Age: 27
Race: Shifter (Werewolf)
Physical Description:
Human: Tall, lanky and handsome
, Shade is a man after any girls heart. He has a deep purring voice with a devilish grin, his dark green eyes luring in unsuspecting females. His skin is tanned a sun kissed gold while his hair is thrown back in a bad boy tangle, its black locks soft to the touch and cast an almost forbidding shadow across his smirking face. His square chin in covered in a five-o'clock stubble while his muscled chest has is completely clean. His body is tall and his shoulders are wide, his hands are large but soft as a baby butt.Werewolf: A 7"1 tall 270 pound dog-like creature with yellowed fangs and bright green eyes. His ears are large and bat like while his muzzle is a solid and square. He's covered in a coarse black pelt with a shaggy appearance and a lanky build. His long tail has softer hair that sways in breezes and whenever he's happy. His 'hands' are long, bony and like the rest of him covered in thick fur. His fingertips and palms have black dog pads that help grip things and his 'nails' turn into black talons that extend nearly an inch from his fingertips. His breathing comes out in deep growls and his lips are usually curled up slightly in a threatening snarl.
Wolf: As a canine Shade is a shaggy beast with a long pink tongue and a wagging bushy tail. His back is level at three feet while his head when raised reaches a bit over three and half feet off the ground. His paws are about the size of a soup bowl while his head is shaped square and solid. His muzzle is heavy set with slightly yellowed teeth and a wet black nose to match. His eyes are wide, green and luring as if he can pull your thoughts from your mind and know what your thinking. His thick neck is often arched in a proud stance as he peers around him with interest. Dark lips curl up in a friendly smile as he pants pleasantly at passing people, his large bat like ears pricked at the whispers of woman voices. A soft tongue often licks the cheeks of children and the hands of maidens whom he deems of interest. If he's traveling he will often carry his clothes in his mouth but when in an emergency he doesn't take the time to remove them, wearing them despite them being tight against his body. He likes to run without them though so he prefers to be naked as a dog. Shaggy black fur gets tugged and yanked on but he simply nudges the 'attackers' away with a push of his nose or a careful prod of a paw.
Possessions:
A dark red vest that hangs loosely off his shoulder that remains open enough to show of his manly goods. He wears this in both his human form and his werewolf form as it will fit both.
a dark gray pair of trousers that remains on him and has a loose stitch over a hole in the rear (for his tail in his wolf or werewolf form). They are well clean and taken care of as he thinks hygiene is one of the more important facts of life. Though he will get dirty if a lady is involved he prefers to remain unsmelly and look reasonable.
A Sand colored Sash that loops through his trousers and ties them firmly to his hips. Beneath the sash he hides his money pouch and a dagger in case of 'slight incidents'. He has it tied in a knot that will loosen when he transforms, keeping his pants on him so he remains somewhat covered in his half form. The sash also helps hide the hole in his trousers for his tail.
Traveller's boots: A well worn pair of boots that are a heavy brown and dusted from walking. They aren't the most fashionable thing in the world but they've protected his feet for miles and he's a little attatched to them.
Shoulder bag: More of a sac he throws over his shoulder, Shade often carries about something that looks a lot like a coal bag. This is where he keeps his belongings. He carries an old herbs book from his mother, a pair of clothes, some soap, knife, food and water. He will also be known to carry around ale once in a while despite his normally sober appearance.
Herbal Book: A book filled with different descriptions of herbs for healing, poison, and antidotes. Unfortunately though this is an old book that went though some rough journeys so some of the pages are missing and the writing is also sometimes smudged out.
*Spiked Collar*: A leather collar that was put onto him during his time in the slammer. Its made of a creaking old dog collar that the guards 'installed' iron spikes facing inward. The collar is large and thick and has been enchanted making him unable to take it off. Its large enough that his wolf form can handle it without damage but unfortunately his werewolf form's neck is too thick and should he tranform it will puncture his neck and kill him.
*Enchantment* Shade's collar has been enchanted so he is unable to take it off without the assistant of somebody from the guard command. It will often shock him if he tries to take it off. It also as something of a tracking device on it.
Powers or Strengths:
Transformation: Shade is a shifter, meaning he can transform into a wolf or a werewolf at will. The transformation however is painful and long (nearly five to ten minutes) so Shade will avoid it unless he really has too. He is unable to go as a werewolf due to his collar so he's stuck as human or wolf.
