Tempest Awakening (The Dragonne Library #1)

Chapter 3

Tess

I'd spent the night at a hotel, just a few miles from the house I'd called home for the past nine months. It felt surreal to be so close yet so far from my old life, as if I'd crossed an invisible boundary into a new reality.

Sacramento, the city I'd known all my life, suddenly felt foreign. The familiar skyline visible through the window was now a landscape of possibilities and uncertainties. I'd chosen to stay in the city for one more night, gathering my thoughts and steeling myself for what came next.

I sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for the small orange pill bottle on the nightstand. My morning ritual—a tiny anchor in the chaos of my new reality. I shook out my ADHD medication, swallowing it with a gulp of water. The familiar act was oddly comforting.

Whiskey curled up beside me, his purrs a solace. My fingers traced the embossed cover of the leather-bound journal resting in my lap—a parting gift from my therapist after our last session before I'd moved.

"Write it all down, Tess," she had urged. "The anger, the pain, the triumphs... let the pages bear witness to your truth."

My truth. The words felt foreign, like a language I was still struggling to grasp. For so long, my reality had been shaped by Mom's manipulations, her emotional blackmail dictating what was true or false.

But not anymore.

With a shuddering breath, I opened the journal, the blank pages beckoning me to fill them with the turmoil inside.

My mother's words, laced with venom, echoed in my mind. "You're nothing but a disappointment, Tempest. Always have been, always will be."

The sting of those words had been all too familiar, dredging up memories of a childhood spent walking on eggshells, forever seeking her approval.

With trembling strokes, I poured out the tangled mess of emotions—the anger, the sadness, the fear of what lay ahead. Purging them from my heart, if only for a fleeting moment.

A soft meow broke my reverie. Whiskey nuzzled against my leg, his one green eye blinking up at me with feline concern. I managed a weak smile and scratched behind his ears, his rumbling purr a soothing balm.

"Hey there, pumpkin." My voice cracked with a fragile rawness. "I'm okay. I just... I need to figure some things out."

Whiskey cocked his head, as if understanding the weight behind my words. For years, he had been my sole companion, a steadfast presence through the darkest of times. With a weary sigh, I closed the journal, the blank pages still beckoning for the rest of my story.

Grabbing my battered duffel bag, I shoved in the few belongings I had, knowing deep down that this was it. No more going back, no more second chances. I was done being a punching bag for Mom's cruelty.

But first I needed to take care of one last thing, quitting my job.

The drive to Tres Lobos passed in a blur. Could I really do this? Leave everything behind and forge a new path? The thought should have terrified me, but strangely, it didn't. A strange sense of calm had settled over me, as if some cosmic force was gently nudging me forward.

The familiar scent of spices and sizzling meat greeted me as I stepped into the bustling eatery. James, my boss, flashed me a wolfish grin from behind the counter.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite human! You're looking a little rough around the edges today, Tess. Everything okay?"

I must have looked as wrecked as I felt because he ushered me into the back office without another word. Once we were ensconced in the cozy space, James fixed me with those piercing amber eyes that always seemed to peer straight into my soul.

"Spill it." His gruff voice was laced with genuine care, a stark contrast to the callous indifference I had grown accustomed to from my own family.

And spill I did. The entire sordid tale came tumbling out—Mom's latest manipulative ploy, the vicious argument that had erupted, and her ultimate act of cruel rejection. James listened intently.

When I finally fell silent, he reached across the desk and enveloped my trembling hands in his calloused grip. "You did the right thing, kid," he said gruffly. "That woman... You don't deserve that kind of toxicity in your life."

His words unleashed a fresh torrent of tears, but this time, they were tinged with a profound relief. For once, someone saw me—the real me—and didn't turn away in disgust or apathy.

"I... I need to leave, James," I managed to choke out between sobs. "Sacramento holds too many ghosts. I can't keep living in her shadow."

He nodded, his grip tightening with a reassuring squeeze. "Then go. Spread those wings and fly, Tess. You're one of the kindest, smartest, most hardworking folks I know. Plus, you've got a heart bigger than this whole damn city. Whatever path you choose, I know you'll find your place in this world."

His words resonated deep within me. I was done letting the weight of others' expectations and judgments dictate my life.

"Thank you, James," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

He smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just promise me one thing, kiddo. Promise me you'll find happiness, wherever the road takes you."

After scribbling out a hastily written letter of resignation, I hugged James goodbye, my heart both heavy and hopeful.

As I stepped out into the warm California sun, a strange sense of freedom washed over me. The world felt... open, brimming with possibilities I had never dared to dream of before.

With a deep breath, I slipped behind the wheel, adjusting the rear view mirror and catching a glimpse of my reflection. The woman staring back at me was one I barely recognized—her golden-brown eyes alight with a determination, her lips curved into a tentative smile that hinted at the promise of better days ahead.

I looked at Whiskey, who was watching me with his one-eyed gaze. "Well, buddy," I said, scratching him behind the ears, "looks like it's just you and me now. Ready for an adventure?”

As I merged onto Highway 5, the city skyline of Sacramento faded in the distance. The miles melted away, the landscape shifting from urban sprawl to rolling hills and verdant valleys.

Where was I going? I had no clue. All I knew was that I couldn't stay in Sacramento any longer, not with Mom's toxic presence looming over me like a perpetual storm cloud.

A couple hours later, I was ready for a break. Just then, an exit for "Drakehaven" appeared. I'd never heard of the town before, but 'Drake' made me think of dragons. And a haven was exactly what I needed after the day I'd had. Without another thought, I took the offramp, hoping Drakehaven would have a place for me to stay.

The exit wound through dark, wooded hills. Shadows stretched across the road, and the trees loomed overhead like silent sentinels. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I navigated the winding path, a sense of unease creeping into my chest. What if this was a mistake? What if Drakehaven wasn't the haven I hoped it would be?

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 and welcoming 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 Blood by 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 with blueberries. 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?"

"It's beyond anything you could imagine," Pippa said, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality. "Picture a vast, castle-like structure with sunset-kissed stone walls and towering spires. Inside, there are endless shelves of ancient tomes, stained glass windows that bathe everything in crimson and gold light, and different wings for each magical species."

I listened, enthralled, as Pippa described the library's mystical forest setting, its labyrinthine floors connected by winding staircases and secret passages, and how the library itself seemed to have a consciousness of its own.

"It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel," I breathed, my mind reeling with the possibilities.

Pippa grinned. "Trust me, it's even better than fiction." She paused, studying me for a moment, then her eyes lit up with an idea. "You know what? Why don't you come see it for yourself?"

I blinked, startled. "What? Really? But I thought it was... well, restricted or something."

"Oh, it is," Pippa said with a mischievous wink. "But I have my ways. Plus, I have a feeling about you, Tess. The library has a way of calling to certain people, and I think it might be calling to you."

My heart raced at the prospect. To actually see the Dragonne Library, to walk through its magical halls... it was beyond my wildest dreams. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to get you in trouble."

Pippa waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I'm not saying we'll go traipsing through the restricted sections or anything, but I can definitely give you a tour of the public areas. What do you say? Want to see some real magic?"

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. This was exactly the kind of adventure I'd been yearning for.

"Yes," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "Yes, I'd love to. Lead the way."