Page 127 of Toxic

"Of course I want to, and thank you for the opportunity. I’m always eager to improve professionally," I recited in an official tone.

Soren nodded, and only I knew what really hid behind his gaze.

***

The course was held in a neighboring city, at the same company where Alvin and Don currently worked. I hadn't kept in touch with either of them, and I certainly wasn't about to let them know I’d be there for training. I still felt a burning anger over what Alvin had done, separating me from Soren. Everything that followed after our breakup was because of that bastard. I dreamed of getting even with him.

The programming training sessions were scheduled to last five days, with a return on Saturday morning.

Everyone was responsible for getting there on their own, but the company would reimburse travel costs, whether for gas or a train ticket.

I didn’t have the courage to suggest to Soren that we carpool, but he surprised me. On Friday, just before leavingwork, he approached me while I was in the break room making tea.

"Hey, I’ve got a bit of a situation. Liam can't lend me his car because he needs it during the week to take his grandpa to the doctor. Would it be a big problem if I rode with you?"

I blinked, feeling a wave of joy. "It’s not just ‘not a problem’—it’d be a pleasure."

Soren looked away, shifting from foot to foot as if he didn’t know how to respond.

"I could take a taxi to your place—" he started, but I cut him off.

"No need. I’ll pick you up at your place. The course starts Monday at 11:00 am, so I think we should leave around 8:00 to give us an hour of cushion after we arrive. It’s about a two-hour drive, considering the city center traffic and all."

He slowly nodded. "Okay, give me your number in case it’s different from before."

"It’s the same. You can text me your address."

Soren stood there looking like he wanted to say even more, finally cleared his throat and said, "I had a rather peculiar convo with your brother."

"Oh?"

"Yep. I think he’s interested in some alpha, but is in denial. Or at least is considering getting involved with one."

"What? Why would you say something like that?"

Soren shrugged and pulled out a cigarette, clearly planning to go out for a smoke.

"Are you coming?" he muttered, and I obediently followed him.

I discovered there was a small tiered terrace with a high metal fence on the side of the building where people stood to smoke. We found a spot far enough from others so they couldn’t hear us talking.

"Could you elaborate? About Winter’s interest in an alpha?" I pressed.

"Just a hunch. He talked weird shit about not feeling fully alive because he’s never been in love. He seemed curious, like he felt he was missing out on life. It looked like he was deliberating what to do about the whole problem of betas risking a broken heart with alphas."

"Wait a sec… Winter confessed such things to you?! It’s… fucking unfathomable!"

"Yup. It took me by surprise, too. No offense, but your brother seems robotic, super stiff."

"None taken, he is like that. Although not so much on the stiff part—he can be snarky and bitchy. However, he’s pretty robotic to the outside world. Very guarded."

"I tried to imagine him having sex. It would be like with an ice sculpture."

I cursed under my breath, "What the fuck? He’s my brother—I don’t imagine things like that! Don’t put it in my head!"

Soren rolled his eyes—it was so much like our convos back in college—surprisingly chilled and pleasant.

He even took a deep drag and puffed the smoke into my face, which made me swoon.

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