Within Their Reach

38. Stone

Ava

"Stop." I panted, resting my hands on my knees. 

I was dripping with sweat; my throat was dry and my thighs were shaking. Aiden and I have been busy for the last two hours, since five in the morning.

My stomach grumbled wanting food and I held my hand up to tell him that I was done for the day.

"You did well, darling." I hummed at him as he dabbed my sweaty face with the towel. "We'll continue tomorrow." 

I can barely walk. But I know this is important too.

"Yeah..."

"Hey, don't feel defeated," He pecked my sweaty forehead. "At least you lasted for two hours today before fainting."

"Mhm." I hummed as I leaned over him for support.

"Come on, let's get you some water and some bath." He rested his arm over my shoulder making me a bit wobbly in my knees.

One might think we were intimate but no. My whole-body aches because I have been working out for two hours. 

First, some basic warm-ups, running, then jumping for which his eyes never left my breasts making me laugh half the time, and then some basic self-defense training. 

This has been going on for about a few days now and at first, I was excited I had thought Aiden would go easy on me but guess what, he is all serious when he is in the training zone. 

Almost close to being serious like Cassius but he is on all different levels.

What had I expected from the commanding control of the army?

But at five in the morning! That's too early, especially when it is cold outside. 

But it was good. I met some of the soldiers training near a camp. They would applaud whenever I would pin Aiden down in the ring but then one glare from him and they all looked away as if counting the branches of the trees.

I know Aiden was going easy on me because I was just starting but one day, I will pin him down without him holding back. 

-And then probably fuck.

Yes. Then we'll fuck.

I moaned dipping my body in the tub filled with warm water. Aiden had gone back to the training camp as usual and Cassius had a meeting with the council regarding the upcoming Celestial Ball.

"Lavender oil, Miss?" Merida asked, making me nod.

"Some near the shoulders Merida, please." She did, massaging my aching muscles. "Thank you."

"It's no problem miss." I closed my eyes as she washed my hair and I played with the soapy bubbles. "Miss?"

"Yes?"

"Have you thought about the present you are going to give to your mates?" 

I opened my eyes and looked over my shoulder at her with a question. Presents?

"What presents?" There is still time for their birthdays.

"The marking presents of course." I held my breath as she poured a bucket of water over my hair, washing it clean. "After the mating ceremony, after returning home the mates exchange gifts."

"Oh." 

How was I supposed to know? I know for a fact my men won't tell me. Thinking that it was unnecessary while they get me something very dear to my heart.

"From your response, I suppose your mates didn't mention it?" 

I let out a sigh, nodding as I let out a groan, holding my face in my palms. The ball was in a few days, I don't have enough money and it would be awkward to ask them. I don't like asking for money.