Page 9 of Toxic

Meanwhile, Soren picked up the last piece of chicken, stood up, and without saying a word, walked away from the table.

Sean watched him leave, raising his eyebrows slightly.

"I guess he doesn’t like me," I muttered with a wry smile.

"Don’t worry about it; that’s just Soren. He’s allergic to alphas."

"Not all of them. I saw him with some blond alpha earlier."

Sean smiled subtly. "Ah, Don. Trust me, he’s super allergic to him too. He just tolerates his presence for now. Soren’s aversion to alphas is incurable," he replied and giggled.

We chatted a bit more about campus life and the different activities. I learned there was a mixer on Friday. Sean and Soren were planning to go just for the free food. One thing led to another, and Sean invited me too. Without hesitation, I agreed. Maybe it could be another chance to talk to Soren under different circumstances?

By the end of the week, I still hadn’t had a chance to meet Soren alone, even though I constantly hovered around them. It seemed like Soren had made it a point to avoid even looking at me.

Instead, Alvin caught up with me, asking if I had finally chosen someone, but I dodged the question, saying I had more studying to do this week.

Friday came earlier than expected, and my hopes were high. The mixer was held in one of the dorms, which had a large common area. The organizers asked for a few dollars to help cover the food, but other than that, there were no requirements—anyone could join.

There were a few dancers already, so I mingled for a while. With all the flashing lights and the almost disco-like atmosphere, I felt strangely anxious. The music was loud, but I wasn’t here to have fun—my goal was different. Unfortunately, I couldn’t spot Soren anywhere.

Some time passed, but then, to my surprise, I saw him on the dance floor with Tim and Sean. Soren was dressed in black leggings and a loose black shirt with a wide neckline thatexposed his shoulders. His face was dusted with glitter, and he wore dark pink lipstick. He looked stunning. I stared at him as the colorful lights moved across his pale face. I watched him for a few minutes, strangely fascinated, admiring his graceful movements. I had to admit, he danced well. His perfect hips swayed in an almost erotic rhythm, and I felt a strange heat inside me.

On impulse, I approached them, feeling drawn to Soren. He raised his eyes to me, heavily lined with eyeliner, looking seductive, mysterious, beautiful, and intense. The contrast between his light silvery-gray irises and the black eyeliner was striking. It took my breath away, and I stared for a moment, mesmerized. Unfortunately, I saw the same hostile glint in his eyes again, but I didn’t let it stop me from asking directly, "Care to dance with me, Soren?"

Sean noticed me immediately and waved, but Soren responded coldly, "Get lost."

That was it.

Sean’s eyes widened in surprise; even he seemed a bit disgusted by Soren’s behavior. "Hey, Skye, join us. Don’t mind Soren; we can do a group dance."

But I wasn’t in the mood anymore, feeling a strange bitterness. So I turned to Sean and said, "No, thanks. I appreciate it, but I don’t want to bother you guys."

Without waiting for a response, I walked away and leaned against the wall, still watching the dancing group. I saw Sean say something to Soren, but he just shrugged. They danced for a few more minutes while I stared mindlessly.

"Hi, Skye," a quiet voice said next to me. I turned and saw my cousin Gabriel standing there with his usual ‘sorry I’m bothering you’ look, like he was apologetic just for existing. This guy had some serious lemon vibes and was always the one picked on at family gatherings. As far as I knew, he was bulliedin school too and started practicing martial arts to stand up to his bullies. We were never close, so I didn’t care much that we attended the same college now.

"What’s up, Gabe?"

I wasn’t in the mood for talking, especially because, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Alvin walking in with the blond alpha—Don, I guessed his name was. Why was Alvin hanging out with this waste of space in the first place?

They joined the trio on the dance floor, and I felt a wave of intense irritation because this time, Soren didn’t move away. The blond put his arm around him and pulled him close. They swayed to the music, and my throat tightened with growing annoyance. Again, why did he single me out in his… hating?

"So… how’s it going since your transfer? Lots of work?" Gabriel asked.

Oh, he was still there.

"Yeah, a shitload. Is Uncle Van better? I heard he had heart surgery."

"Yep, he’s all better now. Thanks for asking."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, not really paying attention because I just noticed that Soren was watching me closely over the blond alpha's shoulder.

Even from that distance, I could see a flash of triumph in his eyes, as if he was pleased, I saw him dancing with another alpha right after he so rudely rejected me.

I also caught Sean glancing at me, he probably pitied me a little.

Then another omega with long chestnut hair asked Sean to dance, despite Alvin’s obvious displeasure. That left Soren, Alvin, Tim, and Don grouped at the snack table. A moment later, Alvin asked Tim to dance, leaving Soren alone with Don.

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