Page 29 of Paws and Claws

His fingers intertwined with hers, warm and strong. "True. But I don't like not knowing what they're planning."

"You don't like not being in control, period." The words came out softer than she'd intended, more teasing than mocking.

His eyes met hers, intense and searching. "Maybe you're right."

The waitress returned with their drinks, breaking the moment. Tabitha pulled her hand back, telling herself she didn't miss the contact. She definitely didn't notice how his gaze lingered on her face.

"They're still talking," he said, "but it's just complaints about their boss now. Nothing useful for right now."

"So, we wait?"

He nodded. "We wait."

As the minutes dragged on, Tabitha watched the Hunters through narrowed eyes, her fingers drumming an agitated pattern on the table surface. Her wild magic crackled beneath her skin, begging to be unleashed. One little hex won’t hurt anyone - well, except Bruce. That arrogant bastard deserved it after the way he'd treated her in the interrogation room, getting in her face, calling her worthless...

The glass in front of her started to vibrate. She forced herself to take a deep breath, trying to reign in her power before itcaused a scene. The last thing they needed was to blow their cover because she couldn't control her temper.

A warm hand suddenly covered hers, stilling her restless fingers. Tabitha's heart skipped as Dominic's thumb traced a gentle circle on her wrist. The gesture was so unexpected, so intimate, that for a moment she forgot how to breathe.

"Your magic was starting to show," he murmured, leaning close. His breath tickled her ear, sending shivers through her. "The air around you was sparking."

"I'm fine," she whispered back, but didn't pull away. His touch was grounding, helping her focus past the anger. "Just thinking about Bruce and his new Hunter friends."

"We'll stop them." His voice held that unwavering certainty she found annoying. Tonight, though, it was oddly comforting.

She turned to look at him, surprised by the intensity in his green eyes. The dim bar lights caught the angles of his face, highlighting his strong jaw and the protective set of his shoulders. When had he started looking at her like that? Like she mattered to him?

"Since when are you so good at reading my moods?" she asked, trying to deflect from how flustered she felt.

His lips curved into a slight smile. "I've been chasing you around town long enough to pick up a few things."

"Stalker," she teased. His thumb was still tracing patterns on her skin, and it was becoming very difficult to remember why she was supposed to find him irritating.

"Professional observer," he corrected.

Suddenly Dominic's hand tightened around Tabitha's, his entire body going rigid. His enhanced hearing had picked up something that made his jaw clench, the muscle ticking under his skin. She watched his expression darken, those green eyes narrowing dangerously.

"What is it?" she whispered, her heart beginning to race.

"They've got some kind of tracking device," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "New tech that can identify paranormals."

Tabitha's wild magic surged beneath her skin in response to her spike of fear. The air around them crackled with invisible energy, making the hair on her arms stand up. "Please tell me you're joking."

"I wish I was." His thumb stroked across her knuckles, whether to calm her or himself, she wasn't sure. "They're talking about testing it right now."

Oh, this was bad. This was very, very bad. Tabitha fought the urge to look over her shoulder at the Hunters. Her and Dominic were sitting ducks - a witch and a lion shifter, practically gift-wrapped for them. If they turned that device this way...

"We need to move," she breathed, but her body felt frozen in place. The exit seemed miles away, and there were so many people between them and freedom. "Dominic..."

"I know." His voice was tight and controlled. She could see the predator in him now, coiled and ready to strike if necessary. "But we can't draw attention. If we bolt, they'll definitely notice."

The glasses on their table started to vibrate as her magic responded to her anxiety. Dominic's free hand covered both of hers, his touch warm and steady.

"Easy," he murmured. "Your magic's showing again."

"Sorry." She took a shaky breath. "It's just, you know, not every day I get to be a lab rat for some paranormal-hunting psychos."

That earned her a small smile, though his eyes remained alert. "I thought you lived for excitement."

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