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 August 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 10- Revelations & Intentions by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com

September 20, Friday The work week had gone smoothly. No major crisis, pointless drama or anything like that. And Ben had not treated him any differently. Nor had he brought up the 'gay' topic. Dylan figured it was probably on tonight's schedule. Food, movie, so you're gay...

It was almost 7:00 PM. He'd had time to get home and showered before Ben showed up. Just as he put some music on, he heard Ben's vehicle coming up the driveway. His cue to grab a couple of beers from the fridge.

Hearing three quick raps on the door, he greeted Ben, handing over a brew. Ben took it, showing the two pizzas he brought. "Carnivores," the blond Wolf grinned.

"Do you ever get any other pizza," Dylan inquired, arching a brow.

"What's that you said, you want 'Herbivores' next time?"

Dylan laughed. "You can shove that veggie abomination up your ass, you blond bastard."

"Okay then. No bitching about my meat overload pizza."

Dylan closed the door as Ben took the food to the kitchen and set it on the counter. Dylan joined a moment later, grabbing plates from the cabinet.

"Hold a bit before we chow down."

Here it comes, thought Dylan. "I take it you have something to say first?"

"Right in one," nodded Ben.

Sighing, Dylan said "Very well, out with it."

The next thing that happened...Ben slapped the left side of his face, hard. "What the fuck's wrong with you? I thought we were friends, Dyl."

"I thought we were, too," replied Dylan, rubbing his face.

"So explain this bullshit!" Ben glared, arms crossed.

"What specifically are you referring to?"

"Don't you fucking play semantics with me Dylan Anthony Tyler. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Damn, I've been full named. "So it's not okay that I'm gay?"

"No, you dickhead, it's not okay that after a decade and a half I just found out. What's up with that, huh?"

"Like I said before, I was afraid."

"Uh huh. Reasons, you said. Spill."

"I think I'd prefer to have this conversation seated." Dylan turned and headed to the living room. He settled himself into his usual spot on the couch, and waited as Ben sat sideways, facing him, on the other end. Dylan's head was bowed, hands clasped between his legs as he tried to collect his thoughts.

"Comfy," Ben asked.

"Nothing like," said Dylan quietly.

"I'm sorry Dyl. I'm not trying to bust your balls here, just trying to understand why you felt you had to keep this from me so long."

Dylan nodded slowly. "You remember way back, early after we met in the Marines?"

Ben huffed. "What has that got to..."

Holding a hand up in a 'Hold on' gesture, Dylan continued. "I'm going to answer your questions, Ben. But you have to let me do it my way, please."

Ben closed his lips tight and gave a short nod." You're right. Go on, please."

Focusing on a spot on his coffee table, Dylan let his mind go back to that early time for a moment. "I had been in for a couple of years, known you for one. I had had such a crush on you at first." He quickly glanced in Ben's direction to see his reaction. As expected, he looked surprised at the information.

"I never knew you..." Ben blurted. "Sorry, please continue."

"Nor should you have known. I saw that you were totally straight, and I was never one to let myself fall for someone I could never have. But we were good friends and that was great." Dylan let out a big breath. "Anyway, we had been friends for a year. One night, the unit was sitting around playing cards and bullshitting. Some beers but nothing really wild or incapacitating. Still had to be on duty in the morning."

"We had a lot of nights like that as I recall," laughed Ben, smiling.

Dylan frowned slightly. "Yes, yes we did. But this one was the one that stood out. The first one, when it hit me, I couldn't tell you, or anyone about myself. Not the whole me."

"I don't follow. You seemed to be having a good time on those nights."

"The guys got to talking about a sergeant that they didn't like. At first, I thought it was just because they thought he was too much of an ass. But then it came out he was gay. And then someone got to discussing someone he knew who was gay. And it just went on. Gay jokes which, I noticed, became meaner and meaner. And stories of bullying of some 'fag' they knew in their neighborhoods, or school. It was clear they didn't care for gays. And I wanted to be a sergeant some day. So I kept quiet."

