Page 54 of Sobek’s Joy

Leading them inside, Sobek watched Rudy’s expression shift from curious to awed to absolutely delighted. His mate ran through each room, exclaiming over the improvements and the fresh paint. “You kept the colors and made them better,” Rudy cried, touching the walls as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Have a look in here.” Sobek opened a new door in their bedroom wall. “I thought you might like a new sanctuary of your own.”

“Oh, Sobek.” Rudy’s eyes widened as he stepped into his gleaming new bathroom, taking in the shiny taps and the new fitted spa bath that would easily fit two people. “You didn’t make this just for me.” He grinned as he pointed to the bath. “This is just incredible. Thank you.”

“The children have their sanctuaries too.” Sobek hoped Rudy approved of what he’d done.

In Rose’s room, she was already in her panther form, perched on her platform, her tail swishing and her eyes bright as she purred her pleasure. It took Rudy a moment to find Jack, who had disappeared into his den and refused to come out for five minutes, too overwhelmed by finally having a safe space of his own. Just down the hall, Timothy dove into his pool fully clothed, shifted into crocodile form, and swam happy circles, dragging his soggy clothes behind him.

Rudy turned to Sobek in the hallway, his eyes suspiciously bright.

“You built them all safe spaces,” he whispered.

“They’re shifters.” Sobek pulled Rudy close. “They have instincts and needs based on their animal forms. Rose needs to climb, Jack needs a den, Timothy needs water. I just...gave them what they required.”

“You gave them more than that.” Standing up on his tiptoes, Rudy kissed him hard and fast. “You showed them their home could adapt to who they truly are.”

“It’s what they deserve.” Sobek cupped his mate’s face. “And you deserve a house that doesn’t have crumbling foundations and death-trap wiring.”

“The paint…”

“Is exactly as chaotic as you wanted.” Sobek grinned. “And I can change it every week if you like.”

Rudy laughed and pulled him toward the back door. “I’m not that fickle. Show me the backyard.”

Timothy was already outside, having apparently found his way through the house in crocodile form. He’d shifted back to his human form and stood at the edge of the new pond, completely naked and dripping wet, staring at the water with his mouth open.

“Sobek,” he breathed. “It’s so big.”

“It’s big enough for both of us to swim.” Sobek knelt beside him. “Big enough for you to practice diving and hunting when you get bigger. Most of all, it’s safe. I’ve warded it so no one can ever hurt you here.”

Timothy threw his arms around Sobek’s neck. “Thank you, Papa.”

Sobek froze. Through their bond, he felt Rudy’s shock and joy. Papa. He’d never expected...never dared hope...

“You’re welcome, hatchling,” he managed, voice rough.

Rose and Jack burst through the back door, took one look at the pond, and immediately started stripping off their clothes. Rose shifted into her panther form and began climbing the rock formations while Jack, still human, waded into the shallow end of the pond.

Rudy leaned against Sobek’s side, watching their children play. “You built us a paradise.”

“I built us a home.” Sobek wrapped an arm around his mate. “One that will keep you all safe forever.”

“Even with the terrible paint choices?”

“Especially with the terrible paint choices.” Sobek kissed the top of Rudy’s head. “I’d endure a thousand interior design disasters for you.”

“Good.” Rudy grinned up at him. “Because you just know our creative children are going to have all sorts of ideas about the house now they know what you can do, especially Rose.”

Sobek groaned, but his heart was full. His family was happy, his mate was safe, and their home would stand for as long as they needed it to. Changing wall colors and adding climbing frames for over-excited panthers was a small price to pay when he’d been given so much. “So, how long do you think it will take our kids to wear themselves out?” he whispered, leaning into Rudy’s side. “I was wondering if those jets on the new spa bath work.” He winked as Rudy moaned.

Chapter Eighteen

Fortunately, the combination of playing outside, the excitement of the new pool and all the activities the kids now had access to, they finally went down for a nap a few hours later. Giving Rudy and Sobek a bit of time to check out their own new space.

The jets in the spa bath worked just fine, well better than fine, considering the way Sobek’s big body fit so perfectly behind him, the hot water bubbled around them as Rudy leaned back against his chest. But it wasn’t the massaging streams or the steam rising off the surface that had Rudy’s pulse racing. It was the way Sobek’s hands slid over his skin, slowly and deliberately, like he was memorizing every inch of him.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Sobek rumbled against his ear, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down Rudy’s spine.