Page 37 of Sobek’s Joy

“That’s the claiming side of things.” Sobek met Rudy’s eyes. “Right now, we’re acknowledged mates. I know you’re mine, you’ve accepted me. But we’re not claimed yet.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Claiming requires...” Sobek paused, searching for the right words and determined not to blush. He was thousands of years old, for goodness’ sake. “Physical intimacy. Sex, specifically. When we come together in that way, the bond will be complete. You’ll feel it like I do, the connection between us. You’ll sense my emotions and know when I’m nearby. And I’ll be able to find you anywhere, no matter the distance.”

“Oh.” Rudy’s cheeks went bright red. “So we have to...”

“Only when you’re ready,” Sobek cut in quickly. “There’s no rush. The bond exists whether we claim it tomorrow or in ten years. I can wait.”

Rudy bit his lip. “What if I said I didn’t want to wait?”

Sobek’s breath caught. Really? “Then…” He cleared his throat and tried again. “Then, I’d ask if you’re certain and if you understand what you’re accepting.”

“I’m certain I want you.” Rudy’s hand slid up Sobek’s chest. “But I should probably know all the details first. You said something about lying?”

“Once we’re claimed, neither of us can lie to the other. Not even small lies.” Sobek watched Rudy’s face carefully. “The bond makes deception impossible between mates. And...” He hesitated.

“There’s more?”

“Neither of us will be able to be unfaithful. Physically, I mean. If another person touched me sexually, I’d become violently ill. The same would happen to you.”

Rudy nodded. “So we’d be exclusive.”

“Permanently.”

Rudy laughed. “Good thing I’m already gone for you, then. I can’t imagine wanting anyone else when you’re around.”

Sobek’s crocodile was freaking preening. “You say things like that so easily.”

“Because they’re true.” Rudy kissed Sobek’s jaw. “What else should I know?”

“The immortality.” Sobek forced himself to continue despite the distraction of Rudy’s lips. Rudy needed to know what he was getting into. “Once claimed, you’ll stop aging. You’ll still be you in every way, but you won’t get sick, won’t get any illnesses, and you’ll live as long as I do, which is basically forever.”

“Forever,” Rudy repeated slowly. “Is it strange that it’s difficult for me to even start to comprehend how long that would be?”

“It’s not an easy concept to grasp,” Sobek agreed. “Many gods despair sometimes of never being able to die, which is why the Fates came up with the idea of mates for them in the first place, I think. Or at least part of the reason. The weave is always their first concern. But it’s probably best if you don’t think about all that time in one go. Just take each day as it comes, the way you do now. There’ll just be more of them.”

“That’s probably for the best. And the kids?”

“The same. They’re shifters, so they would have lived longer than normal humans anyway - several centuries if they’re left to live a peaceful life. But the three children in this house will be immortal.”

Rudy pulled back slightly. “They’ll never grow old?”

“They’ll grow up and mature into adults. But once they reach about twenty-five or so, they’ll stay the way they are then.” Sobek cupped Rudy’s face. “Does that worry you?”

“It’s...” Rudy exhaled slowly. “It’s a lot. But then I think about Rose never having to worry about dying alone, or about Jack growing up safe, with time to heal from whatever he saw. About Timothy having forever to figure out who he is without hunters threatening him. And…and… I’m thinking about what it might be like having forever with you.”

Oh, Ra’s sun, fucking yes. Sobek wanted to fist-bump the air, and do a freaking dance, but he warned himself he was supposed to show some decorum. “You’re taking this remarkably well.”

“I’m processing.” Rudy grinned suddenly. “I’m also thinking about the logistics. Where will we live? This house isn’t big enough if we’re all immortal. Do gods pay taxes? Will the kids go to school? How do we explain you to other people? Do I need to tell people we’re married or dating or...”

“We can figure all of that out together.” Sobek couldn’t resist and pecked a quick kiss on Rudy’s nose. “I own properties around the world. We can live anywhere you want - here, if you prefer, or somewhere new. I have more money than we could spend in ten lifetimes, so finances aren’t a concern. It might be best if the children didn’t attend school, at least until they are older, but teaching them what they need to know will never be a problem. As for what we tell the general human population about us and our relationships, it’s whatever makes you comfortable.”

“What do other gods do?”

“Avoid other people altogether so the nosy questions don’t crop up, as a rule. A number of my kin and mated gods from other pantheons, live in rural locations or small towns.” Sobek stroked his thumb along Rudy’s cheekbone. “Most paranormals just claim their mates and worry about the details later.”

“What do you want?”