Author: Raven Steele
Publisher: Raven Steele
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
"You set my heart and soul on fire." Someone has taken Briar's most valuable belonging: the Abydos, ancient blood that in the wrong hands can destroy the world. Briar and Angel race to get it back but a dangerous creature leads them on a hunt that nearly gets them killed. Through it all, Angel tries desperately to get Briar to feel what he's always known to be true: they are soul mates. But Briar's heart is too battered and bruised to feel the truth. If Briar can't reconcile her feelings for Angel, she won't just lose the Abydos but something far more valuable: true love. In this full-length, urban fantasy series, Steele and Mason introduce readers to a dark and exciting world full of shifters, vampires, and witches. If you like Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Shayne Silvers or K.F. Breene, you will LOVE this new series! Scroll up and grab this gritty urban fantasy TODAY! *** Keywords: shifter novel, shifter series, shifter novel, shifter series, enemies-to-lovers, shifter romance, shifter romance, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, vampire novel, vampire novel, vampire series, witch novel, witch series, magic, paranormal romance, true love, friends to lovers novels, fated mates, fated mates, HEA
A Shifter's Heart
Heart's Flame
Author: Ann Gimpel
Publisher: Ann Gimpel Books, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 143
Book Description
Tumble into a world where magic won, but the price was high enough to annihilate almost everything—including love. Life in a shifter bordello is all Keira has ever known. None of the magicians’ guilds wanted her because of her mixed blood, and they didn’t protest when the shifters bound her as an indentured hooker. Mired in hopelessness, she longs for more. Barrett’s a full-blood magic wielder who operates a magician supply shop in what’s left of Seattle. No one is more surprised than him when the Sidhe leader commands him to extricate Keira from the shifters. She loves to while away time in his shop, but she always skitters away whenever he even thinks about approaching her. Too bad because she’s twenty shades of gorgeous. Magic and intrigue throw Keira and Barrett together. but she has other priorities—like learning to control brand new magic she had no idea she possessed. Besides, once he spirits her away from the shifters, his job is done. Far better to keep his distance and allow her to seize the destiny she was born for. Now if only he could believe that…
Publisher: Ann Gimpel Books, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 143
Book Description
Tumble into a world where magic won, but the price was high enough to annihilate almost everything—including love. Life in a shifter bordello is all Keira has ever known. None of the magicians’ guilds wanted her because of her mixed blood, and they didn’t protest when the shifters bound her as an indentured hooker. Mired in hopelessness, she longs for more. Barrett’s a full-blood magic wielder who operates a magician supply shop in what’s left of Seattle. No one is more surprised than him when the Sidhe leader commands him to extricate Keira from the shifters. She loves to while away time in his shop, but she always skitters away whenever he even thinks about approaching her. Too bad because she’s twenty shades of gorgeous. Magic and intrigue throw Keira and Barrett together. but she has other priorities—like learning to control brand new magic she had no idea she possessed. Besides, once he spirits her away from the shifters, his job is done. Far better to keep his distance and allow her to seize the destiny she was born for. Now if only he could believe that…
The Herald's Heart (Shifter Tales 6)
Author: Anya Byrne
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand
ISBN: 1646378016
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 109
Book Description
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Romance, Alternative, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, MM, HEA] For countless years, the herald of the gods guided others to happiness. When his magic runs out, his existence seems to vanish. But the herald’s friends refuse to abandon him, and through their efforts, a magical beanstalk appears in Nexus. It is their only way to their guardian, but no one can touch it. No one—except for one man. Once trapped in the curse of Nexus’s prince, Lyre survived with his mind intact solely because of a beautiful, silver-eyed stranger. The beanstalk’s appearance brings back forgotten memories, and through them, the song of a lost love. It brings him back to the herald. Unbeknownst to Lyre, his mysterious savior is actually Prince Aeron, the son of Hades and Persephone. Once the herald, he is now the captive of his own ancestry. To reclaim his soulmate, Lyre has to face the underworld itself. In a battle against Lyre’s own demons and Aeron’s secrets, can the music of their bond prevail?
