumped up when it began to fizzle and crackle, she placed the sample under the microscope to see the DNA from Eponine’s hair strands was attacking the virus, making it disintegrate and disappear.

Eponine gasped, “WERECAT DNA! OF COURSE!”

Clair looked at the princess questionably, “huh?”

“Werecat DNA has virus blocking properties that werewolves don't have. That’s why Werecats live longer than werewolves. This is perfect! All they have to do is eat a strand of my hair!”

Clair blinked rapidly, “you want them...to eat...your hair?”

“Yes.” Eponine nodded.

“And this will fix them?” Clair asked as Eponine and her walked towards the interrogation room.

“Yes,” Eponine opened the door, starring Matias dead in the eye. He growled at her, Eponine growled back, “I know you won't hurt me.” Eponine stepped closer, “I know, deep down, you would never hurt me.”

“Eponine go away!” Matias internally yelled, knowing that Eponine couldn't hear him was torture.

“I know you’re in there Matias.”

“Please! Don't you see I’m insane right now?!”

Eponine was within arms length of the wolf, “come back to me...please...don't have us end like this.” tears streamed down her cheeks.

Matias whimpered, “stop crying, mi princesa, please…”

She crouched down in front of the wolf, smiling softly at him, “I need you to eat my hair.”

“Mi princesa, I support you in everything that you do, but I am not eating your hair.”

“I don't care if I sound crazy, it works, just trust me!” Eponine pouted slightly.

“If I survive this, Princesa, never tell people I ate your hair.”

“Believe me, I don't like the idea either.” Eponine muttered, pulling out a single stand of her hair and feeding it to Matias. Slowly, his eyes faded back to blue as she collapsed into the princess’s arms.

“Hi,” she smiled, stroking his hair, “did someone miss me?”

Matias wrapped his arms around her, “you’re here?! Physically here and not burning?!”

“Burning? What?” Eponine questioned, looking at Matias as though he was insane.

“I think only we saw it, Matias.” Alonzo said. Clair uses one of Eponine’s hairs to change Alonzo and Rico back, “and I never want to see it again…”

“What do you mean?” Julia tilted her head, Rico laying in her lap.

“It was terrifying…” Rico shuddered, “there was just blood...fires...screams...everywhree!”

Julia tried to calm the werewolf some but he still seemed frightened.

“We saw three different fires. One at the police station, one at Eponine’s castle, and another at Gloria’s foster home.” Alonzo shook in fear, “you were trapped under a desk, Clair...you were screaming, begging, me to save you...but my feet couldn't move! I was stuck! I had to watch as your body melted in front of me.”

He clutched her shirt from her back, sobbing into her chest, “I was so worried! I thought I lost you Buttercup!”

“Shh...shh…” Clair kissed his forehead, “you aren’t losing me anytime soon.”

Eponine felt Matias’ body shake in her arms, “Matias, it’s okay...whatever you saw in there was Salis trying to scare you.”

“I-I-I know, it’s just...it felt so real…”

“But it wasn’t,” Julia assured him, holding Rico close, “we’re all safe and alive.”

Hex opened the door, “how are you feeling?”

“They’re badly shaken up, Hex, how do you think they’re feeling!” Cruella smacked him upside the head.

“Take as much time as you need, but I want to talk about what you saw, Salis might have revealed some part of his plan into what you saw.”

The wolves nodded sadly, knowing that they would eventually have to retell the horrific event that transpired.

°•. ✿ .•°

Alonzo looked into the mirror, splashing some water on his face before returning back to bed with Clair.

Clair patted the bed, motioning Alonzo to sit beside her, “come here.”

Alonzo crawled in bed, he laid there, looking at the ceiling with dull eyes. Clair frowned, climbing on top of him, “honey,” she laid down on his chest, listening to his heart, “you’re still here.”

“What?”

“If I can still feel your heartbeat, you’re still here...alive, living with me.” Clair smiled, “no fire monster will change the fact that you marked me and your not getting rid of me anytime soon.”

She tapped his nose, kissing him softly, “nobody is taking you away from me, Clair.” Alonzo promised.

Clair smiled, seeing the spark back in Alonzo’s eyes, “there’s my wolf.”

Alonzo flipped her over, so now she was under him, eyeing the mark he so gladly gave her, “you look beautiful with my mark, Buttercup.”

“Too bad I have to hide it at work though…” Clair muttered.

