Date: Thu, 19 May 2016 13:02:26 -0700
From: Michael Wingler <mjwolfwriter@gmail.com>
Subject: Mated

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This is a work of fiction.  All characters and places are of my own
creation.  All characters are over 18 years of age.  Copyright May 2016.
This story contains Supernatural/fantasy elements: Werewolves and other
Werebeings.  This story contains homosexual activity/themes between males.
If this offends you, please do not read.  If it is ILLEGAL where you are,
*please do not
read*.

Also...Nifty is a great site, so if you are inclined, maybe consider a
small donation.

Thanks to everyone who have read the previous chapters.

Mated
Chapter 09- Plans
by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com


September 3, Tuesday
Hearing the werewolf howl ringtone on his phone, the auburn Wolf
smiled and put down his sandwich.  That ringtone was assigned to only
one person and he always loved hearing it.  Though not as much as the
person.  "Hey Dylan, how are you, sexy?"

"Hey babe.  I'm good.  Even better now."

"That's always nice to hear," Zack chuckled softly.  "So, you having
lunch, hon?"

"Just about to.  The delivery guy just left the office."

"Was he cute," Zack teased.

There was a slight pause, then "Maybe.  I may have thought so before.
But nobody can beat my sexy red."

The auburn Wolf laughed.  "You're not just saying that to cover guilty
thoughts are you?"  He didn't for an instant believe that.  But he had
to tease a bit.

"No babe, I mean it.  There is no one that can hold up next to you."

"Awww, that's so sweet.  Is my manly man a tad mushy?"

Dylan growled softly.  It was amazing, and maybe just a slight bit
annoying, how his lover could push his emotional buttons.  Probably
because he was so bad with expressing them to his sexy auburn.  He
sighed.  "More than you know.  I haven't said this enough babe, but I
love you.  I really do."

"Hon, you've said it several times.  Hell, just the other night, for
example."  That memory brought a big smile.

"Yes, I know.  But," the big Wolf's voice cracked, "I haven't said it
outside of the bedroom.  And you deserve to hear it more than that.  I
love you, and I will try and do better in telling you with no bed or
sex involved.  Because I always feel that way about you Zack."

Zack knew, of course.  He could feel it from his Mate.  But to
actually hear the words...it left him speechless.  He felt a lot of
things his Mate didn't say.  He knew Dylan kept a lot inside, but when
he let go...it could be overwhelming.  He still felt it had something
to do with his military days.  The not sharing easily.  But he could
forgive that because eventually his Mate did share his thoughts and
feelings with him.  And that's all that mattered.

"Ummm, Zack...are you still there?  Did I say something wrong?"

*Damn.*  Zack heard some worry there.  "No Dylan, nothing wrong at
all.  I love you, too hon.  So much."  The sigh he heard relieved him.

"Oh good.  I was, uh, concerned for a moment."

"You have nothing to worry about hon, I promise.  You can always tell
me what's on your mind."

"I will try to remember that."

"I don't think it's a matter of remembering.  I think it's accepting
that I love you no matter what you may say that you think I will be
upset at.  Even if you do manage to upset me, I'm still going to love
you Dylan.  You're kinda stuck with me."

"I probably don't deserve you, babe."

"Don't be silly.  Now, as much as I love talking to you, you should
eat your lunch.  Wouldn't want your boss to get pissed at ya for
slacking on the job," Zack chuckled.

"I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, he's not that big of an ass."  Dylan
couldn't help be amused.  He did wonder what Zack would think when he
found out that his lover actually owned the business.

"Guess I'll have to take your word for that.  But you should still
eat, and so should I.  Speaking of food, I know we just had dinner
last night, but do you want to do dinner tonight?"

"Umm, sure.  I'm not working late.  That would be great, babe."  Dylan
couldn't resist more time with his hot redhead.  Hell, he'd take as
much as he could get.

"Cool.  Dinner out or you wanna come to my place, or what?"

"Do you want me at your place?"

"I want you anywhere Dyl.  Where do you want?"

"Anywhere you are," he said softly.  *Was that too much,* he thought.
"How about your place this time?"

"Okay, but may I ask why?"

"You always come to my place.  I didn't want you thinking you had to
come to me all of the time."

