Joseph's POV
I didn't want to leave Dorothy's side, but I knew the pack needed to see me. Lincoln and Miguel weren't the only ones who would challenge my leadership if I appeared weak. What caught me off guard was how curious everyone seemed about my mate instead of questioning my strength.
The dining hall buzzed with quiet conversations as I took my seat at the central table. I made sure to eat slowly, letting them see I was functioning normally despite the pain radiating through my leg.
"Alpha, is she really your fated mate?" someone asked from across the room.
"Yes. The Moon Goddess blessed me with her," I replied, keeping my voice steady and confident.
"How did you two meet?" another warrior called out.
A smile tugged at my lips. "She rescued me. I was trapped by that bear snare when Karl found me. Dorothy heard us struggling in the woods. Maybe her wolf Ivy caught our scent, I'm not sure. But she came and freed me from that trap."
"She's really a doctor?"
