Page 44 of Sobek’s Joy

“Bathroom,” Rudy ordered. “All three of you, and make sure you wash properly - hands and faces.”

They scrambled off, leaving Sobek and Rudy alone. Rudy moved closer, his hand finding Sobek’s.

“You’re really going to teach them?”

“They need to know. Shifters who can’t control their forms could end up hurt or worse.” Sobek squeezed Rudy’s fingers. “I won’t let that happen to them.”

Rudy blinked quickly as he nodded. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I’m human, so I can’t shift at all. I don’t know how I can help them…”

“You love them. I promise that’s enough.” Sobek pulled Rudy against his chest, wrapping his arms around him. “They trust you more than anyone, and that matters, too, especially after what they’ve been through.”

Rudy exhaled shakily, his face pressed to Sobek’s shoulder. The bond allowed Sobek to feel the fear underneath - the worry that he wasn’t enough, that the children needed someone who understood their nature.

“You are enough,” Sobek murmured. “You’ve always been enough.”

The children thundered back into the room, hands damp and faces eager. Timothy carried an armful of towels, which he dumped on the couch.

“I thought we’d need these,” he said quietly.

Sobek’s crocodile side rumbled with pride. “That’s really good thinking.”

Timothy beamed.

Rudy stepped back, wiping his eyes quickly. “Okay. So how does this work?”

Sobek gestured for the children to sit on the floor. “Shifting is about intention. You think about your other form - what it feels like, what it looks like - and your body responds.”

“That’s all there is to it?” Jack frowned. “We just have to think about it?”

“Mostly. For young shifters, emotions like fear, anger, or excitement can trigger shifts, but that’s not always a good idea, depending on where you are. You really don’t want anyone to see you do it…outside of your family. If you practice, you learn to control it.” Sobek crouched in front of them. “The first few times might feel strange. Your clothes won’t shift with you, so you’ll need to take them off first.”

Rose wrinkled her nose. “We’ll be naked?”

“No more naked than when you’re in the bath. That’s why we have towels.”

Jack crossed his arms. “Naked in the bathroom is what everyone does. I don’t want to be naked in the living room.”

“That’s fine. You don’t have to get undressed. But imagine how your proud wolf pup side will feel when he comes through, and goes to prance around the room on four legs, and trips over your pants? I’ve even seen some wolves get stuck in their shirts to the point where they can’t see anything because it’s caught on their heads. But it’s your choice,” Sobek said bluntly. “Being naked anywhere should always be your choice.”

Rudy coughed, hiding a smile. “I think you’ll be fine in the house, Jack. If it’s easier, we could go into the bathroom, but there’s more room down here.”

Jack scowled but started tugging off his shirt. Rose followed, wiggling out of her pajamas without hesitation. Timothy stripped quickly, folding his clothes into a neat pile.

Sobek grabbed towels, draping them over each child. “Better?”

They nodded, clutching the fabric.

“All right. Rose, I think we’ll go with you first.”

Rose’s eyes widened. “Me?”

“You’re the most excited about this, and it’s likely your panther will try to come through if one of the others shifts first anyway. Panthers are excellent shifters, known for being fast, graceful, and strong.” Sobek settled cross-legged in front of her. “I want you to close your eyes and think about your panther. What does she look like?”

Rose squeezed her eyes shut. “She’s big and black and has really shiny fur and super sharp claws.”

“Nice. Now, what does she feel like to you?”

“Ooh, she’s fast and super, super quiet, like she could sneak up on anyone.”