Novel-novel oleh C.K Hawks

Valery endured more days of self-torture, watching Derrick play the part of a perfect ‘husband material,’ while she died inside with shame. Yes, she took her time. There was a lot of thinking to do, in addition to worrying about her father.She even rehearsed the words she would say if she faced Ryan, mastering the emotions that came with them. Then the day finally came.“You and I are just friends. That night was a mistake, and should never repeat itself. Or we stop being friends,” she practiced, moments before facing the obstacle in her life.“Are you alright… I heard about your father.” Ryan left his bed, shooing the guards away.‘Great. I forgot news travels fast around here,’ Valery thought to herself. But that didn’t matter - she had only one goal here: to tell Ryan off.Immediately she reached the middle of the room, his arms took siege of her, swaddling her like a fussy babe.The words she’d prepared dissolved into thin air. What was left was the sudden urge to listen to his

“We… we have to talk. It’s about us - about me…” Her words made Derrick worried. Was she still uncertain about him? Had Margret pulled another stunt or spilled some forbidden beans? He knew he was overthinking it but could not shake it off. ‘It’s probably nothing. She’s fond of exaggerating at times.’ He maintained his steeze.Valery was on edge. Her eyes twitched a little, her tongue suddenly turning her into a stammerer. How Derrick would react was out of her control, but she had to do it.“I don’t deserve you, Leo.” She truly didn’t know where to start. “You have been nothing but good to me since we rekindled this relationship, but I… I don’t want to lie to you. I think it’s best we-”“Hold on.” Derrick closed the gap in a flash, pressing his hand over her mouth. “Don’t speak if it’s what I think.” He could tell she was nervous; he wasn’t blind. “Valery, we’ve been over this, I’m willing to take things slow. If this is because I showed up and took over a kid’s party, I’m sorry. Bu

Derrick checked his watch, then his phone. It was getting late, yet there was no reply from Valery. New prospective buyers for a real estate business had stolen his time at a conference meeting. Legal work and documentation agreements were tedious, but he wanted to get it out of the way so he could go home and have a work-free weekend.When his calls to Valery went unanswered again, he called Finn. Having Valery monitored, in his world, was necessary- given there were wolves around. But he did his best to limit it to the workplace.Things were getting better between them, and she was spending more nights at his end. So, he simply called Finn to find out if she was at the hospital… his expression turned serious when he got a response.Hours later, a little past midnight, Derrick made it home. He ignored the maids when they asked about food, climbed upstairs to his room. He turned on the lights… his chest relaxed with relief. Valery was under the covers, asleep.But she wasn’t.She’d be

“It’s not ethical, you know- getting involved with your doctor.”“What?” Ryan almost laughed. “You and I are way closer. Is that also unethical?”“Ours is different, we are friends- we knew each other before you became a patient.”“Oh, I see.” Ryan smirked, sitting on his bed while she ranted on. “So, if I flirt with you, it’s fine. But with her, it’s unethical?”“Don’t play dumb, Ryan, this was not just flirting. If I hadn’t walked in, your lips would've been at the wrong places. And she would be the one in trouble.” Valery rolled her eyes, trying to downplay how frustrated this made her feel. “Oh really?” he interrupted, amused.“Yes!”“Well, Christar has been nothing but polite and professional with me. She was only helping me to the bed. We just got back from the lounge.”Valery jabbed a finger into his chest, refusing to be swayed. “I know what I saw. Don’t act like you don’t know what you’re doing.”“Tell me,” Ryan chuckled, eyes locking onto hers. “What exactly am I doing?”Va

