Page 53 of Sobek’s Joy

The foundation had to be strengthened and fixed first. Sobek sank his awareness deep into the earth, finding every crack, every weakness, and any point where the foundation could weaken or fail. Then he simply...remade them. New concrete poured itself through magic, reinforced with wards that would last a millennium. The house would survive hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, ensuring nothing would touch his family.

The electrical system had to be tackled next. Sobek was not an expert. He had no idea what modern electrical codes were or even what they meant. But the Paulie app did. With a combination of the app’s guidance and his powers, Sobek replaced every wire, outlet, and fixture, and then added surge protection, backup generators that would activate automatically in an outage, and emergency lighting throughout.

Sobek had already had his hands on the plumbing, and he was adept at water issues. New pipes materialized, and copper and PVC arranged in efficient networks that absolutely would not leak. He upgraded the water heater, installed a whole-house filtration system, and then, because he could, he added a second bathroom upstairs because watching Rudy juggle three children and one bathroom every morning had been an exercise in patience.

New shingles appeared on the roof, the walls were insulated, and Sobek remembered to put vents in the attic, which would keep that area temperature controlled as well. The HVAC got an upgrade with zones for each room and air purification built in. Shifters had sensitive noses, so that would help as the kids got older.

As much as Sobek would love to see his family in a smarter house, he was mindful that the house had been Rudy’s decision, and the kids were comfortable here - it represented a home to them, too. So he reinforced the windows but kept their original style, and while he replaced the mechanisms on the doors, he kept them the same as well. Rudy loved his house exactly as it was, and now Sobek could feel more comfortable there knowing it was safer.

Now for the fun part. Sobek rubbed his hands together as he made his way through each room, repainting walls with a thought. He brightened Rudy’s chaotic living room scheme, and added swirls of color in the hallways that would never be approved by an interior designer, but would hopefully make Rudy smile.

The master bedroom was painted in deep blues and greens that reminded him of water. Sobek eyed the bed, and quickly swapped out the mattress for something thicker, and made the base a lot sturdier. It can’t be good for the little ones, hearing the headboard bang on the wall each night. Yes, he was grinning, but Sobek still had work to do. He could test their new bed later when the kids were in bed.

Rose’s room turned cotton-candy pink with climbing holds built into one wall, leading up to a carpeted platform near the ceiling where she could perch in her panther form. He added soft padding below and made sure every surface would stand up to shifter claws.

Jack’s room got a cozy den built into the closet, completely soundproofed, with cushions and low lighting, where a wolf pup could hide and feel safe. The walls were forest green with small painted trees, and Sobek added a window seat wide enough for curling up.

Timothy’s room...hmm…Sobek paused. Timothy’s room needed something special. Sobek loved all the children equally, but Timothy was closest to his animal side, and he’d spent too long being scared his home would be taken away from him…again.

Smiling as he pictured Tim’s reaction, Sobek raised one wall by three feet, then created a shallow pool along the floor. It wasn’t huge, only eighteen inches deep, and Sobek lined it with smooth stones, before making sure it was temperature controlled and connected to the new filtration system. A small waterfall trickled from one corner. Timothy could sleep in his crocodile form if he wanted, or shift back and climb into the regular bed Sobek positioned on a raised platform.

He stepped back, examining his work, and felt Rudy’s curiosity through their bond.

I’m almost done, he sent.

You’ve been in there for two hours.

I told you three.

Rudy’s affection flooded back. Are you sure you’re not showing off? Remember no columns or gold.

Sobek grinned and headed outside through the back door. It was the backyard that needed the most work. The grass was well over ankle deep, but Sobek ignored it and let his power sink deep into the soil beyond. The earth moved, reshaping itself according to his will. A natural pond system emerged - not a pool, but something that looked like it had always been there. Forty feet long, fifteen feet wide, and plenty deep enough for a full-grown crocodile to submerge completely.

He lined it with river stones and added aquatic plants that would thrive in Louisiana’s climate. A small beach area formed at one end, perfect for Timothy to sun himself and for Rose and Jack to have fun in the sand. At the other end, he conjured a gentle waterfall fed by a hidden reservoir that would automatically maintain water levels and temperature.

Sobek breathed out a long sigh as he threw up wards around the whole property - wards that would stop anyone with evil intent from coming onto the land and getting access to his family. Rudy and the children deserved to be safe, and Sobek would make sure nothing and nobody, could harm them.

Around the pond, he created natural climbing structures disguised as decorative rock formations. Panthers loved height, and especially surveying their territory from above. Rose would have plenty of options.

For Jack, he built a small shelter near the back fence, half-hidden by bushes he’d coaxed into rapid growth. It looked like a gardening shed from the outside, but inside was a perfect wolf’s den - cool, dark, secure, with multiple exits in case a pup needed to run. Jack would never need to escape his home, but for a wolf, those options were important to their peace of mind.

The grass became thick and soft, enhanced to withstand three shifter children playing rough. Sobek then added a patio with outdoor furniture and a built-in grill because Rudy liked the idea of cooking outside. Very homely and not a hint of gold in sight. Sobek was having fun.

Finally, he cleaned up the front yard, fixing the walkway and adding flower beds that would bloom year-round with a touch of magical maintenance. He knew Rudy wouldn’t appreciate big, showy displays, but it made the outside of the house seem more welcoming and cared for. Stepping back, Sobek surveyed the entire effect and smiled. Now he was done.

Sobek walked around to the front porch where his family waited. Timothy immediately launched himself off the blanket and wrapped around Sobek’s leg.

“Did you finish?” the hatchling demanded. “Is it done yet?”

“It’s finished.” Sobek ruffled his hair. “Did you want to see?”

All three children shouted yes, dancing all over the porch. Rudy stood more slowly, folding the blanket, his eyes locked on Sobek’s face.

“You really went overboard, didn’t you,” he said, but there was laughter in his voice.

Sobek waved his hand back and forth. “Possibly.”

“You’d better show me.”