Page 51 of Sobek’s Joy

But Horus was laughing, and through the bond, Rudy felt Sobek’s gratitude and love so strongly it nearly overwhelmed him.

Thank you, Sobek sent. For accepting him and for seeing past the arrogance.

He’s lonely. Rudy sent back warmth and understanding. And he’s your family. That makes him our family.

Sobek’s hand found his under the table, squeezing gently.

After lunch, Horus conjured small golden trinkets for each child - a wolf figurine for Jack, a miniature crocodile for Timothy, and a matching bracelet for Rose to go with her tiara. Then he stood in the living room, straightening his tracksuit.

“I should go,” he announced. “I have kingly duties.”

“Sure you do.” Rudy walked him to the door. “Thanks for dropping by. Next time, maybe knock first?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” But Horus’s smirk was playful now, not condescending.

He paused on the threshold, looking back at Sobek. “I’m happy for you. Truly.”

“I know.” Sobek moved to stand beside Rudy. “And your mate is out there somewhere. You just have to go and look.”

“Maybe.” Horus shrugged. “But until then, I suppose I can tolerate visiting this chaos occasionally.”

“You’re always welcome,” Rudy said, and meant it.

Horus nodded once, then vanished in a shimmer of golden light.

Rose immediately ran to the window. “He’s gone.”

“He’ll be back,” Sobek predicted. “He pretends to hate this, but he doesn’t.”

“No, he doesn’t.” Rudy leaned into his mate’s embrace. “Your family is weird.”

“Says the man raising three shifter children.”

“Fair point.” Rudy laughed and tilted his head up for a kiss. “But at least our weird makes sense.”

Chapter Seventeen

“The foundation is compromised.”

Rudy looked up from where he was sorting through the children’s outgrown clothes. “What do you mean?”

“The foundation of this house.” Sobek tapped his foot against the floor. “It’s cracking in at least six places. And the electrical system is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Don’t even get me started on the plumbing after that burst pipe.”

“We fixed the pipe.”

“We fixed one pipe.” Sobek crossed his arms. “The rest of the system is fifty years old and corroding. Rudy, this house needs serious work.”

“I know, I know.” Rudy returned to folding small shirts. “I’ve been saving up to hire contractors, but I’ve been a bit wary about having workmen here, and with three kids, the finances…”

“Let me fix it.”

Rudy’s hands stilled. “Fix what exactly?”

“Everything.” Sobek moved closer. “The foundation, the wiring, the plumbing, the roof that’s missing twelve shingles, the HVAC system that sounds like it’s dying every time it turns on…”

“Okay, okay, I get it.” Rudy set down the shirt. “But contractors are expensive, Sobek. With the kids only just learning to control their shifts, I’m not sure having strange people around the house…”

“I wouldn’t use contractors.” Sobek knelt beside him. “I’d use the powers I came into being with.”