Page 61 of Paws and Claws

Bruce's sedan rolled past their position, turning into the warehouse lot. Dominic's officers tensed, several cursing under their breath as their colleague disappeared inside.

"Son of a bitch," Martinez spat. "All this time..."

"Focus," Dominic growled, his alpha nature threading through the word. "We need a solid plan. Chen, what's the layout look like?"

"Three exits - main entrance, loading dock in the back, side door near the office section. No windows except up high." Chen sketched a rough diagram in his notepad.

Luna peered over his shoulder. "We could seal those exits with binding spells. Trap them inside."

"That could work." Dominic acknowledged as he stared at Chen's diagram.

"What about a distraction as well?" Tabitha suggested. "My wild magic could create quite a light show out front while teams slip in the back."

The plan started forming in Dominic's mind. "Split into three groups - one for each entrance. Martinez, you'll lead the loading dock team. Connor takes the side door. I'll handle the front."

"With me," Tabitha added, bumping his shoulder playfully.

He should argue, should keep her safely away from the front lines, but he'd learned better by now. Besides, her magic complemented his strength perfectly. "With you," he agreed, earning a brilliant smile that caused his heart to race.

They spent the next hour working out signals and timing, his officers and the witches gradually finding common ground in their shared mission. Dominic watched with pride as his two worlds merged, creating something stronger than either alone.

"Looks like at least fifteen inside now," Connor reported.

Dominic nodded. "We move in five minutes. Get your teams ready."

Dominic watched as Luna and three other witches moved silently around the perimeter of the warehouse, their hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. Magical energy crackled, invisible to normal eyes but clear as day to his enhanced shiftersenses. The spell work reminded him of spider webs, delicate yet strong, sealing the loading dock and side entrance.

"Your team ready?" he asked Martinez, keeping his voice low.

She nodded, her hand resting on her service weapon. "We'll move in on your signal."

Connor's group took position near the side door, the witches with them maintaining the binding spells. The magical barrier shimmered like heat waves rising from hot asphalt.

Beside him, Tabitha bounced on her toes, wild magic sparking around her fingers. "Ready to crash their party?"

"Try to keep the property damage to a minimum," he rumbled, though his lips twitched with amusement. Her enthusiasm was infectious, even in serious situations.

"Where's the fun in that?" She grinned up at him.

"The fun is in taking down the bad guys without destroying half the block." He touched her shoulder, letting his hand linger. "But I trust you."

Her expression softened. "That means a lot, coming from you."

"Times change." He squeezed her shoulder before addressing the group. "Remember, we need Bruce alive. He's got evidence of their whole operation on him."

"What about the others?" asked Chen, checking his weapon one last time.

"Subdue them however necessary," Dominic's voice carried the weight of command. "But no unnecessary force."

Luna finished her spell work and gave them a thumbs up. "Back exits are sealed tight. Not even a mouse could squeeze through."

"Good." Dominic checked his watch. "Three minutes. Get in position."

As the teams spread out, Tabitha pressed against his side. "You know, for someone who used to lecture me about speeding tickets, you're pretty sexy when you're all commanding."

Dominic suddenly pulled Tabitha against him, his large hands spanning her waist. The wild magic crackling around her fingers sent pleasant tingles through his palms, like touching a living storm.

"Try not to do anything reckless," he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on her hip.

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