Novels by Steph

The car had been parked for almost an hour now with the engine turned off. Inside, two men sat watching the entrance to the construction site. "That’s her," said the one, sitting in the passenger seat. He nodded toward Sofia as she stepped out of her carThe one behind the wheel, followed her with his eyes. "Yeah. She’s been showing up a lot lately."They watched Sofia walk toward the site office. She was dressed neatly, holding a clipboard in her hand, and had a sunglasses on. She didn’t look nervous, or like she was hiding anything."She’s not here for long," The first muttered, checking the time. "At most ten minutes, tops. She'd be out."The second chuckled briefly before speaking. "You've even mastered her schedule and timing." He leaned in, his expression serious "What do you think?" He asked. "Is she connected to him?""Hmmm. . I'm not sure. It's kind of hard to tell," The first said. "She’s not acting like someone with personal ties. They don't hang around. There was no form o

The sound of machines and voices filled the air as Alejandro stepped out of his car. He had arrived at the construction site the next morning. Workers moved around the site; hauling materials, and calling out instructions. Some paused briefly to nod at him as he passed.The building was starting to take shape. The foundation had been poured, steel beams were going up, and Alejandro could already picture the finished structure. It wasn’t just another job. To him it was the first project under the new deal he had signed after the gala. It was another wave of clean money, clean contracts, and no strings attached. At least, that was the plan."Morning, boss," Elias, the site manager, walked over with a clipboard. "Steel delivery is running late again. It might slow down the west side.""Then push the team to the east wing," Alejandro said. "There's no point standing around waiting when there's so much to be done."Elias nodded and turned back to relay the update. Alejandro kept walking wi

Detective James Jin Thompson walked out of the police station with his younger partner who was new in his station, Detective Noah Kim. Noah was a smart and hardworking detective in his early-thirties, who was very passionate about his job. They were on their way to follow up on a small case at a nearby apartment complex. They turned a corner past a cafe when Thompson saw a familiar face: Gabriella Lorca. She was sipping coffee and chatting on her phone, looking relaxed. Seeing her brought back memories of the charity event and the case that he was yet to solve. It was something he had been actively trying to put out of his mind while he worked behind the scenes to give the case a proper closure.Gabriella wore a navy coat that fluttered slightly in the wind. When she looked up and saw them, she stopped and her eyes lit up with recognition. "Detective Thompson," she greeted.Detective Thompson gave a small nod, returning the smile, though there was a touch of the weight of his job behi

The community center was getting a much needed renovation. The old building had been neglected for years, but now volunteers were working hard, painting walls, scrubbing floors, and putting up curtains. The smell of fresh paint filled the air as they worked to transform the space into something new and exciting, that could further cause Gabriella's goal of reaching out to the community to be achieved.Gabriella stood in the center of it all, holding her folder that was already stained with paint fingerprints. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her hair was twisted into a messy bun. She had a streak of white paint on her cheek, but she was too engrossed in what she was doing and didn’t seem to notice."Rachel, can we recheck the pipes for plumbing? The last batch came in way higher than projected." Her voice was calm but tired.Rachel, who was juggling a phone and a box of donated supplies, gave her a look. "I already took care of it Gab. The second contractor we called hasn’t gotten back

Don Ricardo's study was quiet. He sat behind his desk, reading a few pages of typed reports when he heard the knock on his door. “Come in,” he said, without raising his head.Victor stepped inside, leaning slightly on his cane. “You asked for me Don.”Don Ricardo glanced at him and nodded toward the chair across the desk. “Sit.”Victor lowered himself into the chair, shifting a little to get comfortable. Don Ricardo set the papers down and folded his hands. “It’s been a while since we spoke properly,” Ricardo said. “How’s your leg?”Victor shrugged. “I'm getting by Don.”Ricardo gave a quiet hum. “Good. You’re still managing the operations right?”“Yes Don.Things are moving smoothly.”“And the unions?” Don Ricardo asked “Stable for now,” Victor replied. “Some of the guys tried asking for more hours, but we’ve got it handled.”Ricardo nodded slowly. “Alright. And nothing unexpected is going on? No side problems I should hear about?”Victor paused for a brief moment before responding.

Sofia was already seated when Alejandro arrived at the exact time the meeting was scheduled for. He approached the table with his usual quiet confidence matching his precise and purposeful movements.“Ms. Winston,” he greeted, offering a hand.Sofia rose slightly to meet him. “Mr. Hernandez.” She shook his hand in a firm, brief but professional manner.Once seated, there was no wasted time. “I assume this meeting is to establish operational clarity,” he said.“Exactly,” Sofia replied. “You’ll oversee the build. I’ll handle updates, coordination, and all board communication. They want clear lines and channels.” She rested her elbow lightly on the table, curling her fingers loosely around the base of her water glass as she continued. “Since we’re going to be working together, it makes sense to align expectations early.”Alejandro sat opposite her, with precise but relaxed posture. “I agree. My only goal is efficiency. I’m not interested in unnecessary complications.”“Neither am I,” So

