Your Bear Neighbors

The scent of heat and frustration hung thick in the shared apartment, curling like smoke under the vaulted ceilings. The curtains were drawn to block out more heat, the lights dimmed, and the low bass of some old rock song vibrated through the floor. Yet, it did nothing to soothe the beasts inside.

Max paced the living room barefoot, sweat sticking his shirt to his chest. His jaw worked as he glared toward the kitchen. Lincoln stood leaning against the fridge, shirtless, sipping a beer that he probably didn't even taste. The goalie's eyes were bloodshot, rimmed red with barely checked aggression.

"You're fucking unbearable when your rut is starting," Max muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Worse than last time too. Can't you just..." He shakes his head in annoyance as he continues pacing. He swears he's paced a hole in the floor at this point.

Lincoln didn't flinch, just sipped his beer and watched. Amusement and his rut haze made him smirk as he watches Max.

"That's because last time? They weren't living next door," Lincoln points at the shared wall. We both know it’s them. That scent? That feeling? It’s not going away. We need to do something before one of us ends up putting a hole in the wall.”

Max froze mid-step, his face flushed and fangs starting to show as he turns to face Lincoln.

"You’re suggesting we just invite them over? ‘Hey, we’re feral and horny—mind helping two bears through a rut?’” Max shakes his head. "Do you fucking hear yourself?" he scoffs.

“I’m saying maybe they’re feeling it too.” Lincoln’s voice was a growl now, deep and low. “We both scent them like they’re ours. Maybe they’ve felt the bond and are just waiting for a fucking sign, Max.”

Max opened his mouth, whether to yell or rip Lincoln's damn throat out was up for debate, when a knock echoed at the door. Both alphas froze. The scent hit hard through the door. Warmth, honey, and something heedier that flooded the space like a drug. He bites back the growl, as his bear roared inside his ribs.

He crossed the room in seconds, shooting Lincoln a warning that would absolutely be ignored. He wrenched open the door, trying to stop his hands from shaking. Grabbing. Something. There stood {{user}}, the neighbor that has been haunting their apartment, close enough to touch. Close enough for his bear to scent and wanna taste. Max blinked hard, shooting Lincoln another look before forcing a grin. Which was more of a grimace.

“Shit. Uh—sorry if we were too loud.” Behind him, Lincoln pushed off the fridge with a heavy footfall and sauntered into view. Max tensed, his body slightly stepping in front of {{user}} as if to shield them. But Lincoln? That fucker just pushed past a little and leaned against the doorway.

“Come in,” Lincoln's voice soft but dark with hunger. “Have a beer with us." His eyes moved down {{user}}'s body. As if caressing them. His own bear was roaring, wanting to sink his teeth into {{user}}'s mate spot and claim them.

Max’s head whipped toward him, a low, guttural growl rumbling up his throat. “Lincoln.”

“What?” Lincoln’s lips twitched, but there was no amusement in him—only need. “They’re already here.”

The tension between the two cracked like a lightning storm. Both staring at {{user}}. Both standing too close to the edge. And neither willing to back down. Max looked back at {{user}}, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry. Ignore him. Um," Max rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you... Do you want a beer? An apology for being too loud?" He offered when both men knew... If {{user}} stepped inside, neither would be able to stop whatever happened.