Silver at Midnight: A Paranormal Romance Urban Fantasy (The Keepers of Knowledge Series Book 5) by Bridgette O'Hare (best large ereader .TXT) 📕

“International flights are actually my preference,” Nira said as she grabbed a set of keys and what looked to be a few papers from behind the bar. “It’s the shorter flights I hate. I barely have time to get comfortable with a good book before the plane is landing and I’m interrupted.”

That statement was clearly supported by the fully packed, floor to ceiling bookshelves that flanked each side of the fireplace.

“Honestly, I slept through most of my flight. I’d had a long day before leavin’, and I knew the time difference was goin’ t’ get t’ me.” It was an honest answer, and the truth was, even with the sleep I’d gotten on the flight, I was still a bit hankered. I’d for certain be turning in early. I needed a solid nine hours of sleep to catch up.

“I can completely understand that.” Nira glided over to where I stood and held out a set of keys. “These are for your house. From the available properties, your uncle chose the one he thought you’d enjoy most. You have the best view in town of the Pyreshore Lighthouse.”

I took the keys and smiled. It seemed Uncle Lachlan had, in fact, been keeping up with me. The ocean was my favorite place to be. So, if I could hear the waves crashing at night through an open bedroom window, that was definitely a bonus. “Thank you, Nira.”

“Of course. Your address and simple directions are written on this pamphlet. Inside, you will find a list of all the shops, restaurants, and amenities in Pyreshore. You aren’t expected in the Keeper’s office for a couple of days still, but if you’d like to stop by and get an early start, here’s the address.” She handed me a piece of blue paper.

“Sounds good,” I said. “I’m actually a bit peckish. Where might you recommend for a light supper before I head t’ my place t’ turn in for the night?”

“I highly recommend The Black Cat café,” she said with a chuckle. “Yes, I do see the irony. But I promise you, they have the best soups and sandwiches in town. And if you like coffee, their selection rivals any high-end coffee bar the world over. Brenhin, the owner, and his brother have traveled extensively and have managed to find the best suppliers of most everything. Especially coffee and wine. And if Cian happens to be manning the café, insist that he create his Colombian Special for you. Don’t take no for an answer. You will absolutely thank me. But you may also want to kill me because all other coffee will be ruined for you forever.”

“Well, now I’m not sure if I should or not,” I replied. “You don’t know how much I love my coffee,” I laughed.

“You’ll have to let me know what you think; I can already see the curiosity in your eyes.” A satisfied smile crept over her deep burgundy lips.

Nira Garrison and I were going to get along splendidly. She enjoyed reading, coffee, and wine, and I would have bet my last dollar that she could hold her own in a fight. I liked people who were well rounded and versatile.

“I won’t deny it, the Colombian Special is now high on my list of things t’ experience.”

“Good. Make sure to tell Cian I sent you. He’ll make it extra strong for you.” She winked.

“Well, not only am I hungry, but I’m suddenly in the mood fer coffee,” I said and turned to signal I was letting her get back to her evening.

“You won’t be disappointed,” she said as she followed me back to the front door of her home.

“Thank you for all the information, Nira. I look forward t’ working with you.”

“Well, we may not get to work together much, but I’m happy to answer any questions or help you in whatever way I can. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need something,” she offered then gave a quick verbal explanation of how to get to The Black Cat Café.

I thanked her and proceeded to my car wishing I had asked Uncle Lachlan a few more questions. For one, what exactly would I be doing as a Keeper? And who would I be reporting to aside from him? If I wouldn’t be working with Nira Garrison, why did I report to her instead of the Fae member of the High Council? The questions piled up in my mind, but they would have to wait. I had a date with a Black Cat.

Five

The aroma of freshly brewed dark roast assaulted my senses before I could get one foot over the threshold into the nearly empty café. In one of the back corners, a few Witches were gathered around a small table. To my right as I walked in, a restless Mimic positioned in an oversized chair that could have swallowed her whole sat with her face buried in a book. She glanced at me and immediately returned to her reading. With those exceptions, the café was bare.

Once inside, I found myself transported by the trendy, yet old-school vibe of the exposed brick walls. Oversized pendant lamps with Edison style bulbs offered a cozy warmth to the lofty, open space. I drew a deep breath, appreciating the richness of the earthy bouquet floating around me. Coffee was one of my favorite smells. Long before I learned to appreciate the taste, I loved the smell of it brewing. Grams used to let me sip from her mug when Mom wasn’t looking. By the time I was a teenager, coffee was my beverage of choice. Grams would have loved this place.

A bar lined with industrial styled barstools nearly spanned the length of the open floorplan starting about fifteen feet from the front of the building—where comfy chairs and couches were scattered—and ending about eight feet from the back where a few intimate tables could be found. The bar created a barrier around a set of stairs that led to another