Battle: Different forms is different Techniques that he uses to fight. Though untrained he can fight off a single or possibly two assailents but cannot fight against a group of them. He'll fight people his strength or weaker but should they be trained, have weapons or be an overall better fighter chances are Shade will lose the battle and/or flee.
As a wolf Shade uses power and technique. He will gash out the throat of his enemies with his teeth, break their bones with his weight and often claw their flesh apart with his dull nails. His jaws are powerful enough to break the neck of a deer but cannot dent steel.
Werewolf Shade is four times more poweful as a werewolf then a normal man. He uses his fangs to tear apart, his clawed hand to gash out. He uses mostly power in this form as he feels invincible so he doesn't usually dodge. This causes issues if the enemy uses silver weapons...
Man : In this form Shade uses technique and smarts to win battles. Though he's strong enough to fight off a single he isn't if he has to fight off a group of 'em. He will use an opponent's attack against them if he can and if he can't then he goes for all fists. Not really a technique but it works for him.
Side note: Shade will run from a battle if he deems nessicary
Lady Killer: Shade has no second thoughts about using his charms to get what he wants. If he feels like getting a free meal he'll bat his eyes and flirt with the waitress/owner and get it. If he wants information he turns his voice husky and can usually turn a stoic woman scarlet. The downfall is this gets other males angry with him and usually gets him run out of town.
Pick Pocketing : Shade can steal anything from coin to maps to jewelry from a rich woman's finger. Often he steals from richer looking woman, distracts them with a couple of chuckles and flirty pick up lines, then walks off as if bored while his hands are full of money. Sneaky little bugger ain't he?
Heightened Senses: Shade can see, smell and hear better than an average human which he uses to his advantage. He'll listen to the gossip or whispers of passing people while remaining hidden (quite a perk) and he can often track people from a distance by using sight and smell. Unfortunatly this also makes it rather difficult to work in the industry section of the city due to the sound and smells.
Street Smart: Shade knows the basics of how to live on the streets. He knows who to avoid, who to steal from, and most of all how to kill if needed. He tends to try to look the other way when somebody is in trouble and will often try to stick his nose in his own buisness. He will however step in if a child or woman is involved and only if it doesn't seem like too much of a fight. Men however are completely on their own.
Loyal: To those he actually sees as his friends he will defend and help out when he's needed. Unfortunately the list is rather short and he hides whom he befriends from everybody including his friends so nobody actually knows what side of the line their on. The only ones truely safe from his wrath is Rebbeca and Lucy, his current 'owners'.
Man of Many Faces: Shade is a man whose true thoughts are rarely shown. He says and acts one way but he can think and feel another.It's often hard to predict what he's thinking or what he'll do making him a dangerous ally or foe.
Honor: Even as a child Shade had this odd sense of good despite his bad behaviors. It was something his mother often encouraged after all, and if it was for his mother he'd do it. She would tell him to 'be brave and loyal' and 'fight for justice'. Which he thought he was doing by justly putting all the stupid minions in place with the swat of a hand. He'd 'bravely' stand against the hordes of them and make them 'loyal' to his cause. Now older Shade knows really what she means yet still does his own version. 'Protect the kids and woman, kill the men, and don't mess with charity'. He keeps his morals close to him, continuing to live by his Mother's influence in a way to try and redeem himself despite her not even knowing half of what he does. For instance, he hasn't killed any males in a while and he treats girls right so that basically what Mother wanted. Meh, close enough right?
Weakness:
Man of Many Faces: Because Shade is so hard to read many people are too unnerved by him to 'join up' or make 'deals' with him. His lack of honesty in his expressions give him an almost insane feel, his ability to change his faces in the blink of eye makes his sanity often be questioned by potential allies. Even Rebecca and Lucy aren't sure what he feels half the time as he hides his thoughts from them as well.
Untrained: Shade vaguly knows how to use a bow and is rather crummy with a knife. He mostly sticks to his fists, teeth and claws when fighting. He will use nearby weapons in a last ditch attempt but this is only its the last option. He also isn't trained to dodge so he will take hits more than avoid them which if the enemy has a weapon can cause issues. Its not that he doesn't want to dodge the attacks but his reaction time is just a bit too slow.
