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Chapter 148: Discovery
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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
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 151: Split Decisions
It was a short ride to the far side of the park, but the rush of fresh air was enough to clear my head. Yes, things were screwed up, but I was doing something about at least one of them and that had to count for something.The town of Wilding Springs was quiet, most of the houses abandoned, businesses locked up against the coming storm. I hoped they escaped, that they all made it somewhere safe in the end. My mind went to Blood and Simon and Beth, most of all to Alison. I'd abandoned them all for the sake of my demon. And though I knew there was little I would be able to do to save them otherwise, it still hurt me to know it.Sunny waited for us under a massive maple tree, a shadow among shadows. As she stepped forward when we pulled up, her skin ruddy in Quaid's headlight, I realized only then she wasn't alone.Uncle Frank's scowl was dark enough I knew there was trouble brewing. He was usually on my side, so seeing his boyish handsomeness twisted into anger and pointed in my direc
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 152: Hunting My Demon
My fear this was going to be too easy faded after the first half hour or so spent wandering around the impossibly huge place looking for any trace of my demon.Sunny left us again as soon as we made it past the first guard. We found a set of glass doors on the other side of the kitchen we entered. Good thing the blonde vampire was paying attention because I was all for just barreling ahead.Before Quaid could put the man to sleep the same way he had with the dogs, Sunny pounced and pulled the startled guard to the ground. There was barely a rustle of fabric, his pale, startled face lost in the shadow that was the vampire. When Sunny straightened a moment later, the Chosen member lay staring at the ceiling, still alive but lost to reality.You must refrain from using your magic. She spoke to Quaid, but I heard her too. I'm certain this house is warded against you. There are witches among them, remember. I will scout ahead. My vampire energy will not be detected.I wondered if she kn
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 153: Green Magic
So not good. I dodged at the last second when I realized whatever saved me wasn't about to do it a second time. I stumbled over Quaid's unconscious body and fell, landing hard on my butt next to him as Demetrius pounced on me.You know how people say your whole life flashes in front of your eyes when you're about to die? Not for me. All I saw was a flicker of shadow as Sunny materialized, lashing out with her vampire magic and her fist just before the knife found my chest.I'd totally take it. I made it to my feet as Demetrius again crashed into his desk, this time sliding over the top and impacting the wall behind it with a sickening thud. He rallied quickly, amazingly considering the blow he took, and lifted his hand, the crystal pointed at Sunny. I cried out, tried to warn her, but it was too late.For the second time, but this time to my advantage, nothing happened.The look on Demetrius's face would have been hilarious if we weren't in that circumstance. It was like someone de
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 154: Mom's Manipulations
The race through the forest back to the motorcycle went much more quickly now that we didn't have to worry about the Chosen. I was panting and feeling bruised and a little battered when Quaid pulled up and stopped, but just so grateful I was about to be whole.I continued on, reaching for my demon as she settled on the ground next to Sunny. The look she gave me made me hesitate, pause, finally stop in front of her, my arms dropping to my sides.She continued to glare at me while I tried to understand what was wrong."We don't have much time," I said, my voice trembling from the need I had to have her with me."I agree." She looked up at Sunny. "We have to hurry." My demon rose from the ground, her magic spinning beneath her in a soft whirlwind."Maybe you'd like to know where to go?" Quaid's voice was low, but full of sympathy and I hated it was aimed at me."The site," my demon said even as the wind supporting her stilled and she settled on the ground."No," Sunny said, her own
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 155: I Need You
This couldn't be happening, not now, not after everything I'd gone through to rescue her. I stood there, feeling like she'd hit me physically, unable to act or react.Luckily, Dad spoke up for me."You must return," he said, voice soft and low. "You need to be whole."She snarled at him. "You should talk."Dad flinched. "I'm trying at least," he said. "I know how important it is to return to where I belong."She looked away from him, a deep scowl on her face. "I'm tired of being told what to do," she said. "And I'm tired of her not wanting me around. I saved all of you and gave her what she wanted. And what thanks did I get for it? That man used my power, just like she did, kept me a prisoner. And no one came for me.""I came for you." I took a step toward her. "We did." I gestured at Quaid and Sunny.She shrugged. "Took you long enough."Seriously? There was no making her happy. Now I really knew how Mom felt.The wards around us shook. I could feel the vibration, had a jab o
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 156: The Past Awakens
She would have reached me far more quickly if her passage hadn't finally triggered what had been building inside her for years. I watched with fear for her as the walls built around her shattered in a visible explosion of light. The pieces, still containing some energy, ricocheted from the inside of the family's wards. Pain/Cydia staggered and almost fell. But when she gained her balance again, I knew I was in serious trouble. Her power hovered around her like a tangible spirit, pale gold mixed with green. Her body vibrated with the release of her magic and she laughed once, so loud it was almost a shout."This is what it feels like!" That was Pain. "You will die another death, sister." Cydia. "One from which you will not return." Her power lashed out at me but Mom was there, her shields protecting me. Pain/Cydia hissed at her as the magic was absorbed this time, retained to strengthen the coven."Syd," Mom whispered in my ear, "tell me."I did, as quickly as I could. "The dreams,
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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
