50. Mine

One Year Later

Another year down in the life of Mine.

I sat outside, as I often did, and thought about everything that had happened to get me here. The first month with my mates was an absolute disaster, but the last year had been rather uneventful. Well, other than taking over the Primarchy and everything involved in that.

I thought I was ready to take on a leadership role in the world to help bridge the gap between the Humans and the Primarchs, but I was poorly mistaken. It was so much more than I had anticipated. Although, I did have help from some unlikely places. Others who were born and raised Human but had their designation revealed came out of hiding, offering their aid.

The small group worked as liaisons between the worlds to help figure out what our next steps were after the big reveal of how everyone was truly a part of the hierarchy even though they didn't know it. So far, not much had happened on that end since we couldn't go around having people drink random people's blood to sort it all out. Plans were being made to integrate the communities more seamlessly so possible mates could sort it out themselves as time went on.

Some scientists were working on figuring out a way to pinpoint mates within a database by comparing their blood, but it was in the early stages. The Witches in the community, who we were working with to heal the ostracism they had endured for millennia, came together in search of other solutions, possibly using relics to force the designation to come out. This held promise with the early testings but took a lot of power to do, so it wasn't viable quite yet.

As for the council, well, the eight that remained, including Arthur, they took over to help alleviate some of the pressure for a while. I found out the original members were all chosen by their predecessor upon stepping down or before they passed away. It was a vicious cycle with no change in sight.

The ones that remained insisted we change to a more democratic system where their positions were voted in. I spoke up about my experience with the Human systems, explaining that voting wasn't always the answer. We needed a middle ground with an understanding that extremes of either side were not the answer. We needed tolerance with clear rules and answers. People were flawed, no matter what they were, and as long as no harm came to others, we needed to respect that.

This meant no more secrets. The council's meetings were aired live, and the community could ask questions if they would like to. The first few meetings were highly overwhelming for everyone, lasting nearly all day, but they died down as the trust was rebuilt and answers were freely given.

Sloane kept his position and brought Leona and Iker on to his team to hunt down Lucinda. Sadly, there was no news on that front. She was gone but not forgotten. We would always be on the lookout for her and others like her.

Ellie was adamant about this and with the demise of the original council, demanded she take on her rightful role as aid to the council. Gerard didn't stand in her way but acted as a guide to help her ease into the position since she was still so young and working through what happened with Lucinda and Alastor's involvement within that.

She turned eighteen about two months ago, and her and Alastor's relationship came out then. He had refused to do anything until Ellie was ready and until she was no longer a minor, even though it worked differently in this world. I respected his decision, and my overall respect and trust of him grew due to his more recent decisions. They grew their friendship over the last year, and now, they were inseparable. Considering they were true mates, I understood exactly how that felt.

Cy and Odie became advisors to the council, although they weren't exactly happy about it some days. They really did want to retire to a cabin and never deal with politics again, but they also weren't going to leave their people now that we had wiggle room to create a better future for everyone.

Our days were busy, so we chose to stay in Gerard's mansion for the time being. Since we were so close and with all the chaos that now filled our daily lives, one thing I required of all of us was family dinner each night and an extended family dinner and game night once a week. Sloane, Iker, and Leona were always happy to join us, and it let us all blow off some steam and forget the outside world for a bit.

Sometimes my family stopped by for visits, but they were still getting accustomed to this world and my place in it. I knew they loved me, and we always enjoyed our time together, but finding out why my parents were targeted hit them harder than I expected. They were working through the grief of their loss, the loss of my grandmother, and really, the loss of me, who I was, and who they could no longer be—ignorant Humans. It was a lot to take in for anyone, so I let them be until they made the decision to be more involved.

The fall air rushed by, whipping my hair around my face as I watched Odie and Cy come out of the house to get the bonfire ready. Tonight was one of the game nights, but instead of our usual dinners, with the cooler weather coming in, we decided to do tin foil meals with s'mores as dessert.

Everyone could make their own personal meal and toss it into the coals for it to cook. We pulled out some yard games like giant Jenga and croquet—I demanded to be blue so I could make jokes about Cy's eyes and poking them with a stick to make her uncomfortable. I even made a fresh batch of berry lemonade and had hot chocolate on standby for tonight.

They came over without a word, throwing fire into the pit in front of me. Cy leaned over and gave me a kiss before signing, I love you. I signed it back, happy my language had been integrated into our daily lives a little bit more each day.

Since any children we had would be mute, it wasn't an option, and they were fully on board to work on their signing skills. Everyone was, actually. Some days, no one spoke aloud, choosing to use sign language for all communication. It was a little reminder of how I grew up. Anyone who married in wasn't mute, but the majority of us were, making it the most common way to communicate for us.

Odie stood off to the side, fiddling with some kindling, so I went over and wrapped my arms around her and looked up into her hazel eyes with a smile.

I loved her and Cy so much. At times, it felt like I was going to explode if I didn't tell them, and they promised that was normal. I didn't believe them, but I hadn't combusted yet, so they had a little more proof on their side.

I leaned back, signing, I love you to her, then placed my hand over her heart.

Odie looked down at me with so much love and devotion in her eyes that I nearly teared up. The emotions were high recently, and it was a lot to handle. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

She kissed me on the forehead, breaking out silent streak. "I love you more than you will ever comprehend, Mine. Nothing compares to this, and no one compares to you."

I almost chastised her for speaking aloud, but I couldn't get myself to do it and tarnish her beautiful words that did bring tears to my eyes.

She scooped me up into her arms and held me tightly as everyone else started to pour out of the house with food, chairs, and a cooler of drinks.

If my feelings were right, this would be the last game night for at least a couple weeks. I hadn't spoken to Ellie about it, but my heat was on the horizon, and with her and Alastor's relationship taking a step forward, I wondered if that was something on their mind. It would be difficult for them being both Omegas, but there were ways around that issue, or so I had been told.

For me, I was ready for more than just a few days romp in the nest. Cy and Odie would be great parents who doted on their kids, and although we might not decide to make that leap this time, I doubted we would make it another year without putting a bun in this oven. Ellie, on the other hand, I had no doubt that she would wait, putting her new mate and career first for the next few years. There was no rush, and I would happily wait for a few nieces and nephews running around the house, wreaking havoc alongside whatever children my mates and I have.

Above everything, I was thankful. Despite the beginning. Despite the horrors we faced together. It was worth it, and although the adventures never truly ended where we were concerned, I knew that no matter what came our way, we would figure it out together, me and the family I found, the family I forged in the darkest part of my life.

Until then… Peace out, yours truly, Mine Amarel-Leroy.

The End

Ellie and the rest of the characters will return in Ellie's story, The Sullied Omega, coming 2025. Stay tuned for this MFF omegaverse.