Chapter 21 : Red

*Estelle*

The next morning I lay on my side, listening to the water pour out of the shower in the adjoining bathroom. I looked through the window down at the packmates beginning their daily routine when I saw Charles pass by.

The water stopped running, and soon after, Gabe opened the door to begin getting dressed. Once again, he had to get an early start. I had no doubt that it was at least partly due to dealing with Charles's outburst from last night. I couldn't work out exactly why those two were a constant presence around Gabe. They seemed to feel entitled to his time and attention.

"Why do you put up with Charles and Isolde?" I asked.

At first, I thought that he wasn't going to answer me. I would have accepted that. It was a nosey question for me to ask.

Gabe buttoned his shirt and sighed.

"I owe them a debt," he said. He sat behind me and pulled me into his arms. I relaxed against his chest and held onto his hands. "My father was an Alpha too," he said softly. "O