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 December 2020. 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. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Thanks to everyone who have read the previous chapters.

Mated

Chapter 15- Getting Better

by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com

October 13, Sunday

The slate gray Jeep raced along the road through Dylan Tyler's wooded property and stopped in his driveway.

Shutting the engine off, Benjamin exited the vehicle and started towards the house. He had noted the "Blue Beast" parked like usual so it was very probable that Dylan was at home. Zack's motorcycle was also there. Getting closer, he saw the wreckage where a nice front door used to be. The damage on the doorjamb clearly looked like claw work.

Suppressing his initial danger urge to shift into his Beast form, Ben stepped cautiously across the threshold into his friend's home. A quick scan of the semi-open plan Living Room showed clawed walls, a shredded couch, damaged easy chair, a toppled coffee table and lamps.

In front of that very damaged couch was Dylan's nude prone form. He lay as if he had crawled there, one arm outstretched and the other bent under his head. Benjamin knew his friend was alive, he could hear his breathing. The odor of deer blood was present. Getting closer to Dylan to inspect, he saw traces of blood on his friend's face and hands. Though he had not been present for the activity, he knew the basics of what must have happened. For a reason or reasons unknown, Dylan's Beast had raged last night. He was also sure that he would likely hear about it at some future point.

Dylan must have sensed his presence because it looked like he tensed up a little and there was a soft growl. Then his friend had to have scented him, as he seemed to relax and stopped growling. "Ben? Wha...what are you doing here?"

"A certain friend hasn't answered any calls or texts, which is somewhat unusual for him."

Slowly lifting his head, Dylan replied, "Melodramatic much? It's not that unusual."

"Oh please," Ben snorted. "That phone is your third favorite attachment."

Dylan cocked his head with an arched a brow. "The first two being?"

Benjamin grinned. "Your redhead and your dick, respectively."

"You asshole...you can't count my dick, it's part of my body."

"Exactly, it's attached, so it's an attachment." Ben winked and chuckled.

"Fuck you, you're still an asshole," Dylan grumbled as he sat up.

"That was never questioned," Ben replied with a grin. He reached down and offered a hand up. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up."

Having let the hot water cascade over him for several moments, Dylan grabbed his shower scrub and squirted a dollop of body wash on it. He went about meticulously scrubbing the bits of forest and blood off of his body from last night. He could imagine how it looked when Ben found him.

As he scrubbed his arms and hands, he realized that he didn't feel the anger he did last night. There was still a lot of anxiety, but it was much more manageable. He knew some was his own. Zack still wasn't home.

He moved to clean his chest and the rest of his torso. It brought pleasant thoughts of the many shared showers with his mate. Fuck, he has a mate! He had never really considered himself ever having one. Wasn't sure he had ever really believed in it. Of course, he'd never told a client that. Bad for business if you're supposed to provide security for a ceremony. But now? Maybe it wasn't just old tales after all.

The rest of the anxiety he felt was possibly from Zack...because Zack wasn't home. Though he couldn't give a reason why, he felt that while not happy, Zack was safe. That still left no idea where his mate was though. He could only hope someone would say or had seen something, some clue. Better yet, bring him home!

There was a flicker of shame at the thought that he wondered who Zack would want to see first...his mate or his parents. Dylan wasn't known for insecurity, but a part of his mind whispered that he had failed. As an Alpha and as a mate. He hadn't been able to protect the one soul who needed him most.

He shook his head. He had to pull himself together and start his day. He shoved the negative thoughts aside and finished washing up. Ben and breakfast. And assess the damage. He recalled raging pretty hard. Stepping out of the shower, he dried quickly and dressed in his usual outfit before heading back in to speak with Ben.

Surveying the living room, he took in the destruction. Fuck, he was going to have to hire someone to fix all of the damage. Zack will probably want to weigh in on the furniture. After the damage, his senses settled on the scents: Deer blood. Coffee, bacon, eggs, toast. Benjamin had been busy in the kitchen it seems. Walking into the kitchen he saw his friend at the counter pouring said coffee into mugs.

"About damn time," Ben said. "Thought I was gonna have to launch a search party," he chuckled.

Dylan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I totally believe that."

Benjamin just grinned at him. "Sit. Eat," he said as he handed a mug over.

