Page 58 of Paws and Claws

"These components," the tech said, pointing to a complex diagram. "They match what we found in that abandoned warehouse off Maple. The resonance frequencies would definitely affect shifters in their animal forms."

"Mass production capabilities?" Dominic's voice held that authoritative rumble that made Tabitha's magic dance.

"Oh yeah. They could outfit a small army with these."

Tabitha shifted her weight, trying to put some professional distance between herself and Dominic without being obviousabout it. Her eyes landed on a calendar hanging on the wall, and suddenly everything clicked.

"The Jousts," she breathed, turning to face Dominic. His eyes locked onto hers with predatory intensity. "The Midsummer Shifter Jousts are in two days. There'll be shifters from everywhere."

Understanding dawned in his expression. "Perfect target. Maximum impact."

"And maximum chaos." She could picture it all too clearly - hundreds of shifters writhing in pain as the devices activated. "They could hurt so many people at once."

"Not if we stop them first." His jaw set in that determined way that used to annoy her but now sent heat pooling in her belly.

The tech cleared his throat. "Should I, uh, leave you two alone?"

"No," they said in unison, then shared a loaded glance that made Tabitha's cheeks warm.

"We should check the venue," she said quickly, stepping back. "Look for possible device placement points."

"Agreed." Dominic's eyes tracked her movement, and she could have sworn she saw his nostrils flare slightly. "But first, we need a plan."

"I thought that was your department, Sheriff." She flashed him a teasing smile, falling back on humor to mask how he affected her. "I'm more of a spontaneous chaos kind of girl."

He smirked. "Don't I know it."

The tech muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "get a room" under his breath.

Tabitha followed Dominic down the station's hallway, her boots clicking against the linoleum floor. The scent of his cologne mixed with leather drifted back to her, making her magic spark beneath her skin. She forced herself to maintain aprofessional distance, even as her body yearned to close the gap between them.

"We're going to need backup," she said, watching the way his shoulders filled out his uniform. "Lots of it."

Dominic stopped and turned to face her, his eyes intense. "My hands are tied officially. Bruce made sure of that."

"But?" She raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more.

"But I've got officers who know me better than to believe his lies. Connor for one. They can work this unofficially."

Tabitha's magic tingled as an idea formed. "I might know some witches who'd love to stick it to the Hunters."

"Your troublemaking friends?" he questioned skeptically. "The ones who start bar fights?"

"Hey, that was one time." She stepped closer, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "And if you recall, that fight was about you."

A low rumble emerged from his chest, almost like a purr. "Trust isn't exactly my strong suit when it comes to rule-breakers."

"Says the sheriff working outside the law." Her lips curved into a teasing smile. "Trust me on this one. My friends may bend the rules, but they hate the Hunters as much as we do."

"We?" His voice dropped lower, sending a shiver through her body.

Tabitha's breath caught as she realized how close they'd gotten. Her wild magic reached for him instinctively, and she had to clench her fists to keep it contained.

"The good guys," she clarified, taking a step back. "Which, apparently, I am now. Thanks for that, by the way. Total career change."

His lips twitched. "You're welcome."

"So?" She spread her hands. "What do you say? Trust the witch?"

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