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Chapter 250: Volunteer
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 251: Back to (Para)Normal
By the time Mom arrived later that day, everything was back to abnormal. Not that I was complaining she was home or anything. Even though she still hadn't found Gram, she decided to stay. Uncle Frank agreed to go on alone, sending back reports as often as he could, though I could tell from Mom's frequent moments of quiet anxiety they weren't often enough for her liking.It was pretty comforting to have her address the entire coven and tell them as much as she commended them for standing with me in the end, her disappointment at their doubting me from the beginning hurt her deeply. Mom was so good at the whole emotional manipulation thing she had all of the family witches in tears at the end of it, begging me to forgive them. I did, and right away. They'd paid their dues and more.With one exception, of course. Celeste was a stone set so deep in her own slop she refused to budge. And while she calmly accepted Mom's chastisement, I knew her anger still lived. Naturally the woman claime
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 252: Graduation
Book Seven: Flesh and Blood"Say cheese!"The witch behind the camera smiled encouragingly as I bent my body into contorted shapes in order to look 'normal' for my grad photo. And while her smile was lovely, I had no doubt mine was strained and uncomfortable.No doubt.It would have helped if this whole grad thing was my idea. I'd made it through the majority of my last year in high school without so much as a peep from Mom about the fact I'd be graduating only a month and a half from now. We'd had a nice, quiet fall, winter and spring since the Gate incident, though Gram remained absent, Uncle Frank's search turning up nothing.I blamed my grandmother for my present position, half falling from an uncomfortable stool all in the name of posterity. Mom was clearly looking for some way to distract and amuse herself from the fact Gram was still missing and refused to be hunted down. Nothing like a graduation of twisted witch proportions to throw a veil over Mom's worry. Yet another
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 253: Prom Date
I paused at the bottom of the stairs by the heavy wooden bookcase and reached for Shaylee. She came slowly, unhappily, her Sidhe power sliding over the carved oak. The Gate's magic responded instantly, the whole structure swinging gently aside to let me in. I understood her dislike, but it was getting a little old. It's not like the Gate was going to spring open and Thalion, prince of the Seelie, would rush through and kidnap us or anything.At least, I was pretty sure that wouldn't happen. She wasn't so much. And I guess she had the right to worry. He'd almost tricked us into crossing over, after all, into giving up our life here out of pure Sidhe selfishness. And yet, I was pretty tired of her love quadrangle with Seelie and Unseelie alike, not to mention the worry she felt every time we came to visit Liam. I walled her off a little so she could sulk in peace as I strode through the open entry, careful to close it behind me before making my way further into the stone lair.Hard not
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 254: Blood Magic
Mom made a move before I was able, rushing to Dad's side while I stayed put and stared at the guy who now climbed to his feet, still in awe of his own body.And with good reason. If he really was Sassafras, or the mortal human version of the demon cat I'd known my whole life, he'd spent the last 150 years or so in the body of a silver Persian. Being back in a two-legged body would be quite a shock.For all of us.The skin around his eyes tightened as he slowly approached me, seeming to stumble over his own feet. The color settled to deep brown, almost black. "Syd," he said in my cat's voice, "are you okay?"I couldn't face it, couldn't deal. Maybe I should have been happy for him. Wasn't this what Sass had wanted forever? But a terrible fear rose inside me, an understanding that for him to be the way he was now meant the possibility of some horrible consequences for my father.If there could be more horrible consequences than the ones he faced for using blood magic.Galleytrot li
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 255: Sassafras
I think Mom guessed the same thing at the same time I did. She gasped, one hand reaching toward the young man. He actually backed up a step, gaze dropping to the floor, a twisted and uncomfortable look on his face. Sassafras understood it the moment we did."It's not my fault." So odd to hear that voice out of a human mouth. His whole body tensed, sneakered feet shuffling on the floor. My brain flickered to a million questions, one of them asking where he'd found clothes. I didn't recognize the dark striped shirt he wore, the deep denim jeans. "I tried to help, I swear it.""He did," Dad whispered. Our attention swung back to him as he smiled at Mom, a soft and loving expression. She cried out, a small sound, hands stroking his face. He looked so ordinary, so normal, I realized how much his power had maintained his demon appearance, even as reduced as he had been. My Dad now looked like any other dad-still handsome, still tall and broad, but ordinary.That fact struck me like a blow
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 256: Dad's Downfall
Dad passed out again shortly thereafter, forcing Mom to use her magic to carry him up to her bedroom. Erica hovered nearby, as if unsure whether to leave or stay and I didn't have the will to tell her either way.We all gathered in Mom's room. No matter how long Dad lived with us, I always thought of it as hers. The black satin comforter, the scent of lilacs permeating everything, the subtle touches all came together, alerting anyone who crossed the threshold a woman lived here, a woman of power.Dad looked reduced, tucked into the dark bedclothes, his skin pale and almost translucent, deep circles under his eyes. I stayed near the foot of the bed, trying not to hover, holding my hands tightly together to keep myself from wringing them. My anxiety was still building. As much as Mom cleared Dad and ensured he'd survive, her intent to use what now resided in Sassy to restore him and return him home meant attracting Celeste's attention. Besides, hadn't Dad just tried literally everythin
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 257: Adjustments
Once family time was over and she'd deemed Dad sufficiently recovered, Mom spent the rest of the evening trying to restore his power. Which meant Sassafras endured it right along with them.I waited, watched, saw the pain in Sassy's face, his endless squirming, waffling between empathy for what was clearly an uncomfortable process for him and annoyance he was making such a big deal out of it.It was as if Mom was trying to use the family magic to wrestle the power out of Sassy, but every time the column of power dove inside him, the amber magic reacted, at first fighting her, then dissipating so her energy simply slid through him like a sieve over water.When Dad finally cried out while Mom's magic wove a lattice between the pair, hurting him too, she finally relented."We'll try again in the morning." She patted Dad's hands without a glance for the rest of us, including Meira who clung to me like I could save her from what was happening.Mom ushered us all out, Sassy and Galleytr
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 258: Like Nothing Happened
To my shock, I slept the whole night through, waking when my alarm clock screeched its annoying song. I smashed the snooze bar aggressively, just wanting five more minutes, before the memory of yesterday intruded and drove me out of bed.Mom's door was open when I peeked in, she and Dad missing. I felt around as cautiously as I could, not wanting her to think I was spying or anything.Come down to breakfast. Her mental voice was tired but firm.Okay then.I grabbed a quick shower and threw on my usual T-shirt and jeans for school before pounding down the stairs to the kitchen. School. Was I nuts? I slowed as I spotted the neatly folded sheets piled on the couch, heard voices coming from the kitchen. I eased down the hall, watching as Mom turned and handed Dad a cup of coffee.Like nothing happened. She even smiled at him. For a precious moment I latched onto the hope maybe she'd fixed it after all, that Sassy was his furry self again, Dad had his power back and we could forget eve
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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