Grabbing the offering, he sniffed deeply and sighed. He stepped over to the fridge and grabbed the half and half and put it on the counter, then grabbed some blackberry jam. Coffee was doctored with the half and half and then he took the coffee and jam to the kitchen table. Ben knew how to doctor his own coffee.

The table had been loaded with large serving dishes of the bacon, scrambled eggs and toast. Butter and hot sauces completed the food options. Dylan thought briefly of hash browns, he had some in the freezer. But it smacked of work and his gut was already growling at him. Instead he just picked up his plate and began putting food on it, Ben doing the same. They both fixed their toast the way they liked and set into eat.

Several minutes passed with only the sounds of the meal and of music on in the background. One of Zack's playlists. Dylan took that as a small comfort. Now he just needed his man home. Shifting thought, he addressed Ben. "So, texts and calls?"

"Yeah."

"How many are we talking here?"

"Oh, about a dozen I'd figure."

"Really? A dozen? And you thought it was worrisome because..."

"Because you don't miss more than two before you reply. So yeah, I worried about my friend."

"I'm not giving you shit, brother. Just...I'm really not used to having so little control over myself. I've been all over the fucking map emotionally. What kind of an Alpha does that make me?"

"I'm not a genius or anything, but I have to go with a normal one."

Dylan arched a brow. "How do you figure that?"

Ben exhaled. "Anyone, especially an Alpha, that is missing his...boyf..."

"Mate," Dylan half growled. "I didn't protect my mate, Ben."

Ben's eyes widened. "So, you figured it out. That he's your mate, I mean. That's good." He nodded and smiled.

Dylan's eyes narrowed. "You knew? You knew he was my mate and didn't say anything? What the fuck, man?"

Ben bowed his head for a few seconds before lifting it up and looking back to Dylan. "Yes, Zack told me. And before you get anymore pissed than I know you are right now, he asked me not to tell you. So I had a dilemma. Tell and piss him off, don't and piss you off. And since he was new to me and I was trying to make friends and get to know him better, I decided that pissed as you would be, you would understand my position. I knew you wanted me to like him. What would you have done in my place?"

Sighing, Dylan said "Yeah. Yeah, I get it. I really would have been pissed off if you had upset him. I guess through the new Mate lens that makes sense. Sorry for my bad behavior."

Christopher stabbed the END button angrily. "Fucking prick! Who the fuck does he think he is?" He slammed his phone down onto the coffee table. That asshole Nicodemus ordered him to meet with him, again. He was tempted to just blow him off, but remembered who the prick's father was. It's one thing to fuck with (chuckle) the young brat, quite another to mess with the older son of the Westvale pack Alpha. That was an Alpha he was in no hurry to encounter. Not that he figured that Nicodemus would take anything to his father, all things considered. But there was no good reason to take that chance.

He went to shave and shower, dressed, then chugged a cup of coffee before leaving to meet the asshole. Hopefully this would be the last time he'd have to deal with the man.

Arriving at the Coffee Drop, he scanned for the Wolf in question. Nicodemus was at a table on the far wall. Quickly getting himself a second coffee for the morning and a Bear Claw, he made his way over to join Nicodemus. He sat opposite him and crossed his arms over his chest and glared.

"Such petulance," huffed Nicodemus.

"Bite me, fuckface. What the fuck do you want? I was under the impression that our business with each other was done."

"Clearly you thought incorrectly. I require some assurances."

Christopher arched a brow. "Assurances? What kind of assurances?"

"Can I presume your plans are completed? And father's darling little shit is still alive?"

"Yes."

Nicodemus huffed again. "And where is he now?"

"Who the fuck cares? Though I imagine right where I left him." Christopher chuckled.

"You should care. There are more than just two Alphas looking for that shitty little brat now. Practically every Wolf in Westvale has their eyes and ears out. Probably further than that."

"So? He's not dead. That was the point, leaving him alive to learn his place. And whoever finds him, kid's not gonna say shit."

"You had better hope that's true. Cassius will have your pelt otherwise."

"Your old man won't do shit about it besides look for him. Zack's no longer Pack."

"Fool! He's still father's youngest."

"What do you care? You hate the brat as much as I do."

"I do loathe the brat, even though father probably just sees sibling rivalry. He's soft in that area."

"Whatever."

"Have you given thought as to what you are going to do with him now?"

"I'm done. He'll either find his own way or my back up goes into effect."

