Page 45 of Sobek’s Joy

“Perfect.” Sobek’s voice dropped, keeping his tone calm and even. “Now I want you to imagine you are her. Not just thinking about her, but imagining what it feels like to be her. Imagine your muscles changing, and your bones shifting, remembering it absolutely doesn’t hurt. This is all perfectly natural for the panther that you are.”

Rose’s face scrunched with concentration. For a moment, nothing happened. Then her hands rippled, claws extending briefly before retracting.

“You’re fighting it,” Sobek said, making sure to stay calm. It was so tempting to help her, and Sobek wanted to, but he knew Rose would be better off if she could do it herself. “Just let it happen and trust your body.”

Rose’s breath hitched, and then her towel slipped as her shoulders hunched, her spine arching. Black fur rippled across her skin, spreading from her hands up her arms. Her face elongated, nose flattening, and her ears shifted upward.

Jack gasped and clapped quietly while Timothy leaned forward as if silently urging her on.

And then Rose wasn’t a little girl anymore. She was a panther cub, small and sleek, with enormous green eyes and fur so black it seemed to absorb light.

Rudy made a choked sound. “Oh, my goodness. You’re so darn cute.”

The cub - Rose - turned her head, staring at Rudy. Then she chirped, a high-pitched sound that was distinctly pleased.

“She’s still Rose,” Sobek said quickly. “She’s fully aware of who you and her brothers are. She won’t hurt anyone.”

The cub padded toward Rudy on oversized paws, butting her head against his leg. Rudy dropped to his knees, hands hovering uncertainly.

“Can I touch her?”

“She’s your daughter. Of course.”

Rudy’s hands sank into soft fur, and Rose purred, the sound rumbling through her small body. Tears streaked down Rudy’s face, but he was smiling.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “So beautiful, baby girl.”

Rose preened, rubbing against him. Then she turned, bounding toward Jack and Timothy, who shrieked with laughter as she pounced on them.

Letting her play for a few moments, because a first shift was always an exciting time, Sobek waited until she seemed to be getting tired and then said quietly, “Rose, shift back now. It’s the same process. Just imagine your human form, feel what that feels like, and let the change come through.”

The cub sat, her tail lashing. Sobek could see the same concentration just before her body shimmered, her fur receded, and her limbs morphed into human proportions. Within seconds, Rose knelt on the floor, naked and grinning.

Rudy lunged forward with a towel, wrapping her up. “That was absolutely incredible.”

“I’m a proper panther,” Rose announced, smugly.

“You certainly are.” Sobek ruffled her curls. “That was very well done.”

Jack bounced. “My turn, now.”

“Take off the towel first.”

Jack dropped it without hesitation this time, standing with his hands awkwardly at his side. “Okay. I’m ready.”

Sobek guided him through the same process. Jack’s shift took longer. Sobek could sense his wolf was fighting him, still unsure if he should be seen, but Jack was a determined young man and when it finally happened, the transformation was smooth.

The wolf pup was all gangly legs and oversized ears, his fur a mix of gray and brown. He yipped, spinning in circles, as he chased his tail.

“Jack, focus, buddy,” Sobek said, trying not to laugh.

The pup froze, his long tongue lolling. Then he trotted over to Rudy, sat politely, and offered his paw.

Rudy’s grin was so wide as he took the paw and shook it. “Hello, Jack. You’re a very beautiful wolf. Nice to meet you.”

The pup yipped again, his tail wagging so hard his whole body wiggled. Then he bounded to Sobek, pressing against his leg, and Sobek’s heart clenched.

“Good boy,” he murmured. “You’re safe here. You can shift back now.”