Page 16 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter (Quirk of Fate #5)

It was good to see Tynan relaxing. A far cry from the nervous fae who’d come to find him the day before. Now, just a day into their bond, Tynan seemed to be settling into himself, his shoulders looser, his smiles coming more easily.

My mate, Malik thought, a possessive satisfaction rumbling through him. His inner rhino huffed in agreement.

Sparky sat on Ian’s shoulder, occasionally adding commentary that made both men laugh. Malik couldn’t hear the words, but he could see the easy camaraderie developing between them. It was exactly what he’d hoped for - his mate and his friend getting along.

The buzzer across the door sounded, pulling Malik from his thoughts. He turned to see Walter Parkins stroll in, a set of keys dangling from his fingers.

“Afternoon, Malik,” Walter called, his voice carrying through the workshop. “Just dropping by to see how my baby’s coming along.”

Malik gestured toward the gleaming green Jaguar E-Type in the far bay. “Right on schedule, Walter. New gaskets are in, and I’ve sorted that electrical issue in the dash.”

Walter beamed as he walked over, running a hand lovingly over the car’s hood. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she? They don’t make them like this anymore.”

“That they don’t,” Malik agreed. He genuinely liked Walter, a retired banker who treated his cars with the reverence they deserved and never questioned Malik’s prices.

The office door opened, and Tynan stepped out, followed by Ian and Sparky. Walter’s eyes immediately locked onto Tynan, his expression shifting from casual interest to intense focus.

“Well, hello there,” Walter said, his voice dropping an octave. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Walter Parkins.” He extended his hand toward Tynan, his smile widening.

“Tynan,” his mate replied, shaking Walter’s hand briefly. “Nice to meet you.”

“Tynan,” Walter repeated, lingering over the name. “Unusual name for an unusual beauty. You’re not from around here, are you?”

A slight flush colored Tynan’s cheeks. “No, I’m not.”

Malik felt a prickle of irritation at the back of his neck. His inner rhino shifted restlessly.

“Tynan’s my partner,” Malik said, moving to stand beside his mate. “He’s helping me with some paperwork today.”

Walter’s eyebrows shot up. “Partner, eh? Well, aren’t you the lucky one?” His gaze raked over Tynan again, clearly taking in the silver hair, the lean build, the striking green eyes. “Quite the catch. Those cheekbones could cut glass.”

The prickle of irritation grew stronger. Malik placed a hand on the small of Tynan’s back, a gesture both protective and possessive.

“Tynan’s also a private investigator,” Malik said, his voice taking on a slight edge. “Quite skilled at reading people.”

Walter chuckled, apparently oblivious to Malik’s growing tension. “A PI? With those looks? I’d confess to anything if you were interrogating me.” He winked at Tynan.

Malik felt his patience slipping. His hand pressed harder on Tynan’s back.

“Mr. Parkins,” Ian piped up, clearly sensing the tension, “would you like to see the new leather samples we’ve ordered for your seats? They just arrived this morning.”

Walter barely glanced at Ian. “In a minute, lad. I’m still getting acquainted with this vision in front of me.” He leaned closer to Tynan. “Tell me, what’s a gorgeous creature like you doing in a mechanic’s garage? You look like you belong on a runway in Milan.”

Before Tynan could answer, Malik stepped forward, placing himself partially between Walter and his mate. “Walter,” he said, his voice deceptively calm. “I’d appreciate it if you’d show my partner the same respect you show me.”

Walter blinked, finally noticing Malik’s rigid posture and the coolness in his eyes. “No disrespect intended, Malik. Just paying a compliment to your…partner.” He said the word with a slight smirk that made Malik’s inner rhino snort in anger.

“Tynan isn’t here for your entertainment,” Malik said evenly. “He’s here because he belongs here. With me.”

A tense silence fell over the workshop. Ian shifted uncomfortably, while Sparky fluffed his feathers in agitation. Tynan placed a gentle hand on Malik’s arm, a silent gesture of appreciation.

Walter looked between them, then raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Message received.” He took a step back. “No harm meant, truly. Just an old man appreciating beauty when he sees it.”

Malik’s jaw remained tight, but he nodded once, accepting the semi-apology.

“Now,” Walter said, turning to Ian with forced brightness, “you mentioned something about leather samples?”

Ian jumped at the chance to diffuse the tension. “Yes, sir. Right this way. We’ve got three different grains to choose from.” He led Walter toward the office, chatting about leather qualities and period-appropriate stitching.

Once they were out of earshot, Tynan turned to Malik. “That was…interesting.”

