The Khigir Hunters

7. Family

Victor led me to a normal sized kitchen with a huge dinning table taking up most of the space. It was in the middle of the room, with eight available seats. Everything looked very country-like. The walls were a simple cream color, and the floor consisted of dark hickory panels. An apple pie sensation permeated my senses, leaving me with a pleasant feeling. This was defiantly someone's home, but could it ever be my home?

The first thing that caught my eye were four guys sitting across from each other, having a playful conversation. None of them acknowledged my presence. My eyes roamed towards one of the more muscular man's tattooed arms. I gulped; he looked the most threatening. He was currently chatting with someone with brown curly hair. The other two had darker hair compared to them, nearly black, and stoic faces. Victor suddenly took off with my bags in a doorway, leaving me standing in front of these strangers. Damn Victor.

I was just about to take a step and try to follow where Victor abandoned me, but my ears perceived a lack of talking. I bit my lip, and willed myself to look at the four people... who were now staring directly right at me. I froze, keenly aware of their eyes on me. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. My heart decided to do flips in my chest, not helping my embarrassment in this awkward predicament. Well, I should say something...

"H-hi," I held up my hand in a sad attempt to wave, "I'm-"

"Yulia?" One of them broke the silence. I instantly looked towards the dark haired boy with thick eyebrows. He stood up, his brown eyes never leaving mind. He had a sentimental look on his dimpled face, leaving me speechless. I watched dumbfounded as he moved closer to me. He towered over me, just like I assume the rest would do. His eyes were similar to Victor's, except they flashed with reminiscence. He suddenly pulled me into his firm chest, leaving me bewildered at the unexpected gesture. He smelled very airy and earthy, almost like a misty forest...

I let my arms awkwardly lay idle next to my sides. After a moment he let go and took a step back. He analyzed my puzzled face, and a wave of hurt crashed down on his.

"You probably don't remember us." He said with a grim smile. "You were just a baby when you left."

"Of course she doesn't remember, Chris." The guy with tattoos spoke up from the table. Just then, Victor walked back into the room, stealing everyone's focus.

"Have you introduced yourselves yet?" He gestured.

"What are you, our mom?" One of them mocked from the table. Victory sighed, obviously displeased with whoever snapped back at him. He quickly recomposed himself and turned to face me.

"Yulia," I met his sincere eyes, "this is your new home," Victor motioned with his lean arms, "and these," he added with annoyance, "are your brothers."

"Well... most of them." One with inky hair spoke up from his seat. He looked a lot like whoever just hugged me. 'Chris?' Did they call him? Maybe they were twins. His brows were just as prominent, but his hair seemed a tint darker, and more curly.

"Leon is downstairs working, he should be up soon." Victor clarified. I nodded, trying to keep up with the new information. We all remained silent for a few seconds, Victor shooting his brothers a what-are-you-waiting-for look. The one with curly brown hair sighed, and spoke up first.

"I'm Jay." He said nonchalantly, scratching the back of his neck. I noted his green eyes. My focus roamed to the necklace hanging around his neck: a small silver star pendant. It reflected off the lights when he moved.

"Dimitri." An elegant boy spoke, gesturing lazily with his hand. He had the darkest hair of them all, almost black. There were a few beauty marks climbing up his pale face.