Chapter 26 : Protecting Gabe

*Estelle*

I woke with Gabe's arms around me. It was rapidly becoming my favorite way to wake up. I nuzzled close to his chest and smiled.

Val and I had nearly made it through all of the family registries and still had no luck finding any reference to a red wolf. It was disheartening. I was starting to feel like I was wasting everyone's time. Val had remained optimistic, but I was pretty sure he was just being nice. I owed Lucky a fruit arrangement or something. She'd lost so much time with Val because of me.

When I'd finally gone to bed last night I could hear Gabe's meeting still going in full swing. I had tried to stay awake and wait for him, but I must have fallen asleep.

Gabe's arms tightened around me and he shifted slightly. "It's early," he said without opening his eyes. I wondered what time he'd finally been able to come to bed.

"Sorry," I whispered. "I wasn't trying to wake you. How was the meeting?"

"Frustrating," he grumbled. "It's impossible to get anywher