Alonzo growled slightly, Clair chuckled, “awe, someone moody because I can't flaunt the fact that you claimed me in Paris?”

“Maybe…” Alonzo muttered, pulling her in close, “your mine...my Buttercup.”

“Am I though?” Clair tapped her chin, “hmm...I don't think the people at work know what.” she smirked slyly.

“You little minx,” Alonzo gumbled in pleasure, “oh I’ll make sure they know your mine~”

Clair laughed loudly as Alonzo pulled the sheets over them, “show them baby, show them I’m only yours.”

°•. ✿ .•°

Cruella looked in the mirror with her hand on her stomach, “hmmm? You know what, baby, I think you’re growing on me.”

She felt the baby kick, she giggled, “I’m guessing you like me too.” 

Another kick responded to her question, erupting another laugh from Cruella. Hex came up behind her, “who are you talking to?”

“Just my ref-”

But a kick from the baby cut her off. Hex froze, his eyes going wide. Cruella turned around to see him shocked beyond belief, “Cruella…?”

Cruella chuckled nervously, “surprise…!”

After the initial shock, Hex hugged her tightly, “boy or girl?”

“I don't know...the last one was a girl though.”

“Last one?”

“Remember the night before the finals when we had sex? The next morning, I took a pregnancy test and it turned out to be positive. But when I fought Juniper, it was too much for the baby and she ended up not making it.”

Hex wiped her tears before kneeling down to kiss her stomach, “I promise, kid,” he kissed it again and again, “once you’re born, you won't have an Uncle Salis, but you'll have an Uncle Emmanuel, and Ector, Alonzo, and even an Uncle Gillian! You'll also have so many Tias too! And the best grandparents!”

He looked up at Cruella,“and the best mom too.” Hex smiled up at her, kissing her lips, “thank you, mi amor.” Hex rested his forehead on hers.

“For?”

“A family. I always wanted one with you, now we can have one together.” Hex replied, he couldn't contain his joy.

His joy was short lived when his brother creeped into his thoughts again. Hex shook his head, “this gives me even more reason to kick his ass.”

“What?” Cruella laughed.

“I'm not letting our child be born in a world where Salis is alive.” Hex promised, “this baby is gonna have the best life. And so are we, Cruella.”

°•. ✿ .•°

The next morning Cruella, Hex, Emmanuel, and Marmalade sat in Emmanuel’s office. Marmalade hugged her sister tightly when Cruella told her the good news.

“I’m gonna have a niece or nephew! I’m so proud! Mom is gonna flip when she finds out!” she eyed Hex, “dad is gonna kill Hex~” she cooed, snickering slightly.

“I didn’t even think about what your dad would do.” Hex shivered, “scary.”

Cruella laughed and kissed his cheek “I’m sure he’ll be happy knowing that he’s gonna have a grandchild.”

Emmanuel opened the door. The wolves stumble over each other before eventually falling inside the room.

“Congratulations, Cruella!” Matias muttered from under the pile of wolves.

“How did you…?”

“Werewolf hearing.” Rico said standing up, “also you smell different. Your smell is strawberry and cream, the baby’s smell is forest pine,” rico sniffed her stomach, “and a little lemon.”

“Awe.” Cruella smiled as she pushed Rico's face away from her stomach, “stop doing that.”

“Sorry” Rico rubbed the back of his neck, “kinda new to humans and such…”

“Anyways, Hex you said you wanted to talk to us?” Alonzo asked sitting on the couch, his arm wrapping around Clair’s waist to hold her close.

“Yes, what did you see?”

Matias froze, shivering slightly, “do we have to…?”

“Matias, Hex just wants to get the info, that’s all.” Eponine assured him, kissing the top of his forehead “I know you’re really scared but it’s okay, we’re all still alive.”

“It was three different fires…” Alonzo began, “the first one was at the police station. Clair was trapped under her desk, her body was melting...she begged me to save her but I couldn't move my feet. The entire time I just saw the symbol of the skull engulfed in fire flashing brightly.”

“And this happened to all three of you?”

“Yeah, but Salis said he’d find me and kill me for what I’ve done...saying that snitches get stitches,” Rico shivered, “I know I shouldn’t admit this but Salis scares the crap out of me! And I don't want him anywhere near Julia! I just found my mate and I don't intend on losing her anytime soon.”

