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Chapter 296: Mansion Usurped
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 297: Witches Assemble
It wasn't until I was part way back to the staircase I realized Erica and I were being escorted by the two Enforcers I'd stormed past upstairs. Pender was one of them. I looked back over my shoulder as we reached the top, turning to meet his eyes, even if he wouldn't meet mine."Nice to see you." I kept my tone light, but my meaning was clear to both of us. I heard Quaid call my name, spun and spotted him being held by two more people in black robes.Pender kept his head down while the other Enforcer just looked uncomfortable."I'll be happy to let Mom know how well you're repaying her gift to you." I sniffed delicately, as if his very presence offended me. "Please, rest assured, if such an instance were to happen again, none of us would interfere, but let events take their course." Not a threat. But I was pretty sure he got the point.If the coward was attacked again, I'd happily watch him die.I walked away, stiff and angry, while Erica paced beside me.You need to get it toget
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 298: Gram's Support
I was almost ready to move on when I felt her mind touch mine.I knew you were the right witch for the job. Gram's mental voice cackled. The look on their faces when you pulled that stunt...She was here? You're here?Listen up. Her magic cracked like a whip, making me jump. A pair of older witches eyed me like I might be dangerous and hurried on. I turned my back on the entrance and the trickle of witches still arriving as Gram went on. I want you to ignore everything Erica or anyone else tells you and only do what I say.I almost sagged in relief. You're staying with me?Hush, child, she sent, though her tone was gentle and loving. Pay attention. Have I not told you over and over again you need to pay attention?She had. And not when she was fully sane, either. And she'd always been right. Without a doubt, beyond question, and without hesitation I put everything in her hands.What do you want me to do?You need to start balancing out the power around here. She sounded annoyed
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 299: The Council Leader They Wanted
As everyone stood, including the coven leaders, my eyes fixed on a large wooden door on the opposite side of the room. The moment we were all on our feet, the whisper of clothing and shuffling of feet stilled, that door swung outward and a line of people walked through.Dressed in jet velvet robes trimmed in blue, the members of the High Council of North American Witches strode with aplomb and self-importance toward the raised platform and their appointed seats. My eyes scanned their faces, but with the exception of Andre's tiny smile, none of the members showed a hint of emotion.Okay then. As much as I wished they were a little more light-hearted, I could understand why they were keeping things somber. As long as their closed faces didn't mean they'd already set their minds against my mother.Each of them sat, two obvious gaps in the lineup. One where the Hayle member should have been, though there was no seat placed there. It seemed even they understood the spot was supposed to b
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 300: Choosing Wisely
Oh no she did not. My heart stopped a moment before making me fight for air as it thudded back to motion. I heard a few more gasps from the witches around me as I finally understood what she was saying.She wanted me to strip my mother of her power. To reduce her to nothing, all so I could keep sitting with the other leaders.Yeah, that was going to happen.I'm sure my outrage was written all over my face, but it wasn't long before I felt someone stand beside me and knew I wasn't alone.Seemed the passive nature of these witches had been pushed as far as it would go."This is outrageous." Tallah's voice actually vibrated with anger. "Miriam Hayle has as yet to be tried, let alone proven guilty of anything. To order her stripped of her magic at this juncture is unacceptable.""Here, here." Violet's tiny body shook with rage. "Never will I sit by and watch another leader be so maligned before she's even had a chance to present her case. This I will not stand for, Council Leader."
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 301: Queen Mom
I've never been so proud of Mom. How she held herself like a queen, not a prisoner, the way she smiled at everyone as though they were there to see her, as a star, someone they admired.And they did admire her. The outswell of positive energy was almost overwhelming. So much for the jealousy and bad feelings Pender mentioned toward us and our coven. They loved Mom, it was obvious. I didn't take my eyes off of her to know it and didn't need to. Our magic was so close it felt all connected and it was clear the gathered witches viewed her as someone to be adored and venerated.I allowed myself a moment of cocky confidence. Batsheva and Odette's evil plans didn't stand a chance. Not against Mom's popularity.Epiphany moment. Was this why they were going after Mom? Odette's reasons were clear to me, what with her revenge vendetta and all. And while I knew Batsheva wanted Mom's power, was there more to it? Was this a way to prevent my mother from breaking Batsheva's hold on the Council?
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 302: Moromonds
"You okay?" His voice was a mellow, deep river, a welcome change from Gram's grating tone in my head."I will be." I drew a breath, held it a moment, let it out slowly until my entire body felt deflated. Immediately my anxiety returned, the intensity of the last little while gone, allowing me to slip into fear all over again. My fingers tightened reflexively on his. "On second thought..."Quaid leaned close and hugged me, the scent of his warm skin and the subtle touch of earth magic in his clothing helping to ground me. I'd forgotten Louisa's habit of calling up power to do laundry. His foster mother lovingly placed a little piece of her gift in every article of his wardrobe.The Vegas. I promised myself the moment I arrived home I'd head right to their place.Promised."I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's all going to work out." Quaid's voice rumbled in my ear where it was pressed to his chest. "We both know this could go badly. But Syd, whatever you need, whenever, I'
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 303: Leader Visits
I spent about an hour with the Hensley girls, and enjoyed every minute of it. When I emerged from their quarters I felt much better about the whole situation. Yes, it was one coven and yes, that coven didn't carry a lot of clout. But I'd not only survived my first conversation with another leader, I'd made two friends.Gram was still sulking when I let my shields down as I stepped into the hall, their door swinging shut behind me.Next? I didn't apologize. I had nothing to apologize for. Gram grumbled a bit, but relented after a moment.Summon the twins. Her mental voice was sullen. And stop patting yourself on the back. That was the easy one. Don't get cocky.I held my temper and was even sweet in my reply. Yes, Gram.More grumbling. This was actually kind of fun.My mind reached out, touched Estelle and Esther. Impossible to catch them as individuals. The power of the Lawrence sisters was so intertwined it was like speaking to one person.I need you.We come. They were still
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 304: Undead Fury
The moment my knuckles touched the door it sprang inward as if the sweet-faced old woman on the other side had been standing there waiting for me.Violet clapped her hands in glee, bright eyes sparkling. She lunged forward, grabbing my hands, the courtesy of power shared in a rush as she latched onto my magic and hugged it like I was a favorite granddaughter come to visit at last."Oh my dear," she gushed, pulling me down to kiss my cheek, the scent of rose powder and wine floating around her. "I'm so delighted to finally meet you!"I couldn't help but smile at her, letting her drag me inside, kicking the door shut behind us with one foot. She slid across the polished floor on her sockettes, tugging me down beside her on a settee while a sweetly smiling woman who looked like she was perfectly round poured us a glass of wine.Um, wine? I shook my head gently. Alcohol and witches were a big no-no, though some could handle it. Violet was obviously one who could.Or thought she could.
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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
