Page 24 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
Walter approached cautiously, his manner more subdued. “Malik, the leather looks excellent. The boy’s got a good eye.” He hesitated, then added, “And I’d like to apologize properly. I was out of line. No excuse for it.”
Malik nodded, his anger fully dissipated now. “Apology accepted, Walter. We’re good.”
Relief washed over Walter’s face. “Glad to hear it. I’d hate to have to find another mechanic who understands these old beauties like you do.” He glanced at Tynan. “And I owe you an apology as well, young man. My comments were inappropriate.”
“No harm done,” Tynan said graciously. “I understand appreciating beautiful things. You should see how Malik looks at vintage engines.”
Walter laughed, the tension finally broken. “Fair point. Well, I’ll leave you all to it. Malik, just call when she’s ready for pickup.”
After Walter left, Ian let out a dramatic exhale. “Wow, I thought you were going to toss him through the wall for a minute there, Boss.”
Malik grunted. “Considered it.”
“Nah, you wouldn’t,” Ian said confidently. “Bad for business, that. Plus, you’d have to fix the wall after.”
Tynan laughed, the sound brightening the workshop. “He has a point.”
Malik couldn’t help but smile. Seeing Tynan so at ease, joking with Ian as if they’d known each other for years instead of hours, filled him with contentment. Rather than upend his life, Tynan was doing his best to fit in, and it was working.
“Back to work,” Malik said, though there was no command in his tone. “That Mustang won’t fix itself.”
Ian saluted playfully. “I’ll give you a hand, Boss.” He headed back to his workstation, Sparky still perched on his shoulder.
Tynan lingered a moment longer. “I should get back to researching Hayley’s case. But maybe tonight we could…continue our discussion about your protective instincts?” His voice dropped to a sultry whisper on the last words.
Heat surged through Malik again. “Count on it,” he promised, watching appreciatively as Tynan walked back to the office.
/~/~/~/~/
Malik lay on his back, pleasantly exhausted, with Tynan’s head resting on his chest. The fae’s silver hair spilled across Malik’s tanned chest like liquid mercury. Malik traced lazy patterns along Tynan’s spine, occasionally brushing against the base of his wings, which had emerged the moment Tynan took his top off.
Each time his fingers grazed the sensitive area, Tynan shivered slightly against him. Malik couldn’t resist doing it again, enjoying the small tremor that ran through his mate’s body.
“If you keep that up,” Tynan murmured against his skin, “we might have to go for round three.”
Malik chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “Is that a threat or a promise?”
Tynan lifted his head, his green eyes luminous in the dim light. “Take it however you like.” He settled back down, draping onearm across Malik’s torso. “Though I might need a few minutes to recover. You’re rather…thorough.”
Pride swelled in Malik’s chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of Tynan’s head, inhaling the scent of him - something floral and otherworldly, mixed with the earthy musk of their lovemaking.
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by their synchronized breathing. Malik felt more at peace than he had in years, possibly ever. The rhino inside him was content, no longer restlessly pacing beneath his skin. His mate was with him, safe in his arms, their bond complete.
“I’ve been thinking about this weekend,” Malik said finally, his voice quiet in the stillness of the room.
“Hmm?” Tynan sounded half-asleep, utterly relaxed.
“I own some land outside of town. About an hour’s drive.” Malik continued to stroke Tynan’s back as he spoke. “A hundred acres, completely private. Has a lake, plenty of trees.”
Tynan stirred, lifting his head again to meet Malik’s gaze. “That sounds lovely. A far cry from your workshop neighborhood.”
“It’s where I go to shift on weekends,” Malik explained. “When I need to let the rhino out for a while. It’s too risky to do it here in town.”
Understanding dawned in Tynan’s eyes. “Of course. You need space to roam.”
Malik nodded. “My rhino gets restless if I keep him contained too long. Having that land has been a lifesaver.” He hesitated, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically nervous. “I was wondering if you’d like to come with me this weekend.”
Tynan’s eyes widened. “You want me to see you shift?”
