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Chapter 142: Goodbyes
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 143: Cydia and Shaylee
I felt Mrs. Hammond drift off. Just as well. She didn't need to hear me reinforcing what she thought was her daughter's psychosis."They don't believe me." Pain's face was makeup free, looking so odd and yet so familiar. I'd noticed it before, but had never been able to figure out who she reminded me of. No time for that now, either. "I shouldn't be surprised, should I? They never believe." She sighed so deeply she seemed to collapse in on herself, chest caving as her chin dropped.Clearly they had drugged her."It's okay, Pain," I said. "I do."She smiled, an innocent, lovely expression. "I know." Trouble passed across her face like a cloud. "Can you tell them? So they will let me out?"Could she make me feel even worse? "I can't," I said. "I'm not allowed. Not yet. But soon, I promise. Honest."Her head bobbed a loose nod. "I know you will." She turned a little toward me, her hospital gown twisting around her thighs to an almost obscene height. I reached down and adjusted it fo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 144: The Lake House
Neither Alison nor Mrs. Morgan said a word about our detour after I returned. I wanted to pinch my friend for her lack of caring but knew there was more going on with her. Besides, I was still wrapped up in what I'd seen. I had to reach Mom and tell her what happened. I had to go home. But Mom already made it very clear I wasn't to show my face until the Wild Hunt issue was settled one way or another.I could only hope Pain would be okay until then.Mrs. Morgan spent the next hour on her cell phone either talking to one annoying person after another or texting the same annoying people. How did I know they were annoying? I didn't, not really.But I was annoyed. So they had to be, right?Alison stayed totally silent and I was wrapped up in my own crap, so it was a pretty quiet ride otherwise. That is, until Mrs. Morgan finally put her phone away."You'll adore the lake house, Sydlynn," she said. "I had it custom designed. Maybe I could invite your mother to come visit sometime."Th
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 145: Bestie Night In
I spent a frustrating hour or so on Alison's computer trying alternate forms of search and still turned up nada.I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Demetrius did a great job of hiding their tracks in the real world, so it was logical the virtual one wasn't much different. And let's face it, I was no hacker with the ability to figure this out on my own. I'd already been searching for weeks, hoping a convenient homepage would suddenly pop up. Clearly I was just wasting my time.Thunder rumbled in the distance for the rest of the night, jerking me out of sleep every time. By the time the sun came up, I was cranky and exhausted, not to mention worried about Alison and how leaving the party might affect our friendship. Talk about awkward if she wasn't talking to me for the rest of the visit.I needn't have worried. She bounded into my room at around eight, as perky as ever and grinning her face off. I wondered how she managed it. From what I saw she had a lot to drink. Meanwhile, I
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 146: Galleytrot
The storm raged over the house again that night, but way worse than the previous. I tried so hard to sleep, wiped out emotionally and physically. I know I slid in and out because there were moments of utter terror when nightmares of being sucked into a vortex of spinning green fire and others of riding inside a swirling mass of fury punctuated my memories.***I lie on my bed, the gossamer curtains eddying in a slight breeze. The scents of lilac and jasmine reach me, rich earth and fresh grass, the warm air and mixed aromas making me drowsy in the lovely darkness.Someone approaches but I do not fear him. I have awaited his coming for so very long. As he reaches me, he bends slowly forward, the shining locks of his golden hair falling over my face, glowing green eyes full of love for me.I embrace him, drawing him down to lie beside me as his lips find mine...***I'm not exactly sure what woke me, but I found myself wide eyed, staring up into the quiet dark of the bedroo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 147: Fugitive
I almost took a half step back out of pure instinct. She looked like warmed over crap the hospital chewed up and spit out again. Though I figured from her appearance she hadn't left treatment with permission."Pain." My first reaction faded quickly as I took in the dirty robe and the slippers on her feet, same industrial hospital issue. Her hair was a tangled mass held back by a large elastic, bits and pieces clinging in greasy strands to her cheeks and forehead. The skin around her eyes had that bruised look of the truly ill and she swayed where she stood, mouth slightly open, eyes wide and staring like she'd forgotten where she was and why she was there.I looked around for Cydia's spirit but for now it was just Pain and me."Syd." She gulped once, voice cracking and hoarse. "Syd. It's you.""Yeah, Pain, it's me." I reached for her hand, but she cried out softly, jerking herself out of my range like the least touch would hurt her."Found you." One of her knees let go and she dip
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 148: Discovery
The dark retreated a little, at least from my consciousness. But when I tried to open my eyes, there was no light. I felt something in my mind tighten around my thoughts and hold me still and quiet. It was almost as if I had been shunted aside to observe as the protective spell keeping me latent took an active part.I heard strange voices whispering around me, but couldn't make out individual words. I remembered being in the back yard with Jared, Pain showing up, chasing after her before seeing the shadow of the man from my dream. And, finally the blow to my head knocking me out.But who would have kidnapped me? The protective spell whispered a name and flashed a face. Rosetta. But why?That answer came with the woman's own whisper, now clear in my ears. "I've brought the unclean one to the master."Unclean one. What was she talking about? Cogs clicked and moved in my head as I tried to connect the dots. I'd heard that term before from someone. Unclean. Then it hit me. Could it be?