Zack was touched at the thoughtfulness, but was drawn to his Mate's
territory.  "I, uh, don't mind being in your space, hon," he said
quietly.

"You don't?"

"No.  I actually find it, umm, comforting."

"You are comfortable in my home?"

"More than you know, Dyl."

Dylan was thrilled deep down to hear that.  He found he enjoyed having
his lover in his home.  The idea used to scare him a bit, but maybe he
was ready to have Zack live with him full time.  "Well, okay then.
How about we grab dinner and take it back to my place?"

"Sounds like a plan."  He couldn't help smiling at that.  He wondered
how long until his Mate wanted him to move in, because he knew that
was coming.

* * * * *

The tall, black haired Wolf sat waiting at a table in the Bitter Bean.
He was irritated.  A phone call from a number he didn't know, and a
demand to meet from a man who did not identify himself.  The only
reason he didn't tell the guy to go fuck himself was that the man had
intrigued him.  He said he wanted to talk about Zack.  Oh yeah, he
wanted to hear about that!  After all these months, it still pissed
him off that Zack left.

At the appointed time of 12:15 PM a man approached his table.  "Good
afternoon, Mr. Carver," he greeted curtly.

He recognized this man.  It was Zack's older brother, Nicodemus, if he
remembered correctly.  This was odd.  He was pretty sure the man
didn't like him.  "Nicodemus, isn't it," he replied.

The redhead smirked.  "Ah Christopher, so nice that you remembered.
Would you like a beverage before we begin," he asked, motioning to the
counter.

Christopher looked at the man suspiciously.  "Why would you buy me a drink?"

Nicodemus sighed.  "It's an odd sense of civility.  I dislike you
considerably, but manners and all.  What will you have?"

"Well, I wouldn't want to be rude.  A mocha, thank you."

Nicodemus nodded slightly and went off to get drinks.  He returned a
short time later, placing a paper cup in front of the dark haired Wolf
and sat opposite him with his own beverage.  He watched the other
sniff the drink then sip it.  "Seriously, why would I mess with your
beverage?  I asked for this meeting to talk."

"You also said you don't like me.  Feeling's mutual, for the record."

"My dear Christopher, there is no record here.  Your dislike is noted,
however.  Now shall we get down to the reason for this meet?"

"Sure, go for it.  You're the one who called."

"Very well.  I'm sure you recall Zackary," Nicodemus paused for a
reaction.  After seeing Carver scowl and nod, he continued.  "I seem
to recall you had a...thing...for him, yes?"

"If you mean I liked playing with him, then yeah...I had a 'thing' for
him," Christopher spat.  "What business is it of yours?"

"Sounds like you still may have some thoughts about him.  Would I be
safe in that assumption?"

"Again, what's it to you?"

"Perhaps you may be interested to learn that he has moved on to
another.  Found someone else.  Someone better, to hear him talk."

The black haired Wolf growled and crushed the cup he was holding,
sending mocha all over the table and floor.  "HE'S NEVER GONNA GET
ANYONE BETTER THAN ME," he bellowed.

The patrons suddenly quieted, looking around to where the outburst came from.

Nicodemus arched a brow.  "Oh my.  Well, it seems he feels otherwise.
Tall, dark hair.  So similar to you.  It does appear you have been
completely replaced Mr. Carver.  You know, it wouldn't surprise me if
they even move in together any time now."  He smiled a malicious smile
and winked.

"FUCK!  I ought to..."

"What, Mr. Carver?  Teach him who's boss?  Teach him a lesson, perhaps?"

"Yeah, something like that.  Who does he think he is?"

"I know.  Bit of an upstart.  Doesn't know his place, does he?"

Christopher looked at Nicodemus again.  "Why are you telling me all
this?  What's in it for you?  You're his family."

"Maybe I just want someone to...educate him...of his station.  He
certainly isn't listening to me.  He even disobeyed our father,
disrespected him in his own home.  Can you believe that?"

"I believe it.  Brat has a mouth on him."  After a moment or two of
silence, he spoke again..  "I suppose you know where he's moved off
to?  He didn't exactly leave a forwarding address when he left."

"Interestingly enough, I do know where he is.  I could let you know
that information.  In the interests of Zack's betterment, of course.
Tough love and all that."  Nicodemus got that malicious smile again.

