Page 10 of Toxic

Soren glanced my way from time to time, as if making sure I hadn't missed him talking to another alpha. So strange and kinda twisted.

The blond leaned toward him, occasionally brushing his arm, now and then placing his hand on Soren’s back, stirring some pretty violent emotions in my nervous system, even though I had no reason to be jealous. There was nothing between me and Soren, right? My irritation was definitely unfounded.

At one point, Don put his hand on Soren’s back and led him toward the exit. I knew I shouldn’t follow them—this couldn’t end well—and yet…

"Excuse me for a second," I muttered to Gabriel, who was still standing next to me, biting his lower lip and looking like a lost puppy.

So I followed them, silly me. But instead of going outside, Soren and Don turned into one of the dark hallways and disappeared from my sight. There was only one possibility: they were going for a quick hj or to make out. Why else would they go deeper into the dorm instead of leaving?

After some hesitation, I didn't follow them. I returned to the dance hall feeling slightly nauseous. What was happening to me? Why was I so interested in a guy who was making money like this? I could only be mad at myself for obsessing over him these past few weeks, knowing exactly what he was about. And I blamed my cowardice—I could’ve just told him the password Alvin had given me, the ‘Kingdom of Promises’ thing, and tried my luck. Maybe he’d agree?

But the sour taste wouldn’t leave my mouth.

Gabriel was still waiting in the same spot, so, reluctantly, I went back to him. The guy was really the epitome of boring. Despite having the same attractive, manly features my father’s side of the family was known for, his overall aura dulled it all down; he seemed like a weathered version of a typical Nolan.Don’t get me wrong, he had a good face, but he desperately needed better grooming and more… personality or confidence to highlight his undoubtedly pleasant appearance. One thing I will say, though—he had quite a body. He practiced Muay Thai, and from what I knew, he and Archer were sparring partners at the local MT club.

Gabriel started asking about my brother Rain’s divorce, but I didn’t have much to say. Then he asked about my job at Nathaniel’s company, since he was also his cousin, but I answered with monosyllables, hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk. He finally got the clue and said, "Okay, I’d better get going."

"Yeah, take care, Gabe," I forced a small smile for his sake.

After he left, I stood there, leaning against the wall, gloomy and lonely, sipping on an energy drink, absentmindedly watching the dancing couples. My thoughts drifted back to Soren. Could I really expect anything from him? I knew from the start he was hostile toward alphas.

At one point, Sean came up to me with a sympathetic look on his face. "Hey, looks like you’re not having a good time. Sorry about Soren, but that’s just how he is. You gotta get used to it."

"You don't have to apologize on his behalf; you're fine. I appreciate your kindness," I said quietly, taking another sip from the can.

Sean looked at me thoughtfully for a moment. "Sorry to ask, but do you like Soren? Because I noticed you often look at him and try to approach him."

I swallowed and met his gaze. Apparently, it was obvious to everyone else by now. I hesitated, not knowing what to say, but finally admitted it, "Yeah. I really like him. He… he’s perfect for me. So beautiful. But I guess nothing will come of it because he doesn’t feel the same way."

Sean bit his lip lightly. "Let me give you some advice: just forget about him, find someone else. Soren is a complicated case; you’ll never succeed, even though you’re a looker yourself. Sorry to say this, but that’s the truth."

His words hit me unpleasantly. I stared at my can, fighting off the unsettling feeling, and then looked him straight in the eyes. "I don’t believe in ‘never’. There’s always a chance."

Sean winced slightly. "In this case, believe me, it’s really slim. For your own good, you should let go, Skye. He’s not interested and won’t be. I’m serious about this."

Another wave of stress hit me, so strong that I instinctively clenched my jaw. But why such a strong reaction?

"Thanks for the warning. I appreciate it," I choked out.

As I turned and headed toward the exit, Soren and the blond alpha walked in from a side corridor. Our eyes met, and I shifted my gaze between Soren and Don. When he noticed my attention, another grimace of triumph appeared on his lips; he seemed kinda pleased with himself.

I didn’t understand what his deal was, but maybe there was no point in trying to figure it out? Perhaps Sean was right. No point in pursuing this guy.

Feeling kinda defeated, I left the dorm, but just as I was stepping out, I turned back one last time and saw Sean talking to Soren, pointing in my direction. I was sure he told Soren I was into him, called him beautiful and all that, which gave him even more satisfaction, knowing I'd seen him with Don in the dark hallway.

Stupid, silly me.

I returned to my dorm feeling dejected. Why was I so obsessed with him? I really couldn’t understand myself. Was it the idiotic pattern of wanting what you cannot have? But he was in the fuckbuddies club, for fuck’s sake!

Wait. That was actually my only chance.

Maybe I should just fuck it all, and ask him? Give him the password and make it simple. Once and for all, I’d know. If he refused, then I’d move on.

Feeling alternating waves of disappointment and fear, I spent the weekend studying. By the end, I had reached a point in my mind, where I was ready. Yeah, I’ll give him the password and take this stupid risk.

***

The next Monday, I woke up early, knowing that Soren had a class soon. Alvin was still asleep, and Archer was out for his morning jog. The guy was like a machine—studying, working out, and eating healthy. He even managed to squeeze in his martial arts training and lived an overall disciplined life that just… wasn't for me. I barely dragged myself out of bed, feeling exhausted from studying all weekend. How could I squeeze more out of my body? I was fit too—I also attended the gym, but three times a week, not fucking every day like this freak!

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