Page 39 of Sobek’s Joy

“Our kids,” Sobek corrected.

Rudy smiled. “Our kids.”

They sat in comfortable silence, holding each other. Outside, night sounds drifted through the windows - crickets, frogs, the rustle of leaves. Inside, their family slept safely.

“I have one more question,” Rudy said eventually.

“Anything.”

“When do you think we can do the claiming thing? You mentioned sex, and I know for a fact that if there’s a night when all three children sleep right through, that’s a gift. But they’re asleep now…and I’m very interested in that part.”

Sobek groaned. “You’re going to destroy me.”

“That’s the plan.” Rudy kissed his jaw as if testing it was something Sobek wanted. “So when?”

“Whenever you want.” Sobek pulled Rudy onto his lap properly, looking at those lips that had been tempting him for weeks. “Tonight, tomorrow, next week. That will always be your choice.”

“How about tonight?”

Chapter Fourteen

Sobek’s hands tightened on Rudy’s hips, his dark eyes seeming to burn into Rudy’s soul. “You have to know that the only thing holding me back is that I’m worried you don’t understand what you’re agreeing to.”

Rudy huffed, rolling his eyes. “Oh, I get it. Forever. Big scary word. But you know what? I’ve been doing this alone for three years. I’ve been the only one making sure these kids are fed, safe, and loved. I’ve been the one staying up all night when they’re sick, the one fixing the damn doors when they break, the one worrying if I’m doing enough. And now you’re here, telling me you want to be part of this family, that you love us, but you’re suddenly all ‘oh, but Rudy, are you sure?’” He poked Sobek’s chest. “Yes. I’m sure, dammit. So if you’re serious, prove it. Claim me.”

Sobek’s breath hitched. His fingers flexed against Rudy’s skin, like he was fighting the urge to grab, to take. “You don’t know what this bond will do to you. It’s not just immortality, it’ll be me, in your head, in your veins. You’ll feel everything I feel. You’ll be tied to me in ways you can’t even imagine.”

Rudy leaned in, close enough that their lips nearly brushed. “Good. Because I’ve been tied to these kids since the second I found them, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. So if you’re offering me more - if you’re offering me you - then stop wasting the precious time we’ve been given here.”

Sobek made a sound - something between a growl and a groan - before his mouth crashed down on Rudy’s. It wasn’t gentle, and it definitely wasn’t sweet. It was hungry, as if Sobek had been starving for centuries, and Rudy was the first real meal he’d ever had.

Rudy gasped into the kiss, fingers looping at the base of Sobek’s neck. He’d imagined a scene just like this - oh, he’d imagined it - but the reality was so much better. Sobek’s hands were everywhere, mapping his body like he was memorizing every inch. One palm slid under Rudy’s shirt, calloused fingers tracing the dip of his spine before gripping his ass and hauling him flush against Sobek’s hard length.

“Bed,” Rudy managed between kisses. “Now. Unless you want the kids walking in on us.”

Sobek didn’t need to be told twice. He stood in one fluid motion, lifting Rudy like he weighed nothing, and carried him upstairs. The master bedroom was a mess - laundry half-folded on the chair, a stack of books teetering on the nightstand, the faint scent of Timothy’s baby powder still lingering from earlier. But none of that mattered when Sobek kicked the door shut and pressed Rudy against it, his mouth trailing down Rudy’s throat.

“Tell me to stop,” Sobek rasped against his skin. “One word, and I will.”

Rudy arched into the touch, his cock already aching. “Not a chance.”

Sobek’s chuckle was music to Rudy’s soul. His teeth grazed Rudy’s collarbone before he dropped to his knees, fingers making quick work of Rudy’s belt and zipper. The cool night air hit his overheated skin, but then Sobek’s mouth was on him, hot and wet, and Rudy’s head fell back against the door with a thud.

“Damn… Sobek…”

Sobek didn’t let up. His tongue swirled around the head of Rudy’s cock before taking him deep, his throat working around him in a way that had Rudy’s knees shaking. One of Sobek’s big hands gripped his hip, holding him steady, while the other cupped his balls, rolling them gently.

Rudy’s fingers scrambled for purchase, gripping Sobek’s bald head, his shoulders, the doorframe - anything to keep him upright. “Gonna…fuck, I’m gonna…”

Sobek pulled off with a wet pop, his lips swollen, his eyes dark with promise. “Not yet.”

Rudy whined, but before he could protest, Sobek stood, lifting him again and tossing him onto the bed. Rudy bounced once, then scrambled back against the pillows as Sobek loomed over him, stripping off his shirt and sleep pants.

And gods. Sobek was…well…a god. Broad shoulders, thick thighs, a chest that looked like it had been carved from stone. And his cock - Rudy’s mouth went dry - was heavy and flushed, the tip already glistening.

“See something you like?” Sobek’s voice was rough and held a hint of amusement.

Rudy swallowed. “Yeah. Now get over here.”