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Chapter 691: Old Friend
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 692: Conflict Resolution
I had just sat down, my legs no longer willing to hold me up, when Sassafras leaped onto the table and fixed me with his amber eyes."I agree with Shenka," he said."Of course you do." I sat back, refusing to look at him. "Just beat it, cat. I'm busy.""Feeling sorry for yourself." He snorted. "Typical. When will you tire of your little pity parties, Syd, and grow up?"I wanted to snap at him, almost did. But as I turned to deliver a scathing line, I saw the twitch of his whiskers, the way his big eyes looked so sad, his drooping ears telling me loud and clear how much he was suffering.Aw, hell.Sassafras purred against me as I scooped him into my arms and propped my feet up on the next chair, leaning back for a cuddle."Funny," I said. "I never seem to see you anymore and yet here I am, for the second time in less than twenty four hours, leaning on you."Sassafras's body settled. "I'm sorry," he said. "I've been spending as much time with Ethpeal as I can."Ah. Choke. "Thank
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 693: Frazzled
I hadn't noticed how frazzled Mom looked when she sat with the rest of the Council while they lectured me on my unweddedness. But now I focused on her and not my own troubles, I saw the slight darkness under her eyes. How she looked more tired than usual.Mom returned my hug before latching onto Meira. I caught a flicker of motion to my right, glanced over and spotted Maurice watching with a pinched and bitter expression. Looked like our little family lunch was on his list of unnecessary events."Council Leader," he said in his whiny voice, round belly rising and falling as he spoke with his nose in the air. "You realize we have much to do between now and this evening?"I have no idea where Mom found her patience. Instead of dropkicking his rotund little body out the nearest window like I would have, she smiled and nodded to him, waving him aside. She led Meira and me through the doorway he attempted to block as he spluttered at her for forcing him to move."I need to eat," she sai
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 694: Confessions
Meira caught up with me, her face falling at the sight of my expression. She linked arms, not asking questions, just offering her energy for support. My demon took it, used it to soothe me while my alter egos soaked me in love and understanding.Walking was good. Moving on was better.Mom appeared a few moments later to join us."Excellent," she said with a smile. "We now have confirmation from everyone but Europe." None of us were surprised we heard no word from Applegate. Though I fully expected the thralled Leader to show up at some point and cause trouble.Prepared for disaster? I was born for it. And speaking of disaster..."Mom," I said. "I have some things you need to know."She drew me along with her as we strolled again, as though unconcerned by the conversation we were about to have while my sister's false smile echoed our attempt at subtlety.I shared what I knew of the wild magicks, what they'd shown me, shared with Shenka and I in the basement. Mom's frown flashed o
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 695: Werewolf Visit
"So," Meira said as we stepped out into the dim light of the underground. "Since Shenka obviously wasn't talking about her sister's arrival, mind telling me who came to visit you last night?"No way. Not now I'd seen Quaid with...Her.He met Payten during his first summer Enforcer camp. He claimed they weren't a couple, had shared only a fling. And yet, she seemed to think otherwise and, surprise surprise, any time I saw them together she was all over him.Okay, so holding his hand wasn't technically "all over him". But when her impressive chest was in his space, it qualified."It doesn't matter," I said. Hating how much it really did matter.Meira didn't push me. Just hugged me as her body shifted back to demon form. I really had to get her to teach me how she altered her clothes in the process because by the time she released me, she towered over me in those damned boots she loved.My sister winked before turning and tearing open the veil. Ahbi answered instantly, embracing b
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 696: Piers Southway
Summer did wonders for the Ukrainian countryside. I liked it much better without all the snow and ice, thanks. Even though cold didn't affect me anymore, I still preferred the green and multi-hued beauty of this time of year.I'd meant to drop us inside the palace foyer, but, instead, found myself stepping out of the veil on the giant front lawn, my sneakers crunching over gravel and old asphalt at the edge of the curving drive. The quiet of dusk washed everything in deep blues and shadow as the sun set here in Eastern Europe.Puzzled and a little irritated I'd somehow missed the mark, it wasn't until I looked up and saw the tall, handsome blonde striding toward us, a smile on his angular face, I realized I'd been manipulated.Ahbi chuckled in my mind as the veil sealed behind me, just before Piers Southway came to a grinning halt before me. He didn't pause, speak, or ask as his hands dove into my hair, mouth descending over mine in a hungry kiss.This wasn't the first time he kiss
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 697: Worries About Ethpeal
After a quick hello to Oleksander and Raoul, I was off for home again. While I'd thought the king of the werewolves had an important message for me, considering Charlotte's mention he wanted to see me, it turned out to be nothing of the sort."Sydlynn." The huge were with the iron gray hair and beard engulfed me in his massive arms, crushing me to his broad chest a moment before setting me free. "It is wonderful to see you."Oleksander had blossomed as much as his granddaughter. The pensive, serious werewolf I'd first met was gone, a benevolent monarch left behind. It was clear his people worshipped him by the way the gathered pack members watched him, bowed as he bent to kiss the back of my hand. Good to know the werewolves were in such dependable paws."You too," I said. "You're coming tomorrow?" Wow, was it really tomorrow? Conclave already. I thought I still had lots of time.Not so much."I am." He reached out for Charlotte, one arm draping around her shoulders as she smiled
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 698: Summoned To Conclave
I set down my small suitcase in the center of the tented room and tried to feel okay about leaving the family under Galleytrot's protection. And yes, that of the six Enforcers now patrolling Wilding Springs. Still.Not easy to just walk away.And yet, I was still inside my own territory, felt the hum of the family magic from its place in the basement of my house. I would know in a breath if something went wrong, could leap into the veil at a moment's notice.Still.Unease was a way of life now, I guessed. Even surrounded by the Council's Enforcers, even with all this power at my disposal. At least the small bedroom constructed inside the giant pavilion was nice enough, not stuffy or dark. And thanks to the shielding Mom and the other witches of the Council placed around each sleeping area, I had privacy. Which I immediately reinforced with my own magic, thank you very much.The pavilion was divided into a number of sections, twenty-nine covens invited from across the continent a
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 699: Tallah's Dream
I approached the entry to my pavilion when the familiar feeling of the Hensley magic arrived at the site.Shenka. I reached for my second, just as she barreled out of the tent and ran right into me."Syd." Breathless, anxious, she hugged me in quick apology. "Tallah's here.""You don't have to join us," I said."Yes," Shenka said, pulling me along, "I really do."Part of me suddenly felt sorry for her sister. The look on my second's face told me she'd come to grips with turning Tallah in and was about to tear the older Hensley apart for being such an idiot.I didn't bother trying to reach Mom, just followed Shenka, still tugging, right to my mother's office. Where we both came to an abrupt halt.Tallah turned, already scowling, to find the two of us staring back and forth between her and Mom.When her eyes landed on Shenka, they widened a little. "You promised," she said.Shenka shook her head. "You asked," she said. "But I never did."Rebellion crossed the older Hensley's fa
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