"Back up?" Nicodemus' brow arched.

Christopher smiled. "The fool I used to help in my plans."

"Someone you trust?"

"Someone I trust to take the fall," he chuckled.

"You hope."

"Faith, asshole."

"So who is this 'helper' of yours?"

"Just some cute college jock. Mundane. Eager to please and he'll probably be dead by time it's all over."

"So besides being depraved with men in general, you're sinking into the gutter with subspecies as well."

"I didn't hear any objections when we first talked about teaching your shit brother his place."

"Just because he needed to be taught a lesson doesn't mean I approved of the sex."

"Asshole. If there's nothing else, I'm done. You can fuck right the hell off now."

Nicodemus growled as he stood and left, taking his to-go cup with him.

Having taken a shower, Zack sat on Lucien's couch in a pair of borrowed (too long) sweatpants and tee shirt (too big) looking at the blond college guy. Taking occasional sips of the coffee in his hands, he thought. The jock had been chattering nervously at Lucien and he guessed him as well. Only Lucien responded to the guy though. In time the guy's whole story came out. At least his part as he saw it.

Though he was still irritated at the man, he just couldn't maintain a truly strong anger for him. It was easy to see why Christoper used him. He is attractive, and much younger than Christoper. Hell, he's younger than himself, even. He knew all too well the Wolf liked that. The guy also seemed to crave attention or acceptance or something. He didn't feel the guy was stupid, but he'd certainly made some very unwise choices. "Explain again why you helped Christoper," he broke in. "Why was it okay to hold a Wolf you didn't even know in a silver-fucking-cage for days, away from his mate? And drug him?"

Billy's eyes were downcast and his hands fidgeted in his lap. "He...he said that your boyfriend..."

"MATE," Zack snarled loudly.

Flinching, Billy continued. "...Mate...stole something that belonged to him. He...had no choice but to force a redress of the situation."

"You do realize that you were lied to, don't you?"

"I didn't..."

"No, you didn't think. And you really should have. The only reason I'm not beating the ever-loving shit out of you is because I know how persuasive Christoper Carver can be. You were clearly under his spell. I know that can blind someone to things. But don't for a moment think that this is over."

"Wha...what?"

Lucien chuckled. "Do ye not think that no less that two Alphas are going to let this pass, lad? Zack's father and Zack's mate at the least. And I'd wager that Cassius' entire pack as well."

Zack saw Billy's eyes go wide and he was sure he was starting to shake. He could scent the fear growing in the guy. He shook his head and sighed. "Lucien, take it easy on him. He's scared enough. Don't worry Billy, I won't let my father hurt you or let the pack hurt you. Dylan will take some extra convincing, I can't lie."

"Is there, is there anything I can do to..."

"Getting me home to my mate will go a long way in your favor. And you will have to tell him everything. No lies, no hiding anything to save your pride. Do you understand?"

Billy nodded. "What do you think he's going to do?"

"Yell for certain. I don't know if or how much he may get physical. He's a former Marine and a security specialist. Physical is a way of life. But I promise I will insist he not seriously hurt you. I can't promise he won't punch you. I'm sorry, but, yeah...mate."

"I guess we should call and..."

"No call. Just get me home."

"My car is back...there."

"Lucien will take us to your car."

"Are you sure you want to go there lad," the Tiger questioned Zack.

"No I fucking don't, but I'm not waiting any longer than I must to get home."

"Fair enough. Let's be doing it then," said Lucien with a slight nod.

After breakfast Dylan and Benjamin had started cataloging the damages in the house. Dylan knew how much damage his Beast could do. He knew Ben was aware of it, too. Nevertheless, it felt embarrassing that his friend was seeing what he'd done to his own home. His rampages had always been on the job, of one sort or another against opposing forces. Certainly not where he lived. He sighed. "I'm sorry you had to see this Ben."

"What? You think I haven't seen the aftermath of a rage before," Benjamin chuckled.

"Not like this."

"Dyl, honestly, the only difference about this I see is that it's your home. Just a locational thing. I know how stressed you've been. I understand why. I'm sure I would have reacted exactly the same under those circumstances. So stop apologizing, brother."

