Novels by C.K Hawks

Derrick texted on her day off.‘Can I come by?’Valery stared at the screen for a long moment before answering yes.When he arrived, she let him in. She even offered him a drink to lighten the mood. They sat across from each other, silently.“You look well,” Derrick said finally. His voice was careful, measured.“I’m managing,” she replied, staring at her hands.“Valery…” His eyes searched her face. “Forgive me.”She shook her head. “No. I should be the one apologizing to you.”“Why would you say that?”“Because I pushed you too hard with my actions. Maybe I shouldn’t have let what we had drag on for this long.”He leaned forward, desperate. “No. Don’t do that. Don’t twist this into your fault. We’ve both suffered. But couples survive worse, don’t they? We can survive this.”Her throat felt tight, as if the words refused to come out. “You make it sound easy.”“I’m not saying it’s easy,” Derrick said quickly. “I’m saying it’s worth it. You and me - we’ve always been worth it.”Valery l

Days later…Valery stood her ground with Jennifer, insisting she could finally return home. Two weeks of being coddled and nursed had drained her spirit more than the wounds themselves.“I swear, Jen, I’m healed,” she said, adjusting the strap of her handbag as though to prove she was fit to carry it. “I can’t just sit and sleep the day away. I miss work. I miss being me.”Jennifer frowned, arms folded across her chest, studying her younger sister with suspicious eyes. “Your mouth says one thing, but your body says another. You still look pale.”“I’m fine.” Valery forced a small smile. “If I don’t go back to my normal life, I’ll start feeling like an invalid. You don’t want that for me.”Jennifer sighed, exasperated but helpless. “Stubborn, just like Father. Fine. But don’t make me regret this.”When Valery stepped into her own house, the air felt different - lighter, freer. She was ready to sink into the familiar silence when a loud cheer nearly startled her out of her skin.“There s

PRESENT DAY...Valery felt Ryan’s smile press against her forehead. His breath was warm, too close for her thoughts to escape.“What’s tickling your mind?” she whispered in a low hum.Ryan lowered his eyes, lips spreading wider, like he was savouring a secret. “Do you remember when my brother was accused of starting some party and using drugs?”Valery winced, her nose twitching as if the memory itself was vague. “…” She gave a slow nod.“He was so afraid you’d get in trouble, he accepted those lies,” Ryan murmured.Valery tilted her head, caught by the seriousness on his face. His voice didn’t break, but it shook with something heavier.“Had my mother not pestered the school and made donations, they would have kicked him out. At that time, all Riley could think of was you. He was willing to lose being able to see you every day, than do anything that might cause you to lose face.”“I remember,” Valery whispered. “He got suspended for three weeks the following term.”Ryan’s throat bobbe

Hecate didn’t know what to expect when she showed up at the school. She went in calm, but the moment the matter was laid before her, she nearly choked on her own breath.“So, you’re saying my son - who’s never even held a cigarette - managed to sneak marijuana into a resort?” she asked. “Are you even aware Riley has a condition?”“Yes, Madam Hecate,” the headmaster said, voice stiff, “but that doesn’t change the fact that the substances were found in his bag.”Her eyes sharpened. “He doesn’t know how that got there. My son isn’t some trained liar you can pin this crime on.”The headmaster leaned back. “We’re not accusing lightly. And for clarity, it’s because of your reputation that we didn’t involve the police. Riley has never caused trouble here, but consuming or dealing with drugs is not tolerated. It could mean suspension…or expulsion.” The man explained. “And there’s more – allegedly we he didn’t sleep in his room one of the nights.”Hecate turned to her son. “Is this true, Riley

