She bore the marks of brutal violence—her face lacerated, blood trickling from her lips, purple bruises blooming beneath her eyes where Andrew's fists had landed. Her whimpers of agony tore through me as I reached for her, cradling her battered face in my hands. "I'm here now," I whispered fiercely. "You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you again." I draped my coat around her trembling form, ready to lift her into my arms when Max's voice cut through the moment. "Remember what Ella warned you," he said, gripping my shoulder. I ignored him. "Get the car ready." "You're saving her life today, but this girl will destroy you," Max pressed, echoing Ella's prophecy. I met his eyes without hesitation. "I don't know what fate holds, but I can't abandon her like this." "Listen—" "If she's my ruin, then I welcome it." I lifted her into my arms. She nestled against my chest, her body seeking refuge in mine. Then my wolf, Dominic, roared through my mind: "Mate." My blood ran cold. Richard's wife—the woman I'd killed for—was my destined mate. The very person whose husband lay dead by my hand.