Laughter filled the cabin.
Aaron let out an amused chuckle, shaking his head. "In fact, we do have a pet tiger."
I blinked. "What?"
Alex smirked from his seat, stretching his arms lazily behind his head. "You'll meet him soon enough."
Anderson, however, was watching me carefully, his expression unreadable. Then, a low chuckle escaped him, his amusement quiet but undeniable.
"We don't need you to do anything for us, Mia," he said smoothly. "You were always meant to be with us."
I stiffened at his words, my heartbeat thundering in my ears. "What—?"
Anderson leaned back in his seat, his lips curling into something almost resembling a smile.
"And don't call me Mr. Anderson or whatever nonsense you're thinking." His eyes locked onto mine, dark and certain. "Call me Dad."
My blood ran cold.
Aaron leaned forward slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You look like you're about to pass out," he mused. "Should we get her some water?"
Alex laughed under his breath. "Yeah. This is priceless."
But I couldn't laugh. I couldn't even breathe. Because, in that moment, I realized—this wasn't just some cruel joke.
They were dead serious.
My entire body tensed, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts. I felt like the walls were closing in, like the air itself was pressing down on her.
"I will not!" I snapped, my voice louder than I intended.
Aaron let out a low whistle, shutting his book with a quiet thud. "Feisty. I like it."
Alex smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Yeah, this is gonna be fun."
I shot them both a glare before turning back to Anderson, my pulse thundering in my ears. "You're out of your mind if you think I'm just going to accept this. You can't just decide something like this—I don't even know you!"
Anderson remained completely unfazed, watching me with that same unreadable expression. Then, after a beat, he sighed, almost as if he were disappointed.
"You will," he said simply. "In time."