Terror technique: Shade isn't used to being friendly with other males, especially those who are going against his plans. Since he is forced to be less violent at the moment he settles into seething, yelling, and often scaring his way to his goals. This will most likely backfire on him one of these times as he doesn't seem to understand if you scare the wrong person you'll end up dead.
Irresponsible: Shade was never taught to be responsible. He never did chores, or helped out around the house. He never even worked to earn pay, his family was too busy trying to keep him from attacking others. So now he has no concept of it. He doesn't stick to jobs for long, he will often do a half ass job if he does have a job, or he will leave without even letting anybody know. On his journey before jail he drank and wooed with woman without thinking of the consequences or even about how the woman would feel when he would leave by morning. He's left children behind without a glance and will often dodge responsibly like the plague. He seems a bit better with Rebbeca and Lucy though once he forgot to get Lucy from the park where he had left her three hours earlier. That did not end well.
Arrogant: As said in the last weakness Shade isn't used to people standing in his way and will often expect people (lesser or no) to bend to his will. He makes a plan and sees it through, cocky with an arrogant air around him that often puts off whomever has to deal with him.
Silver: Shade cannot touch silver. A single touch can cause welts while prolonged touch will kill him. Basically if its a little bit of silver on for the whole day he'll have welts all over his body, if its a lot of silver and on him for an hour then he'd most likely die. It all depends on the ratios on how painful and how quick his death is.
Pride: Despite being a rather nasty sounding fellow Shade has his pride. He won't hit a child or woman, he doesn't steal from the poor, and most of all he won't turn his back on those he gives his word to. He may be an jerk sometimes but if he prides himself in honor and honesty. Unfortunately he actually has to say 'I give my word' or else he doesn't see it as a promise and will probably back stab the poor bastard.
Rage: Shade has a nasty temper and a short fuse. When he's calm he can be dealt with but unfortunately when he's snapped Shade had a habit of transforming into Werewolf form and going hog wild. The collar prevents his transformation right now but that doesn't mean he doesn't get violent and dangerous.
History:
Shade was never a responsible man. As a child he was arrogant and pushy, as a teenager he was wickedly plotting and drank. Now as an adult he is a mix of all of it with a drop of protective instincts for his currently housemates. He works for both guards and underground a like depending on whose paying him more. Born and raised in a small city not far from Marn, he grew up among the wanna be gang of `Tishok`.
At the age of five Shade was the bully on the playground. He shoved other kids, sneered at his teachers and more often then not ended up in the corner with a dunce cap on his head. He didn't care though because he had power. All he had to do was raise his voice or glare at a child and it would run scampering, tail between its miserable legs. His parents believed the teachers of course, seeing as he often acted out against his father. Twice he got kicked out of school, two more times he was beaten and sent to bed for 'misbehaving'. Shade continued his behaviors despite that, stopping only once when another boy broke his nose.
Seven years old Shade lost his temper completely. He had gotten into a fight with his father, screaming and kicking as he fought over some petty argument. He lost his temper and transformed into a nasty creature, fangs baring and claws clenched. His father being a shifter as well was able to bring him down and force him to change back but not until his face was gashed and the house was in shambles. Terrified his parents tried to contain him, frightened that if they let him leave the house he'd kill someone. It worked for a little while, but he soon became edgy and angry. He blamed his father for the lockup, screaming his hate at him until his mother began to cry. Only when he saw her tears did he stop his ruckus though he was still attacking any man who dared strayed near. At the age of nine he broke out and took to the streets. The street however wasn't a picnic for him either.
Beaten, chased and often sleeping hungry Shade learned to fight out of desperation. For two years he struggled to remain fed enough to survive, learning quickly to avoid the cold glares of the underground. He saw men more like enemies as the richer ones hit him with sticks and sneered, while the poor ones often fought with him over warm places and food. The woman however were kinder, sharing their goods with the starved boy and often sneaking a couple coins in his hands behind their husbands back. He trusted the females, learned them by name and acted with affection. The males he hated worse then before, still remember the poor treatment from his Father.
