Sora looked anxiously at Daniel, who gave her a reassuring smile.  He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder before standing up to go chat with  Christian and Kaia over by the pool table.

Sora chewed on her lower lip, repeating the words that Daniel just revealed moments ago.

The girl will be here shortly.  Be ready to protect her.

She wondered if the girl was really tied to Kian’s past.  But what astounded her was why Daniel asked her to protect her.  

“Where’s that idiot Mikael and Julian?”

Sora snapped out of her thoughts as Victoria leaned over Everett to steal his drink again as she made her next move on the game board the group had setup.

Everett grumbled at the empty bottle and dragged himself out of the couch to grab more from the fridge.

“They mentioned something about hunting.”  He answered over his shoulder, peeking into the empty fridge.  “Anyone feel like making a run with me?”

Everyone yelled ‘not it’ while Victoria looked to the door, her eyes furrowed in thought.

“I have a bad feeling that pipsqueak bit off more than he can chew.  As usual.”  She responded with a shrug, brushing her long hair over her shoulder.

Everett nudged her with his long leg as he leaned to make his move on the board, before shrugging on a jacket.

“He’ll be fine.  That kid has nine lives.”  He joked, looking around the room.  “Last takers. Anyone want to come with?”

Everyone groaned and looked away, not wanting to leave the cozy surroundings.  It wasn’t much but it was home.

Sora flashed a small smile as Everett caught her gaze.  

“Miss Sora, would you care to join me?” He formally bowed, a hint of his Indonesian roots in the accent.

She thought again about Daniel’s words and shook her head.  “I think I’d better sit this one out.”  

Everett made a puppy face she resisted with a laugh but he sighed and put his hands on his hips, a mock glare at the group.  “Don’t complain with what I end up getting then.”

They all waved him away, continuing their game.

Just as Everett reached the door, the heavy door swung open.  He gripped the edge to keep it from swinging into his face.  

There was ominous silence as the group stood and looked towards the sound.

Everett glanced at Julian who was holding an unconscious Mikael, one arm slung around his shoulders.

“Speak of the devil.  What happened to him?”  He exclaimed.

Julian shook his head, as he took Mikael to the couch.  Everett followed him, concern on his tan face.

Victoria cleared the couch and put a pillow down on one end as Julian placed him on the couch.

“He’s fine.  Just knocked out.”  Julian’s quiet voice could be heard by the group.

Victoria didn’t believe him and placed her ear over his heart, touching one hand that had fallen over the edge.

“Who did this to him?”  She stiffly asked, her eyes narrowed.

Julian paused for a moment, looking to the door to his sister’s room.

Sora opened her mouth to reassure him but Julia already spoke up.  “She’s asleep.”

Daniel stepped forward, his eyes on Julian.  “What did she say?”  He asked instead, surprising the group.

Sora could see the slight wrinkle between his eyebrows, the strain around his mouth.

“She said she would be here shortly.”