Ben looked shocked. "Dyl, I never cracked any gay jokes. Don't you remember that?"

"No, you never told any. But, you did laugh at them. A lot. So, like I said. I knew I could never tell you if I wanted to stay your friend. And I wanted to stay your friend. So I hid. And I kept hiding after we got out. On those few times I actually dated anyone, I kept it to myself as much as I could. And made sure that I was there to talk about every one of your girlfriends. Was as supportive as I could be. So you wouldn't ask too many questions about my relationships. So I wouldn't have to directly lie to my best friend."

"You couldn't have just had some faith in me, that I would understand?

That I wouldn't give a single fuck that my best friend is into guys?"

"I don't think you really appreciate the fear that can be involved in making that revelation. I could deal with some fucker trying to kill me. Or an enemy out to murder innocents. I was trained for that. But the possibility of my best friend hating me because I am gay, not so much."

"But you didn't even give me a chance, Dyl."

"Do you have any idea how many gay men are beaten, or killed, by friends who found out that detail? Men who thought 'This is my friend. They will still like me. They will understand'. Can you comprehend the terror that can go through someone's mind when they think about telling someone important to them?"

"I never could understand hating someone because of their sexual orientation. I admit that I laughed at jokes. But some of them were funny. Not because they were gay, just because stupid is stupid. Most were interchangeable with blond or some other whatever. And I think maybe you never noticed that I didn't laugh at all of those jokes. I can see now how you could have missed that."

Dylan glanced at Ben. "For what it's worth, I am truly sorry that I didn't trust you enough to give you the chance. I was a coward there."

Sliding close to Dylan and grasping one of his friend's hands in both of his, Ben looked him in the eyes. "No, it's okay Dyl. You're right. I've never really thought about what a person must go through in that situation. But I promise, I will not make that mistake again. You're my best friend. No, more than that. You're my brother. I will always have your back. And I'm so sorry that you felt you needed to hide."

"So...we're good, then? Nothing's changed?"

"Well of course thing's have changed. I know you're gay now. I also know you have a man you are very serious about. I promise, I will be every bit as interested and supportive of you as you have been for me. But I do have to know, was all of that support an act, just a smoke screen?"

"No. Never an act. I never said anything I didn't mean, Ben. Well, except for that one redhead," Dylan chuckled. "I held back a bit with that one. And I'm sorry you felt you had to ask that question."

"Okay then, we're good. And I expect to see more of your guy now. He really does seem great for you. Think you're up for some double dates now that I know your deep dark secret," Ben chuckled.

"You actually want to spend more time with the both of us together? Masochist."

"Hey...you sat though every one of the lunches and dinners and picnics and all with all of my girlfriends that I invited you on. It can't have been all that comfortable for you. So yeah, I want to get to know this guy."

"Thanks Ben," Dylan smiled.

"No worries, man. Now...pizza time!"

September 23, Monday The motorcycle was traveling on a southerly course. And just a bit to the east as well. If the rider went much further, they would cross out of Westvale entirely. A moment later the rider slowed and turned onto an almost not there road. Easily missable during the day, even more so at night. Like now.

Christopher decided to drive by the almost not there road and come back from the other direction. He wasn't worried about losing Zack, after all. He had been using more than sight, sound and scent for a while now in his tracking. Though not cheap, one could acquire quite effective spells. And that's just what he had done. Most would consider a Were resorting to Magik in such a manner to be less than honorable. But then, he never gave a single fuck what anyone else thought. That little redheaded bastard would be his for the taking when all was said and done.

Approaching the tiny road, Christopher pull just passed it and parked. He would continue his tracking on foot, just in case. Though the Magik would help hide his presence, no need to call attention to a vehicle. Exiting his car, he stripped out of his clothing, making sure the Magik talisman was secure around his neck, before shifting into his wolf form. Feeling the strong emanations from the spells, he set out to locate his prey.