He had slipped up though, showing aggression towards a male too strong for him to fight. He'd just found a warm place for the night, a bench with newspaper on its top and two solid legs to help block the wind. Crawling under he settled in, shivering but alive as he dozed off. He awoken with a sharp kick to the ribs. Surprised and groggy Shade took staggering swing before he even looked, his fist landing hard on the cheek of a thug. Seeing his mistake he panicked and tried to run but of course he was caught and beaten. A silver knife carved a large 'X' in his shoulder, deep but not fatal as a reminder whom the streets belonged to. Sobbing and pained Shade dragged himself away and under a porch of a nearby farmhouse where the boy who broke his nose lived. Recognizing Shade the boy brought him in, carrying him to the table as the boy's mother dressed his wounds and his father went for Shade's family. For a year Shade cowered at the sight of a male, his shoulder scarred and sore as it healed slow. Twice the doctor had to cut it open again to let out infection, another time he had debated cutting off his arm completely. But by the end of it all he kept his arm and hated men all the more.
His parents had hoped the experience would tame his temper and settle him down but unfortunately it did the opposite. Obsessed with becoming stronger Shade trained mentally and physically in any spare moment he had. As his muscles grew so did his control. He learned that using his brain more than muscle he could win a battle without blood, learned to plan ahead and think through his anger. He had become brawn with brain, a dangerous fellow to cross.
At the age of seventeen he did something that changed his path permanently. He'd taken up the habit of stalking the streets, sniffing out criminals by rooftops to listen to the gossip of the underground. In werewolf form it was easy of course, he could cling to the roofing shingles while his dark fur masked him in shadow. So he often lay nearby the gang roof, listening with interest.
It was during his eavesdropping that he heard a plot to overthrow their `leader` unfold, whispers of poison and a rebellion. Spotting his chance Shade listened intently to them, growling as he shivered with anticipation. He memorized their faces, listen for names and most of all, took in the details.
Sneak in the Leader's hideout while one distracted him with a report. Pour a vial of poison into the wine for Leader's supper. Pretend to be shocked and pin the blame on the leader's woman. Kill her for 'vengeance'. Pay off the higher ups to get into Leader position. A simple but deadly plan and if Shade played his cards right, it would work in his benefit. Turning tail he galloped back to the thug's hideout, greeting the shocked thugs with a wolfy grin.
Meeting with the leader, he was bound and human as he marched with a wise-ass grin stuck on his face. As expected the Leader couldn't believe this crazy man, scoffing and glaring as he listened to the plot`s outline. So Shade bargained a bet with the older man, knowing full well that this leader didn't fall back on his word nor did he refuse a bet. So he laid his bait.
"In two days this plan will happen." Shade said cockily as he grinned knowingly at the now irritated man. "On that day order an underling to drink your wine, or even switch it with one of theirs. If the other bastard doesn't die, you can do what you wish with me. If he does, then I walk free. Do we have a bet?"
"You're arrogance is too large for a nobody." The leader sneered despite the interested glint in his eye. He thought it over with a frown, eyeing the teenager with warily. "Why would they want to kill me?"
"Who knows?" Shade chuckled. With that he was lead away to the dungeons where he was locked up for the next two days.
Sure enough in two days the Leader demanded that the rebel thug drink his wine in his stead. The rebel paled and refused, his wide eyes flicking to his companions. They glared back, knowing that their plan was revealed and thinking he was the rat. The traitors were taken below to the torture chambers where Shade could hear their screaming causing him to grin with triumph. A couple hours later Shade was brought up and put before the leader once more, earning behind him the odd stares and shocked eyes. Turning to the leader Shade smiled politely.
"I see you're still alive." He said cheekily. He was rewarded with a glare. "I take it you realized I was telling the truth then?"
"You`re pretty wise for letting me know. I could snap you in half with my one hand but clearly you aren`t worth my time. So tell me instead why you brought this plan to my ears hm?"
"It seemed fun." came the airy reply. A smirk grew across Shade's face as he chuckled darkly. "Besides, we wouldn't want a greedy fool in charge of a guild of thugs eh?"
"Of course not." He snorted as he raised his chin with a sniff. "We wouldn`t want just anybody to run this terror of a gang. Yes, it would be disasterous, especially if a certain... insignificant somebody with far less courage then I would not do."
"So, how about our deal gets finished and I released hm?" Shade hummed winking. The leader glared. The thugs bristled. Shade didn't bat an eye. "We wouldn't want a dishonest man in charge either."
The Leader glared at him as he turned scarlette, his lips curling up in a snarl. He stamped forward, stopping only when he was toe to toe with the smiling teenager. Grabbing his shackles he lifted the teenager a couple inches from the floor, snarling into his face as he glared.
