Page 32 of Paws and Claws

Dominic soon pulled into his driveway, the motorcycle's engine purring to a stop. The night air carried the scent of salt and lavender, mingling with Tabitha's unique fragrance of wild magic and jasmine. His lion basked in her closeness, reluctant to end the moment as her arms slowly unwound from his waist.

"Who knew you could actually ride?" Tabitha's voice held a note of admiration that made his chest swell with pride.

"I told you I've ridden before. I just didn't mention how well." He swung his leg over the bike, missing her warmth immediately. His lion urged him to pull her close again, but he tamped down the instinct.

Tabitha remained perched on the motorcycle, moonlight catching the purple strands of her hair. "I might have to let you drive more often."

"Is that an invitation?" The words slipped out before he could stop them.

"Maybe." Her smile turned playful. "If you ask nicely."

Dominic extended his hand to help her off the bike, his breath catching as her fingers slid against his palm. She stepped down, but stumbled slightly, bringing her chest against his. His free hand automatically steadied her waist.

The air crackled between them, her wild magic dancing across his skin like static electricity. Her blue eyes met his green ones, and for a moment, Dominic forgot how to breathe. His lionpaced restlessly, wanting to claim this maddening woman who challenged him every step of the way.

Reality crashed back as a car drove past, its headlights cutting through the moment. Dominic dropped her hand, clearing his throat. "Those tracking devices the Hunters were using - they're sophisticated tech."

"Way to kill the mood, Sheriff." Tabitha crossed her arms, but her eyes still sparkled with amusement.

"I'm serious." He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to focus. "That kind of equipment needs specialized facilities to produce. They must have a lab somewhere in town."

"Makes sense. Can't exactly order 'Paranormal Detection Devices' on Amazon Prime."

"I'll check the station records tomorrow, see if there are any suspicious warehouse rentals or industrial properties." His lion growled in protest at the thought of investigating without her.

"And what am I supposed to do while you play detective?" She stepped closer, the scent of jasmine intensifying. "Sit at home like a good girl?"

"We both know you're incapable of that." The corner of his mouth twitched up despite himself.

Tabitha turned and swung her right leg over her motorcycle. Dominic's lion wanted to pull her back, to keep her close, but he forced himself to step back.

"Text me when you get home safe." His voice came out more commanding than he intended, but his protective instincts were in overdrive.

"Aw, worried about me, Sheriff?" She flashed that mischievous smile that always made his heart skip.

"Please just do it, Tabitha." He crossed his arms, trying to look stern despite the warmth spreading through his chest.

"Yes sir." She gave him a mock salute before starting the engine.

Dominic watched until her taillights disappeared around the corner, then headed inside. His house felt emptier than usual, the silence almost oppressive after the exhilarating night. He dropped onto his couch, phone in hand, and waited.

His thoughts kept drifting to the feel of her pressed against his back as they rode along the coast, the way her wild magic had wrapped around them like a caress. She drove him wild in the best possible ways - breaking rules with that infectious smile, challenging him at every turn, yet showing glimpses of vulnerability that made his lion want to protect her fiercely.

His phone finally buzzed in his hand.

"Home safe, you can stop pacing now."

Dominic hadn't even realized he'd stood up at some point and was pacing. He smiled at how well she knew him already.

"Good. Sleep well, troublemaker."

"Sweet dreams, Sheriff Stick-in-the-Mud."

He soon fell asleep with her scent still lingering on him and a smile on his face.

14

TABITHA

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