Hollis Mason

War, Conspiracy, Foreign Power. The unnatural quickly becomes the natural as Mason Heartson and Thomas Martin begin the fight to save the world.

In the cutthroat world of the gemstone industry, billionaire Zayne Aldridge is determined to expand his empire beyond the family sapphire mine, entangling himself in a high-stakes game with ruthless competitors. Calla, an ambitious saleswoman at Crystal's jewelry store, finds herself drawn into Zayne's captivating world, where every deal is layered with intrigue and every relationship harbors hidden agendas. As Zayne's obsession with success grows, so does the threat from Victor Sinclair, his cunning rival willing to resort to any means necessary to topple him. When Zayne’s trusted confidant, Mason Carter, becomes embroiled in a dangerous betrayal, Calla is forced to confront the shadows that threaten to engulf her life and the man she’s fallen for. Amidst deceit, power struggles, and a stunning diamond trap, Calla must navigate a treacherous path where loyalty is tested and trust is a luxury she can’t afford. With the stakes rising and darkness closing in, will she have the courage to fight for the love she desires, or will she become another casualty in Zayne’s battle for supremacy?

Tension brewed amongst the vampire clan and the Blue moon pack. A way to solve it? Arranged marriage! Arranged marriage between Mason and Elle; childhood friends, may work out right? I mean, they are childhood friends. That would be possible if only Mason didn't describe her as a pretentious liar and Elle telling him to get over it!

Fame, Power, Money... All were worldly desires that couldn't even make him, Mason Goldenheart, the strongest warrior under God, blink. After fighting in the tumultuous Holy War against the Devil Djall, and his lackeys for half a century, Mason, with the sacrifice of those he held dear, was finally able to vanquish the Demon king. This in turn released the pressure off of God, allowing him to finally put the Devil Djall to rest, and bring about an end to the Holy War. However, all was for nought in Mason’s eyes, as decades passed, and an incessantly seeping venom continued to poison his heart due to his biggest regret: Not being strong enough... Not only had he, the most beloved Hero, failed to save his loved ones, but he'd also fruitlessly fought, and tried and struggled to save the now billions lost across the ravaged Earth. Finally, at the turn of the century, the anniversary of the Devil Djall and his Demon King's defeat arrived. And it was on that fateful day that Mason would finally know the truth, a truth which would forever alter his fate and push him along an unimaginable path.

‘What the fuck are you doing!?’ Anaïs screamed I placed my hand over her mouth and pulled her below the wall ‘I’m saving your fucking sister, you’re welcome.’ I scream whispered at her I signaled her to stay still and pulled the last book on the shelf, it made a loud click like Mason said it would and the carpet pulled back showing a flat metal door. I took a deep breath, this was it.

A cold dark heart born by the rage, hate and jealousy of his siblings. Blake Leslie, a billionaire CEO the richest man in Bienville county lived in emotional darkness since the death of Tessa his fianceé. “ Don't do this to me” Blake cried, holding her close to his chest and sitting in the pool of their blood. He felt dizzy and passed out. This was the event of six years ago. Vanessa Hughes a vibrant beauty. Her charming brown eyes, great smile which lit the heart of many.She agrees on a mission for the downfall of the ruthless Blake to save her father's life. But there is more to this than meets the eye. She meets Mason and falls in love with him. Spark of flames of love is reignited in the heart of the cold billionaire but her heart belongs to another. Will he lose his second chance at love? However, the obsessive anger , jealousy and hate for Blake by his siblings is yet to be extinguished.They won't stop till they watch Blake have his last breath. Will Vanessa reveal her true self to Blake? Will the reignited cold heart of the billionaire still love after betrayal?

