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Chapter 340: First Day
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 341: Charlotte's Role
Lunch was another quiet hunch in the impressive cafeteria followed by a slow, slumping return across the Yard toward the library and more torture. I was recognizing faces at least. Yeah, sure was. Only because those faces glared at me like I was some kind of freak who'd ruined everything.The really crappy part in all of this was how so very far I'd really come. I wasn't the complaining, poor-me girl who wanted to be normal anymore. I really felt like I'd grown up a lot in the last two years, learned things about myself, who I was and, more importantly, who I could be some day. And I'd embraced my future, or at least told myself I had.Why then was it back to the same old, same old with me retreating all over again, afraid, willing to not be me just for a chance to fit in? Nothing about how I was feeling seemed right or natural anymore. Sucked how easy it was to backslide into old habits.I felt my shoulders go back, lifted my chin again on purpose, but this time not to hide the str
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 342: Class Act
Three doors were left open to me when I passed through the entry to my own private hell. Turned out door number four was actually a direct line to the cafeteria and I told myself maybe I should have just taken it in the first place. But that would have meant missing Rupe and Simon and finding out about Darin.Not to mention the happy hum of satisfaction from my demon. Okay then, long walks to the caf every day it was. Who knew what fun we could have?I stood there a moment, looking at the doors, closely tempted to wander into the cafeteria instead of my pending class, just to see what would happen, but decided not to push my luck. I might have been feeling much more myself and even a tad more aggressive than usual-okay a whole bunch more-but I had to go to school here for three years. And since the institution itself hadn't done anything to annoy me I could at least try to play by the rules.As I strode into my next class behind door number three, it was with a whole new attitude an
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 343: Reunion
What followed was the most fun I'd ever had in a class. Ever. Maryanne was nothing if not blunt, to the point and full of snarky sarcastic goodness, a fact which colored her teaching to the extent she had the entire student body in the palm of her well-manicured hands.I was still giggling as I gathered my things to leave when the door swung open, not really wanting to go. For the first time all day I was one of the other students, with no one staring or whispering or treating me like I was different. Maryanne actually waved at me on the way out, but not to single me out. Just to say goodbye.Awesome.The only tarnish to the moment was the matching grins from the Dumont brothers as they brushed their way past me, but it was easy enough to forget about them after the great class I'd just sat through.Not so much for Charlotte, though. She snarled in her Eastern-European language at them, body tense and anger radiating. I found myself grinning and poking her in the side to which she
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 344: Lonely
The moment I entered the lecture theater, my eyes settled on the Dumont brothers. Great, was I destined to spend every damned class with the pair of irritating fleas? Clearly that was the case. The only thing I could do at this point was ignore them.As my gaze drifted over the gathering students, I caught sight of another familiar face. The half-smile and wave I began froze in place as Sashenka's eyes flickered away from me. She slunk down in her seat a little, not looking my way at all, though I knew she'd seen me. Lovely, just lovely. Whatever I'd done to make her hate me wasn't going away. And since she obviously didn't want me around, I'd have to do something about our little living arrangement. As much as I hated the thought of defeat, of having to ask Mom to change my roommate, there was no way I was spending the entire year with someone who didn't want me around.Since Sashenka would prefer I didn't sit with her or even acknowledge I knew her, I slid into a lower row closer t
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 345: Liam To The Rescue
Okay, so all of that "I can do it on my own, I'm amazing" crap? Yeah, well, that all went out the window the moment I looked into Liam's eyes. My throat tightened instantly as I grasped his hand and found myself beaming at him."Hey, Liam," I whispered back, body vibrating with the sudden surge of joy I felt at seeing him again. "Not much."Yes, it had only been a day or so since we parted ways, but for some reason it felt like forever. It was only then I understood how much I relied on my Gatekeeper friend, how much his friendship meant to me. Liam was my rock, my utterly loyal and unjudgmental rock who didn't care what I did or how I looked or acted. He loved me anyway.I wanted to hug him, to squeal in happiness and hang onto him, but the teacher, Walden Bradford, was glaring so I was forced to sit back and face the front of the room, though it was impossible to wipe the grin from my face and there was no way I was letting Liam's hand go.He didn't fight me so I figured he was a
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 346: Summons
I had no choice. I had to go to my room eventually. With Charlotte ever my silent bodyguard, I drifted across the Yard toward the dorm, walking slower and slower with each step as dread tried to keep me from finishing the trip."Miss Hayle." I turned, grateful for the distraction, to face a smiling young man in a crisp black uniform. I recognized him, though couldn't place from where. It wasn't until he handed me a sheet of paper the same color as his outfit, reddish curls as round as his cheeks, that I made the connection."You're her page." One of them. I knew him from the trial. He'd stood with Maurice-now Mom's secretary-and a second page."Vincent." He winked at me. I found myself grinning even though he might have been fourteen, but was clearly flirting. "We never actually met, coven leader."I took the paper from him. "I guess we didn't," I said. "I was too busy trying to save Mom."He bobbed a nod. "Leadership looks great on you." Another wink. Really? Smart ass. But at le
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 347: The Way Things Are
Maurice brought out a large book, flipped it open, one finger poised over a black sheet. "Shall we schedule dinners on Sundays from now on, Council Leader? For efficiency's sake."Mom almost flinched, but nodded. "Yes, thank you.""Six pm, shall we?" He wrote quickly, magic flowing from his finger to the page as he decided my once-a-week culinary fate for the rest of the year in his stupid appointment book. "Now then," Maurice snapped the book shut, turning to face Mom with a no-nonsense look on his face, "we have business, Council Leader."Mom rose, set aside her black napkin. "Yes, of course." She paused, eyes meeting mine. I let her see how angry I was, saw her own frustration rise. "Good night, Sydlynn.""Yeah," I shot back as she turned away, "nice to see you too, Mom."She left without another word, Maurice hurrying her out as Vincent rushed forward and began to clear the table with brief surges of air magic winging the plates and cutlery out from under us.I threw down my
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 348: The Star Club
Before I could take even one step Charlotte had her hand on my arm and pulled me back."Just where do you think you're going?" Her voice had taken on the soft growl of her were side. Only then did I realize she'd been through as much as I had today. Left her pack behind, forced to follow me around, she must have been just as frustrated as I felt."The secret society thing, remember?" She'd been there, overheard, I was sure of it. "The Star Club. It's for witches." Okay, I was guessing, filling in blanks. "And if Darin is involved, it can't be good." Again, guessing. But from the troubled look on Charlotte's face, she felt the same way I did."We'll see where they go," Charlotte said, releasing my arm. "But that's all."Whatever. "Come on, we'll lose them."I wished I had time to stow my backpack, but instead was forced to lug it along, the weight bouncing on my back as Charlotte and I jogged across the Yard and toward Widener Library. I caught sight of the boys passing through bet
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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