The road turned out to be a gravel path barely wide enough for an SUV cut through tall woods. The trees towered over him on both sides. Moonlight dimly lit the way, though the moon itself was not visible from this position.

The black furred wolf trotted along the path for what must have been a quarter of a mile. Coming to the end, he saw a clearing with a rather nice house, the forest close around it. A dark colored SUV was parked in front of a garage and Zack's motorcycle was parked behind the SUV. The dim moonlight was enough to indicate that the SUV was a dark blue shade. His immediate thought at seeing the big vehicle was compensating much. Yes it was a childishly rude thought. But Fuck that guy, anyway. He had no business being with Zack in the first place!

He edged over to the tree line and stopped to sniff and listen. There was a pleasant breeze, which carried the scent and sounds of wildlife and nature. He also clearly scented three different male Wolves, though one was faint. The two strong scents were Zack and an unknown (to him) male. No sounds from the house, even though he could see that lights were on inside. The place must have been built with sound damping in mind. Slowly, he crept closer to the building.

Deciding to get a look all around the place, Christopher quickly and quietly made his way to the rear of the house. There was a good sized yard in back. Moonlight shimmered off of the water of a sunken swimming pool. There was also a brick barbecue and a picnic table. Looking at this place, he was pissed at the thought that Nicodemus's jab that Zack had traded up with this guy could hold some truth.

That unknown scent smelled like an Alpha. Fuck that guy! That knowledge was going to make his plan for Zack even more enjoyable. He would have his vengeance and there was nothing Zack's new guy could do to stop him. Suck it, Alpha bastard.

His musings were interrupted by the sudden sound of voices coming from the front of the house.

"You have to catch me first." That was definitely Zack. Christopher crept close enough to see around the corner of the house. He saw Zack and the other man standing naked just outside the entrance to the house. The smaller redhead was pressed up against the bigger dark haired Wolf. Both had sickly sweet smiles.

"You knommph," followed by a deep rumbly moan as Zack had grabbed the large Wolf's face and planted what was obviously a deep kiss. Then Zack giggled and dashed away, shifting into his wolf and running for the woods. A moment later the dark haired guy regained his senses and shifted into his wolf. Fuck he's big, thought Christopher. Definitely an Alpha. He felt a momentary tremor of nerves as he realized just what he had as competition. Not nervous enough to dissuade him, of course. Because still, fuck that guy!

The Alpha wolf bounded after Zack, barking excitedly. The sound held power, which caused Christopher to pause a moment where he stood. After both men were completely out of sight, he cautiously stepped inside the house. Confident that the spells about him would continue to mask his presence, Christopher decided to take a look around. He didn't know how long he would have, so a speedy reconnoiter was the plan.

Grudgingly, he had to admit that this was a really nice place. Some serious coin was put into it. From the smell and look of things, Zack has been here quite a lot. He spotted several items of Zack's in various rooms. Coffee mug, clothing, razor and so on. That Nicodemus asshole may have been correct about an imminent move-in as well as the trading up. Fucker!

Yes, it was very clear of Zack's place here. No doubt this made that Alpha bastard happy. He'd be sure to ruin that happiness.

His curiosity satisfied, he exited the house carefully and made his way to the path back to the road and ran to his vehicle. He quickly took his human form, dressed and drove away. He could use a few drinks and some company so he decided on FUR.

September 28, Saturday The burly motorcycle pulled into the construction company's fenced yard and parked in front of the business office. It's rider got off, setting his helmet on the seat before walking into the office. As he approached the reception desk, he unzipped his leather jacket.

The woman behind the desk smiled brightly. She looked to be in her mid- to late twenties. Short cut brown hair, brown eyes and shapely figure in a brightly colored floral patter blouse. Not that any of it did anything for him, but a pleasant appearance in any case. "Good morning sir. How may I assist you?" He saw a certain sparkle in her eyes he was familiar with. He got that a lot.

"I was wondering if I might speak with Zack Rivers this morning," he replied, giving his most charming grin.