Julia blushed madely, “u-um, I-I di-didn’t know we were mat-mates yet…”

“Sorry,” Rico kissed her forehead, “I should’ve asked you if you were ready to use labels yet.”

“It-It’s fine…” Julia looked away from him, blushing even more.

“Julia will be fine Rico,” Emmanuel patted his shoulder, leaning in to whisper, “on the off chance she isn't you better protect her with your life or you’ll have no after I’m done with you.”

“Y-Yes, si-sir!” Rico whimpered slightly.

“Emmanuel, can you stop pressuring my boyfriend!”

Rico smiled at her words. “Ya! I’m her boyfriend!” he mentally cheered.

“Anyways,” Hex chuckled, “the night of the Fire Eclipse is fast approaching. Rico, do you remember where Salis’ base is?”

“Yes, but you aren’t gonna like it…” Rico frowned.

“Where is it?”

“Your parents old house.”

°•. ✿ .•°

“What do you mean I can't come with?!” Cruella scolded, watching as Hex packed a gun into a bag.

“Cruella, mi amor, your pregnant. I don't want you losing this baby like the last one.” Hex kissed her forehead, “just stay here and I’ll be back soon.”

“No!” Cruella scolded, “just because I'm carrying a child doesn't mean I can't do the same thing I used to do when I wasn’t pregnant!”

“Mi amor,” Hex held her hand, “please don't argue with me, I just want to keep you safe.”

“And I’ll be safe even if I am with you.” Cruella smiled softly.

“Cruella,” Hex held her cheeks, “can you please just trust me?”

“Can you trust me?” Cruella shot back.

“Cruella, I don't want to argue.” Hex muttered, “just please...stay here.”

“Do you think I’m not strong enough?!” Cruella backed away from him, “is that it?!”

“No! That’s not it at all! I know your strong Cruella, even stronger than me, but right now you have to think about more than me and you,” he poked her stomach, “you have another life to think about now.”

Cruella frowned, “Marmalade gets to go with…”

“Is Marmalade carrying a child?”

“Yeah…” Cruella muttered.

“She is?!”

“She’s 3 months pregnant, she found out at the end of the games. It’s a girl.” Cruella explained.

“Does Emmanuel know?”

“Yes,” Cruella huffed, “and he still lets her go.”

“No I’m not!” Emmanuel shouted from the room next to her.

“See.” Hex chuckled softly, “please...just stay.”

“Fine…” Cruella sighed deeply, “but!” Cruella held up her finger, “come back to me. Please.” 

Hex kissed her lips, “you know I always will, mi amor.”

°•. ✿ .•°

“What is with you two?” Hex questioned, watching as Matias, Rico, and Alonzo ran playfull in circles.

“Sorry, Hex,” Alonzo laughed, sitting in front of Hex, “tonight is the full moon and our wolves really wanna run.”

Hex laughed, “why don't you run to Salis’ base,” he gritted his teeth when he remembered the location, “which is my parents house…”

Alonzo whimpered, “Hex, if you don't want to go me and the wolves can-”

“No!” Hex snapped, Alonzo looked down. Hex took a deep breath in and out, “no thank you, Alonzo. I’ll be okay.” he ruffled the black wolf’s fur, “sorry for snapping at you.”

“It’s alright, Hexy~” ALonzo giggled, micing Cruella’s voice.

Hex rolled his eyes, “get going alright, if you get there first try and first Salis’ scent.”

Alonzo nodded, howling loudly to signal to the wolves to start the run.

Hex smiled as he watched his cousins run off into the night. Hex looked up at the window to see Cruella watching him from the alcove, “come back to me, alright?” she mouthed, knowing Hex could understand her.

“You know I always do.” Hex mouthed back, giving her a quick air kiss before drying off in his car.

°•. ✿ .•°

Alonzo sniffed the ground, hazelnut filling his senses. It smelled...familiar.

“You smell that?” He faced his brother, “the-”

“Hazelnut.” Matias continued, “it’s familiar...but I don't know from where…”

He crept closer into the abandoned house, stepping over the debris to follow the hazelnut scent which led them to a rug in the living room. Rico lifted the rug to reveal a trap door.

Opening the door, the three wolves looked into the hole and back at each other before shrugging and heading inside.

Water dripped from the ceiling onto the cold, wet, floor. A lone figure sat in the corner of the room. He looked famished, bruised, and beaten.

