New Breed (#1) (Dragon’s Fire) Read online

“Our specials today include strawberry pancakes and honey French toast,” Annabel recited for the first time that morning. It was the first table she was serving this morning. The restaurant was only opened for a few minutes ago and she felt tired. The weekend still played in the back of her mind. She couldn't get the images out of her head.

  The old man and woman nodded among themselves. “I think the strawberry pancakes sound good. You can bring one plate and we'll share,” he said, handing her back the menus.

  “One plate of strawberry pancakes.” She walked away from the table and placed her pad in one of her apron’s pockets. There went her thoughts of getting a big tip. A shared plate wasn't a good sign.

  She pushed through the double doors and headed into the kitchen. “I need one plate of strawberry pancakes,” she said, placing the order. There weren't many patrons in the restaurant so she waited for the order to come out.

  “How come you didn't show up yesterday?” the cook asked, flipping the pancakes. It wouldn't take long for them to be finished.

  “It's a long story. It all started with a guy and it rolled into the entire weekend,” she said, rolling her eyes. At least it started as guy trouble. It was too complicated to tell other people about what happened. She promised she wouldn't reveal it. This cut on her need to invent an alternate story.

  He shook his head and plated the dish. “I remember what it was like to deal with relationship problems. I'll let you in on a secret. When you find the right person, your heart will let you know.”

  “I don't know.” She stared at the plate. “Sometimes I think I have this ideal person in my head and I'll never meet him.” Or worse yet, she met him, but he was of a different species.

  “That's the saddest thing I've ever heard. Don't give up so easy. You never know what's going to happen an hour from now. Here’s your pancakes,” he said, handing the warm plate to Annabel.

  She smiled at him. “I'll have to keep hoping for the best then.” She pushed her way out the double doors and walked to the table. She delivered the plate with a smile.

  “You're such a sweet girl,” the old woman said looking at the pancakes.

  Annabel smiled. “Thank you. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “Not right now dear. Thank you.”

  “Have a nice breakfast,” she said, backing from the table. Annabel turned around to check out if any new tables were waiting for her. The sooner she got to them, the better service she gave. She needed the tips and the diversion.

  There was one other table someone was sitting at. Someone she was familiar with. Crispin smiled at her from across the room. He looked happy to see her.

  “How did you know I work here?” Annabel asked reaching the table. She hesitated between sitting to talk or remaining standing. She chose to stand.

  Crispin looked up at her and said, “I have my ways.”

  “I don't know if I want to learn what your ways are. Since you're here, can I get you anything for breakfast?”

  He shook his head. “Nope. I want to ask you to come help us.”

  She looked around. She didn't see any of the others. “Help you with what?” She spoke in a low whisper, “I'm not a dragon or anything like that.”

  “We don't need help fighting them. We moved to the area recently and we're still not sure where everything is. Now, you've lived here for a while. You can also talk with the Unseen directly – a feat no other human can boast about. At least none I know of. I would never ask you to join us if I felt it was too dangerous for you. Would you come help us?” He looked at her in anticipation of her response.

  “Are you serious?”

  Crispin nodded. “Please say yes. You have no idea what I did to convince the others to say yes as well.”

  She smiled. “Okay. Yes. I'll help you. Let me go tell – wait, do I get paid?”

  “We'll figure out something,” he told her. “Now go. Today is a busy day.”

  Annabel walked through the double doors and shook her head at the rare news she got. She could not stop smiling. This was a fantastic opportunity for her. She never imagined today she would get to work with Crispin. She never thought she would see him again.

  “Are you okay?” the cook asked. He saw her walk through the doors with a giant smile.

  “I quit,” she said, hanging her checkered apron on a rack. “You're right. You're absolutely right.”

  He looked at her puzzled. “I'm not sure what that means but good luck out there.”

  “Thanks,” she said walking back through the doors. She almost ran when seeing Crispin waiting for her. She was afraid he might change his mind.

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked opening the door for her. His smile stayed on his face from before. He was genuinely happy for her to work with them.

  “Absolutely,” she said going with him. Perhaps it wasn’t the worst weekend she had in a long time. It was leading her to an excellent week.

  Try these other novellas in the Dragon's Fire series

  Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 1, 2, & 3

  New Breed

  Awry Plans

  Talon or Steel

  Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 4, 5, & 6

  Frozen Flames

  Draco Ex Machina

  Circle of Flames

  Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 7, 8, & 9

  Secrets of Steel

  Fire Blast

  Molten Steel

  10. Knight Fall

  11. Shattered Code

  12. Ignition

  13. Beckon

  14. Smoke and Flames

  15. Broken Blade

  16. Drops of Steel

  17. Crimson Blade

  18. Talon of Darkness

  19. Rising Darkness

  20. Past Shadows

  21. Fallen Ashes

  22. Cracks of Honor

  23. Pieces

  24. Exposure

  25. Reversal

  About the Author:

  Danielle Kazemi is an author from southern Louisiana, living within walking distance of a bayou with alligators. She spends most of her free time either coming up with new story ideas or goofing off online. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DaniWrites or connect on Twitter with @DaniKazemi

  She is the author of the bestselling action adventure series Dragon's Fire, a series of novellas dealing with modern day travails of these mythological, shapeshifting creatures. She enjoys hearing from readers – even the negative comments help guide her to find the perfect combination of creativity for her next project.

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