Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:13:30 -0700 From: Michael Wingler Subject: Mated 02 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 July 2011. 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*. This chapter is a bit different than the previous, so I hope you enjoy. MatedChapter 02- Bad Dayby mjwolfwriter@gmail.com Dylan awoke to many sensory inputs. It was difficult to say which one actually did the waking, though he'd guess it was a tie between the repetitive noise he had yet to sort out or the heat along his left side. Well, heat and weight. Whoa....back up...heat and weight? His head jerked off the pillow and his eyes popped open. He looked down his body to find....a body. A very good looking body of an auburn furred man laying on his belly next to him, arm stretched over his own dark furred chest. *What the fu....oh yeah.*.his mind scrambled as the memory of last night began to filter through his sleep hazed brain. *Zack!* A broad smile erupted and he felt himself growing hard as the pleasant memories began to gel in his mind. Dylan's right hand found it's way to his steadily hardening cock as the events replayed in his head. He gave a few lazy strokes before he rubbed his thumb across the tip, smearing the pre-cum that was now starting to build. A soft "Mmmmm" escaped from deep in his chest. Felling the passion and desire begin to burn in him, he decided to wake the gorgeous Zack pleasantly. Just as he was about to reach over and caress the sleeping Were Dylan's mind finally processed the recurring rhythmic sound in the background. "Hungry Like The Wolf." SHIT! Benjamin was calling. The ring stopped abruptly followed soon by a short beep. Voicemail. *Wonder how many messages that makes?* he thought. Dylan carefully slid out of the bed so he wouldn't wake Zack. He swiftly crossed the small bedroom and found his pants in the pile of clothing. Grabbing his cell from his belt, he quietly left the room. Closing the bathroom door, he checked his phone. Six missed calls! And it was 9:35 in the morning. He called his voicemail and found he had three new messages. The first two were short. The third reminded him of what had been nagging at his brain since recognizing the ringtone. *Dyl! What the fuck man? Where are you? It's after 9:30. Are you coming to work?* FUCK! He was supposed to be in at 7:30 this morning. Sure he was the boss....but he had promised to be in. As much as he would love to stay and wake Zack like he deserved to be, he had to run. Returning to the bedroom, Dylan saw that the young Were was still sleeping peacefully. He smiled at the handsome form before he quietly gathered up his clothes and slipped out of the room. Figuring he'd leave a quick note, he searched Zack's kitchen for a pad and pen. Locating both in the second drawer he checked, he kept the note brief: "Zack – Forgot I had to go to the office this morning. Sorry. Please call tonight. Dylan" Naked still, he grabbed his wallet from his pants and pulled a business card from it. Setting his wallet on the counter, he underlined his cell number and took the notepad and card to leave them on the bedstand. Placing them next to the lamp he took a last look at the slumbering Were, who was now on his back. By the looks of things, he must be having some pleasant dreams or memories. He had that adorable grin of his and was semi-hard. With a soft sigh, Dylan again left the bedroom and rushed to dress. He was soon out the door and on his way to his office. * * * * * Zack's eyes fluttered open around 10:00 am. He knew that he'd slept later than usual, but then, it was also the most contented sleep he'd had for the last six months. He figured that finally connecting with the all too hunky Dylan had a lot to do with that. A goofy smile formed at the thought of the dark haired man he had managed to at last find last night. He reflected on that. *What was it....four months? No, longer than that. Nearly six months of trying to spot him again.* Zack recalled that he was still with his ex-boyfriend the first time he'd laid eyes on Dylan. The other time was a week later. It was at the FUR Spring Celebration. He had wanted to go and say 'Hello' but didn't. For one, Dylan had looked so intense. It was like his eyes were everywhere. And then there was Christopher, his soon-to-be ex. Of course, Dylan had nothing to do with that. Zack had already decided that his relationship with Chris was over. *Shit...enough of those negative thoughts.