Ryan was enjoying his morning pudding, chewing slow and steady- he had nowhere to be. The hospital food was nothing compared to the fine cuisine he was used to, but oddly, this soft little cup of chocolate mush was growing on him."Do you want some?" he asked the guard in the corner, lifting the spoon mid-air.The man didn’t even blink, he just shook his head like a well-trained dog. "Heh! Wouldn’t even give it up if you begged, considering my mum feeds you better," Ryan muttered under his breath, chuckling at his own joke.Then the door opened.The guard rose immediately, stepping out with a short, respectful bow. Margret didn’t need to say a word. Her status preceded her.Ryan didn’t stand. He didn’t need to."You’ve been out of action for a while," he said lazily, scooping another bite.“That’s because unlike you, I’ve been working hard, busting my behinds to grant your darkest wish - and get even.”"Woah," he smirked. "Watch the tone, you sound like you’re in your period."“No, y

Ryan arrived a little too early. He was nervous, though he’d bite his tongue than admit it. Riley had to put on a better act if they were going to fool their folks again. But he was here.Valery spotted him from the gate of the church, her hand rising in a small wave that made his heart jump.“You look great,” she teased as he approached.“Thank you,” he said, glancing at her shoes. “You too. Nice stilettos.”“Be serious, Riley.”“I’m trying here.”They walked in together. The choir was already midway through a song. Riley didn’t understand most of the hymns, but when she bowed her head, he followed. When she whispered ‘Amen’, so did he. He watched her eyes close when they prayed and wondered what she was saying. He followed her through the service like a well-behaved schoolboy. Ghanaians didn’t play with church. You either stood up when told or had a grandmother pinch your ear from a bench away.After the final blessing, Valery pulled him aside with a soft smile. “Come. There’s someo

Reed packed light for the journey - just enough to keep them warm in case they couldn’t reach the next town. It was a dicey gamble, but he pinned his hopes on going south. Wandering into the vast unknown of forestry was far from ideal, yet it was a better option than heading for the borders where clans lay in ambush. It wouldn’t be safe.Seeing Julius so calm and composed made the alpha want to protect him with his last drop of blood. Julius did not complain or fight back as they walked the path to freedom. But after hours of trekking, Reed noticed his companion was starting to slack behind.At first, he believed Julius was simply hesitant to leave, but then he saw a change in the beta’s breath - and the tired look in his eyes. Reed hadn’t realised the talisman could drain Julius like this.Reed levelled with him, took the beta’s hand without warning, and draped it over his shoulder.“What are you doing?” Julius’s cheeks reddened as the alpha crouched slightly and lifted his weight.“

Roxanne did not tarry when she received word from her nephew. Gathering a few men, she put things in place and left her homeland. It took days traveling by an airship, but she finally touched down in Kellet.“Axel, you said it was urgent.” Roxanne managed to stay composed despite her troubled mind. She was never one to show emotion, though she never imagined Axel would have company. “Queen Basma, Lady Maren…” She was surprised to see them.“Aunt, we have to stop him,” Axel said helplessly.“Nephew, what’s going on?” Roxanne’s brow scrunched. Axel sighed, glancing at the women before speaking. His statements were precise and brief, but Roxanne needed stronger reasons to meddle in her brother’s warfare.“Why would Theoden call it off after all Arlen Braddock did to the great clans?”“My nephew has done nothing,” Queen Basma interjected with a sarcastic smirk.Roxanne raised a brow. “Your nephew?”“I raised that boy. He is incapable of striking the innocent - not for the likes of your de

"You seem distant. What's on your mind?" Owen had served dinner by the fire, yet his companion hardly touched his share. "It's just me and you, Julius. You're safe with me.""You have to take me back to my Master," Julius pleaded. Reed was not a man he could hurt without hurting himself."You really care about him," Reed said."Do not look at me that way," Julius' lips curved into a dubious smile. "Master Arlen and I are like sworn brothers - a soul flame. One does not go without the other.""Hmm... I figured. But where does that leave me?""You?"Their eyes met in awkward silence. Not even the night could stop Reed from getting lost in that glow."Buried somewhere in my soul... Pfft... I'm sorry, I don't know where that came from," the beta said, scratching his head and looking back at the fire with a flushed face.Owen grinned, staring closely at the man next to him with a profound longing. The Prince was right - there was something else besides rage inside this beta. Without holdin