"But," Dylan replied, gesturing to the debris strewn living room. He received a stern glare from Ben and shut up. Just as he was about to add another item to the list he got an odd sensation of...anxiousness? Not a negative kind. More with a tinge of...happy? Anticipation, maybe? That things were going to be okay soon. His thoughts went to his mate, again. It made no sense, but it's how he felt.

Dylan was startled by a touch on his right shoulder. "Dylan? Where'd ya go, man?" Ben was looking at him curiously.

"Uh, sorry. Got lost a bit there. Hey, you...uh, think any of the folks at Pacific might want a short bit of clean up work," again gesturing around the place.

Ben winked and chuckled. "I don't think anyone would object to donating some time for the boss."

"No. I am absolutely not ordering anyone to do favors for the boss like that. Their time is valuable, I won't just take it from them. They're getting paid."

Benjamin raised his hand in a placating manner. "I know that Dyl, I just meant that I don't think anyone would complain about helping you out for a personal need. You really don't appreciate or understand how everyone feels about you, do you?"

"Riiiight. I'm loved and cherished. All the same, would you make some inquiries?"

Benjamin nodded his head with a grin. "Of course, ya big doofus."

"Oh, that's mature," said Dylan, rolling his eyes.

Benjamin's only response was another, bigger toothy grin.

As Ben turned to step away Dylan said "I'm going to order some lunch to feed whoever comes over to work."

Benjamin nodded and walked towards the kitchen, thumbs rapidly working on his cell.

An hour later a half dozen Weres had been busy moving furniture, damaged an un-, out of the house, picking up debris and trying to generally clean up Dylan's place. Not one soul had asked him what happened. Dylan figured they really didn't need to. It looked pretty obvious that a rage had occurred. And if they had thoughts on who, they either didn't care or weren't going to ask.

Hearing vehicles coming up his long driveway, Dylan stepped outside and saw the caterer's vans approaching the house. It had been such short notice, but he had a good working relationship with a few businesses in the field and these folks had assured him that it would be no problem. All the same, he had made sure to emphasize that he just needed simple food for about a dozen Weres. And that he'd include a large bonus for the trouble.

The vans parked and people hopped out. The driver of the lead vehicle walked up to meet him. He was a big man, six feet, six inches tall with a typical Grizzly build. Broad and muscled. His dark brown hair was buzzed short and his milk chocolate eyes glittered. A wide smile lit up his handsome face. "Dylan, good tuh see you again," he said as he extended a big hand.

"Ethan," Dylan replied with his own smile as he shook the Bear's offered hand. "So good you could help on such short notice."

"Ahh, ain't no trouble at all," the man's Texas drawl rumbled out. "Ah'm always happy tuh be of service," he winked.

Dylan chuckled lightly. "Down boy, this Wolf is attached now."

"Story of mah life," said Ethan with an obviously exaggerated sigh. "Awl the good ones..."

Dylan grinned. "You might be convincing if I didn't actually know your fiance."

"Yer right," Ethan roared laughing as he clapped Dylan's left shoulder. "So, where do ya want me to set up?"

Dylan showed Ethan around to the back of the house where the brick BBQ and the wooden picnic tables sat near the inground swimming pool in a freeform style. "Out here would be great. I have some event tables if you need them."

"Not ta worry, we always have some. Now shooo, ah have work ta do."

Nodding, Dylan smiled and walked around to the side of the house where the kitchen/utility entrance was as Ethan hurried off to get to work directing the lunch operation set up. Dylan was in the midst of getting things set up to brew in the large function sized coffee maker when he suddenly paused in place. He wasn't sure if it was a sound exactly, or the odd feeling in his chest. Mate! MateMateMateMate! All other thoughts evaporated from his mind and he dashed out of the house and stopped just beyond the caterer's vans, staring down his long drive.

A sporty metallic blue mid-sized hybrid pulled up behind the vans and had barely stopped before the right front door popped open and a gray clad auburn blur hurtled out of the vehicle and rushed toward him. The next thing Dylan knew, strong arms and legs were locked tightly around his body and his mate's face was buried in his neck. He detected Zack's scenting of him and heard whimpering, then felt his neck being licked. That isn't a sensation one forgets or confuses. Dylan brought his arms to support his mate and felt the tightness that had been in his chest release. He was filled with such overwhelming joy as tears splashed down onto his cheeks. Safe! His mate was safe at home at last.

