Page 152 of Scrum Heat

No one says anything after that. Theo breathes against my skin as Jax’s fingers twitch at my waist. Finn shifts slightly to press his lips to my temple, and Rory tucks his chin over the top of my head like it’s instinct.

I don’t know who falls asleep first, but I know that when I do, I’m smiling.

Because this bed smells like victory, and love, and pack; and for the first time in my life, I’m not just safe—

I’mhome.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Theo

Iwake up with one leg over Finn, my head half-buried in Frankie’s hair, and Rory’s knee jammed into my back. It’s not exactly the wild, blackout-drunk celebration I might’ve imagined after beating Denton Vale, but honestly?

It’sperfect.

Jax is on the far side, breathing steady, one hand resting on Frankie’s hip. Finn’s drooling into the pillow, while Rory’s already half awake, pretending he’s not.

Frankie, though? Yeah, she’s completely out. Warm, soft, and wrapped up in the middle of us all.

I’m still high on the fact that we won yesterday. Not just the match, but the message. The OSC saw it, and the fans felt it, too. Denton Vale tried to bait us, break us, humiliate us—and we walked out with the win, the pride,andthe girl.

My phone buzzes somewhere under the pillowcase, vibrating beneath my head. I twist just enough to dig it out and squint at the screen.

The group chat is absolutelyferal.

BEN:someone tell Theo his thighs are trending again

OLLIE:2 b-team lads still missing, last seen doing shots off a traffic cone

NATE:if you find my left boot behind the bakery pls return it no questions asked

I smirk and fire off a thumbs up, then I open the camera roll. There are about twenty blurry photos of Ollie’s abs, a video of my trending thighs, and whatmightbe Harper threatening a bouncer with lipstick.

My shoulders relax as I sink back against the pillow.

Honestly, I could stay here all day. I could quite happily burrow back under the covers, steal Frankie’s warmth, and let Jax and Rory argue over breakfast logistics while Finn tries to microwave protein powder.

But Ican’t.

I don’t see my father often—by design. He doesn’t live in Alderbridge anymore. Moved years ago to a town about forty minutes out, between here and Denton Vale. It’s a nice place; full of old money and too many fountains. He texted me last week asking if I’d stop by, and I promised I’d go.

So despite everything in me screaming that I should stay right here, comfortable and content in bed with my pack, I ease myself out of it slowly, prying Frankie’s fingers from around my bicep with surgical precision.

She mumbles something incoherent. Possibly “mine.” Possibly “coffee.” Hard to say.

I brush a kiss to her hair anyway. “Back soon, sweetheart.”

Rory shifts, then sits slightly upright. “You good?”

“Yep,” I lie, already moving to stand.

Jax doesn’t open his eyes, but says, “Call if you need backup.”

Finn lets out a soft snore and rolls onto his side, taking half the duvet with him.

The house is quiet by the time I get dressed into something my father will deem appropriate and head downstairs. My keys are in the dish by the back door, and my hoodie’s still damp from someone spilling Prosecco on it, but whatever.

It’s fine.

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