Page 135 of Scrum Heat

He gestures vaguely to me, then to some invisible idea of what I represent.

“You’re a young omega: peak biological profile, bonded to four Alphas and now living in close quarters with them. Workingprofessionally adjacentto them. You’re a social media figure now for this team, for thisclub. Which means that one wrong clip—one hint of mismanaged heat or elevated scent—and this club becomes a headline.”

My jaw tightens, but I keep my voice level. “I’m also an adult. Capable of regulating my own suppressants, managing my scent profile, and knowing the difference between a bonding instinct and a PR stunt.”

The woman with the glasses doesn’t look up as she mutters, “For now.”

Evie inhales sharply through her nose. “If your concern is fertility,” she says, “then I’d suggest redirecting that energy toward writing an updated health and wellness clause instead of implying that Frankie’s hormonal cycle constitutes a liability.”

Tom clears his throat, then says in a too-bright tone, “Shall we return to performance metrics?”

I smile at him in thanks before returning my attention to the others. “Look—all I’m saying is that I understand the risks.”

“Do you?” Gray Hair presses. “Because this club isn’t just aboutyou. It’s about every young player coming up through the ranks who sees this and thinks,‘Maybe I’ll join a team and find an Omega to nest with.’”

I feel my jaw clench. “Of course I do. And we’re not agimmick—we’re a real pack. We didn’t plan it, but nothing about us is unstable, or dangerous. And our lives arenotyour PR problem.”

“Not yet,” the woman says dryly. “But who’s to say that they couldn’t become one?”

I can feel my pulse in my ears. They’re not trying to understand—they’re trying to find a reason tonotlet this work.

“I know what we look like from the outside,” I say, louder now. “But what you’re missing is what it’s actuallylike.”

I look directly at each of them, one by one.

“I’ve been living with all four alphas since the day I moved to Alderbridge. Since before any of us knew this would happen. And I haven’t had a single incident—notone. I’m stable, I’m healthy, and the team is performing better than ever. And theplayers? They’re not just happy and performing well, but they’re protected. Byme. Byus.”

I let the silence settle before going on.

“You’re worried about dominance issues? There are none. You’re worried about scent volatility? It’s being managed, and under complete control. You’re worried about chaos? It’sgone. We’re not scattered anymore—we’re bonded. And… we’re united. As a pack.”

Tom shifts in his seat, looking uneasy. “And you’re prepared to speak to the OSC directly, aren’t you, Frankie?”

“If I have to?” I meet his eyes. “Yes. I’ll tell them everything.”

Gray Hair exhales, slow and clipped. “We’ll prepare the documentation for OSC review. They might ask for you to attend. The rest of the pack, as well.”

“And after that?” I ask. “What happens then?”

He blinks. “We’ll see what they say.”

That’s it?

“You want me to show up and explain it all, but you still might pull the rug out from under us anyway?”

“We haven’t ruled anything out,” he shrugs.

“I’m not the only one this affects,” I say, forcing my voice to stay even as rage flickers somewhere deep inside. “They have a semi-final match in two days. A sold-out stadium. Scouts coming. People watching.This—” I gesture around the room “—thiscircusyou’ve built around us? It doesn’t just jeopardise my future. It could derail theirs.”

Glasses Woman shifts in her seat, but doesn’t speak.

“You want a real answer?” I press. “Then come on Saturday. Watch what happens on that field. See what we actually are.”

There’s Another pause, then Gray Hair gives the briefest nod.

“We’ll attend,” he says slowly.

It’s not approval.Fuck, it’s not even support—it’s just permission to continue for now.

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