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Chapter 161: Gwynn Ap Nudd
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 162: Demon Girl
Mom hugged me so hard I was sure she would break something."Syd," she whispered, "you are amazing.""No," I whispered back. "I'm whole. It makes a difference."I was still getting used to the other two people in my head even though they were so much a part of me it was hard to tell us apart. Still. I'd have to be careful who I told about the voices.Straightjacket, anyone?In the meantime, the family gathered around me, their happiness and relief so comfortable I wanted to hug them all one at a time."Whatever happens," I raised my voice so they could all hear me, "no one can screw up. Leaving town is no longer an option."Laughter. They laughed. Wow, how cool was that?I did get hugs, first from Gram, then Dad, then Gram again who kissed my cheek and smiled so wide I laughed at her. Uncle Frank and Sunny engulfed me in a vampire sandwich, making me hope they could fix the mess I made for them.Even Anastasia took a turn."Well done, demon girl," she said.Galleytrot nosed
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 163: Family
I was expecting him. Was already sitting in the back yard, on our bench, waiting when he pulled up in the dark on his motorcycle. I hugged my knees to my chest, forcing myself to breathe as the sound of the motor died. Heavy boot falls echoed around the side of the house, thudding over the patio stones.I sat still and let him settle, leather creaking, the scent of it so delicious, mixed with the smell of him I almost couldn't bear it. As it was, I was unable to resist the small ribbon of my power that escaped and slid close to him, waiting for him to accept me.For a long moment, my heart stopped beating, my breath frozen in my body. He didn't move, made no effort to reach for me, though I knew he felt my magic waiting there. I had already sworn to myself I would not cry, I would not, but tears threatened anyway, past the tightening in my throat.A gentle breeze rose up, cooling the heat in my skin and tickling my nose. I drew a breath at last, breaking the spell of fear and despai
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 164: Whole Again
I loved being whole. It was like everything I'd ever wanted to know and couldn't figure out was right there at the tip of my fingers waiting for me. Mind you, the incredible power I'd known the night the Wild showed up wasn't with me anymore. Mom figured it had to do with their power feeding mine. Personally I was just as happy to let that amount of magic go. My luck I'd stumble around the rest of my life doing horrible things every time I sneezed or lost my temper.Still, Mom and I were both thrilled with the full integration of my other two sides. I knew I'd be a while getting used to it, but the idea that I'd never be alone was pretty appealing.Surprise, surprise, Brad was suddenly interested in me again, now more than ever, but I was so done with his crap. It took me a few tries when I ran into him at Johnny's to figure out how to shut off his magic once and for all, but as soon as I did he left me alone.Perfect. That was all I wanted from him.I wished things could go so smo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 165: Sunny
Book Five: The Long LostI was out of bed and thundering down the stairs before I was awake enough to realize the person I felt in the back yard wasn't the one I had been waiting for.Panting, I pulled open the inside door, peering through the screen into the dark beyond. The motion activated light flickered to life, casting a ghostly glow over Sunny's smiling face."Hi, Syd."I pulled the door open, yawning as my disrupted sleep caught up to me. "Hey, Sunny. Come on in."She hesitated before gesturing for me to join her outside instead. A moment of nerves thrilled through me. Not that I didn't trust my uncle's undead girlfriend. It's just she'd not so long ago fallen under the control of the evil vamp who made her, betraying us all. Mind you, she'd redeemed herself over and over since then, but I still felt jumpy.The life I led, who could blame me?I think she must have sensed something was wrong because her hands dropped and her expression stilled to calm. Scowling internal
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 166: Protective Pets
I was so distracted by my thoughts I stumbled into something huge and hairy at the bottom of the stairs. The lump grunted as I jerked back in instant fright. Glowing red eyes flashed from the darkness for a moment before the fire died in them."Galleytrot." I clutched at my T-shirt, heart pounding. "What are you doing?""Waiting for you." His growling voice always made me think of meadows and secrets kept, the thrum of wild places rippling through it. The hulking black dog of the Sidhe climbed to his feet from where he'd sprawled at the foot of the steps. His head was almost at level with my chest as he looked up at me.I scratched one of his ears before rubbing my hand over the top of his head where the softest fur was. "You have to stop following me."The man I'd once known as Jared, locked forever in the body of a magic dog, shook his head, heavy mane flowing. He pushed his flat, wet nose into my stomach gently. "I'll never stop," he said. "You rescued me, Syd, and I owe you my
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 167: Rude Waking
There's something nasty about being woken abruptly twice in one sleep cycle. Not like I was given much of a choice the second time. Hard to ignore my entire house shaking violently while a wave pulse breaking the speed of sound forced its way upward, lifting my bed an inch or two from the ground before dropping it back to the floor along with everything else I owned.Galleytrot yelped in surprise and pain, pawing at his ears as the thunderous boom of the shockwave echoed back. I shook my head, rotating my jaw to try and clear away the resounding thrum of it still bouncing around inside my skull.I reached for Sassafras, but his silver body was absent. Panic took over as the shock of the event passed. I gasped for air, listening to the tinkle and thuds of the contents of the house fall back into place. The faint scent of smoke shattered the freeze holding me in one spot.I threw myself out of bed yet again, hurtling down the stairs, feet slipping from one to the next until they were
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 168: Dad's Despair
I stomped down the hallway, foul humor pushing ahead of me like a wave. My foot was already on the step when something caught my eye. I paused, noticed the back door was open and went to investigate.Dad sat on the bench just outside, looking off into the distance. My heart immediately softened. It wasn't his fault. I was sure Mom connived to keep all of this from me without him knowing. I eased my way out and took a seat next to him, pulling my knees up and hugging them in the warmth of the morning. The sky was super blue, not a cloud in sight, the air still. Perfect summer day.That made the whole thing all the worse. It should have been raining, thunder clouds and sad skies to match his weary sorrow. I could feel it from him, my demon connecting with him easily. Even though he didn't have access to his demon power any longer, the fundamental core of him was still there and it welcomed her even if he didn't."Hey, cupcake." He tried a smile. It hurt so much to see him like this. H
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 169: Besties
I'd never understood my mom's obsession with her '66 Mustang. The way she took care of it, had it detailed regularly. I was even pretty sure she'd spelled it to protect the paint and interior from damage. Come on. It was just a car.Until she and Dad one happy, sunny morning just a few weeks ago, handed me a jingling set of keys. Squealing in absolute excitement, I found myself staring down the grill of a brand new Cooper Mini. I didn't care it was the same car Mom's best friend Erica drove. Not one little bit. I loved my car immediately with a powerful sense of possession I'd never felt before.I refrained from hugging its cute bonnet only out of sheer willpower, sliding behind the leather-covered wheel into the black seats that seemed made for me. It had been the most incredible gift I'd ever received and I vowed as I turned the key for the first time I'd never let anything happen to her ever.Her. Yeah. I know.The only downside? The color. Mind you, I didn't for a moment let ev
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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
