The Khigir Hunters

32. Determination

Never in my sixteen years would I have expected the scene before me. My Father, six brothers, and me, having breakfast. Only was person was missing, only one. She was irreplaceable.

"Would you like some coffee, Yulia?" My dad asked. Dad. I would have to get used to that. I nodded my head yes. As he poured me a fresh cup, Chris put an omelette in front of me and gave me a big kiss on the head.

"Your favorite, Lia." I looked down at the veggie omelette before me. It looked delicious. The aroma got the better of me, and I slowly broke a piece off and nibbled on it. I murmured a small thanks.

"So when did you get in, dad?" Jay took the empty seat next to me, setting down a big meat omelette of his own.

"Around midnight." He replied across from me. I remained transfixed on my plate. "Say, since when did Victor start doing all the cooking?" I raised my eyes while Jay snorted.

"He's the only one who really bothers to." Jay admitted.

"Why doesn't that surprise me." Dad shook his head with a grin.

"It's a good omelette. Thanks Victor." I chimed in. Victor smiled. 

"Oh it was nothing, Yulia." He walked over to the table. "You should've been here for the blueberry pancakes we made." Damion quipped a brow at that.

"Oh?" He questioned.

"Well, it was really Victor who did most of the work." I replied, scratching the back of my neck.

"You'll have to show your brothers sometime, Yulia. Victor here is the only one with the brains to cook." He glanced next to me at Jay who balked at the insult. I couldn't help the smile creeping up my face.

"Hey, I cook!" Jay defended.

"Son, I've known you your entire seventeen years, and the most I've seen you do is put bread in the toaster." A giggle escaped me.

"I've fried an egg before-"

"Wow, one egg? We better find you an official chef's cap."

"I'm pretty sure you burnt that egg to a crisp too." Victor piped in. Jay flushed and began mumbling something about not everyone can be blessed with certain skills. I felt a light touch on my shoulder and looked up to see Leon staring down at me.

"How about you get some more sleep on the couch? We'll be right here if you need us." He offered. I looked towards the living room where we were half an hour ago. Then I looked at Chris who was wearing his running outfit. The last thing I wanted to do was sleep and see her horrific face again. I shuddered at the thought.

"If it's alright, I'd like to run with the others." If Leon was surprised by my answer, he didn't show it. He simply gave me a nod of understanding and went to pour himself some coffee.

"You guys have been making her run in this weather?" Damion set his fork down and looked pointedly at Leon.

"Might as well." He mumbled. As the two of them took the liberty to argue over it, I excused myself. I ran upstairs, and pushed open the door to my room. I made it a point to avoid my dresser and grabbed my backpack and some clothes. My eyes caught on a shard of glass that reflected in the light. I quickly changed and went downstairs. I wore all black with boots and put my hair up in a high pony tail.

"Ready." I say as I entered the kitchen. Damion, or dad I suppose, sets down his fork as he looks at me.

"Are you sure you're feeling up to this, Yulia?" He asks softly. I nod my head and flick my eyes over to Malik expectantly. He sighs and gives a small shrug.