* Zack pushed them out of his mind and returned to the highly pleasurable ones. Spotting Dylan at FUR last night. Catching him! Getting him here to his apartment!! And all of those hot activities!!! God....Dylan excited him so much. Just thinking about the muscled Were caused his heart to race. His breath grew heavy as his left hand played across his chest and down his abs. Zack quickly discovered just how excited when his hand came into contact with his very erect and leaking cock. He slid his palm over his shaft and gripped it firmly. He moaned as his cock twitched at the touch. He made a couple slow pulls up to the head and back before stopping himself. It certainly wasn't right to pleasure himself when he had Dylan here. That's who he really wanted to please. That was the point it struck him. Not only did he not feel that so pleasing heat beside him, but he also didn't hear any breathing aside from his own. Looking over for the first time he noticed a sight too familiar....an empty bed where he wanted someone to be. Crushing the sudden hurt before it could take hold, he decided to look around first. Maybe Dylan was in the bathroom. Zack listened carefully to see if he could hear him moving around. Nope. He got his first sense that Dylan was in fact gone when he looked at the other side of the room and saw only his own clothes on the floor. He decided to get up and check the apartment anyway. As he sat on the edge of the bed about to stand, he noticed the notepad and business card that Dylan had left. He picked them up and read the note, then examined the card. The card was simple but very nice. Gray card stock and Forest Green ink. It had a logo and the words: PACIFIC SECURITY SERVICES Dylan Tyler and two phone numbers, one of which was underlined. He presumed it must be Dylan's personal number, considering the note. While Dylan's departure shattered his plans for the day Zack had to be honest with himself. They were his own "hoped for" plans, not discussed and agreed upon ones. And as dark as the clouds of disappointment were there was in fact a silver lining. Dylan *had* asked him to call this evening. Bolstering himself up with those thoughts, he went about his usual morning routine. After taking care of his bathroom needs and dressing, food was in order. As he tossed the notepad onto the kitchen counter he saw it....a wallet. Dylan's wallet. He immediately wondered if Dylan knew it was here. Putting that aside for now, he went about breakfast. Having eaten and cleaned up, Zack directed his attention to the "wallet" problem. He could call Dylan and tell him that it was here. He could also take it to Dylan's office. Or, he could even take it to his home tonight. The problem with the last two options was, of course, that he didn't know either address. A phonebook or call should quickly solve the office question. Searching the wallet for Dylan's home address would be equally easy. At least physically. Emotionally was a different story. He didn't know him that well....yet. It would be an invasion of the guy's privacy. And as much as he wanted to get closer to Dylan, was that too far? After the internal debate was over, Zack decided that the wallet would go to Pacific Security Services. He knew that if it was his wallet he'd want it as soon as possible. And why pull Dylan away from work when it could be delivered to him? Calling the non-underlined number on Dylan's card did prove to be the office's number. He asked if Mr. Tyler was available. Having been told he would be unavailable until late afternoon, Zack opted to not leave a message but did get the address. Armed with the location of the office, he made a second call. This to one of his friends and workmates. The call connected after the third ring. "Zack. What up bud?" said a cheerful male voice. "Hey Dustin. Sorry to bug you man, but I kinda need a favor. If you're not too busy, I mean." Zack just realized Dustin might be working today. He couldn't remember. Well, to be more accurate, he wasn't paying much attention Friday afternoon when Dustin mentioned the weekend. He was too focused on his own plans. "Working today, but I can take a break to help ya out. Need lunch anyway. I have to be up at the Birch site by 2:00 though. Is that a problem?" Dustin asked. "Not at all man. You'll have plenty of time. Promise. See you at my place soon then. Thanks a million, Dust." Zack disconnected and waited for his friend to arrive. * * * * * Dylan got to his office at 10:15. On top of his guilty feelings at leaving without at least speaking to Zack, he had to deal with Ben's irritation at his being so late. He did feel he deserved some of the ranting. He wasn't known to be late without a good reason. And as good a reason as he felt he had, he couldn't tell Benjamin about it. Well....not fully anyway. Through all the years he'd known Ben, he still hadn't told him that he was gay. The guy is his best friend but he is still afraid to say anything. He had served in the Marines with him, it should be easy. But