Page 60 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“We’re handling it,” Malik said carefully, aware of Ian’s mother in the kitchen. “Should be resolved soon.”
“Good,” Ian said firmly. “Because I’ve been thinking about ways to improve security at the shop. Maybe some extra cameras, or…”
“Ian,” Malik interrupted gently. “Your only job right now is to heal. The shop will be fine.”
“But I want to help,” Ian insisted. “I feel useless just lying here.”
“You’re not useless,” Tynan assured him. “In fact, we need your help with something important.”
Ian perked up immediately. “Yeah? What is it?”
“If Hayley Cooper contacts you again, we need to know immediately,” Tynan explained. “And if you see or hear anything unusual - strange cars on your street, people watching the house - call us right away.”
“You think they might come after me here?” Ian asked, lowering his voice so his mother wouldn’t hear.
“It’s just a precaution,” Malik said, though his expression conveyed the seriousness of the situation. “Better safe than sorry.”
They stayed for about an hour, discussing safer topics while Ian’s mother brought them tea and homemade cookies. The domesticity of it felt surreal against the backdrop of theirmeeting with Grok and the looming confrontation with Garrison and Mrs. Cooper.
As they prepared to leave, Ian’s mother pulled Malik aside. “You’ll keep him safe, won’t you?” she asked quietly. “I’ve always known you were someone special, and I see the same in your partner. But Ian’s my only boy. Promise me he’ll be safe when he comes back to work?”
“With my life,” Malik promised, the words carrying more weight than she could possibly understand.
Back in the car, Tynan leaned his head against the window, suddenly exhausted. “Three days,” he murmured. “So much could happen in three days.”
Malik reached across the console to take his hand. “We’ll be careful. Extra security at the workshop, limited outings, regular check-ins.”
“And if Garrison decides to make a move before Grok is ready?”
“Then we’ll handle it,” Malik said with quiet confidence. “Together.”
“That word.” Tynan chuckled as he squeezed Malik’s hand. “Everything istogetherfor you.”
“There’s no other way to be when I’m with you.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
After two tense days, it wasn’t easy to sleep. Malik lay on his back, staring at the ceiling and listening to Tynan’s steady breathing beside him. His rhino paced restlessly beneath his skin, eager for the resolution that tomorrow might bring. A cool breeze drifted through the partially open window, carrying the scent of approaching rain.
Just as Malik had decided to get up and do another perimeter check, he heard it - the unmistakable sound of car doors closing quietly in the alley behind the workshop. His body tensed, senses immediately heightened.
“Tynan,” he whispered, gently shaking his mate’s shoulder. “Someone’s outside.”
Tynan was instantly awake, years of self-preservation making him alert to the slightest issue. “Garrison?”
“Possibly.” Malik slid silently from the bed, pulling on jeans and a T-shirt. “Stay here while I check.”
“Not a chance,” Tynan replied, already dressed. “You keep using that word ‘together’ and that applies all the time, not just when you feel like it.”
The sound of metal scraping against brick filtered through the open window, followed by muffled voices. Malik moved to the security system panel he’d installed after the break-in, checking the newly placed cameras. Four figures moved along the perimeter of the workshop, their faces obscured by the shadows.
“They’re trying the side entrance,” Malik murmured, pointing to the screen where one figure was working on the reinforced door. “Looks like they brought tools this time.”
“I’ll wake Sparky,” Tynan said, his voice calm despite the tension Malik could feel through their bond.
As if summoned, the raven fluttered into the bedroom, agitated. “Four men, armed. Two with bats, one with what looks like bolt cutters, and their leader has something in his waistband - probably a gun.”
“Garrison again,” Malik growled, recognizing the description of their previous encounter.