After a few moments Dylan began noticing other scents coming off of his mate. Male scents! His logical mind knew that there were perfectly reasonable explanations. His Alpha brain, though? That was angry and he growled deeply.

Zack tensed with his mate's shift in mood. "Uh, babe...what's wrong?"

"Why do you have the scents of other males on you," Dylan rumbled.

Zack leaned back from his mate enough to look into his eyes. "Really," he questioned, "that's your focus in this moment?"

Dylan huffed. "I ask again...why do you have Lucien's, some Mundane male's and another Wolf's scents on you," he said more firmly.

Zack released his hold around his mate and stood before him. His look and scent made it clear he was irritated, but he managed to respond with a measured tone. "Lucien was kind enough to loan me something to wear after...everything." His mate scowled. He paused for several seconds, taking a couple of deep breaths before he continued. "And the Mundane, I was in close proximity for some time so I got his scent on me. Now, is there any other nonsense you want to waste time on?" That last sentence was less than calm and had a definite growl attached. His right brow arched high.

Dylan gazed at his mate briefly and sighed. He noted that there was the Wolf's scent unaddressed but let it go for now. "You will explain everything at some point, yes?" His voice was much softer.

Zack rolled his eyes and said "Don't I always tell you everything?"

"No, apparently not," Dylan grumbled.

Looking puzzled, Zack replied "Give me one example of me not telling you something."

Dylan's tone softened further as he brought a hand up and stroked one of Zack's cheeks. "That you're my mate, for instance?"

"I couldn't tell you that." Zack gazed down at the ground. "You wouldn't have believed me."

"Zack, I would..."

"Can we discuss this later? I just want to be with you right now."

"Of course, babe," Dylan nodded. "But you might have noticed," he said, gesturing to the other vehicles in the drive, "we're not exactly alone here," Dylan chuckled.

Zack looked around and asked "What's going on?"

"I...uh...did a thing, last night," said Dylan blushing.

Zack arched a brow. "A thing, he asked.

Dylan nervously coughed. "I lost control of my shift," he almost whispered. He grabbed his mate's hand and began leading him in. He felt Zack slow slightly as they got close enough to notice the lack of a front door. Once inside the house, he heard the sharp intake of breath from his mate when Zack took in the state of the living room. The damaged furniture had been removed and the floor cleaned of debris so there was now a large open space where the couch used to be. The carpet still had some deer blood where he had fallen asleep. Mental note: Replace carpet. He wasn't sure where they had put the coffee table. And Zack couldn't have missed the claw marked walls.

Zack tugged his hand free from his grasp and Dylan watched him slowly walking around the room. He winced as his mate crouched down to look at the blood stains and look up at him. He wanted to say...something, to Zack, but was lost for what. He was so embarrassed that he had so completely lost control. He again questioned what kind of an Alpha he was. Losing his mate and losing control of himself.

Suddenly Zack was embracing him tightly with his head pressed to his chest. "Whatever it is you're thinking...just stop."

"But I failed you so badly, my mate."

Zack's voice was quiet. "Why do you think that you failed me in any way, babe?"

"I failed to protect you, to keep you safe at your home. And I failed at keeping calm and collected and strong for you."

With a sigh Zack replied "You're an Alpha, not the Great Spirit. At the risk of harming that Alpha ego you all seem to share," he chuckled, "You simply cannot do everything or be everywhere. And you are absolutely strong and exactly where I need you to be, home to hold me now."

"I think there's room for discussion about all of that."

"If you say so," Zack said, looking up at him and grinning.

Dylan smiled back at his mate. "Are you hungry? There's plenty to eat. Ethan catered this, ummm...clean up thing."

"Ethan? Is he that Grizzly you've mentioned?"

"I don't recall ever telling you about him." Dylan arched a brow.

Zack blushed a little. "Directly, uh, not so much no. But you and Benjamin may have been talking about him."

"I see. And you may have been listening?" Dylan winked and laughed softly.

"Hey, it's totally not my fault if you two get really chatty and loud when you're drinking."

Laughing deeply, Dylan said "Well I can't deny that." Feeling so happy his mate was home, he decided to tease just a little. "And Ethan certainly is a handsome Bear."

Zack's response was at once surprising and terribly pleasing. His gorgeous mate grabbed his shoulders and jerked down so that their faces were level and snarled "You can just stop looking at that Bear! You're MINE!" Then he was kissed so deeply it made him lightheaded.

