“You’re not going to ask where we’re going?”
“Should I?” Colton’s been given an order. Who is he to question it?
“No, I just usually work with a lot of people who want to argue every damned thing.” The man doesn’t sound happy about it.
“They stomp that out of us here in the army right quick,” he says with his most charming smile. Hopefully, it’s charming.
“Do you find that difficult with your designation?” he asks as they approach the SUV.
Ah. Now they’re getting somewhere. “Jumping straight to the big questions.” It’s personal enough that he doesn’t rush to answer.
The man doesn’t respond, so Colton doesn’t answer the question.
“Why do I feel like I’m heading off to some shady government facility?”
“Might be the mob?” his driver says with a smile. He still hasn’t introduced himself. Colton’s gut is telling him that he is being evaluated. Is this man really just a driver?
“Very unhelpful,” Colton murmurs.
They get into the car and the man starts driving. Colton can see his attention returning to him again and again. He is definitely being evaluated, though he isn’t sure for what.
“You don’t seem agitated.”
“Why would I be?” Colton keeps his hands loose and open in his lap where they can be seen. It’s only polite because he is such a high designation and he can unsettle anyone if he isn’t careful. Even those without a designation have been known to react to him if he doesn’t keep himself in check.
Everyone is happier if he keeps himself in check. The calmer he is, the calmer everyone else is, too.
“Because you are a very high-level Dominant. I’ve got information you don’t, and you’re stuck being a passenger in a car, going to an unknown destination for an unknown length of time.”
“Ah. High level, huh?” He looks out the window, unwilling to take the bait. Even that statement is confirmation that he’s here because of his unusually high designation.
“You can ask, but I can’t tell you. Though it seems like you’ve figured that part out,” his driver finally says.
Colton nods and looks out the window again, trying to stay calm and unconcerned. “Just like usual then,” he says.
The driver nods slowly. “Yes, that was in your file. Steadiness and control. Good.”
Just how much of his file has this man seen? Sounds like he’s seen Colton’s psychological evaluations, and it isn’t just anyone who gets that level of clearance. Colton isn’t overjoyed about this impromptu car-ride-as-situational testing, but designation isn’t easy to test.
Designation is a wild card.
Devising unusual situations to elicit responses is typical.
What is his driver learning about him right at the moment? Can Colton handle being placed in a submissive role as a passenger? Is it okay if the person giving him orders is submissive? Does lack of information unsettle him? Does he make submissives uncomfortable?
The higher the designation, the less stable Dominants typically are and the more important it is to test them thoroughly. Colton has no idea what they might want him for.
It’s even more intriguing when they arrive at their destination.
A man is waiting for them outside. He looks Colton up and down as they get out of the car. “Well?” he demands.
“So far, he’s temperamentally suited to the task. No issues with aggression. He’s calm and his communication skills are good. I recommend we continue,” the driver says.
The new man nods.
Colton isn’t sure if the man has a designation or not. Turning, he leads the way and they follow him into a building. He’d really like a name soon. The lack of information and control is starting to get to him. The back of his neck itches and his hands keep curling into tight fists, which he has to consciously relax.
Security is everywhere. Every door requires audio or visual recognition for entry.
