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 February 2019. 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.
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Thanks to everyone who have read the previous chapters.
Mated Chapter 13 -- Still Bad by mjwolfwriter@gmail.com
October 9, Wednesday The search for his lover had gone on for about an hour and a half. Dylan had finally stopped looking, certain that Zack was not anywhere on his property. It was the only thing he was certain of. He was troubled that he could not discern if Zack had left or was removed. He didn't like dwelling on the possibility that Zack could have been taken. It was much more comforting to think that his lover, being upset, had just gone off to calm down. Maybe with the help of that Coyote friend of his. And that he would return home soon and they could discuss whatever had agitated him.
Shortly after Dylan stopped his search he called Benjamin to tell him that Zack was still gone so the visit to his hotel would have to wait. Ben had said he understood.
The knock on the front door at 11:05 p.m. had caused brief elation...Zack must have come home. At that moment it had not registered that his boyfriend knew where a spare key was located. He scented Benjamin when he reached the door. Fuck, not Zack, had been his thought. Ben's visit had been short, just a few minutes.
He told Ben that he was both agitated and worried about Zack. Ben had said not to worry, Zack was probably fine and just hanging with a friend. That did not help to calm him, despite having the same thought himself. Wolf views on nudity aside, the thought of his boyfriend naked in front of any man other than him angered him deeply. He spent a restless night alone in a bed that should have had a sexy red Wolf in it. * * * * *
October 12, Saturday Three restless nights and two full days had passed and still no Zack. He hadn't come home and there had been no calls. The situation has caused Dylan to be a bit less focused than usual. Nothing life threatening, but some delays with assorted paperwork. Having to be asked several times about lunch. Those kinds of things.
"DYLAN!"
The tone contained force and irritation. Rightly so. He'd obviously tuned out on Ben, yet again, while at lunch. "Monday works fine," Dylan blurted.
"What are you talking about," asked the blond Wolf sitting across the table.
"Uh, staff meeting...isn't that what we were talking about?"
"No Dyl, that not what we were talking about." Benjamin exhaled softly. "I'm guessing there's still nothing from Zack?" His tone lilted up at the end.
"NO," Dylan bit out. "I don't like it. I don't like it at all," he growled. "It's not right. He's supposed to be home!"
Benjamin nodded. "I understand."
"How the fuck do you...," snapped Dylan. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, clenching and unclenching his fists. Opening his eyes, he said "I'm sorry Benny. I shouldn't have barked at you. I don't know what's wrong with me lately."
"Pretty sure I do. Your guy is M. I. A. and you don't know how to deal with it."
"I just feel so...helpless," Dylan muttered, staring at the picked at food in front of him.
"I can just about imagine," responded Benjamin, nodding his head. "Say, have you checked at his old place?"
Dylan shook his head. "No, I was thinking of doing that today."
"Definitely. Oh...have you tried calling that Coyote guy he hangs out with?"
"I...uh...hadn't thought of that."
Benjamin rolled his eyes and 'tsked' "And you're our fearless leader. I mean really. That's some basic shit procedure there."
Feeling a little sheepish that such an obvious action had not occurred to him, Dylan said "Shut up Benny," in mock annoyance.
Shaking his head slightly, Benjamin sighed softly. "Let me guess...you haven't called his family, either, have you?"
"Fuck you sooo much...know-it-all," Dylan huffed.
Benjamin laughed lightly and then got a serious look. "You really are out of your comfort zone, aren't you?"
"I don't get it Benny. I've never been this out of sorts with a relationship before."
"Well...you have been with Zack for a while now," Benjamin offered.
"Hey," Dylan said indignantly, "I've dated guys for a few months before."
"Maybe so, but they weren't serious relationships, brother."
"The fuck?! What the hell do you mean by that," growled Dylan.
Benjamin raised a hand in a placating gesture. "Calm down now, I'm not being mean. Not being an asshole here. Nor am I trying to come off as self-important. But if any of those guys really had truly meant something serious to you...I would have been told you were gay much sooner. I would have known about them. Fuck...I would have met them. His brow arched. "Tell me I'm wrong."
Dylan leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. "That's your reasoning?"
