Page 8 of Tempest Awakening
Whiskey, sensing my tension, let out a soft meow from his carrier. I glanced over at him, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "It's okay, buddy. We're almost there," I murmured, though the words felt more like a reassurance for myself than for him.
Just as I was beginning to second-guess my decision, the trees parted, and I caught my first glimpse of Drakehaven. The sight was like a balm to my frayed nerves. Quaint, colorful buildings lined a charming main street, complete with lampposts andwelcoming benches. The town exuded a warmth and coziness that instantly put me at ease.
I spotted a café nestled between a boutique and what appeared to be an old-fashioned apothecary. The wooden sign hanging above the entrance proclaimed it to be "Books 'n' Brews," and something about the cozy establishment called out to my weary soul.
I secured a shady parking spot along the street and checked on Whiskey. He was fast asleep in his carrier. I gave him some food and water, and cracked a window. “I’ll be back in a bit, pumpkin.”
As I stepped through the café's doors, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and well-loved books enveloped me like a warm embrace. The atmosphere was inviting, with mismatched sofas and armchairs arranged in intimate clusters. Shelves packed with books—new and old—lined the walls, their spines a riot of colors.
I made my way to the counter, my gaze roaming over the chalkboard menu adorned with an intricate dragon motif. The barista greeted me with a friendly smile. A few minutes later, I held a steaming chai latte in one hand and a blueberry muffin in the other.
Perusing the book trade shelf, my fingers brushed over well-loved spines before stopping on a familiar title—Gypsy Bloodby Kristy Cunning. A grin spread across my face. It was one of my favorite reverse harem paranormal romances.
Finding a comfy sofa tucked away in a quiet corner, I settled down with my treasures. The chai latte was deliciously spicy and warming while the muffin was moist and bursting withblueberries. The day melted away as I got lost in the story unfolding on the pages before me.
My peaceful reverie was interrupted by a cheerful voice. "Oh my gosh! You read Kristy Cunning too?"
I looked up to find a petite woman with vibrant red hair standing before me. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and a wide grin split her face.
I laughed, surprised. Reverse harem wasn't a genre everyone appreciated. But the enthusiasm in her voice was infectious. "You've read it?"
"Read it? I devoured it!" she exclaimed, plonking herself down on the sofa opposite me.
I grinned back at her. "Me too! It's one of my favorite series. But not many people I know are into reverse harems."
"Well, now you know me. I'm Pippa, by the way," she said with a wink.
"Tess," I replied, offering her a tentative smile.
"It’s lovely to meet you, Tess. Now, which of the heroes is your favorite?" she asked, pointing to the book in my hands.
"I love something different about each of them." I shook my head with a smile. "I mean, isn't the whole point that we don't have to choose? Although, being so tall," I indicated my 5'9 height, "I love the idea that Emit is so big."
"His frame isn't the only thing that's 'so big' in that book," Pippa commented with a wink.
I startled at her frank comment, staring at her in shock until we both broke down into giggles.
We quickly fell into a conversation about our favorite books and authors. It was one of those rare, magical moments—meeting a fellow book lover who shared the same taste in literature.
As our laughter subsided, Pippa tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, Tess, what brings you to our little Drakehaven? I don't recall seeing you around before."
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I... I'm just passing through, actually. Needed a break from driving and saw the exit for Drakehaven. It seemed like a nice place to stop."
Pippa's expression softened, as if sensing there was more to my story. "Well, sometimes the best adventures start with an unexpected detour. Are you planning to stay long?"
I shrugged, feeling a bit lost. "I'm not sure. I hadn't really thought that far ahead."
"Well, if you're looking for a sign, consider this it," Pippa said with a grin. "Drakehaven has a way of calling to those who need it most."
Something in her words resonated with me. "It does seem like a special place," I admitted. "I love the name. Does it have anything to do with dragons?"
Pippa's eyes lit up. "Oh, you have no idea! Drakehaven is more connected to dragons than you might think. In fact..." She leaned in conspiratorially. "I work at the Dragonne Library."
My jaw dropped. "The Dragonne Library? I've heard whispers about it, but I thought it was just a myth!"
Pippa shook her head, her smile widening. "It's very real, I assure you. It's not just a library, though. It's... well, it's hard to explain. It's a magical place."
I leaned forward, utterly captivated. "That sounds incredible. What's it like?"
