Tinker resisted the urge to snarl at the woman’s assessment of her like she couldn’t understand or wasn’t even there. Warren and the scouts exchanged pleasantries but Warren was a little stiff. That was the way that Tinker processed his reserve with these shifters.  This reserve also served as a warning to mind her manners, something about being here was important to him for more reasons that this was a safe place and that these people would help her to shift properly. Tinker just wasn’t sure what that reason was, though. Maybe he had a mate here, she thought and couldn’t quite quell the ruffling of her fur.<br/><br/>Warren would make a good mate. He hunted and he was strong. He was also kind and wise. His loyalty, even to a recent acquaintance and his unwavering generosity of his gifts were also traits of a good mate. Tinker didn’t know about the physical aspects of mating, well, not personally, anyway, but she was happy to be Warren’s only companion. Yes, she actually liked it that way better. Having others around made her nervous. What if Warren tried to make her stay here? Or what if these shifters treated her like her wolf pack had?<br/><br/>Warren and the two scouts headed off toward the tree line. Tinker sat still , looking after Warren with a whine and longingly over her shoulder back toward freedom, but that way was filled with threats she knew would harm her. He stopped when he noticed she hadn’t followed.<br/><br/>The blonde man slapped him on the back and chivvied him a little, guffawing at his own joke. Warren looked at her. The woman looked at her as if she were the village idiot and shook her head. Warren patted his leg imperceptibly. Tinker looked back over her shoulder one more time and reluctantly trotted to catch up to Warren.