"Part of it, yeah." Benjamin smiled. "You'll figure the rest out on your own."
"You're not going to just tell me the rest," Dylan asked.
Shaking his head in the negative, Ben replied "I love ya lots Dyl, but you really wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"How convenient," Dylan scowled.
Frowning, Ben pushed back from the table. "If you're gonna be a dick, I'll just go. I have enough shit coming at me without some flying from you."
Dylan's eyes widened and he felt even shittier. "Wait...please stay Ben. I'm sorry. Fuck! I can't even seem to be a decent friend now. All I've been thinking of is Zack not being home. Is there anything I can do to help you?"
A corner of Ben's mouth ticked up. "Thanks, but your plate is already full," the blond Wolf chuckled.
"I think you know me well enough to know that I'm not taking 'No' as an answer."
Benjamin smirked. "You have a spare apartment just laying around, oh mighty problem solver?"
Thinking for a moment, Dylan responded with "Weeelll, sort of..."
Benjamin's eyes widened then his brows scrunched. "What!?"
Grinning, Dylan said "We do have several safe-houses at our disposal...and my discretion, I might add."
"I thought those were company assets, for company business?"
"Most of them are."
"Then I'm missing something here. I can't just grab one for my own personal use."
"Technically, you're right about that. However, I can assign one for you."
"Explain," replied Benjamin with a puzzled look.
"Company security," Dylan returned firmly.
Benjamin's head cocked to the side, puzzled look still in place. "Explain."
"You are the vice president of Pacific Security Services. An executive officer. Your peace of mind can affect company operations."
Frowning, Benjamin said "Dyl...you know it's not just where I'm living, right?"
Dylan rolled his eyes and grunted "Of course I know that, Benny. But I also know it is an important part. You never liked being in hotels for more than a night or two. And I figure you'll tell me the other shit eventually, or not. Gods knows I'm no shining example of openness, right?"
Benjamin nodded. "Yeah. I'd have told days ago if it wasn't for Zack's disappearing."
"Meaning what, exactly?" There was an edge to Dylan's words. He felt a stab of anger at the thought that it was Zack's fault that he was missing. Even if it could be true. Nobody blames his lover for shit.
"Meaning that in the big picture, my problems are nothing next to yours."
"Gods, what a pair we are," Dylan muttered softly.
Benjamin exhaled slowly. "So, now what?"
"We finish lunch, get you into a place and then I go see what I can find at Zack's old apartment and make some calls."
"I thought we agreed that the safe-houses were company assets."
"I believe what I said was that most of them are."
"Are you telling me that you actually own another home?
"Actually, I look at it as owning another house. I purchased it as a 'just-in-case' situational need. It's not my home. It is smaller, but it should work for you if you want to."
"Terms?"
Grinning, Dylan said "We can talk about that later this evening if you decide you want to take it." * * * * *
There was a moderate level of activity at the four-story apartment complex. Zack's (old?) place. Gods, could he be reconsidering living with me, Dylan wondered...and not for the first time. The thought of Zack leaving felt like a pit in his gut. Almost everything had been moved in.
He was leaning back against the driver's-side door of his SUV. He shook his head (as if to clear his mind like one of those old kid's drawing toys that were so popular) and exhaled sharply. Standing up straight, he started off toward the building.
Dylan automatically scanned the surroundings out of habit as he went. There were a number of children and adults in the little park area out front at one end of the complex. Three grounds maintenance workers were busy on the lawns. Two males and a female. Scenting, he detected a lot of Wolf. No surprise considering the building's primary tenants. He also smelled a faint trace of a very familiar Coyote. Old, but not terribly so. Within several hours. That man is definitely getting a call! Or visit if phone doesn't work out. It can't be that hard to find him. Present also was Fox and Cougar. Cougar is scant and female so likely the grounds worker.
Closer to the complex, and those residents outside, he wondered how well Zack was known by those that lived here. He quickly decided to ask a few people. Certainly couldn't hurt. He was going to just bypass the grounds crew, but then figured 'What the hell...why not' and started with them. They may have worked around the place long enough to have noticed Zack at some point. Maybe even talked with him.
