Page 102 of Scrum Heat

Evie speaks, finally. “It’s nothing derogatory. Nothing that they could get into real trouble for—yet. But it is looking more and more likely that the anonymous accounts we’ve flagged before for leaving hate comments about Frankie have originated from that camp. Their captain follows multiple watchdog accounts, and he’s tagged the OSC in two different clips.”

“Clips of Frankie?!” Finn cuts in.

“No—not that we know of, anyway. But it’s quite clear that he’s not afraid to bring anything social-media related to their attention.”

“It’s deliberate,” Jax nods.

“Deliberate or not, the damage is done,” Tom says. “The OSC doesn’t need full evidence or proof of anything—they just need enough suspicion to launch a review.”

I sit forward. “But I’m bonded, now.”

“To Jax, right?” Tom confirms, his eyes flickering to the alpha, then back to me. “Yeah, a bond to one out of four isn’t exactly going to help matters.”

I shift uncomfortably beneath his heavy gaze. “What—you’re saying that makes medangerous?”

“No,” Evie cuts in, her voice sharp and crisp. “We’re saying that makes you vulnerable.Andit makes the club a target.”

“So what?” Theo snaps. “You want her to fast-track bonding just to quiet down MarcusfuckingVale?!”

“I don’twantanything,” Tom says, a little tired now. “But the OSC’s threshold for intervention is low, especially when it involves potential heat triggers and competitive environments. If they decide your house—andhalf of my team—is operating asan unregulated pseudo-pack, then they can pull contracts. Flag player fitness. Force relocation.”

Finn’s voice is tight. “You’re saying they couldtake herfrom us?”

Evie nods. “If they claim it’s a safety issue? Yes.”

I glance at her. “And the club’s position?”

“We’re walking a thin line,” Evie sighs. “You’ve brought in record engagement to our social media, Frankie. Sponsorship interest is up, and the PR boost has been excellent. Fans are showing up to every single match, and they’re enjoying it, too. But scandal cuts both ways.”

“This can’t be serious,” Theo scoffs. “Someone reported us for existing with a functioning nose, and now you’re talking about Frankie losing her job?!”

“Do you know how rare it is for a semi-pro club to have this kind of engagement online?” Tom asks, arching a brow. “You’ve gone from ‘rural obscurity’ to ‘pack PR scandal’ in three months.”

Jax tilts his head. “So what exactly do theywant?”

“Clarity,” Evie answers. “They want to know what you are, who Frankie belongs to, why she’s here—and, more than anything, whether it’s safe.”

“They’re not asking if you’re a bonded pack,” Tom adds. “They’re asking why you’renot.”

“So what does thatmean?” Finn asks, arms folded. “What are our options?”

Tom’s tone softens slightly as he looks at me again. “Look, Frankie: no one’s kicking you out, okay? Not yet, at least. But—there’s a board meeting on Thursday. The OSC is expecting anupdate, and if we don’t give them one, they’ll define thingsforus.”

Theo’s foot starts bouncing as Rory folds his arms. “This is a witch hunt.”

“It’s bureaucracy,” Evie replies. “Which is worse. Bureaucracy doesn’t care if you’re good people. It cares about optics, policies, and public pressure.”

“What ajoke,” Theo hisses.

“Ridiculous,” Finn nods in agreement.

“What’s the solution?” I ask.

“Sort it,” Tom shrugs. “You either define the pack and make it official, or be ready to justify why not—andfast.”

“You’ve got four days,” Evie adds. “Whatever you decide, make sure it looks intentional.”

I feel heat rise in my chest. “You’re saying I have to—what—bond all of themnow?”

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