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?”

I infected him with the plague?” Lauren looked

to his nonsense! Why would I do something like that? I don’t even

Even now, you still won’t tell the truth? You think you can get away with

the truth,” Lauren said earnestly. “Don’t let Callan fool you. Sure, he looks like some

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

believe a woman like you could

I could even take on several men

beat Callan in a fight, but your story doesn’t add

“We tracked Callan’s movements before he got infected. You were

you.

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

in. You don’t look panicked, as if you’ve already come to terms with whatever is coming. Most women would be scared out of their minds right now,

know you’re stalling, but it won’t get you anywhere. Keep playing dumb if you want, but I’ve got other ways to get answers from you. I don’t like threatening other women,

but the calm in her tone made

no proof, “Lauren shot back. “Look, if I’m the one spreading this plague, then why am I

“Either you have the antidote, or you’ve

this plague, you need