"Drop the act wise ass. I know you`re scared."
"Of you?" Shade scoffed as he opened an eye to grin madly at the leader. "Why would I be afraid of a coward who hides behind the faces of his men? Why not unlock these chains so you and I can have a real mans fight, eh?"
His answer was a punch to the gut that left him gasping. He threw up on the ground, his eyes watering as he struggled to replace the air that had been shoved from his lungs. He glared up at the man with hate.
"That wasn`t very honourous of you." Shade sneered as he forced himself upright. He glared venomously at the sneering man. Standing back to his original height he bared his teeth in a wild grin that nearly resembled a wolf. Then he unleashed something they hadn`t seen before and nobody expected. Snapping the shackles that bound his hands as though it was nothing, he felt the familiar burn of transformation. He unleashed the rage of the werewolf.
Shade fled that night, dodging the revenge thirsty thugs as he ran to his house as a werewolf. He came through the door pale and shaken to a worried mother and an angry father. Explaining what he did and how he had killed the leader of the gang he watched as his mother wept, his own heart sinking as he saw her tears. His Father just turned purple before turning away, grabbing a bag and shoving it into Shade's chest.
"It is your problem. You will leave." his Father said flatly as he gave his son a blank stare. "We will stay here. Help him pack Martha, he has a lot he needs before he runs away."
Many tears were shed from his mother as she packed his clothes, weeping for the son she now lost. Shade remained quiet beside her, occasionally whispering and nudging her as he tried to comfort her. She simply shook her head as she sobbed, running from the room when it became too much to bear. That night Shade tied his sash around his pants and went for the door. He barely made it out of the gate before his mother caught up to him, clutching an old worn book in her bony fingers.
"Take this." she whispered softly, tears streaming down her normally dry face. Shade hesitantly took the book, glancing through the pages. His heart sank when he realized what it was.
"You're herbal book." he whispered softly. "You made this when you were my age."
"Yes and now you're taking it with you. It tells you what will hurt or heal you and where to find them. I even drew the pictures and described the plants on the page." his mother chuckled half hearted. Looking up at her son she smiled at him sadly. "Make use of it son, and maker protect you."
"I'll be fine Mother." Shade whispered hugging her close. "I'll write if I can."
Nodding his mother squeezed him back, releasing him only at the call of her husband. Turning her eyes back towards the desperate looking son she watched as he slowly turned and began walking down the road once more though this time he wasn't heading home.
For five years Shade wandered from town to town, never staying longer than he needed to as he drank and wooed the local female brigade. He learned how to barter and rip off people. He also learned how to survive out in the wilderness, often changing into a wolf during travel to scare away potential predators. He learned how to run away from guards, dodging them as best he could. After all, many a fathers had a price on his head for 'deflowering' maidens. On the verge of the sixth year Shade was captured and brought in, ratted out by a local drunk that had heard of him from a friend.
Shade had fought capture however, changing into Werewolf form as he snapped his fangs and lunged for the nearest guard. To his surprise a shield stuck his face instead and he staggered back, stunned at the sudden pain. Before he shook it he cornered and beaten until he changed back into a human form where he was shackled with heavy iron cuffs and a thick spiked collar. Taken to prison in Marn Shade was jailed for the next two years.
At first Shade made the other prisoners cackle, sneering and laughing as they jibbed at the 'fresh meat'. The jokes stopped though when one of the fools grabbed the bread from his plate and was promptly thrown hard onto the floor, breaking his neck and killing him on impact. Realizing his truly crooked nature they backed off. Only the braver ones came close, often joking and laughing timidly as they tried to befriend the violent male. At first they thought they succeeded but when one of the 'friends' was turned on and slaughtered they quickly realized their predicament. As did the guards apparently as he was prompty moved to the lower levels, given his own cell, and was prompty left alone by many of the people.
Shade was a mad man, turning on any male that dare defy his space or commands. For the rest of the two years Shade was avoided, nicknamed 'Wolfman' and often got a wider berth than necessary, guards and passing people avoiding his bars the best they could. Becoming something of a 'guard dog' he was taken on patrols around the city as a wolf, collared by a thick enchanted leather collar. He was leashed and paraded around like a monster, snarling and growling as he snapped at anybody too close to them. Pleased with their new weapon the guards took him out more and more, laughing and taunting the passing beggers or traveling peasants to come close. He hated the guards as well but the chance to leave his cell was inviting so he put up with them, stretching his legs as he allowed himself to be pranced about like a show dog.
