The Khigir Hunters

23. Dead Dog: Do Not Eat

"It's later Yulia, get your ass out here!" Jay called from the kitchen. I was huddled on the living room sofa with an apple in one hand when my brother decided now was the time to come clean. With a sigh I shut off the tv playing in front of me and walked into the kitchen. Jay was seated neatly at the table with his arms crossed. He looked composed yet semi-impatient. His opal eyes narrowed in disapproval. I took one final bite from my apple and tossed it in the bin.

"Do we have to do this now?" I rubbed at my arm. I did make a deal and all that I'd tell Jay that Bree was the one who hurt me, but I really didn't want to tell him. I found the whole thing embarrassing and a sign of my weakness.

"Either we do this now, or I go get Leon." Jay warned. My stomach dropped.

"Pfft, I'm not afraid of him." I played it off with a wave, not even fooling myself.

"Oh yeah?" He tested. "Well hold tight while I get him." Jay stood up from his chair. Fuck. I immediately ran over and pulled him by his arm to sit back down. He grinned triumphantly. "Thats what I thought." He said smugly. "Sit." I begrudgingly did as I was told, taking my place across from the big bully.

"Yulia, all I want to know is who did this, it's not asking much." I turned my head away; annoyance quickly began bubbling inside. My pride acted as an outer wall preventing me from coming across. "Yulia? Hey, earth to Yulia." Jay snapped his fingers.

"This is stupid." I grunted, quickly making my way to my feet. I decided I wanted to be alone. Fuck this. I began making my way towards my room like my life depended on it. Just as I made it back into the living room, my body rammed into something solid and tall. Fuck my life. I hesitantly looked up to see Victor. His chocolate eyes narrowed in confusion. For some reason, his jeans and leather jacket were absolutely covered in mud. His dark curls were even tousled, something out of character for him. I always saw Victor as neat and tidy.

"Going somewhere?" He asked.

"Sorry Victor, I wasn't looking where I was going and-"

"Why not?" He deadpanned, interrupting me.

"Well I..." My words died down. What kind of question was that?

"Hey Vic, have you seen Leon around?" Jay butted in, leaning out the kitchen door. His green eyes shimmered mischievously in the light. Oh hell no. I spontaneously decided to attempt sidestepping Victor by moving past him... attempted. Victor abruptly grabbed ahold of my arm, causing me to stop in my tracks.

"What are you doing?" I asked, a little nervous. Victor didn't release his grip on me.

"You're coming with me." He ordered in a deep, stoic voice. I gulped; he was serious. Victor began walking me back into the kitchen in silence. My nerves seemed to become on high alert. Whatever he's up to can't be good. Jay followed us around the corner, clearly enjoying whatever was  happening judging by the shit-eating grin on his face.

"Careful," Jay spoke up, watching us in amusement, "she's feisty." Victor stopped us right in front of the door. He snatched someone's coat off the rack and threw it at me.

"Put it on." His voice left no room for argument. He released me from his grip, tempting me to make a run for it but I knew better. Casting a nervous glance at him, I quickly put on the oversized winter coat that no doubt belonged to one of my brothers. It smelled strongly of smoke and cologne. I looked behind me in search of Jay but found the kitchen empty, save for Victor and me.

He suddenly opened the door, letting a chill rush into the warm kitchen.

"Victor, where are we going?" I asked, shivering from the wind. I received no answer. Victor, once again, grabbed my arm and pulled me outside, slamming the door in the process. It was silent and cold, just like Victor at the moment. He began walking me towards the garage. Our feet crunched in the bright snow, while a breeze rattled the trees. Finally, we reached the building, and I hastily followed my brother inside. Thank goodness for heated garages.