Warren was lost in his thoughts as he lead the way to Marlenes home. He thought it time to explain some things to Tinker. Though he did not know how to start. So he decided to stop near a small half frozen pond. He looked out over the unfrozen part of the water.<br/><br/>"Tinker..... I know you have heard others mention a mate several times..... There is a reason for that. You see. Shifters have four forms. Human and their true animal being the basic ones. One of the others is a semi-shift. It is often done the first few times when learning to control the shift from human to animal or vice versa. The fourth...... It is a true half-shift. Half human, and half beast. It is said that only true mates can do such a shift. The presence of your true mate will trigger the shift in time. Or in distress. Such as when I was angry over the others treatment of you. I......Well Tinker..... I think you are my mate. My true mate. You may not feel the bond between us. But I do." He looked at her as his heart was laid bare in his eyes for her.<br/><br/>"You see, shifters live a very long time. I am... Old.....I am 150 years old in human years. I sense you are very young. It scared me at first. I tried to mate before...... It ended very.... Painfully. I lost....." He shook his head, unable to continue as a tear streaked his face. He knelt and put a hand on Tinkers shoulder.<br/><br/>"If you wish to be my mate, then I will be very happy. And if you dont, then I will respect your wishes and not speak of it further. It will be hard, but I can block the pull of the bond." He looked at her so she could see the truth in his eyes. If she turned him away, then he would go. He would not force the choice or be bitter over it.