In a fractured world teetering on the brink of chaos, the Tree of Eternal Life—a source of unimaginable power—remains sealed away, its roots the only barrier between harmony and ruin. For centuries, the four worlds; Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and The Material world have been kept apart by Yahweh’s decree. Now, whispers of rebellion stir, driven by a force ancient and vengeful. Jeremiah Mason has carried a curse since childhood—a pact forged in blood with Lucifer himself, bound to the demon Eosphoros. Shunned as a devil and haunted by a power he never asked for, Jeremiah’s soul burns with a single desire: to prove he is more than the darkness that clings to him. But in a world where strength is survival, he must decide whether to embrace his curse or forge a path through sheer will, even if it destroys him. Rakael, born of angelic blood, watched her clan slaughtered in a night of fire and death. Consumed by vengeance, she made unholy pacts, choices that stained her wings forever. Now an Exorcist, Rakael fights to atone, carrying a blade forged from her guilt. But with every strike against the forces of hell, the ghosts of her past only draw closer. When a secret sect rises to unite the worlds and unleash the Tree’s power, humanity’s fragile existence is thrust into peril. As Jeremiah and Rakael uncover the truth, they realize the stakes are far greater than they imagined: Lucifer himself plots to use the Tree to exact his ultimate revenge on Yahweh, reclaiming the place he lost in Heaven. With the line between good and evil blurred, Jeremiah and Rakael are forced to confront not only their enemies but their own demons. How far will they go to protect a broken world? And when the time comes to choose, will they save humanity—or damn it? The Cursed Exorcist is a dark fantasy epic of power, vengeance, and redemption, where every choice cuts deeper and the cost of survival may be too high to pay.

Title: NOT WITHOUT YOU, JACK MASON Synopsis: When wealthy heiress Rita Mason is left to die on a remote farm, betrayed by those closest to her, fate has other plans. As she struggles to give birth to her son, she is discovered by Grace, a childless woman recently cast out of her home. Together, they bring a new life into the world. In her final moments, Rita entrusts Grace with a small bag, whispering, “Name him Jack Mason. Give him this when he turns eighteen.” Inside, a family heirloom and limitless credit cards hold the key to his hidden legacy. Jack grows up in Racoon Village, a place far from the wealth and power that are rightfully his. Raised in poverty but gifted with remarkable intelligence, strength, and charm, he becomes known for his unbreakable spirit. But when his childhood sweetheart, Lucy, breaks his heart, he faces the sting of loss in a new way. Yet hope emerges when he receives an acceptance letter from the prestigious university where he’ll cross paths with Lucy’s best friend. Determined to find his true identity, Jack embarks on a journey through the shadows of his past. Each clue brings him closer to uncovering the truth about his mother’s betrayal and the powerful family that tried to erase her. As he unravels his lineage and seeks to reclaim all that is his, he must also confront the unexpected chance of finding love again. Will Jack Mason achieve the justice his mother never saw—and open his heart to a love that could rewrite his future? Not without you is a story of love, betrayal, jealousy and success.

[COMPLETED BOOK] Ariana Watson a new girl in a new school,she was always known for trouble anywhere she went and been expelled from schools because of her bad behavior after been given another chance she was admitted to royal high a school for only rich kids where she met Joshua Mason the king of the girls. He is the cutest and most handsome boy in the whole school. Their first encounter wasn't good but they got to know each other and became friends. Will Ariana get expelled from her high school when she takes matter into her own hands when Joshua's girls fan find out they are dating?

Consumed by vengeance, Mitchelle becomes the Quinn’s CEO's secretary, determined to destroy those who ruined her family. Her father was killed and his company was stolen, her mother driven mad, and her family left penniless. The culprit? The very man she's now working for. But fate throws a curveball when Mitchelle discovers her knight in shining armour, Mason, is none other than the CEO. Her crush since that fateful night, Mason makes her heart skip beats. Yet, she refuses to let emotions cloud her judgement. With her eyes fixed on revenge, Mitchelle must navigate her own feelings. Can her quest for justice withstand the temptation of love? Or will Mason's charm crumble her resolve? Can revenge take over a crush that might turn out to be love,while being close to him?! * Taking in his chiseled features and appearance,mitchelle’s eyes roved over mason,the man who saved her on a desolate night—her savior. Her heart skipped a bit only just staring at him, a foreign feeling blubbering at the pit of her stomach, she’d never experienced such a feeling before. In her twenty three years and no man had made her heart skip but…until him. Only the thought of him made it flutter and ready to fly away. Why the hell was it him? Why?she thought. Mitchelle steeled herself, shaking off every Ill thought of love. Revenge comes first, love was a weakness she can’t afford, not now or ever. join our discord server and let’s talk more: https://discord.gg/82WxJk2me9

Sakura has lived a life of war time, Her mother is the Surpreme Diety and she is a princess. She was born from the goddess race the race of angels with holy powers, The person she loves named Akuma Is of a different race, he is apart of the Demon race and his father is the Demon King. Because of there backgrounds they are not allowed to be together. Shortly after a war starts called the Holly war, This is Saura's past life, She was killed along with Akuma and was reincarnated and given another chance. This Novel is contained of two stories fitting together to be one, Her past life, And the ending to her previous life. Sakura in her previous life, (Sorry means current.) stops the holy war and ends up with the one she loves. She had to make a very difficult desion. She has to kill her own mother. There is no place for A God on Earth. She she needs to be sent back to Purgatory. Akuma and Sakura take the thrones where they can be happy, Can Sakura finally let go of her past life where she and Akuma were killed because they failed to defeat the two Gods?

