Stella Maris (The Legendary Rosaries) Read online

  “You told me I was like a siren,” she said, grabbing my chin. She turned my face from side to side as though she was examining it. “I disagree, you’re the siren.”

  I snorted out a laugh. “You’re saying I’m temping you?”

  She let go of my chin. “That little display you gave me was pure temptation.”

  “What display?”

  “Showing off your six-pack.”

  “I wasn’t showing it off, the Halo rosary works better against skin.” I quirked an eyebrow. “So, you think I’m trying to seduce you?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Well, I’m not doing a very good job since I’m always having to chase you down.”

  “Did you even consider that maybe the reason I run is because I’m incredibly attracted to you?”

  I smiled. “I already know you like how I look.”

  She shook her head, but still returned my smile. “You’re trouble, Chris, with a capital T.”

  “You are too, believe me, you really are.” I placed a hand against her cheek and leaned closer to her, staring into her hazel eyes, surprised to see the colour going gold. “You have the coolest eyes,” I said. “They change from one second to the next.”

  “While you have the most gorgeous face and body,” she replied, placing a hand on my chest. She ran her fingers down it, brushing the red ruby at the centre of my rosary. The stone lit up, glowing at her touch. I gaped, shocked that it wasn’t attacking her, like it would’ve done if she was a Maris. Sì, I knew she was a Stella, but still, I didn’t expect my rosary to react so well to her.

  I watched as she ran her fingers over the other stones on my rosary, momentarily stopping on the loadstone. I looked back up at her face, surprised to see such hunger in her expression. With only that as a warning, she shoved me against my door and launched herself at me, planting her lips against mine. I instantly responded. I grabbed her head and kissed her back, feeling my rosary glow between us, joining our hearts, even though we hadn’t yet given them to each other. But I knew if we had more time we eventually would, the pull between us impossible to resist.

  Still kissing me, she inched her hand under my shirt and caressed my stomach, her touch turning me on even more. Then her fingers crept around to my back, instantly turning me off. Upset she was touching my scars, I went to push her away, but stopped as something washed over me. Something so intense that my self-consciousness disappeared in the blink of an eye, the purest of energies mixed in with lust and longing.

  She removed her hand and climbed onto my lap, her back hitting the horn on the steering wheel. She jumped at the loud blast and leaned closer to me, squashing me against the seat. I reached down the side of it and grabbed the lever, sliding the seat back as far as it would go so she had more room. She smiled and planted her lips against mine, sending a cascade of white hair tumbling over me. I ran my hand down it and returned her kiss, feeling like I was on a high, the girl like no one I’d ever been with.

  Her breasts heaved against my chest, her excitement as strong as mine. I pushed a hand between us, slipping it under her wet shirt and over her bra, accidentally brushing her rosary. But instead of the beads biting my fingers, they warmed to my touch, the rosary realising I wasn’t a threat—or ever would be.

  I continued kissing her, feeling her nipples harden beneath my touch, my dick hardening too. I wanted to merge our bodies together, to become one. She groaned against me, sounding like she wanted it too, her mouth so welcoming, her touch just as fervent.

  A sharp rap against my window made her jerk away from me, the sudden noise also startling me. I looked to my side, seeing a hooded face peering in on us. Fear raced through me, the thought of the Maris demon having found me…

  The thought instantly disappeared as the person pulled their hood back a fraction, the ordinary-looking human face worlds apart from the demon’s beauty. Catherine scrambled off my lap as I wound the window down for the man, annoyed he’d interrupted us.

  “What do you want?” I snapped.

  He placed his hands on the bottom of the window frame, his heavily lined face disapproving. “Why aren’t you kids at school?”

  “What’s it to you?” I retorted, only just noticing the park ranger badge on his raincoat.

  “I don’t appreciate having a pair of kids having sex in my reserve.”

  “We’re not kids and—”

  He cut me off, “And those school bags in the back seat with the Agnaru High logo on are briefcases, I presume?” he replied snidely.