Malik exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Sorry about that. Walter’s harmless, really, but he crossed a line.”

Tynan’s lips curved into a small smile. “I don’t think anyone has ever been so territorial over me before.”

“I didn’t like how he was looking at you,” Malik admitted. “Like you were a fancy car he wanted to test drive.”

“I can handle admirers, you know,” Tynan said, though there was no reproach in his tone. “I’ve had a few since moving here.”

Malik nodded, feeling slightly sheepish. “I know you can. It’s just...” He struggled to find the right words. “You’re mine now. My mate. And I didn’t like him treating you like an object.”

Tynan’s expression softened. He glanced toward the office to ensure Walter and Ian were still occupied, then quickly pressed a kiss to Malik’s cheek. “I rather liked seeing you get all protective,” he whispered. “It was quite…stimulating.”

A different kind of heat flared through Malik. “Don’t start something we can’t finish right now,” he warned, his voice dropping to a growl.

Tynan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He stepped back just as Ian and Walter emerged from the office.

Walter approached cautiously, his manner more subdued. “Malik, the leather looks excellent. The boy’s got a good eye.” He hesitated, then added, “And I’d like to apologize properly. I was out of line. No excuse for it.”

Malik nodded, his anger fully dissipated now. “Apology accepted, Walter. We’re good.”

Relief washed over Walter’s face. “Glad to hear it. I’d hate to have to find another mechanic who understands these old beauties like you do.” He glanced at Tynan. “And I owe you an apology as well, young man. My comments were inappropriate.”

“No harm done,” Tynan said graciously. “I understand appreciating beautiful things. You should see how Malik looks at vintage engines.”

Walter laughed, the tension finally broken. “Fair point. Well, I’ll leave you all to it. Malik, just call when she’s ready for pickup.”

After Walter left, Ian let out a dramatic exhale. “Wow, I thought you were going to toss him through the wall for a minute there, Boss.”

Malik grunted. “Considered it.”

“Nah, you wouldn’t,” Ian said confidently. “Bad for business, that. Plus, you’d have to fix the wall after.”

Tynan laughed, the sound brightening the workshop. “He has a point.”

Malik couldn’t help but smile. Seeing Tynan so at ease, joking with Ian as if they’d known each other for years instead of hours, filled him with contentment. Rather than upend his life, Tynan was doing his best to fit in, and it was working.

“Back to work,” Malik said, though there was no command in his tone. “That Mustang won’t fix itself.”

Ian saluted playfully. “I’ll give you a hand, Boss.” He headed back to his workstation, Sparky still perched on his shoulder.

Tynan lingered a moment longer. “I should get back to researching Hayley’s case. But maybe tonight we could…continue our discussion about your protective instincts?” His voice dropped to a sultry whisper on the last words.

Heat surged through Malik again. “Count on it,” he promised, watching appreciatively as Tynan walked back to the office.

/~/~/~/~/

Malik lay on his back, pleasantly exhausted, with Tynan’s head resting on his chest. The fae’s silver hair spilled across Malik’s tanned chest like liquid mercury.

Malik traced lazy patterns along Tynan’s spine, occasionally brushing against the base of his wings, which had emerged the moment Tynan took his top off.

Each time his fingers grazed the sensitive area, Tynan shivered slightly against him. Malik couldn’t resist doing it again, enjoying the small tremor that ran through his mate’s body.

“If you keep that up,” Tynan murmured against his skin, “we might have to go for round three.”

Malik chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

Tynan lifted his head, his green eyes luminous in the dim light. “Take it however you like.” He settled back down, draping one arm across Malik’s torso. “Though I might need a few minutes to recover. You’re rather…thorough.”

Pride swelled in Malik’s chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of Tynan’s head, inhaling the scent of him - something floral and otherworldly, mixed with the earthy musk of their lovemaking.

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by their synchronized breathing. Malik felt more at peace than he had in years, possibly ever. The rhino inside him was content, no longer restlessly pacing beneath his skin. His mate was with him, safe in his arms, their bond complete.

“I’ve been thinking about this weekend,” Malik said finally, his voice quiet in the stillness of the room.

“Hmm?” Tynan sounded half-asleep, utterly relaxed.

“I own some land outside of town. About an hour’s drive.” Malik continued to stroke Tynan’s back as he spoke. “A hundred acres, completely private. Has a lake, plenty of trees.”

Tynan stirred, lifting his head again to meet Malik’s gaze. “That sounds lovely. A far cry from your workshop neighborhood.”