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 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.

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

Thanks to everyone who has read the previous chapters.

Mated Chapter 05- Beltane by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com

May 1 The Riverton Construction truck had just parked in the main yard at 6:30 am when Zack's cell alerted him to a new text message:

[Mom] Lunch. TODAY! Noon @Athenos

The Wolf furrowed his brows. Fuck. This can't be good. He knew he should have called after disappearing Friday night and missing dinner with his parents.

"Problem, Z?" There was just a touch of concern in the Coyote's voice.

"Uhm, maybe. I'm gonna have to bail on lunch, Dust."

"Mr. Wonderful?" Dustin grinned and wagged an eyebrow.

Zack groaned. "I wish. My mother."

"Oh shit. Dude, you in trouble?"

"Well, I'm sure she's not happy. I haven't called since Friday afternoon. I was supposed to have dinner with the parents but left before even seeing 'em."

"That's not good."

"No. They're probably worried. Not exactly like me to not have dinner when planned. Or return calls, for that matter."

"Why, man? I thought you and your folks got along good."

"Because Friday was a truckload of fucked. I had a bad encounter with a brother. Plus I had Dylan on my mind and my own stupid with you. I just lost all desire to dine with my family. Then a few days passed and here I am."

"Maybe you can just..."

"Don't be silly. No, I have to face mom and explain. I just wish it was some other time, not today."

"Hey, maybe you could take Mr. Stud for moral support," the Coyote chuckled.

"Fuck that. That's not how I'm introducing him to my mother, doofus."

"Well, at least she wouldn't yell at ya much if he was there."

"Oh, I don't think she's gonna yell at me at all. It's the looks of worry that get to me. I guess it comes with being the baby in the family." he sighed.

"You poor thing," Dustin commented with a very good 'sad eyes' look.

"Shut the fuck up." Zack gave a soft jab to Dustin's arm.

Both men laughed as they exited the truck to start their workday. Breaking for lunch early at 11:00, they returned to the yard by 11:30 where Zack signed out a smaller pick-up to go to his 'lunch with mom' appointment.

He parked in the Greek restaurant's lot at 11:55 and shut the vehicle off. After pocketing the keys he got out and removed his cap, safety vest and tee shirt. They were quickly replaced be a casual denim long-sleeve button-up he had stopped to grab on his way. Locking up, he headed towards the restaurant at a trot. As he went, he noticed his mother's metallic light blue 2011 BMW X5.

Once inside, the host directed him to the table his mother was at. Seeing Zack approach she stood to greet her son.

The Wolf before him was not a large woman, standing 5' 9" with a trim build. She had chestnut hair kept in a stylish short cut. Her eyes were a dark Jade green and her face looked a youthful forty-something, though Zack knew she was much older.

"Zack honey," she said embracing him and softly rubbing between his shoulders. "Is everything okay son?"

"Uhm...mostly, yeah," he murmured quietly.

They separated and sat as the server came and took their beverage order. By the time he returned with the drinks they had decided on their lunch and he departed.

His mother slid her hands palms up across the table. As he had done countless times before, he placed his hands in hers. "Mostly says something is bothering you. A mother can tell. What's wrong Zack?"

He hesitated, brows furrowed in thought. "I was...do I...mom, am I a disappointment to you and dad?"

The older woman's face displayed both worry and surprise. "Oh my God, Zacky...what ever makes you ask that? You've never disappointed us."

"It's just...I don't dress like dad or Nico...I don't use the family name at work...I refused a promotion...I'm gay...I'm not as serious as dad and Nico..."

"Whoa, hold on son. Let's take this one thing at a time, okay?" The distressed younger Wolf nodded mutely and she continued. "To start, that's twice you mentioned Nicodemus. Has he done something to you son?"

Zack compressed his lips together tightly. He didn't want his mother thinking he was whining about his big brother being mean to him. He broke eye contact and stared down at the table.

"Zack...I asked you a question son. But maybe it should have been what has he done?" Her tone was loving, but firm. She clearly expected an answer.

The auburn Wolf sighed softly, resigned. "He hates me, mom."

"Oh Zack...surely he...," she started.

"No mom, he said so. And that I'm a disgrace to dad and the family. That it is a constant pain that we're family...that I'm part of this family."

