Page 66 of Paws and Claws

The lances met with a resounding crack. His opponent's weapon splintered against Dominic's shield while his own strike landed true, sending the tiger shifter tumbling from his mount. The crowd roared.

Match after match, Dominic dominated the field. His lion's strength combined with his tactical mind made him unstoppable. In the final round, he faced a massive bear shifter from Russia.

"Ready to yield, little cat?" the bear shifter taunted.

Dominic's lip curled. "Lions don't yield."

The final charge was spectacular. Both shifters partially transformed, their supernatural power evident in every movement. At the last second, Dominic twisted in his saddle, using his lion's impossible flexibility to strike at an angle his opponent couldn't block. The bear shifter crashed to the ground with a thunderous impact.

Victory secured, Dominic dismounted and walked back to where Tabitha waited. Her eyes sparkled as she launched herself into his arms.

"That was amazing!" She pressed closer, not caring about the dust and sweat covering him. "Who knew you were such a badass?"

"I have my moments." He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His lion preened under her praise.

"You certainly do." She traced a finger along his jaw. "Though I hope this doesn't mean you'll start letting me off with warnings now that you've learned to bend the rules a little."

"Not a chance." He captured her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "But I might be persuaded to show you other ways to have fun within the law."

Dominic's lion purred with satisfaction as Tabitha's fingers intertwined with his. The festival's aromas filled the air around them. His enhanced senses picked up every delighted gasp she made at new discoveries throughout the rest of the afternoon.

"You have to try this." Tabitha held up a piece of honey-drizzled meat. Instead of taking it from her hand, he leaned down and caught it with his teeth, deliberately letting his lips brush her fingers. Her pulse jumped, and his lion preened at the effect he had on her.

"It's sweet," he murmured, though his eyes never left hers. "But not as sweet as you."

"Did the big bad sheriff just make a joke?" She bumped her hip against his.

He pulled her closer, enjoying how perfectly she fit against his side. His lion had never felt so content, so at peace with someone before. The festival bustled around them - shifters in various states of transformation mingled with witches casting colorful spells for entertainment. Children darted between stalls while elderly paranormals shared stories of festivals past.

"Look at those wolf pups," Tabitha pointed to where three young shifters chased each other, partially transformed with tails wagging. "They're adorable."

"They're trouble," Dominic said, but his tone held no heat. "Just like someone else I know."

"You love my kind of trouble now." She stretched up on her toes to kiss his cheek. The casual affection made his chest tighten with emotion.

They wandered past a group of witches creating magical light shows, the colors dancing in Tabitha's eyes. Dominic found himself watching her more than the display, memorizing howjoy transformed her features. His usual rigid control felt distant here, replaced by a carefree feeling he hadn't experienced in years.

"I never thought I'd see you so relaxed at a festival," Tabitha said, squeezing his hand. "Usually you're scanning for rule-breakers."

"Maybe I found something better to focus on." He tugged her to a stop, turning her to face him. "Someone who showed me there's more to life."

Her smile lit up her entire face. "Careful, Sheriff. That almost sounds like a thank you for all my troublemaking."

"Don't push it." But he was grinning as he said it, his lion rumbling with contentment as she laughed and pressed closer.

Starlight Cove lived up to its name as Dominic soon led Tabitha along the moonlit beach. Ancient magic pulsed beneath their feet, making the sand shimmer with each step.

Before long, he stopped and pulled her to face him. His lion urged him to claim her, to finally admit what he'd been feeling. "I don't want to write you any more tickets."

"That's a shame. Our little encounters were the highlight of my month." Her blue eyes gleamed with mischief, but he sensed vulnerability beneath her teasing.

"I'd rather have different encounters with you." He traced his thumb across her knuckles. "Better ones."

The waves crashed behind them as ancient magic swirled around their feet, responding to Tabitha's wild power. Her purple hair danced in the breeze as she stepped closer.

"Are you saying you want to be more than just the sheriff who keeps busting me?"

"I'm saying I want everything with you." His voice dropped lower, more possessive. "The troublemaker who taught me how to live again. The wild witch who makes my lion purr. The woman I'm in love with."

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