Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2012 21:57:35 -0700
From: Michael Wingler <mjwolfwriter@gmail.com>
Subject: Mated 4

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 June 2012.
This story contains supernatural/fantasy elements: Werewolves and other
Wereanimals.  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*.

Thanks to everyone who has read the previous chapters.

Mated
Chapter 04- Waiting
by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com

April 26

On the job front, the day was going as routinely as ever.
Dylan handled phone calls and reports.  A couple of client
appointments and a couple of planning sessions for small operations.

 And of course, his mind occasionally strayed to thoughts of the
auburn-furred Wolf he was looking forward to going out with on his
birthday Wednesday evening.  He even went to Kara's for lunch for the
third day running in the hopes of seeing Zack there.
A second day of mild disappointment, but considering he hadn't asked
Zack to meet they weren't crushing blows.
For the second Friday in a row Dylan passed on asking Benjamin over
for beer and a movie at his place.  He wasn't entirely sure why yet.
Though he did have a suspicion that it had a lot to do with his
thoughts of Zack and how to tell Ben about it all.  He was admittedly
pre-occupied with thoughts and feelings concerning the handsome auburn
Were.
At 6:15 pm he stopped at Roasted, a local drive-thru chain with
several locations around Westvale and surrounding environs selling
coffee and coffee-based beverages as well as a variety of cold
beverage choices.  One double tall mocha and he was on his way to FUR.
 But this trip to the popular nightclub was for business.
FUR had hired Pacific again for the 'May Day Masquerade' and he was
going to discuss this year's details.  He didn't anticipate much in
the way of major changes from last year's arrangements.  Over the
course of working with them for several years, they had gotten things
pretty well worked out.
* * * * *
By the time he arrived at the half-full FUR parking lot, it was 6:40
pm.  Dylan grabbed his messenger bag with his laptop, secured his SUV
and headed inside.  Ten feet from the entrance he saw Tony step out.
The club's Chief of Security was dressed in the usual employee outfit
of black jeans and black tee shirt emblazoned with 'FUR' in bright
pink across the chest.  The blonde Tiger took one look at Dylan and
got that toothy smile that the Wolf remembered so well.
*Oh Hell!* Dylan thought.  *He's gonna hit on me...again.*  Usually he
just rolled with it.  But he found he was in no mood for it this
evening.  To try and head it off, he didn't return the Tiger's smile
and just gave a short "Tony," by way of acknowledgment.

"Hey there Hotstuff." the Tiger greeted.  "Miss me?" he asked
playfully with a wink.
Dylan tried to sound professional, yet not rude.  "Here on business
Tony.  Got an appointment with Trevor."

"I know that," the Tiger replied in a 'Well Duh' manner.  "But it
won't take all night, now will it?" Another wink.
The Wolf sighed.  "What's your point, Tony?"

"Well, you know what they say.  All work and no play..." Tony chuckled.

"Somehow, I doubt you suffer from a lack of play." Dylan stated.

"Ya got that right." Tony said with that toothy grin.
Dylan shook his head with a slight chuckle.  "I need to get inside.
You be good now." as he continued on into FUR.
Inside, the dark-haired Were noted that it was still pretty
quiet...relatively speaking.  The rush wouldn't hit for another hour
or so.  It smelled like an all Wolf house.
As he made his way to a back corner of the main room, though, he
detected some Cat and Coyote.  For some reason the Coyote scent seemed
vaguely familiar.  Just a wisp of something at the back of his mind.
He was at once thrilled and, oddly, jealous as he realized that it
belonged to the guy he saw with Zack Wednesday afternoon.
*Fuck, man...get a hold of yourself.*  He knew it was stupid and
irrational to be jealous of the Coyote.  There had been no indication
that the men were anything *other* than friends.
Finding an open table with a light above it he sat and prepared for
his meeting.  Laptop ready to go, he took a drink of his mocha and
checked his watch.  Five minutes to seven o'clock.
Dylan heard his name called and looked up to see the brightly dressed
form of FUR's owner, Trevor Marcus.  Standing to greet him, he was
quickly locked into an awkward, literal bear-hug.
Trevor was a solidly built Ursine in his mid-fifties.  He had short
spiky brown hair, warm brown eyes and a personality larger than his 5'
10" frame.  His orange Hawaiian floral print shirt and khaki cargo
pants loudly proclaimed his flamboyant style.  A true showing of his
'Out and Proud'-ness.