Since she was the closest, he approached the female (definitely Cougar) and greeted her. "Good afternoon, Miss. I was wondering if I could have a little of your time to ask a few questions?"
She tilted her head slightly to the left. "Do I know you?" Her tone indicated some curiosity. Perhaps with a slight edge of mistrust to it. She is a Cat, after all...and he is what he is.
"No," he smiled to try and ease her tension. "But it is possible you may have seen me around in the past. My boyfriend used to live here."
Wow, saying boyfriend really came out quickly. And easily, too. Though he wasn't entirely sure the word fit for some reason. "Maybe you recognize him?" He pulled his cell out causally, trying not to appear threatening. After a moment of looking, he chose a suitable picture of Zack from his SFW-Zack album and showed it to the woman.
She leaned closer, clearly inspecting the picture. She smiled and let out a soft laugh. Amusement was clear in her eyes. "Oh, that's Zack. Err...Mister Rivers."
"So you know him?"
"Yes...we've chatted before. He's such a nice guy. Funny, too. You must be his legendary other half," she chuckled. "I really never thought I'd ever meet you."
Dylan arched a brow. "You know about me?"
"Oh please," she said , grinning as she adjusted her cap. "We all know about you. He talked about you all of the time."
His eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
She chuckled. "Oh yeah. You're almost perfect, apparently." She winked.
Frowning, he replied "I don't think I agree with that." He felt like he just keeps getting things wrong. His boyfriend is missing, after all.
The Cougar shook he head and sighed. "You Alpha men...when are you ever going to learn? Your opinion doesn't matter in these things, it's your Mate's opinion that counts," she said with a smile.
"He's not my mate, we're not married," he grumbled, suddenly irritated for some reason he could not define. The Cougar shook her head and sighed again. And was that an eye roll?
After several seconds of quiet she frowned. "Why are you asking about Zack? Isn't he with you? Is he okay? There was what sounded like caution mixed with concern in her voice.
He wasn't sure at first what he was going to share. Zack not being home was still a simmering anger in the back of his mind. Finally, he decided on basic truth and said "He's...missing, and I'm trying to locate him.
"Bast," she gasped. "He, uh, hasn't been here today as far as I know. The crew has been out on the grounds for hours and I haven't seen him."
"Were any of you here in the last couple of days?"
"Not at this complex, no."
Dylan sighed. "Do you think any of the residents might know," he asked plaintively.
She shrugged. "Can't hurt to ask."
"True enough," he nodded. "Thank you for your time, miss." He gave a brief smile and walked off in the direction of the park.
There were a few families engaged in playful activity and conversation when he got to the little play area. The children seemed to take little notice of his arrival, but the adults all stopped talking and looked his way. He forced on another smile that he hoped appeared friendly and non-threatening. It probably looked as fake as it felt. "Nice afternoon we're having," he said by way of greeting.
It did not really surprise him when the parents all drew their young to them, holding them close, protectively. An imposing black haired Wolf, dressed all in black with a storm of negativity emanating from him drawing near. Yeah, totally made sense. He scanned the group and scented. There was an expected element of fear. Some anxiety. A possible threat had arrived and their pups were present.
Dylan stood a moment and tried to tamp down his inner anger. It is not serving him here in this situation. After he had attained better control, he took a slow step closer to the now tightly grouped Wolves. Raising a hand up, palm out he said "You don't need to worry, I'm just looking or information. I had hoped you might be able to help me."
His fingers tightened around the phone he just remembered he still clutched in his other hand. It probably still had Zack's picture displayed. He scanned the crowd, waiting for some kind of hint of a response to his words. After a moment of silence from them he asked "Please," not at all ashamed of the desperation that had escaped in his voice.
Dylan watched as one of the men seemed to come to some sort of internal decision, appearing to nod slightly to himself and shunt the boy pup in front of him to the woman at his right. The blond Wolf stepped out in front of the group and stopped. He looked a bit older than his own mid-thirties, but where Wolves were concerned the man could actually be significantly so. Crossing his arms over his chest the blond spoke. "Who are you?"
Dylan assessed the scent and the subtle intonation in the voice. This was not an Alpha challenging him, but a Beta male who would protect this group if needed. This man likely spoke up for others frequently. He could understand that, respect it. "My name is Dylan Tyler and..."