"Oh, trust me.  By the time I'm done, he'll know his place."

Nicodemus nodded and pulled out a notepad and wrote down an address.
"Do make sure he doesn't die, Mr. Carver.  I would not like to be
found responsible for such an action."

"I won't kill him.  As the saying goes...he won't learn nothin' if he's dead."

Their chat concluded, Carver left.  Nicodemus continued to sip his
coffee as he watched him leave and  an employee cleaned up the spilt
mocha mess from the table and floor.  All in all it was a productive
meeting.  He was now certain that soon his disgrace of a little
brother would cease to be a problem for him and the Riverton family.
And as a bonus, that filth, Carver would be taken care of as well.

* * * * *

September 4, Wednesday
Almost total happiness.  Dylan smiled as he lay on his couch and
sniffed Zack, filling his lungs with his man's scent.  He was sure he
could never tire of that scent.  He had dozed for a bit but was awake
now.  They had been cuddling as they watched a movie when his little
Wolf fell asleep stretched out on top of him.  And it felt so right.
Hell, just having Zack in his home felt right.  *I need to work on
making this permanent,* he thought.  Maybe he could take Zack out to a
nice dinner and bring the subject up.

The couch was not the most comforting thing to sleep on all night.
Especially clothed.  So, he began rubbing Zack's back slowly to wake
him gently.  He received a sleepy, murmured "Hmmmm." and a snuggle,
Zack's face burrowing into his neck, as a response.

"Come on babe, let's go to the bedroom.  It'll be much more
comfortable."  He couldn't understand whatever his man mumbled, but
was fairly sure that was a nod of acceptance.  Dylan managed to get
Zack and himself off the couch and shambled into the bedroom.  He had
to guide his sleepy Wolf the whole way, but he wasn't going to
complain because anything that required him to touch or hold Zack was
just fine by him.

Stopping at the side of the bed, Dylan worked on undressing his sexy
Wolf.  From behind, he pulled the tee shirt up and off, nuzzling
Zack's neck.  Sniff, lick, nip.  That elicited soft happy sounds.
Dylan spent a moment caressing Zack's chest and belly.  He loved
touching him as much as his scent.

He worked his hands down slowly and unfastened his lover's belt and
jeans.  Slipping a hand into his Wolf's underwear, he gently cupped
Zack's balls before sliding the clothing down to pool at the man's
feet.  He licked up Zack's neck to his ear and nipped the lobe
lightly.  "Almost there," he said softly.  Keeping a hand on the
sleepy man's waist to steady him, Dylan bent to grab the blanket and
sheet, flinging them back.

Standing up and kissing his Wolf softly on the lips, he picked Zack
up.  "Gonna set you on the bed babe."  Laying Zack down, he crouched
and removed the man's clothes and socks.  His own clothing quickly
followed, landing in a heap at the end of the bed.  He crawled into
bed and Zack immediately moved to spoon into him.  Dylan wrapped an
arm over Zack and tugged him in tight.  "Love you babe."

"Love you more," Zack mumbled before sleep overtook him again.

Dylan nuzzled into Zack's neck.  He felt at peace.  Yeah, he was one
lucky Wolf.  All he had to do was try not to fuck it up.  He quickly
drifted into a content sleep.

* * * * *

September 5, Thursday
Christopher Carver sat in his SUV at the apartment complex at the
address that asshole, Nicodemus, gave him.  If the information was
correct, he expected Zack to show up at some point.  And if he didn't
he would come back tomorrow and the next day if needed.  After all, if
Nicodemus was correct about Zack having a new man in his life it was
likely he would spend some evenings at the man's place.  Little
bastard!

He wouldn't approach Zack until after he had verified that this was
his apartment building.  He hoped it was.  The complex was advertised
as a Wolf-safe building.  That would work in his favor for his plan of
vengeance.  He was going to make that little bastard sorry for
insulting his better.  And what better place than in his own
apartment.  So yeah...verify, track, capture, play.  Because he was
most certainly going to enjoy this.

After waiting and watching for an hour Christopher spotted Zack
arriving.  He remembered well the motorcycle and leather jacket the
man favored.  The black haired Wolf watched as Zack secured the bike
and walked to what Nicodemus told him was Zack's apartment.  Verified.
Looked like the asshole was telling him the truth so far.  Now he
could focus on tracking the little auburn's patterns.

