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Chapter 180: Loyalties
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 181: Love Lost
I felt them come to my door while I threw my private hissy fit, but ignored them. First Erica, then Dad. Mom last. Not one of them tried to enter without my permission, so that was one good thing. They finally accepted the fact they couldn't just barge in on me and treat me like a total child. Now if I could only convince them to stop keeping their damned secrets, everything would be hunky.I wasn't feeling particularly grown up at that moment. The little girl inside me sobbed and raged and threw things. My demon howled her outrage, her fury at Quaid while Shaylee wept for another love lost.Me? I just kept screaming.I let the bubble collapse at last, falling to the bed myself, all of the energy I'd held inside since meeting the brothers outside Johnny's finally gone. As I lay there, staring at the sparkly pink chandelier Mom insisted on putting in my room, I came to grips with the truth of the matter.Quaid wasn't mine anymore. I'd known it already, but now I had proof. He was go
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 182: Pursuing The Pursuers
Sleep was a problem. If my life continued the way it was going, I'd end up with some kind of weird night disorder scientists would want to study. I tossed and turned, mind bouncing from Quaid to Ameline to wondering if he'd kissed her and if he liked it. He better not like it. Better not.Sassafras sighed next to me for the millionth time, his way of letting me know I was disturbing him. Yeah, suck it up, fuzzball. My love life just fell apart around me and he was worried about his beauty rest.I jerked upright suddenly, head cocked toward the window. Something howled in the distance. What was that? Galleytrot was on his hind legs, front paws on the sill, looking out over the yard. His eyes glowed red, a deep and menacing growl rumbling just loud enough for me to hear."Galleytrot." I knelt on my bed, looking outside, listening as Sassafras joined us, flat nose pressed to the glass. "What was it?"He didn't say anything, ears perked, tail still, entire body tense. I'd never felt hi
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 183: Saying Goodbye
When someone knocked on the kitchen door, I spit out my mouthful of corn flakes. A little edgy, Syd? I wiped up the early morning mess quickly before rushing to see who it was.Blood's smiling face looked back at me through the glass. I jerked the door wide, gaping at him."Syd," he said in his slow drawl. "Yo."Why did the sight of him standing there make me want to burst into tears?"Hey, Blood." Only then did I remember I was in my T-shirt and pajama bottoms with the silver kittens on them. Sassy's idea of a joke.He bobbed his head, black hair falling over his made-up eyes. "Sorry to just show up. You know. Uninvited.""You're always invited." I stepped back. "Come on in."But he shook his head. "Was thinking a bit of a stroll."I hid my sigh. My cereal was getting soggy. Galleytrot lifted his big head from the floor, watching me."Sure," I said, grabbing a hoody from the closet and sliding my feet into flip-flops. "Let's stroll."The big black dog padded after us as we l
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 184: Uncomfortable Encounter
I found myself walking into Johnny's that afternoon to meet Alison for ice cream. Not because I wanted ice cream, mind you. Even I was willing to admit I only went to see if the brothers would show up.I promised Mom, but if they started something... oh, I'd be finishing their butts right out of town.Alison waved at me from our usual booth, big glass windows shining sunlight in on her. She wasn't alone and I was almost annoyed to find Pain sitting with her. I got over that pretty quick. Pain needed us, from the look on her face. She smiled a little when she saw me, lower lip trembling.Okay, supportive friend it was. Hopefully I could maintain the warm fuzzy feeling if the Dumonts made an appearance.My second shocker came when Beth approached us and handed us menus with a nervous smile, dressed in the flouncy skirt and T-shirt the owner made his staff wear."Beth?" I didn't mean to stare or anything. She just hadn't said a word about the job. I mean, I knew people had jobs. That
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 185: Sorely Mistaken
Beth wasn't close enough for me to catch her physically. All I had was magic. I threw out some air in front of her, supporting her, preventing her from face planting into the floor. The only problem was, she hung there at an impossible angle for what seemed like a long moment, eyes locked on mine as her fear subsided.I rushed to her, closing the distance to try to disguise the catch, helping her stand up straight."Thanks, Syd," she whispered before hurrying off. I glared at the brothers while Kristophe made kissing sounds at me and Jean Marc grinned. Page laughed out loud, directly at me before turning her back.The only one who didn't react was Ameline. She just stared at me with her dead eyes and flat expression. I was so caught up in her gaze I didn't notice Quaid was beside me until he had a hold of my arm-hadn't I told him not to touch me?-and was dragging me outside.The moment we were on the street I hit him with air magic, slamming him into the side of the building. I did
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 186: Werewolves
Funny how when I was under threat all of my magic synched together like, well, you know. I swelled with power, feeling my body vibrate with it, almost welcoming the chance to blow the crap out of something. The werewolves shuddered out of the shadows, approaching me on all fours, their massive, hairy bodies more wolf than human. Their eyes glowed like Galleytrot's, red and menacing, but their resemblance to him ended there. Massive hands tipped with claws punctured the firm ground with sickening sounds, a low hum of growling counterpoint to the song of my magic.Only six of them. I could totally handle it.I was about to attack first and ask questions of their bloody corpses later when one of them slunk forward, body shimmering and shaking. It was hard not to watch in sick fascination as the werewolf transformed, shrinking, softening, the fur retreating, to be replaced by smooth white skin and long red hair.She'd retained her underwear during the change, somehow, so at least I didn
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 187: Dinner With The Enemy
Dinner was served by the small man and his equally small wife, both of whom bowed and scraped to the Dumonts and their werewolf security, but who were treated in turn like trash. I had to clench my teeth and my hands to keep from reacting, knowing Mom would be disappointed if I acted too soon.The woman set a bowl of soup in front of me. "Thank you," I said.The brothers snickered while one of them tripped her casually on the way by. She actually stammered an apology.We must tolerate it, Mom sent. But not for long, I promise. Patience, Sydlynn.She was a heck of a lot more composed than I was, but I did as I was told.I barely tasted my soup, forcing myself to eat a few spoonfuls in an attempt to unclench my tight stomach. I'm not sure if it did me much good or not. The sight of Gram flinging hers across the table one scoop at a time did way more for my state of mind.Andre snarled as a chunk of carrot lodged in his hair. Gram squealed with laughter, clapping her hands together.
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 188: One Of The Family
Pain's reaction was instant and expected, at least from me. I'd seen her crumble like this before, watched as her face collapsed in a mix of grief and relief, witnessed meltdown after meltdown.But this time was complete. She sagged into Odette's arms while the family rose and surrounded her, the werewolves humming softly under their breath in a gentle song of welcome. It was one of the most amazing and touching moments I'd ever witnessed and it made me ripping mad.Not because I didn't think Pain deserved to be happy or loved. But because I knew it was all just one big lie.Pain looked up through her mess of makeup and into Odette's eyes. "Grandmother?"The old woman's smile made me want to slap it from her face. "Yes, mon petite chere," she said. "Your mother was my daughter and heir to our coven."Pain hiccupped through her tears. "She was?"My gaze left Pain, caught a flicker of movement. I was fairly certain no one else witnessed the flash of pure venom that crossed Ameline'
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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
