I didn’t shift into my wolf form, wanting to protect Ember from the world and its dangers. The shadows of the dense forest matched my chaotic thoughts, and my stomach growled, echoing the weakness settling in both of us. I pushed forward, adrenaline driving me until I finally collapsed against a sturdy tree, gasping for air. Fear, confusion, and anger surged within me as I grappled with the reality of being the Devil’s mate—a cruel twist of fate that felt like a betrayal. He would use Ember’s abilities for his own sinister purposes, exploiting our connection. I couldn’t let that happen. Memories flashed through my mind, like the night she flipped the car during Ryan’s attack—a glimpse of her strength and vulnerability. Evan was the only one who knew about our bond, and I trusted him co