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 149: Patience Is A Virtue
I was so intent on calling Mom I missed the fact I wasn't alone when I slipped in the garden doors."You're out late." Mrs. Morgan perched on the edge of her expensive sofa, a glass of wine in one hand.What was I supposed to say? Your crazy maid hit me over the head and took me to her secret society hang out because I used to be a witch? I didn't think even she was drunk enough for that."Um..." I had always been a bad liar. "Just needed some air." Case in point.Mrs. Morgan's lips curled into a sneer she probably thought was a smile. "It's all right, dear." She hiccupped mildly as she took a sip from her glass, spilling it down the front of her top. Wasn't the first time, from the stains on her skirt. "I get it. I saw you girls with the kids last night. That Regan Pater is a delicious young man."Okay, disgusting. And so totally off the mark I needed to defend myself. "I wasn't with Regan.""Um-hum." She finished her wine and tottered to her feet. "Rosetta told me she saw you s
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 150: Gramsitting
That Friday was the longest day of my entire life. I retreated to my house to fidget and pace the time away. I was in my room trying to distract myself with a video game when I heard the kitchen door open and close and the sound of Mom's voice.I raced downstairs to talk to her. She had to know about Galleytrot and Pain. But by the time I made it to the kitchen she was already leaving, her blue and white Mustang racing off down the street.Instead, I came face to face with Erica and Gram.One looked shocked to see me while the other just looked grumpy."Syd, what are you doing here?" Erica guided Gram to one of the kitchen chairs and absently handed her a chocolate toffee to keep her happy. My grandmother ripped open the wrapper and stuffed the sweet in her mouth while she glared at me like I'd killed her puppy."I have to talk to Mom." I briefly explained what I learned from Galleytrot. Erica winced when I mentioned him and I felt a momentary pang of regret. He'd been her boyfrie
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 803: Happy Endings
How was this for a happy ending?Bittersweet, this walk down the halls of the newly restored mansion. I'd been through this before, but I knew this time, I didn't have anything hanging over my head.I loved Liam. But I was finally marrying the man I was meant to be with.The pressure was off this time too, our battles won. I could enjoy my wedding without worrying about Fate or the Brotherhood or Ameline looming in the near future.Awesome.I even found Wilding Springs was fine without the influence of the Gate, just as Fergus said. That it still felt like magic. Probably a combination of the century or so of the Gate's influence deeply mired in the whole town. Not to mention the presence of the Wild Hunt still snoozing in my back yard.And the coven.I didn't worry we'd have to move anytime soon. Good thing. I kind of liked being in one place for once.Made me think of Sonja, of Liam again. His mother disappeared after the night she met Gabriel. I tried to look for her, feelin
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 802: Wedding Day
Another mirror. Another dress. Totally different experience.I stood on what amounted to a pedestal as at least a dozen or so giggling vampires tugged, pushed and laced me into the biggest, heaviest mass of fabric and jewels I'd ever seen in my entire life. The thing weighed so much I had to have my alter egos help me carry it so it wouldn't drive me to my knees.This was the punishment I got for picking out my first wedding dress alone.This one was, at least, the pale ivory I'd requested. White would have felt disrespectful to Liam's memory. And Mom happily acquiesced before losing her freaking mind.And when I appealed to Sunny for assistance in my mother's sudden loss of sanity?Yeah.I was surrounded by vampires, wasn't I?Shenka hovered, her ball gown sparkling, covered in as many gems as could possibly be stuck to her. Again Mom went with the jewel tones. I guess she figured a good idea was a terrible thing to waste.And considering only a handful of people had seen the
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 801: Familiar Magic
I sat on the side of my bed, looking out the window into the quiet street, the buzzing streetlight below me oddly comforting. I'd tried to sleep after returning home, put Gabriel to bed with Charlotte who met me at the front door after Sass, Galleytrot and I strolled home in the sharpening night air. Her massive scowl told me I was in horrible trouble as she took my son from me.Okay, so I didn't exactly put him to bed.Snort.Galleytrot and Sassafras naturally abandoned me for her room, leaving me alone. Which was fine, it really was. I had a hot shower, pulled on my favorite robe. Had a little cry. Not much. Just a pathetic little spill of tears I held over from the Gate.From Liam.And felt my heart ease at last.Wrapped myself in the love in my house, the people sleeping there. Shenka and Charlotte, Galleytrot and Sass. Gram and Demetrius. All of us, happy just to be home.But sleep wouldn't come. My mind struggled with belief. That Ameline was really dead. That Gabriel was
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 800: Gateway
I looked down into my son's sleeping face before sinking into the rocking chair beside his crib and releasing of the last of my stress. He was really too big for the thing now, but I needed to do some thinking about a bed and a room for him and just didn't have the energy to deal.A soft, furry body landed in my lap, Sassafras purring as he kneaded my leg a few times before turning in a circle and settling himself."Nice to see them together again," he said.I knew exactly who he meant. Mom and Dad wasted no time taking off for Harvard for some private time. I blushed at the thought of my parents and what they were probably doing right now.Shudder.Galleytrot groaned from the end of the crib, eyes flaring with red fire as he looked up."What about you, Syd?" His rumbling voice shifted my shudder to a shiver. "Have you thought about a new mate?"Not going there. "I've been thinking," I said, totally changing the subject. Yes, on purpose. No judging. "About Gabriel and his power.
