Page 46 of Paws and Claws

"It was built by witches," Dominic explained, his hand settling on her lower back as they reached the top. "They used their magic to guide ships safely to harbor."

The observation deck offered a breathtaking view of the harbor, where dozens of boats dotted the water like floating constellations. The lighthouse beam swept over them in a steady rhythm, painting everything in brief moments of golden light.

"Okay, I'll admit it," Tabitha said softly, leaning against the railing. "This is pretty amazing."

Dominic stepped closer, his body heat warming her in the cool night air. "Sometimes the best moments aren't about being wild or breaking rules."

His words touched something deep inside her. Here was the man who'd given her countless speeding tickets, showing her a different kind of thrill - one that made her heart race just as fast as any motorcycle ride.

"Who knew you had a romantic side, Sheriff?" she teased, but her voice came out breathier than intended.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," Dominic murmured, his eyes intense as they met hers.

Tabitha's breath caught in her throat. The moonlight silvered his dark hair, and his green eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire that caused her wild magic to dance beneath her skin.

Her heart thundered against her ribs as he stepped even closer, his broad frame blocking the cool sea breeze. The heat radiating from him made her dizzy with want. This quiet moment held more intensity than any midnight motorcycle race or magical duel ever had. Who would have thought standing still could feel so thrilling?

When his lips met hers, soft and questioning, Tabitha's wild magic surged through her veins like lightning. His kiss was gentle at first, testing, exploring. But when she pressed closer, twining her fingers in his dark hair, something seemed to snap inside him.

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he deepened the kiss, one hand sliding to her lower back while the other cupped her face. He tasted like midnight and promises, like everything she never knew she wanted. Her magic sparked between them, little bursts of energy that made him pull her even closer.

"Careful," he murmured against her lips, but his voice held more heat than warning. "Your magic's showing."

"Can't help it," she whispered back. "You make me lose control."

His answering kiss was fierce and possessive, the lion in him clearly pleased by her admission. Tabitha melted into him, overwhelmed by the way his thumb traced circles on her back, the way his fingers tangled in her hair, the way he seemed to want her as desperately as she wanted him.

When they finally stopped kissing, both breathing heavily, Tabitha couldn't help but laugh. "And here I thought that you didn't know how to have fun."

"I just never found the right person to have fun with," he said, pressing his forehead to hers.

Tabitha turned in Dominic's embrace, letting his strong arms encircle her waist as she settled back against his broad chest. The steady thrum of his heartbeat against her back matched the rhythm of the lighthouse beam sweeping across the harbor. Her wild magic hummed contentedly, weaving invisible patterns in the air around them.

The boats below looked like fireflies dancing on the dark water, their lights swaying with the gentle waves. Salt air ruffled her purple hair, carrying the scent of the sea mixed with Dominic's distinctly masculine presence - cedar and something uniquely him that made her pulse quicken.

"You know," she said softly, tilting her head back to rest against his shoulder, "I had all these wild plans for showing you how to have fun. Midnight motorcycle races, maybe a little breaking and entering..."

His chest rumbled with laughter. "And here I thought you were trying to reform."

"Reform? Never. But this..." She gestured to the panoramic view before them. "This is perfect. Better than anything I could've dreamed up. Who knew the straight-laced Sheriff had such slick moves?"

His arms tightened possessively around her waist. "You bring it out in me. The adventurous side, the softer side - all of it."

The drive home in his pristine Mustang felt too short. The leather seats creaked as she shifted closer to him, watching his strong hands on the steering wheel. The engine's purr couldn't quite drown out her thundering heart.

When they pulled up to her house, Tabitha lingered in the passenger seat, reluctant to break the spell of the evening. Her wild magic reached out, wrapping invisible tendrils around him like it wanted to keep him close.

"I should go in," she said, making no move to leave.

"You should," he agreed, his eyes intense in the darkness.

Finally, she forced herself to step out into the cool night air. At her front door, she turned back to see him watching her. Even in the dim light, she could see the possessive heat in his gaze.

Once inside her house, Tabitha leaned against the closed door and let out a shaky breath. Her magic danced around her in happy little sparks, reflecting the joy bubbling up inside her. She was completely, utterly, head-over-heels in love with Dominic Blackmane. The thought should have terrified her, but instead it felt like coming home.

20

DOMINIC

---