An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Stop right there!” Colton suddenly shouted and stopped Mulder just as he was about to pass through the checkpoint.

In an instant, everyone tensed up. Mulder’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his blade, and Warrick clenched his fists, ready for a fight.

“Mr. Dane, is there a problem?” Mulder turned, smiling calmly.

“Are these men your soldiers?” Colton’s gaze swept over the men, scanning each one from the front to the back.

“Of course. I trained them myself.” Mulder nodded, the easy smile still plastered on his face.

“Show me their ID badges. I need to check them one by one.”

“Is that really necessary? I’m in a bit of a hurry to carry out my mission.”

“I’m just doing my duty, and I’d appreciate your cooperation,” Colton replied, his gaze unwavering.

“Mr. Dane, it’s not like we just met. Do you still not trust me?” Mulder’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Besides, I have Mr. Cruz’s signed authorization right here. Even if you won’t do me a favor, surely you wouldn’t disrespect him, right?”

Colton frowned and looked hesitant. He didn’t mind offending Mulder, but crossing Axel could spell trouble for his career. Still, if he didn’t check carefully and something went wrong, he’d be the one held accountable.

After a few moments of deliberation, Colton stood his ground. “Rules are rules. Please show me the ID badges.”

Mulder’s smile slowly faded. “Since you insist, I guess we have no choice but to comply.”

He turned to the dozen or so men behind him and gave them a subtle nod. “Show your IDs to Mr. Dane.”

silent as they

first ten men checked out without issue. But when

your badge?”

the end of the line was unusually large, and his towering frame made him impossible to miss. His face, partially

Colton stepped closer, he caught a faint scent of blood

bring it,” the man

“You didn’t bring it?”

his head. In the dim moonlight, he suddenly realized the man’s face looked familiar-like he had seen him somewhere before. But with his head lowered and his high collar hiding half his

ordered, now on high alert. His hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his

saw through

slowly raised his head,

none

“You…”

draw his sword, Warrick struck-his hand pierced straight through Colton’s chest and ripped out a bloody

body jerked; his face froze

just had to get in the way,” Warrick snarled with a wicked grin. “You’re getting paid peanuts for this job. Why risk

flick of his wrist, he hurled Colton’s body more than ten yards away. The lifeless body skidded across the ground, leaving a long, dark smear of

stood frozen as they struggled to process what had

were stunned by the sight. None of them had expected a member of

“Attack!”

drew his

skilled men behind him didn’t hesitate and drew their weapons as they joined