The airport lounge was quieter than it should have been for a group of teenagers. Teachers whispered sternly among themselves, throwing glances toward Riley and Derrick like they were lepers. Nobody wanted to sit too close, not after the spectacle last night. The words ‘drugs’ and ‘fighting’ still hung heavy in everyone’s ears like flies around a wound.Valery trailed behind the others, clutching her bag. She had wanted to defend Riley, but what good would that have done when every adult looked at him like he was already guilty?The line shuffled forward, and soon she found herself stepping onto the plane. Her eyes darted immediately, searching. There he was, Riley, slumped in a seat by the window. Relief rushed through her until she saw who sat beside him. One of the teachers, posture stiff as a guard dog, keeping watch.Riley lifted his head as though he felt her eyes on him. His lips twitched into the faintest smile, tired, broken. She wanted to run down the aisle and throw herself

The teachers woke up hazy and confused. When they stepped outside, the place was silent - unsettlingly so. Not a speck of dirt on the ground, and not a single student in sight. To their amazement, the children were already gathered neatly outside, waiting for the bus.It was the final day of the workshop. Certificates were handed out; connections briefly encouraged with professionals across various fields. The evening would be crowned with a black-tie dinner party.For a prestigious school like Lady Sarah Memorial, each student dazzled. The boys crisp in tuxedos, the girls radiant in modest dresses.Derrick was at the lounge adjusting his sleeves when Riley walked in, waves gleaming in his trimmed hair, his look sharp enough to cut. Instead of buses, limos waited to carry them to the event."You look okay, old man," Derrick said with a smirk."Not so bad yourself, pip squeak," Riley shot back, wincing at his own joke.Then Margret arrived, blooming like a sunflower in her yellow dress

On the Night of Luca's CoronationLuca's P.O.V“You stand before me,” I said quietly, “on the day I am crowned, and claim the omega I love. Tell me what you expect from me. Approval? Gratitude?” My hands remained at my sides, clenched.Rufus let out a long sigh and looked at me. “My uncle will not back down, even if I miraculously have a change of heart and decide to let you have Arlen. May I offer you some advice, Your Majesty?”He paused again, as though something was lodged in his throat. As if he was about to betray himself.I must admit, I hesitated. What advice could the alpha who robbed me of my joy possibly offer?“For heaven's sake, you two, just kiss and make up already! What is with all this poisonous masculine tension?” David screeched.“Fine,” I gave in.“I had some wedding preparations to do at Cloverdale and decided to get you a gift for your new burden as king. Well, technically, it was meant for my future omega, but I figured it would serve you better.”“What rubbish

The hall rose as one when the instruments began.Arlen walked beside his father, step by step down the long aisle. The purple and orange petals were unending. He felt Caesar’s hand tighten briefly around his own, then loosen, then slowly slip away the closer they came to the altar.He blinked hard.Rufus stood waiting. Arlen was impressed by how majestic and composed he looked. Every inch the future king consort any omega could dream of. But this was not the face that had visited Arlen’s dreams. Just like that reality hit.The ceremony began under the steady voice of the highest ranking mage. As prayers were said, Rufus could not look away.To the crowd, it was beautiful. To Arlen, it felt like a sentence being read aloud.The wedding band was soon brought forward on a plump velvet cushion.Rufus took it. He hesitated, staring at Arlen’s hand.“What is he waiting for?” Caesar muttered to Claude, who was just as concerned.Rufus smiled at Arlen. “Are you really not going to stop me?”A

Luca’s POV…Damaris had always prided itself on stability. Due to advanced research our fields never went barren. Our institutes never closed, they expanded. We have workshops that rang from dawn to dusk. ‘Progress without abandoning tradition’. That was what we boast of. It used to be enough for me.But now the courtyards felt wider than usual.I moved through the castle halls like someone visiting his own home for the first time. Servants bowed whenever I walked in. No one dared to speak unless spoken to. I preferred it that way.We had lost our standing among the greater kingdoms. Banned from gatherings. Informed last of alliances. It was a polite distance kept between us and the rest of Slora.As Crown Prince I accepted it.I apologized where apology was due. I signed what needed signing. I let Damaris bear my decisions, and I bore theirs.On the morning of my coronation, I stood before the mirror longer than necessary.The robes were fitted perfectly. Royal blue, trimmed in gold.