Zack saw his mother's eyes flash with anger. Something he'd seen rarely, but it was a jolt every time. He tried to draw his hands back but she held them firmly.

"Listen to me and hear me good, son...you are not a disgrace to your father and I, you understand? And though I love him dearly, Nicodemus is a stuft-shirt ASS."

The young Were was frankly stunned and it showed on his face. "But, he's your..."

"Honey," the older Wolf said in a soft tone, "as one gets older they realize it really is possible to love someone, but not like them very much."

"I guess I could see that."

Mother and son paused as the server brought their lunch orders and placed the plates before each of them. He inquired if there was anything else they needed and bid them "Enjoy" with a smile and departed. After a few bites, the two resumed their conversation.

"So, Zack...has your father ever expressed displeasure over you wardrobe choices?" It came out almost light and airy.

"Well...dad no, but..."

"Then don't worry about it. Now, as for serious...please do not confuse having a serious attitude with being annoyingly uptight." She paused a moment, as if to let her words sink in. "Your father certainly does have a serious side when it is needed, but I fear your current worries have clouded your memories of his lighter side. And in case your mind is rushing to Nicodemus, he is just plain uptight. Hell, he's had a stick lodged up his ass so long...," she stopped and shook her head a couple of times. "Just...don't give any more thought to what he said, okay son. They are only his opinions, nothing more." She reached out and gave his left hand a gentle squeeze.

The younger Wolf nodded. Several minutes passed as the two ate and made small talk. After finishing their meals, dessert was ordered. Zack notice his mother looking at him. He knew that look. She was pondering a question. And he didn't have to wait long.

"Son," she began, "I'm curious...your father and I know you're gay already, why did you feel you needed to bring it up now? Is there something troubling you about it? Is there someone causing you problems about it?"

"Well...when I was with Christopher...you and dad didn't seem terribly happy with me, so I was just wondering if..."

"Oh baby, it wasn't you. We were really unhappy with him. We really didn't like that man. But, we did not want you to feel that we didn't support you, so we remained quiet about it."

"You mean you and dad aren't upset that..."

His mother shook here head. "Zack...you are as the Great Spirit made you. We love you as you are, please don't ever think otherwise. All that we care about is that you are healthy and happy. Nothing else matters to us."

It was like a great weight was lifted and he sighed and smiled. "In that case, I think you will be pleased to hear that I've met someone. The one, actually." He was positively beaming.

His mother arched her left brow. "I see. And how long has it been?"

"Since I've dated or since I met him?"

"Well obviously I mean since you met this man."

"It will be two weeks on this coming Friday. In fact, I have a date with him tonight," he replied with a wag of his brows and a mischievous, toothy grin.

"Son...I do hope you didn't..."

"No, he asked me out," he said, knowing that she was probably thinking he had instigated the date.

"Sorry, it's just, you can be...uhm...assertive at times," she grinned.

"I think aggressive was the word you had in mind," he chuckled. "But not this time, I swear...it really was all his idea. Not that I'm not pleased, of course." He was beaming again.

"You do know that your father and I will want to meet this man, right?"

"Yes...I know, but not yet. I'm not so sure he's ready for that particular trial by fire so soon."

The living room was dark, save for the faint moonlight that filtered in through the windows. To the right was the kitchen, from which Dylan saw some light, but not the overhead lighting. He knew immediately that it was from the refrigerator.

Passing quietly through the open room towards the kitchen, he stopped and took in the sight of the auburn Wolf...barefoot, wearing only faded blue jeans, bent over looking into the 'fridge with his right hand holding the door open. It brought a smile to his face and a quickened pulse.

He had to work to suppress the growl forming in his chest. He didn't want his prey alerted before he could strike. Stealthily, the dark-haired Wolf slipped up behind the pre-occupied Were.

Dylan placed both hands on the sexy man's back just above his jeans. He noticed a flinch and brief tensing before the auburn Were relaxed at his touch. Smoothly, he slid his hands up Zack's back to the distinct sound of 'Mmmm' as he continued up to end at the arm pits. It felt so good touching the man.

He bent himself over the Wolf, wrapping his arms around the Were's chest as he did so. Nuzzling and nipping his neck he said "Gods, I'll never get tired of your scent."