Julius thought he had fallen into a dream when he woke up in an old bed, cooped up in a different setting than the one he slept in the night before. Sitting up, the world appeared brighter. He could hear the shrill melody of birds chirping and a rushing stream sweeping over pebbled rocks. There was a faint throb in his head, but it subsided as he gathered himself.A pair of straw slippers sat beside the bedpost, along with a bamboo hat perched on the side.Julius' mind remained blank even as he stepped outside the wooden hut. The tranquillity of nature greeted him with a glimmer he had not seen in days. His feet stumbled a few times as he moved further away from where he had slept. When they came within inches of the clear stream, he stopped. Something about this stillness felt off- too off for someone like him."You're awake."His gaze shot away from the water. He adjusted his footing as the familiar voice approached, attached to a tall, healthy man. Thick dark brows, kind eyes, a we

"Yes, Uncle. You wanted to talk?" Rufus stood before Caesar, his father seated at the King's right hand.Caesar poured himself a drink before getting to the point. "Nephew, how would you feel about acting as regent of Ingram someday?""Pardon me?" Rufus glanced at his father, then back at Caesar."As you know, my son is a flower. Arlen will need a strong alpha by his side to safeguard his kingdom and position." Caesar set his cup down with a thud."Uncle, Luca Beaumont is-""You and your family have protected my son since the day he left home. Am I wrong to assume you care about him?" Caesar's countenance turned solemn, as if the mere mention of Luca's name was taboo."Of course not. Arlen is dear to my heart," Rufus murmured, lowering his gaze. The thought of his darkest desires coming true outweighed his sense of shame."Good. That is what I wished to hear. I've heard many things about the giant of Candor, an alpha who is fearless and swift to defend Ingram against any aggressor. Wh

Axel barged into his father’s tent as the troops waited for orders to march. “Father, perhaps you should reconsider this war. I spoke to Lady Maren… It seems Luca is already in Ingram.” Theoden adjusted his outer robe. “And she knows this because?” “Luca came to her. He was with Rufus Loughty and David. We can’t proceed without considering their safety.” “You’re mistaken. This gives us even more reason to take down Ingram.” “Father, I beg you, let’s approach this with caution. What if my brother was right and the real culprit wasn’t Arlen? If the other kingdoms lose their heirs, all of this will have been for nothing.” “I forbid you from mentioning this to Zavian. Claude’s son has always been a rebel at heart-it’s not my concern if he gets caught in the fire.” “And Luca? Are you going to doom him as well?” “Think of the people who have died because King Caesar and his son are still alive! Your brother has been brainwashed, Axel. Once that family is dead, we’ll finally be

The aura was different from what she was used to. The bed was still a lonely place to be, but at least she was surrounded by the softest pillows. Iris took a calm breath as she opened her eyes. The air felt light, laced with a sweet floral scent.Her body was less tense, and the headache from last night was almost nonexistent - that was until she put her feet down and stood up. She spent a brief moment in the bathroom, brushing her teeth and taking a quick shower.Soon, she rummaged through her luggage for the neatest clothes she could find, tied her hair into a sleek bun, and put on a hat to hide her hollowing appearance. The second she opened the door, the man in the hallway turned sharply, making direct eye contact.“No, no, you’re not doing this today.” Jake guided Iris back into the room and banished the hat to the floor.“What are you doing?” Iris asked nonchalantly as the clothes she had worked so hard to put on were soon pulled off her skin.“You need to rest.”“I have a compa