He didn't know how long it would take, but he hoped to get a good feel
for Zack's routine by the full moon.  If not, maybe the next one.
Full moon was his favorite time.  So easy to let his passions go and
feel truly free.  It would be difficult to wait, but yes, next month
*would* be better.  Time to plan and build for the experience.

* * * * *

September 13, Friday
"Hey, get me another beer while you're up."  Benjamin flashed a toothy grin.

Dylan scowled at the blond Wolf.  "Why can't you get your own damn
beer," he retorted.  Gruff, but not angry.

Ben got a really good sad puppy eyes look.  "Cause you're so cool and
I'm your bestest guy ever," and fluttered his lashes.

*Zack just might have something to say about that,* Dylan thought.  He
laughed.  "Really Ben, has that *ever* worked on me?"

"Well...maybe once or twice."

"And how drunk was I at the time?"  The bigger Wolf arched a brow.

Now Ben laughed.  "I recall you crawled to the cooler because you
couldn't stand up."

"Nonsense.  I was engaged in stealth maneuvering practice."

"Oh, I see.  And the "Here, cooler, cooler, cooler' bit?"

"Shut the fuck up you blond bastard," Dylan chuckled.  He went off to
get rid of previous beers and pulled two more from the refrigerator on
the way back.  "Here you go ya lazy ass," he quipped as he handed a
bottle over.

Ben accepted the cold beer , twisted the cap off and took a long
drink.  "Hey, it worked," he chuckled.

"Yeah, you might think you scored a victory, but you're cookin' the
steaks," Dylan said with a wink.

"Fuck!"

"Nah, not that into ya.  You'll have to settle for dinner and a
movie," Dylan grinned.

 A concerned look settled on Ben's face.  "Ummm, on a tangential thought..."

Dylan arched a brow again.  "Yeah?"

"Are you sure it's cool spending the evening with me and not
your...ah...special someone?"

The big Wolf laughed and nodded.  "Yeah, we talked.  We both agreed
that we should return to seeing our friends on Fridays like we used
to.  Not that we care less for each others' company, but we both felt
we were neglecting our friendships."

"Well, gotta be honest bro, I *was* really missing those nights."

"Yeah, me too."  Dylan smiled.  "It's great to just chill with ya again."

After they had finished their beers, they got up and began dinner
preparation.  Benjamin worked on the steaks while Dylan fixed steak
fries and salads.  Once dinner was ready, the friends grabbed more
beer and sat down to watch an action movie.  They easily fell back
into their old Friday evening routine.

It was just after midnight when Ben got up to leave.  "Thanks Dyl, it
was a great evening."

"Yeah, it  really was."  Dylan smiled.  "See ya on Monday, man."

Benjamin walked to the front door, Dylan following him.  Ben opened
the door, then turned to face his friend.  "You know I love ya, right
bro?"

"Yeaaah," Dylan looked at him  quizzically.

"And I want the best for you..."

Dylan crossed his arms over his chest.  "Where's this going Ben?"

"I am gonna meet her, right?  This person who means so much to you?"
The blond Wold looked concerned.

"Ben..."

"It's just that...it's been months, Dyl.  I've introduced you to every
woman I've ever dated since we were in the Corp.  We've all hung out
together.  But you never talked about your dates.  And I've always
respected your privacy.  And now it's getting serious.  You're wanting
to live with this person, and I know nothing besides they make you
happy.  Why is that, Dyl?"

Dylan's reply was spoken quietly.  "Because I'm afraid to introduce
them to you, Ben."

"What?  Afraid?  Of what?  That I'll flirt with her?  Or that I'll
embarrass you?  Do you really think I would do something like that?"

With a sigh, Dylan replied "No, nothing like that."

"Well then what?  Seriously, what do you have to be afraid of?"

"That when you meet them you won't approve.  That you won't accept.
Maybe even be angry."

"Don't be so ridiculous Dylan.  I'll accept them because it's someone
you love.  How big of an asshole do you think I am?"

"I have my reasons for my concerns, Ben.  They're not just random."