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand
ISBN: 1646378016
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 109
Book Description
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Romance, Alternative, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, MM, HEA] For countless years, the herald of the gods guided others to happiness. When his magic runs out, his existence seems to vanish. But the herald’s friends refuse to abandon him, and through their efforts, a magical beanstalk appears in Nexus. It is their only way to their guardian, but no one can touch it. No one—except for one man. Once trapped in the curse of Nexus’s prince, Lyre survived with his mind intact solely because of a beautiful, silver-eyed stranger. The beanstalk’s appearance brings back forgotten memories, and through them, the song of a lost love. It brings him back to the herald. Unbeknownst to Lyre, his mysterious savior is actually Prince Aeron, the son of Hades and Persephone. Once the herald, he is now the captive of his own ancestry. To reclaim his soulmate, Lyre has to face the underworld itself. In a battle against Lyre’s own demons and Aeron’s secrets, can the music of their bond prevail?
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts, The Complete Series
Author: A. C. Arthur
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250108160
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts-a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females-human or otherwise-from the savage fury of his own nature... Mine to Claim Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There's just one problem-she can't get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life-and for her enigmatic protector-are making that impossible... Part of Me Lidia Morales has always felt out of place. The one stable presence in her childhood has always been Brayden. Every major moment, every growing pain, everything in her life has been shared with him since they were little, so it makes sense to her that they will stay friends at college together. Until one night, emotions are revealed in a heated kiss, and Lidia's world is turned upside down. Brayden has always been just a friend and she knows she should look somewhere else for love. But the memory of the passion between them is undeniable-and Brayden isn't about to let her forget it. As trouble brews, Lidia may need Brayden more than she realized and Brayden will do whatever it takes to convince her that they are soulmates...bonded for life. Hunger for You Taken in by a shifter family after his parents' tragic deaths, Caleb Ramsey was thrust into a world of training and loyalty, when his half-breed status should have sentenced him to death. Desperate to escape a family that he can never truly belong to, Caleb leaves at nineteen to find his place outside the Shifter warrior world. The beautiful girl in the bar was not a part of his plan. Neither was finding out more about the boyfriend she claims to have. He should have walked away, should have continued on his own path. But when Caleb realizes the danger Zoe is in, all of his warrior urges come roaring to life...
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250108160
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts-a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females-human or otherwise-from the savage fury of his own nature... Mine to Claim Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There's just one problem-she can't get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life-and for her enigmatic protector-are making that impossible... Part of Me Lidia Morales has always felt out of place. The one stable presence in her childhood has always been Brayden. Every major moment, every growing pain, everything in her life has been shared with him since they were little, so it makes sense to her that they will stay friends at college together. Until one night, emotions are revealed in a heated kiss, and Lidia's world is turned upside down. Brayden has always been just a friend and she knows she should look somewhere else for love. But the memory of the passion between them is undeniable-and Brayden isn't about to let her forget it. As trouble brews, Lidia may need Brayden more than she realized and Brayden will do whatever it takes to convince her that they are soulmates...bonded for life. Hunger for You Taken in by a shifter family after his parents' tragic deaths, Caleb Ramsey was thrust into a world of training and loyalty, when his half-breed status should have sentenced him to death. Desperate to escape a family that he can never truly belong to, Caleb leaves at nineteen to find his place outside the Shifter warrior world. The beautiful girl in the bar was not a part of his plan. Neither was finding out more about the boyfriend she claims to have. He should have walked away, should have continued on his own path. But when Caleb realizes the danger Zoe is in, all of his warrior urges come roaring to life...