A year later Shade walked out of the jailhouse with a growl, his cool eyes eyeing the guard with dull interest. A slow smirk slid onto his face as he straightened and eyed his surroundings with an almost hungry expression. Noticing it the guard growled lowly.
"Remember the rules." he snapped at the pleased looking male. "No leaving town, no breaking the law. No more maiden tainting either. If we call, you come. Dammit boy, and behave yourself. Got it? One wrong move and you're back in the rot hole."
"Yessir." Shade purred as he turned his eyes back to the guard. "I'll behave."
"I know you Wolfman. I want you're word."
Shade scoffed at him but the guard remained firm. Sighing Shade scratched his stubbled chin thoughtfully, his lips frowning slightly as he looked at the cloudy sky. "What if the maidens come to me? Must I turn them down?"
"If ya want a woman go to the brothels. No more maidens!" The guard said firmly. "Now stop your stalling and give me your damn word!"
"Alright, alright." Shade grumbled as he sighed. "I give you my word, I will do as you say. I will not deflower maidens, I will not leave town and I shall behave to the best of my abilities. Is that good enough to satisfy your taste?"
"Yeah. Now get goin'. Don't forget that collar's got a tracker on it. You run, we'll find ya."
"Yessir." With that Shade trotted down the stairs, across the street and into the crowd. Snorting and breathing deep the smell of nasty city air. He ignored it, too happy to be jogging in the sun to care of the stench. He surrounded himself with people, occasionally pick pocketing for fun. He actually got a pretty ring out of it much to his pleasure. By nightfall he found himself in the slums of the town, tilted homes and all. That night Shade curled up as a dog with his clothes tucked under his belly. Sleeping underneath a crooked porch, Shade's tail wagged lazily even in sleep as he snored loudly in contentment.
That morning however he stiffened and growled lowly, sensing a presence coming close. It sounded small and unbalanced, like a child almost. Blinking Shade slowly raised his head and cocked it curiously as he glanced behind him. A toddler stared back. She gargled at him, grabbing his nose with small fingers as it pulled and tugged on whatever it had nearby. He winced at a rather hard pat on his eye, whining a little as he tried to pull free without knocking the child down. Unfortunately the little girl was determined to hang on, clutching to him with a fury as she began sniffing, tears welling in her eyes. Bursting into a wail she hit his head again with clenched fists.
Her mother heard the crying and came to investigate, her panicked face peering under to spot the huge dog that her daughter was currently pulling on. Spotting the other woman Shade froze, knowing full well what was going through her mind. Whining pathetically Shade tried to pull free again, turning large pouting eyes to the mother with a whimper. Slowly the woman crept under as well, her eyes flickering nervously from the dog to her child. Shade remained still, dropping his eyes to look at a nearby plant.
Slowly working the fingers free from his fur she pulled her child away, backing up with her eyes locked on the dog. He laid his head on his paws and watched her with the best cute expression he could muster. When she was free she ran into the house, locked the door and called for the guard. Within minutes a group of three came running, two crossbows trained on the porch while the third edged closer sword drawn. Seeing the sheepish looking dog the guard groaned.
"It's just Shade." the third reported flatly. "Looks like he was sleeping."
"Shade?" The woman gasped terrified. "H-He's a guard dog?"
"Somethin' like that. Let him out yesterday." The third shrugged. "Sorry for the scare ma'am. I doubt he meant any harm. He doesn't hurt woman, or any female for that matter."
"Let him out?" Now the mother frowned. "Why did you let him go?"
"He's not a dog ma'am. He's a shifter." The first answered matter-of-factly. "He was jailed a couple years ago but he got let out on account for 'good behavior'. Don't worry, he wouldn't hurt you or your daughter. He just doesn't like men."
"Jailed?" The mother gaped at the three guards. "Did he get jailed for murder?"
"No ma'am I didn't." Shade rumbled from beneath the porch. Slowly dragging his clothed human body from his sleeping spot he chuckled sheepishly. Glancing up at the pale woman he scratched the back of his head with a merry laugh. "I apologize for the scare. You're porch looks comfortable and it was late..."