"Hhhey Trevor." Dylan said, air rushing from his lungs from the force
of the Bear's embrace.  "How are you tonight?"
The exuberant Bear released him and smiled.  "Oh, ab-so-lutely marvelous, dear."

"And Matt?"

"The husband is fine as ever." Trevor replied with a casual flip of
his right hand.  "He'll be in later."
Dylan chuckled lightly.  "Glad he's well."

"Oh...you're just so adorable," the Bear said, lightly patting the
Wolf's chest.  "So, do you want anything before we start?  You can't
have had dinner yet."
Dylan grinned.  "I certainly wouldn't say no to some of those cheesy fries."

"Consider it done darling." Trevor stated with another flip of the
hand.  The smiling Bear left and returned a short time later with a
generous order of fries smothered in cheese sauce.
The two men discussed the upcoming event as Dylan ate and made notes.
As expected, there were no significant changes to the procedures or
numbers of personnel they already employed for FUR's needs and the
meeting was concluded at 8:00.
Trevor stood and embraced the Wolf.  "So, are you coming dear?"
Before he could stop himself Dylan blurted out "It usually takes more
than a hug."

 The jovial Bear roared a hearty laugh.  "Well, I should hope so,
darling.  But I was referring to the Ball."

"Err...uhm...of course you were, sorry." Dylan stammered, blushing.
*Idiot.*  "Honestly...I'm not sure.  I kind of have dinner plans that
night, but I can see if they want to come."

"Faabulous.  Maybe they'll want to attend, as well." Trevor chuckled,
walking off.
* * * * *

 Dylan had just put his bag in the passenger seat of his SUV and
closed the door when he heard approaching footfalls.  Taking a quick
sniff, he thought *Please not now.*

"Hey, stud-man." he heard.

 The black-haired Wolf turned around and leaned back against his
vehicle.  A resigned sigh escaped his lips.  "Hey Tony.  What do ya
need?"  *Like I don't know what he wants.*  Dylan mused to himself.

 Tony closed to within a few inches and got an innocent look.  "Ya
know, Dylan..." he said softly "I've been really *really* good.  He
pressed his buff body into the Wolf's and whispered into his ear "Now,
why don't you and I be really *bad*?" and nipped the top of the ear
playfully.  To emphasize his words, the Tiger ground his semi-aroused
manhood into Dylan's groin.
*Fuck!  I don't need this.*  The muscled Wolf placed the heels of both
hands on either side of the Tiger's waist and pushed him back slowly
but firmly.  "Aren't you working, Tony?" he commented.

"I'm on a break." said the grinning blonde with a eyebrow waggle.

"Well...there's a whole club just full of men right behind you."

"Yeah, full of patrons." Tony countered.  "Besides," he continued,
reaching out and groping Dylan's crotch, "I want me some Big Dawg."
referring to the Wolf's comment last Friday.

 Up until this point, the dark-haired Were had tried to keep it
friendly and polite.  But this was going way too far.  His eyes
narrowed and when he spoke his voice was ice.  "Remove your hand,
Tony."

"Aww, come on Dyl..." the Tiger began with another rub.

 Dylan's voice was deathly cold.  "Take...your...hand...off.  Or I'll
break it off and shove it up your Cat-ass."  His eyes blazed with a
dangerous blue fire.
The tall blonde Weretiger flinched and jerked his hand away as if
burned.  "Fuck.  I'm...I'm sorry man.  I just thought..."

"Don't ever touch me like that again without permission...or Trevor
will be looking for a new security chief.  Am I clear?"
The burly Tiger gulped.  "Crystal." he whispered, almost hoarsely.

"Good.  Now I suggest you get the fuck away from me while it's still
possible to be friends."
The rattled bouncer nodded quickly, backing up a few feet before
turning and heading for the club at something just short of a run.
* * * * *
The trip from his home had taken almost an hour.  Roaring up the long
driveway, the man reached the end and braked the black 2010 model
Katana 1100 motorcycle to a stop in front of the large brick mansion
and cut the engine.
The driver got off of the sleek machine, settling it on it's
kickstand.  He hung his helmet on a handlebar and walked up to the
front door.  Checking his watch, he noted that it was close to 8:00 pm
and pushed the doorbell button.
He heard the lyrical chimes and whistled a merry tune as he waited for
someone to answer.  A few minutes later, the door opened wide.  He
stopped whistling and looked up.
The man standing before him was bigger than he...six feet four inches
tall and around 240 pounds of Were.  He had flame-orange hair and
hazel green eyes.  His face was ruggedly handsome with a well groomed
Van Dyke beard.  He was dressed in casual slacks and a blue dress
shirt with the top button undone.
The visitor smiled and embraced the man.  "Nicodemus...you're back!"
The older Wolf returned a perfunctory hug and replied "Obviously,
Zack." his tone lacking feeling.
Zack disengaged.  "I see you're as *cheery* as ever, Nico."
Nicodemus snorted.  "And I see your attire is as tasteless as ever."
Zack looked down at his slightly faded blue jeans and teal tee shirt
with 'BadCub' in white on the chest beneath a black leather jacket and
grinned broadly.  "It's comfortable, and I like it.  That's all that
matters."

