Jade
Six Years Later"Be good at school today," I said, planting kisses on my triplets' cheeks as they headed out the door. Natasha, Nathan, and Natalia - my entire world bundled up in those three little troublemakers. They were the spitting image of their father, Brad, with his golden hair and emerald eyes. But I had long since moved past him and loved my children unconditionally.After bidding them farewell, I grabbed my things and headed out. Another day at the clinic awaited me. Over the past six years I had built myself up from nothing, becoming a successful wolf doctor with clients from packs all over.I slid into the backseat of the sleek town car as my driver, Mark, held the door open."Good morning Dr. Jade," he greeted me cheerfully. "Ready for another day of saving furry lives?"I chuckled. "As ready as I'll ever be."As we drove, I gave my friend Helene a quick call. "Hey girl, can you pick up the triplets after school today? I have a packed schedule and don't know when I'll get out of the clinic.""No problem!" came Helene's bubbly voice through the phone. "I'll take them out for ice cream.""You're the best. Thanks, Helene." I smiled as I hung up. Helene was a godsend, my closest friend and the triplet's godmother. She was human, but knew all about the supernatural world and helped me get back on my feet after...well, after everything. I honestly didn't know what I would do without her.Soon we pulled up at the clinic, the stylish building marked with a paw print logo. I greeted the staff warmly as I entered. "Morning everyone! Let's make today a great one."My first patient was a gruff, battle-scarred alpha from the Redwood Pack, seeking treatment for an injured leg. I examined the gnarly gashes expertly."A tangle with a territorial rogue, I presume?" I asked knowingly as I cleaned the wounds."You got it, doc," he grunted. "Bastard came out of nowhere. But I gave worse than I got, don't you worry."I chuckled. "I don't doubt it." I finished bandaging him up. "There, you'll be as good as new in no time. Take it easy on that leg for a few days.""Appreciate it." He stood, testing his weight gingerly. "Say doc, ever consider joining a pack? The Redwoods could use a talented wolf like you. I know our alpha would offer you anything you asked for."I gave him a polite smile. "I'm happy where I am, but thank you. Give my regards to your alpha."After he left, the morning flew by in a blur of patients - everything from yearly checkups to a little pup with a thorn stuck in his paw. I loved the variety and helping so many different wolves.Around noon, one of my assistants popped her head in. "This just arrived for you, Dr. Jade." She handed me a plain brown package."Hmm, probably just another gift from an admirer," I mused, setting it aside. As the only wolf doctor in the city, and a rare female at that, I got my fair share of wolf suitors trying to win my affection. But I had no interest in dating. My kids were my entire world.It wasn't until the clinic was closing up for the evening that I finally opened the mystery package, my curiosity getting the better of me. I tore open the cardboard flaps - and my blood ran cold.Inside was a framed picture of Nathan, Natalia, and Natasha, taken through the window of their bedroom. And a note that simply said "Such sweet pups. Just like their mother."My protective instincts roared to life. No one spied on my children! I quickly dialed Helene, but it went straight to voicemail. Grabbing my things, I raced out to my car. I had to get to Helene's and make sure the kids were safe.I drove recklessly through the city, fear and anger churning inside me. Who had sent that package? What did they want with my family?I threw open Helene's apartment door without knocking. The cozy space was filled with warmth and the smell of fresh baked cookies. My kids looked up in surprise from where they were playing a board game with Helene."Mama!" Natalia cried, rushing over to hug me. My shoulders sagged in relief and I held her tight, breathing in her little girl scent."Hey! I wanna hug too!" Nathan and Natasha quickly joined in. I enveloped all three in my arms, reassuring myself that they were okay."Sorry to barge in," I said to Helene once I finally released them. "I just...missed my babies."She gave me a knowing look - we'd been friends long enough that she could tell when something was really wrong. I shot her a meaningful glance when the kids weren't looking, and her eyes narrowed in concern.After they had scarfed down dinner and I had soaked up every minute with them, it was time to head home. I hugged Helene tightly. "Thank you for watching them. See you tomorrow." I whispered urgently in her ear, "We need to talk. Someone sent me photos of the kids today. I'll explain more later."She squeezed my hand supportively. "Of course. Call me anytime."On the drive home, the triplets