"I'm gonna try and not take offense at that.  But in all seriousness,
I'm done with the secret someone thing.  I've been your friend for too
long for this to be acceptable.  You owe me the courtesy, at least.
Therefore, we will meet for lunch.  Maybe Sunday?  And I will meet
this someone.  Or I will poke you about it until you introduce me.  Or
I might even trail you.  Clear?"

"I'll ask them."

"Okay then.  Maybe we can double date it," Ben grinned.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for a double date, Ben."

Benjamin exhaled slowly.  "Fine.  A lunch for three then.  And before
you offer up another objection...this is going to happen, Dyl."

"You're not going to be moved on this, are you?"

"I think you know the answer to that."

Dylan sighed.  "Fine.  Lunch, provided they agree to it."

Benjamin smiled widely.  "Great!  This is gonna be awesome."  He
hugged his friend and headed out, calling over his shoulder "Sunday
lunch."

Dylan closed the door and rested his head against it.  "Well fuck!"

* * * * *

September 14, Saturday
"I said yes," replied Zack.

"You're sure," Dylan asked hesitantly.

Zack snuggled closer into Dylan's right side on the couch.  "Of course
I'm sure, hon.  I'd love to meet your friend."

Dylan was quiet for a few heartbeats.  "It's terribly short notice,
you don't have to if you don't want to."

"Dylan, I'll go anywhere with you anytime you want.  Why does it sound
like you're trying to dissuade me?"

There was a soft sigh.  "Because...because I'm worried about that
meeting, babe."

"Worried?  Why are you worried, hon.  He's your best friend.  I'm sure
he's a great guy."

"He is.  Except..."

"Except what Dyl?"

"I've never told him.  About me.  He..ah...he doesn't know."

Zack could hear and feel his Mate's worry and pain.  "He doesn't know
about you being gay, you mean?"

"I...ah...I never told him I was gay.  He knows I'm seeing someone, I
just never gave any details.  Other than I'm happy, of course.  And
he's kinda pissed about that lack of detail right now."

"So let me guess, he insisted you introduce me?"

"He reminded me that I've met every one of his girlfriends since we
became friends in the Corp.  He feels I owe it to him."

Zack slipped up to straddle his Mate's lap.  He kissed him tenderly.
"Based on his apparent history with you, it doesn't sound like an
unreasonable desire on his part hon."

Dylan sighed.  "I know, and it really isn't unreasonable.  It just
scares me that he may not be okay with it.  I'd hate to lose him as a
friend.  I've meant to tell him for years, but I always chickened out.
Never seemed to find the right opportunity..."

"I understand.  It can be hard to reveal something like this to a
friend after so long of keeping it hidden.  And I'm guessing you
worked hard to keep it hidden from him, didn't you?"

Dylan nodded silently.  "It was usually easy enough to distract him,
change the subject.  But lately, he's been pushing.  Really pushing.
I guess he finally decided he wasn't going to be deflected anymore."

Zack slid a hand to Dylan's nape and rubbed his thumb against his
Man's neck.  "No matter what happens hon, you will always have me.
But I think it will be fine.  Sure, he may be surprised, but after so
long of being your friend I think that will count for something."

"I hope you're right, babe."

Zack smiled.  "Feel better now hon?"

Dylan chuckled and there was a low rumble in his chest.  "How can I
not feel better with you on me"  He winked and kissed his man deeply.

Moaning, Zack nuzzled into his Mate's neck, licking then nipping
lightly.  He moved up to lick and nip at Dylan's ear before whispering
"Why don't we go for a run in our wolf forms for a while?"

Dylan gripped Zack's waist and growled.  "It's the full moon, you know
what that does to me."

Scenting and feeling his Mate's arousal, Zack ground his erection into
Dylan.  "Exactly," he huffed out hoarsely.  "And I do have certain
expectations."

"Let it never be said  I disappointed you."

It took no time before they were both stripped and going for the front
door.  No sooner were they outside than they were in their wolf forms,
running for the woods.

* * * * *

September 15, Sunday
Dylan was sitting at a table in the Cattledrive Steakhouse  drinking
iced tea waiting for Ben and Zack.  He had arrived a few minutes
early.  Ben would be there any minute.  Zack would be a few minutes
late.  This in no way helped his nerves.

