Page 25 of Sobek’s Joy

“Panthers don’t have alphas.”

“Well, wolves don’t have panthers.”

“Guys…”

But they were already off, chasing each other around the living room in a game that made absolutely no sense but involved a lot of shrieking and laughter.

Timothy tugged on Sobek’s shirt. “Can you sit down?”

“Why?”

“So I can sit with you.”

By the Nile, you’re so special, child, you really are. Sobek settled onto the couch, and Timothy immediately climbed into his lap, curling up like he’d done it a thousand times before. The child’s weight was slight but solid, real in a way that made Sobek’s throat tight.

“You’re warm,” Timothy mumbled, already half-asleep despite the chaos his siblings were creating mere feet away.

Sobek wrapped one arm around the small body, holding carefully like Timothy might shatter. “So are you.”

“Are you staying?”

The question was barely audible, Timothy’s face pressed against Sobek’s chest.

“For now. Yes.”

“Forever?”

Sobek looked down at the dark head tucked under his chin. At Rose and Jack racing past, wild and joyful and so heartbreakingly fragile. At the stairs where Rudy was still singing, still unaware of the ancient god sitting in his living room, cradling their son.

Their son. “I am not going anywhere,” Sobek said, low and fierce. I have to tell Rudy the truth tomorrow. I just have to.

Chapter Ten

The delivery truck rumbled up the driveway just before noon, kicking up gravel dust that hung in the humid air. Rudy set down his coffee mug and headed for the front door, mentally reviewing what he’d ordered. Paint for the kids’ rooms. New towels because Rose had somehow shredded three of them. Curtain rods, because Timothy had used the old ones as swords and bent them beyond repair.

The driver who hopped out was younger than Rudy expected, maybe mid-twenties, with sun-bleached hair and the kind of easy smile that probably worked well for tips.

“Delivery for Crisp?”

“That’s me.” Rudy pushed open the screen door and stepped onto the porch. “Thanks for bringing it all the way out here.”

“No problem.” The driver grabbed a dolly and started loading boxes. “Pretty secluded spot you got. You must get lonely.”

“Not really. I’ve got three kids who make sure I’m never lonely for even five seconds.”

“Three?” The driver wheeled the first load up the walkway, biceps flexing under his company T-shirt. “You don’t look old enough.”

Rudy laughed. “I’m twenty-eight, and they’re all under six, so do the math however you want.”

“Single dad, huh?” The driver set the boxes down with a careful thud, then straightened with that same easy smile. “That’s impressive. And kinda hot, not gonna lie.”

Heat crept up Rudy’s neck. He hadn’t been flirted with in...well, years. Since before the lottery win, before the kids, back when his life was working six days a week and cramped apartments.

“I just… I mean, you’re clearly doing an amazing job.” The driver leaned against the porch railing, apparently in no hurry. “Takes a special person to handle three little ones solo.”

“They’re good kids.” Rudy shoved his hands in his pockets so he wouldn’t fidget. “A handful, but good.”

“I bet they are. You seem like you’d be a great dad.” The smile widened. “Listen, I don’t usually do this, but if you ever want some adult company…”