Page 56 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“Well, I may have demonstrated my strength by lifting the front end of his car while he was sitting in it,” Malik admitted. “Made it clear I wasn’t looking for trouble, but I wouldn’t tolerate anyone messing with my business.”
“And he respected that?”
“Eventually.” Malik shifted, turning more fully toward Tynan. “I offered something valuable - neutrality. I wouldn’t take sides in their territorial disputes, wouldn’t report their activities, and wouldn’t compete with their businesses. In exchange, my shop and the area immediately around here would be off-limits.”
“That’s when you established your personal territory,” Tynan said, understanding dawning in his eyes.
“Yes. It’s evolved over the years. Different players, different rules. When Grok took over from Maddox, we had a similar conversation. He tested me once, early on. Sent some men to vandalize the shop.”
“What did you do?”
“I tracked them back to their base, waited until Grok was there. Then I walked in alone and told him if he ever sent anyone to my place again, I’d tear his operation apart piece by piece.” Malik remembered the stunned silence that had followed, the calculating look in Grok’s eyes. “I made it clear I wasn’t interested in his business, but my territory was nonnegotiable.”
“And he believed you,” Tynan said, not a question.
“He did.” Malik smiled slightly. “Over time, it became a mutually beneficial arrangement. I ignore what happens beyond my block, he ensures no one bothers me or my customers. When Ian came along, I expanded that protection to include him.”
Tynan was quiet for a moment, absorbing this. “And now Garrison is pushing against that arrangement.”
“Exactly.” Malik’s voice hardened. “He’s not just targeting us because we’re paranormal. He’s challenging the order that’s kept this neighborhood stable for years.”
“Which is why Grok agreed to help when you called him today,” Tynan concluded.
“He has as much to lose from Garrison’s ‘cleansing initiative’ as we do,” Malik confirmed. “Different reasons, same goal.”
Tynan’s fingers traced idle patterns on Malik’s chest. “I’ve never imagined this side of you before. The territorial defender.”
“Does it bother you?” Malik asked, suddenly concerned.
“No,” Tynan said thoughtfully. “It’s part of who you are. The protector. I saw glimpses of it when you saved me that first night, and when you confronted Walter for flirting with me.” His lips curved into a small smile. “I just never realized how deep it went.”
“It’s the rhino in me,” Malik explained. “We’re not naturally aggressive, but when our territory or family is threatened...” He trailed off, the implication clear.
“Like when Ian was hurt,” Tynan said softly.
“Yes.” Malik’s jaw tightened at the memory. “I nearly lost control then. If you hadn’t been there...”
Tynan leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Malik’s lips. “But I was. And I will be. That’s what mates do - balance each other.”
The simple truth of that sentiment settled something in Malik’s he didn’t know was there. For so long, he’d carried the weight of protecting his territory alone, but now he had a partner, someone to share it with and to fight alongside him.
“When did you get so wise?” he asked, pulling Tynan closer.
“I’m over a century and a half old,” Tynan reminded him with a chuckle. “I was bound to learn something eventually.”
They lay together in comfortable silence for a while, Malik’s hand tracing the contours of Tynan’s back where his wings connected.
“Do you think our plan will work?” Tynan finally asked.
“I do,” Malik said with quiet confidence. “Garrison’s arrogant. He thinks he’s the biggest predator in this ecosystem. He’s about to learn otherwise.”
“And Mrs. Cooper?”
“Money and influence only protect you if people are afraid to challenge you,” Malik replied. “Between Hayley’s evidence and Grok’s connections, we can make sure she faces consequences.”
Tynan nodded against his chest. “I should be terrified, but somehow I’m not. Is that strange?”
“No,” Malik said, pressing a kiss to Tynan’s silver hair. “It’s how it feels when you’re fighting for something that matters. When you know you’re right.”
