Page 15 of Scrum Heat

Trying—

Failing—

To forget that I’ve never wanted anything like I want her.

Chapter Five

Frankie

Iwake up in a pile of trauma-soaked blankets that smell very much like several large men with complex emotional issues and not a single healthy coping mechanism between them.

My first conscious thought is:did someone put a hoodie on me while I slept?

My second thought is:if it was Theo, I’m burning it.

After I roll around in it. But then I’m definitely burning it.

The nest across the room has evolved. It has now acquired one oversized hoodie and two aggressively fluffed pillows. There’s a lavender sachet on the nightstand that I justknowFinn snuck in here along with a vanilla-flavoured protein bar; and—

Wait. What the fuck isthat?!

I squint at it, frowning.

Is that… agecko?

More specifically, aknittedgecko?

It’s bright blue, lumpy, and wearing a tiny scarf, with googly eyes that have been hot-glued on. The tag on its belly says “HUG ME, I’M REGULATED.”

I scream internally. This is either the beginning of a coordinated bonding attempt, or the worst group project in omega care history.

Either way, in my move to Alderbridge, I’ve somehow managed to acquire four rugby-playing alphasandone horrifying crochet lizard.

I sit up slowly, limbs aching from all the twisting and turning in my sleep. My hair is doing things, but my inner thighs are doing more. All the while, I can’t help but wonder what the etiquette is for waking up in a house with four alphas I barely know after fainting on themtwiceand having a full-body meltdown over their looming presence.

Do I write a thank-you note? Bake a casserole?

Or do I just walk into the nearest lake?

I try and make myself somewhat presentable before I crack the bedroom door carefully and cautiously, as though maybe, justmaybe,the house won’t notice I’m trying to sneak out.

I immediately trip over Finn, curled up outside my door like a six-foot golden retriever with a pastel colored thermos and no boundaries.

Hewasfast asleep, but he stirs slightly at the disruption and lets out a soft, dreamy sigh.

“She deserves a warm beverage and a gentle schedule…”

I slap a hand over my mouth to keep from making a sound.

After all, Icannotbe the omega who accidentally wakes one of her emotional support alphas by stepping on his thermos.

I lift one foot, and balance mid-air.

I step. Pause. Sweat. Doubt every decision I’ve ever made. Then step again.

Finn shifts, and I stop breathing.

“Structure and snacks…” he mumbles, clutching the thermos tighter.

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