Kade could feel the weight of those thoughts through the blood oath, but he didn't force her to speak about them. He simply drew her closer and allowed her to remain against him while Elias and the nurses continued working quietly around them.
Eventually, Dakota's breathing became slower, although her body still trembled faintly beneath the covers. Kade kept one arm around her and rested his other hand against her back, gently stroking it in slow movements while she fought to remain composed.
Outside the bedroom, the Estate continued functioning despite what had happened in the courtyard. Guards were repositioning themselves, and medical personnel were moving through the corridors, settling Cooper.
Kade knew that Dakota wasn't ready to face everything yet. Her body needed time to recover, and her mind needed time to absorb the loss she had just suffered. But once she was strong enough to stand again, there would be questions that neither of them could avoid.
