Page 9 of Scrum Heat

“It was Rory’s turn,” Jax deadpans from one of the couches.

“Hey! You said room temperature helps absorption!” Rory calls.

“I didn’t sayon the radiator.”

I take in the rest of the scene. There are towelseverywhere,shoes stacked under the TV, and three dirty protein shakers. I squint at a kettlebell sitting on a pizza box and note that there are no visible cleaning supplies.

Well: this house is evidence of what happens when four rugby-playing alphas live together unsupervised. There is no law here—only biceps.

“Careful, sweetheart. You’re looking a little...heated,” Theo says as he settles on the couch and pats the seat next to him. “Why don’t you come and rest for a minute?”

I step back like he’s contagious. “I’mfine,thank you. If anything, it’s… probably just the steak fumes. Or the painting.”

My eyes flicker back to the fireplace.

“You’re flushed,” Finn says gently, appearing from the kitchen and handing me a mug. “Here—it’s chamomile tea. Omega safe. I double-checked. Then triple-checked.”

I take it, sip it, and immediately regret it.

“Ugh. I'm sorry, Finn, but I swear, I cantastethe testosterone,” I grimace. “Wait: is this mug…sticky?”

“About that,” Rory says. “We ran out of clean ones this morning. But don’t worry: there's a good chance it’s only pre-workout residue.”

“Agood chance?!” I repeat.

“Better than the blender cup,” Jax comments without looking up. “That one’s cursed.”

“Oh year. That thingvibeswrong,” Theo laughs.

And I swear, the room tilts a little.

Apparently, radiator steak and alpha air isnota recommended combination for an overwhelmed omega.

“Hey, Frankie,” Finn steps closer, his large hand brushing my arm. “You okay?”

I open my mouth to answer, and what comes out is… not a word.

It’s a sound. Anoise.

All four alphas freeze. Even the steak stops sizzling.

Theo blinks. “Was that—?”

“No!” I blurt. “It was dust. In my throat.”

Rory narrows his eyes. “Youpurred.”

“I didnot!” I protest.

“You did,” Theo smirks.

“Yeah, you definitely did,” Finn nods. “Jax?”

I glare over at Jax, whose eyes flicker between me, Finn, and Theo.

“Yeah. You purred.”

Theo whoops in victory, and my shoulders sag dramatically. Honestly, I don't have the energy for this.

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