All Chapters of Hayle Coven Novels: Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

Sleep was a problem. If my life continued the way it was going, I'd end up with some kind of weird night disorder scientists would want to study. I tossed and turned, mind bouncing from Quaid to Ameline to wondering if he'd kissed her and if he liked it. He better not like it. Better not.Sassafras sighed next to me for the millionth time, his way of letting me know I was disturbing him. Yeah, suck it up, fuzzball. My love life just fell apart around me and he was worried about his beauty rest.I jerked upright suddenly, head cocked toward the window. Something howled in the distance. What was that? Galleytrot was on his hind legs, front paws on the sill, looking out over the yard. His eyes glowed red, a deep and menacing growl rumbling just loud enough for me to hear."Galleytrot." I knelt on my bed, looking outside, listening as Sassafras joined us, flat nose pressed to the glass. "What was it?"He didn't say anything, ears perked, tail still, entire body tense. I'd never felt hi

I found myself walking into Johnny's that afternoon to meet Alison for ice cream. Not because I wanted ice cream, mind you. Even I was willing to admit I only went to see if the brothers would show up.I promised Mom, but if they started something... oh, I'd be finishing their butts right out of town.Alison waved at me from our usual booth, big glass windows shining sunlight in on her. She wasn't alone and I was almost annoyed to find Pain sitting with her. I got over that pretty quick. Pain needed us, from the look on her face. She smiled a little when she saw me, lower lip trembling.Okay, supportive friend it was. Hopefully I could maintain the warm fuzzy feeling if the Dumonts made an appearance.My second shocker came when Beth approached us and handed us menus with a nervous smile, dressed in the flouncy skirt and T-shirt the owner made his staff wear."Beth?" I didn't mean to stare or anything. She just hadn't said a word about the job. I mean, I knew people had jobs. That

Funny how when I was under threat all of my magic synched together like, well, you know. I swelled with power, feeling my body vibrate with it, almost welcoming the chance to blow the crap out of something. The werewolves shuddered out of the shadows, approaching me on all fours, their massive, hairy bodies more wolf than human. Their eyes glowed like Galleytrot's, red and menacing, but their resemblance to him ended there. Massive hands tipped with claws punctured the firm ground with sickening sounds, a low hum of growling counterpoint to the song of my magic.Only six of them. I could totally handle it.I was about to attack first and ask questions of their bloody corpses later when one of them slunk forward, body shimmering and shaking. It was hard not to watch in sick fascination as the werewolf transformed, shrinking, softening, the fur retreating, to be replaced by smooth white skin and long red hair.She'd retained her underwear during the change, somehow, so at least I didn

Pain's reaction was instant and expected, at least from me. I'd seen her crumble like this before, watched as her face collapsed in a mix of grief and relief, witnessed meltdown after meltdown.But this time was complete. She sagged into Odette's arms while the family rose and surrounded her, the werewolves humming softly under their breath in a gentle song of welcome. It was one of the most amazing and touching moments I'd ever witnessed and it made me ripping mad.Not because I didn't think Pain deserved to be happy or loved. But because I knew it was all just one big lie.Pain looked up through her mess of makeup and into Odette's eyes. "Grandmother?"The old woman's smile made me want to slap it from her face. "Yes, mon petite chere," she said. "Your mother was my daughter and heir to our coven."Pain hiccupped through her tears. "She was?"My gaze left Pain, caught a flicker of movement. I was fairly certain no one else witnessed the flash of pure venom that crossed Ameline'

I felt like I was dying inside, slowly, painfully. But still I had to watch, didn't I, as Quaid gained his feet, went to Odette, was embraced in her arms? Had to endure the sight of Ameline approaching him, taking his hand, kissing his lips in welcome."I think it's time we took our leave." Mom bowed her head to Odette. I wouldn't have been so gracious. Sometimes I forgot my mom was such a class act."We haven't finished dinner." Odette pouted, but I knew she had what she wanted because she didn't argue further."Thank you," Mom said, "but I've lost my appetite."Not like my mother to show weakness. Not at all. Dad held out his hand to her, guiding her to the door. I pulled mine free, let Gram and the vampires go ahead of me, knowing being the last out was the worst position to be in. Erica didn't give me a choice. My mom's best friend and second hooked her arm through mine, blonde hair shining in the low light as she tugged me along. Only Celeste was left to follow.I refused to