"Does Mr. Rivers know you, sir," she inquired.

Dylan chuckled. "Yes, he knows me." Intimately, he thought happily.

"If you are quick about it, you can see him. But it would be good not to make a habit of it. This is a place of employment."

"Thank you," he nodded. "And where can I find him?"

She gave him directions to the crew room and he departed. He knew he was in the right place when he spotted Zack's ride. He smiled as he reached the door and knocked sharply. A moment later the door opened and he saw a somewhat nervous looking Fox.

"Good morning," Dylan said, extending his right hand to shake. "You're Robert, yes?"

The Fox hesitated briefly before taking the offered hand. "Uh, yeah."

"Great! I was hoping to snag a moment of Zack's time, if I could."

Just then the Wolf, Jake, stepped up to the door behind Robert. "So, what's going on over here," he asked.

"He wants to see Zack," Robert replied quietly.

Jake crossed his arms over his chest and perked a brow up. Addressing Dylan he said "You do realize that this is his place of employment, right?"

The larger Wolf nodded and grinned. "I do indeed. I even got permission at the office. So...can I speak to him for a moment?"

"Well, I can't really argue if you were granted permission. Besides, I'm pretty sure Zack would make me pay if I told you no." Jake and Robert stepped aside to let Dylan enter.

"Thanks," Dylan said as he stepped into the room.

"Zack! Mister Wonderful is here to see you," yelled Jake as he headed back to the crew table to join the rest of the workers.

In his chair, Zack furrowed his brows and looked toward the door. He saw his Mate and quickly got up and walked over to him. Seeing his man's smile and flared nostrils relieved his concern. Nothing seemed to be wrong. And his Mate was definitely pleased to see him, which was always good. As soon as he was within arms reach, Dylan had him in a tight embrace, nuzzling his neck and taking in his scent. Zack loved that husky rumble that always followed when his Mate did this.

Not caring who saw it, Zack maneuvered so that he could slide his hands behind Dylan's head and guided him down for a kiss. He loved his kisses. All of them. Scenting his Mate's arousal, he broke the kiss and smiled. "What's up hot stuff? Besides the obvious," he whispered as he winked.

It took several seconds for Dylan to focus through the lusty haze Zack caused and respond. "Oh, yeah...I had a purpose here," he chuckled. "I was wondering if you would like to go out to dinner tonight and decided to come ask."

"You came all the way here just to ask me to dinner? You usually call or text."

"I know, but phones can't hug."

"You're not wrong," Zack chuckled. "So...do you have a place in mind or is it to be decided?"

"I have somewhere in mind, if that's okay..."

"Of course it's okay, sexy," said Zack before kissing his Mate again, softly. "What should I wear?"

"Casual dress is fine. Slacks and blazer type place."

"Right, then. No jeans and tee." Zack winked.

Dylan laughed. "You're just terrible sometimes."

"You love it."

"You're not wrong." Dylan squeezed his lover tighter before letting him go. "How about I pick you up about 7:00?"

"See you then." Zack leaned in to place a quick peck before seeing Dylan out of the room. He waved as his Mate mounted his bike and left the yard. He returned to the table amid hoots and whistles. He rolled his eyes. Surrounded by twelve year Olds, he thought with amusement. "What are you all, children?"

Dustin pushed his bottom lip out in a pout. "Pwease daddy, don't be mad."

The crew room erupted in laughter.

"Oh, fuck you guys. Way to ruin a romantic moment," Zack said

Jake chuckled. "Nah man, the moment was before your biker daddy left. After that, you were fair game." He grinned.

Zack snorted. "He's not a biker daddy. But he definitely is hot in that leather jacket, that's for sure. And those jeans," he growled.

"You better not start humping the furniture, Zack. I doubt Robert could handle it," joked Dustin.

"Fuuuck off," replied the Fox, flipping Dustin off.

Another round of laughter followed before Jake started the morning meeting.