"Zack, when are you going to start dressing and behaving like a
responsible adult?  You know father would probably..."

"*Dad* accepts me as I am.  Why can't you?"

"Because...given who our father is...who our family is...you are a
total disgrace."
Those words cut like a blade to the gut.  Zack knew his brother seemed
to have little real affection for him, be he had no idea he felt that
way.  Pushing passed Nicodemus, Zack said "Hell, big brother...it's
almost like you hate me," chuckling lightly.

"Yes," came a terse response as the door was closed behind him.
Zack stopped dead in his tracks, shocked at the clipped statement.
"You can't mean that," he replied incredulously.

"I can and I do," his said stated flatly.

"But Nico, we're *family*."  His voice was on the verge of cracking.
He only knew of one person who he thought truly hated him.  But exes
usually *didn't* think highly of each other.

"Yes...it is something of a constant pain, I assure you."  The words
seemed to drip with contempt.  After uttering them Nicodemus walked
off, leaving his youngest sibling standing there, stunned.  A
malicious smirk tugging at a corner of his mouth.
Zack was having difficulty processing this.  He had been raised being
taught that family was important.  If no one else, they would support
you, believe in you.  *How long has he felt this way?*, he wondered.
This was just too much to handle, on top of his troubles with his
friend and his hopes about Dylan.  He was in no state to dine with his
parents now, let alone talk with them about personal things.  He had
to get out of here.  He dashed out of the house, not even closing the
door.

 Having been there only five minutes Zack was roaring away from his
family home and heading towards downtown Westvale.  His mind turned to
his best friend again.  *I need to see Dustin...need to fix this.  I
can't have him hate me over stupid shit.*  Not that he felt his
feelings for Dylan were stupid, but realized he could have handled
things better with Dustin.
If he could work something out with him...agree to disagree.  At least
until Dustin had time to find out what he himself knew deep down, that
Dylan was a good guy
Arriving downtown, he drove to Dustin's home.  He parked and ran up to
the door, jabbing the doorbell half a dozen times.  Fortunately, all
of the roommates kept late hours.  Not that he was particularly
concerned about the time right now.

"Dustin!" he called out.  He pounded on the door a few times.  "Dustin!"
After what seemed like hours, the door was opened and a
twenty-something milk chocolate brown female looked out at him.  She
didn't appear angry, more concerned.  "Zack...he's not here...what's
wrong?"

"Where is he?  I need to talk to him."
She shrugged and said "I don't know.  He just said he was goin' out
for a while.  Want to leave a message for him?"

"No, that's okay.  Uhmm, sorry to bother you guys," he replied as he
turned and headed down the steps to his Katana.  As soon as he mounted
his bike, he removed his helmet and pulled his cell out of his left
front pants pocket.
He noticed that he had a missed call and a voice message.  He figured
it was probably his mother or father, but was still in no mood to talk
to them.  He entered Dustin's Speed Dial number and hit 'Send'.
Five or six rings later, it connected.  He heard a cautious voice say
"Zack?"  He could also make out what sounded like music and voices in
the background.

"Oh, thank god.  Where are you Dust...I really need to talk to you, man."

"Talk, or yell?" came a still cautious, measured reply.

"Talk.  Please, Dustin...it's important."  The auburn Wolf was almost pleading.

"Alright.  But you promise, no yelling at me?"

"Promise.  Are you at the club?  I can be there in a bit."

"I am, but this doesn't sound like a chat we should have at FUR.  How
about I meet you at Bitter Bean in like, twenty?"