Zack hummed softly as Dylan stood, bringing the smaller man up with him. He pulled Zack closer, tightening his embrace. "I need you so bad," he said, licking and then nipping the man's left ear playfully.

"dylan"

The growl he had been suppressing finally came out, low and rumbly. He wanted to hold the little Wolf like this and never let go.

"DYLAN!" He felt a sharp pain on his face and his eyes suddenly popped open. He shook his head a couple of times and his eyes focused on Benjamin standing across his desk, hands planted just in front of him.

"We awake now?" Ben's tone was calm and casual.

"I wasn't sleeping," he protested. "I was just...uhm...thinking."

"Thinking?" The blonde Wolf's left eyebrow arched upwards. "I see. Clearly not on work though." His lips formed a small smirky grin as he pointed to Dylan's crotch.

Glancing down, Dylan saw the arousal his friend obviously noticed. Fuck! "Uhmm...yeah, guess not," he remarked, blushing.

Benjamin straightened up, chuckling softly. "Hey, it's okay bro. You're entitled to be a bit distracted. You do have 'other' things on your mind recently. And it's not like you have much left to do around here today. Gosh...being the boss must be just awesome." The blonde's voice was almost sing-song with that last comment.

"I should still probably check with Gavico concerning his FUR operation tonight."

"He has led operations before Dyl. Being the boss doesn't mean you need to hold everyone's hand all of the time, ya know."

"Shut the fuck up, you blonde bastard." Though it may have sounded gruff to an outsider, the sparkle of his eyes and wide grin showed the friendliness of the jab between long time buddies.

"Uh huh," Ben countered. "Besides, I had a feeling you would want to see him, so I told him to meet you in Conference number two."

"Why number two," Dylan asked. That was the largest conference room usually used for big tactical operations planning.

"Because one and three or being used right now. Helllooo...Have you paid any attention today?"

Dylan briefly looked like a deer in the headlights. "Er...sorry...forgot." Gods, I've been more distracted than I thought. But try as he might, he just couldn't recall those rooms being slated for use.

"It's okay, but you better get a move on. Viktor is probably waiting for you by now."

Arriving at Conference Room 2 Dylan found that Viktor Gavico was indeed there waiting. The six feet tall black-haired, grey-eyed Weretiger was leaning against the wall next to the door, eOrganizer in hand.

"Mr. Gavico, I hope I haven't kept you long," he said by way of greeting.

The man pushed off of the wall and gave a quick salute. "Not at all, Sir." He had a faint Russian accent. "I was just making a couple of notes."

Dylan nodded. "Good. Any difficulties?"

Shaking his head in the negative, Gavico replied "Not that I can see, Sir. But it's not over yet," he laughed lightly.

"Yeah...you never know when something may just pop up on you."

Viktor grinned. "Indeed."

If his mind had been more focused Dylan might have thought that grin an odd reaction. Instead, he just dismissed it as he opened the door into the dark conference room. He was about to enter when he heard his name yelled from down the hall. Looking back behind him, he saw Benjamin jogging up.

"Mind if I sit in? Got some free time at the moment," the blonde Wolf said as he reached them.

"That's up to Mr. Gavico. It's his op," Dylan replied, gesturing to the Tiger.

Viktor nodded. "Fine with me, sir."

"Sweet," remarked Benjamin. "Haul ass, boss," he said as he shoved Dylan into the room bodily without warning.

"What the fu..." was all the dark-haired Wolf got out before the lights popped on and his senses were assaulted. There was a sudden cacophony of voices as the room erupted with "SURPRISE! Happy Birthday!" and wild clapping.

He blinked a few times and saw the room filled with PSS personnel, Selah included. Also present was a good friend, an older female Wolf.

Else Scultz was a 5 feet even woman of 50, with greying blonde hair and sharp blue eyes. Her body was still fit and shapely. She did not work for him, but was a teller at the bank he used.

Dylan noticed the tables were all against one wall and loaded with food and drink. There was a big 'Happy-Birthday' banner hanging strung up across the room and balloons everywhere. This had to be Ben's doing. I should have expected this, he thought. He had tried all week to avoid the subject of his birthday. There was only one celebration in his mind and it was his dinner this evening.

