Page 28 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
Malik nodded then began removing his clothes, folding each item and placing them on a nearby stump. When he stood naked in the moonlight, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
The transformation was both fascinating and slightly unsettling to watch. Malik’s skin thickened and darkened, his body expanding and reshaping. His face elongated, a distinctive horn Tynan knew from the mark on his hip forming on Malik’s nose, followed by a smaller one behind it. Within moments, where Malik had stood now was an enormous rhino, at least six feet tall at the shoulder, with the same intense blue eyes Tynan knew so well.
“Holy feathered fruitcakes,” Sparky whispered from Tynan’s shoulder. “That’s a lot of rhino.”
Tynan approached slowly, hand outstretched. The rhino – Malik -lowered his massive head, allowing Tynan to place his palm against the rough skin.
“You’re magnificent,” Tynan whispered, feeling the warmth and power radiating from his mate. Purple sparkles drifted from his fingertips where they touched Malik’s hide, but for once, Tynan didn’t worry about his magic. It seemed right somehow that his magic recognized and celebrated the other form of his mate.
The rhino made a rumbling sound deep in his chest, nudging Tynan gently with his snout. Despite his enormous size and the dangerous-looking horns, Tynan felt completely safe. This was still Malik - his protector, his mate.
“Go on,” Tynan encouraged, stepping back. “Run. Be free. I’ll be here when you’re ready to come back.”
With what seemed like a nod of acknowledgment, the rhino turned and trotted into the meadow, picking up speed until he was running with surprising grace across the open space, pale moonlight gleaming off his dark hide.
“Well” - Sparky settled more comfortably on Tynan’s shoulder - “that’s not something you see every day.”
Tynan laughed, feeling joy bubble up inside him as he watched his mate embrace his wild nature. “No, it certainly isn’t.”
/~/~/~/~/
The sun was high in the sky when Tynan woke up, Malik’s arm draped across his chest, heavy and warm. For a moment, Tynan simply savored the sensation - being held, being wanted, being exactly where he belonged. He was still getting used to feeling so accepted by someone so special.
“Morning,” Malik mumbled against his neck, pulling him closer.
“Morning,” Tynan replied, running his fingers along Malik’s forearm. “It’s beautiful out there. So quiet and peaceful.”
Malik propped himself up on one elbow and looked out the window. “It’s a perfect day for flying. Very little wind.”
The suggestion sent a thrill through Tynan. “You think I should? I know we talked about it, but really? Outside in the open.”
“I think you deserve to stretch your wings as much as I needed to stretch my legs last night.” Malik pressed a kiss to Tynan’s shoulder. “No one comes out here. You’d be safe.”
Tynan sat up, his excitement building. “I haven’t properly flown in…well, since I left the fae realm.”
“Then it’s definitely time.” Malik slid out of bed. “But first, food.”
Sparky appeared at the window, tapping his beak against the glass. “Food? Did someone mention food? Let me in!”
Tynan laughed and waved his hand, the window sliding open to admit the raven. “Good morning to you, too, Sparky.”
“It would be better with breakfast,” the bird replied, settling on the bedpost.
“I can make something…” Malik started, but Tynan shook his head.
“Let me.” He concentrated, feeling his magic flowing smoothly, responding readily to his intent. His magic was so much more responsive without that ever-present anxiety. With a gesture, the small dining table in the living area was suddenly laden with a perfect breakfast spread - fluffy pancakes, crisp bacon, fresh fruit, and steaming coffee.
“Show-off,” Sparky muttered, but he was flying toward a plate of bacon.
Malik whistled low. “Now that’s what I call service.”
After breakfast, they wandered out to the clearing where Malik had shifted the night before. The morning sun cast dappled light through the trees, warming the grass. Birds called from the forest, and somewhere in the distance, water burbled over rocks.
“So,” Malik said, slipping his T-shirt over his head, “ready for round two?”
“You’re shifting again?” Tynan asked.
“Well, Sparky keeps complaining he didn’t get a good look last night.” Malik grinned, continuing to undress. “And I thought you might like a running partner - or rather, a flying partner.”