The Wolf's posture loosened. Was that a smile? "Oh, you're Zack's Mate." He closed the distance and extended his hand to shake. "Glad to finally meet you. I'm Kevin. What can I do for you?"
Too frustrated to correct the man about his relationship status, Dylan simply shook the offered hand and replied "Have you seen him around in the last couple of days?"
Shaking his head, Kevin said "Nnnoo," and looked back behind him briefly before continuing. "We thought he had moved in with you, Alpha."
Was that a hint of confusion? Dylan glanced down at his phone then tucked it away in it's holder. He huffed softly. "He was supposed to have had everything moved in by now, but..." he stopped and clenched his fists, eyes closed tight and emitting a low rumbling growl as he tried to beat down the resurgence of anger...along with a healthy dose of anxiety. Before he had realized someone else was so close, he felt a hand on his left forearm. He popped his eyes open and looked to find that the male pup was touching him. He felt suddenly calmer and scenting explained why. The young Wolf was Omega. He must be special to affect an Alpha at such a young age.
Looking alarmed, the boy's father hissed "Ulrich. We don't just touch Alphas without permission. I'm sorry Alpha. He's still young and..."
A genuine smile found it's way to Dylan's lips and he reached out and gently squeezed the pup's left shoulder affectionately. "No fear, Kevin. He clearly sensed my need and reacted. I'm sure he will make a fine Healer one day." He knelt down on one knee to be level with the boy's eye-line. "Is that something you might think about, Ulrich?"
The boy vigorously nodded affirmatively, all smiles. "Are you better now Alpha," he asked quietly.
Dylan reached out and clasped the boy's little hand in both of his. "I will be, thank you, Ulrich." He felt good sensing the happiness and pride from the two males before him, but quickly noticed a note of worry from the father and looked up at him and stood up.
Casting his eyes downward slightly, Kevin asked "If Zack is living with you now...why are you searching for your Mate, Alpha?" His tone was cautious bordering on afraid.
Knowing just how volatile Alpha Wolves could be Dylan didn't slight Kevin for his obvious concern at asking the question. So he was able to remain relatively calm when he replied "A few days ago he stepped out of the house as I took a call. I thought it was just for a short run. That was Wednesday evening. He has not returned. That's just not like him." He didn't dare go on, too concerned that further thought on it would cost his control and frighten these Wolves unnecessarily.
"I will ask the others if they know anything. Be right back."
Dylan watched as Kevin returned to the group of residents. He noted the gasps and expletives as the Beta explained what was wrong. As he waited, he spoke more with Ulrich. "Your father seems like a good man. He cares about these Wolves."
"Yes," replied the pup, "but he worries a lot."
His Alpha senses prickled a little. "Oh," he said softly. "What does your father worry about, do you think?"
"Mostly, I think which Alpha he should be under."
What the hell? That doesn't make sense. Almost every Wolf in Westvale was packed or on terms with packs. "Isn't your family packed, Ulrich," he asked carefully. He didn't wish to upset the boy.
"We were. But then Zack left his old pack for another Alpha." Ulrich smiled at Dylan brightly. "Dad was going to ask to join Zack's new pack, I think."
What the FUCK, Dylan thought with a mix of confusion and yes...jealous anger. He just barely managed to not say it out loud. Instead he said "Zack has a new pack?" He was almost afraid to hear the boy's answer. Suddenly, he found himself embraced around his waist by the little Omega pup whose head rested against his body.
"Of course Alpha. Zack loves his new Alpha so is in his pack now."
The feelings of concern that his lover might have reconsidered came bubbling to the surface again and he tensed up. The pup hugged him tighter. "It's okay Alpha...it's still you he loves," the boy said firmly.
"How...how do you know that for sure?"
The boy smiled. "Because you're his, silly."
"I'm his," Dylan asked cautiously.
Ulrich let go and stepped back a little. He nodded and said "Yes. So he doesn't want anyone else forever."
"That long huh?" Dylan let out a small smile. He didn't think the pup really understood how things worked yet, he was too young. But he was not going to be an asshole and explain the facts of adult life to him. His parents had the duty of teaching him as he grew up. He looked up to see Kevin returning.