The next couple of hours passed with many birthday wishes and gifts as employees dropped in for a while and left to get back to work. Benjamin remained the entire time, making sure he stayed put until everyone had a chance to show up, Dylan thought.

By 2:30 the party was over and the clean-up detail got to work. Sitting in a corner watching, Dylan turned to Benjamin. "So...how long did you plan that little operation," he asked with a soft chuckle.

"Oh...just several weeks," Ben replied with a pleased grin.

"You had waaay too much time on your hands," he shot back lightly.

"Well, it's not like it was the only thing on my desk ya know. I did actually have work too."

They sat for a few moments in silence, then Ben spoke up. "Look...I've been your friend for a long time, right?"

Dylan nodded. "Of course," he responded, curiosity plain in his voice.

"So, as your friend...take a damn break. You've been either 'all work' or too damn distracted to work well," the Wolf said with intensity.

"Okay," Dylan started, "what's this really about? Are you trying to ask for a higher percentage? All you have to do is ask, bro. You should know that."

"NO, you big Marine dumbass! This is about you!" Ben's voice had raised a couple notches. "When was the last time you had a vacation, huh? Or took any real time off for yourself? And a weekend most certainly does not count."

Dylan took in the mixture of frustration and concern coming from his friend. It was quite moving, really, that Ben was so worried for him.

It brought about another stab of guilt. He really would tell him everything...just as soon as he worked up the courage and right words.

But back to the here and now. "Ben, it's not that simple."

"BULLSHIT!," the blonde Wolf exploded. "It's just that simple. You have managed to get this company of your up and running pretty damn well over the years. You have great people who know their jobs and do them fantastically. And, more importantly, you're the goddamned boss. You can most certainly afford to take some time off for yourself."

Benjamin paused and held up his hand a moment, then continued in a calmer tone. "Dyl...you are, without a doubt, my best friend ever. I love you to death, bro. I just don't want to see you become one of those 'all work and no play' burned out wrecks. Pleease, take a week or so off from the office for yourself. We'll all still be here, I promise."

With all of the emotions roiling inside him, a soft "Alright" was all Dylan could safely manage to say.

Checking his watch, Zack saw that it was just about 3:00 and decided to call the workday done so he could prepare for his date. It occurred to him that he had no idea where Dylan was taking him, and therefore didn't know how he should dress.

Thinking about it, he realized that he really only had two looks...jeans & tees (work included) and a couple of suits for formal occasions. Those being funerals and Pack formal functions.

He didn't imagine Dylan would take him to a 'jeans & tee' sort of place though. Not for a dinner date. So, he settled on a 'dress casual' look. That seemed more likely. Now all he needed to do was go shopping for something that looked good.

Calling his mother, he asked if she had a couple of hours to spare to help him with this task, as he didn't have a car and did not want to sign-out a company truck for this personal activity. She did, and by 3:45 they were off to it.

Mother and son talked and shopped, and after an hour or so Zack had found an outfit he really liked and hoped Dylan would too.

Dropping him off at his apartment, his mother gave him a hug and peck on the cheek and wished him well and to be careful before she left.

As soon as she was gone, he pulled the clothing out of the bags and got them ready. All pins, tags and such removed and a short time in the dryer to fluff them a bit so they wouldn't look like they just came off the rack. Then he spread them out on the foot of his bed.

That left him time to shower and prepare. Undressing, he tossed his clothes into a corner and walked to the bathroom.

Looking himself over in the mirror, he determined that a shave was in order. He was never really fond of the stubbled look on himself. After the shave and a bit of manscaping below he was ready for that shower.

Zack adjusted the water and stepped into the tub. He spent several minutes just standing under the spray, letting the warm water wash the day's tension out of his muscles. Standing back away from the falling water, he grabbed a scrubby and bodywash.

He enjoyed the soft spicy scent of the wash and the feel on his skin as he scrubbed with it. As he did so, he let his mind wander. It traveled to thoughts of Dylan, as they so often did. And as he often did, he got hard at those thoughts. His handsome, masculine looks. Those gorgeous Frost blue eyes he could get lost in, Head full of lush black hair. And those muscles! Covered in a pleasing fur.

And who could forget the appetizing package he sported. His member gave a twitch and he knew he had to take care of it before he could finish his shower. Leaning against the back wall, he wrapped his left hand around his now aching manhood and began a slow stroking. He used his right hand to play with his balls a little.

