Chapter 217 Prepare to Engage

Mason braced himself against the wooden door, standing ramrod straight. He listened as Annie's footsteps faded away, then disappeared. In the dark, his lips formed a faint, relieved smile. It was done. Annie's safety mattered more than anything. His life was worth it. Heavy, chaotic footsteps rushed closer. A moment later, several harsh flashlight beams cut through the darkness and pinned him in place. At the front stood Dingo, one hand clamped over the back of his head, blood smeared across his face. His eyes were vicious, locked on Mason as if he wanted to tear him apart. "Just you?" Dingo's voice was hoarse, thick with the metallic bite of blood. Mason didn't answer. He only stared back, his body taut, ready to fight to the last breath. A few of Dingo's men surged forward. Mason moved fast, dropping the first two men who came at him, but there were too many. In the scramble, the flat of a machete slammed into his knee. He grunted and dropped to one knee. Seconds later,