Page 45 of Paws and Claws

Dominic's powerful frame moved with casual grace, his shoulders back and head high as he scanned their surroundings. Even off-duty, he carried himself like the alpha male he was, drawing admiring glances from passersby. The sight of him in casual clothes instead of his uniform did funny things to her insides - his dark jeans and fitted shirt somehow made him even more appealing than the badge.

"We should check that warehouse district again tomorrow," he said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver through her.

Tabitha nodded, not trusting herself to speak. How had this happened? A month ago, she'd seen him as nothing but an annoyingly uptight sheriff who lived to ruin her day. Now her heart did backflips whenever he was near.

A group of tourists passed them, and Dominic's hand brushed her lower back, guiding her around them. The casual touch sent sparks of awareness through her body. His protective instincts emerged so naturally, and damn if that wasn't attractive.

She studied the way the streetlights caught the angles of his jaw, highlighting the subtle stubble there. The urge to reach out and touch his face was getting harder to resist with each passing day. Her wild magic responded to him too, reaching out like invisible tendrils whenever he was near.

This was ridiculous. She was Tabitha Moon - free spirit, troublemaker, and the exact opposite of everything this man stood for. And yet here she was, melting inside because he'd remembered how she took her coffee this morning. Because he'd actually laughed at her jokes today. Because somehow, working with him had become the highlight of her days.

"Everything alright?" His voice rumbled with concern.

She was so screwed. There was no point denying it anymore - she'd fallen hard for the most rule-following, duty-bound, frustratingly honorable man in Saltwater Grove.

Tabitha glanced at Dominic as they walked. "Yeah, everything's fine. I'm just curious what you actually do for fun?"

Dominic's stride faltered slightly. "I read."

"And?"

"Watch the news."

"That's not fun, that's homework," Tabitha said, her wild magic crackling with amusement. "Come on, there has to be something else."

He shifted uncomfortably, his broad shoulders tensing. "Not really. I work a lot. And there's always paperwork to catch up on."

"Oh my god, that's the saddest thing I've ever heard." Tabitha spun to face him, walking backward on the cobblestones.Her magic danced around her, responding to her mounting excitement. "That's it - we're doing something fun tonight. Taking a break from all this Hunter business."

"No." His voice carried that firm, authoritative tone. "I'm not letting you drag me into one of your wild schemes."

"Then you pick something," she challenged, enjoying the way his green eyes narrowed at her. "Show me what the mighty Sheriff Blackmane considers a good time."

"Tabitha..." The warning in his voice only made her grin wider.

"What's wrong, afraid you can't handle a little fun?" She poked his chest playfully. "Or maybe you just don't know how?"

His jaw tightened, and she could practically see the lion shifter's pride bristling at the challenge. The streetlights caught the angles of his face, highlighting the determination settling there. God, he was gorgeous when he got all alpha male like this.

"Fine," he growled, stepping closer. The heat from his body made her pulse quicken. "I'll show you what I consider a good time."

Tabitha's heart did a tiny flutter at his proximity, but she kept her voice light and teasing. "This should be interesting. Just please, nothing involving paperwork."

Tabitha's wild magic tingled with anticipation as Dominic led her to his house, his powerful stride purposeful. His classic red Mustang sat in his garage like a gleaming jewel, its chrome catching the moonlight.

"Get in," he commanded, opening the passenger door.

The leather seats creaked as she slid in, and she watched him perfectly fit his broad frame behind the wheel. The engine roared to life, and Tabitha's magic danced in response to the powerful rumble.

They soon cruised along the coastal road, the salt air whipping through the open windows. The moon painted silverstreaks across the dark water, and Tabitha found herself sneaking glances at Dominic's strong profile.

"The lighthouse?" she asked as they pulled into the parking lot of the historic Saltspire. "I thought you were going to show me a good time, not give me a history lesson."

His green eyes glinted with amusement. "Trust me."

The ancient stone structure loomed above them, its beacon sweeping across the night sky. As they climbed the spiral staircase, Tabitha's wild magic reached out to touch the centuries of spells woven into the walls.

"This place has some serious magical juice," she said, trailing her fingers along the stone.

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