Page 65 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“I prefer ‘charismatic avian companion,’” Sparky interjected.
“...and something worth protecting,” Malik finished. “Something worth fighting for.”
Tynan reached across the table, twining his fingers with Malik’s. “And we did fight for it. Successfully.”
“We did,” Malik agreed. “Though I’m hoping for fewer dramatic confrontations in our future.”
“Boring,” Sparky muttered, though he sounded content as he picked at a piece of fruitcake.
After lunch, they moved to the porch, settling on the wide swing that faced the meadow. Tynan leaned against Malik’s chest, wings carefully folded against his back, watching clouds drift across the blue sky. Sparky dozed on the railing, occasionally making soft chirping sounds in his sleep.
“I’ve been thinking,” Tynan said after a comfortable silence.
“Dangerous,” Malik teased, his fingers playing with Tynan’s silver hair.
“Very funny.” Tynan nudged him gently with an elbow. “I’ve been thinking about the PI business.”
“What about it?”
“I’ve realized I am good at it,” Tynan said simply. “Not because of my magic or because I’m fae, but because I notice things. I understand what it’s like to be overlooked, to be searching for something.”
“You are good at it,” Malik agreed. “Especially now that you’re not afraid of your abilities.”
“I want to keep doing it,” Tynan continued. “But maybe with a slight shift in focus.”
“Oh?”
Tynan sat up, turning to face Malik. “What if I specialized in cases involving paranormals? People like us who can’t go to regular authorities for help?”
“There would certainly be a need for that,” Malik said slowly. “Especially given what we saw with Garrison’s operation.”
“Exactly. How many others like us are out there, dealing with threats they can’t report to human police? How many are alone, without support?” Tynan’s excitement grew as he spoke. “I could help them. We could help them.”
“We?” Malik raised an eyebrow.
“Of course ‘we.’” Tynan smiled. “You’re my partner in all things, aren’t you? Besides, a rhino shifter would come in handy for the more physical aspects of investigation.”
“And don’t forget me,” Sparky chimed in, apparently not as asleep as he’d appeared. “The stealthy aerial reconnaissance expert.”
Malik chuckled, pulling Tynan back against his chest. “Looks like I’m outvoted. Malik’s Motors and Tynan Investigations: Paranormal Division.”
“We’ll need a catchier name, and one that’s a little bit more discreet,” Tynan mused. “But yes, something like that.”
“You know this means we might be inviting more trouble, not less,” Malik pointed out, although he didn’t sound opposed to the idea.
“We handled Garrison and Mrs. Cooper,” Tynan reminded him. “I think we can manage.”
“Together,” Malik agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of Tynan’s head. “That is, by far, my favorite word since I met you.”
“Always together,” Tynan echoed, nestling closer to his mate.
Tynan felt a profound sense of rightness in that moment. He had no idea what the future would bring – no one did – but with his mate’s strong arms around him and his magic flowing freely through his veins, Tynan finally knew what it meant to belong. “Love you,” he said softly.
“Love you, too. As if you didn’t already know.” Malik’s breath rippled through Tynan’s hair as he chuckled. “Remember, we do everything together.”
Epilogue
Six months later.
