Chapter Fifteen #2
“She’s your daughter. Of course.”
Rudy’s hands sank into soft fur, and Rose purred, the sound rumbling through her small body. Tears streaked down Rudy’s face, but he was smiling.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “So beautiful, baby girl.”
Rose preened, rubbing against him. Then she turned, bounding toward Jack and Timothy, who shrieked with laughter as she pounced on them.
Letting her play for a few moments, because a first shift was always an exciting time, Sobek waited until she seemed to be getting tired and then said quietly, “Rose, shift back now. It’s the same process. Just imagine your human form, feel what that feels like, and let the change come through.”
The cub sat, her tail lashing. Sobek could see the same concentration just before her body shimmered, her fur receded, and her limbs morphed into human proportions. Within seconds, Rose knelt on the floor, naked and grinning.
Rudy lunged forward with a towel, wrapping her up. “That was absolutely incredible.”
“I’m a proper panther,” Rose announced, smugly.
“You certainly are.” Sobek ruffled her curls. “That was very well done.”
Jack bounced. “My turn, now.”
“Take off the towel first.”
Jack dropped it without hesitation this time, standing with his hands awkwardly at his side. “Okay. I’m ready.”
Sobek guided him through the same process. Jack’s shift took longer. Sobek could sense his wolf was fighting him, still unsure if he should be seen, but Jack was a determined young man and when it finally happened, the transformation was smooth.
The wolf pup was all gangly legs and oversized ears, his fur a mix of gray and brown. He yipped, spinning in circles, as he chased his tail.
“Jack, focus, buddy,” Sobek said, trying not to laugh.
The pup froze, his long tongue lolling. Then he trotted over to Rudy, sat politely, and offered his paw.
Rudy’s grin was so wide as he took the paw and shook it. “Hello, Jack. You’re a very beautiful wolf. Nice to meet you.”
The pup yipped again, his tail wagging so hard his whole body wiggled. Then he bounded to Sobek, pressing against his leg, and Sobek’s heart clenched.
“Good boy,” he murmured. “You’re safe here. You can shift back now.”
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.