  “We have a practical period today.” I sneered at him. “Sex ED.”

  His eyes went wide. “You little—”

  Catherine cut him off, “He’s just joking, sir,” she said, her cheeks turning bright red.

  The park ranger shook his head. “Just get to school. You’ll be lucky if I don’t report you.”

  Refraining from flicking him the finger, I wound the window up and started the engine, backing away from him. I turned the car around, glancing at Catherine as I headed down the gravelly road. Her cheeks were now even brighter than a Seraph’s flames, her embarrassment in direct contrast to the way she’d climbed all over me.

  “Take me home,” she said, not looking at me. “I need to change my shirt.”

  “Just use the spare one in my bag.”

  She reached behind her to grab my bag from the backseat. “Keep your eyes straight ahead,” she said, pulling my shirt out.

  I took sly side glances as she removed her shirt, wetting my lips at the sight of her just in a bra, and a wet one at that, the lace almost sheer. She dropped the wet T-shirt on the floor and pulled my shirt over her head, glancing at me as she yanked it on, in the process catching me taking a sneaky peek.

  “Oi!” she snapped. “Keep your eyes on the road, you pervert.”

  “Takes one to know one,” I sniggered.

  She narrowed her black-rimmed eyes at me.

  I laughed and returned my attention to the road, grinning the rest of the way to school.

  Chapter 27

  Leaving Catherine to walk to her sculpture class, I headed for my physics lesson, not sure whether to smile or frown, what had happened between us a mix of great and confusing. A smile won out, the kiss she’d given me incredible. The smile stayed on my face throughout physics, only disappearing when I walked into my next class, my teacher’s unwelcoming expression telling me I was in trouble.

  Old Man Riley’s features crinkled grimly. “Go to the office, Christopher.”

  Wondering whether the park ranger had phoned the school, I headed back through the corridor and out into the open, lumbering towards the office. The rain had cleared up, although the sky was awash with giant cumulus clouds.

  I entered the office through the sliding door, spotting Catherine sitting on the couch opposite the reception desk, confirming my suspicions. Dumping my bag on the floor, I took the seat next to her. “Sorry for getting you in trouble,” I said, which I was ... well, sort of, because I was only sorry that we’d gotten caught.

  She gave me a mischievous smile. “I still would’ve done it.”

  I smiled back, thinking she was the perfect girl for me, minus the part where my grandfather wanted to kill her. But hopefully that would all change now with the nun gone.

  “Christopher Laboure, wipe that smile off your face!” Principal Clairy boomed.

  I looked up, finding the man glaring at me from his doorway. Frown lines were etched into his forehead, framed by hair as white as Catherine’s.

  “The both of you come into my office now.”

  We pushed to our feet, Catherine entering the principal’s office first. I almost banged into her as she stopped abruptly. I spotted the reason why a second later. Her mother and my father were sitting in front of the principal’s desk, both of them staring at us, one looking upset, the other furious. Unfortunately, my father was the latter.

  “Please take a seat.” Principal Clairy indicated to the empty chairs on either si
de of our parents.

  I slumped into the seat next to my father. He shot me a sidelong glare, hissing, “Sit up.” I did, though I felt like telling him where to get off.

  “Now, Catherine and Christopher,” the principal said, settling behind his desk. “We had a call this morning from a park ranger who works at Buckland’s Reserve. He said that he caught two students matching your descriptions making out heavily in a red Alfa Romeo.”

  Catherine’s face turned the colour of my car. She was probably regretting what we’d done now, her earlier bravado nowhere in sight. In comparison, I felt no embarrassment, just was annoyed at the principal’s patronising tone.

  “It’s none of his, or any of your, business what we do,” I said.

  “Chris!” my father barked. “Show some respect!”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “Just saying.”

  “Well, I disagree with you,” the principal jumped in. “It is our business, since you were meant to be at school at the time. Your parents and I also didn’t appreciate what you told the park ranger about having a Sex ED lesson.”

