Page 31 of Sobek’s Joy

Rose twisted in his grip to look up at him. Her eyes were entirely golden now, cat-pupils wide. “You fixed him.”

“I helped him.”

“Good.” She nodded firmly. Then her gaze traveled to Jack. “Your face is fuzzy.”

Jack’s hands flew to his cheeks, finding the fur that covered his jawline. “So is yours.”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Yeah-huh. Look.” Jack pointed.

Rose examined her arms, discovering her claws and fur. “Oh. Cool. I guess that sort of thing’s allowed now.”

They both turned to Rudy, whose face had gone pale beneath his freckles.

“Daddy?” Jack’s ears drooped. “Are you mad?”

“I...” Rudy’s gaze swept from Jack’s wolf features to Rose’s panther traits to Timothy’s full crocodile form. His chest rose and fell rapidly. “I’m not mad.”

“You look scared,” Rose said.

“I’m not scared of you.” Rudy’s voice strengthened. “I could never be scared of you three. Not ever.”

Jack’s ears perked up slightly. Rose’s tail - tail? when had that appeared? - twitched.

“But you’re confused,” Sobek said quietly.

“That’s putting it mildly.” Rudy pushed himself to his feet. His legs trembled, but he stayed upright. He looked at Jack’s wolf ears, Rose’s claws, and then Timothy’s sleeping crocodile form. Then his gaze locked on Sobek. “However, you seem to think all this is perfectly normal, so you need to explain. Right now.”

Sobek stood slowly, Rose still cradled in his arms. Her claws pricked through his bare skin, but didn’t break it. Jack pressed against his leg, seeking comfort.

All three children were watching Rudy with wide, worried eyes, even Timothy, who’d cracked one amber eyelid open.

“You deserve the truth,” Sobek said. “All of it.”

“That would be nice.” Rudy’s voice came out thin. “Because right now I’m wondering if I’ve been hallucinating for three years or if I’ve lost my mind or if…” He broke off, pressing his hands to his face. “Just tell me. Please.”

Sobek shifted Rose’s weight. “Perhaps we should go downstairs.”

“Perhaps you should start talking.”

“Daddy’s using his scary voice,” Rose whispered.

“Shh,” Jack hissed.

Rudy dropped his hands. “I’m not scary. I’m just...” His gaze found each child in turn. “I love you three. You know that, right? Nothing changes that. Nothing on this Earth or beyond will ever change that.”

“Even if Jack is a wolf?” Rose asked.

“Even if Rose is a kitty?” Jack added.

“Even if Timothy is a crocodile?” Rose finished.

“Especially because of all that.” Rudy’s voice cracked. “You’re my kids. Mine. I don’t care if you’re wolves or kitties or crocodiles or tiny purple dinosaurs. You’re mine.”

Jack burst into tears, and Sobek could feel his relief. He wondered how long the young boy had been terrified of being found out…been scared because of what he was. Clearly, Tim’s shift had cleared the air in that respect. Jack launched himself at Rudy, wrapping his arms - still covered in fur - around Rudy’s waist.

Rose squirmed in Sobek’s grip. “I want a Daddy hug, too.”