Page 63 of Paws and Claws

"Show off," Tabitha muttered, grinning despite herself.

She gathered her wild magic, letting it build until it practically sang beneath her skin. The Magic Disruptor might scatter direct attacks, but her particular brand of chaos had always played by its own rules.

"Hey Bruce!" She called out. "Catch!"

She released her magic, not in an attack, but in a wave that turned the concrete floor under the Hunters' feet into something with the consistency of jello. As they stumbled and slipped, Dominic pounced, taking down three Hunters in one leap.

"That's my lion," Tabitha whispered.

Tabitha watched the Hunters scrambling against the jello-like floor and their binding spells. Her lips curved into a satisfied smirk - serves them right for thinking they could take down paranormals so easily.

A flash of movement caught her eye. Bruce raised an X-Taser, aiming directly at Dominic's massive lion form. The weapon discharged with a sharp crack, the bolt grazing Dominic's golden flank.

Her heart stopped as Dominic's muscles seized, his massive body going rigid. The partial hit had still packed enough voltage to stun him.

"Dominic!" She flung herself between him and the advancing Hunters, her wild magic sparking violet around her fingers. "Back off, unless you want to see what chaos magic can really do."

Bruce's lip curled. "Protecting your boyfriend, little witch?"

"Better than being a traitor to your own department." Her magic swirled around her like a tornado. "Though I guess that's on brand for you."

She caught movement in her peripheral vision - Reynolds trying to circle around toward Dominic. Without looking, she snapped her fingers. The concrete under Reynolds' feet turned to quicksand, trapping him up to his knees.

"I said back off." Her voice held enough edge to make even Bruce hesitate.

Behind her, she heard Dominic's low growl returning. Good. He was recovering. She just needed to keep them busy for a few more seconds.

Bruce raised the X-Taser again. "You're outnumbered."

"Maybe." Tabitha grinned. "But I'm way more creative."

She released her built-up magic in a wave that sent Bruce flying backward. He slammed into a stack of crates with a satisfying crash.

Dominic's massive form surged past her, fully recovered, and seriously pissed off. His roar shook the walls as he bounded toward Bruce.

"Save some for me!" Tabitha called, running after him.

Together they cornered Bruce, who was struggling to his feet. Dominic's massive paw knocked the X-Taser away while Tabitha's magic wrapped around Bruce like purple chains, binding him tight.

"That's for trying to frame my lion," she muttered, then caught herself. When had she started thinking of Dominic as hers?

Bruce thrashed against her magical restraints. "This isn't over!"

"Actually," Dominic growled, shifting partially back so he could speak, "I think it is."

Tabitha's wild magic sparkled around Bruce like violet chains, holding him firmly against the concrete floor. His attempts to break free only made her magic constrict tighter, drawing a satisfied smirk from her lips.

"How does it feel to be on the receiving end of someone else's trap?" She crouched beside him, enjoying his frustrated growl.

Dominic's commanding voice carried across the warehouse. "All units, we need backup and transport vehicles at the south warehouse on Industrial Drive." He stalked through the space, his presence radiating authority. "We have multiple suspects in custody."

Tabitha watched in amazement as Officer Chen high-fived her witch friend Luna, their earlier mistrust forgotten in the wake of victory. "That lightning bolt you threw? Totally badass."

"Right back at you with that tackle," Luna grinned. "Didn't know cops could move that fast."

Connor joined them, sporting a nasty bruise but smiling. "Hey, next time you witches want to cause some trouble, maybe give us a heads up first?"

"Look at that," Tabitha nudged Dominic as he approached. "Your rule-following officers are making friends with my delinquent crowd. The world must be ending."

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