Kather felt his chest tighten as realization struck him like a hammer.
I knew it, he thought bitterly. I knew there had to be a catch the moment that damned Jasper started acting so considerate.
"Cheep—cheep!"
The frantic cries burst from the Burnt Dumpling, sharp and panicked.
Little female, I'm not really a bird!
"Cheep—cheep…!"
I'm a therian!
"Cheep—cheep!"
You can't agree to this. You absolutely can't!
Jasper's gaze immediately locked onto the agitated little creature. Amusement flickered across his face as he reached out and gently brushed his fingers over the freshly attached feathers Rory had painstakingly glued onto the wing molds.
With a soft chuckle, he said, "Look at that, Rory. Look how excited he is. He hasn't stopped chirping since I mentioned finding him a mate."
The Burnt Dumpling froze mid-cry.
Complete silence followed.
Unfortunately, Jasper was far from finished.
