Page 13 of Paws and Claws (Saltwater Grove Romances #4)
13
DOMINIC
D ominic squeezed Tabitha's hand, his heart racing as he scanned the crowded bar. The Hunters' conversation about tracking devices made his skin crawl. Every instinct screamed at him to protect not just himself, but Tabitha.
"Are you ready to hear my plan?" he whispered, pulling her closer. The warmth of her body against his side steadied him, even as his inner lion bristled at the threat.
"Let me guess - something boring and by-the-book?" Tabitha's breath tickled his ear.
"Actually..." He nodded toward the fire alarm on the wall. "I'm thinking we break a few rules."
Her blue eyes widened. "You're really suggesting we break the law with a false fire alarm? Who are you and what have you done with the real Dominic?"
"Desperate times." He guided them through the crowd, keeping his movements casual. "Besides, I learned from the best troublemaker in town."
"I'm flattered." She pressed closer as they weaved between bodies. "But what about all those lectures about proper conduct?"
"Sometimes keeping people safe matters more than procedure." His fingers found the fire alarm. With one sharp pull, the shrieking alarm filled the bar.
Chaos erupted instantly. Bodies pushed past them as people rushed for the exits. Through the pandemonium, Dominic spotted one of the Hunters pulling out a sleek silver device.
"Time to move." He wrapped an arm around Tabitha's waist, shielding her with his body as they merged into the crowd.
The Hunters spread out, their devices glowing as they swept them over the fleeing patrons. Each time the device passed over someone supernatural, it emitted a high-pitched beep.
"Front door is blocked," Tabitha hissed, nodding toward the Hunter stationed there.
"Back door it is."
They changed direction, but Dominic's blood ran cold as he watched the Hunters methodically working their way through the crowd, marking down every paranormal signature they detected. His lion prowled close to the surface, ready to fight if needed.
"Don't even think about it," Tabitha warned, reading his tension. "We can't blow our cover."
"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 whipped through 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."
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 lion paced 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.