Fated Hearts
Author: Skye Malone
Publisher: Wildflower Isle
ISBN: 1940617847
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 347
Book Description
The end of the world became their second chance. Before the world fell, wolf shifter Luna lost the boy she loved. Ever since, she's never once been tempted to risk her heart. Until Knox walked into her life. A bear shifter with a dark past, Knox has sworn to never tell Luna who he is. The boy she lost is gone. In his place stands a man who must hide the monster he became to survive. When a conspiracy targets Luna, Knox will do anything to protect her. But with the world crumbling around them and tension rising between the bears and the wolves, can he save the woman he loves without exposing her to the darkness he holds inside? Steamy post-apocalyptic paranormal romance with shifters, fated mates, and Norse mythology. Intended for readers 18+ The Shifters of Ragnarok Series #1 - Fated Sight #2 - Fated Curse #3 - Fated Hearts #4 - Fated Fall (forthcoming) #5 - Fated Storm (forthcoming) Perfect for fans of Celia Kyle, Christine Pope, Eve Langlais, Demelza Carlton, Skye MacKinnon, Brenda K. Davies, Alisa Woods, Rachel Medhurst, Steffanie Holmes, Becca Fanning, Ann Gimpel, Nikki Jefford, Melissa Snark, Susan Harris, J. C. Diem, Michelle Fox, Kristen Middleton, Laura Greenwood, Shéa R. MacLeod, Krystell Lake, Krystal Shannan, Tamara Rose Blodgett, Felicity Heaton, C. Gockel, Bec McMaster, A.M. Geever, Chrissy Peebles, Shelly Laurenston, AJ Tipton, Mary E. Twomey, Tina Glasneck, Nora Ash, L. A. McGinnis, Stephanie Mirro, V. Vaughn, Quinn Loftis, Terry Spear, Rebecca Hefner, SM Reine, Ellen Connor Related subjects: wolf shifter romance, bear shifter romance, werebear, werewolf, werewolves, mythology romance, Norse gods and mythology, Norse romance, spicy paranormal romance, fated mates, second chance romance, second chance paranormal romance, adult paranormal romance, paranormal romance with sex, steamy paranormal romance, pnr, shapeshifter, paranormal romance books for adults, new adult romance, clan, pack, series, hot romance, fantasy, fantasy romance, steamy romance, hot shifter romance, shifter romance series, shifter conflicts, urban fantasy, alpha male, romantic suspense, action adventure, Loki, Thor, Odin, Ragnarok, urban fantasy, dystopian, apocalypse, end of the world, zombie books, zombie apocalypse books, zombie apocalypse, walking dead, dark fantasy, humor, zombie series, supernatural, adventure books, zombie apocalypse series, post-apocalyptic fiction, post-apocalyptic series, forced proximity, true mates, protective hero romance
Publisher: Wildflower Isle
ISBN: 1940617847
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 347
Book Description
The end of the world became their second chance. Before the world fell, wolf shifter Luna lost the boy she loved. Ever since, she's never once been tempted to risk her heart. Until Knox walked into her life. A bear shifter with a dark past, Knox has sworn to never tell Luna who he is. The boy she lost is gone. In his place stands a man who must hide the monster he became to survive. When a conspiracy targets Luna, Knox will do anything to protect her. But with the world crumbling around them and tension rising between the bears and the wolves, can he save the woman he loves without exposing her to the darkness he holds inside? Steamy post-apocalyptic paranormal romance with shifters, fated mates, and Norse mythology. Intended for readers 18+ The Shifters of Ragnarok Series #1 - Fated Sight #2 - Fated Curse #3 - Fated Hearts #4 - Fated Fall (forthcoming) #5 - Fated Storm (forthcoming) Perfect for fans of Celia Kyle, Christine Pope, Eve Langlais, Demelza Carlton, Skye MacKinnon, Brenda K. Davies, Alisa Woods, Rachel Medhurst, Steffanie Holmes, Becca Fanning, Ann Gimpel, Nikki Jefford, Melissa Snark, Susan Harris, J. C. Diem, Michelle Fox, Kristen Middleton, Laura Greenwood, Shéa R. MacLeod, Krystell Lake, Krystal Shannan, Tamara Rose Blodgett, Felicity Heaton, C. Gockel, Bec McMaster, A.M. Geever, Chrissy Peebles, Shelly Laurenston, AJ Tipton, Mary E. Twomey, Tina Glasneck, Nora Ash, L. A. McGinnis, Stephanie Mirro, V. Vaughn, Quinn Loftis, Terry Spear, Rebecca Hefner, SM Reine, Ellen Connor Related subjects: wolf shifter romance, bear shifter romance, werebear, werewolf, werewolves, mythology romance, Norse gods and mythology, Norse romance, spicy paranormal romance, fated mates, second chance romance, second chance paranormal romance, adult paranormal romance, paranormal romance with sex, steamy paranormal romance, pnr, shapeshifter, paranormal romance books for adults, new adult romance, clan, pack, series, hot romance, fantasy, fantasy romance, steamy romance, hot shifter romance, shifter romance series, shifter conflicts, urban fantasy, alpha male, romantic suspense, action adventure, Loki, Thor, Odin, Ragnarok, urban fantasy, dystopian, apocalypse, end of the world, zombie books, zombie apocalypse books, zombie apocalypse, walking dead, dark fantasy, humor, zombie series, supernatural, adventure books, zombie apocalypse series, post-apocalyptic fiction, post-apocalyptic series, forced proximity, true mates, protective hero romance
The Heart Stealers Collection, Volume 1
Author: Jane Perky
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand
ISBN: 1646376056
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 171
Book Description