Standing at Zack's apartment door, Dylan knocked exactly at 7 PM. Nervous? Why would he be nervous...it was just his future happiness hanging on tonight. The door opened to reveal Zack wearing black jeans, a sapphire blue button up shirt and a black blazer And a dazzling smile. Hi breath caught a moment at the sight. "Hey," he burst out. "You look...amazing."

"Amazing? Not hot, or sexy," Zack teased.

"Those are givens," Dylan growled hoarsely.

Zack stepped close to his Mate, wrapping his arms around his waist. He gazed into his eyes. "Is that so," he asked playfully.

"Oh yeah," replied Dylan, tugging Zack tighter to himself. He leaned his head down and took Zack's mouth hungrily.

Scenting and feeling his Mate's growing arousal, he moaned and pushed back against Dylan.

Dylan tensed briefly but then released his hold. "Did I do something wrong," he asked softly.

"Uh, no. But if we kept that up, dinner out would have been off the table tonight."

The big Wolf chuckled. "Ah, I see. We were thinking with the wrong head, is that it?"

Zack grinned. "Headed that way. And you're the one that. asked me out, with a dress code."

Dylan smiled. "You're right. I love you, Zack."

Zack could feel the truth in those words. Emotions swelled in him. "I love you, too Ma...man." Dylan looked at him questioningly. Damn! Almost called him Mate...again. He didn't think the man was ready to hear that word yet. But it was getting harder to not say it to him. "So, we should probably get going, yeah?"

Dylan nodded his head. "Yes, good idea."

Zack turned and closed his door, locking it, before taking his Mate's hand. "Ready."

Christopher watched the couple's intimate moments, knuckles whitening as he gripped the car's steering wheel tightly. A soft growl vibrated in his chest. Though sights like this were now familiar, it had not diminished his anger. In fact, the opposite seemed to be true. It made him madder and madder. The full moon could not come soon enough!

He felt his restraint getting much harder to keep. Yes...Zack would suffer. And so would his precious Alpha.

He knew that he didn't have the strength to take on an Alpha in any physical fight. He wasn't so deluded. But there were other ways of hurting an Alpha. Such as harming someone who he had an inborn need to protect. That could wound deeper than any physical blow. And that fucker was going to get wounded!

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the rumble of the Alpha's SUV coming to life. He waited until the vehicle exited the parking garage, then started his own car and pulled out to follow. Relying more on Magik than sight, he was confident that he would locate them easily. Which he did.

The trail led to Lucien's. Quite the fine Italian restaurant. Just to make sure, he drove through the parking lot. There was the SUV, and the Magik was indicating the presence in the building. Tempted as he was to go inside and continue surveilling the couple, rationality prevailed. There was simply too high a risk of being seen by Zack. Not to mention that he wasn't dressed for a place like Lucien's. So yeah, calling attention. Instead he decided on just going home. Being that it was Saturday night, he knew that the couple would likely end up back at the Alpha's place and saw no need to go there again.

Swallowing his bite of stuffed mushroom, Zack followed it with a sip of Strega. He had not been in Lucien's in years. The last time was for an anniversary celebration for family friends. And he hadn't been old enough to have alcohol at the time. Now, he was really enjoying the flavors almost as much as the company.

Of course, that was to be expected...he was with his Mate. The only thing marring the evening was the nervousness he was feeling from Dylan. He couldn't figure out why he would be nervous. Unless maybe he was finally understood their actual connection. Given the way his Mate dealt with deep emotions, he could understand any unease he might feel at the revelation. After all, it wasn't every day one realized that their Soul-Mate was right in front of them.

He was also pleased that he sensed happiness in his Mate. That was a good sign, he thought. In any case...he was sure he would find out soon enough. He felt a ripple of joy at the sight of Dylan studying him intently with a broad smile lighting up his face. Whatever it might be running through his Mate's mind, he didn't think it was something bad.

The waiter cleared the empty dishes and placed their salads. Zack went with a basic garden salad, Dylan with a tomato, mozzarella and basil leaves in olive oil and vinegar. They both commented on how good the food tasted so far and how much they were looking forward to the main courses. Dylan had Zack try his salad and was pleased with the positive response. He would probably try it again.