"Uhmm, okay.  Thanks Dustin.  See you soon."  The Wolf disconnected,
pocketed his cell and made for the cafe to try and patch up his
friendship.
* * * * *
Bitter Bean, just three blocks from Westvale City Center,  operated
out of a two-story Victorian style house converted into a cafe.  In
the daylight its dark-roasted coffee bean color with mocha trim made
for an immediate warm, inviting feeling.
Inside was deep, rich paneling and detailed wood work.  The first
floor had numerous round tables with chairs in settings of two-four
throughout.
The upstairs was opened up and filled with comfortable stuffed chairs
and two-person sofas and coffee tables.  The textured colors elicited
a warm, cozy atmosphere.  The entire place was decorated with pictures
of coffee plants and lands where coffee was grown.  The aroma of
ground and brewing coffee permeated the whole place.
Pulling into the cafe parking lot, Zack spotted Dustin's compact car
and settled his Katana in the adjacent space.  Removing his helmet, he
followed the walkway to the entrance and stepped up the stairs and
inside.  He didn't spot Dustin when he scanned the downstairs so
quickly climbed to the upstairs.
Locating his *hopefully* still friend, he briskly walked to where the
Coyote sat and set his helmet on the coffee table.  Zack noticed that
there was a tall-sized paper coffee cup with closed lid.  Looking at
Dustin, he could smell the chocolate of the mocha he held.
The Coyote stood and cautiously offered a hand in greeting.  "Zack,"
he said quietly.
The auburn Wolf grasped the offered hand firmly and pulled Dustin to
himself quickly, wrapping his other arm around his back tightly.  "Oh
God Dustin, I'm so sorry."
Dustin hesitantly returned the gesture, clapping Zack on the back a
few times.  "Okay, what's going on, Z?," he asked carefully.

"A lot of stupid," replied Zack, disengaging and taking a step back.

"Hey...I didn't agree to meet to be abused more."
The Wolf held up his hands in a calming manner.  "No no...I didn't
mean it like that.  Let me explain."  Zack unzipped his jacket and sat
in the chair across from Dustin.  "Is, uhm...is that for me?,"
pointing to the cup before him.

 The Coyote rolled his eyes and nodded.  "Like *I'd* ever drink a
coconut latte.  Of *course* it's yours."
Zack smiled, picked up the beverage and opened the drinking hole.  He
smelled the coconut and espresso and sighed.  Taking a careful sip he
closed his eyes and savored the hot, sweet goodness.  "Oh yeah, that's
good.  Thanks Dust."

"No worries, Z.  We may be a bit pissed at each other, but we are
still buds, right?"

"Yeah...about that..."

"I mean, you *did* try to kill me...so you should probably be the one
buying and all."  The dark haired Coyote grinned and chuckled.

"I so did *not* try to kill you.  God, you can be suck a drama-dick
sometimes, Dust."

 This time his friend really laughed.  "Gotcha, Wolfie.  I *know* you
didn't try to kill me.  I'd be so much shredded Were if you really
wanted me dead."

"Sorry I lost it, man.  I was just...I don't know.   I just wanted you
to shut up and leave me alone and you weren't and I went all Beast on
ya."

"Yeah, having thought about it later, I really should have just left
you be.  I sensed you were pretty upset, but I just wouldn't let it
go.  It's just..."

"You've seen me hurt and don't want to see it happen again?"
The Coyote nodded silently.  "It's, like, you just met this guy and
you're already a couple.  I really don't get it, Zack."

"I hear you.  And believe it or not, I do respect that you're
concerned.  That makes you a real friend.  So, let me try and explain
where I'm coming from.  And just hold on until I'm done, okay."
Dustin nodded again.

"First off, I am *not* attacking you or your beliefs, okay?"  He
paused for his friends acknowledgment before continuing.  "I'm kind of
a traditionalist in that I do believe everyone has a Soul-Mate...as
you are aware, someone that is meant to be their love...their missing
half.  Anyone can find a lover.  But a Soul-Mate...that can be hard.
You never know when your paths will cross.  In some cases, if your
paths will cross.  When you do meet though...and connect...you just
*know* it.  With every fiber of your being you know.  Once you do
know, nothing can ever shake that feeling.  As long as they live, that
person is the one."

"But what if that person is a total asshole?  That's what I'm getting at."

"I don't think a Soul-Mate *can* be an asshole, Dust.  At least, not
to *their* Soul-Mate.  That's kind of the whole point...the perfect
match."

"Okay.  So maybe you're right and I'm wrong.  How long do you want me
to give it before I decide if I like this guy?  And don't say forever,
you freak.  I'm being totally serious, I'll give him a
shot...promise."

