An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

At Sadie’s signal, two soldiers stepped forward to carry out her orders.

“W-Wait…” Lauren stammered. She quickly raised her hands and put on a placating smile. “Let’s talk this through like civilized people. No need to get physical.”

“What? Now you want to talk?” Sadie scoffed. “Done with your pretense?”

“I was just messing around earlier. Don’t take it personally. Ask me anything, and I’ll tell you everything I know.” Lauren immediately chose to give in.

“Don’t even think about playing games with me,” Sadie warned. “If you lie to me, I swear you’ll regret it.”

“Relax. I won’t lie,” Lauren said with an ingratiating smile. “I’m as straight as an arrow.”

Sadie frowned slightly but didn’t press further. Something about Lauren’s behavior didn’t sit right with her. One moment she was acting clueless, the next she was oddly cooperative. It was hard to tell what she was up to.

“Alright then. Tell me. Do you know Callan Banks?” Grace asked coolly.

“Do I know him? Of course, I do.” Lauren nodded eagerly. “We met online and hung out just a few days ago. Why?”

“He contracted the plague and nearly died, “Grace said flatly. “He claims you were the one who infected him. Care to explain?”

infected him with the plague?” Lauren

quickly denied it, “Don’t listen to his nonsense! Why would I do something like that? I don’t

won’t tell

is the truth,” Lauren said earnestly. “Don’t let Callan fool you. Sure, he looks like some harmless guy, but he’s got a

we met in person, I knew something was off about him, so I tried to break things off clean. But the creep kept pestering me and refused to leave me alone. I got

you could take down a grown man?” Sadie asked

arts before. Beating up Callan was child’s play. I could even take on several men his size without breaking a sweat,” Lauren replied

don’t care if you could beat Callan in a fight, but your story doesn’t add up,” Grace said

were the only

symptoms the very next day after meeting you. And you’re telling me you

your background. You joined Nexology and have been actively working with them. Everywhere you’ve been, an outbreak followed. Don’t try to tell

you’ve already come to terms with whatever is coming. Most women would be scared out of

ways to get answers from you. I don’t like threatening

but the calm in her

theories, but no proof, “Lauren shot back. “Look, if I’m the one spreading this plague, then why am I perfectly fine while everyone else is dying? Look at me.

said. “Either you have the antidote, or you’ve developed

this plague, you need evidence. You can’t just throw