Page 57 of Paws and Claws

His lion settled at her serious tone, pleased she understood the gravity of the situation. "Good. Because I plan on taking them all down. Every last one."

"There's my big bad sheriff." She reached across the table to pat his hand patronizingly. "Don't worry, I've got your back. Partner."

The way she said 'partner' promised so much more, and his lion purred in anticipation of what would come after they dealt with Bruce.

25

TABITHA

Tabitha leaned against the edge of Dominic's desk as she studied the map of Saltwater Grove spread across its surface. The morning sun streamed in through his office window, and she noticed how Dominic's gaze kept drifting to watch the play of light dance across her body.

"So, the Hunters have to be planning something pretty big," she said, tapping a finger against the map. "But where would hurt the most paranormals at once?"

Dominic leaned forward in his chair, his broad shoulders filling out his uniform in a way that made her pulse quicken. "They've been testing equipment designed to target specific types of paranormals. That suggests they want to hit multiple groups at once."

The scent of his cologne mixed with coffee drifted across the desk, making it hard for Tabitha to focus on the task at hand. She shifted, crossing her legs.

"You're doing that thing with your jaw again," she said, trying to lighten the tension. "The whole brooding sheriff look might work on suspects, but I'm immune."

His eyes locked on hers, a hint of gold flickering in their depths. "Are you?"

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. "Focus, Sheriff. We're being professional, remember?"

"Professional." He rolled the word around like he was tasting it. "Is that what we're calling what we're trying to do right now?"

"Well, I'm certainly not calling it a date."

Tabitha's wild magic tingled under her skin, responding to his presence like it always did now. She tamped it down, forcing herself to look at the map instead of the way his uniform stretched deliciously across his chest.

"The Hunters have to know we're onto them after the club incident," she said. "Whatever they're planning, it'll be soon."

"Agreed." Dominic stood, moving around the desk until he stood close enough that she could feel the heat of his body. "We need to think like them. Where would cause the most chaos?"

Tabitha's breath hitched as he reached past her to point at something on the map, his arm brushing against hers. The contact sent sparks dancing across her skin. Tabitha cleared her throat, desperately trying to focus on anything else.

"We should head to forensics," she said, stepping back from his desk. "Tell them exactly what we learned about Quinn's devices. Maybe that'll help narrow down where the Hunters might strike."

Dominic's eyes lingered on her as she moved toward his office door, and she caught the slight flex of his jaw. "What were the specifics of the equipment again?"

"The HF-1000 emits frequencies calibrated to a shifter's enhanced hearing." She ticked off each device on her fingers. "The Magic Disruptor interferes with a witch's connection to their power. The X-Taser packs ten thousand volts, modulated specifically to penetrate supernatural defenses."

"Impressive memory."

"I usually pay attention when people are trying to kill me." She flashed him a smile, hoping humor would diffuse the tension crackling between them. "It's a recent habit I've picked up."

His lips quirked. "A good habit to maintain."

"Look at us, being all professional." She gestured between them. "No breaking rules or causing trouble."

"Yet." The word rumbled from his chest, laden with meaning that made her breath catch.

"You know me, Sheriff." She reached for the door before she did something unprofessional like kiss that knowing smirk off his face. "I'm filled with surprises."

"That you are." His eyes followed her movement, intense and focused in a way that made her magic surge. "Shall we head to forensics?"

"Lead the way." She needed him to go first - watching him walk away was far safer than having those predator eyes on her for one more second.

Tabitha soon watched the forensics tech's fingers fly across his keyboard, her wild magic humming in response to Dominic's presence beside her. He stood close enough that his warmth radiated against her arm, making it difficult to focus on the screen's technical readouts.

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