Page 64 of Paws and Claws

His green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Maybe we all learned something about not judging too quickly." His hand settled on her lower back, warm and possessive.

Police sirens wailed in the distance as backup approached. Around them, officers and witches worked together to secure the scene, trading compliments and jokes like old friends. Tabitha's heart swelled at the sight. Who knew it would take fighting against anti-paranormal bigots to bring everyone together in Saltwater Grove?

"Your wild magic was impressive again tonight," Dominic murmured, his voice pitched low for her ears only. "I've never seen anyone control chaos quite like you."

"Was that actually praise?" She placed a hand over her heart in mock shock. "Now I really know the world's ending."

He pulled her closer, his touch sending delicious shivers through her whole body. "I can think of better things to do with that smart mouth of yours."

"Promise?" she whispered, just as the backup units began flooding into the warehouse.

Tabitha's motorcycle soon roared through the quiet streets of Saltwater Grove, Dominic's strong arms wrapped around her waist. The night air was charged with the thrill of victory and something electric between them that made her skin tingle more than her wild magic ever had.

Before long, she pulled into his driveway, cutting the engine.

"Come in?" he asked, his eyes intense.

"Since you asked so nicely," she teased, shooting him a playful smile.

The porch light cast a warm glow over his features as he held the door open for her. Tabitha sauntered past him, catching the way his gaze followed her movement. The living room still had that sparse, barely-lived-in feel, but somehow it felt more welcoming now.

"Want some coffee?"

"After the night we've had? I think we need something stronger." She dropped onto his couch, kicking off her boots.

He returned with two glasses of whiskey, settling beside her close enough that their thighs touched. The heat of him radiated through her jeans.

"I really need to thank you," she said, taking a sip. The whiskey burned pleasantly. "For believing in me when everyone else thought I was guilty. For trusting me to help you with the investigation."

"You proved yourself more than capable." His voice rumbled low, sending a shiver through her. "I'm glad I listened to my instincts about you."

"Your instincts, huh?" She raised an eyebrow. "And what are they telling you now?"

He set his glass down, turning to face her fully. "They're telling me to ask you to the Midsummer Shifter Jousts tomorrow."

Tabitha nearly choked on her whiskey. "Sheriff Blackmane, are you actually suggesting something fun? Where did my favorite killjoy go?"

"Your favorite, huh?" His lips curved into a predatory smile that made her heart beat faster. "And here I thought I was just the bane of your existence."

"Well," she drawled, setting her own glass aside. "Maybe you've grown on me."

His laugh was rich and deep. "So, is that a yes to tomorrow?"

"Depends." She shifted closer, enjoying the way his eyes darkened. "Will you arrest me if I misbehave?"

"Tabitha." The way he said her name, low and warning, sent heat pooling in her belly.

"Yes, Dominic?" She batted her eyes innocently.

"You're really playing with fire."

Tabitha suddenly rose from the couch. "I should head home," she said, trying to keep her voice light despite the electricity crackling between them. "Big day tomorrow at the jousts."

"Stay." The single word rumbled from his chest, pure alpha male command that made her magic spark.

"Now who's being the troublemaker?" She gathered her jacket, fighting the urge to crawl right back onto that couch. "We agreed to keep things professional until this case wraps up."

"Since when do you follow the rules?" His lips curved into that dangerous smile that made her knees weak.

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