After breaking the kiss to take in more oxygen Dylan grasped Zack's waist, tugging him closer and replied softly "I know, mate o' mine. Always and forever. Only yours."

Zack sighed. "And don't you forget it."

"Never. Now how about some food?"

"Well, since it's already there..."

"Wonderful. And now I get to show off my awesome mate to the guys and Ethan." Dylan winked. He received a low growl as a response and chuckled as he began steering Zack towards the back yard where the food was being set up.

"Wait, I need to do something real quick," said Zack, who had turned back and headed towards the vehicles.

Dylan looked and saw that the car his mate had jumped out of was still sitting there in the driveway. The driver was a young looking blond male. He sniffed and growled when he recognized one of the scents that was on Zack. It was irrational, he knew that Zack had it from riding close to the guy. His mate had already said so. But his Alpha brain still hated it. He watched as Zack leaned down, hands on the driver's door with the window down and spoke to the man. Zack was telling him to get out and talk to his mate on his own or he'd let Dylan retrieve him. He didn't know exactly what the story was behind that conversation, but he'd guess that there was a certain understanding involved. He heard the man gulp and saw him nod. He scented fear as the guy said "Okay.

His Alpha asserted itself and he puffed out his chest as he nearly stalked towards the car. Zack looked up at him and rolled his eyes. "Really, Dyl?"

Stopping at the front of the small car, Dylan crossed his arms over his chest and adopted his best 'Man in charge' pose. "Care to introduce me to your friend, mate?" His voice took that low rumble it got when he was being boss man. And yes, that last bit with 'mate' was completely unnecessary. Did he enjoy it? Absolutely!

Zack opened the car door and the young male got out. He looked athletic, so probably into sports. Either high school or college maybe. Most likely college, actually. Some high school seniors drove, but his gut was saying a bit older. He wore a tight tee shirt of a national football league and equally tight blue jeans. The guy's fitness did nothing to calm his *Alpha-*ness. He growled low in his chest. His mate narrowed his eyes at him and said quietly "Just stop that. You know he's not a threat to you or us."

"As long as his scent is on you I'm not going to like it."

Zack grinned a big white toothy grin. "Well you'll just have to work on replacing it with another later, won't you?"

He grunted by response. "You can count on that."

"Uh, guys? I can just...let you two be..."

"Billy! What did I tell you," snapped Zack.

"He's clearly not happy at my presence." Billy glanced quickly at Dylan then away.

"He'll be even more unhappy when I tell him what happened and then he has to track you. Don't think that he won't do it," Zack replied, hands on hips.

"But, if I go, at least I have Wolf frat brothers to help me," pled Billy.

"Are any of them Alphas," rumbled Dylan with a stern look.

"Uh, no."

"Then I don't see how they're going to help. Unless someone brings out weaponry. But I would be terribly displeased by that," Dylan stated.

"I just don't want any trouble..."

Zack reached over and placed a hand on Billy's left shoulder. "I told you before, you are already in trouble. Not talking to my mate directly now will only make it worse. And I promised I wouldn't let him kill you. I stand by that."

Billy flinched. Dylan arched a brow. "Did he do something that I should kill him for?"

Facing his mate, Zack said "No, babe. Not death. Billy didn't do anything worthy of that punishment."

"But he did do something?"

"We will talk about that after lunch, okay?"

Dylan sighed. "Do you have any idea how much you get away with?"

Cheeks reddening, his mate replied "Yes, I know. But I do try to be good."

Dylan let out a deep belly laugh. "You think so, do you?"

"Hey, no fair."

"Calm down, my mate. I wouldn't have you any other way than you are. So let's get that lunch and then I can get about the interrogation and torture." Dylan winked with a grin. Billy paled.

By the time Dylan managed to get Zack and the Mundane around to the back of the house, the caterers had everything set up and Ethan was directing the work party to the beginning of the buffet. Not that any of them needed to be told how to lay siege to a buffet setup, Were-being appetites being what they are.

Dylan saw when Benjamin noticed he was near. His friend smiled and started towards him. His Alpha Wolf unconsciously grabbed his mate by the waist and pulled him closer against himself. He heard Zack huff out an amused breath.

Zack looked up at Dylan and whispered "Just yours, my mate."