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Romance, Alternative, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Shape-shifter, MM, HEA] Stealing His Heart Away- Ever since his parents and brother died in front of their family home, Ryan Lowe chose to live a reclusive lifestyle. Scared of the unsafe outside world, Ryan has never left his home, but he’s about to find out that even in his self-made prison, there is danger. When a dangerous werewolf ends up his backyard, Ryan isn’t sure what to make of the gorgeous shifter. Axel Navarro is an Alpha werewolf who’s tasked with stealing a rare painting. There’s just one problem: his target is a reclusive human who has the most tantalizing scent. Axel doesn’t believe there’s a mate for him out there, not after what’s he’d done and witnessed as a former soldier. The tempting human is nothing like he expected. Both men have issues and Axel finds himself tasked with a new mission—help Ryan spread his wings and in the process, win his heart. Giving His Heart Away- Charlie Hawkes comes home one day to realize his shifter boyfriend has emptied out his bank account and stolen from his close friends. Dejected, depressed, but refusing to give up and return to his hometown after working hard to make it the city, Charlie decides to give his life a full 360-degree turn. The last thing Charlie expects is to become insanely attracted to a gorgeous dominant werewolf. But his ex boyfriend shattered his ability to love. Can Charlie learn to open his heart to another again? Ex-military paranormal special ops werewolf Zane Denver only intends to buy his friend a birthday present. Instead, he finds his mate in Charlie. Despite discovering the human has been hurt before by another shifter, Zane refuses to give up. Zane has never wanted anyone more in his life. The hunt is on and when a werewolf sights his mate, Zane will not stop until Charlie is his forever.
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand
ISBN: 1646376056
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 171
Book Description
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Romance, Alternative, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Shape-shifter, MM, HEA] Stealing His Heart Away- Ever since his parents and brother died in front of their family home, Ryan Lowe chose to live a reclusive lifestyle. Scared of the unsafe outside world, Ryan has never left his home, but he’s about to find out that even in his self-made prison, there is danger. When a dangerous werewolf ends up his backyard, Ryan isn’t sure what to make of the gorgeous shifter. Axel Navarro is an Alpha werewolf who’s tasked with stealing a rare painting. There’s just one problem: his target is a reclusive human who has the most tantalizing scent. Axel doesn’t believe there’s a mate for him out there, not after what’s he’d done and witnessed as a former soldier. The tempting human is nothing like he expected. Both men have issues and Axel finds himself tasked with a new mission—help Ryan spread his wings and in the process, win his heart. Giving His Heart Away- Charlie Hawkes comes home one day to realize his shifter boyfriend has emptied out his bank account and stolen from his close friends. Dejected, depressed, but refusing to give up and return to his hometown after working hard to make it the city, Charlie decides to give his life a full 360-degree turn. The last thing Charlie expects is to become insanely attracted to a gorgeous dominant werewolf. But his ex boyfriend shattered his ability to love. Can Charlie learn to open his heart to another again? Ex-military paranormal special ops werewolf Zane Denver only intends to buy his friend a birthday present. Instead, he finds his mate in Charlie. Despite discovering the human has been hurt before by another shifter, Zane refuses to give up. Zane has never wanted anyone more in his life. The hunt is on and when a werewolf sights his mate, Zane will not stop until Charlie is his forever.
Heart of Atlantis
Author: Alyssa Day
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101560029
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world—and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great. The desires of a high priest. Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he’s willing to put Quinn’s wishes first, regardless of the consequences. The warning of a threat reborn. The final jewel of Poseidon’s trident has turned up in the hands of mysterious Ptolemy Reborn, who claims to be descended from Atlantean royalty. He’s about to reveal to the world that Atlantis is real, positioning himself as king. But this magical terrorist is bent on chaos. The only warrior who can stop him is following his own path, driven by the even more powerful force of love. Atlantean powers over the sea could prove just as cataclysmic—for Quinn’s love, Alaric might drown the entire world.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101560029
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world—and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great. The desires of a high priest. Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he’s willing to put Quinn’s wishes first, regardless of the consequences. The warning of a threat reborn. The final jewel of Poseidon’s trident has turned up in the hands of mysterious Ptolemy Reborn, who claims to be descended from Atlantean royalty. He’s about to reveal to the world that Atlantis is real, positioning himself as king. But this magical terrorist is bent on chaos. The only warrior who can stop him is following his own path, driven by the even more powerful force of love. Atlantean powers over the sea could prove just as cataclysmic—for Quinn’s love, Alaric might drown the entire world.