Cassie's life is turned upside down when her mate, Mason, abandons her for a woman named Kara. Cassie is feeling betrayed and left out. At her lowest, Alpha Xander from the rival Shadowfang Pack offers her a contract marriage proposal: He marries him to join their packs, unite the packs, and battle dangerous rogue werewolves. Cassie, though hesitant, agrees, hoping to find a new sense of belonging. Cassie finds out the secret of her parent’s mysterious deaths and uncovers a dark conspiracy to destroy the packs. Mason's secret baby adds another layer of suspense and complication to her new life. Cassie has mixed feelings about Mason and a weird feeling for Xander, too. Cassie must choose between her past and her future once Mason's secret is revealed. Find out what her choice would be!

Mason North’s life couldn’t get worse. Dropped out of college and stuck in a dead-end job at a shop run by his ex’s family, he knows life has kicked him where it hurts, and he’s just waiting for it to finish the job. Then, on the most miserable Tuesday of his life, a mysterious screen pops into his vision. [Ding! Perfect Timing System Activated!] “What the—?” Mason gasped, nearly dropping the rubber chicken in his hand. With this system, Mason receives tokens tied to a specific date, place and time down to the last second. If he can be at the right place at the right time, things will align perfectly—whether it’s meeting the woman of his dreams or landing a life-changing opportunity. “YES! Finally! No more giraffe suit! I can get rich! I can have a life! Ladies better watch out, the menace is here!” [Warning: Sexual content, lemons, comedy, MILFs, face-slapping, and a genius protagonist!]

Everything was planned, and in one night, ruined. My best friend. My betrothed. Both backstabbed me in the back. But what they don't know is that I have help, and I will live this life again. And I will make sure I'll do everything different. All Cecelia wanted to do was prove to her father that her and her betrothed Mason were meant to be. After "paying" a shaman to look into the future to say it is meant to be, Cece decides that's not enough and goes on a quest to find Death. She wants to make a deal with him; if Mason and her are true mates, then she will live a long life with him. If not, she wants a do-over, but at WHAT time, or WHEN, Death gets to decide. At the ball, Cece is made aware of her betrothed's betrayal, and is devastated that the affair was made between him and her best friend. After dying from an argument gone very wrong, Death makes an appearance, going back in time.. Cece has a second chance at life. She will make sure EVERYTHING is different. And she will make sure not to make the same choices as last time.

Her life became a gamble overnight when he married her since she is the best tool for his plot to defeat his numerous adversaries. Yuna moved to the city from a mountain village and took on numerous jobs to support her elderly parents and two twin sisters with special needs. She washed dishes at restaurants, worked as a dog walker, an event mascot, a convenience store cashier, and even on construction sites, doing any labor she could find. However, she could only have a decent meal when other people offered it for free. She had to give up sleep or dinner, sunscreen or lotion, and shampoo or conditioner. When you thought her life couldn't get worse, her friend sold her to a vile old guy, Gregory Mason. There, she had to gamble to turn the tables, and when she beat Greg, someone took advantage of the opportunity to use her as a piece in his board game. Zachary Avere, the cruelest person on the planet the internet known and heir to the Avere Group, and Victor Collins, the son of a most legendary assassin leader, finally found the right pawn to carry out their scheme. Yuna, the girl who became prey between the three most formidable families. The bargaining chip which everyone's pawns to take down each other. They use her like the most valuable gem but treat her nothing like a disposable pawn. Until when she vanished the time they realized that what they wanted wasn't vengeance but love. Not the power but care. And the most anguish they thought wasn't the torture or misfortune but regret and guilt. The final series of charitable casino events, the plan for which they worked so hard, came to fruition. They were just one step away from achieving triumph. However, Zack and Victor must choose whether to save Yuna from Roman Lester Green, who had slaughtered people within the massive banquet, or abandon the plan they had devised for more than half of their lives. And Zack... Choose... To aim his golden revolver straight to Yuna's face. They abandoned her! In a most cruelest way!

