Page 118 of Toxic

I listened quietly, in the meantime, Soren entered the room and headed straight to the coffee machine. He had his back to us, but of course, he could hear our conversation.

Fay kept talking about how strange some people's preferences could be.

"To be honest, I can't imagine what his heat will be like," he said.

Devon shrugged. "Lots of people spend their heat alone, just with a dildo. What's the big deal if they handle it together?"

"I'm not saying it's a problem, that's not what I mean. It's just… it's probably a challenge since they can't match the intensity, and it might be physically exhausting."

"If they're in love, they just have to deal with that," Devon mumbled, clearly unbothered by same-gender relationships.

"Sure, but you know what I mean—it’s just a hassle, I guess," Fay replied, sounding slightly irritated.

When Devon stayed quiet, Fay turned to me and asked, "So, what's your subgender preference?" He probably expected me to say the obvious: omegas. But he was about to be surprised.

"I’m interested in betas."

Silence fell over the room.

Not only did Devon and Fay stare at me, but Jess and Randy, both betas, turned to look at me with surprise. The only person who didn’t glance at me was Soren, who was still standing at the coffee machine. I could see his back and the tilt of his head, his long black ponytail hanging down. He was definitely listening, but he didn’t react.

"Oh, well, that’s interesting. How’d you figure that out?" Fay asked, eyes drilling into me with curiosity.

"I was in a relationship with an omega before, but it didn’t work out. Certain aspects made the relationship unsustainable."

"Let me guess, he left you for a higher mate."

"Yeah. I don’t want to take that risk again. And besides, I just like betas."

Jess and Randy were staring at me with wide eyes and open mouths, obviously shocked.

"What? Is there a problem?" I asked, slightly amused.

"No problem, it’s just… not very common, you know?" Randy mumbled.

I shrugged. "It’s my preference."

"So, what’s your type?" Devon asked unexpectedly.

"What do you mean?"

"You know, your type. Looks."

I felt a bit awkward, like I was being interrogated, but since Soren was listening, maybe I could say something meant just for him.

"I like black hair, gray eyes, pale skin, tall, slim build."

I basically described Soren. I could see him standing completely still, listening intently.

"Wow, that’s a pretty specific description. Got someone in mind?" Fay asked.

"Maybe I do."

Everyone leaned closer, looking like they were about to hear the gossip of the century. Only Soren remained at the coffee machine, turned away from us. It felt like everyone else hadn’t even noticed him; he was so quiet.

"So, are you with someone right now?" Jess asked.

"No, unfortunately not."

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