Page 31 of Paws and Claws

"I hate running from this fight."

"Consider it a tactical retreat." She tugged his hand. "Come on, hero. Let's live to fight another day."

Dominic soon pushed through the back door of the bar, his arm protectively around Tabitha's waist. The alley's shadows did little to hide them from three other Hunters sweeping their devices back and forth like demented metal detectors. His lion's instincts kicked in - protect, defend, and escape.

"Left," he whispered, guiding Tabitha behind a dumpster just as one of the devices beeped. Purple sparks crackled from Tabitha's fingertips, her wild magic responding to her fear.

"I can take them," she muttered, but Dominic felt her trembling against him.

"Not today." He waited until the Hunters passed, then pulled her toward the street. "Your magic's unstable right now."

They darted between shadows, freezing when another Hunter appeared at the alley's entrance. Tabitha's magic flared again, making the streetlamp above them flicker.

"Keys," Dominic demanded, holding out his hand once they reached her motorcycle. "I'm driving."

"Like hell you are." But her hands shook as she tried to get the key in the ignition.

"Tabitha." He caught her wrist, his voice gentle but firm. "Let me handle this."

For once, she didn't argue. The sound of approaching footsteps and beeping devices probably helped. She pressed the keys into his palm and slid onto the back of her motorcycle.

Dominic swung his leg over the bike, starting it in one smooth motion. His lion purred at having Tabitha's arms wrap around his waist, her chest pressed against his back. She fit perfectly against him, like she belonged there.

"Hold on tight," he murmured, feeling her nod against his shoulder. Her wild magic sparked between them, but instead of being dangerous, it felt like coming home. His lion stretched contentedly despite the danger, wanting to protect this fierce, beautiful witch who drove him crazy in the best and worst ways.

The Hunters' voices grew closer. Dominic's hands tightened on the handlebars as Tabitha's grip around his waist strengthened. Her breath was warm against his neck, making it hard to focus on anything but the feel of her against him.

"Ready when you are, Sheriff," she whispered, and he could hear the smile in her voice despite everything.

Dominic gunned the motorcycle's engine, leaving the Hunters and their devices far behind. The wind whippedthrough his hair as streetlights blurred past, Tabitha's arms wrapped securely around his waist. Her wild magic still crackled between them, matching the electric thrill running through his veins.

His lion reveled in the freedom, in the raw power of the machine beneath him and the warmth of Tabitha pressed against his back. The structured, rule-following sheriff in him tried to protest, but for once, Dominic didn't listen.

"You're a natural!" Tabitha called over the wind, her laugh vibrating against his shoulder. "Who knew the rigid sheriff had it in him?"

"I'm full of surprises." He took a corner faster than necessary, grinning at her delighted gasp. Her fingers tightened on his leather jacket, and his lion practically purred.

Instead of turning toward his house, Dominic headed for the coastal road. The moon hung low over the ocean, painting a silver path across the waves. Salt air filled his lungs as he opened up the throttle.

"Where are we going?" Tabitha's breath tickled his ear.

"Does it matter?" The words surprised him even as they left his mouth. But they felt right. Everything about this moment felt right.

Her wild magic sparked again, this time wrapping around them both like a warm blanket. "Seriously, who are you and what have you done with Dominic Blackmane?"

"Maybe I'm tired of being predictable." He slowed the bike slightly, savoring the feel of her against him. "Maybe I like the way this feels."

"The motorcycle or me?" Her voice held a teasing note that made his heart race.

"Both." His honesty surprised him, but his lion approved. No more dancing around what they both felt.

Tabitha's arms tightened around him, her cheek resting against his back. Neither spoke for several minutes, just enjoying the perfect moment of freedom and connection.

"We should probably head back soon," she finally said, though she didn't sound happy about it.

"Probably." Dominic didn't slow down. "Five more minutes?"

"Make it ten." Her magic swirled playfully around them. "I'm starting to think you might know how to have some fun after all."

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