it isn't. You never know how someone will react after so many years. CRACK! Dylan was jarred from his thoughts by the loud sound and thump on his desk. His mind just wasn't on his job. He noticed Benjamin's fist sitting there in front of him. His eyes traveled up the arm and body to take in the annoyed expression on his face. "Dylan! What the fuck's up with you man? You're here, but you're not *here*." Ben growled. Even with his blond haired and blue eyed good looks, the 5' 10" former Marine could do "bad ass" as well as when he was still in the service. While Dylan appreciated that his friend could still do it, it wasn't so great directed at him. If the man hadn't been his friend for the last fifteen years, he'd be pissed. Ben was certainly the only man he let yell at him like that. "Umm, sorry Ben. Guess my mind was elsewhere." he said with a weak smile. "What were you saying?" he asked, realizing Ben must have been asking him something. "I said....where do you want to go for lunch, dumb-ass? It's almost noon." he replied, pointing to the clock on the wall. And we need to go check out that event site at 1:30." "Fuck...I don't know. How about that Thai place?" he offered. "Which one? There are two ya know." Ben smirked. "Actually, there are three. Just tried a new one a couple days ago." countered Dylan, reaching for his wallet to pull out the place's card. That's the moment he discovered he didn't have his wallet. Today just seemed to be his day for shit. "Fuck!" he cursed. "What's wrong bud?" his friend inquired. He had a look of amusement. "Forget something, did we? She must have been a hell of a date to get you so damn rattled today." He let out a full, mirthful laugh. "What makes you think I had a date?" Dylan shot out, probably a little too quickly. His face had a look like a deer in the headlights. Benjamin laughed again. "Well, let's see....six missed calls." he started. "Three voicemail messages." he continued, ticking the points off on his fingers as he listed them. "Over two hours late for work. Your head is *clearly* not on the job. And to top it all off, the defensive way you just asked that question." Ben grinned widely with that last statement. Dylan felt his cheeks burn slightly from embarrassment. He really must be out of it today. He drooped his head and sighed. "Damn it." he said softly. Benjamin's jaw dropped and his eyes popped wide. "OH....my *God*!" he exclaimed sounding shocked. "I'm right? Fuck man, I was just totally trying to mess with you. But I got it right didn't I?" "I don't wanna talk about it." said the larger Were evenly. "Let's go to lunch and that job site." he said, trying to divert attention away from his personal life. "Bro....she must have been hella hot. You've *got* to tell me all about her." Ben continued as if Dylan hadn't spoken. Dylan knew he had to end this soon or he'd be pestered all day. He thought for a moment before telling Ben "Yes...hotness *is* confirmed. But I am definitely *not* going to tell you 'all about her' so just drop it please. "C'mon Dyl. We talk about Sasha and me all the time. Hell, you know almost as much about her as I do. But you....this is news." Dylan could see his friend was excited. "This is not *news*. I don't even know if it's a *thing* yet. Just DROP IT! Okay?" Dylan growled, his embarrassment now irritation. Benjamin looked like he was about to say something, his mouth held open. He apparently thought better of whatever he was going to say and closed his mouth. After several seconds, he replied in a calm tone "Lunch, then?" Dylan nodded curtly and both men left his office. * * * * * *BUZZ!* Ten seconds passed as Zack got up to answer the door. *BUZZZZZ!* "Alright already." He looked through the peephole to confirm who it was. As he was opening the door there were three short *BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!* Zack knew that those last three were just for fun to mess with him. In the doorway stood his friend Dustin Berg. He was a 6' tall man in his early twenties. Slim build with short black hair and expressive blue eyes. He wore his usual work outfit of blue jeans and a white tee shirt with an orange safety vest over it. Not that his non-work attire was much different. Darker jeans and different tees or other pull over shirts. Zack smiled as he greeted him. "Dustin. Thanks again for helping bud." he said, hugging him then motioning him inside. "No problem man. But what's so important that you need my help on your day off? I thought you were *busy* for the weekend." Dustin made one of those "knowing" eyebrow wags as he scanned the apartment. "Yeah, well....that *was* the plan." he commented with a smile full of teeth. "It just never occurred that the guy might actually have his own plans." "Hey, it's me. Be honest....did this asshole flake on you?" Dustin's face had that look of righteous indignation. "No, he didn't "flake" on me. And he's not an asshole. At least, I don't *think* he is. He was nice. *Real* nice." Zack got that goofy smile again. "And hot as hell, too." he said, trying to look a little more serious. "Besides, I didn't *actually* discuss weekend plans with him. I was going to do that this morning. But when I woke up he was gone and there was this note and card." He showed them to Dustin. Dustin looked at them both and frowned. "....buddy....that's one of the oldest dodges there are. 