Childhood Shadows and Scars

Ezekiel's earliest memories are of pain and pressure. Raised by a father obsessed with power and perfection, young Ezekiel is forced to train relentlessly, his every weakness punished and his emotions weaponized. The loss of his mother, his only source of love, leaves him alone with a parent who values strength above all else. Ezekiel's father teaches him to unleash his anger, to let the "monster" inside him rule, believing it will make him worthy of the Seraphim—Heaven's elite soldiers. But Ezekiel resists, clinging to the gentler lessons of his mother, even as he's battered physically and emotionally. This crucible of violence and expectation forges Ezekiel into a powerful, but deeply scarred, angel—one who fears his own temper as much as he fears failing those he loves.

Intrusive Thoughts, Lonely Nights

Sam's life is a constant battle with his mind. Diagnosed with OCD, GAD, panic disorder, and sensory processing disorder, his days are filled with intrusive thoughts and compulsions. He checks locks, avoids public transport, and struggles with the unpredictability of his own brain. Social connections are rare; friends and lovers have drifted away, unable to cope with his needs. Sam's humor and sarcasm are his shields, but beneath them lies a deep loneliness. His work as a virtual assistant and graphic designer is solitary, and his only real joy comes from online interactions—especially with a mysterious gaming partner named Zeke, who makes him feel seen and valued in a way he's never experienced before.

Digital Connection, Real Longing

What begins as a casual partnership in an online game quickly becomes the highlight of both Sam and Ezekiel's days. Their banter is effortless, their interests align, and their late-night chats grow increasingly personal. Both men are drawn to each other, but each is convinced that real life would ruin the magic. Ezekiel, an angel with a fated mate he's never met, believes he can never have Sam. Sam, convinced he's "too much" for anyone, is terrified of letting someone close. Yet, through screens and keyboards, they find a rare intimacy—one that makes the loneliness of their separate lives bearable, and the possibility of more both thrilling and terrifying.

Angelic Burdens, Human Hearts

Ezekiel's life as a Seraphim is filled with bureaucracy, politics, and the ever-present threat of war between Heaven and Hell. His unit is a found family, but even among them, he feels apart—haunted by his past and the knowledge that angels don't choose their mates. The rules of Heaven are clear: fate decides, and love is a luxury. Yet Ezekiel can't stop thinking about Sam, the human who makes him feel alive. As his feelings deepen, so does his guilt. He knows he should end things before anyone gets hurt, but the pull toward Sam is irresistible, and the boundaries between duty and desire begin to blur.

Online Friendship, Growing Need

Sam and Ezekiel's connection intensifies, moving from gaming chats to phone calls and confessions. They share vulnerabilities—Sam's mental health struggles, Ezekiel's gruffness and loneliness—and find comfort in each other's acceptance. The possibility of meeting in person looms, fraught with fear and hope. Both are terrified that reality will shatter the fragile happiness they've built. Yet, as their emotional intimacy grows, so does the sense that they are meant for each other, even as fate and fear conspire to keep them apart.

Secrets Behind the Screen

The line between fantasy and reality blurs as Sam and Ezekiel flirt, share fantasies, and even have phone sex. But secrets remain: Ezekiel hides his true nature as an angel, and Sam fears that his OCD will drive Ezekiel away if they ever meet. When Ezekiel's unit faces new threats and Sam's mental health wavers, both are forced to confront the possibility that their connection might not survive the leap from digital to physical. The risk of heartbreak is real, but so is the hope of something extraordinary.

When Worlds Collide

A break-in at Sam's home shatters the illusion of safety and forces Ezekiel to act. Using his angelic powers and the help of his unit, he rescues Sam, revealing his true nature in the process. The shock of meeting in person, combined with the trauma of the attack, pushes Sam to his limits. Yet, in the aftermath, the truth of their feelings becomes undeniable. Ezekiel realizes that Sam is his fated mate, and Sam, despite his fears, finds comfort in Ezekiel's unwavering presence. Their worlds have collided, and neither can go back to the way things were.

