Novels by Maricruz Rosales

Walking down the aisle towards the man of her dreams had always been Rella's dream. Yes she was a hopeless romantic and right now her focus was on the man at the altar. There was just him, everyone else seemed to fade away and when he smiled up at her there was no doubt in her heart it was all for her. No more pretense, no more lies, no more deceit, she wasn't walking down the aisle towards someone else's fiancé in someone else's dress no, she was walking down the aisle towards the love of her life who sees the real her in her own gorgeous wedding dress. Stefan was impatient for the ceremony to end not because he wanted to get it over and done with like the last time but because he couldn't wait to have her all to himself. Never in a million years had he ever thought that he might end up madly in love with anyone to the point that he couldn't start a day without her infectious smile and he couldn't end his day without tasting her lucious lips. They exchanged their vo

" I've missed you so much it hurts. " Stefan murmured against her neck. They managed to make it back to the bedroom before he could devour her on the stairs. "I've missed you too." Rella said a moan escaping her lips. She cupped his engorged member and Stefan stiffened and pulled back. "I think we should stop before things get a bit too heated." "Why? In case you haven't noticed I want you too." "I don't want to hurt you. You just came out of the hospital." "I'm not an invalid you know." "I'm just being cautious." " Such a spoil sport."Stefan chuckled. "why don't we get you to bed… " "You're leaving, please stay." Rella protested. "I'm not leaving." Stefan assured her before he climbed in after her and gathered her in his arms. "Try not to wiggle too much." "Like this?" Rella said wiggling her behind against his crotch.Stefan hissed out a curse while she snickered. "Fiend." It

Stefan realised too late that he didn't get flowers, but no matter he was going to get her back first and then he'd give her all the flowers in the world. He punched the doorbell in anticipation, a woman in her late forties almost identical to Evie Cortes stood by the open door and Stefan knew without a doubt that he was at the right address. "May I help you?" "Uh, good evening ma'am my name is Stefan and I have come to see Rella.Marjorie stared at him long and hard then assessed him from top to bottom and her eyes widened for a second before it was gone in a snap. "Rella isn't here." She told him and Stefan's heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. " What, but I was told she'd be here? " " You were told wrong. I haven't seen my niece in a while. "She must be lying. Stefan thought. But what reason does she have to lie to him? If Rella wasn't here, if she didn't come here at all then where could she be?This isn't how he envisioned the day would end. No,

Stefan smiled as he took out the gold band with a heart shaped diamond atop it. It couldn't be more perfect conveying all of his feelings at once. She's going to love it he was sure of it. "You've found her." Stefan shut the jewelry box before he turned to find his grandfather leaning on his cane by the bedroom door "The love of your life." Because that's what the ring is meant for, his grandmother's ring given to her by his grandfather before they got married which has been passed down the family for many generations now. "Not yet in a manner of speaking but I will." "When I saw your grandmother for the first time I knew she was the one and I did everything I could to make her realise that I was the one as well." His grandfather explained. " I know we haven't been able to see eye to eye since your parents died and I know that you think me controlling and insufferable but I try my best to raise you well. Everything I've done good or bad were all for you

Stefan made a mad dash home after he was told she discharged herself. He didn't wait to kill the engine before he was flying out of the door and running towards the house like a mad man. "Rella!?"He yelled out her name. "Sir is something wrong?" Henry the butler asked meeting him halfway through the living room. "My wife, is she here?" "Madam hasn't been back since both of you left yesterday." "You're sure?" "Absolutely." Stefan walked past the old Butler and made for the stairs holding on to the possibility that she might've come home without Henry's knowledge.He pushed open their bedroom door calling out her name once more but there was no answer. He threw open the closet to find everything intact; no item was out of place. She'd taken nothing with her. Stefan staggered back, it was all he could do to avoid breaking down completely. He whipped out his cellphone and began making calls. " I'm sorry Stefan I don't know wher

Rella's world had slowed down in that moment when she saw Stefan's horror mirroring her own, when she realised that they were both thinking the same thing. Everything that happened after that was a blur. She heard him yelling to someone to bring the car around and then he was lifting her up. The ride to the hospital took a lifetime. "I'm sorry but your wife's had a miscarriage…"They were too late and now the doctor is saying she's lost her baby. She tuned out the doctor's words after that first damning sentence. Everything was spinning and she couldn't breathe. Rella started sobbing while Stefan turned and left the room–he probably couldn't wait to get away from her. The doctor was still talking to her but Rella had since tuned her out, her voice getting drowned by the silence in her head–normally there'll be a roaring–but there was utter silence that Rella was afraid she wasn't in her skin anymore.Rella was oblivious to when the doctor left the room and Van was there w

