The Khigir Hunters

5. Courage

Dion and I had just stepped off the plane when his phone began to ring. He silently cursed, answering quickly.

"Yes?" He asked, trying to keep his annoyance pushed down. I would be a little peeved out too if I worked as long as Dion did without a break. "We're just entering terminal six." He stated flatly. Dion's large hand had found its way to the small of my back and was now guiding me past large crowds. We finally stopped at the baggage reclaim area when Dion hung up his phone smoothly.

"Your father is an impatient man, Yulia." Dion sighed, looking down at me. I shrugged, uninterested at the mention of my father. We stood alongside with countless others, waiting for my luggage to show itself. When my brown bags finally came into view, Dion beat me to it and snatched them in one swoop, like a bird diving at its prey.

"Ok..." he walked back over to me, "let's get this over with." Dion started moving away and I quickly began to follow him.

"Get what over with?" I asked from behind with a frown on my face.

"Oh, just the fact that your brother is bound to be unpleased because our flight was an hour late." Dion's voice dripped with regret.

"I didn't know our flight was delayed." I murmured.

"Neither did I, " he turned his head to glance at me, "and now I have to pay the price." I grimaced. 'Pay the price?!' Just how cruel is my family?

"Pay the price?" I snapped, unable to control the feeling of rage pool inside of me. I stoped in my tracks, not caring about following Dion anymore. "Dion-"

"Dionisiy!" A masculine voice interrupted my outburst. Dion and I both turned to see a man approach us swiftly. He walked haughtily as though he deserved respect, and I instantly scowled. I watched intently as he moved to stand directly in front of Dion. I internally gasped. This guy was taller than Dion, which I thought was previously impossible! "You're late, Krasimir." He stated blandly. Dion never twitched under his scrutinizing gaze, much to my surprise. Instead, he maintained his oh-so-professional composure.

I eyed this new fellow carefully. He wore a black leather jacket paired with a white top. His jeans were loose and speckled with mud. The short, dark hair on his head curled at the top slightly, and freckles danced across his conservative face. My eyes met his chocolate orbs for a split second before I averted my gaze. I jotted down the fact that he looked just as built as Dion, if not more. Gosh, why is everyone so strong? Despite appearing stronger than Dion, his shoulders were less broad in comparison, and he looked younger.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't informed that the flight was delayed until you called me." Dion affirmed truthfully. I observed as the stranger's eyes widened, but he quickly collected himself.

"Don't let it happen again." He warned, his voice smooth like velvet. Dion simply nodded in acknowledgement, and the dark haired man narrowed his eyes. "You're needed elsewhere." He said abruptly, acting as though he was uninterested. "You should have gotten a message." I watched bewildered as this stranger took my bags from Dion's hands, and glanced at him, as if waiting for conformation.

"I did..." Dion lightly balled his hands into fists at his side now that they were empty. "I wanted to make sure Yulia got to where she was needed." Oh boy. Now the attention shifted to me. I could feel the younger man analyzing me carefully with his muddy eyes, causing me to shift uncomfortably in my mother's grey slippers. I allowed my eyes to lock onto the suddenly interesting ground.

"Well you did the job." The younger man stated flatly. My ears picked up Dion muttering something indecipherable under his breath, and he quickly turned to me.

"Good luck, Yulia. It was a pleasure meeting you." His sky blue eyes met mine and he extended his firm arm towards me. I allowed my hand to be pulled into a warm handshake, one that I genuinely didn't mind. Within this day and a half, I've come to not mind Dion, despite the fact that he could be a bit intimidating. Underneath that rough exterior was something... If I got to know him more I'm sure I'd be comfortable around him.

"Thank you for all your help Dion." I gave him an earnest smile which he returned instantly. If Dion was leaving, then that means I'll be left with-

"Don't forget the message." The stranger broke my train of thought. I glanced at him for a second, losing my smile meant for Dion. Why couldn't I stay with Dion? I'd be better than going with freckles over here. Not to mention that it'd really be better, because then I wouldn't be able to meet my monster of a father. Dion gave the universal sign for goodbye, and began to walk away. Well, there goes my hope.

"Come on." And there goes my courage. I looked briefly at the man who held my bags; he was looking down at me like I was a small child in desperate need of directions. A frown instantly found its way on my face. In a way it was true; I am lost... But I refuse to consider myself as helpless as a child.

"I can help with the bags." The words left my lips rougher than I intended. I internally cowered. Way to go, Yulia. I watched unnervingly as his eyes widened for a split second, surprised by my sudden statement.

"I can handle it." His tone left no room for argument. Finally he began to move and I reluctantly followed a few steps behind him, like a helpless puppy. I sighed, and begged the universe to tell me why I should be the one to end up in this predicament.

"Are you tired?" He suddenly glanced back towards me for a second, a genuine expression painted his face. Am I tired? Very. Do I want to sleep again? Preferably not for awhile, not after that horrific nightmare...

"A little..." I brushed a strand of my golden hair behind my ear.

"You can rest soon when we get home." I stared at the back of his leather jacket. Home. What did that word mean anymore? A home without my mom was like a castle without a queen, leaving an unjust king in its wake. Tears picked at my eyes, and I instantly became flustered. I didn't want the man in front of me to see me cry, I had to be strong, to show him I wasn't weak.

"Are you hungry?" He suddenly turned, stopping in his tracks. I had just barely wiped my damp eyes with the sleeve of Karine's coat before we exchanged looks. Shit.

"Oh- no, Dion and I stopped for dinner on our way." I composed myself quickly, stuffing my emotions down. Hmm, this is starting to become a habit... His chocolate eyes bore into mine, aiming to come across what I was clearly hiding. A long minute passed before he finally spoke up.

"Alright." His voice was low, almost to the point of whispering. "We're not far from the car." He swiftly turned on his heels and began to walk again, leaving me stunned. I instantly shook myself from my stupor, and willed my feet to move forward.

My eyes no longer rested on his back, instead they found theirselves embedded in the rugged floor. My heart ached for everything to return to the way it once was, despite it being impossible. I unconsciously hugged the green coat that hung a little too loosely from my petite form. The sweet aroma encompassed me like a warm summer breeze carrying the scent of flowers. It made me happy, and calmed my nerves at the same time.

Before I knew it, we were walking towards the exit. I was currently debating whether or not I should step ahead of him to open the door. Of course I should, he's carrying all of my bags! I hesitantly began to skip ahead of him, moving towards the door.

"I've got it, Yulia." I froze in my tracks, his voice carrying obvious hints of annoyance. The first time he said my name was to express his unhappiness, just my luck. His tall stature leaned against the clear door, then looked pointedly at me. I realized he wanted me to go first so I hastily walked through the door, muttering a jumbled 'thanks.'

I could feel his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head as I exited the building. It was nearly pitch black outside, save for a few stars shining brightly against the night. I rose my head slightly to get a better view. The door sounded shut promptly behind me, and he quickly reappeared in my line of sight.

"This way." He stated lethargically, dragging my bags along. I grudgingly followed his daunting form, wondering how this day could get any worse. My focus unintentionally shifted to the night sky. Sure, it was no Russian sky, but it was a true spectacle to me nonetheless.

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