  I kept my focus straight ahead, not wanting to see my father’s expression. “No one can take a joke,” I grumbled.

  The principal continued, “None of this is funny, Christopher. What you and Catherine did reflects poorly on our school. However, I don’t wish to resort to suspensions. Instead, the both of you will be receiving lunchtime detentions. Your parents will also be grounding you. So, after your final class, Christopher, you will drive straight home to your father, while, Catherine, your mother will pick you up.” His gaze moved to our parents. “Thank you for coming in on such short notice. I hope the rest of your day improves.”

  Mrs. Lovich rose to her feet. “No, thank you. Even though they don’t deserve it, I appreciate you being lenient.” She placed a hand on Catherine’s shoulder, instructing her to get up. Catherine left the room with her mother, not looking back.

  Before my father could say a word, I pushed to my feet and followed the women out. I headed for my class, knowing he wasn’t going to be so friendly when I got home this time.

  Chapter 28

  ~ CATHERINE ~

  Christopher headed past me and my mum without a word, storming out the door he’d entered. A second later, his dad also stormed past us, disappearing out the other door. Mum watched him through the window, her brow furrowing as he slammed his car door shut, looking like he was swearing his head off. She shook her head, then turned to me, obviously not as angry as Christopher’s dad, but still really upset.

  “Buckland’s Reserve? What were you thinking, Catherine?” she asked, Vesna’s death without a doubt weighing heavily on her mind. And I couldn’t blame her for being shocked and upset that I’d gone there. I knew I shouldn’t have gone anywhere near the place, just... when Christopher said that Vesna’s soul could be there, I had to go. But I couldn’t tell Mum that. She’d think I’d lost my marbles.

  “I didn’t mean for things to happen with Chris,” I said, wanting to divert the topic to the lesser of two evils. Talking about Vesna and why I went to Buckland’s Reserve was just too hard. At least with Christopher, Mum wouldn’t burst into tears. She’d just get angry and ban me from seeing him, which I wasn’t sure was such a bad thing. Although my chemistry with him was off the charts, there was still the issue of his psycho grandfather. And if Mum didn’t step in and stop me from seeing him, I knew I’d go back for more. He was like gourmet chocolate—utterly addictive and so damn delicious that he had me drooling all over him.

  Mum shook her head, having none of my pathetic excuse. “I still can’t believe you did that at Buckland’s Reserve. I ... I ... I just can’t believe you would show so little respect for your sister’s memory. Why would you even consider going to that horrible place?”

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “You bet I don’t understand!”

  The office lady coughed.

  Mum’s cheeks went bright red. “I’m sorry,” she said to the woman, then turned back to me. “We’ll talk about this after school. Now get to class.” She indicated to the door that Christopher had gone through.

  I dropped my head and headed out, not looking forward to the rest of the day.

  ***

  I wasn’t allowed to have a lunch break that day. Along with a rough-looking girl, I had to sit in a class, writing an essay on the wrongs of truancy, while a teacher watched over us. I assumed that Christopher was doing the same in a different room.

  After my last class, I headed to my form room, noticing that Christopher was seated at the front of the class, facing the teacher’s desk. He turned to smile at me, jumping as the teacher whacked a ruler across his desk.

  “Christopher Laboure, look straight ahead!” Mr. Stanton barked.

  Christopher clenched his hands. A whisper of smoke came from his right one, so thin I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been looking. I froze a little, hoping he wasn’t going to do worse, because he was looking at Mr. Stanton as though he wanted to light him up like a bonfire.

  “Catherine!” Mr. Stanton boomed, making me jump. “Go sit at the back of the class until the bell rings.”

  I did as instructed, reluctantly taking the chair that Stephen had pulled out for me. I sat down and held my left hand up, giving him the finger behind it so Mr. Stanton didn’t see. Stephen just smirked wider, his dumb face already getting on my nerves.

  “I’ll be happy to be your Sex ED partner next time, Cathy,” he said loudly, trying hard not to laugh as the teacher and Christopher turned to glare at him.