CHAPTER FIVEA Year Ago...Claire was two hours earlier than she'd hoped to be but no matter, she'd just wait it out. She adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag just as the lift opened at the second floor."Claire you're late." Charity's tone was reproving but Claire rolled her eyes and ignored her."Please, i'm two hours early." Charity was her friend and room mate."And why are you hanging out here? Shouldn't you be working?"Charity pointedly ignored her but then her eyes lit up suddenly and that meant she's got mischief up her sleeve."No I don't wanna hear it.""Come on, I've got this awesome dress I would like you to try on.""Try it on yourself.""I wish." She sighed wistfully. The thing charity was worried about the most was her size, she fretted over the fact that she couldn't fit into all the cute little dresses and jeans she's always wanted.Claire ran her fingers on the silky-smooth fabric. The dress wa

CHAPTER FOURThat tiny feeling of doubt lingered through the next morning, it suffocated her to the point that she thought she couldn't breathe. As she slipped back into her uniform, work was the last thing on her mind right now. She could feel Dimitri's heated gaze boring into her skin and knew he was awake. "You plan on sneaking away like a coward?" he drawled.Claire wasn't sure she'd wanted to sneak away. God she had no idea what she wants right now, her feelings were all over the place. Must be PMS or something. When she swivelled around, she sucked in a sharp breath as she saw his member proudly jutting up and she felt hot all over. Sex right now would mess up her already messed up mind so she forced her gaze to his face. Right now, she couldn't decipher what he was feeling at the moment. he wore the mask of indifference perfectly."I wasn’t actually...""Don't feed me that Crap about what happened between us last night being a mis

CHAPTER THREEThey were quiet, each lost in his own personal reflection. Claire just wants to lie down somewhere and forget this day but Dimitri won't let her, he's persistent and she couldn't decide whether she like that or not. "Do you remember the first time we met?" How could she forget?"I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the ball room. You took my breath away then, and you take my breath away standing in that cute little uniform." he caught her face in his palms and stared deep into her eyes.Claire couldn't tear her gaze away even if she wanted to. His feelings were so intense it ignited a fire deep within her very soul. "I feel the same way about you as I did when I first met you and there's nothing you can say or do that'll make me feel otherwise." Claire swallowed hard and in one breath said, "even though I was once an escort?"Dimitri shook his head. "No one is perfect darling, your past doesn't define the woman yo

CHAPTER TWOSix months ago..."Is my hair okay?""The just-had-sex hair suits you perfectly agapi mou, every man out there will be envious of me." Claire punched his arm playfully."I'm serious Dimitri! I'd die if anyone knew what we just did.""It's not something to hide, we're getting married in a month." he kissed her slow and sweet, pulling her even close until she could feel him against her.She giggled as she pulled back. "We should get to the party before it ends.""You can’t blame me I can't get enough of you."She can't get enough of him too. God how much she loved this man who makes her more happy than she'd ever been in her life. Tonight, Dimitri's going to announce to everyone that they're going to get married.Dimitri took her hand in his as he led them both to the garden at the Stavros mansion in Athens, Greece the guests mingled together while servers went around with snacks and drink. A buffet table stood a

A STAVROS PASSIONTHE STAVROS BOOK 1 MARICRUZ ROSALESA STAVROS PASSIONFirst editionCopyright © 2019 by Maricruz Rosales All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or here after invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. All incidents are pure invention.CHAPTER ONE"Welcome to New York Mr Stavros." the bright-eyed, round-faced chauffeur said cheerily as he

CHAPTER SIX "Why didn't you tell us about it?"Dominic looked away from the window of his water front apartment to his mother, she was holding a brown envelope."I don't want to talk about it. " she was holding the envelope that confirmed his biggest fears, he couldn’t have children of his own.It was a boating accident seven years ago and Dominic was never the same ever since."Your father and I are worried about you. At least come spend some time with us and let us keep you company. " "I'm fine mom, there's nothing to worry about. " She wasn't convinced though. He had bags under his eyes as if he hadn’t been sleeping and there were a couple of empty cans of beer littered on the table. Dominic was stubborn and nothing either of them could do to make him change his mind.These past three weeks were the most miserable weeks of his life. Clara's betrayal had cut deep. There were times in these past three weeks that he'd thought of running to her and

Chapter Forty EightTristanTristan let out another howl of pain. There was blood everywhere and Isaac just couldn’t stomach it anymore.“that’s it, I’m calling to have her brought over.”“don’t you dare!” Tristan threatened, his voice steely. Despite the immense pain he was going through he wasn’t going to be selfish and spring this on her, not unless he was absolutely sure she was ready.Isaac huffed. “you are the most insufferably Alpha in the whole planet you know that right?”“i know. Call the pack doctor instead.”It took everything in Isaac not to throw away his orders to the wind. His alpha was was deteriorating fast and he was helpless.“i already did he’s on his way.”“good.” tristan said.He’s gone deathly pale, his wounds aren’t healing as rapidly as they should anymore because he’s gone mate-less for longer than required for an alpha and yet he still wouldn’t claim Kyra as his mate.She was so close and yet so far away.His alpha refuses to tell him his reasons apart fom