When the main courses arrived and drinks refreshed, they both took a moment to savor the looks and smells of the culinary delights before them. They resumed their comfortable chat about their day and other general light conversation. Occasionally one would share a bite of his dish with the other. Zack was touched that his Mate was so open with him out in public. It wasn't a 'drop a bit of food on his plate' sharing. It was a 'feeding him a bite with a smile' sharing. An 'I love you' action that could not be misunderstood. Of course he reciprocated. Dylan definitely enjoyed that.

Still, he sensed that there was something that had not yet been said. That Dylan was holding something in. Or waiting for something. No worries, he thought. His Mate would get to it when he got to it. So, he continued with the easy conversation and smiles that came out naturally when he was around his Mate.

Finished with the main courses, they were asked about desserts. Tiramisu and espresso was chosen. Zack felt some sort of shift in Dylan's emotions. Less anxiety and more confidence. Perhaps now he would speak what has been on his mind.

Almost as soon as the waiter left, Zack was tasting the dessert. A soft sound of gratification escaped his lips. "Oh, this is sooo good." He looked over at his Mate and noticed that Dylan hadn't touched his yet, and was just looking at it. He seemed to be lost in thought. He waited a few breaths, then asked "Hon...everything okay?"

Dylan's head snapped up. "Huh? Oh, uhmm...not sure yet."

Zack arched a brow. "What's wrong hon? Something bothering you? You seem...burdened, this evening."

"Maybe a bit. I wanted to talk to you about something. I've been wanting to for a while, actually. Just hadn't worked up the courage to do it."

"What is it? You know you can talk to me about anything, at anytime."

He reached for Dylan's hand and squeezed it gently.

Dylan exhaled. "You know, we've been dating for several months now..."

You've been dating. I've been enjoying time with my Mate, Zack thought. He smiled. "Yes."

"And you know...I love you so much..."

"Yes, I know this as well."

"So I've been thinking...with as much time as we spend together..."

Here it comes. "Yes?"

"I...I want you to move in with me. I really want you in my home, like, all of the time. Not just some nights, all the nights. I want it to be our home. Would you...would you consider that?"

Zack smiled widely and his green eyes sparkled. "Oh hon, I've thought of that since I first met you."

"You have? Why haven't you said anything?"

"Because, you weren't ready."

"That sounds a lot like you know something I don't," Dylan chuckled.

"Yes." Zack winked and nodded.

Dylan arched a brow. "Care to clue me in, maybe?"

A solemn look came on the auburn Wolf and he shook his head in the negative. "Sorry, but it's something you will have to find out for yourself hon. I can't tell you this." He hoped that soon his Mate would see the truth of their bond. And not be angry with him for not telling him.

"You're not just playing with me here are you?"

It pained Zack that Dylan sounded a little hurt. "No. Never about this hon,ever." He squeezed his Mate's hand again.

"Is it something good, at least," asked Dylan.

"Oh yes...it's something great!"

"But you can't tell me?"

"I could say the words, but that's all. I can't make it real for you. Only you can do that."

"Well...I guess I'll just have to take your word for it then," Dylan smiled.

"Trust me...when you find it...when you know, nothing will ever change it. I can promise you that."

"I hope you're right."

Zack's only response was a smile.

Clearing his throat, Dylan said "So, just to be clear about the idea of you moving in with me..."

"Fact, not idea hon."

Dylan let out a soft sigh and smiled. Zack felt his Mate's happiness wash over him and they got back to their desserts. When they had finished, they went to Dylan's home. Soon to be Zack's as well. The rest of the evening passed in long, pleasurable love making before falling asleep together, Zack wrapped snugly in his Mate's arms.

********** 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. Also, join the Google+ community (https://plus.google.com/communities/114866523029526571301) to talk about characters, chapters, etc.

Thank you to all who commented on previous chapters.