  Sniggers broke out in the class, making me inwardly cringe. I already had a reputation for letting boys have their way, even though it wasn’t true, just false rumours spread by Kylie and her crew. I didn’t need people adding to it. And it wasn’t like I let Christopher have his way, I had my way—just not all the way, like everyone was probably thinking.

  The other students started whispering. I forced myself not to react to them, instead, focusing on the clock as it ticked through the remaining minutes of school. Once the bell rang, Mr. Stanton indicated for the class to leave, except for Christopher, who he ordered to remain seated.

  Grabbing my bag, I headed out the door and towards the car park, where Mum was waiting in her silver station wagon. I hopped into the front passenger seat and clicked the twisted seatbelt on. The drive home was uncomfortably quiet. For most of it, I stared out the window, wondering what Mum had said to Dad. That thought was answered as she pulled into our driveway.

  She parked and turned in her seat to face me. “I don’t want your father finding out about this. It’ll upset him too much, and he’ll probably take it out on the Laboure boy, which I don’t want, because, despite what happened, I appreciate what he did for you the day Sister Cecile died. I feel obliged to at least give him a second chance. Though, for the next two weeks, you’ll not see him or talk to him, until you show some responsibility. Understand?”

  I nodded, what she’d said probably the best excuse I could use to keep Christopher away, because whenever I went near him, I did stupid things.

  “Good, now go straight to your room and stay there until dinner.”

  “Yes, Mum,” I replied, wondering what sort of punishment Christopher was getting.

  Chapter 29

  ~ CHRISTOPHER ~

  My father’s car was parked outside the garage, the red bonnet glistening with rain. The sun had finally come out, causing a rainbow to spread above my house. But today definitely wasn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows, far from it, what was to come without a doubt going to be unpleasant.

  I got out of my Alfa and headed inside the house. More than a little hungry, I lumbered down the passageway to the kitchen. Dumping my bag next to the kitchen counter, I opened the pantry and grabbed a packet of salted chips, stuffing a handful into my mouth. I wiped my hand on the side of my pants and reached for the fridge, yanking it open to grab a drink.

  “Chris, co
me into the lounge please!” my father boomed.

  I shut the fridge door and lumbered into the lounge, finding my father sitting on the couch with a stormy expression.

  “What?” I asked, wiping my mouth.

  His brows shot up in disbelief. “What? You’re kidding me, right?”

  I shrugged, not thinking what I’d done as big a deal as everyone was making it out to be. We’d only been kissing, and even if it had gone further, we were both legal. And I definitely wasn’t a virgin, and with the way Catherine acted, I doubted she was one too. So, I really didn’t see the problem, other than we’d skipped school. All we needed was detention, which we’d had at lunch. I didn’t need another lecture taped on. Punishment received, time done. End of story. And if this was about Catherine and Nonno Reb, that was also done and dusted with Sister Cecile’s death.

  “Don’t shrug at me,” my father snapped. “What you did with that girl—”

  I cut him off, “Seriously? You’re still annoyed about that? It was only a little bit of fun, and you’ve done way worse. At least I’m not related to her like you and Mamma.”

  He was in front of me in a second, so fast I stumbled back, his speed always shocking me. “Don’t you dare disrespect me!” he yelled.

  “I wasn’t, I was just saying—”

  “I know what you were damn well saying, and you’re not using my relationship with your madre to downplay what you did. You’re not to see that girl anymore.”

  I tensed. “I’ll see her when and where I please, and you can’t stop me. Christ, I’m eighteen. You got to quit treating me like a child.”

  “You are a child.”

  “No, I’m not, I’m an adult.”

  “Stop going by human traditions, we’re not like them.”

  “We live in their world, so you’ll find it hard to keep me in yours if you keep ordering me about!”

  “If you left, you damn well know you’d be putting yourself in danger. We have to stick together or we’ll be singled out, culled from the herd.”