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Chapter 96: Ousted
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Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 97: Friends Or Foes
Mom put on a brave face, but I could tell from the tension in her whole body she was hiking down the same road to worry as me.It was even more impactful since she just came to a panting halt next to me. I barely stood up and took my bearings when Mom came running down the sidewalk in her black silk nightgown and robe, slippered feet slapping on the pavement as she practically flew the block from our house to the center of the park while I stood there and watched her.She looked me up and down, a strained smile on her face. "Early breakfast?"I knew she was trying to keep it light but I wasn't so sure I could go there with her.I followed Mom back to the house, wincing as my bare soles met asphalt, wondering how I managed to make it the whole night without hurting myself. My feet were plenty dirty so I knew my demon hadn't just sat around. But at least she took good care of us while she was in charge.She mumbled something in her sleep and radiated her satisfaction.Still nothing
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 98: Theridialis
Mom must have known something happened because she was waiting for me at the kitchen door when I staggered in and collapsed in a chair.She sat next to me, holding my hand, listening as I told her everything and how they all turned on me. I waited for her to tell me I was being stupid like everyone else did."If you think this boy is trouble," she said, "I believe you."Really? Mom was backing me? Mom never backed me. Okay, that wasn't exactly true or fair. But if Uncle Frank thought I was being a jerk, my mother should have, too."What am I going to do?" I just felt miserable, all wrung out and heavy like the world sat on my shoulders.She squeezed my hands. "One problem at a time," she said. "Your father wants us to contact him."I sat up immediately. "Why didn't you tell me?""I was just about to summon you when I felt you coming home," she said. "And as important as it is that we find out what is going on with your power, this was important, too."I loved my mother. We didn
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 99: Mia
Somehow I found myself in Chemistry writing a test I knew nothing about and not really caring how I did on it. My usual study partner sat three chairs over, his dark hair falling over his glasses. Simon refused to look at me and when the class finally ended and I handed in the joke that was my exam, he brushed past me like he didn't know me and left without a word.It didn't hurt, not even a little bit.Liar. Not like it mattered. My life was spiraling downward on all levels anyway. Might as well throw the last few shovels full of dirt on my coffin and be done with it.Dad returned the night before with very little to add."According to Theridialis, it's perfectly safe." Dad didn't look like he believed his friend at all. "You're not going to implode or anything. But the two of you need to work this out and work together to discover what is really going on."Mom then took a good hour inside my head to wander around and see what she could find. She finally sighed and sat back from
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 100: Ex-Boyfriend Blues
Mrs. Hammond seemed very disappointed when I left. I took a few cookies out of pity and thanked her. That made her feel a little better, I think.Now if only I could find a way to cheer myself up.I'd screwed up. Now not only did Mia know there would be no reconciling between me and Benjamin, she also understood there was something about me that called to her. Unlike Brad, the latent talent, hers had been active once. And now it was breaking free, it would do anything it could to finish the job.Mom was going to kill me.The sun felt very warm as I plodded down the front steps on my way home. It was so cheery and bright I almost snarled at the sky. It was like my own little cloud of gray followed me everywhere and the sun was intruding on that.Not in the best of moods to have a conversation with anyone.Naturally, Brad chose that moment to approach."Hi, Syd." His smile was like the sun. Offensive somehow.I grunted back."I was thinking, since we're going to prom together, w
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 101: We'll Never Be One
There was only so much crying into my pillow I could take. Mom took one look at me and let me retreat to my room, joining me later with a tray of snacks, but leaving me in peace. Even Sassy didn't say a word and he usually gave me a hard time for being such a whiner.I joined Mom and Meira for dinner, but the conversation was pretty much just the two of them. Even my little sister seemed quiet though, so it was a depressing twenty minutes.I was about to retreat back to my room to sulk when Uncle Frank arrived. His appearance instantly jerked me out of my own worries, remembering his concerns about Sunny, but that faded as she walked through the door behind him.I loved Sunny. Even though she was this really old vampire with enough power to probably tear me apart, she was the sweetest person I knew. I lined up for a Sunny hug when I caught the look Uncle Frank gave Mom.Something wasn't right.When Meira backed away from the undead bombshell and I took my turn, Sunny barely embrac
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 102: Kidnapped
There was glass everywhere, crunching under my slippers, sparkling on Meira's bed in the dim glow of her nightlight. A breeze blew in the wide open window, her gauze curtains swaying in the wind. I ran to the gap, looked out, but knew it was foolish. If I couldn't feel her anymore, there was no way I'd be able to spot her.Unless she was... I flinched from that train of thought. No, she was still alive. Our connection remained. But she wasn't able to contact me any longer. Which meant she was either being warded or she was unconscious.My fear for her was so strong I just stood there, locked in place, not knowing what to do."Syd..." his voice came very soft, low and full of hurt. I spun and went for the bed, falling to my knees next to Sassy. His fur was matted with blood, amber eyes barely glowing."Sassy." I sobbed even as I reached for my demon. She didn't fight or hesitate, offering me everything she had. As Sassy spoke, I did my best to heal him of multiple injuries."A vamp
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 103: Undead Enemy
"Miriam," Uncle Frank said, voice full of tension but calm at least, "we have no idea what you're talking about. What happened to Meira?" His concern was real enough and managed to reach Mom.Mom's magic flickered white. Then red. Green. Back to blue. I could tell an imminent explosion when I saw one. Anastasia didn't struggle but her white vampire magic rippled and dimmed the longer Mom held her.I was inclined to believe Uncle Frank. Still, if he was innocent, where was Sebastian?I didn't think, just stepped between them. The hum of Mom's power buffered me as I inserted my energy between her and the vampire and eased her hold. Anastasia recovered quickly, jerking herself free of my mother's grip. I gave her credit for staying put. Trouble was, neither backed down, but I did feel a slight easing of the pressure so I was grateful.That proved they were willing to listen at least.I turned to the second of the DeWinter blood clan. Anastasia might have been a major bitch but Sebast
Hayle Coven Novels Chapter 104: Sharing The Blame
Mom drove home. I almost didn't give her the keys. But even worried about my sister to the point of distraction, my mother was a better driver than me.We were all quiet on the way, piling out of the car in silence. Gram followed Mom into the house, presumably to her room. It wasn't often my grandmother went willingly into her four-poster prison.I carried Sassy inside and set him down on a kitchen chair. I needed something normal to do. The drive to be ordinary was very strong right then."Hungry?" I went for his bowl, measured out an extra large portion of his favorite wet food, set it in front of him. But Sassy just turned away from it, ears hanging low, whiskers almost touching in the front. His pushed in little nose nearly brushed the chair as his tail sagged off the side.I crouched next to him and offered him a pet. "It's not your fault. Sassy, it's not."If a cat could cry, Sassy was doing it. "You can say it all you want." His voice hung in the air, thick with emotion. "I
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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