Compulsions and Confessions

Living together in the Seraphim compound, Sam is surrounded by supernatural beings who are both intimidating and unexpectedly supportive. Ezekiel's friends rally to make Sam comfortable, learning about his triggers and needs. Sam, in turn, opens up about his struggles, finding acceptance and understanding for the first time. Ezekiel shares the trauma of his upbringing, and together they begin to heal old wounds. Their relationship deepens, built on honesty, patience, and the willingness to fight for each other—even when their own minds or pasts threaten to sabotage their happiness.

The Truth in the Flesh

Physical intimacy brings new challenges and joys. Sam's OCD and sensory issues make sex both a source of anxiety and a path to grounding. Ezekiel's possessiveness and need for control are tempered by his devotion to Sam's comfort and consent. Their chemistry is explosive, but it's the emotional connection that makes their bond unbreakable. Together, they learn to navigate triggers, communicate needs, and find pleasure in each other's arms. For the first time, Sam feels truly wanted, and Ezekiel discovers that love can be both fierce and gentle.

Trauma, Temper, and Trust

Ezekiel's temper, long a source of shame and fear, is tested when the twins in his unit provoke him, leading to a violent outburst that terrifies Sam. The incident forces both men to confront the darker parts of themselves and their relationship. Sam, used to being abandoned for his "difficulties," fears he's too much for Ezekiel. Ezekiel, haunted by his father's lessons, worries he'll hurt the one person he loves most. Through honest conversation and mutual support, they begin to trust that love can survive even their worst moments.

Sanctuary Among Seraphim

As Sam settles into life with the Seraphim, he finds a sense of belonging he's never known. The unit, once intimidating, becomes a family—each member learning to accommodate Sam's needs and celebrate his strengths. Ezekiel's protectiveness is matched by the twins' mischievous loyalty, Rami's warmth, and Benji's understanding. Together, they create a sanctuary where Sam can be himself, and Ezekiel can finally let down his guard. But peace is fragile, and the threat of Heaven's interference looms ever closer.

Compelled and Compromised

A supernatural compulsion—an angelic power that can override human will—nearly kills Sam, whose neurodivergent brain reacts violently to the magic. The Seraphim scramble to save him, enlisting the help of demons and healers. The experience is traumatic for both Sam and Ezekiel, highlighting the dangers of their world and the unique vulnerabilities Sam faces. Yet, through pain and fear, their bond only grows stronger. They learn that love is not about perfection, but about showing up for each other, again and again.

The Monster Within Unleashed

A violent altercation in the compound—sparked by the twins' rivalry and Ezekiel's temper—results in Sam witnessing Ezekiel's death and resurrection. The trauma of seeing his lover killed, even temporarily, shakes Sam to his core. The twins are wracked with guilt, and Ezekiel is forced to confront the monster within him. Through laps around the grounds (a coping strategy Sam introduces), honest apologies, and the support of their found family, they begin to rebuild trust. Forgiveness is hard-won, but it cements the bonds between them all.

Laps, Love, and Letting Go

With the help of a supernatural therapist, Sam begins to tackle his OCD in new ways, supported by Ezekiel and the Seraphim. The unit adapts to his needs, and Sam learns to accept help without shame. Ezekiel, in turn, works to control his temper and let go of the lessons of his father. Together, they create new routines, rituals, and inside jokes—laps around the grounds become a symbol of their commitment to growth and healing. Their love, once fragile, becomes a source of strength for them both.

Mates, Marks, and Meaning

The threat of Heaven's intervention forces Sam and Ezekiel to confront the question of mating. Despite Sam's fears—of being too much, of not being enough—they choose each other, accepting the bond that will make Sam immortal and un-compellable. The process is both magical and deeply personal, a testament to their trust and devotion. For the first time, Sam feels truly safe, and Ezekiel knows he will never be alone again. Their bond is not the end of their struggles, but the beginning of a new chapter—one where they face the world together.