Hope Winter Foxy: As the last defendant of the Foxy clan she has a duty to clear the name of their species. Dhe fully intends to complete her mission before she ends her life but a chance meeting with her other half leaves her questioning her own beliefs that wolves are all bad. What will she do when she finds herself unable to resist the mate bond? Mason Carter: As the future Alpha of his pack he has a lot of responsibility. Lately his pack members and even his family fear him. Having been searching for his mate for an entire year his wolf is getting restless and his mood is getting worse by the day. When he finally finds her she isn’t exactly the girl he imagined she would be but that doesn’t make him love her any less. Why does she keep running from him? Why won’t she accept him? No matter how hard he tries she refuses to trust him.

“You?!” they both exclaimed as they saw each other at the place they least expected. A thousand thoughts ran through Brielle’s mind. It can’t be, she told herself. Mason couldn’t believe his eyes. The person in front of him was… •-•-•-• Mason Whittaker is a 25 year old. He has a younger sister, Jerrica. The light of his life. They were always close but ever since, their parents passed away, they only had each other. A dedicated, passionate and caring person, Mason is a professor. He teaches history. Due to a traumatic event during his youth, he has trust issues and has problems with confiding in people. Brielle Emberly is a 22 year old. She is a bright, chirpy,enthusiastic and energetic person. Her mother died giving birth to her, and her father passed away due to an illness a few years later. Since childhood, it’s just been Brielle and her older brother, Andrew. Brielle is a photographer, and works part time as a Radio Jockey. She loves her job and is always happy to interact with new people, but is also scared of getting close to people, in fear of getting hurt. When these two souls meet in an unexpected way, their hearts collide. Two hearts, which over the years, have been suppressed, feel interesting feelings for each other, leaving their owners in angst and uncertainty. Will these lovers be able to realise their love for each other and get over their obstacles? Or will they be one of the couples, whom history will remember, as the couple who never worked out?

*Due to lack of interest this story is in hiatus.* Vampire Apocalypse Z When a mysterious vampire plague devastates New York City, five college friends find themselves trapped in a nightmare. As the city descends into chaos, Eli, Kara, Mike, Aria, and Holly must band together to survive the relentless, bloodthirsty horde. Their journey takes them from the ruins of Manhattan to a secluded cabin in the wilderness, where every night is a desperate fight for survival. Haunted by loss, unexpected romance, and the horrifying transformation of their world, they’ll confront the undead menace and their own inner demons. Vampire Apocalypse Z is a nail biting, incredibly intense tale of resilience, terror, and unbreakable bonds. NO NTR NO Harem NO Yuri Just tons of gore, terror, and a fight for survival!

[Lovers To Enemies To Lovers] [MafiaXLawyer] A lawyer and a blind mysterious man next door fall in love with each other, But this blind man has plenty of hidden secrets behind him. What if the blind man aka Matthew turned out to be part of the wanted “gang” named The Segas? The same gang that’s targeting Mason and his dad to take revenge. Mason Verlice/ Matthew Wilson. __________________________ {{word count : 200,000 - 250,000}} +Lgbtq+ Book +ManXMan + SWITCH Couple (both MCs top/bottom) +Breaking rules and laws +Action & Romance +Love sex scene + Kinky-enemies sex scenes +Book cover by AuthorWissal

"mum always said that boys were distraction are being in a relationship with them was double the distraction." I remembered once what my mum had said about my cousin and how a boy ruined her life. I have a crush but I can't tell mum or else she'll lash at me. He's the school's sports player and many girls are after him especially Tessy and by the looks of it, I don't think my dreams of being with him will come through anytime soon. . . . Annabel Mason a sweet, kind girl whose's a nerd and also owns a diary has a crush on Jordan, a handsome guy who is also the school's sports player and all the girls are after him and her goal that year was to make him hers. Jayden Collins, a student from Royal High was sent as an exchange student. He's handsome, good in both sports and academics. Oh? seems there's a twist in the story. Annabel Mason? Jayden Collins? A dorky nerd? Sport's Player and Academic guru? Things are about to get interesting once Jayden offers to help her with her goal? Note: Joshua Mason and Ariana Watson's story is going to continue in this book.

