Joseph's POV
I motion for Karl to position two wolves on either side of my mate. They need to keep her safe while ensuring she follows my commands. The protective instinct burning in my chest demands nothing less.
Karl's voice cuts through the mind link. 'Alpha?'
'She's my mate.'
'Holy hell.'
'My thoughts exactly.'
'Does she know? She's not acting like she recognizes the bond.'
'Hard to say. She's a lone wolf studying both human and veterinary medicine.'
Karl glances back at her, his expression shifting. 'Damn. Beauty and brains.'
'So it seems.'
'What's her verdict on your leg?'
'Surgery. Definitely surgery.'
'Well, I could have diagnosed that much.'
'We'll see what she says once we reach pack territory. And Karl? Find her a shirt. I won't have her walking around half-naked in front of my warriors.'
He takes off toward our lands, returning quickly with fabric clenched between his wolf's teeth. I study her reaction as she looks up at me.
"We're approaching my pack boundaries. You're an unmarked, unknown young female. I thought you might want this shirt for coverage," I explain.
If she refuses, I'll make it an order. But I'm hoping she'll choose modesty without my interference.
Relief flashes across her face as she accepts the garment. Perfect. She's not the type to parade her stunning body for every male to ogle. Good thing, because I'd have to tear out some eyes otherwise.
Back at pack headquarters, they rush me straight to the hospital. I pepper Karl with questions about warrior injuries and Demetrius's pack situation while Dr. Anker hurries over.
"Alpha, we need you in a room immediately for x-rays of that leg," he announces.
"Agreed," I reply. "The girl comes with me."
"The girl has a name," she mutters under her breath.
I stop dead and turn toward her. Her eyes widen in obvious panic. She clearly hasn't spent much time around Alphas recently, if ever. The way she keeps mumbling like I can't hear every word is almost endearing.
"If you share your name, I'll gladly use it," I tell her.
"Dorothy."
"Dorothy. I'm Alpha Joseph. Stay close," I command, turning back as warriors help me toward the x-ray room.
"Who is this person? She needs to leave immediately!" Dr. Anker snaps at her as we enter.
"She stays with me," I state firmly, ignoring his outdated attitude about women in medical settings.
Dorothy instinctively moves closer to my side, which satisfies something primal in my chest.
I settle onto the examination table while Dr. Anker prepares the x-ray equipment. The hospital lighting gives me my first clear view of Dorothy's face. She's absolutely beautiful. Even without the mate bond, she'd catch any male's attention. The appreciative glances from my warriors confirm that assessment. Thank God she accepted that shirt.
While watching her, I notice her frown deepen, her head tilting as she observes Dr. Anker' work. I crook my finger, beckoning her closer as the doctor steps out.
"What's bothering you?" I ask, realizing my mate's eyes are a striking grey-green, like sage. My own green eyes are lighter, less mysterious than hers.
"What do you mean?"
I raise an eyebrow. The pain radiating from my leg is shortening my patience considerably. Oliver can't begin healing until the bones are properly aligned, leaving me to endure every spike of agony.
She glances behind us, checking for the doctor, then leans in close. Her scent floods my senses, making my wolf practically purr with satisfaction.
"Why only overhead shots? He should be taking side angles too," she whispers just as Dr. Anker returns.
He glares at her but clips the x-ray to the lightbox.
"Well, Alpha, this leg is beyond repair. We'll need to amputate," he declares with shocking casualness, as if he hadn't just announced the end of my world.
My stomach drops. My heart hammers against my ribs. Beside me, Dorothy gasps audibly.
"Dr. Dorothy, what's your professional opinion?" I ask.
If she can offer any alternative to save this leg, I'll take it. Pain, recovery time, complications - none of that matters compared to losing everything that defines me. Twelve years as Alpha, countless more training for the role. Without my pack, without my position, I'm nothing.
She looks between me and Dr. Anker, who's glowering at her with obvious disdain.
"Doctor?" he sneers. His old-fashioned mentality that women belong in nursing roles, not medical leadership, is exactly why my nurses constantly threaten to quit.
"Still studying, but I'd recommend side-angle x-rays before making amputation decisions," she responds with surprising confidence. She might be uncomfortable around me and uncertain in pack territory, but here in this medical setting, her expertise shines through.
"You heard her, Dr. Anker. Side x-rays. Now," I order, catching Dorothy's grateful glance for supporting her position. Honestly, I'm the one who should be grateful she's fighting for alternatives.
"Young lady, what exactly are your credentials?" he demands.
"Her credentials aren't the issue here, doctor. I gave you a direct order. Side x-rays immediately!" I roar.
Dorothy flinches at my volume, but this arrogant bastard thinks he can dismiss saving my leg without a fight?
Dr. Anker continues shooting hostile looks at Dorothy throughout the additional x-rays. When he returns with the images, he arranges them on the lightbox and turns to her with a contemptuous expression that makes me want to rearrange his face.
"Well now, doctor? What's your expert assessment?" he asks, practically spitting the title like an insult.
Dorothy approaches the lightbox, studying each image carefully. "May I see the original?"
He huffs irritably but hands it over. She positions it alongside the others, stepping back to examine all angles while tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Dorothy?" I prompt, unable to suppress the hope building in my chest.
"We can save the leg," she announces, turning to face me with quiet certainty.
Relief floods through me so powerfully I nearly slide off the table.
"Absolutely ridiculous!" Dr. Anker explodes. "That leg is completely shattered!"
"Yes, it is. The reconstruction will require extensive time and patience. But Alpha Joseph has time, and I have patience," she replies, meeting my gaze steadily.
"Do it," I tell her without hesitation, placing my entire future in this woman's capable hands.