Page 59 of Paws and Claws

Dominic studied her for a long moment, his predatory gaze making her pulse race. "Fine. But they follow my lead."

"Yes, sir, Sheriff." She threw him a mock salute, ignoring how the words made her stomach flip. "I'll keep them in line."

"Like you keep yourself in line?" His eyes glinted with amusement and something darker that made her magic surge.

"Exactly." She grinned, spinning on her heel to hide the blush creeping up her neck. "Now, let's go save some shifters."

The Hex buzzed with its usual evening energy as Tabitha led Dominic through the crowd. Her wild magic tingled, responding to both his presence and the magical atmosphere of her favorite bar. Luna and Mira sat at their usual corner booth, their heads bent together over what looked like their third round of drinks.

"Well, if it isn't trouble herself," Luna called out, then froze when she spotted Dominic. "And... the law?"

Mira's eyebrows shot up. "Are you getting arrested again?"

"Not exactly." Tabitha slid into the booth, her thigh brushing against Dominic's as he sat beside her. The contact sent sparks through her body that she tried desperately to ignore. "We need your help."

Dominic laid out the situation, his voice carrying that authoritative tone that made Tabitha's magic dance. She watched her friends' expressions shift from skepticism to concern, though they still kept shooting suspicious glances at the sheriff.

"Why should we help?" Luna crossed her arms. "No offense, Sheriff, but you're not exactly known for being witch-friendly."

"Because you're both idiots if you don't," Tabitha cut in, earning a surprised look from Dominic. "The Hunters don't care if you follow the rules or break them - they want all of us gone. This is our chance to actually do something that matters."

"Since when do you care about doing good?" Mira asked.

"Since always. I just usually express it through creative civil disobedience." Tabitha felt Dominic's chest rumble with suppressed laughter beside her.

Luna and Mira exchanged looks before finally nodding. "Fine," Luna said. "But only because you asked, Tabs. Not him."

"Your persuasive skills are certainly unique," Dominic murmured close to her ear, his breath tickling her neck. "But effective."

Tabitha's heart fluttered at the praise, and she knew at that moment she was completely, irrevocably in love with him. The realization should have terrified her, but instead it felt…right. She kept the words locked behind her teeth though, settling for a smirk instead.

"What can I say?" She shrugged. "I'm a woman of many talents."

26

DOMINIC

The early morning sun hadn't yet crested the horizon when Dominic paced the empty briefing room. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air, mixing with the lingering traces of paper and ink from yesterday's reports.

"Thanks for coming in early," he said as Connor, Martinez, and Chen filed into the room. His deputy carried an extra cup of coffee, sliding it across the table to him.

"You said it was important, boss." Martinez settled into one of the chairs, her dark eyes sharp despite the early hour.

Dominic planted his hands on the table, leaning forward. "The Paranormal Hunters are planning to attack the Midsummer Shifter Jousts tomorrow."

Chen's chair scraped loudly against the linoleum floor as he sat up straighter. "That's a serious accusation, especially given recent... events."

"Bruce is working with them," Dominic said, his voice holding the weight of authority that came naturally to him as both sheriff and alpha. "He's trying to frame me like he tried to frame Tabitha Moon."

"The witch?" Martinez raised an eyebrow. "The one you've been spending a lot of time with lately?"

Dominic let out a low growl. "We've got evidence of their weapons, specially designed to target shifters. The Jousts will be the perfect opportunity for them to make a statement and possibly harm a lot of innocent people in the process."

Connor stepped forward. "I've worked with Dominic for years. If he says there's a threat, then there's a real threat."

"Bruce has been acting pretty strange lately," Chen admitted. "Always disappearing, taking calls in private."

Martinez tapped her finger on the table. "Still, it's your word against his. And after the other day..."

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