Page 42 of Paws and Claws

"Always does." He moved toward the door with that predatory grace of his, then paused. "I'm glad we're working together again. This time try not to punch anyone on my behalf?"

"No promises." She grinned.

After Dominic left, Tabitha stood in her doorway watching his retreating form. The morning sun caught his dark hair, and her chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling. She closed the door and leaned against it with a smile on her face.

18

DOMINIC

Dominic checked his watch, waiting for Tabitha to arrive at their usual meeting spot behind The Hex. The afternoon air carried the scent of fresh cut grass and her approaching motorcycle. His lion stirred at her familiar presence, something that happened more frequently these days.

"Miss me?" she teased as she dismounted her motorcycle.

"You're late." He crossed his arms, fighting a smile. "Bruce left the station ten minutes ago."

"Some of us have to look presentable." She adjusted her leather jacket with a wink. "Unlike certain workaholic sheriffs who wear the same button-down every day."

"I rotate between three shirts."

"Living dangerously there, Sheriff."

They fell into step together, trailing Bruce at a distance. Over the past weeks, this had become their routine - following leads, tracking suspects, and piecing together the Hunters' plans. But somewhere along the way, the investigation had become secondary to simply being in her company.

"They're planning something big," Dominic murmured as they watched Bruce meet with two other suspected Hunters. "The way they keep circling the town square."

"Agreed." Tabitha's shoulder brushed his as she leaned closer.

The contact sent electricity through his skin. His lion purred with satisfaction at her nearness. Three weeks ago, he might have stepped away. Now he found himself shifting closer, drawn to her warmth.

"You know," she whispered, "for someone who used to lecture me about proper conduct and procedures, you're getting pretty good at this whole spy game."

He turned to deliver a retort but found her face inches from his. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief and something else that made his pulse quicken. For a moment, he forgot about Bruce, the Hunters, everything except the way her lips curved into that challenging smile.

"We should..." He cleared his throat. "We should follow them before we lose the trail."

"Right." Was that disappointment in her voice? "Can't let them get away."

As they resumed their surveillance, Dominic realized his perfectly ordered life had transformed into something unpredictable and exhilarating. And somehow, he couldn't bring himself to mind.

Later that night, Dominic watched Tabitha scale another fence with practiced ease, his lion bristling at letting her go in alone. These past weeks of also investigating potential lab locations had taught him she was as skilled at breaking and entering as she was at driving him crazy.

"You know," he whispered into his phone, "there are legal ways to do this."

"Where's the fun in that?" Her voice crackled through the speaker. "Besides, your way takes forever. Permits, warrants, paperwork..."

His enhanced hearing detected her soft landing on the other side. Every muscle in his body tensed, ready to vault the fence if she needed backup.

"Just be careful." The words came out more growly than intended.

"Aw, worried about little old me?"

"I'm worried about the massive property damage lawsuit when you get caught."

Her laugh warmed something in his chest. "Please. I haven't been caught breaking and entering since I was sixteen."

"That's not as reassuring as you think it is."

Dominic paced the perimeter, scanning for any potential threats. His lion slinked beneath his skin, agitated at being separated from her.

---