A delightful Christmas rom-com novel, ranging from 75,000 to 100,000 words. The story incorporate popular tropes such as 'enemies to lovers' and 'forced close proximity.'

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE A SECOND TIME!!!" ___ Ellen Summers' life turns upside down after a freak accident lands her in a strange world. She wakes up as Ellen Winters, the antagonist in an online novel she once read. No longer an orphan and poor, she now has a loving father and finds herself surrounded by wealth. But in the novel, Ellen Winters meets a tragic fate, dying at the end after being abandoned by her husband, Mason Coldwell, who still harbors feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Aubrey. Determined to escape this cruel destiny, Ellen decides to rewrite her story. She fights to keep Mason and Aubrey apart, knowing the heartbreaking consequences that await if they reunite. However, as she tries to change her fate, Ellen unexpectedly begins to fall for Mason. Just as she starts to believe in a future together, an unforeseen terror disrupts her plans. Ellen wonders if her attempts to alter the storyline have unleashed something darker. Can Ellen truly change the course of fate and find happiness with Mason, or will the shadows of the original story prove too powerful to overcome? And will they survive the terrors that threaten to engulf them?

Andrew and Holly didn’t know what they were getting into when they tried to use a demonic ritual to spice up their sex life. Now anyone they have sex with dies! and what’s worse is they have to kill someone this way once every thirteen days or they die. Do they value their own lives above the lives of countless others or will they accept their fate and spare the lives of countless people?

Alice is turning 25. She is a loving girl with a flawless family. Money? Happiness? She has everything that people could only dream of. But there is one thing she's missing in her life... the boy she vowed she would marry when they both grow up. Liam Mason is the most youthful billionaire. Bring him any project, and he would succeed. He is also the cruellest and the most inhuman person ever until a misfortune happens, but will this calamity be a disaster, or will it be the thing that brings him what he wanted his entire life? What will happen when Liam comes back with the marriage contract? Will she accept him even though she feels he has changed a lot?? DON'T COPY ANYTHING IN THIS BOOK. I WROTE IT MYSELF. Also, I give all praise of the cover to the owner of the cover!! I DON'T own this cover!! I did all the editing myself! I hope you enjoy reading this. and I hope you guys will be with me through this journey. Lots of Love:))) FAHHZ

Feroz Khan, a 17-year-old orphan, discovers that he is the target of a secretive organization known as the "Free Masons", who are after a hidden power he inherited from his father, Qadir Khan. His father, once blessed with extraordinary abilities, left Feroz at an orphanage to protect him from his power-hungry brother and the "Free Masons". As Feroz’s abilities begin to awaken, he embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about his family’s past and his father’s fate, while evading the relentless pursuit of those who want to control him.

May the best brother win, or step-brother rather. Whatever is going on in our home is much a mystery to us as it is to outsiders. Mason, being a support student had the power to bring us down in disbelieve of our father's generosity to others like him. His intentions made known after a game that I was completely numbered out on. Meeting Ryela the way I did was not the meeting cue I was hoping for but let's roll and see what happens.

Luna Rivers is just an ordinary veterinarian, devoted to saving the animals that come through her clinic. But when she rescues a wounded husky, she unknowingly adopts the cursed Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack, Kai, who is trapped in dog form. As Luna tends to his wounds, she discovers she possesses a mysterious ability that could break his curse—and unleash powers she never knew she had. But danger lurks around every corner. A rival werewolf pack, led by the cunning Mason Drake, seeks to capture Luna for her untapped strength, while secrets from her past threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew. As she navigates a web of deception, betrayal, and newfound powers, Luna must decide whom to trust and what she is willing to sacrifice. With the clock ticking and her life on the line, Luna teams up with Kai to confront the darkness closing in. Together, they will uncover hidden truths, awaken ancient magic, and discover the strength of their bond. But in a game of power and betrayal, will they be able to break the curse before it's too late?

