Page 16 of Paws and Claws

The bell above the Cauldron & Cup's door jingled as Dominic held it open for Tabitha. A few patrons glanced their way - the town troublemaker and the sheriff walking in together was bound to raise some eyebrows.

He guided them to a corner booth, his lion instincts preferring the strategic view of both exits. The floating menu board shuffled its offerings above them, casting shifting shadows across Tabitha's face.

"Two Phoenix Rise Lattes," he called to Nina before settling into his seat. The vintage espresso machine hissed and steamed behind the counter.

"Fancy coffee?" Tabitha raised an eyebrow. "You're really going all out with this apology."

"Consider it hazard pay for what Bruce just put you through." Dominic leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "Listen, about last night's transformer incident - Connor was watching your house. You got home at 9:49."

"And?"

"The transformers blew at 9:47. Six blocks away." His green eyes locked with her blue ones. "Unless you've been hiding some supernatural speed abilities, there's no way you could have done it."

Tabitha's wild magic crackled in response. "Finally figured that out, did you?"

"That, and the helmet in those photos." He watched her carefully. "In all the times I've pulled you over - and there have been many - you've never worn one."

"Because they mess up my hair." She ran her fingers through her purple locks. "And they block the wind. What's the point of riding if you can't feel free?"

"The point is safety-" Dominic caught himself. "Never mind. The important thing is someone's going to a lot of trouble to frame you."

Their lattes arrived, steam curling up in spirals that looked suspiciously like phoenix wings. Tabitha wrapped her hands around her mug. "Some copycat witch is out there wearing a purple wig and riding a bike like mine, causing chaos, and that jackass Bruce is eating it up."

The fury in her voice caused his lion to stir protectively.

Tabitha's eyes suddenly sparked with determination as she set down her mug. "Let's hunt this copycat down."

His lion bristled at the suggestion. "Absolutely not. Someone's trying to frame you for serious crimes. The safest place for you is far away from this investigation."

"Oh please." She leaned forward. "Your department hasn't caught them yet. Besides, I can sense magical signatures better than you. I'll spot them way faster."

"It's too dangerous." His voice dropped lower, more commanding. The protective instincts of both sheriff and lion refused to put her in harm's way. "I'll handle this myself."

"Handle it like you handled suspecting me?" Her blue eyes flashed. "This is personal now. Some witch is out there wearing my signature look, causing chaos, and trying to get me locked up. I'm not sitting this one out."

"You're a civilian. This is police business."

"I'm a witch with wild magic who knows every magical hideout in this town." She stirred her latte. "Face it, Sheriff. You need me on this."

His jaw clenched. The worst part was, she had a point. A witch would be invaluable in tracking down their suspect. But the thought of Tabitha in danger made his lion pace restlessly. "You'll follow my lead?"

"Sometimes, maybe." Her lips curved into that familiar mischievous smile.

"Tabitha." He growled her name in warning.

"Fine." She rolled her eyes. "Most of the time. When it makes sense. That's my final offer."

Dominic studied her across the table. The hanging lanterns cast a warm glow across her soft features. "If you put yourself in unnecessary danger, you're out," he said firmly. "And you follow proper police procedure."

"Deal." She extended her hand across the table. "Partners?"

Her skin was warm against his as they shook hands, and something electric sparked between them that had nothing to do with her magic. His lion rumbled with satisfaction at the contact.

"Partners," he agreed, wondering if he'd just made a huge mistake or the best decision of his life.

Tabitha slid out of the booth. "Tomorrow morning, eight sharp, at the intersection where the crash happened. Try to keep up, Sheriff."

"Just remember we're doing this by the book," Dominic said firmly. "No stunts."

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