He looked up at the ceiling, “how many days have I been stuck in this hell…?” he trailed his fingers on the wet floor, “a year...? Two? I’ve lost track of time…”

The pitter patter of footsteps echoed through the halls, he looked up, his pale emerald eyes squinting to get a better view of who was there.

The clank of a head hitting something made the voice hiss in pain, “dammit! That hurt!”

“Rico, shh!” Matias shushed

“You shh!” Rico shot back.

“Both of you shut up!” Alonzo scolded, silencing the two wolves behind him.

The man’s eyes widened, hope filling them to the brim, “Alonzo?!” his raspy voice filled the halls.

Alonzo rushed towards the voice, stopping in front of the cell, “Milo!” his voice filled with hope and cheer.

He clutched the bars, jumping up and down, “Rico! Matias! Get over here! It’s him!”

Milo scrambled to his feet, slowly approaching the cell bars to hug his cousins, “oh my gods...you’re so big!” Since Milo was 7 years older than the wolves, he was surprised to see how big the wolves got.

His eyes shifted towards Rico, “who’s that?”

“Rico,” he introduced, “I’m a friend of Matias and Alonzo.”

Milo smiled and shook his hand, “Milo Cortez, Ector’s best friend.”

Rico tilted his head, soon gasping, “I've seen you in the pictures on Ector’s desk!”

Milo nodded, “yes, that’s great and all but,” he pulled Alonzo down by his collar, “get. Me. Out. Of. Here!”

“Alright! Alright! Chill!” he turned towards his brother, “Matias, bars.”

The younger of the bunch pried open the bars enough to let Milo out. Milo walked upstairs, the moonlight hitting his eyes for the first time in years. He smiled, tears swelling in his eyes, “it’s...beautiful…”

Hex and Ector hastily exited the car, “did you find Salis?” Hex questioned he turned towards Milo, “no fucking way…”

“What?” Ector stumbled backwards, “no...no...no...no!” he shook his head rapidly, “no fucking way! I kill you! I took you soul! You can't be here!”

“Hey, you damn idiot.” Milo flicked his forehead, the memories of Milo and Ector’s friendship flashing before his eyes brought the second in command to tears.

“Mi...Milo?”

“Give me a hug, you big lug.” Milo smiled softly, opening his arms to welcome Ector in a warm hug.

“MILO!” He cried, sobbing into Milo’s shoulder.

“I missed you too, buddy.” Milo chuckled, patting his back.

“How…” Ector sniffled, wiping his tears.

“I don't know either...but some man named Salis brought me back a few months ago and trapped me under this house the moment I was revived.”

Ector noticed the multiple scars of his friend’s arms and legs, “what happened?”

“You know how I have blood powers?”

Ector nodded, urging him to continue.

“Salis used it to make some weird virus.” Milo sighed, scrunching up his fist “I can't believe I let that man use me like that!”

“Wait, your blood made the virus?!” Alonzo eyes widened.

“Yes,” Milo's face turned pale, “oh gods...don't tell me you have it! Look, I don't know what the vaccine is-”

“We had it,” Rico clariffed, “but Matias’ mate found a way to heal us...by eating her hair.” Rico muttered the last under his breath.

Milo snickered, soon laughing at the wolves “so you mean to tell me you ate a werecat hair?”

“Yes, we did,” Alonzo sweatdropped, “can we please move past the fact we ate hair,” Alonzo pinched the bridge of his nose, “I’m already embarrassed enough.”

Milo was about to say something but Hex’s phone rang. He looked down to see it said private number.

Hex answered, “Hello?”

“Did you like my little surprise, Hexy?” Salis’ sly voice rang through the phone.

Ector snatched the phone, “how dare you lock up Milo for so long! I thought I killed him! Oh but believe me Salis...when I get my hands on you I’ll make sure you’re dead!”

“Not so fast, Soulman,” Salis clicked his tongue, “you and your brother should really focus on getting back to Cruella and the family rather than killing me.”

“If you hurt a single hair on my girlfriend’s head I’ll kill you where you stand Salis!” Hex growled, speeding back to the base.

Just hang on, Cruella, I’m on my way!

~A/N~

Oooooh! Only one more chapter till the end! 😭😭😭 I don't want this to end! But alas... It must. *Sigh* but it's okay! Wereology cast list is being released on Friday so YAY!!! Along with the final chapter of DeVil's In The Name!!

I'm curious of what you think of the ending! Just wait and see!!

Stay sweet y'all!