"I'm sorry Alpha, no one has seen or heard that Zack has been here. Do you need help in looking? I'm sure there are many of us who wouldn't mind searching for you."
"Thank you Kevin...I appreciate that. I will let you know if I need it." He shook the Beta's hand and ruffled the Omega's hair before setting off for the building.
Standing at the apartment door, he was trying to remember if he had been told the code to get into Zack's spare key compartment until he recalled that he actually possessed a spare to the place. For a fleeting moment he wondered (not for the first time) if he was losing his mind just a tiny bit. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the large collection of keys he carried and found the one for this door. It was the red one. Shut up! Don't judge me.
The first thing he noticed was the aroma of an unused place, but not long unused. A certain staleness from recent lack of occupation. There remained a faint scent of his Wolf, but it was fading. Not much of Zack's things were still here. He wasn't sure what he hoped to find here exactly. Maybe just some sign that Zack may have been here in the last few days. Scanning the living room he saw furniture. Couch, chairs, coffee and end tables. Small items like magazines, books and mugs had already been moved home. Looking around in the small kitchen area was the same as the living room...mostly stripped. Why the fuck am I even looking in the kitchen?
He made his way to the bedroom and took it in from the doorway. The walls were bare, but faintly showed where pictures and posters had been. The closet was open and empty. Zack had brought all of the clothes and other contents almost the first thing. While the bed remained, the carpet retained the impression of the nightstand that used to sit beside it.
Dylan stared at the bed that was now bare of sheets, blankets and pillows. He recalled that first time with his sexy red Wolf. Right here on this bed. Happiness welled up and filled his heart at the fond memory of that intense encounter. And he remembered how he had thought it was just a one time thing for relief. Thinking about it now, he believed it was probably the first time he ever felt truly connected to another being. So unlike with his family or even Benjamin. He had felt so content and satisfied and had easily fell asleep spooned up to Zack's back. Now he was feeling lost and so angry.
Struck by a sudden urge, he got on the bed and stretched out on his back. Turning his face towards the mattress, he discovered his lover's scent lingered still. Not shocking, but a pleasant find. A sense of calm enveloped him. He knew it was old scent, but it comforted him all the same. Closing his eyes he breathed the scent in deeply. "Where are you, baby," he murmured. Great...now I'm talking to empty rooms, he sighed. After a few more minutes, he got up. Just to complete the search, he ducked his head into the bathroom. Nope...no Zack here...duh.
Pushing all other feelings aside he forced himself back into 'Operations Mode' and left, securing the apartment on his way out. He went to his SUV at a determined pace. Upon seating himself, his phone was quickly in his hand. Time to talk to that Coyote friend of his.
It took mere seconds to locate the number and tap 'SEND.' He took a few deep breaths as he waited for it to connect.
"Where is he? Is he okay? What's going on," shot through the line as soon as it picked up.
"Dustin Berg," Dylan asked. He was sure it was, but had to hear it confirmed. Whether or not Zack was with the Coyote was pretty much answered.
"Fuck, Tyler, you know it is. Now answer me!"
"That's kinda bold, don't you think?"
"Fuck you, Wolfboy. Zack hasn't been at work or called anyone I know in days. What the fuck is going on?"
A new wave of worry briefly gripped Dylan. He exhaled slowly and said "I...I don't know."
"WHAT?!"
Dylan winced at the volume of the outburst. "He...stepped out of he house Wednesday evening. I thought for a short run in his wolf. You know how it is when you need to just clear your head a bit. When he didn't come back after a while I thought maybe he had been more upset than I had thought and had called you before he set off. So I just gave him a couple of days. But...there's been nothing."
"That's a shitty way to look after a Mate, Tyler."
Why does everyone keep saying we're Mates for fucksake? "You know what, fuck you, Berg! If you don't have anything useful to offer, this conversation is a pointless waste of my time away from trying to find Zack." He jabbed 'END' and tossed his phone into the seat beside him. Prick! He ignored the incoming call from the Coyote and gave himself several minutes to calm himself and refocus on his next actions. He was most certainly not looking forward to it.
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