Joseph's POV
After dinner concluded, I guided Dorothy upstairs, anticipating our private celebration. Though I wished I could spend endless hours with my mate, duty called. When I returned from battle, I would compensate for lost time.
Dawn had not yet broken when I rose, my body tense with anticipation. Oliver paced restlessly within me, both man and wolf prepared for the confrontation ahead. I moved quietly through my morning routine, allowing my mate precious sleep. Soon enough, the hospital would demand her complete attention as wounded warriors arrived.
Steam still clung to the bathroom air when I emerged from my shower to find Dorothy sitting upright in our bed. The sheet pooled around her waist, leaving her torso beautifully exposed. On any ordinary morning, I would have abandoned all responsibilities to return to her embrace. Today, however, my thoughts remained locked on the approaching battle.