LOVE HER NOTSelena gave him a dubious look. "Really?""Yeah. I didn't…. " He suddenly frowned."Where exactly did you find the rose?""In my bathroom." She answered somewhat confused."If you didn't drop it there, who did?" She wondered.Gabriel's jaw tightened and his eyes hardened."What?" She asked."I think I know who did it." He answered through gritted teeth."Are you going to tell me who it is?""No. I have to be very sure.""Alright. If you say so."They both fell silent and Selena thought of what to say next."Aren't you hungry? I made lunch."He ran his eyes along the length of her."I'm so damn hungry." He murmured. His brilliant blue eyes blazing.Selena swallowed as she felt the heat of his gaze. She tugged at the hem of her shirt."Do you want me to bring the food to your room or would you prefer to eat downstairs?" She asked slightly breathless."Honey, I can eat anywhere. Anytime." He answered.Selena felt the heat rise to her cheeks."You have to be more specific." Sh

THE PARENTS"Selena," Gabriel whispered.Selena found herself relaxing against him and had to bite back a moan.He bent his head and his lips brushed the side of her neck. "You have no idea how good you smell."She felt her knees buckle as Gabriel grazed her neck with his canines.He spun her around to face him.She let out a gasp as she gazed into his bright silver eyes."You're mine." He whispered into her ear. "Say it."He took her earlobe between his teeth and tugged gently.Selena moaned and her hold tightened on his arms."Say it Selena." He urged and sucked gently on her neck."I'm yours Gabriel," she moaned. "I'm all yours."Gabriel growled in satisfaction.She shivered as she felt his stubble graze the side of her face.His mouth was just a whisper away from hers.Her eyes fell closed in anticipation.Selena's stomach dropped in disappointment as she felt his chaste kiss on her forehead.She slowly opened her eyes. He was looking at her intently with his brilliant blues."Thi

THE NECKLACE OF TRANSITIONAsides their super strength, super speed and fast healing ability, werewolves are also known for their super hearing.But no matter how much Gabriel tried, he couldn't hear the conversation between his mate and Esmeralda.Even when he silently walked to the door of the room they were conversing in despite his parents disapproving stares.He looked at his parents in frustration. "Why can't I hear them?""The witch…" Nicholas said by way of explanation.Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Remember she said she wanted a private conversation." Beatrice reminded with emphasis on the word 'private'Gabriel paced the living room restlessly, occasionally returning the cat's evil stare.He was already considering going to pound on the door, when Esmeralda and Selena walked into the living room.His eyes ran through the length of Selena as though he was trying to confirm if the witch had done something to her."I'll take you to the siren's sea." Esmeralda announced."You want

"So what happened next?" Selena asked impatiently.Beatrice had paused, returning her full attention to the road.Nicholas and Gabriel had allowed her to be the one behind the wheel only because she was the only one who knew exactly where they were headed.They both also understood that Beatrice was particular about being so proper.She preached the full attention of the driver during the drive. No distractions whatsoever.This included no talking except when necessary.She only indulged Selena because she pitied the situation of her late friends' daughter."The Alkyaries had been so intent on ending our lives that they hadn't noticed the approach of the two fairies, Celeste and Abel— your parents." Beatrice continued."They worked their magic and voila! we were delivered."Goddess! They had looked so scary doing their thing that I thought they were like a higher level of predators who had come to destroy the competition in order to claim their prey." Beatrice chuckled."When we becam

MYSTERYChapter 12"Come with me" Gabriel ordered when he breezed back into Selena's room."Give me a minute" she said and rushed to the bathroom to hurriedly don a bathrobe."Where are we going?" She asked."My study""Why does your study seem so far away from civilization?"Selena was forced to ask because they had passed two long dark passages already."Don't blame me. I merely inherited it from my father.""I need to meet him""You definitely will"At last they were at the study.Gabriel swiped open the impressive door made out of sturdy oak with a key card and Selena cocked an eyebrow."Really? Restricted access? What did your father stash in here?"Gabriel gave her a look. "Some people are just so particular about their privacy"Selena's mouth hung open as her eyes took in the shelves of books. So many books.A whole computer system stood in one corner of the spacious room.From the high ceiling hung an ornate, elegant chandelier.The finely carved chair and table were also made

A FRESH STARTNo sooner had Gabriel descended the stairs than Shawn, Adrian and Mitchell burst through the door."She needs to rest," he said before any of them could say a word."We'll wait," Shawn grinned, earning him a suspicious look from Mitchell."Suit yourselves" he said and walked towards the bar."Why do you seem so eager to see another woman?" Mitchell grumbled playfully."Oops my bad. You can make me wear a blindfold." Shawn began, grinning. "Or… better still…" he continued, turning to face Gabriel. I change my mind Gabriel. I'm no longer interested in seeing your mate.Gabriel rolled his eyes and Mitchell chuckled."Fix me a drink too" Adrian called out to Gabriel."Yes my Lord." Gabriel murmured.He sat on one of the bar stools and examined the strand of fur.Mitchell suddenly gave a moan of pleasure and Adrian who had been so intent on reading a message on his phone looked up, and to his horror, Shawn and Mitchell were having a makeout session."You guys should get a roo