The Khigir Hunters

15. Discoveries

I was cold, to say the least. Lets just say that I didn't have enough energy in reserves to make it back in one entire sprint. Dimitri must've found the whole thing amusing, because I'm sure he knew what was in store for me. I begged, really begged that he wouldn't tell Malik, but what were the odds?

Squeezing the last ice water from my hair, I shot daggers at Malik who simply smiled in return. Chris walked over and placed a small towel on my lap and looked at me with an apologetic smile. We were all grouped in the kitchen now, and the sun was finally beginning to rise.

"Good morning, Yulia." Leon greeted me, already dressed for the morning. His athletic physique was shrouded in an inky crew neck that was unzipped. His muddy eyes looked over my damp clothes with slight interest. "And how was your morning?" He asked. I instantly glared at Malik who snorted in his drink.

"It was just fine." I stressed the last word.

"Until she took a little stumble in the creek." Malik spoke up. Leon glanced at his younger brother with raised brows.

"And how was the run?" He changed the subject.

"It- it was okay..." I scratched the back of my neck in embarrassment, trying to forget about my lack of endurance... Also Malik's annoying presence.

"She made it about half a mile, and however far she ran with Dimitri." Malik answered. Leon simply hummed in acknowledgment, then walked out of the kitchen. Meanwhile I focused on squeezing the remaining cold moister from Jay's sweatshirt. I would have taken it off, but it still provided some warmth. Luckily, Malik only splashed me with the icy water; the others had caught up with me and Dimitri on our way back, and since I wasn't running, Malik had his own wicked solution.

Victor suddenly strolled in the kitchen, wearing his usual leather jacket, jeans, and heavy boots. His slick black hair was combed back neatly and our eyes instantly met. He gave me a faint nod which I hesitantly returned then headed towards the counter to prepare our breakfast. Just as he cracked the first egg, Jay appeared shirtless through the archway. His star pendant hung from his bare chest which showcased his abs, and his chocolate colored hair was tousled.

"What's for breakfast?" He abruptly yawned, looking towards Victor. The two began discussing something when I slowly began nodding off. Waking up involuntarily in the middle of night must be hitting me hard, no wonder... Just as my head began to droop someone clapped their hands loudly.

"Yulia!" Malik called even though he was three feet away from me, "No sleeping, remember?" He smirked evilly, "Got to respect your elders." Respect my elders my ass. How was sleep depriving me teaching me respect? When I once again glared at my now least favorite brother, he decided to make things 100% worse, if possible.

"And don't go spitting out dirty words again like this morning." That caught the attention of one Victor standing in front of some fried eggs. I gulped, and instantly averted my gaze once Victor eyed me suspiciously. I was tempted to shut my eyes again and pretend like I was sleeping.

"Seriously?" Jay asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Again, even after yesterday?"

"Yulia, what did I tell you about cussing?" Victor now held all the world's disproval. I stared dumbfounded at my brothers. Why? Victor completely stopped what he was doing and looked intently at me, waiting for an answer. I sighed, and recalled his previous statements.

"That I shouldn't do it and it's disrespectful..." I trailed off. Victor nodded, going back to his cooking.

"When I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it." He sounded just like Jay did yesterday. I nodded lightly, even though he couldn't see it. Another yawn hit me again, and I decided that I had more than enough time for a nap, brothers be damned. I stood up, pushed in my chair, and headed towards the stairs, but not before Jay stopped me.