Page 61 of Sobek’s Joy

“The wedding was perfect. Being married to you - the man I love more than life itself - settles my soul.” Rudy turned, leaning down to press a kiss on Sobek’s jaw. “But this...knowing we’re not alone? That’s the icing on top of the wedding cake.”

Chapter Twenty

Rudy bolted upright in bed, hand clamped over his mouth, and sprinted for the bathroom. He barely made it to the toilet before his stomach emptied itself with far more force than was necessary for first thing in the morning.

“Fuck,” he gasped, gripping the porcelain rim. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Behind him, footsteps pounded across the bedroom floor. Sobek appeared in the doorway, naked and radiating concern through their bond so intensely that Rudy could practically taste it.

“Rudy. What’s wrong?” Sobek knelt beside him, one massive hand rubbing circles on his back. “Are you ill? Injured? What happened? You shouldn’t get sick.”

“I don’t…” Rudy retched again, though nothing came up this time. “I don’t know. I felt fine when we went to bed.”

Although…that wasn’t entirely true. Looking back, he’d felt slightly off for the past week. A persistent queasiness that came and went, exhaustion that hit him at odd moments, and his sense of smell had become ridiculously sensitive. Yesterday, he’d nearly gagged when Sobek opened a can of tuna for lunch. But none of that seemed worth mentioning at the time.

Sobek conjured a glass of water and a cool washcloth. “Here, take this and drink slowly.”

Rudy sipped the water while Sobek pressed the cloth to the back of his neck. The nausea receded slightly, enough that he could think through the fog of misery clouding his brain.

When did I have my last period? What the fuck…I don’t have periods. I’m a man. That’s not how any of this works. Except Sobek said I wouldn’t get sick anymore, because I’m claimed and immortal, so…or…unless…oh…

“Sobek.” Rudy turned slowly, meeting his husband’s concerned golden eyes. “Can you...is there any way you can tell if someone’s pregnant with your own magical senses?”

For approximately three seconds, Sobek remained perfectly still, his expression unreadable. Then comprehension dawned across his aristocratic features, transforming concern into something far more…hopeful.

“Are you thinking...” Sobek’s hand moved to Rudy’s stomach, hovering without touching. “May I?”

Rudy nodded, not trusting his voice.

Golden light flared around Sobek’s palm as he pressed it gently against Rudy’s abdomen. The magic tingled, warm and searching, spreading through Rudy’s body like sunlight through water. Sobek’s eyes drifted closed, his breathing evening out as he concentrated.

When Sobek opened his eyes again, they were bright with unshed tears.

“Yes,” he whispered. “There’s a life growing inside you. Small yet, barely formed, but strong. Ours.”

Rudy’s vision blurred. He’d known, somehow. Deep down, in that place where their bond lived, he’d suspected. But hearing it confirmed, seeing the overwhelming joy on Sobek’s face...

“We’re having a baby,” Rudy said stupidly. “You must’ve intended it.”

“We’re having a baby, and I think we both ended up intending it.” Sobek cupped Rudy’s face between both hands, thumbs brushing away tears Rudy hadn’t realized were falling. “Are you... How do you feel about this?”

How did he feel? Wasn’t that the million-dollar question. Terrified, for starters. Rudy was already responsible for three traumatized shifter kids who needed stability, safety, and love. Adding an infant to that life seemed impossible. But at the same time, underneath the fear, something far brighter and fierce bubbled up… Joy.

“I’m scared,” Rudy admitted. “And I feel like I’m going to throw up again. But I’m also... Sobek, I’m happy. Is that crazy?”

“Not crazy.” Sobek kissed his head softly, carefully, like Rudy might shatter. “Perfect. You’re perfect, and I love you, and we’re going to have a baby.”

Rudy’s laugh was borderline hysterical. “We’re going to have a baby. Oh, gods, we need to tell the kids. They’re going to lose their minds.”

“Later.” Sobek lifted Rudy effortlessly, carrying him back to bed despite Rudy’s protests. “Right now, you need rest.”

“I just threw up, I didn’t climb Mount Everest.”

“You’re growing our child. That’s far more exhausting.” Sobek settled Rudy against the pillows, tucking blankets around him firmly before stepping back. “I’ll bring you dry toast and ginger tea. The Paulie app says those help with morning sickness.”

“You already asked the app?” Rudy had only been sick for five minutes.

“I might have been doing some reading and a spot of research before today.” Sobek pressed a kiss to Rudy’s forehead. “I’m not taking any chances with you or our baby.”