Page 46 of Sobek’s Joy

Jack’s human form reappeared with barely a flicker of effort. Rudy wrapped him in a towel, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“I’m an actual wolf,” Jack said, sounding completely stunned. “Four legs, fluffy ears, and everything.”

“You are, my son,” Rudy said softly. “A very strong and amazing wolf.”

Timothy stood, clutching his towel. “Can I try?”

Sobek’s crocodile side surged forward. He couldn’t help being protective, but Sobek held him back. Again, Tim had to learn to control his own shift. “Of course.”

Timothy let the towel fall, and Sobek was struck again by how pale and fragile he appeared. But when Tim closed his eyes, clearly focusing, his shift happened instantly - smooth and effortless, as if he’d been doing it his whole life.

The baby crocodile was still very small, not much bigger than a housecat, with his dark green scales and bright, intelligent eyes. He opened his mouth, showing rows of needle-sharp teeth, then snapped it shut with a soft click.

Sobek’s chest ached. “Perfect.”

The hatchling waddled toward him, still clumsy on short legs. Sobek scooped him up, cradling him carefully, and Timothy made his own low rumbling sound, indicating he felt content and safe.

Rudy moved closer, reaching out hesitantly. “Can I?”

Sobek shifted Timothy into Rudy’s arms. The hatchling went still, staring up at Rudy with unblinking eyes. Then he chirped, nuzzling against Rudy’s chest.

“He’s so small,” Rudy whispered.

“He’ll grow. You won’t be able to get your arms around him when he reaches full size.” Sobek stroked one scaled ridge along Timothy’s back. “I’m not sure how, but he’s a Nile crocodile, so he’ll be large and very powerful someday.”

Timothy chirped again, pleased.

“Do you want to swim?” Sobek asked. Tim seemed to like the idea as his tail flicked from side to side. “That seems like a yes. Here, let me take him a moment.”

Sobek carried him to the kitchen, Rudy and the other children trailing behind. The sink was a huge farmer’s bench sink, plenty big enough for a small crocodile to take a dip in. He filled the sink with lukewarm water, then lowered Timothy in, taking it slowly in case there was any hesitation on Tim’s part. But the hatchling dove immediately, spinning underwater before surfacing with a triumphant hiss.

Rose clapped and danced around while Jack leaned over the edge, peering in. “He’s so cool.”

Timothy swam in circles, clearly showing off. Then he climbed out, scrambling up Sobek’s arm and perching on his shoulder, dripping water everywhere.

“Time to shift back, little one.” Sobek had barely said the words and Timothy reappeared. He was wet, naked, and grinning wider than Sobek had ever seen.

“That was amazing,” Timothy said between panted breaths.

Rudy wrapped him in a towel, hugging him tight. “You’re the one who’s amazing. “

Sobek watched them, realization hitting him in that moment. This was his life now - a life with his mate, his hatchlings, and his family. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. His crocodile clearly agreed as he was settled and definitely satisfied.

This is where we were meant to be. And feeling Rudy’s overwhelming love and gratitude, Sobek knew his mate felt exactly the same way.

Chapter Sixteen

“Why are you all dressed in gold?”

Rose’s question came from the living room, where she’d been playing with her brothers approximately thirty seconds ago. Rudy abandoned the laundry he’d been folding - because somehow, even with a magic-wielding ancient god in the house, laundry still needed doing - and headed downstairs.

There was a man standing in the middle of the living room. Not just any man. This one wore a gold tracksuit that looked like it escaped from a 1970s disco and never found its way home. His blond hair cascaded past his shoulders in waves that would make a shampoo commercial jealous, and his pinched features twisted into an expression of aristocratic disdain as he surveyed Rudy’s humble home.

“Who the hell are you?” Rudy demanded.

The man’s eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me? Do you know who I am?”

“No. That’s why I’m asking.” Rudy planted himself between the stranger and his children. “You’re in my house without permission, so start talking or get out.”