Apollo swung his fist the second Jake got close enough. He did not hold back his anger, and his men supported him wholeheartedly. Jake was denied the chance to speak. He managed to get a punch on Apollo, but his fighting chances grew slim as the other guards took hold of him.The cab driver was too scared to step out or even think of breaking up the fight. He tried to stop Iris from leaving the car, but she couldn't care less."What do you think you're doing?" Iris said, gaining attention as she got closer. Apollo let go of Jake and hastened to her. His hands fell on her cheeks, his eyes ridden with suspicion."Forgive me. I shouldn't have let you leave the house in this condition," said Apollo.Iris took his hands off, secretly enduring the pain in her gut. "I thought we agreed you were not going to lay a finger on my donor?"Apollo paused to soak in her expression. "There was CCTV footage of him pulling you against your will down the streets. Was I supposed to just sit quietly when

Apollo was doing his afternoon checks when he entered the security room. His mind was foggy, his knuckles tense. His fists got tighter whenever his memory jerked to previous nights: visions of his black leather belt scratching Iris' neck as she suffered for breath.Apollo had to shake that cold memory off a dozen times. He wasn't supposed to touch her. And now he felt guilty because he treated her too roughly, which may have fueled her sudden state. Iris was sick - too weak to be the commanding voice of the house.The men were snacking on sandwiches as they monitored the security cameras. Apollo was moving on to the next post when his eyes flashed over the screen. A person was standing at a corner of the main gates, hiding from the sun."Who is that?" He said."It’s the boss’s assistant. Should we let him in?" Said one of his men."No, I'll handle this myself." Apollo took his radio device and walked out.His steps lightened the closer he got to his place of interest. Jake was despera

He had her attention. Iris was a minute away from taking responsibility for Jake's swollen phallus. Her role was to house it till it was flaccid enough to fit in his pants. Her reward would be a good amount of jizz and a pleasurable sensation in her tummy.Iris's phone rang out of the blue. Jake, who wished to mute it, got a good look at the name on the screen.'It's that bodyguard.' Jake felt a wave of anger twisting in his throat. Iris was close to picking it up when he pushed it away from her reach. He placed some files on the gadget to minimize the noise and got to the bottom of Iris' panties.Iris was neither saying no nor yes, but her body was ready for him. Jake rubbed his crown against her entrance, loving the short shudders he got out of her. Iris bobbed forward ever so gently as he went it."Oww," her chin went down when she let out a soft coo. Jake stole a moment to admire her. Iris let go of her anger and took his gift. 'He's taking it slow? Since when has he been conside

Iris let herself in, pulling at her fingertips to take off the cotton gloves. She had been here a couple of times and knew her way around. "Hello, Ma'am." Larry popped out of the kitchen to welcome her. "I trust that you do not lack anything in this house," Iris said. "No, we're good," Jake responded instead, bypassing the visitor he had been dying to see earlier. Larry did not comment on the sudden switch in attitude. "I'll be in my room," he said. "Were you not busy in the kitchen? Stay, we'll talk in my room," Jake insisted, his tone a little thick.Iris followed Jake and waited by the bed while he shut the door. Her hands fumbled with her buttons as Jake sorted out the noise in his head. Quickly concluding, he turned towards the lady. "I appreciate you taking time off your schedule to see me, but-" Jake's mind rebooted when his eyes fell on Iris. Her blouse glided down her waist.'Don't end up like the last guy.' Apollo's advice began to shrink in Jake's head. He could swear

Iris slowed down her steps as she observed the number of cars parked outside the garage. When the servants who welcomed her confirmed her suspicions, she let out a stressed sigh. "Great, more badgers to fend off," she muttered.Her heels hit the floor in short, brisk steps as she went inside, heading straight to the main lounge downstairs."At last, the jester shows up," Charlotte said, spotting Iris from afar.Abigail sat in the middle, her head bowed like a drenched kitten. She rushed into Iris' arms, seeking refuge. Baron remained on the single couch with his legs crossed and a glass of liquor in hand. "All the fuss about gaining custody of our father's lastborn, and yet you can't even play the part of a guardian. Is this the time a responsible adult comes home?""What do you want?" Iris said.Charlotte stood next to Baron, feeling high and mighty with her sibling's support. "Don't you think you owe us an explanation for rubbing your bad luck off on that girl? What kind of guidanc