At nightfall, the banquet resumed in full splendor. Music swelled around them. Dancers filled the hall. Caesar laughed among his people, grateful. He was still missing half of himself. But he endured.In the middle of the celebration, Rufus felt fingers close around his wrist.He looked down. Arlen gave him the smallest tilt of his head. It was a silent request.Rufus hesitated only briefly, mindful of the King. But when Arlen rose from his seat, he followed.“Look at them,” Caesar murmured with pride as they disappeared into the crowd. “They’re already inseparable.”*****Outside the palace gates, the noise dimmed.“Where are we going?” Rufus asked. “Arlen.”“You wanted to see my favorite places,” Arlen replied lightly. “I remembered one more.”He glanced over his shoulder. “Race you?”Before Rufus could respond, Arlen shifted, feathers bursting outward, his form narrowing into a raven that cut cleanly into the night sky.Rufus stared upward. “How exactly do I compete with a bird?”

IngramIn honor of his son's recovery, Caesar threw a grand banquet. Three days of shared joy, of reassuring his people that they remained in steady hands.The Loughtys were honored for their service in protecting the Prince of Ingram. Caesar gleefully named cities after Claude and his children, vowing their loyalty would never be forgotten nor taken for granted.Throughout the celebration, Rufus walked on eggshells. His engagement to Arlen had been formally announced to the court, and he braced himself for hysteria from the omega in question.But Arlen said nothing.He did not weep. He did not threaten to return to the land of the dead.He was calm. Too calm offering subtle smiles where required. When he spoke, the room listened. The jester-like spark that once danced in his eyes had gone quiet. Now he nodded along with the elders like a well-crafted puppet.At breakfast they were made to sit side by side.“You are to be newlyweds. Take this time to grow familiar,” Caesar insisted pr

IngramWhen Arlen regained his speech, Caesar beseeched him to do away with Luca and start a new life with an alpha chosen by the council. This troubled Ari, who had little say in the matter.She approached with food, something Arlen often insisted he did not need. She dismissed the servants, helped him to the table, and took her time dishing out the meal. Her cousin was slow with the cutlery, tightening his face each time a morsel went down his throat, as if he were swallowing rocks.“Are you considering your father’s demands? Is that why you’re so withdrawn?” Ari asked gently.Arlen hesitated, thinking hard about his response. “Yes, I am,” he admitted.“But you love Luca,” Ari stressed.Arlen stretched his neck as if trying to release something heavy from his chest. “I saw him die. I can bear the thought of him being with someone else, even if it brings me pain, but I can’t stand the thought of him sacrificing himself for my sake.”Kraken crawled into the room, reacting to the rise i

Iris wandered into Abigail's room later that evening. Abi was completely absorbed in a game, her fingers flying across the keyboard. She did not notice Iris standing behind her. What Iris noticed instead was the smile on her sister's face. Abi looked so carefree. She walked over and rested a hand on Abi's shoulder. "Goodness!" Abigail nearly jumped out of her chair. "You scared me!" "You seem happy," Iris said. "Did something happen at school?" "No." Abi shrugged, trying to hide her smile. "I'm just enjoying my game." She glanced back at the screen. "What do you want?" "Do I need a reason to see my baby sister?" Iris wrapped her arms around Abi from behind. Abi gently pried them away. "I'm busy, so... maybe later." Iris let out a quiet sigh. "How long are you planning to give me the cold shoulder?" Abi removed her headset and turned her chair around. "I'm not the one around here who's good at pushing people away." Iris folded her arms. "Do I need to tape your mouth shut, A

