LOGINShare
Chapter 187: Dinner With The Enemy
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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'
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 189: The Challenge
I was sure this was going to end badly for someone and just hoped it wasn't us. That's why I found myself dragging my feet on my way out of the dining room and down the hall. A small parlor furnished with heavy, antique chairs and a massive black stone fireplace was barely large enough to hold us all. Mom and Odette dominated the center with Quaid between them, with the rest of us plastered out of the way against the walls.Dad stood to my right, his hand reaching for mine, what I'm sure he thought was a comforting look on his face. But I wasn't some kid to be placated and head patted and told there, there, dear. I knew the stakes.By challenging Odette's control over Quaid, Mom not only exposed herself, but the entire family and the core of magic that made us who we were. My only comfort was the fact Odette did the same, and I was certain Mom was stronger.At least, I kept telling myself she was. Mind you, despite her incredible power, Mom drew from a coven of a hundred or so. The
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 190: Looking For Weakness
I felt like I was dying inside, slowly, painfully. But still I had to watch, didn't I, as Quaid gained his feet, went to Odette, was embraced in her arms? Had to endure the sight of Ameline approaching him, taking his hand, kissing his lips in welcome."I think it's time we took our leave." Mom bowed her head to Odette. I wouldn't have been so gracious. Sometimes I forgot my mom was such a class act."We haven't finished dinner." Odette pouted, but I knew she had what she wanted because she didn't argue further."Thank you," Mom said, "but I've lost my appetite."Not like my mother to show weakness. Not at all. Dad held out his hand to her, guiding her to the door. I pulled mine free, let Gram and the vampires go ahead of me, knowing being the last out was the worst position to be in. Erica didn't give me a choice. My mom's best friend and second hooked her arm through mine, blonde hair shining in the low light as she tugged me along. Only Celeste was left to follow.I refused to
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 191: Missing Child
Sunlight streamed in the kitchen windows, almost blinding me as I swirled my spoon through the mess of nuts and oatmeal Gram set in front of me. Galleytrot sat at my side, tongue out, eyes eager. I finally slid the bowl to the edge of the table and let him have it.Not much of an appetite.Gram glared, grabbed a wooden spoon thick with her concoction and filled a new bowl, dropping it in front of me with so much force I had to wipe splatter from the back of my hand."Eat," she commanded.She looked like some fairy tale evil old witch ready to punish me with her glopped up spoon, faded pink paisley apron splotched with bits of food.I giggled. I couldn't help it. My amusement won me a wink and a grin before she pointed at the bowl."I said eat."Okay then. The first bite told me I'd be sharing what remained with my faithful Fey dog. He'd already licked the first one clean and was staring at me with the most rapt attention. While Gram's back was turned, I shoveled half of mine int
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 192: Silent Treatment
I was getting very tired of the silent treatment from Alison. Yet again she refused to answer my emails, texts and calls. And while I guess I understood why she was angry this time, I had more right. The last thing I wanted was to watch my best friend turn into her mother, and I know if she could take a step back, Alison would see that was exactly where she was headed.Since I could do nothing about the supernatural issues, I figured I'd go back to my mundane ones. Namely tracking down the former cheer squad captain and making her talk to me.Minnie and I spent the morning searching. Rosetta rudely told me Alison was out before slamming the door in my face. I believed her, only because I took the time to feel around inside and knew Alison was, in fact, gone. I considered making a pain in the butt of myself just to piss the maid/Chosen member off, but I had more important things to do than torture the woman.That fun I could save for later.I found myself snickering in the front sea
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 193: Warning
It wasn't until I was fumbling for my keys that I realized someone followed me outside. I looked up into chocolate brown eyes and suddenly wanted to cry.So not fair.Quaid held himself stiff, about two feet from me, hands stuck in the pockets of his dress pants. I had to admit he looked delicious in his charcoal gray suit, navy blue dress shirt open to reveal the pulse at the base of his neck. I wanted to slide my arms around him under his jacket, feel the silky warmth through the softness of his shirt, listen to his heart beat in time with mine when I pressed my ear to him, getting lost in his smell, his magic...It touched me then, his power, reaching out even as he pulled away, and my demon reached back. For a glorious moment, our magic rippled together, the heat of the connection making me gasp and melt sideways to lean against the side of my car.Quaid swayed, eyes full of something I knew, recognized. Loved. I almost reached for him, felt the muscles in my hand start to tens
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 194: Invited
The house was empty when I arrived home. Even my faithful Galleytrot had gone off somewhere. So much for watching over me every moment.Honestly, I was happy he was out. I was getting a little tired of being babysat by a drooling, pony-sized rug. At least I was able to make him stay home when I left the house earlier. The mess he would have made in the back of my car... I adored him and Sassy both, but it would be nice not to have silver and black animal hair all over everything I owned.While my mind contemplated finding a magic solution to pet hair I could market to normals, I felt the touch of someone approaching. I immediately tensed at the feeling, knowing immediately a werewolf came to call. But this time the visitor was alone and wide open with her intentions. That's why I was so willing to open the kitchen door and let Charlotte in."It's nice to see you," the bodyguard said. She smiled like she meant it. I found myself smiling back and wishing I hadn't."What do you want?"
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 195: Traitors And Tests
"Ah, Sydlynn." Odette rose smoothly to her feet, smiling as if nothing remotely nasty and conniving was going on. "So lovely of you to visit."I glared at the pair of Hayle witches as I nodded curtly in return."Your messenger insisted," I said."We really must be going." Celeste bowed her head to Odette. "A pleasure, Ms. Dumont.""Celeste," Odette took her hand and squeezed it. "Delightful." She turned to James who looked ill. "So charming."The two hurried past me, but not before I shot them both a powerful question.What the hell are you doing here?A courtesy call, Celeste sent back while James's mind trembled. And none of your business.We'll see. I stayed with them all the way to the car, only letting them go when I knew neither would let their shields down.Odette smiled at me, an endless look of satisfaction. She planned this, clearly, wanted me to catch them with her, all the while not warning either of them I was coming."Please," she gestured as Raoul oozed into th
Latest chapter
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
