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Chapter 81: Powerless
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 82: Dead Zone
I could feel Quaid up ahead clearly, like he was there all along. The tingling numbness had gone and as I felt around inside me I understood why. Sebastian. Whatever he did, the connection between my demon and I was back and stronger than ever.I had to remember to hug him for that. Right after I found out exactly where the stuff came from and how to wipe it from the face of the planet. That stuff was just wrong.It didn't do much for my physical strength, though, so I was shocked when I easily caught up with Quaid. There was no way I should have. Except he stopped, frozen in place, his mind elsewhere.I came to a panting halt at his side and took his hand.My mind instantly chased his, down the channels of his power, and found what he focused on. It looked like a cave entrance, well hidden, a mere slit in the darkness. We studied it together for a moment before he yanked us back."I told you to go get help." He wasn't angry. I was ready for angry. Not this flat and empty feeling
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 83: Confronting Evil
Erica flung herself in front of us."Get back!" I felt what was left of her power gather. "I'll distract it. When it's away from the exit, you run!""We're not leaving you," Quaid and I said together."That's another order," she shot at us. "I mean it." But I could tell she didn't. Not really. She shook so much I wondered if she would be able to bring her magic under control enough to fight the thing and not hurt herself in the process.I gripped her shoulder on one side and Quaid did the same on the other. We pulled her back until she stood between us."You can't face it alone," I said. "And Mom is coming. We just have to hang on."The agony in her face was horrible and I wished I could help more than I did."All right," she said. "But if we get a chance to run-""We run." Quaid shot me a look over her head contradicting what he just said and I agreed. No more running. Either this thing killed us or we killed it.And then there was no time for talking or thinking, only reacti
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 84: Cesard
The wall of energy hit us only for an instant and I knew we were done. The creature was stronger than we were, far stronger. Maybe if my demon was at full power we could have stood against it, but she barely had enough essence left to keep me alive.Magic crackled in ropes of electric blue light, driving between us and the creature. I staggered backward, only saved a fall on my ass by Quaid's firm grip on my hand. I wanted to sob in relief. I knew the touch of that power.Mom stood at the cave entrance, glowing like a pale blue star, the family pouring into the cavern around her. I stared at her as she approached, vibrating with power, a vengeful goddess. The blue of her magic rippled with white vampire power and the green song of the Sidhe, polished by the amber of demon fire. She was almost as horrible to look at as the creature, but I didn't care.Mom to the rescue.I tore my eyes away from her and noticed the family wasn't alone. Sebastian and his people were there, too, glidin
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 85: Saved By Love
I was the first to hit my knees but knew some of the weaker witches weren't far behind me. I watched my mother's face pale and knew she was in trouble. There was no way to fight the draw, no defense against it."You have no recourse," Cesard said as Sebastian wavered, his flawless face sinking slowly into wrinkles. "I will take your power and use it to rule this world and when I have taken all it has to give me, I shall move on to the next."Quaid fell beside me, his hand outstretched to mine and I took it, desperate. Maybe he and I could do something, anything.But there was nothing. No spark, no connection. It was gone and we were almost used up.Mom staggered, but held her ground as I slowly toppled on my side. Her eyes met mine, so much love there I would have cried if I had the energy. As it was I felt like I had been wrung out like a wet rag and tossed aside. When I fell, I landed across Brad's chest and my hand slid across his leg, coming to rest against something cold.I w
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 86: Justice
I needn't have worried. Sebastian had it covered. He pulled the weakened Cesard from my mother before any damage could be done and threw him to the ground.The vampires descended on him, all of them, clinging to the screaming magician and draining him dry. I couldn't watch. It was too horrible. Instead, I ran the five steps to my mother and hugged her like I'd never let her go.That was the plan, anyway."Syd," I turned at the sound of my name. Brad was watching me, but there was a glazed look to his eyes telling me he wasn't all there yet. "What happened?"I didn't want to leave Mom and didn't have to. Quaid bent over Brad and touched his forehead."Go back to sleep, Football." Brad's eyes closed and he sighed deeply.Damn. I still had that mess to deal with. I met Quaid's eyes. They were empty of emotion and his smirk was back. Double damn.I didn't get a chance to confront Quaid. Raised voices drew my attention. I turned with Mom and watched as Sebastian and Uncle Frank went
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 87: That's My Life
So, life went back to normal. Or, as normal as my life ever was.Suzanne recovered completely. Now that the creature was gone, her mind came back to her and best of all she didn't remember a thing. Alison and I visited her in the hospital and were both relieved to find out she was not only okay, Suzanne was actually a nice person. With feelings. Who liked music and could smile. Even though I still mostly avoided her, I agreed to the odd lunch and didn't regret getting to know the new and improved Suzanne. She even apologized for being so mean. Imagine.Guess a life threatening possession will do that to you.The whole Brad thing was still a problem. He just wouldn't take no for an answer. Believe me, I tried. And tried. While I cringed from the hurt in his eyes and caved. And caved. He didn't remember anything either, though, so I guess it was a blessing. But because of that he also didn't remember I'd broken up with him. Try convincing a guy with a serious power addiction you didn'
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 88: Camping
Book Three: Demon Child Just my luck, the moment my marshmallow browned to sugary perfection, my hand slipped a little too close and-poof-it burst into flames before sliding from the end of my carefully peeled stick and into the fire.Nuts.Simon's glasses reflected the campfire as he grinned at me around a mouthful of white, blackened bits sticking to his lips and teeth. The sight made me slightly nauseated and actually grateful my treat lay crisping to death on the coals.I was just happy to finally be free of a month's worth of grounding. I seriously thought Mom was joking when she told me I'd lost my freedom that morning in the cave where we all nearly died. After all, hadn't I just saved the coven and the Blood Clan DeWinter from the creature who was part human, part Firblog, part vampire plague and part demon? Poor Cesard had a serious case of multiple personality disorder.If it wasn't for my demon power and the misplaced affection of one Brad Peters, we'd all be drained
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 89: My Demon
I sat up abruptly, wide-awake and crystal clear, expecting the fight of my life.So how did I end up at home in my own bed, pajamas on, with the morning sun beaming happily in at me?Did I dream the entire thing? Was it some kind of horrid nightmare? Had to be. How else did I make it home and into bed, safe and sound, when my mind told me I was so close to suffering a fate worse than death?I had almost convinced myself when I happened to look down at my hands. They were filthy, coated in caked mud, one of the nails cracked and peeling, dried blood pooled around the edges. I stumbled out of bed, muscles aching. I limped the first few steps, right leg burning like I'd pulled a muscle before making it to my mirror.And gasping at my reflection. I'd heard the expression, 'looks like hell' before, but always thought it was some kind of exaggeration.I kid you not. I looked like... well. My previously sort of tidy ponytail hung half intact, the elastic clinging bravely to a lock of mat
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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