"I've been thinking on that.  I have no idea if he's felt the
connection yet, so maybe a few months.  Just because I felt it right
away doesn't mean he did.  Besides..." the Wolf said with a wag of his
right eyebrow, "It'll give me more time to get to know him better."
Dustin just shook his head and smirked.  "Honestly Z, you're hopeless."
* * * * *
April 29Dylan hovered over the laying form of the auburn Wolf on hands
and knees.  A low, throaty growl emitted from him as he nuzzled and
licked around Zack's navel.  Soft moans reached his ears as he teased
the younger Were with his tongue and small nips.  He carefully,
methodically worked his way up Zack's front.
Several moments were spent laving attention on the aroused auburn's
pecs and nipples.  The moans grew louder, punctuated with the
occasional "Yes!" or "Fuck!"  The excited Wolf writhed under his
actions.
Dylan moved his efforts further up Zack's body, his engorged member
sliding alongside the hot auburn's rigid cock, both leaking precum
copiously.  He licked and kissed his way across the smaller Were's
collarbones.  Zack tilted his head back and to the side, exposing his
throat.  Submission or trust?
Either way, it was damn hot and it pleased Dylan greatly.  It was Zack
giving himself to the dark-haired Were above him.  Not from fear or
force, but out of want...out of desire.
Dylan smiled, then licked and nibbled at the Wolf's neck.  He growled
his pleasure and felt hands slide over his back, then the sensation of
nails biting into his skin.  Judging by the sounds Zack was making
these were passionate responses, not objections.
He bit down a fraction harder and ground his hard cock into the hot
Wolf beneath him.  He felt Zack's legs lock around his own and pull
him tighter to the burning Were.

"You're all mine now, big boy," the smaller Wolf rasped hoarsely.
Dylan released his teeth from Zack's neck and licked his way up and
along his jaw, settling onto the lusty little Were's lips.  Their
tongues dueled in a long and lustful kiss.  Zack continued to moan and
claw at Dylan's back as the dark-haired Wolf ground harder and faster
on the fire hot auburn.
Both men were grunting and growling by the time Dylan felt Zack's cock
pulse and hot cum shoot up his front.  Seconds later, his own eruption
spewed forth, mixing with Zack's.  The larger Wolf lowered himself
onto Zack, panting...their cum mingling and matting their furry
torsos.

"Fuck me," rasped Dylan.
Zack chuckled in response.  "Oh, you do just fine, stud."
BUZZ!  BUZZ!  BUZZ!  BUZZ!
Dylan awoke groggily on his belly in a sweat.  He slapped the alarm
off.  He felt hot and sticky.  Rolling over, he discovered a softening
cock and a large wet spot, obviously spent cum.  He lay on his back
for several moments collecting his thoughts before getting up.
*Damn...these dreams are getting intense.* He thought.  It had been
ages since he could recall fucking his damn bed.  *Fuck...what is it
about this guy?*

 He didn't know what was going on, just that he wanted Zack like he
hadn't wanted anything else in more years than he cared to think
about.
*Maybe I need to see a professional.  This can't be healthy.*   As
much as the thought bothered him, he was seriously considering seeing
a therapist.  This just wasn't him.  It was almost obsessive.  He
simply could not get the sexy little Wolf out of his mind for long.
Finally pulling himself out of bed he headed for the shower to get his
day going.  He couldn't escape thoughts of Zack there, either.  He
kept imagining the little muscled Were, water cascading over his
furred body.  The feel of his skin and hair under his fingers as he
soaped him up.  The scents of the soap and Zack's natural smell
mingling in a pleasant way.  In no time, the dark-haired Wolf was rock
hard.  *Fuck!*  Needless to say, his quick morning shower took longer.
After he got cleaned up and dressed he ate a fast breakfast of hot
cereal, juice and coffee.  Deciding to just take a shot, he invited
Zack to lunch in a short text message.  He wasn't entirely sure he
could do it by voice.
On the way to work he got a reply.  "Where & When?"  Pulling into his
parking space, he shut the SUV off and returned the text.  Dylan
entered his building in a bright mood.  It continued all morning.  And
of course, Ben noticed, but thankfully didn't make a big deal of it.
An hour before lunch his cell rang.  The ID indicated Zack and he
answered quickly.  "Dylan's House of Awesome-Dylan speaking."
The voice on the other end laughed.  "Awesome, huh?  Well, I can't
argue with that."  There was a short pause, then "Uhm...how are you
this morning big guy?"
Dylan noted what seemed like some hesitation in Zack's tone.  "Good so
far.  Is...is something wrong?"

