Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, the Cliffside Villa ~

The next morning…

7:49 AM

Sarah woke up and met Aiden's gaze directed at her.

"Good morning beautiful…", he greeted her.

"Mhm…", she hummed back and snuggled next to him in an obvious display of her intention to go back to sleep.

Sarah realized that even though he welcomed her in his arms, his posture is slightly stiff which means that he is awake. And the fact that Aiden has sweatpants on under the cover, means that he got out of their room as well because they sleep naked and put clothes on only before they leave their bedroom. 

"How come you are not sleeping?", she mumbled.

Aiden didn't want to say that he woke up at 4 AM and then at 6 AM to check on the pups. Aiden relaxed around 7 AM when Genie came to take the pups out for a breakfast and to let them in the garden to play. He didn't like that Genie woke up the pups, but she explained that they will learn to wake up at that time, and the routine will be beneficial for everyone.

Aiden returned to bed and started thinking about Voronins and Sarah's words from the previous night and he could not sleep. She said a lot, while he didn't respond. And he needs to assure her that he feels the same and that they are in this together.

"I was waiting for you to wake up so that I can tell you something."

Sarah blinked twice at the seriousness in his voice and she was awake. "Sounds important."

He pushed an unruly lock of hair behind her ear. "I want you to know that I breathe for you and my life without you makes no sense. And as long as I can move, I will fight for you."

His sweet words don't match his solemn expression and tone, but she knows that he means it. And the intensity of his gaze made Sarah take in a choppy breath. She melted from inside out at the thought of how this impossibly handsome man is her husband. And she is his.

"I am yours.", Sarah said under her breath.

Aiden's lips curved in a devilish smile and he nodded faintly without breaking the eye contact. "Mine."

That one word which was almost a growl made Sarah feel the need deep inside her core and the heat spread through her veins.

"Show me…", she said in a shaky voice.

Aiden's expression shifted into a wild and unrestrained one and his hold on her waist tightened and Sarah knew that what is coming is going to be wonderful.

…

Master Hollow is at the training grounds, sitting in his wheelchair and watching kids do their morning routine.

Bo, Souta, and Wing asked him for guidance, but he told them to join the other kids because he wants to see what they are doing, and it will be beneficial for them to try something different.

Master Hollow must admit that he is impressed. He heard from Haru that none of the kids are training for more than a year and a half, and the fact that they can keep up with his disciples who are training for over a decade is impressive.

They went running, then did an obstacle course, practiced a variety of moves on training dummies, and the last were sparring matches.

Less than a minute into sparring matches, Master Hollow understood that most of the kids here have real-life experience in fighting. That definitely gives them an edge over his disciples whose biggest opponents (other than the poachers) were training dummies. But what fascinated him the most was how all the kids took their training seriously. Every kid had a focused expression, like they are on a mission where their determination will decide how successful someone is.

Despite their injuries, Michael and Oni were present and in good spirits. The two of them didn't train, but they were helping out others by commenting on their posture and acting as judges in sparring matches.

Master Hollow took an opportunity to ask Oni about the training schedule.

"Everyone is required to do a morning run.", Oni explained. "Activities after that are optional, but no one wants to be left behind, so we are all training. If the exams are not upon us, then after breakfast we go to the underground shooting range and practice with pistols, rifles, knives, bows… In the afternoon we spend time in various activities such as strategy simulations, or coding, or we practice driving skills…"

"When do you have fun?", Master Hollow asked.

Oni was not sure if she understands the question. "This is fun."

Master Hollow had an unreadable expression. Well, he can't deny that all the kids look happy. "Can you show to my disciples after breakfast how to use weapons?"

Oni nodded. "If they are interested, they only need to show up. Masika and Imani are best with rifles. Ade is great with pistols. Whatever they want to learn, someone can show them, and then it's up to them to practice. Shooting ranges are always open..."

…

10:53 AM

Sarah and Aiden found Master Hollow in the garden. He is next to the pond with koi fish, deep in his thoughts while his gaze is directed toward Tristan who is further away. Tristan is in charge of the grounds and animals (koi fish and exotic birds in the cage), he trained Kitty and now he is busy teaching pups to sit.

"Are you finding things to your liking?", Sarah asked.

Master Hollow remembered how Imani is making sure he took his pills, and earlier that morning she changed his bandages.

After breakfast, he went to the underground shooting range and he saw kids practice using a variety of ranged weapons with diligence. After that, all the kids went to the common room to unwind until lunchtime. Some are discussing a variety of topics in groups, some are competing in online gaming, while few are busy around pinball machines. Of course, a handful of kids went to their rooms saying that they want to read a book or do some other activity that requires a quiet environment. That was the state when he left them.

Master Hollow observed Sarah and Aiden and saw that they are holding each other, joined at the hips, and both of them are obviously in a good mood. Of course, he does not know what the two of them did in their bedroom for the last few hours, but everyone here is happy, so they don't look out of place.

"You have an amazing thing going on here.", Master Hollow responded.

Sarah's smile widened. "I am glad you approve. If you need anything, let us know."

"Everyone is helpful. I am freeloading.", Master Hollow said with a troubled expression.

Sarah waved her hand, indicating that it's not important. "Don't worry about it. The only thing you should focus on is to heal properly."

Their attention got drawn to Ron and Zula who approached them.

"Is this a good time to talk?", Ron asked Aiden.

"Did you finish your research?", Aiden responded with a question. He guessed that Ron and Zula want to talk about handling Ron's stepmother.

Ron confirmed.

Aiden glanced at Sarah. The two of them were planning to go and visit Sophia and Felix (well, Lia mostly), and they came to the garden to check on Master Hollow before they head out.

Sarah understands that this is important to Ron. "Talk to them. I will visit Sophia and return in time for lunch."

Aiden gave Sarah a small nod before touching her chin and planting a light kiss on her lips. It was just a small kiss, less than a second long, but the way they looked at each other was electrifying.

"I will see you when you get back.", Aiden said softly before walking away with Ron and Zula inside the main house with the study room as their destination.

Sarah was in a daze, watching Aiden's retreating back while images from that morning replayed in her mind. She could still feel his touch on her body and her face heated up. Yup, that is her husband.

Master Hollow felt invisible. It's a long time since someone ignored him. But this is their home, and he is freeloading, and the place is wonderful, and the care he is getting is first class, and even his disciples are happy, so he should not complain.

---

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