The Threat of Heaven

Gloria, a powerful and manipulative archangel, issues an ultimatum: mate or face destruction. Her true goal is to provoke Ezekiel into losing control, giving her an excuse to eliminate the Seraphim. With the help of their friends—angels, demons, and humans alike—Sam and Ezekiel outmaneuver her, exposing her lies and rallying support. The confrontation is tense, but their unity and love prove stronger than Gloria's schemes. The threat is not gone, but for now, they have won the right to live and love on their own terms.

Facing Gloria's Ultimatum

The final showdown with Gloria brings together allies from across the supernatural world. Sam, once terrified and isolated, stands at the center of a circle of protectors—no longer a liability, but a source of strength. Ezekiel, once ruled by anger and fear, finds peace in his love for Sam and the support of his family. Together, they face down Heaven's might, proving that love, honesty, and community are more powerful than fate or fear. The battle is not just for their own happiness, but for the right of all beings to choose love over duty.

Bonds Forged, Fears Faced

In the aftermath, Sam and Ezekiel build a life together—one filled with laughter, Lego, therapy, and the everyday challenges of love and mental health. The Seraphim become a true family, each member growing and healing in their own way. Sam, once convinced he was unlovable, finds joy in being wanted, needed, and cherished. Ezekiel, once haunted by his past, discovers that strength lies not in anger, but in vulnerability and connection. Their story is not one of perfection, but of devotion—of two flawed souls choosing each other, every day, for all of always.

Characters

Ezekiel

Ezekiel is a Seraphim, one of Heaven's most powerful angels, but his strength is matched by deep scars. Raised by an abusive father who valued power above love, Ezekiel struggles with his temper and a fear of becoming the monster he was taught to unleash. Outwardly gruff and intimidating, he is fiercely loyal to his found family and, beneath the surface, desperately craves acceptance and peace. His relationship with Sam brings out both his possessive, protective instincts and his capacity for gentleness and vulnerability. Through loving Sam, Ezekiel learns to trust, to heal, and to believe that he is worthy of happiness.

Sam

Sam is a man living with OCD, anxiety, and sensory processing disorder. His life is shaped by routines, compulsions, and the constant battle against intrusive thoughts. Despite his struggles, Sam is witty, compassionate, and determined to find joy where he can. Years of rejection have left him wary of intimacy, but his connection with Ezekiel awakens hope and longing. Sam's journey is one of self-acceptance—learning to ask for help, to trust others, and to believe that he is not "too much" to be loved. His courage in facing both supernatural and psychological threats makes him a quietly heroic figure.

Micah

Micah is the leader of the Seraphim, a role that demands strength, wisdom, and sacrifice. Haunted by loss and the weight of command, he is both a mentor and a martyr, often putting the needs of his unit above his own. His relationship with Nox, a demon, challenges the boundaries of Heaven and Hell, forcing him to choose love over duty. Micah's journey is one of learning to share burdens, to accept help, and to fight for his own happiness as fiercely as he fights for others.

Nox

Nox is a demon whose love for Micah defies the ancient enmity between their kinds. Witty, irreverent, and fiercely protective, Nox brings both chaos and comfort to the Seraphim. His willingness to stand against Heaven for the sake of love makes him a symbol of rebellion and hope. Nox's presence challenges the unit to question old prejudices and embrace new possibilities.

Rami

Rami is the heart of the Seraphim—a healer, a cook, and a source of quiet strength. His imposing size belies a tender, nurturing nature. Rami struggles with his own loneliness and longing for a mate, but never lets it diminish his care for others. His friendship with Ezekiel is especially deep, marked by mutual support and honesty.