'Oh, I have to work' or 'Call me' usually mean 'Never see him again' and you know it." "Yeah, I know that some guys use those phrases to blow guys off, but I just don't think that's the case here. I've got a good feeling about him." "Sounds like your good feeling was last night when he fucked your common sense out of you." chuckled Dustin. "Hey, knock it off. You haven't even met him yet." Zack said defensively. "You'll see, he's cool." "That's just what you said about that Carver prick. Look how that turned out." Dustin crossed his arms and perked his left brow up slightly. "Okay, I'll give you *that* one. Christopher *was* an asshole. My bad for refusing to admit it for so long. But this guy....it's different. I felt it, I swear." Zack affirmed solemnly "You felt it." Dustin said flatly. "Felt what?" "He's the *one*. I felt the connection. We're meant to be together." he said with certainty. "You aren't *seriously* telling me you believe in all that 'Soul Mate' bullshit are you?" "Actually..." Zack snapped, "yes I do!" His face showed a growing annoyance. Dustin shook his head and held up his hands. "Alright, alright. Just *don't* cry on my shoulder when this guy turns out to be a dick." "You will so *owe* me when you find out you're wrong about him." Zack informed him with a touch of smug humor in his voice. "*If* I am, I will apologize and treat you to dinner." "Better be ready to make it a dinner for three." chuckled Zack. "Dinner for three?" "What, you think I'm gonna leave him out of the spoils of victory?" said Zack, waving a fist in the air playfully and grinning. Dustin exhaled and said "So....you need me *why*, again?" Zack explained about the wallet and his need to return it to Dylan at his office. And why he wanted Dustin to take it in. "If he's as cool as you think he is, then he's a big boy and won't mind seeing you at his office." Dustin offered. "Or, maybe he's not out to his workplace and it could cause him embarrassment. Just in case, I'm not going to chance fucking anything up before it gets started." "And how is me taking it in any different?" inquired his friend. "Because....if he turns out to be at the office, you can truthfully say that you were told to drop the package off and that's it. And if he *is* there, you might get to see what he looks like." "You know you're paying for my lunch today, right?" Dustin said with resignation. Zack smiled and punched Dustin's arm playfully. Victory goes to Zack! "Alright, let's get this show on the road." Dustin sighed and motioned towards the door. Zack grabbed the envelope with Dylan's wallet and his keys and they departed. * * * * * The drive back to the office had so far been a mostly quiet event. The radio played softly while Dylan and Ben were both lost in their own thoughts. While Ben kept glancing over at his best friend, Dylan was doing his best to avoid looking in Benjamin's direction. Not because he was angry at him though. It was because he was so ashamed at *himself*. Yes, he had gotten angry at the office. That's part of why he felt like shit now. He'd treated his best friend badly the whole afternoon in one way or another for reasons that were not Ben's fault. His *own* emotions were causing these feelings of guilt and unease. Benjamin had been right....his interest in someone *was* news. Especially for Ben. And part of him wanted to explain all about this hot guy he met named Zack. Ben told him almost everything that went on in his life, including his relationship with Sasha. Not that Dylan didn't share his life with Ben....but they never talked about that "Special Someone" in *his* life. He always deflected the conversations away from the subject. Of course the main reason was that he would have to tell Ben that he was gay, which he just wasn't ready to do. The other reason being that there *was* no "Special Someone" to talk about. He'd never had more than a few dates with any one guy. He just never seemed to click with them. And he isn't the type to keep going out with someone for just physical reasons. Lust only goes so far. Deep down, he needed a connection. He really hoped that Zack