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Chapter 681: Home Again
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 682: Coronation
I stood outside the throne room at the palace, trying to figure out what to do with my hands as I forced myself to smile and nod at guests as they passed by. The slim black dress Mom made me wear didn't have pockets, so I caught myself fidgeting between clasping them behind my back and toying with the thin silver band I wore around my thumb as a show of some kind of decoration.When the invitation to Oleksander's coronation came to me at Harvard a few days ago, I had to say yes. If only for the chance to see Charlotte again so soon. It had been less than a week, but the werewolves made themselves very much at home in the old palace, more and more of them arriving from far-flung shores, free of their captivity.Mom's smile was much more genuine as she slipped up beside me and took my elbow in one hand.It will be over soon, she sent as she accepted cheek kisses from a Steam Union member.The throne room beyond was packed with people, from vampires to sorcerers, witches to werewolves
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 683: Torn
I sat on the edge of Liam's bed, trying to study, failing miserably. He lay beside me, one hand stroking my leg as he read from a textbook. He hadn't pushed me for much information about what I was now calling The Charlotte Incident, and I was grateful. Partially because whenever I thought about my werefriend I either started to cry and couldn't stop or I thought about Piers.Way worse. Especially considering the company I kept.Liam finally closed his book over and tried to pull me down beside him. My whole body resisted, to the point I shut my laptop lid and stood up to avoid him.The hurt look on his face was almost too much."What's wrong?" Green glittered in hazel."Nothing." I was a record scratched so deep I couldn't come up with another answer to his almost constant question."Syd," he said. "You keep saying there's nothing wrong. But you haven't been yourself since you got back from the Ukraine."Sigh. "I just have a lot on my mind." Wow, nice line, Hayle. Oh, and don't
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 684: See What Happens
I planned to go right home. But Mom's prodding had me thinking and, finally, convinced me to stop being such a whiner and face the situation I'd created.That Liam and I made together.He looked surprised to see me when I pounded on his door, pushing past him and into his room, not even bothering to strip off my coat and scarf as I set my laptop bag on his bed and faced him."We have to talk."From his expression, sliding from surprise to worry, he'd been dreading this as much as I had. Except he sat, offering one hand, pulling me down into his lap where I sat, stiff and shivering from emotion and stress while he stroked my hair back from my face."I know something has changed," he said. "I can feel it, Syd. You aren't the same with me as you were before you left." He sighed and sat back, still holding my hand and me across his thighs. "Whatever it is, whatever you have to tell me, it's okay." Hazel eyes sparked with green. "But I want you to know, if there is someone else, I'm go
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 685: Life Goes On
And life, as complicated as it was, went on.And on.The Steam Union never did uncover Vasyl, so I figured he'd show up again when I least expected. Because, yeah. That was the way things rolled for me.Piers went to great lengths to keep me up to date on the trial of the Black Souls and the continuing Vasyl hunt, though, so he had lots of opportunities to just show up and make himself available. With lots of suggestive comments and kissing thrown in for good measure.At least I'd managed to keep him from running into Liam. So far. Wasn't looking forward to that disaster if it ever happened.I'd seen jealous Liam before, and it wasn't a performance I wanted him to repeat.The worst part was I knew I could send Piers away at any time. But I didn't want to. And that made me a truly wretched human being and a despicable girlfriend. Though I wasn't much of the latter lately, to my credit. Despite our conversation, his assurance he would never stop trying, I pulled away from Liam comp
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 686: Witches For Tea
Book Eighteen: EnforcerI lifted the tea cup to my lips in an effort to hide my fake smile was morphing into a grimace of anguish.Huan Wong, the Santos Council member, sat across from me, her round cheeks flushed as she fixed her narrow eyes on my empty left hand.Considering the fact it was August and my twenty-first birthday had come and gone months ago, I knew the absence of a wedding band was the main reason for this little visit from the High Council.That's right. The entire High Council of North American Witches sat in my living room, sipping tea from Mom's china while I ground my teeth together in an effort to keep from kicking the lot of them out of my house.It's not like I didn't expect this visit. Mom warned me long before now I'd have a price to pay for ducking my head and barreling through my birthday at Beltane, June, July and now part of August in clear rebellion of Council law. I was supposed to be married by now.Grumble, mumble.Freakout."Not to put it in
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 687: The Law Is The Law
I retreated to my room, my favorite refuge since I was a girl. Different geography, maybe, but the idea was the same. Escape from the family, from responsibility, if only for a little while.Sassafras wasn't interested in giving me space, it turned out. As I tried to close the door behind me, he slipped through the gap, sauntering his fat cat body to the bed before leaping onto the quilt. I sighed inwardly, expecting a lecture as I crossed the room and glared at him where he perched, watching me with those judging amber eyes."You're being ridiculous," he said. "The law is the law. And it's not like you don't have choices.""So, you're telling me I should just get married and oh well if I make the wrong selection. Is that it?" I prodded him with magic, stomach churning.Sass's tail thrashed once, but when he spoke again his tone was lighter. "I know you're worried," he said. "There was a time you put yourself first. But these days, like the great leader I always knew you would be,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 688: Wild Magicks
I stumbled back, gathering my maji power even as the egos inside me paused.And recognition dawned.The swirling mass of magic separated into ribbons of color, amber and blue twining with red and green and white. A final zigzag of black crossed the lot as the glow from their energy lit the room in a rainbow of power.I knew these scraps of elemental magic, had freed them myself from the crystals the Brotherhood used to trap the Dumont family magic. Each of these wild fragments escaped the clutches of Belaisle and his evil group.Demetrius Strong had been happy they were free. The crazy, former Steam Union sorcerer and one time leader of the Chosen of the Light believed as I did--the Brotherhood lost a power source when I shattered the crystals holding the slivers of wild magicks in thrall.But I hadn't seen them or thought to ever again once they fled captivity that night. I stood there, mouth hanging open and unable to react as they swirled around me like giddy children, their en
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 689: Unbroken Bond
I tried to count the months since I'd seen him as I stepped outside into the cool grass and deep of evening. Unable to process how long it had been, all the while not really caring the moment my eyes settled on him.His hands bulged in the pockets of his jeans, fisted inside the denim, dark head down, wavy hair longer than I'd ever seen it hanging over his face. His broad shoulders rounded inward, black t-shirt wrinkled over his wide chest, the scuffed toes of his leather boots damp from dew.I had no control over myself, the way my breath caught as our power linked. How his magic, reluctant in the instant I saw him, surged in answer to mine and wrapped me up in the heat of his power. It was so hard not to run to him, to throw my arms around him. Now that I understood the connection we shared, it was all the more painful. I knew I'd carry this aching longing the rest of my days.My demon moaned her unhappiness as I forced myself to a halt a few feet from him, arms tight to myself to
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
