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

For a moment, I thought he was going to suggest a different option and my pulse spiked. But I wasn’t about to be bullied into running from anything.

A text dinged through on my phone and pulled me from my resolve. Before I could open the text, I noticed the time. “Cac. It’s time to go. We’re goin’ t’ be late to dinner,” I blurted out. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re super involved with something, or someone. Especially when that involvement means getting some answers, and when it’s presented in package with ocean blue eyes and a reckless smile.

“We’ve got plenty o’ time, Aish. Red Harp is only right around the block. Pyreshore isn’t a metropolis,” he reminded me with a faint chuckle.

Before responding to his slight jab, I read the text. “No worries, Uncle Lach is goin’ t’ be a few minutes late anyway. Still, we should pack up.”

“Aye.”

We reshelved the journals and books and met back at the desk. We both reached for my backpack and my hand grazed his. The rush of energy spread more quickly this time. I looked up instinctively and was met with the blue fire I’d noticed before, only it was brighter, more intense. The warmth of his hand wrapped around mine.

“I am sworn to protect,” he said just above a whisper.

“I am not some chosen one, Cian.”

“Oh, but ya are.”

My breath caught in my chest and the room grew dark around us. At that moment, I was certain of one thing. I would trust Cian McCallister with my life, but my heart was what I was worried about.

Sixteen

Stepping into The Red Harp Diner felt like stepping back in time into an old British pub. Dim lighting hung from the ceiling in the form of brass lanterns. Their light brushed a pale hue over dark stained, round tabletops flanked by red leather chairs. To one side, a polished oak countertop served as the bar, and long, wood tables filled the back section of the building. Historic décor comprised of weapons and shields peppered the walls, and I found myself wondering if they were actually authentic. Considering the history of the town, I was inclined to believe it was entirely possible.

Uncle Lachlan had managed to arrive ahead of us, even though he’d said he would be late. He was seated at a small round table in a corner. Strategically placed with a full view of the room. Just as I would have chosen. He stood and signaled for us to join him.

“I thought ya said you were going t’ be late?” I teased as we approached the table.

“I arrived directly at seven. That's five minutes late. Punctuality is key, m’ dear,” Uncle Lachlan stated as he took his seat.

Cian pulled out my chair and helped me settle up at the table, proving chivalry still existed. I mouthed a thank you and smiled. As Cian walked around and took his seat, I caught Uncle Lachlan peering at me with a strange grin plastered on his face. I shot him a look that I hoped would discourage his current, slightly embarrassing, train of thought.

“I hope ye don't mind, I ordered each of ye a beverage,” he stated as a waitress placed a basket of bread and a large mug of what looked to be an Irish coffee in front of me. Cian and Uncle Lachlan each received a stout ale. Something told me we may need them before the dinner was over.

“So, I hear ye have a lot t’ fill me in on,” Uncle Lachlan stated.

“It seems you have a good bit to share with me, as well,” I offered back.

“Aye, t’would seem so,” he agreed.

“How about I start?” Cian piped in. “But first—” He rotated his fingers in a circular motion and spoke a quiet command. A forcefield of sorts formed around the table. I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t felt the energy that emitted from his fingertips.

“What is that?” I asked Cian.

“It acts much like the ward you establish around the cottage. Keeps our conversations private. Nothing we say can be heard beyond it. Also, nothing can physically penetrate from the outside in. So, it’s for both privacy and protection,” Cian explained.

“Yeah . . . I’m gonna need you t’ teach me how t’ do that,” I said as I reached out a finger to touch the magic surrounding us. It sent a flick of energy back into my hand.

“Ya really are a curious sort, aren’t ya?” Cian teased.

I shrugged. “It’s part of my charm.”

Cian shook his head ever so slightly and flashed a smile before getting back to business. “So, what shall we cover first? The scrolls, The Saiad, the Kanna Stone, or the fact that Aish has a stalker?”

Uncle Lachlan crooked his head in my direction. “A stalker? I do believe we should start with that.”

“Tattletale,” I spat.

“I’ll let you do the honors,” Cian responded, looking at me.

I took a long swig of my Irish coffee, thankful it was heavy on the Irish, and began sharing the details with Uncle Lachlan. Starting with Shifter Cian showing up at my flat the same day as my invitation to become a Keeper. I spared no detail in explaining what had occurred up to the point of my arrival in Pyreshore. When I finished, Cian glared at me.

“Tell him about your visitor last night,” Cian insisted.

I let out a heavy sigh. Uncle Lachlan didn’t say a word, but simply gave me a concerned scowl.

“Yes, I had an unsolicited visitor during the wee hours of the morning. It seems much more relevant knowing what I know now,” I began. I went on to relay the story once more for Uncle Lachlan.

Just as I finished, our waitress arrived to take our orders. I heard Cian whisper something as she approached, and the noise from the tavern returned. We placed our orders, and as she walked away,