"Shh... go back to sleep," she whispered.
She refreshed the towel and carefully folded it before placing it across Takoda's forehead, hoping the warmth would ease what remained of the fever. Satisfied that the little girl had relaxed once more, Dakota remained seated quietly beside her, simply watching her sleep.
She never noticed the familiar footsteps approaching until strong arms suddenly slipped beneath her knees and around her back.
"Kade..."
He lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
Kade had awakened the very moment he realized the space beside him was empty. Through the Blood Oath, it hadn't taken him long to discover exactly where she had gone.
"Takoda is fine," he said quietly as he carried her from the room.
Dakota rested her head against his shoulder and sighed softly. "I just... felt anxious. I don't even know why."
She felt strangely guilty for leaving him alone after he had finally managed to fall asleep.