chattered loudly in the backseat, blissfully unaware of my anxiety. I kept glancing in the rearview mirror, paranoid we were being followed. But we made it home without incident.After tucking the exhausted kids into bed with kisses and snuggles, I finally relaxed once they were sleeping safely under my roof. I poured a glass of wine and sank onto the couch, emotionally drained from the long day.My eyes landed on the framed photo still sitting ominously on the coffee table. Who had taken it? I wracked my brain but couldn't think of any enemies I had made over the years. Certainly no recent disgruntled patients or pack disputes. It made no sense.Unease still gnawed at my gut. I went upstairs and quietly cracked each of the kids' doors open, peering in to reassure myself they were really there. But...empty beds greeted me, covers thrown back hastily. My heart seized. No, please no!I flew back downstairs and that's when I saw it. Sitting right there on my kitchen island counter. An exact duplicate of the package from the clinic.I tore into it with trembling hands. Another framed photo of the triplets, bundled up in their pajamas, looking scared. And a message that turned my blood to ice: "Such a beautiful family. Can't wait for you all to be together again."The framed photo slipped from my numb fingers and shattered on the floor. I stared blankly at the open window above the sink, the gentle night breeze stirring the curtains. My children were gone. Taken, while I had been distracted downstairs. And I had no idea who had done it, or why.Where were they now? Were they hurt? Scared and crying for me? An anguished cry tore from my throat. I had to find them! But the kidnapper had left no clues, no trail to follow.I was frozen in place, my mind spinning in panicked circles. What was I going to do? How could I get my babies back? The questions chased each other relentlessly through my exhausted, terrified mind.Jade I sank to my knees sobbing while Helena screamed at me, her face red. "You did what? I can't believe you got a threat like that and didn't go to the police! What if you had been attacked? That's it, we're calling them right now." Helena grabbed her purse, rifling for her phone. Just then the house phone rang, startling us both. Helena picked it up cautiously. "Hello?" A garbled, robotic voice came through the speakers. "Put it on speakerphone. Now." With shaking hands, Helena hit the speaker button. "Who is this?" she demanded. "You may call me Mr. N," the voice said. "And I'd advise against calling the police if you want the children to remain unharmed." Helena and I exchanged horrified looks. This was the kidnapper! "What do you want?" Helena cried. "We'll give you anything, just don't hurt the kids!" The voice laughed coldly. "I'm not speaking to you. Put Jade on, now." I felt sick. This creep knew both of us. How long had he been watching us? "Please," I begged tea
Jade The drive to the Nightingale pack lands felt surreal, like I was traveling back in time. The last time I had been here, I was a naive teenager madly in love with the Alpha's son. Now I was a grown woman and mother of three, only returning under ominous circumstances. Helena insisted on coming with me, despite my protests. "You're not doing this alone," she said firmly as she loaded the last of my things into her SUV. "I'll help you get settled, and be right here if that bastard Brad tries anything." I smiled weakly, appreciating her protectiveness even if it complicated things. We rode in tense silence, the weight of what I had to do pressing down on me. Helena kept shooting me worried glances. "I really don't like this, Jade," she finally said as we passed the 'Welcome to Nightingale Territory' sign. "We can still turn around and call the cops." I shook my head, even as my heart tightened. "You heard him. I don't have a choice if I want to see the kids again." Helena curse
JadeI stared up at the hulky man looming over me. Conan was a mountain of muscle and authority, his tall frame casting me in shadow. Golden eyes glinted from behind a black leather mask covering the lower half of his rugged face. Those piercing eyes were fixed on me now, hard and assessing. I suppressed a shudder under that intense gaze. Of all the easygoing wolves in Alpha Bradley's pack, only Conan seemed to exude true menace. He was the enforcer, swift and merciless to any threat. Every instinct warned me to avoid him at all costs. Yet here I was, trapped and exposed."Well?" Conan's voice rumbled deep in his chest. "Explain yourself."I scrambled desperately for some excuse, some logical reason for the suspicious messages he glimpsed on my phone screen. But under pressure, nothing remotely convincing came to mind. After a tense silence, Conan crossed his massive arms. "Since you seem unwilling to explain, I have no choice but to r