He had wanted his lover with him when Ben arrived, but Zack needed to
go back to his apartment for a different outfit.  He thought the man
looked great in anything, but Zack wouldn't be swayed.  Something
about first impressions.  Everything would have been fine, but
apparently Zack's boss had called.  *What the hell was so important it
had to be done on a Sunday?*

Ben arrived right at noon.  After a scan of the place, he spotted
Dylan and made his way over.  Taking a seat, he said "Stand  you up?"

For some reason, that irritated Dylan.  "Late, something came up," he
replied tersely.

"Uh huh.  Happen a lot or is it just for me?"  Ben arched a brow.

"If you're going to be an asshole..." Dylan snapped, getting up.

Ben winced and held his hands up in a placating gesture.  "Sorry,
sorry.  Just expected to see someone with you."

"So you thought you'd question their loyalty or something?"

"Hey, I said I was sorry.  Why are you acting like a dick all the sudden?"

*Fuck.  This is not starting out well.*  "Sorry Ben, guess I'm a bit
more nervous than I thought."

"There's nothing to be nervous about.  I'm just meeting your girl."
Ben chuckled.

Dylan furrowed his brows.  "You say that now..."

They were interrupted by the server.  Ben's drink order was taken and
shortly delivered to the table.  And still no Zack.  *Damn it.*  Dylan
kept nervously checking the time, moving his glass around and checking
the front entrance to the restaurant.

Ben watched for several minutes before addressing Dylan.  "You know,
it's not like your planning a major OP here, Dyl.  It's just a lunch."
 The blond Wolf chuckled.

*Yeah, right,* Dylan thought.  *Just a lunch that could change
everything.*  He was about to respond when he suddenly felt Zack,
scented him.  He looked toward the entrance and his breath caught.
Like he actually forgot to breathe.  Zack was approaching the table
wearing tight black jeans and a vivid emerald green long sleeve dress
shirt, his leather motorcycle jacket draped over an arm.  Dylan was
captivated by the sparkling green eyes and the smile he knew was for
him alone.

Temporarily forgetting Ben was there, Dylan jumped up to meet his man
as he arrived at the table, embracing him tightly.  "Thank Gods you're
here," he whispered into his lover's ear.  He bent down and nuzzled
Zack's neck, scenting and licking the man he hated being apart from.
So much of his anxiety melted away now that his man was close.

Zack turned his head to kiss his Mate with a soft moan.  "Miss me
much," he whispered.

"Missed you lots," Dylan replied.

Sighing with contentment, Zack rubbed his hands up and down his Mate's
back.  "As much as I'm enjoying all of this attention, we're
neglecting your cute friend."

*Cute friend?*  An inexplicable stab of jealousy hit Dylan and he
growled involuntarily, squeezing Zack tighter.  *Well this isn't
possessive at all,* he chided himself.

Chuckling lightly, Zack said "At ease big fella...breathing is a good
thing.  And you know, it *is* possible to think someone is cute and
*not* be interested in them.  You're totally the only one for me,
hon."

"Sorry.  I...uh, don't know what came over me there."

"It's okay hon, I do.  And I'm good with it.  Now, are you going to
introduce me to your friend or do I have to do it?"

"Oh...yeah.  That's why we're here, huh?"

Zack chuckled again.  "That was the plan this morning."

"You know, that 'cute' friend *can* hear you, guys," Ben remarked.

Dylan tensed, realizing his friend had seen the whole exchange besides
hearing it.  He let go of Zack and turned to face his long time
friend.  "Shit.  Uh, sorry Ben."

Ben sat, arms crossed over his chest.  "Fine.  And there's a
conversation to be had elsewhere, in private.  But for now, I believe
the man said something about introductions."  He arched a brow.

Dylan nodded.  "Yes.  Ben, this is...ah...this is my boyfriend, Zack.
Zack, this is Ben Evans, my friend since the Corps.  And hopefully
still is."

"Smooth as ever, Tyler," the blond Wolf chuckled.  He stood and
reached for Zack's hand.  "Pleased to meet you," he looked at Dylan
"*finally.*"

"Nice to meet you, too," Zack grinned, shaking the offered hand.  "So,
you've put up with this guy for a while now, huh?"  He chuckled

Ben released Zack's hand and returned the chuckle.  "Yeah.  Kinda felt
sorry for him, really.  Awkward, brooding, cave man-like.  Sad."  He
grinned with a wink.

