Page 55 of Paws and Claws

The sound of footsteps echoing down the concrete corridor made Dominic's lion stir. He recognized Connor's steady gait before his deputy came into view.

"Someone paid your bail, boss." Connor unlocked the cell door, the metal hinges creaking. "Bruce isn't happy about it, but there's nothing he can do."

Dominic stepped out, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension from being caged for so long. His lion prowled under his skin, still agitated from the confinement. "Thank you for getting me out, Connor."

"Wasn't me." Connor's expression softened. "And for what it's worth, I know you're not working with those Hunters. The whole thing stinks."

"That means a lot." Dominic clasped his deputy's shoulder. Connor was good people - loyal and sharp.

The familiar scent hit him before they reached the main area - jasmine and lightning, Tabitha's unique magical signature. His lion sprung forward, desperate to see her. He was worried sick about her while he was stuck in the holding cell for the past sixhours. But the guilt from this morning's hasty departure soon twisted in his gut.

She stood by the front desk, her purple hair catching the fluorescent lights. The sight of her made his chest tight. She'd paid his bail. After he'd left her alone this morning without a word, she'd still come to his rescue.

"Tabitha." His voice came out rougher than he wanted. She didn't turn around. "Thank you for-"

"Save it." She grabbed her leather jacket off the counter, still not looking at him. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for the town."

The dismissal stung more than he expected. His lion growled, wanting to grab her and explain everything. But she had every right to be angry.

"At least let me explain about this morning-"

"Nothing to explain." She headed for the door, her boots clicking against the linoleum. "You made yourself pretty clear when you snuck out."

"That's not-" The door swung shut behind her, cutting off his protest.

Frustration and regret warred in his chest. He'd handled everything so poorly this morning. Last night had been absolutely incredible - passionate and real in a way he hadn't expected. And like an idiot, he'd panicked and run.

Now she thought he regretted it. Dominic's lion roared inside him, demanding action right now. For once, he was going to listen to his instincts instead of his carefully measured thoughts. His long strides ate up the distance across the parking lot as he caught sight of Tabitha's purple hair gleaming in the afternoon sun.

"Tabitha, wait," he called out. She paused mid-step but didn't turn around. "Come have coffee with me."

She half-turned, one eyebrow raised. "That wasn't a question, Sheriff."

"No, it wasn't." He moved closer, drawn to her like a magnet. "I need to talk to you about last night. About this morning. About everything."

Her blue eyes studied him, searching for something. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. His lion paced eagerly, wanting to grab her and never let go.

"Please." The word felt foreign on his tongue - he rarely begged for anything. But for her, he'd do it a million times over. "Will you let me explain everything at the Cauldron & Cup?"

She crossed her arms, her leather jacket creaking. "You're asking me now?"

"Yes." He stepped closer, close enough to catch the slight intake of her breath.

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Well, since you asked so nicely..."

Relief flooded through him. He gestured toward his squad car, but she shook her head.

"We'll take my bike." She pulled out her keys, the metal jingling. "That way you can't run off again."

The jab stung, but he deserved it. He followed her to her motorcycle, admiring how she swung her leg gently over the seat with practiced ease. When he settled behind her, his hands found her waist automatically, remembering how that same skin felt under his palms last night.

"Hold on tight, Sheriff." She kicked the bike to life. "I promise to only break three traffic laws on the way there."

Despite everything, he found himself chuckling.

Tabitha's motorcycle purred to a stop outside the Cauldron & Cup. Dominic swung his leg over, his muscles still humming from the ride. His lion preened at how naturally his hands had fit around her waist, how right it felt to be pressed against her back. He turned and extended his hand to her, fighting down the surge of possessiveness when she eyed it warily.

"Let me do this right," he said, his voice low and steady.

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