could be that someone....that he didn't fuck it up by going and just leaving a note and a business card behind. It surprised him that that thought crossed his mind, too. He'd certainly never felt that way from meeting someone just once. Ever. Dylan's internal turmoil was interrupted by Ben's voice. "So....how long are you gonna be pissed at me?" he sounded cautious, eyes fixed on Dylan. "I'm *not* pissed at you bro. I wasn't even pissed at you earlier in my office." Dylan replied quietly. "You ah....could have fooled me. I thought you were gonna slug me there for a moment." "I'm so sorry Ben. It's just....I've got a bunch of shit swimmin' around in my head right now. I didn't mean to take it out on you." "So, talk to me man. That's what friends are for. God know you're there for me all the fuckin' time." Dylan could hear the concern in his friend, but now was definitely not the time to tell all. "Don't worry man, everything will be fine. I just need to sort some shit out, that's all." he said with a small chuckle. He gave Ben a reassuring smile. "Bullshit. But okay, I'll let it go....for now. You'll tell me when you're ready, or I'll pin ya down and make you talk." Ben joked. He had his fake intimidation face on. It was all in his eyes. More sparkle, less dark intent. Dylan smiled and laughed. "Yeah, right. You remember how many times you've been able to pin *me*, right?" he asked lightheartedly. "Just shut the fuck up, you smug bastard." Ben lobbed back with a grin. Then, in a serious tone he asked "So....we good then?" "We're always good Ben. We've been friends too long to ruin everything because of *my* bad day." "Okay then. Good." Ben nodded and sighed softly. "Damn right *good*." Dylan said as he pulled into his space in the Pacific Security Services employee parking lot. It was just after 5:00 in the evening and he was ready to call the work day "Done." As they were walking in, he asked Ben if he had dinner plans. "Nothing special. Was gonna see what Sasha wanted to do." Ben replied. "Well then, you now have a dinner plan....unless she already has something in mind, of course. Why don't you find out and let me know. I'm gonna wrap up for the day." They both headed for their own offices. When Dylan got to his desk, he saw one of those small padded envelopes. It had a shipping label with his name on it. No other name and no address. And it looked like it was done with a medium point permanent marker. Also, there were no postage or delivery company markings. He sat down and picked the package up. Whatever was in the envelope was fairly light and roughly square in shape. He had an odd feeling that he knew what it was. Quickly opening the package, he found that he was correct....it was his wallet. This produced mixed feelings. He was glad to have it back. Glad that Zack was good enough to return it to him. And worried. His heart thumped in his chest. *Had Zack said anything? Told Selah who he was? Why he had her boss' wallet? Did Selah tell Zack that he was the boss?* All those thoughts panicked him. It wasn't just Benjamin that he hadn't told he was gay. He had not told anyone at work. After checking his wallet and finding nothing missing, he put it in his back pocket, closed his office and went out to the reception desk. "Umm, Selah...." he began in what he hoped was a causal tone "about that package on my desk? Who delivered it?" "Some male, Sir." the Platinum blond forty-five year old said in her usual calm, Israeli accented voice. "Can you be a *little* more descriptive?" he asked, still a bit on edge. "Of course, sorry. Around six feet tall, maybe 170 pounds. Early twenties I'd say. Short black hair, blue eyes. Coyote, I believe. Likely in construction by the clothes he was wearing. Why? Is it trouble, Sir?" she inquired. The clenched feeling started to dissipate and the panic lessened considerably. "Oh, no....I was just wondering. Thank you Selah." He grinned. "So, I'm calling it a day and a weekend. Good night. And see ya on Monday. Please tell Mr. Evans I went outside, if you would. "Yes sir. Good night sir." Selah gave him a smile and short wave. Her Periwinkle eyes glimmered brightly. Leaning against his SUV waiting for Ben, Dylan wondered if Zack would call him tonight. As disappointed as he would be, he'd understand if the guy decided not to. Hell, he'd probably be pissed if someone just left like he had. Note or not. As Dylan was pondering the outcome of his evening, Ben came out and informed him that dinner was a go. "Cool. My treat." Dylan stated. "Why?" Ben asked. "Because I've been an ass to you all afternoon and I owe you." Benjamin started to protest but Dylan raised his hand to stop him. "No....I'm taking you two out to eat and that's all there is to it. Now, what