Page 23 of Paws and Claws

Tabitha's sharp intake of breath matched his own shock. His back-up sheriff was in league with the most notorious anti-paranormal group in the country.

10

TABITHA

Tabitha slipped out of the bar behind Dominic. The summer night air hit her face, a welcome relief from the stuffy bar atmosphere, but it did little to calm her nerves.

"My place isn't far," Dominic said, his jaw tight. "We need to talk this through somewhere private."

Her stomach did a little flip at the invitation. "Your place? What would the neighbors think of you bringing home such a troublemaker?"

"They'll survive." He placed his hand on her back, guiding her down the sidewalk. The touch sent sparks through her body, reminding her of how his hands had felt on her waist during their dance. How solid and warm he'd been against her.

"You're being awfully quiet," he said after a block of walking.

"Just thinking about how you actually have a house. I figured you lived at the station."

"Funny." But his lips twitched.

They walked several more blocks until they reached a modest craftsman-style house with a perfectly manicured lawn. Everything about it screamed order and control, just like its owner.

Inside was exactly what she'd expected - and somehow not. The furniture was sparse but comfortable looking. Everything had its place, from the perfectly aligned coasters on the coffee table to the methodically arranged books on the shelves. But there were also surprising touches - a soft throw blanket draped over the couch, family photos on the mantle, and a collection of vintage records in the corner.

"This is very... you," she said, running her finger along a spotless shelf. "Do you color code your sock drawer too?"

"Only on Tuesdays." He shrugged off his jacket, and she couldn't help but notice how his shirt stretched across his shoulders. "Want something to drink?"

"Got any witch's brew?"

"Water or coffee."

"Such a wild man." She flopped onto his couch, deliberately disturbing the perfectly arranged throw pillows. "Coffee then."

As he disappeared into the kitchen, Tabitha hugged one of his pillows to her chest, breathing in the scent of him that clung to the fabric. She'd never admit it, but being here, in his space, felt oddly right.

Tabitha watched Dominic return with two steaming mugs. The aroma of dark roast filled the air as he handed her a mug before settling into the armchair beside her. His presence filled the small space, radiating that alpha energy that made her want to simultaneously roll her eyes and lean closer.

"So," she said, blowing on her coffee. "Going to share exactly what you overheard?"

Dominic's jaw clenched tight. "Those bastards. Bruce said, and I quote, 'These paranormals think they can just live among us like they're normal. It's disgusting.'"

The coffee suddenly tasted bitter in her mouth. "Charming guy you work with."

"Then Roy responded with 'That's why we're here. To restore the natural order.'" Dominic's green eyes flashed, a reminder of the predator beneath his controlled exterior. "In my town. They're planning this in my town."

A chill ran down Tabitha's spine despite her attempt to keep things light. "The Hunters don't exactly have a great track record with peaceful solutions." She'd heard the stories - whole communities of paranormals driven out, some disappearing entirely. "Remember Haven City? They were supposed to be untouchable."

"No one's touching my people." His voice dropped to a growl that made her magic spark in response.

"Your people?" She arched an eyebrow. "Getting possessive there, Sheriff."

"They're my responsibility." He leaned forward. "And they're trying to frame you to start trouble."

"Yeah, well, I'm used to being blamed for chaos." She tried for a smile but knew it fell flat. "Though usually it's actually my fault."

"This isn't a joke, Tabitha."

"You think I don't know that?" Her magic crackled, making the lights flicker. "They're trying to use me to hurt everyone I care about. To hurt my home." She met his intense gaze. "I may be a troublemaker, but this is my town too."

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