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

against the dark, hardwood floor resonated from the high ceilings as we made our way toward a hallway near the back of the room. I was admiring the architecture around me when I sensed Nira slowing her pace to a halt. I looked to see why and promptly spotted the source of our delay.

Dex Long.

I didn’t know him personally, but I knew who he was. Most anyone with a television or social media account knew who he was. It’s hard to hide when you’re a millionaire playboy living on family money.

Before he was halfway to us, I locked eyes and studied him as he made his way over. He ran a hand over his long wavy hair, as if he were making certain no wayward strands had escaped the leather tie he had used to cinch it back. I stifled my amusement at his attempt to play it cool.

“Aw, Dex,” Nira crooned as she gave him the once over.

“Nira,” he flashed a devilish grin. “And who is this?” His gaze transferred to me.

I stepped forward before Nira had the chance to say anything. “Aisling O’Cléirigh,” I offered. “But everyone just calls me Aish.”

He was a Dragon shifter, a pureblood at that. And there was light within the Dragon’s soul and a mischievous kindness within his eyes. I liked him immediately.

He held his hand out toward me, introducing himself. “Dex Long.”

“Aye, I’ve read about ye.”

He cocked his head a touch. “All good things?”

I shrugged with feigned disinterest. “I rarely believe what they say in the media. But the article in Esque Magazine did say you are secretive. Now I know why. Although, I am still surprised t’ see you here. I never would have guessed you t’ be a shifter based on your interviews,” I paused and gave him the once over. “You’re much cuter in person though. Your pictures don’t do ya justice.”

“But you did read it,” he said with a smirk.

“Aye, Captain Sparrow. I read it. I needed something t’ kill the five-hour flight. And . . . t’ be honest—” I glanced around and leaned in close as if what I was about to tell him was confidential and just between us. “I’m still not much impressed.”

I radiated just a touch of diversion magic in his direction to be safe. I’d noticed the attraction in his stare, and it would only have ended badly. Fae and Dragons could be great friends, but nothing more.

“How about a tour with the most eligible bachelor of Pyreshore?” he offered.

I glanced at Nira who was suppressing her amusement.

I scoffed a short laugh and beamed a bright smile. “Oh, Dragon, I am too hot fer the likes of you.”

I had to admit, giving him a little grief was fun. I was certain he was used to charming most any woman, so a little challenge was probably refreshing. Besides, I had no doubt he could take it and dish it back.

He faked a painful cringe. “Burned by a . . . what exactly are you?” he asked.

“Fae,” I offered.

“Well, it was nice to meet you, Aish. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other again.”

I rolled my eyes playfully and waved, sending him on his way. But he was right, I was certain we’d cross paths again. Pyreshore was, after all, a small town.

“He seemed to take to you,” Nira said once he was out of earshot and we began making our way back toward the promised tour of the Library.

“Is that unusual?”

“To someone who simply meets him casually, he will seem quite charming and outgoing. But Dex is . . . selective with who he actually considers a friend. For a variety of reasons,” she explained.

“I assume being ridiculously rich and in the public eye is high on that list of reasons.”

Nira smiled over at me. “You would be correct. And I’m sure you can relate to the other reasons.”

“Aye. That I can.”

“So, how do you find your accommodations?” she inquired changing the topic. “The Lighthouse Cottage, that’s how most everyone in town refers to it, was my first choice when I made the move to Pyreshore. Only, it was occupied at the time.”

“It’s absolutely perfect. And I want to thank whoever made sure I had coffee this morning. I really need to hit the grocers this afternoon.”

She let out a soft laugh. “Coffee is always a necessity. But I’m afraid no one person can be given credit. We make sure all quarters for incoming Keepers are stocked with the necessities. Condiments, dishes, coffee . . . anything at all you would need aside from personal items such as clothes and foods you prefer. If you check the tall cupboard next to the refrigerator, you’ll find there are some staples there, too. Pastas, sauces, rice. Foods that keep.”

“That is great information t’ have. Thank you,” I replied as I took in the architecture and internally swooned over the fascinating history I was certain lingered in every stone, carved wooden detail, and book that lined the shelves.

“Of course, I’m nothing if not filled with information,” she said with a playful tone and a wink.

Nira Garrison was indeed not the uptight persona she projected. Just another reminder that few things were ever as they seemed upon first appearance. Especially people. It was a thought that sent my mind back to the enigmatic Cian McCallister. I considered asking Nira what insight she might be able to offer on the coffee-making savant, but I hesitated as we had arrived at our destination.

“This is the research area for Keepers,” she announced as she pushed the door and glided through.

“Several hundred years of artifacts and the histories of our bloodlines are housed in this section of the library. Fae, Sphynxes, Werewolves, Witches . . . each of our histories are preserved in this location and passed down from generation to generation through priceless relics and tomes of aged leather. Pyreshore appears to be little more than a quaint New England coastal town, but there’s so much more to