Heart's Protector
Author: Erzabet Bishop
Publisher: Naughty Nights Press LLC
ISBN: 1773570943
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Two hot gargoyles are determined to protect her. Can she find the strength inside to love them both? Medina Argos is a woman on the run from her present and her past. One of three sisters in an international art theft ring, she flees when a routine art heist goes too far. But this curvy girl is about to learn that some hearts beat to a different drum and the road to love is sometimes the less traveled one, even for a woman with secrets. Thomas Sauveterre is a renowned art restoration specialist. Nothing is more important to him than his daughter, Gabrielle. When he takes on the largest project of his career, he also gains a security officer in the bargain. But love can be hiding in the most surprising places if he can only open his heart to find it. Grayson Maberry is a man on the brink. Charged with protecting property and guarding the family he’s currently assigned, he is torn by duty and a love that may never be. But a true guardian will wait forever and this gargoyle may have just met his match. Twice.
Publisher: Naughty Nights Press LLC
ISBN: 1773570943
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Two hot gargoyles are determined to protect her. Can she find the strength inside to love them both? Medina Argos is a woman on the run from her present and her past. One of three sisters in an international art theft ring, she flees when a routine art heist goes too far. But this curvy girl is about to learn that some hearts beat to a different drum and the road to love is sometimes the less traveled one, even for a woman with secrets. Thomas Sauveterre is a renowned art restoration specialist. Nothing is more important to him than his daughter, Gabrielle. When he takes on the largest project of his career, he also gains a security officer in the bargain. But love can be hiding in the most surprising places if he can only open his heart to find it. Grayson Maberry is a man on the brink. Charged with protecting property and guarding the family he’s currently assigned, he is torn by duty and a love that may never be. But a true guardian will wait forever and this gargoyle may have just met his match. Twice.
The Shifter
Author: Kelechi Sandra V Alagwu
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
ISBN: 1480957968
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 110
Book Description
The Shifter By: Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu’s The Shifter is filled with suspense, fun, adventure, and love. Two people fall in love with each other, but one does not know that she has the ability to shape shift! The story allows readers to let their imagination take them on this fantastic journey into an African folklore.
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
ISBN: 1480957968
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 110
Book Description
The Shifter By: Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu’s The Shifter is filled with suspense, fun, adventure, and love. Two people fall in love with each other, but one does not know that she has the ability to shape shift! The story allows readers to let their imagination take them on this fantastic journey into an African folklore.
Purpose Denier
Author: J.C. Diem
Publisher: Seize The Night Publishing Agency
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
Harmoni and her team are faced with a different kind of mission when they return to Augury from their latest job. One of the wolves who guards Omen’s property is in trouble. Rescuing the shifter will have repercussions that none of them could have expected. It will change the dynamic of the group entirely. Thanks to her unexpected influx of power, Harm will have to relearn how to use all of her talents again. They’ll need every edge they can get during their war against Aion Corp and the Octet who run the company. Their enemies are now aware that Harmoni is far more powerful than they’d realized. They’re even more determined to bring her and Ares beneath their control. Omen has to choose someone to search for the syrictae now that they have an idea of where he’s lurking. Ares is his hated rival, so the last thing he wants to do is aid him. Harmoni will take her team and leave if he does nothing, so he has no choice but to ask for help from someone he’d rather avoid at all costs.
Publisher: Seize The Night Publishing Agency
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
Harmoni and her team are faced with a different kind of mission when they return to Augury from their latest job. One of the wolves who guards Omen’s property is in trouble. Rescuing the shifter will have repercussions that none of them could have expected. It will change the dynamic of the group entirely. Thanks to her unexpected influx of power, Harm will have to relearn how to use all of her talents again. They’ll need every edge they can get during their war against Aion Corp and the Octet who run the company. Their enemies are now aware that Harmoni is far more powerful than they’d realized. They’re even more determined to bring her and Ares beneath their control. Omen has to choose someone to search for the syrictae now that they have an idea of where he’s lurking. Ares is his hated rival, so the last thing he wants to do is aid him. Harmoni will take her team and leave if he does nothing, so he has no choice but to ask for help from someone he’d rather avoid at all costs.