"If you didn't kill, why did you get jailed?" The mother asked frowning. Shade hesitated before blushing with a little hum of embarrassment. Coughing into his sleeve he glanced away with a quirked eyebrow. Realizing what it was the mother couldn't help but giggle. "Oh I see."
"Sorry for the disturbance. We'll get this ladies man out of here." The guard snorted with a sharp glare in the shifter's direction. He stared back in response, his eyes narrowing in irritation. The guards met it tensely, clenching their weapons in a subtle warning.
"I wasn't a disturbance." Shade scowled angrily. "I was sleeping."
"You caused that poor woman up there to get in a tizzy. That is disturbance." The second snapped. "Move it. You're taking up this lovely ladies time."
Shade scowled a little more before turning and stomping his way back towards the street. He heard the guards snort before giving the woman some cheesy pick up lines as they followed after him. The woman ignored them, her eyes following the man.
"Wait! Shifter!" She called waving her hand suddenly. "Come back here!"
Startled Shade and the guards turned and stared at the woman like she lost her mind, which she was beginning to wonder herself. Slowly he smirked as he came back towards her, curious but friendly he came to her window.
"Yes Ma'am?" He asked politely.
"You're a guard dog right?" She asked slowly, her eyes unsure but thoughtful.
"Of the sorts I suppose." Shade said frowning. "Why?"
"You don't have a place to stay either than?"
"No ma'am."
"A job?"
"No. I just got out yesterday afternoon." Shade glanced back at the guards. They looked just as confused as he felt. Curling his lip up slightly he smirked up at her with a luring twinkle. "Why? Do you have a... proposition for me?"
"I have an offer." She said sharply. Settling she glanced at the guards. "Rules are to be followed, expectations and all."
"Of course." He agreed pleasantly.
"You guard my house as a dog, I'll let you sleep here. I'll even throw in a meal or two for morning and evening. I don't have money to pay you so that's all you'll get but it would be something." She said glancing at him warily. "We need protection in this part of the city, and if you're as feared as these guards are leading me on to believe you'd be a good choice."
"Leading you to believe? They never told you I was dangerous." Shade frowned now.
"Even after you turned human they still have their weapons out." She pointed out with a quirked eyebrow. "That would mean your dangerous to them, am I wrong?"
""No I suppose not." Shade hummed with amusement. "You've got quite the head on your shoulders."
"It comes naturally." she shrugged. "So will you or shall I find something else?"
"Alright." Shade nodded as he came close to the windowsill and reached up. "You have a deal ma'am. I'll guard you and your family with my life, you have my word."
"Good." She snorted shaking his hand. "Come in then, we'll sort out rules and conditions."
Shade nodded again as he let go of her (oddly soft and pleasantly warm) hand. Turning he walked to the porch, jumped onto it and swaggered calmly to the door. Sparing a glance at the dumbstruck guards he cackled mentally as he shot an smug grin over his shoulder.
"Are you going to wave you ego at the poor guards some more or come in?" The woman said irritably. Shade turned back with a sheepish smile before trotting inside, the thick oak door closing heavily leaving the guards still gaping outside.
For over a year now Shade's lived with the small family. The mother (Lucy) often comments how he's become part of the family and as part of the family he should find a job and help pay the bills. Shade often cackles at that but does as hes told with little resistance, knowing full well if he didn't he'd get his arse whooped. That and he just likes making her happy. Her little man friends on the other hand were free game, often snapping and growling at any possible wooers. Effective and amusing to passing women he became the terror of men, often making males quicken their steps when he sat on the porch eyeing them suspiciously.
The daughter (Rebecca) giggles often when he grumbles about them, still pulling on his ears even as a human. He doesn't mind it much except when her friends join in and demand for 'pony rides'. By the end of that he usually has a sore back and bruises down his sides. He doesn't care much for it but heck, if it makes Bec happy he'd suffer the stupid bratty kids that try repeatable to braid his hair. Even the little boy he'd put up with despite being a male. All to make her happy.
Every night he sleeps soundly at the end of Bec's bed as a wolf, using the skills he got in jail to listen for disturbances around the house while keeping the nightmares away. More than once he woke up to clutching fingers and whimpers that he's nuzzled and licked away. More than once he also took out an invader whether it be a new boyfriend from Lucy (He gets jealous) or a robber. Both of which felt his wrath despite Lucy's protests. Content, Shade will defend the family and his new home with his life. Much to the annoyance of the guards.