JadeTaking a deep, shaky breath, I broke into fresh tears. Conan stared at me dumbfounded for a moment, then cursed under his breath as he scrambled to grab tissues from the box on his desk. I cried loudly and messily, blowing my nose with heart-wrenching sobs. Black streaks of mascara ran down my cheeks as I wept into the tissues, no doubt looking like a distraught mess, but it was necessary for my act. "You see," I started, dabbing my eyes as my voice quivered emotionally, "Brad and I dated about six years ago, back when we were teenagers. He was...my everything."I launched into a bittersweet flashback, wanting to show Conan our supposed history instead of just telling it in boring summary. I described my lonely childhood growing up in the local orphanage after my parents died - shy, bullied and friendless with only books for company. Meanwhile, Brad was the golden boy at our high school - devastatingly handsome, star athlete, crazy popular, and
JadeI let out a heavy sigh as I sank down onto the lumpy mattress in my dingy temporary apartment. What a mess this day had turned into. Reaching for my burner phone, I quickly typed out an update to Mr. N. 'Minor complication. The beta, Conan, saw a suspicious message on my phone. I spun him a story about wanting revenge on Brad for breaking my heart years ago. He seems to buy it for now, but will be keeping close tabs on me. I'll be careful.'I stared at the blinking cursor, hesitating. Should I mention Conan's absurd contract demanding I provide free medical services to the pack? No, best to keep some cards close to my chest. It's better if he doesn't know all about Conan. Yes. I deleted the message and hit the phone in the bedside drawer. Next I called Helena, needing to hear her cheerful voice after the stressful events of the day."Hey girl, how are you holding up?" she asked gently when she picked up.I flopped bac
JadeThe following morning, I woke up with determination that surpassed the doubt and fear that had plagued me the previous night. It was another new day, and I had a mission to focus on, one that meant everything to me: the safety and well-being of my kidnapped children.I got up, performed my morning routine, and tried to ignore the nagging voice inside my head that reminded me of my lies. I had convinced Conan of my intentions, but I knew that my ruse could crumble at any moment, exposing the truth of my plan to use him in my quest for revenge.As I stepped out of my dingy apartment, I noticed a text message from Conan popped up on my burner phone. It read: "Meet me at the pack's infirmary. We need to discuss your role in more detail."I sighed. This was my chance to learn more about my task and, hopefully, gain some information about the pack especially Brad's current relationship with his mate, Trina. I quickly sent a reply agreeing to meet him and headed to the infirmary.The inf
JadeA short while later, as I continued my duties, Conan appeared at the entrance of the infirmary. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice low.I nodded, grateful for his presence. "Yes, just a surprise visit from the alpha. He inquired about our friendship."Conan's lips quirked into a sly smile. "Well, speaking of our friendship, how about we make it more convincing?"I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you have in mind?"Conan pushed himself off the doorframe and approached me, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "How about we go on a date, right in front of Brad?"My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn't expected such a bold suggestion. "A date? Are you sure that's a good idea?"Conan shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not? It's all part of the act, and it'll drive Brad crazy with jealousy. Plus, we could use some time to relax and have fun, even if it's fake."I considered his proposal. The idea of a date in front of
JadeOur breaths mingled in the cold, dark night as his head bent closer and closer.The space between us collapsed. His body heat was a living, breathing thing, clouding my mind and stealing my focus until my world consisted of nothing except dark eyes, soft wool, and the clean, expensive scent of citrus and wood.Goose bumps rose on my sensitized skin.I took a small step back and bumped against the door at my back. I exhaled, my back flushed against the cold, hard metal of the apartment's door.I cleared my throat. "What…what are we doing?"My voice didn’t sound like mine. It was too thin, too breathless, but Conan had snuffed out the oxygen in the room. I couldn’t breathe fast enough or deeply enough to sustain a clear head.“Jade,” he murmured. “You know exactly what it is we are doing.” Gone was the formalities. In their place were velvet and smoke, whispering silent promises against my skin and compelling me to tilt my face up. Heaviness gathered low in my belly, thick and molt