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 799: Homecoming
Meira grinned at me like it was funny. And it was, in a way. She sat behind Dad's old desk-Ahbi's, too-and bounced a little in the chair."Comfy," she said. Winked.Oh. My. Swearword.Dad laughed, hugged me abruptly. "Meems, pumpkin," loved his pet name for her, though I liked cupcake better despite years of protest, "I'm sorry to do this to you.""You've already apologized, Dad," she said, looking quite pleased with herself. Hard to remember she was only fourteen with that evil grin, hands rubbing together in expectation. "I'm going to do some housecleaning first. Then the real fun will start."I shook my head, giggling. "Just leave a few of the planes standing."She shrugged, inspected her nails. "We'll see.""I take it the Node is fine?" It felt fine, Demonicon still intact at least."It was in balance long before Ahbi took up residence," Meira said. "She was only just hitchhiking anyway."I looked up at Dad who sighed deeply, lines of anxiety leaving his face."You're cra
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 798: Ruler
The sparkling kneepads attached to my heavy leather pants caught the light of the triple suns overhead as I shifted for the millionth time, foot bobbing on the end of my crossed leg. Sassafras hissed at me. The bobbing stopped.For the moment. The longer we sat here, the more agitated I felt. Didn't help it took Pagomaris an age and a half to dress me while Meira was being man-handled in her bedroom."Your demon form would be so much easier to dress, Your Highness." Hopefulness lit the aide's eyes as she smiled and scrunched her shoulders like talking to me as if I were a child would endear her."Not." I scowled at her. "Work with this or nothing." I gestured down at my human form.And she sighed.Gestured for her minions to come forward.Left me to them as though I was no longer worth her effort, returning to my sister who grinned at me through the open door of her bedroom.Argh.I did concede to shifting my size, remembering how small I felt next to Meira when she was in demo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 797: Royal Wedding
I glared at my reflection in the mirror. "I'm not going.""You are." Sassafras growled softly at me before sighing heavily. "And so am I, remember?""They're not going to make you wear a ridiculous outfit and parade around like you're their property." More glaring.I. Was. Not. Going.Sass hopped down from the bed and waddled to my side, tail quivering. "You can't let Meira down," he said, leaping into my lap. I stroked his fur absently. "It would be a terrible thing for her to have to sit through Harry's marriage alone.""So maybe he shouldn't get married." Whiny much? But there was the crux, wasn't it?Today was my father's wedding day.And the last place I wanted to be was Demonicon. In fact, a hole somewhere deep and far away would have been preferable. Anything other than having to endure my father marrying a demon.That would be the end for Mom and Dad. The real end. And I didn't think I could handle it."Harry has made his choice," Sassafras said, meeting my eyes in the
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 796: Payten's Confession
I was already turning and moving back inside by the time Mom began her little speech to wrap up the trial. I had no desire to listen, moving on from it though Celeste's foul stench remained on me. A quick push of magic cleared my nose, clothes and hair of the stink, even as I strode with ever-increasing speed toward the back of the now-emptying chamber and the hall beyond.A startled Enforcer was the lucky recipient of the bag of marshmallows, slapped against his chest on the way by.I seemed to have lost my appetite.Was so focused on my final target I almost ran right into Payten when she dodged out of the shadows of an archway and stepped in front of me.My first instinct was to hit her so hard with magic they wouldn't find her body.Ever.Second instinct was to flatten her into a Paytensquish and smear her all over the floor with my shoes.Yum.Third impulse won, partially because I was a sucker for a sobbing girl, Enforcer or not.Hated enemy or not.She radiated grief,
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 795: Celeste's Trial
I'd sat here before, on a bench in the Council chamber, watching a trial unfold before me, Shenka at my side. But this one was far different. I had no regrets, no old grief-at least not for the creature about to stand before my mother.Any sorrow I felt around Celeste Oberman centered on the Hayle family members she'd killed. Martin and Louisa Vega, the darling couple who loved and cared about me when there were times no one else in the coven seemed to. Sandra Crossman, leaving her husband, James, alone to raise their daughter.Old wounds long since healed over, but never, ever forgotten.Worse, Gabriel wasn't with me. Antsy pants wriggled my butt in my velvet skirt as I fidgeted and held him tight with my magic while he laughed at something and ignored me.My own son, a traitor.Sigh.Shenka squeezed my hand, smiled a little. "He's fine," she said."I know," I whispered back. Not needing to. We weren't the only ones chattering. The gathering for Mia's burning-it seemed so long