do you think....Mexican?" Ben chuckled. "Yeah, sounds good. We haven't had that in a while. The usual place?" "Yup. Meet you guys there in what, thirty?" "Better make it forty-five. Gotta pick up Sasha and all." "Cool, see ya there bro." Dylan gave him their usual 'brothers' hug to show it was indeed all good between them and both went on their way. * * * * * Dylan had managed to keep his mind on his friends and dinner. They had parted in very good spirits. He had told Ben he wouldn't be in until Monday and Ben said he'd see him then. Now it was ten after nine and he was sitting at home. He figured Zack wasn't going to call. The television was on, but he really wasn't paying much attention to it. The only reason it was on was that he wasn't ready for bed yet and he didn't want to be sitting there in silence. With a sigh, he got up to get himself a beer. His cell trilled as he was walking back to his chair. The caller ID read 'Unknown Name Unknown Number' and he seriously considered ignoring it. He decided to answer it. "Hello?" A cautious voice responded. "Hello? Mr. Tyler?" it said. "Speaking. Who is this?" he asked. *Could it be him*? he thought. "It's, ah....it's Zack. You *did* ask me to call you tonight. Have you changed your mind? Or was it just a blow off?" His voice had just a bit of an edge to it. "No, nothing like that. I've been hoping you would call. I *really* wanted to talk to you. I want to...." Just then his doorbell chimed. "Fuck!" he snapped. "Hold on Zack, someone's at the door." he growled. This was way too much way too late in the evening. Some asshole was going to get an earful. And given his frustration level right now, possibly a fist in the face. "WHAT?" he bellowed as he jerked the door open. The sight before him stunned him so much he dropped his cell. There on his doorstep was Zack. He was wearing dark jeans and a tee shirt that read 'Puppy' and a huge smile. The same smile that had captivated him when he first saw it in the garden at FUR. "You want what, stud?" the auburn Were asked with humor in his tone. "I....I....I...." Dylan stammered. "Want me to go away? Want me to come in? What *do* you want, Mr. Tyler?" Zack asked playfully. Dylan regained his senses enough to speak clearly. "I want you to never call me *Mr. Tyler* again. And I want you to come in, please." he said, backing up so Zack could enter. His heart was pounding at having Zack here. His mind raced trying to figure out how he knew where he lived, but then remembered that he had left his wallet at Zack's apartment. He had probably looked at his driver's license. "I hope you won't be angry, but I invaded your privacy. I'm sorry." Zack looked concerned, his brow furrowed. "I umm, I got your address from your wallet. I'll understand if you're pissed and want me to leave." "Don't you dare." Dylan shot out. "I'm glad you're here....*really*. Have a seat." he said indicating the couch. "Care for something to drink? Beer, soda, water...what would you like?" "I guess a beer would be good, thanks." Zack accepted, a smile on his face once more. "Coming right up." Dylan said cheerfully as he went to the kitchen to retrieve the beverage. He returned a minute later, bottle in hand, and gave it to the man that had been on his mind all day. "There you go. Hope the brand is acceptable." Zack took it and said it was fine. Dylan sat down on the other end of the couch, still uncertain how this conversation might go. He decided that the best thing was to just start by explaining what happened. He could only hope the guy believed him and forgave him for just disappearing like he did. "I want to explain...." he began. The sexy auburn cut him off. "No, there's no need, Dylan. You don't owe me anything." Zack took a long drink of his beer. "Yes I do. I shouldn't have left without talking to you. I don't do that kind of thing to guys. I don't like it when others do it. I should...." Dylan continued. "You should stop explaining, okay. I understand that shit happens. And I understand having to go to work, even on a weekend. I'm not mad at you." Zack took another long drink and set the bottle down on the coffee table. He stood up and walked over to stand in front of Dylan. "But, if you really feel you need to do something about it...." he stated with his mischievous grin in place. "What, ummm....what did you have in mind?" Dylan asked. The younger Were climbed into his lap, straddling him. "I guess I *could* let you make it up to me. If you wanted to, that is." The larger Were just smiled as he pulled Zack into his arms. Bad day....but a very *good* night! More to come.... ********** Comments are appreciated, so let me know what you think. However, flames 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 chapter.