"Hey," Dylan shot, "fuck you, blondie."

"See, it's not been easy."

Zack laughed.  "And I'm sure you were just as easy to deal with."

"Oh, a fuckin' pleasure to be around, I swear."

"Can we sit now?  I'm hungry."  Dylan pulled a chair out for Zack,
pushed him closer to the table and  returned to his own seat.

Looking from Dylan to Ben, Zack said "Gods, you both needed a keeper,
I'm sure of it."

"Says the younger civilian guy," Dylan replied, amused.

Ben winced with a soft hiss.  "Oh, no man.  If I've learned anything,
it's your partner is always right.  Trust me.  I have a *lot* of
experience there."

"That doesn't count, all of your experience is with women," chuckled Dylan.

"Some things are just universal, Dyl," Ben returned.

"I correct myself, *still need* a keeper."  Zack grinned at them both.

The older Wolves looked at the auburn and back at each other.
"Redhead's a handful, eh Dyl," Ben laughed.

Dylan shook his head slowly.  "You have no idea."

"Oh, I don't know about that.  I've dated reds, if you recall."

"Oh yeah, that's right.  That last red was batshit crazy though."

"Well, yeah.  But the sex..."

"Oooh...no, no, no.  I do *not* need to hear that again."

Zack placed a hand on Dylan's forearm.  "Don't worry hon, I'll protect
you from the bad man and his ugly words," he chuckled.

Ben roared laughing.  "Oh yeah, you got a good one, Dyl."

They paused their conversation when the server arrived, quickly
placing their meal orders.  When the meals and drinks were all on the
table, the three sat enjoying good food and conversation for the next
couple of hours.

Zack could see that the two were indeed good friends and was certain
they would remain so.  His Mate's tension had faded almost completely.

Ben seemed to be handling the news that Dylan was gay well.  And he
joked with Zack like he was a little brother.  Dylan was quite pleased
with that aspect.  Perhaps everything would be okay after all.  Now
all he had to do was survive the private talk he knew Ben would still
insist on.  And he knew Zack wouldn't be present for *that* chat.

Meals finished and checks paid, Ben checked his watch and announced
that he had to go, other things that needed attending.  They all stood
and headed out of the restaurant.  When they reached the parking lot
Ben shook Dylan's hand, then reached for Zack's.  He place his other
hand on Zack's upper arm and gripped it.  "Again, it was a pleasure
meeting you, Zack.  I'm sure we will become good friends.  Take care
of the big guy."  He chuckled and winked.

"I think we will as well.  And I will," Zack replied.  He leaned in to
whisper in Ben's ear "He's my Mate."  He pulled back and grinned at
Ben's stunned look.

The three separated to go to their vehicles, Dylan walking with Zack
to his bike.  Zack slipped his jacket on and as he reached for his
helmet Dylan asked "What was that about?"

"What was what about hon?"

"What did you say to Ben?"

Zack laughed.  "Jealous?"

Dylan growled and clenched his hands into fists.  "What.  Did.  You.
Say?  Please?"

Placing a hand on his Mate's chest and rubbing gently, leaned in a
placed a kiss on his lips.  "Relax hon.  It was nothing secret,
private or embarrassing.  I promise."

"Then why won't you tell me what you said?"

Zack sighed.  "I was just letting him know how serious I am about us.
Now, check the jealousy beast, okay?  It's not always flattering.  I
meant what I said earlier.  You're the only one for me, so don't be a
dick."

"I'm...I'm sorry.  I can't seem to control what's going on in my head
lately.  Can you forgive me, babe?"

Kissing his Wolf tenderly, Zack said "There's nothing to forgive.  I
told you, I understand what's going on.  Even if you don't."

"I so don't deserve you."

"I'm exactly what you deserve.  Now, I have to go.  Dinner tonight?"

"Yes please."

"I'll see you later then."  Zack kissed his Mate again before putting
his helmet on and getting on his bike.  He started the machine and
waved before speeding off.

Dylan sighed as he watched his lover leave.  "I so don't deserve him."


**********
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