Page 63 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
Malik turned to his mate, seeing the fading adrenaline in his eyes, the slight tremor in his hands as his magic settled. “Did you want more fighting?”
“No, it’s just...” Tynan looked around the workshop. “I was prepared for something bigger, I guess. Some final confrontation where we truly had to fight for our home.”
Malik pulled Tynan into his arms, feeling the tension gradually leave his mate’s body. “We did fight. Sometimes the most effective victories are the ones that happen through alliances and strategy, not just brute force.”
“Like using Grok against Garrison,” Tynan nodded against Malik’s chest.
“Exactly.” Malik pressed a kiss to Tynan’s silver hair. “Besides, I’d rather have a boring resolution than risk losing you in some dramatic final battle.”
Sparky fluttered to perch on a nearby tool chest. “If you two are going to get sappy, I’m going back to sleep. Wake me when it’s time for celebratory fruitcake.”
Tynan laughed, the sound breaking the last of the tension. “We should clean up and try to get some sleep. Tomorrow we’ll need to check on Ian, make sure Hayley’s safe, and see if Grok follows through with Mrs. Cooper.”
“First things first,” Malik said, leading Tynan toward their living quarters. “I need to check you over, make sure you’re not hurt.”
“I’m fine,” Tynan assured him, though he didn’t resist being guided back to their bedroom. “My magic worked perfectly. It felt right. Like an extension of myself.”
“I noticed,” Malik said, pride evident in his voice. “You were magnificent. But humor me, I still want to check you over - every single delicious inch of you.”
“Well, when you put it like that.” Tynan leaned against him.
“Keep the noise down when you’re doing your sexy check,” Sparky grumbled as he flew through to the divan and settled in. “Heroic birds need their sleep, you know.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
A week later, Tynan sat cross-legged on a fallen log, watching Malik’s rhino gallop across the meadow. Purple sparkles trailed from his fingertips as he absently traced patterns in the air, his magic responding effortlessly to his whims. The afternoon sun warmed his face, and somewhere nearby, Sparky was terrorizing field mice. All was right with the world, in other words.
So much had changed since Garrison and his men had broken into the workshop. As promised, Grok had handled both Garrison and Mrs. Cooper with apparent ruthless efficiency. Garrison had disappeared completely - reportedly relocated to another continent with a strong suggestion never to return. Mrs. Cooper, facing exposure of her criminal activities, had quietly checked into an exclusive “wellness retreat” in Switzerland after liquidating most of her assets.
Hayley was safe. Tynan had met with her once more to assure her that her mother would no longer be a threat, allowing her to finally stop looking over her shoulder in her new life. He hadn’t been sure what to do with the tears she had on her face, but he hugged her back when she clung to him firmly for a few moments, before she ran off to enjoy the life she’d created on her own terms.
Even the workshop neighborhood was improving. Mysteriously, the streetlights had been repaired and remained functioning. Grok’s influence, no doubt, though he’d never directly acknowledged Malik’s request. The streets were still quiet at night, but more businesses were staying open for longer, and the general mood in the neighborhood was a lot more upbeat. Tynan had even noticed a couple of the shops had freshly painted fronts and bright signs out.
“You’re thinking too hard again,” Sparky announced, landing beside Tynan with a ruffle of feathers. “I can practically hear the gears grinding.”
“Just appreciating the moment,” Tynan replied, smiling as he watched Malik’s rhino form splash through the shallow stream at the edge of the meadow. “It’s nice to have a peaceful weekend.”
“Peaceful is one word for it. Boring is another.” Sparky ran his beak through his wing feathers. “Though I did establish dominance over three field mice and a particularly judgmental squirrel, so not a complete waste.”
Tynan laughed, the sound carrying across the open space. Malik’s rhino head turned toward them, those familiar blue eyes finding Tynan instantly. Even in animal form, Tynan could feel their connection - strong, steady, and reassuring.
The rhino changed direction, trotting toward them with surprising grace for such a massive creature. Tynan stood as Malik approached, reaching out to stroke the rough hide of his neck when he drew near.
“Having fun?” Tynan asked, purple sparkles drifting from his fingers where they touched Malik’s hide.
The rhino snorted, nudging Tynan’s chest gently with his enormous head.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Tynan chuckled, letting his wings unfurl behind him. They stretched gloriously in the sunlight, iridescent colors shifting as they caught the light. “Care for one more run before lunch? I could use the exercise.”
Malik backed up a few paces, pawing at the ground in clear agreement.
“Last one to the big pine at the far edge loses,” Tynan called, launching himself into the air with a powerful beat of his wings.
He soared upward, reveling in the freedom of flight, hearing Malik’s thundering footsteps below as the rhino charged across the meadow. Tynan circled and danced in the air with Sparky, occasionally reaching low enough to sprinkle Malik’s rhino with glitter and daisies before shooting skyward again.
This was what happiness feels like, Tynan realized as he brushed the top of the tall pine – where Sparky was waiting. A perfect harmony of who he and Malik were, without fear or restraint. No hiding, no pretending, just being.
By the time they returned to the cabin, both were pleasantly exhausted. Malik shifted back to his human form at the edge of the clearing, and Tynan conjured clothes on him with a casual wave of his hand.
