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Chapter 603: Charlotte's Choice
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 604: Accusations
I was royally screwed. But I couldn't bring myself to argue, to say anything, standing there with Mia's hate battering at my shields, her weak power not even a threat, though her plan was.Just my freaking luck."I saw it clinging to you!" Mia battered at Quaid with both hands, fury almost enough, despite her weakened state, to break free of her brother's hold. "I know you influenced it, told it what to do. You're working with him, aren't you?" She wailed, a piercing sound before she jerked her body so taut Quaid almost lost control. "He's your pawn. I knew it. I knew it!"If only she knew how much I wished she was still in control of her family's magic."As the Dumont leader," Andre interrupted my grim plan to find a hole to hide in, "I resent such an implication." He turned his nose up at me. "As if anyone from our family would be in thrall to a mere Hayle witch." He sniffed, seriously offended. "Unthinkable."I'd give him unthinkable. Two minutes alone with him and he'd never t
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 605: Unexpected Defender
"How long exactly were you in possession of the Dumont family magic?" Huan Wong glared at me over her round glasses, lips turned down into a grim half circle, wrinkles pulling at her pale yellow skin.Oh. My. Swearword."For the last time," I said, temper showing as I snapped my response, "I was never, at any time, in control of another family's power."What, telling them sixteen million times wasn't enough? Sixteen million and one it was.The entire line of Councilors, Mom included, towered over me in their high and mighty seats while I sat on a low bench in the middle of the chamber, enduring my third round of interrogations since Pender kindly but firmly escorted me to Harvard."I'm so sorry," he said. "But I'm under orders."I could still hear Charlotte's howls as he took me away, leaving her behind. And they hadn't let her or anyone else near me since. Three rounds, three days. Oh, I wasn't a prisoner. They assured me of that the moment I was escorted through the Council mai
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 606: Last Chance
Pender let me walk ahead of him, didn't try to touch or escort me. Must have known any attempt would be rejected. It was a short walk, but felt like forever, my feet making dull taps against the old tile floors. University Hall stretched most of the length of Harvard Yard, and the magic floor reserved for the Council ran with long, empty corridors, large windows looking out over the green space. I glanced outside as I walked, gaze traveling over the trees and grass, the sight of late term students going about their lives below stirring my sadness at last.We'll be fine, my vampire sent, my demon hugging me, Shaylee singing softly as she stroked my mind. The family magic coiled around me, embracing all of us as we passed around the corner and headed for the Council doors.I know, I sent back, letting them feel how much I loved them. We're sure, then? They were all very aware of the choices I'd made, the decisions I'd come to. They'd helped me reach them. We are, they said in unison
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 607: Lost In Darkness
Mom wasn't about to let me off so easy. I'd just stepped outside the front doors of University Hall, preparing to find a quiet place to tear open the veil and just go the hell home when her mind latched onto mine.Not gently. Not kindly. With force.My office, she sent. Snarled, really. Now.First impulse? Smartass answer.Second impulse? Ignore her and get the hell out.Third impulse won. I trudged across the Yard, the frayed edges of my give a damn hanging around me. All through the last three days I'd been hoping Mom's angry front was just that-a front. A mask to keep the other Council members happy.But now that I'd felt her mind, heard and touched how real it was, my own anger flared bright and eager for a target.This really is a bad idea, my vampire sent.No hitting, Shaylee added.No mercy, my demon growled.They were all kinds of helpful.It was only the layers and layers of shielding I built keeping me from imminent explosion. When I focused on my energy, my temper
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 608: Never Over
Gram's arms squeezed me tight as I stepped through the veil and into the edge of the park. She must have felt me coming despite my attempts to keep her out."Girl," she whispered in my ear. "I worried.""Me too," I whispered back. "Still am."Gram leaned away, lower lip quivering a moment before she shook her head, frown pinching her brow. "She wouldn't let me near you," Gram said. We both knew who "she" was. And the way Gram said it sounded like Mom was in very hot water."There's more to it than we thought." I shared the understanding with her, the way Mom felt and Gram hissed, one hand covering her mouth."Miriam," she whispered. "Damn her. She could have told us."Instead of trying to do it all herself? Not a Hayle trait or anything."Her hands are tied," I said as I crossed into the yard, the wards welcoming me home. Gram followed, one hand sliding into mine as the grass swished under her fuzzy socks. I looked up to find Charlotte standing in the middle of the green space,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 609: Complicated
I was positive my life was meant to be insane at the best of times.And I guess I was okay with that.Demetrius's usual disappearing act didn't happen this time around. In fact, he happily ensconced himself in the basement, hugging me with tears in his eyes when I helped him set up a little space for himself with a "real bed" and "clothes of his own".One more heartache in a long list of them. But at least he seemed content to stay and I wasn't about to kick him out.Not when I knew I'd been needing him again, sooner rather than later. In fact, despite Demetrius's new digs, he was rarely home, more than eager to seek out the Brotherhood for me. And while I now worried about him, I knew I didn't need to. Demetrius might have reminded me of a scuttling cockroach lurking in the dark, but it was that very trait that kept him safe for so long.His poking about also meant I kept my nose clean. For now.I'd take it.My internet searches of the Brotherhood's corporation turned up fright
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 610: Good Sport
Book Sixteen: The Undying The sound of giggling witches filled my back yard. Giggling. And not young witches, either. The Lawrence twins twittered beside Talee Happern while Mary Gripper gossiped over her baby son, Alex, and how he was keeping her awake most nights.I did my best to plaster on a smile, hoping it didn't look like a grimace, wishing I was back at the gym. I'd doubled my efforts since the run-in with the Brotherhood, the twinge in my shoulder where Liander Belaisle shot me a reminder of just how serious things had become.Deadly serious. Like almost losing Charlotte serious. The weregirl kept her distance, watching from outside the party, eyes locked on me at all times. And though she was as protective as ever-worse, sometimes, it seemed-I sensed something was wrong with her. The way she flinched when I asked her a question or the way her blue eyes would fill with almost desperate anxiety.She'd been shot herself, at the doorway to death, only the wolf inside her c
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 611: Coven Leader
I took a vacant seat and sipped at my water, just for something to occupy me. I felt the fine chain slide over my collarbone and I reached up to grasp the pentagram pendant Mom gave me as a gift years ago. I'd only taken to wearing it in the past few years, knowing now it held a part of her power in it. Power meant to protect me and bind me to the family. Even though she wasn't officially a Hayle witch anymore, the magic remained true to the coven.Thinking about Mom made me sad. We hadn't talked, not really, since my release from custody. I'd tried to see her a few times, but she refused. Any attempt to reach for her with power was firmly blocked. She'd made it very clear to me she couldn't be on my side anymore. The Council magic changed her, pushed her to the brink, forcing her to do its will instead of the other way around. Mom's deterioration was a clear indication, her premature aging and total change of personality frightening in its totality. I wished I could convince her to s
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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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