"I know that," he blurted too quickly. Just the same, his grip didn't loosen as Ben drew nearer.

Benjamin stopped in front of the men. "Zack! You have no idea how good it is to see you again." His smile was big and infectious.

Zack broke away from Dylan's mate-death-grip and embraced Benjamin. "It's good to be seen by the right people."

"What," Benjamin said, concern in his tone.

"Nothing, just....good to be home," Zack said, releasing Ben and stepping back to his mate.

Dylan became aware of a sudden quiet that had settled in his backyard.. As he looked around he saw everyone was looking in his direction. He figured he knew what it was....new scents. Not that Zack's was exactly new, but it had certainly faded considerably. And not everyone here had ever interacted with Zack personally. Some would have probably scented his mate from his person faintly, but this was the man himself. Then there was the Mundane, with several scents on him. He let out an involuntary growl that Zack's was one of those scents. Hey, Alphas are not always logical, especially when it comes to matters of their mates, as he was discovering rapidly. He really hoped that this jealousy thing would tone down soon. An Alpha should not be growling at every guy that his mate comes into contact with, he was sure. Maybe he should talk to his father about it. His father wasn't an Alpha himself, but he has known plenty of them. But if he talked to his dad about it, he would have to explain about Zack. And he hasn't told his family yet. About Zack, or that he was gay in the first place. Yeah, maybe not.

Dylan felt Zack tense and his mate's mood shift. He didn't have to guess why as he saw Ethan making his way over. Even though Zack had never met him, he was the only Bear here. And that smile of his, while friendly, was sure to set his mate off.

Ethan reached the small group of men and extended a hand "Well hel...."

Zack stepped forward and directly in front of Dylan, his own hand extended. "Hi, I'm Zack, Dylan's mate," he glared.

Ethan chuckled. "An' aren't yew jus tha cutest mate ever," he said, shaking Zack's hand enthusiastically.

"You just make sure you keep it professional, you hear me, mist..."

Zack was abruptly stopped by Dylan's having pulled him back into his body and wrapping his arms around him, holding him tightly. He leaned his head down and whispered to his Wolf "As pleased as I am that you want to stake your claim, he knows, my mate." And he couldn't resist rubbing his face against Zack's, getting more of his own scent on him. He also couldn't resist a quick lick. Zack's shiver was most gratifying.

"So," Ethan said, "can ah help yew get somethin' ta eat?" He smiled widely and gestured to the buffet.

I watched Dylan pace back and forth in front of Billy. Menacingly would be an apt description. I have to admit, the glares my mate are throwing at Billy are intense. The Mundane is obviously uncomfortable and somewhat afraid. I'm not terribly worried though. I don't sense any strong anger from Dylan directed at the guy as a person. But he is definitely angry that he doesn't have a target he can go at right now. I'll fix that later. Of course, he won't get anything from the athlete if he doesn't ask him any questions. I 'clear my throat' a couple of times to grab my man's attention. "Babe, do you think maybe if you actually talked to him..."

"Zaaaack, I'm trying to work here," my mate said with an arched brow.

"Well, maybe less walky and more talky?" I returned his arched brow with one of my own, grinning.

"You are an expert in gathering intelligence now?"

Leaning into my Alpha, arms wrapped around his left arm I replied softly enough that just he could hear "I'm a Wolf, I can read the signs. He'll talk easily enough."

Dylan rumbled softly "You are completely destroying my tough Alpha image."

"Oh no, he's properly scared and I'm sure you smell it. Now just get on with the questions, please," I whisper.

"I've never been gladder for Ben's absence," my wolf grumbled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"If he had any idea how little control I have over you, I'd never hear the end of it."

My gut clenched. I can feel my mate's unhappiness. That's my fault. He's right, he's the professional. I should let him do this his way. "Oh. I'm...I'm sorry Dylan. You're right, this is your area, not mine. I'll shut up and let you handle it your way." I stepped back so he could focus on Billy. Dylan gave me a confused look briefly before turning back to the Mundane. Needing to think, I quietly edged away to go to the kitchen.

"Zack? Where are you going," I heard my man call.

"Thirsty," I motioned towards my destination. I heard a huffed sigh and then he started talking to Billy. Suddenly, I very much wanted my parents.

********** 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 Discord for my writing (https://discord.gg/YNfjzx9) to talk about characters, chapters, etc.

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