"Speaking of knowing things…" Kyle said slowly, "You still haven't given me a chance to tell my story." "I know," said Andrea. "I was having too much fun speculating. Finding you like this is a gift, and I don't want to tear the wrapping off all at once. ‘Building up the anticipation makes it better.’" Kyle blinked again, then gave a quiet snort of recognition at his own words being thrown back at him. "So what is your speculation?" Kyle asked. "Oh I don't know, probably something utterly disappointing. Did they pick you up for speeding on the way to the farmers market? I guess that wouldn't explain the uh…" she gestured at his injury again. "It wouldn't explain that now, would it. Oh, I know! You got into a fight over the last piece of bluefin!" Kyle just shook his head slightly. "No? I guess it's too much to hope you did something really exciting like rob a bank—You're not secretly a cat burglar are you, Kyle? Lose your balance breaking into an art gallery? No…?" Kyle looked unamused. "Very funny, Chuckles, would you mind taking this a little more seriously?" "Of course," said Andrea. "Very serious for a lawyer to have been arrested. You could be disciplined. Disbarred! Why, we might not see each other in court anymore. Wouldn't that be a shame." "Wouldn't it though," replied Kyle. "So that's the kind of guy you think I am? Stealing fine art and fighting in fish markets?” Andrea pondered some more. "I know!" she exclaimed. "Did you get into a fight with someone's boyfriend? Did it turn out that you were your young lady's bit on the side, and you ended up having a domestic dispute?" Kyle winced. "Is that it?!" Andrea had been teasing, but it seems like she had touched a nerve. To whatever degree Kyle had seemed like he'd been playing along, even as worn down as he was, that last remark had left him deflated. Kyle hung his head. "It wasn't like that…" "Oh sure, like you haven't been collecting notches on your bedposts." "I'M not like that." "You're not? That's not what your reputation says, out there collecting numbers and breaking hearts. I heard that you were a real ladykil–" "Andrea! I'm not–" Kyle shouted, grabbing her hands. His hands were strong, and his grip so tight it almost hurt. His expression so intense, frustrated and hurt and… scared? Andrea knew she had been twisting the knife a little into something that bothered him, but what had caused this reaction? It was only for a moment, then Kyle seemed to catch himself and let go. He slumped back in his chair and slid his shackled hands back below the table. Andrea leaned back as well, adding to the distance, and folded her arms, no longer smiling. She glanced at the duress button out of the corner of her eye. If Kyle had kept holding her as tightly as he had been, she wouldn't have even been able to reach it. "I think we're ready for storytime now," she said seriously. “I think you had better start at the punchline. What have you been charged with, Mr Wynn?" Kyle took a deep breath before he raised his head once more. "Murder, Ms Mason. First Degree Murder." *** Andrea Mason, a defense attorney who cares more about justice and protecting her clients than just winning cases. But the one man she hates to lose to is her rival, the arrogant prosecutor, Kyle Wynn. Kyle represents everything Andi hates about unscrupulous win-at-all-costs lawyers, and for years they have traded arguments in the courtroom and barbs in the hallways. Their paths cross again when they find themselves on a high-profile murder trial. As much as Andrea might despise Kyle, she can’t believe it when HE is charged with the horrific murder. But she is even more shocked when he asks for her to represent him at trial… *** #SLOWBURN #STRONGFL #CRIME #MURDER #FLIRTY #ROMANCE If you want to know what to expect, check the reviews! ฅ^-ﻌ•^ฅ Burrito says to join here: https://discord.gg/qr7eUnxT2F

Kara Silver: 26, singer in a very famous 6-member band: The Krystals. She is from the planet, Volta in the universe of Xynph. Holder of the fury of the phoenix. She is always ready to sacrifice anything for her loved ones. Ryle Mason: 25, The Director of the most powerful organization that deals with alien criminals: The OENAC. He is known as a genius but with a heart of ice(literally). Everyone knows him as the cold guy who doesn't believe in romantic love and has never felt it. The two of them must work together, despite their opposite personalities to protect their respective loved ones from a mutual threat. Will the man with a stone-cold personality who never trusts anyone and has never felt the emotion of love, be able to learn to care for the girl with a heart of gold?

My enemy had seen me naked. He was holding the proof right before my eyes, and my stomach lurched sickeningly. "Seems like you had too much to drink last night," he remarked in that condescending tone he always used with me. I looked up at him as he stood watching me from the doorway with his attitude of superiority. In that moment of weakness, I actually tried to plead with him. "Please. I've never done anything to you." "Begging me on your knees. That's a good start." Dread turned my clammy skin cold. Mason Sumner hated my guts, and he would have no compassion for me. This was bad. This was really, really bad.