Chapter Forty SevenTristanThe moment it happened, Tristan felt it.There was no pain, no fear but a lingering absence.The bond didn’t snap—it didn’t vanish either—but it recoiled violently, like a wire pulled too tight. A sharp, hollow pull ripped through his chest, stealing the air from his lungs.Ren exploded.‘Mate. She is in danger.’“I know." He said.Tristan was on his feet before the glass shattered.His office window blew outward in a spray of crystal as he shifted mid-stride, bones cracking, skin tearing, the massive grey wolf bursting free in a surge of fury that shook the estate.Pack members scattered.Isaac was already running toward him.“She’s gone,” Tristan’s voice snarled through the link before his paws even hit the ground.“I know,” Isaac replied grimly. “Her scent disappeared near town. Cameras cut out two blocks from the diner.”Hunters.This wasn’t the same as that rogue accident.It would seem they finally got their chance.Tristan tore through the forest at

Chapter Forty SixKyraI told myself Tristan was being paranoid.I repeated it all afternoon two days later at the diner.While refilling coffee, wiping tables and all the while pretending my hands weren’t still shaking every time someone walked in too quietly.‘He smells like trouble.’Tristan’s words wouldn’t leave me alone.Bryan had always smelled like soap and aftershave and whatever detergent his grandmother used. I’d never noticed anything metallic. Never felt threatened.But then again… I'm not a werewolf and I’d never been hunted before.“You’re awfully quiet today.” Bryan said, leaning against the counter while I rang up an order.“Long night,” I replied.He studied me for a second too long. “You sure you’re okay?”“I’m fine.”The lie tasted thin.He lowered his voice. “Your, uh, boss seems intense.”“Tristan’s not my boss.”Bryan’s lips twitched faintly. “Sure.”I bristled. “You don’t know him.”“Maybe not,” Bryan said easily. “But I know controlling when I see it.”Heat fl

Chapter Forty FiveTristanTristan did not blink.Bryan’s smile was relaxed, friendly and concerned.In other words too controlled for Tristan's liking.Predators recognized predators.Ren stirred low in Tristan’s chest, not with the wild rage of battle—but with something colder.Wrong.“I appreciate the concern,” Tristan said evenly, every word measured. “But my estate matters are handled internally.”Bryan held his gaze without flinching. “Of course. Didn’t mean to overstep.”He shifted his attention to Kyra, softening instantly. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”Kyra nodded. “I’m fine.”She wasn’t.Tristan could still feel the tremor in her through the bond. A bond she still has no idea they share. Tristan had made up to tell her everything after last night but he's still hesitant because he found himself so afraid that she might not accept him. Sure, she might've been lusting over him but that was different from being told you're a mate; it's nothing like the human weddi

Chapter Forty FourKyraCherry looked awful.And yet she still managed to grin when she saw me.“You look worse,” she croaked from the infirmary bed.I burst into tears before I could stop myself.“Oh no,” Josh muttered from the bed beside her, arm strapped and shoulder heavily bandaged. “We survived a rogue wolf, don’t let tears be what takes us out.”I laughed and wiped my face. “You’re both idiots.”Cherry reached for my hand, squeezing weakly. “Yeah. But we’re alive idiots.”The guilt hadn’t left me since last night. It sat heavy in my stomach, twisting every time I looked at the bruises lining Cherry’s ribs or the deep bite wound stitched across Josh’s shoulder.“You shouldn’t have stayed,” Cherry said gently.“I wasn’t gonna leave you all by yourselves.”“That’s not the point,” Josh said. “You’re not trained for that.”The words stung, even though I knew he didn’t mean them cruelly.“I’m tired of being the helpless one,” I admitted quietly.Cherry’s expression softened. “You’re

Chapter Forty ThreeTristanThe clearing was empty now, scrubbed of blood and chaos, but the scent lingered—fear, violence, death— It coated the back of his throat, mixing with something far worse.Guilt.Ren paced violently beneath his skin, hackles raised, rage bleeding into every nerve.'She should never have been there.'“I know,” Tristan muttered, voice rough.Isaac approached quietly, stopping beside him. “Perimeter’s secure. Patrols doubled. No other movement.”“That rogue wasn’t alone,” Tristan said flatly.Isaac’s brow furrowed. “You think it was a probe?”“I know it was.” Tristan turned, eyes cold. “Rogues don’t wander this close unless they’re pushed…or paid.”Hunters.The word was a blade in his mind.They were escalating. Testing response time. Drawing him out.And Kyra had been standing right in the middle of it.Tristan dragged a hand through his hair, the image of her frozen in terror replaying over and over. He’d seen that look before in pack members who’d survived ma