Jake turned away before they could notice him.He quickly got into Larry's car and shut the door.For a moment, he simply sat there. His hands clamped around the steering wheel."So he's the one you've always wanted..." The words came out barely above a whisper.His eyes burned, his breath grew weary. He hated that he felt this way. He hated how helpless and weak he felt.Most of all, he hated that he had realized his true feelings for his boss. He loved her.Jake struck the steering wheel out of frustration. The horn blared through the garage.Not far off, Iris immediately turned toward the sound.But the space was already empty.Apollo gently touched her chin, drawing her attention back."Would it bother you if someone saw us?"Iris looked at him for a moment, then shook her head."No." Her voice was calm. "I answer to no one."Apollo smiled gently. "Good."He kissed her forehead before helping her into the car. "We don't want to be late."As they drove away, Jake remained parked in

Abigail collapsed onto the grass after finishing the final lap around the track. Her lungs burned as she heaved out rushed breaths, and her legs felt like jelly. A shadow fell over her. "Need a hand?" She looked up to find Noah offering one. "Thanks." He pulled her to her feet, but she stumbled forward. "Easy." "I'm okay." She steadied herself and stepped out of his grasp, hoping none of her classmates had noticed. "Hey, a new student is transferring in next week," Noah said. "She's nervous about fitting in, so I thought I'd introduce her to you." Abigail smiled faintly. "I doubt she'll want to be friends once she hears all the rumors about me." "She won't." Noah smiled back. "I'll make sure of it." His confidence caught her off guard. After a moment, he rubbed the back of his neck. "So... how's your boyfriend? The guy from the mall?" Abigail looked away, embarrassed. "Larry isn't my boyfriend." "He isn't?" She shook her head. "He works for my sister

Jake froze in the elevator doorway.He knew he should move, yet his heart clung to the sight before him. Iris stood inside, draped in her usual commanding presence with only one bodyguard at her side. He was tempted to pour out his heart, to seek redemption. The issue was his mouth would not open and Iris never looked at him.After a long moment, Jake stepped aside, and the doors slid shut, sealing the space between them.The elevator disappeared. So did his chance to see her…On the weekend, Jake somehow found himself helping Larry and Abigail put together their costumes for a gaming convention. He refused to wear one himself, but at least he had not turned down the invitation."I'm sorry about Iris," Abigail said as they sat with their drinks. "She can be difficult, but I'll talk to her."Jake shook his head. "You don't have to. My internship ends in a couple of months anyway.""You could always work for me instead." Abigail smiled. "I own shares in the company."Jake laughed softly

Charlotte skimmed through the folder in her lap before raising an eyebrow. "And you're sure this will bend the board members to do your bidding?"Baron hummed. "It's minor, but it will shake them."She flipped another page. "Even the seemingly upright ones?"That earned a grin from Baron. "I'm positive."He turned to his most trusted guard. "August here went through quite a mess digging them up."Charlotte leaned back against the sofa. "You've been collecting dirt on the board for years, yet you barely use it.""Patience, sister." Baron took a slow sip. "Power belongs to the person holding everyone else's secrets, not the flashiest one.""Do you intend to use them now?""I intend to take what's rightfully ours, in time."Charlotte closed the file gently. "You really think they'll move against Iris?""They already are." Baron's expression darkened slightly. "The board tolerated her because she was untouchable. But now they'll be more interested in saving themselves." He set his glass d

Iris opened her eyes. Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains.Apollo still slept beside her, one arm loosely around her waist. In sleep, he looked younger somehow. Less dangerous or burdened by devotion.Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she carefully slipped from the bed.By the time Apollo opened his eyes again, Iris was already standing before the mirror.A crisp charcoal suit hugged her frame perfectly. Then came the hat, wide brimmed, as black as her mood.It was bound to command attention the moment she entered any room.“You’re returning to work already?” Apollo watched quietly from the bed as she adjusted her wrist watch. “You should rest.”“I’ve done enough of that.” Iris glanced at him through the mirror. “Absolutely not.”“Are we not going to have a talk about last night? Your treatment...”“Later, I don’t plan on running late.” Iris avoided his eyes.Apollo sat up slowly. “You look tired.”“I look powerful. There is a difference. I’m going down for breakf