When Old Man Dobra grabbed him months ago and asked him to come into his van, Taylor couldn't say no. When Dobra split a warm Sprite with him and added a splash of vodka to both cups (more to his own), Taylor knew to offer the old man thanks and appreciation, even if Dobra hadn't showered in a few days too many. When Dobra started to blather on about the Old Ways (he could hear the capitalization in the old man's voice), about the pack, about the ancestors, Taylor knew to look attentive and appreciative, even if it made him drink his drink all the faster. He talked about kinship and brotherhood and family, but Taylor knew who his family was and what they meant already.
"And in light of what you did to Wesley the other day, Taylor, I think it's best that we send you out into the world. This is not punishment. This is part of a destiny you have to fulfill." Said the old man in black tones.
Wesley, one of the other kids in his group, got pissed at Taylor for hitting on his girlfriend. He hadn't done what Wes said he did, not exactly. Wesley was a hothead who wanted a fight, and Taylor was glad to give it to him. When he'd landed a hard punch on Wes, though, something he didn't understand happened. His right fist--he had an almost legendary right hook among his friends--was all pins and needles, and when he struck Wes' jaw, it wasn't with his fist. His fist was there, he knew it was, but it was encased in this black... something. Like the night had closed over his hand. Wes hit the ground, white a sheet, shaking, cold, screaming like the devil was after him. He got over it, but Old Man Dobra called the families together. There were meetings. There was discussion. Dobra spent a night around a pyre made out of a metal trash can, looking for his ancestors in the smoke. It was all a lot of bullshit.
And then he was here.
Some common knowledge about Taylor:
- He's almost unnaturally good at card games.
- He isn't shy about letting people know that he's a werewolf.
- Most of the courses he's taking are of a remedial level.
- He does not initially come off as approachable, but he has yet to get into any serious altercations with other students.