Tinker leaped to her feet and shook herself from nose to the tip of her tail. She pranced along beside Warren, head high, tail high. She was so happy that she couldn’t keep her tail from wagging, swishing the air above her back. Anyone watching her follow Warren would have thought she was the prize pony in a Shriner’s parade, but Tinker didn’t know about parades or charitable organizations. She just knew that she was with her mate. She had a mate. Tinker! She! Had a mate! TINKER has a mate. Tinker HAS a mate. Tinker has A mate. Tinker has a MATE. She was so excited she wanted to pounce on the kitty in front of her and tussle, but restrained herelf because it would probably embarrass Warren.<br/><br/>Soon they rounded a corner and came to a house. The scent there was familiar. Warren indicated that she should go up the steps and through the door. She heard Warren call in pack speak,<br/><br/>“Marlene. Tinker is here.”