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Chapter 56: Demon Dad
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 57: Happy Birthday, Syd!
I retreated to my bedroom and took a few minutes to write down what Gram said so I could tell my mother before stretching out on the top of my quilt. My brain fell suddenly quiet and I closed my eyes, grateful for a moment to rest.I felt the heavy weight of Sassafras land on the end of my bed and the movement on the mattress as he quietly padded his fat cat body to my side. He circled and settled against me, taking a moment to clean his tail before landing his nose between his paws with a sigh.In the stillness of a Sunday afternoon, exhausted and stressed, I finally found peace and fell asleep.There is nothing more disorienting than waking up fully clothed on top of your homework with no memory of the night before. I dragged myself from my bed and squinted into the sunrise. It only took a moment of confusion before I kicked myself and swore softly under my breath.I slept the night through and missed the vampires.In the bathroom across the hall, I surveyed the past few day's d
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 58: Casual Disregard
By the time school ended, I was so frazzled I could barely remember my locker combination. Pain's intuition along with the obvious tampering she underwent made me jumpier by the minute. Not to mention the absolutely casual disregard the entire student body had for what was clearly a huge event. It wasn't very often what the family could do scared me. Creep me out, give me the willies, turn my stomach yes. But flat out scare me?All of a sudden, I felt heart-poundingly, cold sweat inducingly terrified.I breathed a sigh of relief when I arrived home and found Mom's pristine blue and white '66 Mustang coupe parked in its usual place in the driveway. At least I wouldn't have to wait around for hours while she did her coven crap to talk to her. I could never convince the woman to carry a cell phone. Mind you, I could at any time reach out to her with my mind, but it seemed like such a waste of magic, not to mention risky in the barfing department. Plus, it felt like such a mundane use fo
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 59: Bound By Power
Despite my attempt to fake normal, I knew I still looked pretty pale from what I'd overheard. Alison confirmed it by getting to her feet and offering her hand in an instinctive gesture."Syd?" She had genuine concern on her face and I cursed inwardly at my lack of control. "Are you okay?"Which, of course, meant everyone had to make a big fuss over me. I took some deep breaths, very grateful when my demon offered her support without me having to ask."I'm fine, I'm fine," I tried to reassure them. "Really. Just tired all of a sudden. I'm sorry, I have to go home."There were regretful murmurs, but no one seemed pissed and even Blood had a look of understanding on his made-up face so I didn't feel so bad."Thanks for everything," I said, throwing my coat on and grabbing my purse."We didn't get to presents!" Alison shoved a small box into the top of my purse. "And at least let one of us drive you home!"I knew the fresh air would do me good."I'm okay, really. I just have my stu
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 60: Beltane
I shifted under the weight of the heavy black velvet cloak I was forced to wear to such witchy occasions and tried not to make my discomfort obvious to the gathered coven. Namely, to my mother who stood, similarly dressed, beside me. Surrounding me, suffocating me, was the press of the coven, about a hundred odd men, women and children, tied together by magic, chosen allegiance and blood lines.At least the cloak was warm. It helped I bundled on a turtleneck and wool sweater before I left the house, but the cloak cut the last of the chill. I guess that meant it was actually good for something.Fueled by my uncommon bout of optimism, I tried, really tried, to focus on my mother's droning voice as she began the evening's incantation, leading up to the power spike that I, Sydlynn Hayle, unhappy witch and demon child, would use to light the Beltane bonfire and welcome spring.Yipee for me.Still, I had trouble concentrating with all the extra crap floating around in my head. Crap I had
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 61: Hunting The Hunter
I think Quaid was just as shocked as I was.Every other time the two of us even brushed skin against skin, there was this instant seal, a melding of power. I always found it simple to form a bond with his magic, if not with him personally. But, suddenly there was a barrier between, making us weak in the face of the creature. I found myself moving slowly forward, being pulled by the thing, linked to it for some unknown reason and unable to work myself free.And from what I could tell, Quaid was in the same boat. Whether it had to do with ours being the first power it encountered when it awoke or something else we couldn't explain, the thing had a thread, a line to us it used to draw us out of the safety of the site and into its hungry arms.Over my mother's dead body.She was there beside me, a force of nature as much as that thing was of the unnatural. A wall of magic severed the connection to it. I staggered slightly, feeling the tug of Quaid's hand as he suffered the effects of t
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 62: Connections
Mom left me there with Meira and Quaid while she started to organize the coven in defense. I briefly considered reaching out to Uncle Frank or Sunny but thought the better of it. I'd had enough out of body for one day, thanks. It was only then I realized I'd gone through a huge magical exchange without a single twinge from my normally touchy stomach.Maybe my body was finally catching up with my need.It wasn't until we were all packed up to go home that Quaid let my hand go and to be honest, the moment his fingers slipped free of mine, I missed them. I watched him climb on his bike and drive off, alone. I had to talk to him, to find out if he felt what I did. But I was too tired to even think about it.I was almost asleep by the time I arrived home and slid into bed. I remembered the soft touch of my mother's lips on my cheek and her whispered, "I love you," followed by another whisper, "Stay with her." Something soft and warm snuggled against my chest, something purring so loud th
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 63: Visiting Hours
Alison drove me home after school so we could tell Mom where we were going. I wasn't sure how my mother would react to my friend's need to visit Suzanne but was surprised when she smiled."That's a lovely idea," Mom said. "I'm sure she could use the company."I wanted to ask my mother if she had any news about the creature, but she was already occupied. By Alison's new car.A Mustang convertible, no less. Mom's favorite. Alison was given a shiny red car for her birthday and I had a visit from a creature that wanted to kill everyone.Sounds fair.I tapped my foot as they compared vehicles for what seemed like hours but really only amounted to about ten minutes. I finally sighed heavily to get their attention as Mom explored the dash from the driver's seat."We should get going," I said.Mom gave me a soft kiss on the cheek on the way by and I knew she was laughing at me. I just knew it."I've said it before," Alison told me as she pulled out of my driveway and peeled off, "but y
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 64: Not Suzanne
At first I wasn't sure there was anyone home when her eyes flew open. It was like the person who used to live there went on permanent vacation and left behind an empty shell. She was totally void, blank, and I caught nothing from her but a whole heap of nada.Until her eyes fixed on mine. Suddenly her whole existence came into sharp focus. There it was, what I dreaded all along, the stench and touch of the thing, the creature, buried inside her so deep it poisoned her slowly as it rose to the surface, taking bits of her as it went.She looked insane as she struggled to sit up and it was only then I noticed the thick leather straps pinning her to the bed. Someone, probably her mother, covered them with a blue wool blanket. But as soon as Suzanne started to struggle the camouflage fell away and Alison and I both gaped at her in horror.Suzanne's wide mouth twisted into a smile so grotesque I wanted to run from the room or at the very least tear my gaze away, but I couldn't. Hello, tra
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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
