Chapter 2: First Impressions

"Where's my father?" I demanded, approaching the two men as I dragged my luggage behind me. Their piercing gazes caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but notice how much they'd changed since the photos I'd seen. Defined muscles stretched against their fitted shirts, making it clear they spent considerable time at the gym.

"Lina?" asked the taller one, showcasing intricate tattoos that snaked up his left arm. His jet-black hair fell carelessly across his forehead as if styling it had been the least of his concerns that morning.

"That's me," I confirmed, breaking free from his intense stare. "I asked about my dad."

The man merely rolled his eyes and grabbed my suitcase without a word, heading toward the exit doors.

"Please excuse Carl," the other said with an apologetic half-smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "He's not much for conversation with... well, anyone. I'm Ara, by the way."

"Lina!" Jessica's voice rang out behind me. "Found my bag finally! Wanted to thank you before I catch my cab. You made that flight so much better."

"The pleasure was mine," I replied sincerely. The thought of her taking a cab didn't sit right with me after how kind she'd been. "Skip the cab. We can drop you at FaunaSphere. Right, Ara?"

I fixed him with a look that left little room for argument. He hesitated briefly before his expression softened. "Absolutely. The office is only about ten minutes from here. No trouble at all."

"You're such a sweetheart!" Jessica exclaimed, enveloping me in an enthusiastic hug that made me tense instantly.

She pulled back, studying my reaction. "Not big on hugs?"

"Not particularly," I admitted with a small laugh. "But don't worry about it." I caught Ara's amused smirk from the corner of my eye, clearly entertained by my discomfort.

"I'll take those for you," Ara offered Jessica, casting one more appreciative glance my way before collecting her bags.

When we reached the car, Carl's reaction to our detour was explosive. His jaw clenched so tightly I could almost hear his teeth grinding as he reluctantly agreed after I insisted.

"Just get in the damn car," he growled, his baritone voice cutting through the air.

The California landscape blurred past our windows – lush greens and browns creating a natural tapestry I couldn't wait to explore. My mother and I had always been drawn to nature, following our own path regardless of convention. That wouldn't change just because I'd crossed the country.

After turning off the highway, we entered a meticulously planned street lined with modern architecture and carefully maintained vegetation.

"This is incredible," Jessica whispered, pressing her face closer to the window.

"Welcome to FaunaSphere Dynamics," Ara announced proudly, earning an irritated scoff from Carl.

We pulled up to what appeared to be staff housing – sleek, contemporary buildings with large windows. Carl slammed on the brakes, throwing me forward against my seatbelt.

"Watch it!" I snapped, rubbing my shoulder.

His cold eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. "Pay attention next time," he retorted before exiting the vehicle to help with Jessica's luggage.

After saying goodbye to Jessica and arranging to meet at Monday's orientation, we continued toward my father's estate. Carl's attitude was grating on my last nerve.

"Is the hostility really necessary?" I challenged as we drove.

His steel-gray eyes flickered to the mirror, narrowing as they met mine. Where most would cower, I held his gaze defiantly.

"Not everyone enjoys their life served on a silver platter," he muttered, his knuckles whitening around the steering wheel.

"You know nothing about my life," I countered, anger rising in my chest.

Ara cleared his throat awkwardly. "So Lina, your dad mentioned you've been studying wildlife conservation? That's fascinating."

"Yes," I replied, still glaring at Carl's rigid profile. "I've been working specifically with wolf packs. Their social dynamics are remarkably complex."

I noticed an odd tension pass between the men – Carl's grip tightened while Ara shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

The remainder of our journey passed in uncomfortable silence until we reached an imposing modern estate with clean lines and expansive glass. The contrast to my modest upbringing couldn't have been more stark.

"Your father was called away unexpectedly," Ara explained as we parked. "He should return tomorrow."

I expected Carl to help with my bags, but he simply exited the car. "Getting you here alive was the extent of my obligation. You can manage the rest."

So much for Ara's apparent kindness – he didn't contradict his brother or offer assistance. Sighing, I hauled my luggage toward the entrance, the weight of it all suddenly feeling much heavier.

Inside the threshold stood my stepmother, her perfectly highlighted brown hair framing a face that might have been beautiful if not for the contempt that hardened her features when she saw me.

"Lina," she said, her voice clipped. "Punctuality is valued in this household. Remember that."

"Noted, Jea," I replied flatly.

"It's Jean," she corrected, her pleasant facade cracking instantly.

"Right. Where will I be staying?" I asked, surveying the expansive interior with its minimalist decor and soaring ceilings.

"Not in the main house," she replied, barely containing her satisfaction. "We've prepared the cottage at the property's edge for you. We thought you'd appreciate the... privacy."

The thinly veiled attempt to isolate me was obvious, but I refused to give her the reaction she wanted. "Perfect. Which way?"

Her smile faltered at my indifference as she led me through the house to the rear doors. Outside, she pointed toward a quaint cottage nestled near the edge of Ken jungle – a striking brown and white structure that seemed almost magical against the verdant backdrop.

As I made my way toward it, my burdens suddenly felt lighter, the cottage calling to me in a way I couldn't explain. The irritation from my unwelcoming reception began to dissipate with each step.

Something about this little house felt right. Perhaps living here – surrounded by nature and away from family drama – would be exactly what I needed after all.