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Chapter 473: Consensus
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 474: Trust Request
I imagined all the horrible things I could do to Piotr as I followed him, faithful Charlotte at my side, wishing for my demon and her very creative imagination. She always made plans for destruction so much more delightful.And bloody.The antechamber was plush, soft chairs and a deep sofa, a low table full of decanters and trays of food. Vampires ate, with gusto, if seeing Uncle Frank devour a burger was any indication, and wine was a favorite. But it wasn't likely this food was here for me. Probably for the two Queens.Knowing that made me lose my appetite.Mom didn't leave me alone for long, barging into the room, slamming the door closed on a very angry Margaret."You can't possibly be considering this," she said."Mom." I hugged her. "You have to let me go."Her instant argument hung between us without her even saying a word, but I shook my head and released her."No, Mom," I said. "Don't you see? The Brotherhood isn't just after a war between vampire clans."Mom shuddere
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 475: Blood Clan
Demetrius didn't give me time to wallow in my sorrow."You will join her," he said, madness in his eyes, but cunning too. And the cunning I trusted. "You will be her responsibility."Charlotte chuffed softly and I caught her actually laughing. Not a little laugh like she sometimes allowed to escape. She drew a breath and began to howl, slapping her knee with her open hand, wiping tears from her eyes as Demetrius grinned at her.Clearly I was missing something."Brilliant," Charlotte choked. "Just brilliant.""I'm all ears." I looked back and forth between them, patience so thin I could poke a finger through it."She will be forced to protect you," Charlotte said while Demetrius bobbed his head and wheezed a laugh. "Meanwhile, you can gather power and plot to kill her and no one will say anything."What kind of screwed up system was this? "So if I'm outside the family, she's off limits, but if I'm one of hers, I can kill her and no one will give a crap?"Charlotte let out anothe
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 476: Terrible Idea
Batsheva immediately demanded a recess of her own and, through another heaving sigh, Margaret granted it.I wasn't alone in my chambers long before company rushed in to ask me if I'd been knocked from my rocker."You can't do this." Sebastian swept into the room, sweeping toward me, hands out. He gripped my shoulders, shook me ever so slightly, though the pressure of his hold told me just how agitated he was. He was nearing vampire strength, not be-nice-to-the-frail-witch-girl strength. And though I understood his concern, I had no desire to test the limits of my immortality under friendly fire.I didn't get a chance to free myself. With a growl and a swipe of her arm, Charlotte knocked him back, away from me. Sebastian's eyes flared white a moment, fangs showing, his quick reaction to her protection also letting me know he wasn't happy.Not even a little.Charlotte just bared her teeth, sliding between us, the wolf coming out in her hands, the shift of her shoulders, and though I
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 477: Ameline's Warning
I know I should have been much more focused on what was happening around me as I was led out of my chambers by a pair of vampires, once Batsheva had enjoyed her little recess, and toward the throne room instead of thinking about Sebastian.But oh, my, my, my. Those lips. That magic. My body still tingled.So much for Quaid.Who said that? I turned my head a little as we passed the entry to the main room only to catch sight of a black-robed figure behind a statue. One white hand swept the hood back a little, Ameline's crystal blue eyes locking on mine.Choke.We need to talk, she sent. Watch your back.I couldn't think fast enough to latch onto her, nor, I supposed, did I have the power. And then I was past her, every pair of eyes on me, including Mom's and Margaret's.Did I dare mention Ameline was here? And what did she want?Watch my back. Since when was the ice princess herself on my side?So much churning going on, I needed a moment to reorder everything, but didn't get th
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 478: Travesty
And that was that. Ceremony over, all said and done, nothing to see here, move along.Margaret looked impatient, clearly wanting to zippity-do-da her way back to Delusionland. But no way was she going while Mom still hovered, her Enforcers gathered around her in a tight, angry knot.Mom, I sent, feeling the rush of her relief when she felt my magicks were partially at my disposal. Just go. It's cool. Go.With a firm nod and a flash of blue power, she did, her Enforcers with her, so fast Margaret grunted at the rapid departure before waving irritably at the lot of us."Behave," she snapped. "Or else." Then, she gathered up her own posse and left.Wow. Effective. Wish I'd thought to try telling the Queens not to hurt me.Snort.Batsheva turned in her throne and glared at Pannera. "Your turn," she said, all illusions of niceness, as thin as they were, vanished with the witches.Pannera simply reclined further in her own seat, a little smile on her stone face. Did wonders for her b
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 479: Pannera
"You need to be wary." Sebastian's voice was soft, low, but came through clear enough. "As much as I have trusted my Queen in the past, I'm not as certain of her intentions anymore."Sad. I reached out and linked my arm through his, the two blonde vampires swaying in their ball gowns ahead of us. "I'm sorry," I said, really meaning it.Family. Who else could hurt him so much?His hand settled over mine, pressing my fingers into his arm. "This entire situation could get out of control very quickly," he went on. "Neither of our clans is meant to be in such close proximity for such an extended period."A bomb waiting to go off, in other words. Well, at least if they were fighting each other, they might forget about me."Batsheva is up to her old tricks," I said. "Not like she'd shift tactics now anyway, since her mind's gone bye-bye. She's lying to her vampires."Sebastian shrugged. "There's nothing we can do to stop her," he said. "She is Queen."Well, wasn't she special?We didn
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 480: Small Talk
Pannera sent me on my way with Sebastian at my side once more. Only now, when he walked beside me I wondered why he was with me-for me, or because she ordered him to watch me and report back to her?I hated thinking about him like that. Sebastian was my friend and, if the kiss he offered me was genuine, maybe had the potential to be more. I couldn't bear to live with the idea that everything he did was suspect."I have my people placed carefully," he said as we walked, breaking my sad silence. "They will alert me if anything happens, but I can't do much more than that, especially after the sun rises." He slowed his pace a little, bending over me. "I'm sorry, Sydlynn. I should never have allowed you to risk your life to save me when I was host to the essence.""Water under the bridge," I said. "I just hope you know I'm not angry or anything. About you following orders." The memory of the pain my battle caused was enough to make me wince. "I'm just a little hurt knowing I can't really
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 481: Worst Choice Ever
If I was so adamant and sure of my plan-yeah, right-why did the idea of a little outside assistance from Ameline keep cropping up in my over-stressed brain?Demetrius was pretty set on his opinions about her. "No, can't, worse than Batsheva, worse than Belaisle." He shuddered when he spoke the sorcerer's name. I didn't blame him, really. Liander Belaisle was about as smarmy and arrogant as they came, with serious dominance issues, if our brief encounter in his custody was an experience to judge from. "Ameline, she is hate."And while I occasionally danced with the devil, I took his warning to heart.Okay then. No Ameline."Is there a way to remove the powder from my system?" I sat so I'd be more on eye level with the man, still hunkered down near the floor."Yes, yes, yes," he said. "But you won't be happy. No, no, no."Lovely. "Spill it."He flinched, a whine escaping before he bobbed his head, silver curls swaying. "All of your blood has to leave you."Well, the vampires woul
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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
