Warren notice the others unkind disdain. He had been away for longer this time. It seemed they had changed. He kept a stiff distance when they tried to engage him in conversations. He was a little riled as they continued to address Tinker as if she were a stupid cur. He felt his cat close to the surface. Finally they made one more remark and he snarled as he partially shifted. He was unnaturally large in both human and cat forms. But his partial shift was a sight to behold. he topped at a little over eight feet high and was broader than two men. he was a solid wall of muscle covered in dense white fur and his head was halfway between cat and human as he roared and crouched protectively over Tinker.<br/><br/>~She is not a stupid child! She is my companion and was wolf-born! Treat her with respect or I will shred you like confetti!~ He growled with malice and his claws, a vicious 2 inches long, sprang forth, as if to emphasize his words.<br/><br/>they both mumbled and apology and backed away as several other shifters, both animal and human came to the clearing they had stopped in. An older looking man strode forth. He exuded strength and control, along with a fatherly air as he strode up to Warren. He looked up into his face then studied Tinker as she stood under Warrens bulk. He knelt and spoke through the pack speak.<br/><br/>~Calm yourself Warren. No one will harm her here. And I would wonder if she would like to introduce herself. I am curious of the female that has finally brought forth your half-shift. I would say she was your mate. But you bear no scent of a bonded pair.~ His voice was both gentle yet stern. His eyes glowed with and inner curiosity as he studied the black wolf before him. He also studied the way Warren hunched over her protectively. He smiled a small knowing smile that older folks get when they see what youger ones have missed.