Page 17 of Paws and Claws

"You really know how to take the fun out of everything." She winked at him before sauntering toward the door.

His lion tracked her movement until she disappeared from view. He paid their bill and headed back to the station.

Bruce's scent hit him before he saw him, a mix of cheap cologne and arrogance that made his nose twitch. The other sheriff lounged against the wall near the break room, scrolling through his phone.

"Care to explain why you arrested a civilian without proper procedure?" Dominic's voice came out as a low growl.

Bruce didn't even look up. "Didn't realize I needed your permission to do my job."

"When it involves my investigation-"

"Your investigation?" Bruce's laugh grated against Dominic's ears. "That witch is nothing but trouble. She's garbage, and I treated her accordingly."

The lion in Dominic's chest roared to life, his protective instincts flaring hot and unexpected. His hand shot out, pinning Bruce against the wall. "You will never speak about her that way again."

Bruce's eyes widened slightly before narrowing. "Since when do you care about that purple-haired menace?"

Dominic released him, stepping back as he processed the surge of possessive anger that had overtaken him. Why did he care? This was Tabitha Moon - speedster and troublemaker. Yet the thought of Bruce dismissing her so cruelly made his blood boil.

"I care about proper procedure," he said finally, but even to his own ears, the words rang hollow. "And about treating all of our citizens with respect."

Bruce straightened his uniform with a sneer. "Whatever you say, boss." He walked away, leaving Dominic alone with his confusing thoughts and the lingering urge to defend Tabitha's honor.

8

TABITHA

The summer sun beat down on the intersection where three cars had collided a week ago. Tabitha leaned against her motorcycle and checked her phone. 7:58 AM. For once in her life, she'd arrived early to meet someone - and that someone was Sheriff No-Fun himself.

Right on cue, Dominic's squad car pulled up. He stepped out and his dark hair caught the morning light. His presence filled the space, commanding and intense like always.

"You're early," he said, surprise coloring his voice.

"Don't sound so shocked. I can be responsible when I want to be." Tabitha pushed off her bike. "Though I have to say, being up this early is criminal."

"Speaking of criminal..." He gestured to the intersection. "Walk me through why this couldn't be you."

Tabitha crossed her arms. "First off, I can't mess with minds. My magic is wild, yeah, but it doesn't work that way. I can make things move, create light shows, maybe blow up a painting or two when I'm really frustrated - but mind control?" She shook her head. "Not my thing."

She took a step closer, her voice dropping. "And more importantly? I would never hurt anyone. Create a little chaos? Sure. But actually harm people?" Her blue eyes met his green ones. "That's not who I am."

Dominic studied her face, and Tabitha suddenly realized how close they were standing. His presence was overwhelming - all authority and barely contained power. The lion shifter in him was apparent in the way he held himself and in the intensity of his gaze.

"I believe you," he said softly.

The air between them crackled with something that definitely wasn't her wild magic. Her heart did a little flip that she immediately tried to squash. This was Dominic Blackmane - her nemesis, her personal fun-police. She definitely wasn't noticing how his uniform fit perfectly across his broad shoulders or how his eyes seemed to see right through her.

She took a deliberate step back, forcing a light tone. "Well, would you look at that? The sheriff actually trusts me. Should I mark this day on my calendar?"

"Don't push your luck, Moon." But there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Let's focus on finding who's really behind this."

Tabitha spotted the pet shop's cheerful blue awning across the street. "Hey, what about Paws & Claws? Fred's been there forever - he must have seen something."

Dominic's shoulders tensed. "You know the owner?"

"Let me guess - I'm not allowed to have legitimate connections in this town either?" She flashed him a grin. "If you must know, I buy cat toys for my friend Mira's cat there. Come on, Sheriff."

The bell chimed as they entered, and the scent of cedar shavings and pet food filled the air. Fred looked up from stocking shelves and his round face broke into a warm smile.

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