Benji

Benji is the Seraphim's scholar, a master of law and lore. Autistic and proud, he brings a unique perspective to the unit, often seeing solutions others miss. His bluntness can be disarming, but his loyalty is unwavering. Benji's understanding of neurodivergence makes him a key ally for Sam, and his own longing for a mate is a quiet undercurrent in his story.

Theo and Nate

Theo and Nate are identical twins whose love for each other is matched only by their love of chaos. They bicker, prank, and fight—sometimes violently—but their bond is unbreakable. Their journey involves learning to balance their own needs with the needs of the group, and to make amends when their actions cause harm. Their eventual acceptance of Sam as family is a testament to their capacity for growth.

Noah

Noah is the newest member of the Seraphim, a gentle soul with a hidden strength. His own struggles with acceptance and love mirror Sam's, and his potential mate connection with the demon Jeremiah hints at future challenges and growth.

Breann and Grace

Breann and Grace are the only established mates in the Seraphim, their love a beacon for the rest of the unit. Their relationship is playful, passionate, and deeply supportive, offering hope that happiness is possible even in a world of war and loss.

Gloria

Gloria is a powerful, cunning member of Heaven's council, determined to maintain control at any cost. Her willingness to manipulate, threaten, and harm others in pursuit of her goals makes her a formidable enemy. Gloria's actions force the Seraphim to unite, to question authority, and to fight for the right to choose love over fate.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Alternating POV

The novel alternates between Sam and Ezekiel's perspectives, allowing readers to experience both the human and angelic sides of the story. This structure deepens the emotional resonance, highlighting the contrasts and connections between their experiences. It also allows for dramatic irony, as each man's fears and hopes are revealed to the reader before they are shared with each other.

Online-to-Offline Romance

The transition from online friendship to real-life love is a central device, mirroring the journey from fantasy to reality, safety to vulnerability. The anonymity of the internet allows both men to be more honest and open, but also creates barriers that must be overcome. The tension between the safety of screens and the risk of physical presence drives much of the emotional conflict.

Fated Mates and Supernatural Rules

The concept of fated mates is both a blessing and a curse—offering the promise of perfect love, but also the threat of heartbreak if fate's choice is not the one the heart desires. The rules of Heaven, the threat of compulsion, and the politics of the supernatural world create external pressures that force the characters to fight for their right to choose each other.

Mental Health as Both Obstacle and Strength

Sam's OCD is not just a quirk or a challenge—it is a living, breathing presence in the story, shaping his actions, relationships, and self-perception. The novel uses italicized intrusive thoughts to distinguish between Sam's rational and irrational fears, immersing the reader in his experience. His journey toward therapy, acceptance, and self-advocacy is as heroic as any battle with demons or angels.

Found Family and Chosen Community

The Seraphim unit is a found family, each member bringing their own wounds and strengths. Their willingness to adapt, to learn, and to fight for each other is a key source of hope and healing. The contrast between Ezekiel's abusive upbringing and the love he finds among the Seraphim underscores the power of chosen family.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The novel uses foreshadowing—Ezekiel's fear of his temper, Sam's fear of abandonment—to build tension and deepen character arcs. Their journeys mirror each other: both must confront the monsters within, learn to trust, and accept that they are worthy of love. The laps around the grounds become a symbol of their shared commitment to growth and healing.

Analysis

Devoted is a powerful exploration of love, trauma, and the messy, beautiful work of healing. By blending paranormal romance with an unflinching portrayal of mental illness, Lark Taylor crafts a story that is both fantastical and deeply real. The novel challenges the idea that love is easy or perfect, showing instead that true devotion is found in the willingness to show up, to adapt, and to fight for each other—again and again. Through Sam and Ezekiel's journey, readers are invited to reconsider what it means to be "too much," to find hope in vulnerability, and to believe that even the most broken among us are worthy of happiness. The book's ultimate message is that love is not about fixing or saving, but about accepting, supporting, and choosing each other—every day, for all of always.

Last updated: July 23, 2025