Page 138 of Devoted

Ferry shucked his jacket. He’d been topside for months now, but it was still strange seeing him without his trademark hooded cloak. “Okay, I think I know what’s happening.”

“Can you stop it?”

He nodded. “Yes, but it’ll be painful.”

I swallowed as the monster growled. “For how long?”

“A few minutes, maybe more.” Ferry eyed me closely. “Can you handle that, Ezekiel? Because if you interrupt me before I’m finished, I might not be able to save him.”

I nodded, even as my unit drifted closer to me. “Yes.”

Rami made room for Ferry and he came to stand on my left. Micah casually stepped up on my right, while Benji positioned himself directly in front of me. Noah stood at one of Ferry’s shoulders, while Nox took the other.

I understood what they were doing, and I was grateful for it. None of us knew if this would tip me over the edge, but if it did, I wanted them to stop me.

I didn’t want anything to endanger Sam’s life.

It was for that very reason I suspected their caution was unnecessary, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

Not where my mate was concerned.

Ferry spread his hands wide on either side of Sam’s face. “I’m sorry, friend.”

Fire licked from his hands.

And Sam began to scream.

Grips of iron locked around my wrists while Benji threw up a shield between us and my mate. Manacles of fire closed around my ankles, holding me in place as Nox threw his talents into the mix.

None of it was necessary. The monster howled at the sound of our mate’s pain, but it didn’t rise. I’d never felt more in control of it.

That was the only part of me that was in control. I trembled from head to toe as I listened to my mate continue to scream. I had to keep blinking away tears just so I could keep him fixed in my sights. Every crack in his voice, every broken sob, cleaved another hole in my soul.

It’ll be over soon.

Then he’ll be okay.

If he wasn’t, I’d need every Seraphim in here to put me down, because if they didn’t, I’d let the monster take control. I’d gladly hand over the reins and sit back while the carnage was unleashed.

There’d be no coming back after that.

“He’s going to be okay,” Micah whispered. “Hold on, Ez. We’ve all got you.”

Sam’s whole body convulsed as he gave a particularly ear-splitting scream. All eyes turned to me, but I didn’t look to see if they were filled with pity, fear, or concern.

I only had eyes for Sam.

He gave one final scream, and his body slumped back onto the table. He blinked once. Twice. Stared in confusion at Ferry.

Ferry removed his hands, smiling down at my mate. “Hello, Sam. It’s lovely to meet you.”

31

Sam

One minute, I’d been trying to tell Zeke that something didn’t feel right.

The next, I was opening my eyes to find the second most handsome man I’d ever seen smiling down at me.

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