Page 48 of Sobek’s Joy

“Except winning fairly,” Rudy muttered.

“I heard that.”

The front door opened. Sobek walked in carrying grocery bags, froze when he saw Horus, and closed his eyes like he was praying for patience.

“Sobek,” Horus said brightly. “I came to meet your mate.”

“I can see that.” Sobek set the bags on the floor. “How long have you been here?”

“Five minutes.” Rudy picked up another shirt. “He showed up in the living room, claimed he didn’t cheat to become king, and gave Rose a diamond tiara.”

Sobek’s gaze cut to his cousin. “You gave her diamonds?”

“She asked nicely.” Horus folded his arms. “Unlike certain people, I know how to be generous.”

“You once made me pay you back for a sandwich I ate at your house three hundred years ago.”

“That was an expensive sandwich.”

Rudy started laughing. He couldn’t help it. These were ancient gods, supposedly terrifying and all-powerful, and they were bickering like siblings over a sandwich from centuries ago.

Sobek’s expression softened when he looked at Rudy. Through their bond, Rudy felt his mate’s combination of mortification and reluctant affection. He’s always like this.

I can tell. Rudy sent back warmth and amusement.

“Your mate is laughing at us,” Horus observed.

“Your mate is standing right here and can speak for himself.” Rudy set down the folded shirt. “And yeah, I’m laughing. You two are ridiculous.”

Horus blinked. “I am the king of Egypt.”

“So you’ve mentioned. Three times now. If you get to ten times, I’ll insist you be the one who makes pancakes for lunch.” Rudy moved to the grocery bags, peering inside. Sobek had bought everything on the list, plus extras. “Did you want something specific, or did you just drop by to announce your title and complain about Sobek’s decorating choices?”

“I…” Horus faltered. “I wanted to meet the mate who finally tamed my cousin.”

“Nobody tamed anybody.” Rudy pulled out milk and headed for the kitchen. Sobek followed automatically, and after a moment, so did Horus and the children. “We’re mates. Partners. He’s not a pet, and neither am I.”

“Obviously.” Horus watched as Sobek helped put groceries away with the ease of someone who’d already learned where everything belonged. “I meant... He seems happy.”

Something in the god’s voice made Rudy pause. He turned and really looked at Horus for the first time. Past the ridiculous gold tracksuit and the prissy expression, there was loneliness.

“Sobek said you’re one of the Egyptian gods who doesn’t have a mate yet,” Rudy said carefully.

“I’m aware.” Horus’s jaw tightened. “Everyone keeps finding their mates. Seth found his, Ra found two of them, even Anubis - Anubis, the god of the dead - has a mate now. But me? The king of Egypt? I get nothing.”

“Maybe the Fates are waiting for someone who can handle you,” Rudy suggested.

Horus straightened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean you’re a lot.” Rudy grabbed a box of crackers from Timothy before he could rip it open. “You’re dramatic, you’re loud, you wear a gold tracksuit which doesn’t allow you to blend very easily…”

“This is designer.”

“…and you clearly need someone who won’t put up with your nonsense.” Rudy smiled. “Someone who’ll tell you when you’re being ridiculous and love you anyway.”

Horus stared at him. Sobek had gone very still, watching his mate with something like wonder in his eyes.

“That’s...” Horus cleared his throat. “That’s very presumptuous of you.”