Cyrus set the elegant takeout bag on the coffee table.
"Kane. What are you doing?"
"Bonding," Kane said, as if the answer were obvious. "With our baby."
Cyrus's crimson eyes narrowed, unimpressed.
"Bonding," he repeated flatly.
"Yes," Kane said brightly, ears twitching with mischief. "You know, like skin-to-shell contact. Very important for early development. Builds trust."
Cyrus arched one brow. "You made that up."
Kane's tails swished in mock offense. "I did not. I'm very well-read on parental bonding rituals, thank you."
Cyrus exhaled through his nose, the sound halfway between a sigh and a growl. He unbuttoned his jacket, shrugging it off as he circled the table.
"Put it back in the case."
"No," Kane said at once, hugging the egg closer. "Because you'll pretend it's a dead rock again. But it's not; it's alive, and it responded to me."
Cyrus stilled. His gaze flicked to the shell, then back to Kane. "You're certain?"
