Page 25 of Paws and Claws (Saltwater Grove Romances #4)

25

TABITHA

T abitha leaned against the edge of Dominic's desk as she studied the map of Saltwater Grove spread across its surface. The morning sun streamed in through his office window, and she noticed how Dominic's gaze kept drifting to watch the play of light dance across her body.

"So, the Hunters have to be planning something pretty big," she said, tapping a finger against the map. "But where would hurt the most paranormals at once?"

Dominic leaned forward in his chair, his broad shoulders filling out his uniform in a way that made her pulse quicken. "They've been testing equipment designed to target specific types of paranormals. That suggests they want to hit multiple groups at once."

The scent of his cologne mixed with coffee drifted across the desk, making it hard for Tabitha to focus on the task at hand. She shifted, crossing her legs.

"You're doing that thing with your jaw again," she said, trying to lighten the tension. "The whole brooding sheriff look might work on suspects, but I'm immune."

His eyes locked on hers, a hint of gold flickering in their depths. "Are you?"

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. "Focus, Sheriff. We're being professional, remember?"

"Professional." He rolled the word around like he was tasting it. "Is that what we're calling what we're trying to do right now?"

"Well, I'm certainly not calling it a date."

Tabitha's wild magic tingled under her skin, responding to his presence like it always did now. She tamped it down, forcing herself to look at the map instead of the way his uniform stretched deliciously across his chest.

"The Hunters have to know we're onto them after the club incident," she said. "Whatever they're planning, it'll be soon."

"Agreed." Dominic stood, moving around the desk until he stood close enough that she could feel the heat of his body. "We need to think like them. Where would cause the most chaos?"

Tabitha's breath hitched as he reached past her to point at something on the map, his arm brushing against hers. The contact sent sparks dancing across her skin. Tabitha cleared her throat, desperately trying to focus on anything else.

"We should head to forensics," she said, stepping back from his desk. "Tell them exactly what we learned about Quinn's devices. Maybe that'll help narrow down where the Hunters might strike."

Dominic's eyes lingered on her as she moved toward his office door, and she caught the slight flex of his jaw. "What were the specifics of the equipment again?"

"The HF-1000 emits frequencies calibrated to a shifter's enhanced hearing." She ticked off each device on her fingers. "The Magic Disruptor interferes with a witch's connection to their power. The X-Taser packs ten thousand volts, modulated specifically to penetrate supernatural defenses."

"Impressive memory."

"I usually pay attention when people are trying to kill me." She flashed him a smile, hoping humor would diffuse the tension crackling between them. "It's a recent habit I've picked up."

His lips quirked. "A good habit to maintain."

"Look at us, being all professional." She gestured between them. "No breaking rules or causing trouble."

"Yet." The word rumbled from his chest, laden with meaning that made her breath catch.

"You know me, Sheriff." She reached for the door before she did something unprofessional like kiss that knowing smirk off his face. "I'm filled with surprises."

"That you are." His eyes followed her movement, intense and focused in a way that made her magic surge. "Shall we head to forensics?"

"Lead the way." She needed him to go first - watching him walk away was far safer than having those predator eyes on her for one more second.

Tabitha soon watched the forensics tech's fingers fly across his keyboard, her wild magic humming in response to Dominic's presence beside her. He stood close enough that his warmth radiated against her arm, making it difficult to focus on the screen's technical readouts.

"These components," the tech said, pointing to a complex diagram. "They match what we found in that abandoned warehouse off Maple. The resonance frequencies would definitely affect shifters in their animal forms."

"Mass production capabilities?" Dominic's voice held that authoritative rumble that made Tabitha's magic dance.

"Oh yeah. They could outfit a small army with these."

Tabitha shifted her weight, trying to put some professional distance between herself and Dominic without being obvious about it. Her eyes landed on a calendar hanging on the wall, and suddenly everything clicked.

"The Jousts," she breathed, turning to face Dominic. His eyes locked onto hers with predatory intensity. "The Midsummer Shifter Jousts are in two days. There'll be shifters from everywhere."

Understanding dawned in his expression. "Perfect target. Maximum impact."

"And maximum chaos." She could picture it all too clearly - hundreds of shifters writhing in pain as the devices activated. "They could hurt so many people at once."

"Not if we stop them first." His jaw set in that determined way that used to annoy her but now sent heat pooling in her belly.

The tech cleared his throat. "Should I, uh, leave you two alone?"

"No," they said in unison, then shared a loaded glance that made Tabitha's cheeks warm.

"We should check the venue," she said quickly, stepping back. "Look for possible device placement points."

"Agreed." Dominic's eyes tracked her movement, and she could have sworn she saw his nostrils flare slightly. "But first, we need a plan."

"I thought that was your department, Sheriff." She flashed him a teasing smile, falling back on humor to mask how he affected her. "I'm more of a spontaneous chaos kind of girl."

He smirked. "Don't I know it."

The tech muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "get a room" under his breath.

Tabitha followed Dominic down the station's hallway, her boots clicking against the linoleum floor. The scent of his cologne mixed with leather drifted back to her, making her magic spark beneath her skin. She forced herself to maintain a professional distance, even as her body yearned to close the gap between them.

"We're going to need backup," she said, watching the way his shoulders filled out his uniform. "Lots of it."

Dominic stopped and turned to face her, his eyes intense. "My hands are tied officially. Bruce made sure of that."

"But?" She raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more.

"But I've got officers who know me better than to believe his lies. Connor for one. They can work this unofficially."

Tabitha's magic tingled as an idea formed. "I might know some witches who'd love to stick it to the Hunters."

"Your troublemaking friends?" he questioned skeptically. "The ones who start bar fights?"

"Hey, that was one time." She stepped closer, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "And if you recall, that fight was about you."

A low rumble emerged from his chest, almost like a purr. "Trust isn't exactly my strong suit when it comes to rule-breakers."

"Says the sheriff working outside the law." Her lips curved into a teasing smile. "Trust me on this one. My friends may bend the rules, but they hate the Hunters as much as we do."

"We?" His voice dropped lower, sending a shiver through her body.

Tabitha's breath caught as she realized how close they'd gotten. Her wild magic reached for him instinctively, and she had to clench her fists to keep it contained.

"The good guys," she clarified, taking a step back. "Which, apparently, I am now. Thanks for that, by the way. Total career change."

His lips twitched. "You're welcome."

"So?" She spread her hands. "What do you say? Trust the witch?"

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."