An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Dustin smiled and encouraged, “Go on, don’t be shy.”

Feiver hesitated, holding onto his plate and avoiding eye contact. “You’re still growing, and you’re way too skinny, bud. You’ve got to eat more, “Dustin said, adding food to Feiver’s plate.

Feiver mumbled a reluctant “thanks”. His smile was strained, revealing his nervousness.

“Not hungry? Maybe it’s not to your liking? No worries, try the shrimp or the beef stew.” Dustin added more food to his plate, playing the role of a doting father.

“Okay, Dr. Rhys, you shouldn’t worry about me. You should eat, too!” Feiver trembled with the plate in his hand as he tried to avoid eating.

“I’m not hungry; you go ahead,” Dustin smiled.

“I-I’m not hungry either,” Feiver stammered, trembling occasionally.

“That’s fine; think of it as a tasting session. Go ahead, dig in.” Dustin nodded. As Feiver refused to eat, Dustin suddenly joked, “Why? Do you think I’ve poisoned the food?”

smile, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “N-no way, Dr. Rhys!

why aren’t you eating?” Dustin asked

I’ll eat.” Feiver finally picked up a piece of vegetable and took a bite. He stole a glance at Dustin, trying

out of this world!” Dustin

wrong? Why aren’t you eating? The kitchen specially prepared this sumptuous feast for you! “Nervousness began to creep into Feiver’s smile as he urged Dustin to

silent, Feiver’s desperation grew. He got agitated, and his

Eat! Hurry up! I’ve already eaten,

willing to risk your life. But unfortunately, you’ve underestimated me,” Dustin remarked, his smile

mean?” Feiver started

Vine are a deadly concoction. You’re all out for my life,” Dustin

Feiver entered the room. Dustin allowed Feiver to eat first as a test, purely to confirm his

to risk his own life

exclaimed with growing panic. By now, black blood was flowing from his nostrils, and