Page 65 of Paws and Claws

"Since I actually care about the outcome." She headed for the door before she could change her mind.

28

DOMINIC

The Midsummer Shifter Jousts transformed the local fairgrounds into a medieval wonderland. Dominic breathed in the aroma of roasted meat and sweet pastries while watching Tabitha's eyes light up at every new sight. Her purple hair caught the sunlight as she dragged him from stall to stall, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Look at this!" Tabitha held up an intricate crystal pendant. "It's supposed to enhance magical abilities."

"You're powerful enough without it," Dominic said, his chest swelling with pride as she beamed at the compliment.

The festival buzzed with energy as shifters from around the world mingled together. Wolf packs shared drinks with bear clans while feline shifters prowled the grounds with casual grace.

He guided her toward the food stalls, his hand resting possessively on her lower back. The weight of his badge was gone today, replaced by the lightness of being cleared of all charges. Bruce and his Hunter friends wouldn't be causing any more trouble in Saltwater Grove.

"Cotton candy?" Tabitha's eyes sparkled. "Or are sugary treats against regulation?"

"I think I can make an exception today." He bought her the biggest one available, watching in amusement as she immediately got some stuck to her nose. Without thinking, he brushed it away with his thumb.

The afternoon sun painted everything in golden light, and Dominic found himself stealing glances at Tabitha more often than watching the pre-joust entertainment. She'd changed him, drawn out a playful side he'd forgotten existed within him.

Dominic squeezed Tabitha's hand before releasing it. "I need to check on something. Wait here?"

"Everything okay?" Her blue eyes narrowed with concern.

"Perfect." He couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips. "Just need a minute."

As he walked away, his lion prowled, eager for action. He'd signed up for the competition weeks ago, hoping to show Tabitha that he wasn't just the rigid sheriff she'd first met. His competitive nature surged as he approached the competitors' tent.

Inside, other shifters were already gearing up. A wolf pack from Montana flexed their muscles while a pair of tigers from Thailand stretched. Dominic stripped off his shirt, revealing the defined muscles earned from years of police work and training. He felt several appreciative glances but ignored them all. There was only one person he wanted to impress today.

The announcer's voice boomed across the fairgrounds. "Next up, the shifter strength challenge! Competitors, take your positions!"

Dominic emerged from the tent, scanning the crowd until he spotted that flash of purple hair. Tabitha's jaw dropped when she saw him, and he couldn't suppress his satisfied grin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next competitor - Sheriff Dominic Blackmane!"

The crowd cheered, but Dominic only heard Tabitha's surprised laugh. The challenge involved lifting increasingly heavy weights while maintaining shifter form. His lion roared to life, muscles rippling as he partially shifted. Golden fur sprouted along his arms as his eyes took on their predatory gleam.

One by one, the other competitors dropped out as the weights grew heavier. Dominic's lion reveled in the challenge, showing off its strength. When he hoisted the final weight overhead, Tabitha's wild cheer rang out above the crowd.

"And we have a winner!"

Dominic shifted back fully human, accepting the victory medallion with a slight bow. He made his way through the crowd to where Tabitha waited, her eyes dancing with delight.

"So much for checking on something," she teased, pressing against his bare chest.

He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Thought it was time to show you I know how to have a little competitive fun."

"A little?" She traced a finger down his arm. "That was actually pretty impressive."

"Just wait until you see what else I signed up for."

Dominic's lion lurked close to the surface as he mounted the massive black stallion. The joust would be different from normal medieval tournaments - shifters were allowed to partially transform, adding their supernatural strength and reflexes to the challenge. His fingers flexed around the lance while his enhanced senses took in every detail of the arena.

"Kick their tails, Sheriff!" Tabitha's voice floated across the field, making his lion purr with satisfaction. He spotted her in the front row, her purple hair a beacon among the crowd.

The trumpet sounded and Dominic urged his horse forward. His opponent, a tiger shifter from Singapore, charged from theopposite end. As they thundered toward each other, Dominic let his lion emerge partially - his muscles swelled, his eyes shifted to predatory gold, and his reflexes sharpened to supernatural levels.

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