"Oh...no.  At least, I hope not.  Look, I hate to ask
this...but...would it be okay if my friend tags along at lunch?  I
know it probably *isn't* what you had in mind, but it would help a lot
if he could.  If not, I understand."

"Is...ah..."  Dylan stopped and thought for a few seconds.  "Would it
be important to *you* that he come along?"
He heard a slight exhale before "Sort of.  I can't explain it right
now, but I promise I will explain."

"Well then, I guess the answer is *yes*."  Dylan tried to keep his
tone light and cheery.  Zack was right...it wasn't what he had in
mind, but the end result was still getting to spend lunch with the man
he couldn't stop thinking about.
* * * * *

"Okay, you can tag along at lunch.  And remember, you said you'd give
him a chance."

"Yes, Zack, I remember."  The Coyote rolled his eyes.  "But why am I
going, exactly?  I kind of got the impression that it was a 'Lunch
Date' kinda thing he was going for."

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what he was thinking when he messaged."

"Then for Christsakes Z, why did you invite me?  The guy can't have
been happy about that."

"A couple of reasons, actually.  First...I was curious to see if he'd
still want to do lunch even if it wasn't *just* with me.  Second, I
wanted you to meet the man I'm having dinner with Wednesday and see
what ya think of him."

"I hope you realize how awkward it will be.  This could so blow up in
your face bud.  I'm not saying I want it to, just that it could if
he's not as cool as you think he is."

"Yes, I admit to the awkward.  But I'm sure he'll be cool about it.
He asked if it was important to me and agreed when I told him yeah."

"For fucksakes, Zack!  You didn't give him any damn choice at all.  He
probably thought he'd better say okay or he'd be a dick.  Or worse,
you'd cancel on him.  For a smart guy, Z...that was a real *dumb*
move."

"Heey, hold on a..."

"No!  You listen to me Zack Rivers...I *really* do hope this Dylan guy
is as good as you believe he is, because this stunt...its damn close
to the kind of shit Christopher used to pull.  Or had you forgotten
all those times he'd make 'last minute' changes to your dates?"

"I...I never thought..."

"Well *you* of *all* people should have.  Look, I'm sorry for jumping
your case, but that was one of the things that pissed me off the most
about Christopher.  How he'd do it time and again and how much it hurt
you.  You never said anything, but I knew.  And you just did it to
this guy.  I'm not gonna stay pissed at ya, but I just had to speak my
mind here."

"Sorry Dust."

"Don't worry, Z...I've said my bit.  But if you *really* do believe
he's the one...then you gotta treat him like it."
Zack chuckled lightly.  "Look who's giving..."

"Don't you *dare* finish that sentence if you know what's good for
you, freak," said the Coyote with a jab to the Wolf's left shoulder.

"You're still taggin' along, right?"

"Of course,"  Dustin smirked.  "I wanna meet this dick you met."  The
Coyote grinned a mouth full of teeth.
Zack knew that they were back to okay and grinned himself.
* * * * *
Dylan turned off his e-reader when he saw the construction company
pick-up truck pull in and park.  He exited his vehicle and locked up.
Leaning against the door, he watched as two men climbed out and
started towards Kara's.  He was pleased to see it was indeed Zack and
friend and headed in their direction.
Intercepting them halfway, he smiled and extended his hand to the
Wolf.  "Hey there...glad you guys could make it."
Zack shook the offered hand and returned the smile brightly.  "Thanks
for the invite.  This is my friend Dustin.  He's a tool, but basically
an okay guy."

"Uhmmm-kay."  Dylan took the Coyote's hand and noted he had a fair
grip.  And didn't seem to be playing that stupid 'strong-guy' game.

"And Zack's an idiot sometimes, but you'll get used to it," Dustin
commented with a grin and a wink.

"Well...uhm, shall we?"  Dylan motioned to the entrance of the diner.
The two construction friends nodded and the three of them went about lunch.

 Afterward, Dylan felt it had gone very well.  Zack was as delightful
as he recalled and his Coyote friend...well, it *was* their first
meeting so he really couldn't say yet.

 At home that evening, Dylan called Zack and arranged to pick him up
Wednesday night at 7:30.  Gods, time was going to positively *drag* by
until then.


**********
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are not constructive.  If you didn't like

the story because it just wasn't
your taste, just let it go.  Feel free to

contact me at mjwolfwriter@gmail.com.
Thank you to all who commented on

previous chapters.