Page 34 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter (Quirk of Fate #5)

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.

“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 done with 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...”

“I prefer ‘charismatic avian companion,’” Sparky interjected.

“...and something worth protecting,” Malik finished. “Something worth fighting for.”

Tynan reached across the table, twining his fingers with Malik’s. “And we did fight for it. Successfully.”

“We did,” Malik agreed. “Though I’m hoping for fewer dramatic confrontations in our future.”

“Boring,” Sparky muttered, though he sounded content as he picked at a piece of fruitcake.

After lunch, they moved to the porch, settling on the wide swing that faced the meadow. Tynan leaned against Malik’s chest, wings carefully folded against his back, watching clouds drift across the blue sky. Sparky dozed on the railing, occasionally making soft chirping sounds in his sleep.

“I’ve been thinking,” Tynan said after a comfortable silence.

“Dangerous,” Malik teased, his fingers playing with Tynan’s silver hair.

“Very funny.” Tynan nudged him gently with an elbow. “I’ve been thinking about the PI business.”

“What about it?”

“I’ve realized I am good at it,” Tynan said simply. “Not because of my magic or because I’m fae, but because I notice things. I understand what it’s like to be overlooked, to be searching for something.”

“You are good at it,” Malik agreed. “Especially now that you’re not afraid of your abilities.”

“I want to keep doing it,” Tynan continued. “But maybe with a slight shift in focus.”

“Oh?”

Tynan sat up, turning to face Malik. “What if I specialized in cases involving paranormals? People like us who can’t go to regular authorities for help?”

“There would certainly be a need for that,” Malik said slowly. “Especially given what we saw with Garrison’s operation.”

“Exactly. How many others like us are out there, dealing with threats they can’t report to human police? How many are alone, without support?” Tynan’s excitement grew as he spoke. “I could help them. We could help them.”

“We?” Malik raised an eyebrow.

“Of course ‘we.’” Tynan smiled. “You’re my partner in all things, aren’t you? Besides, a rhino shifter would come in handy for the more physical aspects of investigation.”

“And don’t forget me,” Sparky chimed in, apparently not as asleep as he’d appeared. “The stealthy aerial reconnaissance expert.”

Malik chuckled, pulling Tynan back against his chest. “Looks like I’m outvoted. Malik’s Motors and Tynan Investigations: Paranormal Division.”

“We’ll need a catchier name, and one that’s a little bit more discreet,” Tynan mused. “But yes, something like that.”

“You know this means we might be inviting more trouble, not less,” Malik pointed out, although he didn’t sound opposed to the idea.

“We handled Garrison and Mrs. Cooper,” Tynan reminded him. “I think we can manage.”

“Together,” Malik agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of Tynan’s head. “That is, by far, my favorite word since I met you.”

“Always together,” Tynan echoed, nestling closer to his mate.

Tynan felt a profound sense of rightness in that moment. He had no idea what the future would bring – no one did – but with his mate’s strong arms around him and his magic flowing freely through his veins, Tynan finally knew what it meant to belong. “Love you,” he said softly.

“Love you, too. As if you didn’t already know.” Malik’s breath rippled through Tynan’s hair as he chuckled. “Remember, we do everything together.”