Page 64 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“Show-off,” Malik teased, stroking the perfectly fitted jeans and T-shirt.
“Just practicing,” Tynan replied with a grin. “Controlling the magic feels different now - it’s finally working with me instead of against me.”
“I told you,” Malik said, slipping an arm around Tynan’s waist as they walked back to the cabin. “Back when you first came to see me, I told you your magic was never broken, just misunderstood. Like someone else I know.”
Tynan leaned into Malik’s solid warmth. “Wise and handsome. How did I get so lucky?”
“I ask myself the same thing every day.” Malik pressed a kiss to Tynan’s temple.
Inside the cabin, Sparky was already perched on the kitchen counter, eyeing the fruit bowl with interest. “If you two are donewith your nature escapades, perhaps we could discuss lunch? A bird can only survive on field mice intimidation for so long.”
“I’m pretty sure you didn’t actually eat any mice,” Tynan pointed out, though he was already considering what to magically produce for lunch.
“Intimidation is hungry work regardless,” Sparky insisted.
Malik chuckled, moving to the refrigerator. “I packed some actual food this time. No need for magical catering.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” With a mischievous smile, Tynan flicked his wrist, and the simple sandwich fixings Malik had pulled out transformed into an elaborate picnic spread, all laid out on a checkered blanket that hovered in midair before softly moving down to cover the table.
“Now that’s more like it,” Sparky approved, hopping closer to inspect a plate of finger sandwiches.
Malik shook his head in fond exasperation. “You really enjoy doing that, don’t you?”
“I’m making up for lost time,” Tynan admitted. “After a century and a half of being afraid of my own abilities, using them freely feels incredible.”
Malik’s expression softened. “I love seeing you like this – confident and happy.”
“I have you to thank for that.” Tynan stepped into Malik’s space, winding his arms around his mate’s neck. “You believed in me before I believed in myself.”
“I just saw what was always there.” Malik’s hands settled at Tynan’s waist. “The most beautiful, powerful fae who just needed someone to appreciate him properly.”
“If you two start kissing again, I’m taking the entire picnic outside,” Sparky threatened, already nudging a plate of pastries closer to the window side of the table.
They broke apart laughing, though Malik kept one arm firmly around Tynan’s waist as they sat down.
As they ate, Tynan’s thoughts drifted to Ian, who was recovering well from his broken arm. The young mechanic had returned to the workshop part-time, mostly handling customer service while his arm finished healing. He’d also taken to his role as Tynan’s social media investigator with enthusiasm, helping with several small cases that had come in since the Cooper situation was resolved.
“We should have Ian out here sometime,” Tynan suggested. “He’d love it.”
“Are you suggesting we bring a non-para to our sanctuary?” Sparky sounded scandalized. “The whole point of this place is not having to hide who you are. You just said so.”
“Ian already knows something’s different about us,” Malik pointed out. “He’s never said it directly, but he understands we’re not exactly normal. I’m sure a lot of his earlier joking, before you two ever came into the workshop, was his way of finding an explanation for the unexplained.”
“And he’s still there, still loyal,” Tynan added. “That means something.”
Malik nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe when his arm is fully healed. We could have a small celebration - nothing overtly paranormal as such, but enough to make him feel appreciated.”
“A found family barbecue,” Tynan mused, liking the idea. “I never thought I’d have that.”
“What, a barbecue?” Malik teased.
“A family.” Tynan’s voice grew softer. “For so long, family meant criticism and rejection. Now it means…this.” He gestured between them, then at the cabin.
Malik’s expression turned serious. “I know what you mean. I was alone for decades, convinced that was just how it had to be. I was happy enough – I’m not going to deny that. But then you came stumbling into my alley...”
“Technically, I was dragged,” Tynan corrected with a small smile.
“Details.” Malik waved it off. “The point is, we found each other when we least expected it. And now we have this - a home we enjoy together, two thriving businesses, even this irritating bird...”