After a several moments, he picked up his pace and finally reached a most pleasurable and vocal orgasm. Taking a few more moments for his breathing to return to normal, he finished cleaning himself up and turned off the water. He stepped out of the shower, dried off, and draped the towel over the curtain-rod before going to his room and dressing.

That accomplished, he finished up by fixing his hair, not that much needed to be done, short as his style was. Just a quick comb through really. He looked damn sharp in the black slacks and the rich, dark Opera mauve button-up short-sleeve shirt he thought. Then he went to grab his wallet and keys.

Now all he had to do was wait for his stud to come sweep him up and away. Not an easy thing, what with a mixture of nervousness and giddy joy raging through him.

At precisely 7:30 there was the BUZZZZ at his door. He jumped up and nearly flew to whip the door open. Dylan stood there looking sexy as hell in black slacks and a black silk shirt with short sleeves.

Zack's eyes sparkled at the sight of him and his nostrils flared as he took in his musky and extremely pleasing scent. He felt his pulse race and his gut fluttered. He thought that Dylan would always do this to him. And that was more than okay with him.

Zack's door flew open and Dylan was stunned by the handsome Wolf standing there. It took a bit to keep his jaw where it belonged. The man was simply a vision. Fuck! His nostrils flared at the combination of Zack's scent and some subtle spicy quality. He felt his heart thundering in his chest.

"Uhhh...uhmmm," he stammered, searching for words. "Wow! You look fantastic."

The sexy Wolf's little smile and slight blush sent a shiver through him. He stepped forward and gave Zack a tight embrace, head leaning down to lick the man's neck. Damn, but he tasted as good as he smelled. And he felt as good, too. A small, lusty growl escaped him.

Dylan forced himself to release Zack before he lost control and they went nowhere. "So, you ready for dinner?"

"Ye...yeah," Zack got out.

The shorter man quickly flipped on the outside light and locked up. "Let's go."

The two walked to Dylan's SUV. They got in and headed to the restaurant Dylan chose. Conversation was light on the way. Your basic small talk type stuff.

Zack noted that the place was a very good one in a nice part of town. He had been there with family on a couple of occasions. It made him pleased with his choice of attire.

Dylan managed to find a space in the full parking lot. Vehicle parked and secured, they made their way inside. Arriving at the Host's station, Dylan gave his name and they were whisked away to a reserved table in the back of the establishment.

They were seated and menus were placed before them, then the server left, to return shortly with a bucket of ice and a bottle of wine. After opening it and Dylan tasting it...giving a nod, the server poured their glasses and placed the bottle in the ice. "I'll just give you a few minutes to decide on your meals," he said with a smile and left.

After they ordered and the food arrived, they spent the time eating and conversing pleasantly. The talk was comfortable as the men got to know each other a bit better. Both enjoyed the deeper level of conversation.

When dessert was finished, Dylan paid the check and they left. The drive back to Zack's apartment was equally pleasant. Arriving, Dylan parked and they got out. He locked the vehicle and walked Zack to his door. The auburn man unlocked it and turned to Dylan to ask something. Before he could, however, the bigger Wolf pressed his body into him and attacked his mouth with a passionate kiss. Zack moaned into it and wrapped his arms around the big stud. His body tingled all over at the feel of the man and his fantastic scent.

Dylan broke the kiss and pulled back. His eyes were lustful and his smile wide. "Thank you, Zack," he rasped.

Coming to his senses, Zack was finally able to get out his question. "Do...do you want to come in?"

Dylan's emotions warred with each other. Fuck! He desperately wanted to do nothing more right now than go in and ravage Zack for the rest of the night. But he didn't want the sexy man to think this was all about sex.

With a sombre look and tone he said "I'm sorry...but I'd better not tonight." He felt a little pain in his heart at the of disappointed look that appeared on the man's face.

He took Zack's head in his hands and placed a tender kiss on his lips.

"But another time...I promise," he said softly. "You have no idea just how special you've made my birthday, Zack. Good night, handsome."

With that, Dylan turned and briskly headed back to his SUV at a trot before he lost his resolve. His heart ached the whole way home and even though he had enjoyed the evening immensely, his sleep was restless.

********** 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 chapters.