Hidden In Plain Sight

Jade Marie

Jade's POV

The alarm goes off at 5:00 am, like every morning. The twins will be awake soon, and I need to shower before I can drop them at daycare and go to work. It hasn't been easy since James was killed. I told him not to get mixed up with those people. I always felt something was off about them. I sometimes hate it when I am right. That was three months ago, just after the twins came. There wasn't time to dwell on the past. My life is now sleeping in their cribs and I will do anything to keep them safe. I have to, they are all I have left. Not many wolves come through this human town and I always make sure to mask my scent so they won't know I am one. The last group talked about the Fire Moon pack, my old pack. They said that an Alpha who was said to be as evil as he was heartless, decimated those left and took our Luna, my sister-in-law. I only hope he ends her quickly. I would hate if she suffered the same as my mother. I know my brother was just like our father. So that is it. My children and I are all that remain.

I showered quickly and barely got my uniform on before they woke up. A bottle for one while I nurse the other. I have this down to science. I'll grab a muffin and coffee at work. Time to head out. I grab the stroller and my purse. The bus should be at the stop just after I get there. I really need a car, but it costs more than I make each payday after taking care of my babies and bills. I arrive at the stop and I always time it right. The bus arrives only a few minutes after I do. I just hope that there is a seat.

The ride goes as usual, long and people tell me how adorable my babies are. Arriving in town, I get off at my stop and rush to the daycare that is across the street from where I work. Just knowing they are close keeps me calm, and I can focus on the tasks I have each day.

"Good morning Jade, how are we both feeling today?" Sarah, the daycare owner asks.

"Anthony slept all night and Max woke up around midnight. She has been doing that a lot more lately. I sang her favorite lullaby, and she went back to sleep and slept the rest of the night. Both have been fed and there is fresh pumped milk. If they drink all that I pumped, let me know I can come over and feed them. I picked up a shift today, so I may have to anyway," I replied.

"Jade sweetie, you work too much. Your sweet babies are growing up fast and you are missing it. I know you are doing this alone, but you need to make time to be a mom also," Sarah scolded, as always.

"I know, but I want them to have everything I didn't and that is a lot. Trust me. I spend time with them at home. I just have to make sure that there is a home for me to spend time with them in. I need to get to work. I get off at 7:00. Let me know if you need anything. I'm just across the street, remember," I said as I waved goodbye and left.

The Adult Swim, the ban of my existence. I have been a waitress here since just after I arrived in this human town. It pays the bills, and that was how I met James, so it's not all bad. I clock in a few minutes before my shift is supposed to start. I just hope this day goes by fast and I get enough tips.

It has been a long and exhausting day. Tips have been good but not nearly enough to help with the increase in rent. My landlord is a slimy weasel. I need to find a better place, but that would require a promotion or new job. I have been looking but haven't found anything yet. I hear the jingle of the bells on the door and a couple of big guys come in. From the looks and smell, I know they are Werewolves. Just what I needed. They are seated in my area and I go over to greet them.

"Good evening, welcome to the Adult Swim. Can I start you with a cup of coffee?" I said to them.

"Coffee will be just fine." The dark-haired one said.

I wrote down the information and headed to get them their coffee.

When I returned to the table, "can I take your order?' After I set down the coffee.

"Just the coffee." The blond said.

It is not uncommon for this time of day, so I go to clear off the tables that have just left.

I can feel their eyes on me as I walk around cleaning tables and helping my other customers. As my tables empty, more customers take their place. I check back with the gentleman from time to time to refresh their coffee and see if they need anything else. The answer is always the same; yes to more coffee; no to food or anything else. They are always deep in conversation when I look at their table and always seem to look away from me when I look over at them. I start to get the feeling they are discussing me. After a little over an hour, I returned to their table.

"Are we still doing okay sirs?" I asked.

"Yes," the blond man replied.

"Can I get you anything else? I can leave your check if you like. There is no rush. You can pay the bill when you are ready to leave," I offered, looking at both in turn.

They look between themselves and the dark-haired man looks me in the eyes.

"Actually, do you by any chance have a break coming up any time soon? We have a couple of questions for you," was his reply.

"I am due for another 30 minutes soon," I confirmed.

I walked back and let my coworker know that I was taking my last break. As I was walking back to their table, I knew that they were discussing me as I heard one say, "Are you sure it is her?" Their heads popped up as I approached the table.

"Please have a seat," the blond said.

"Can you please tell us how a Werewolf came to live in a human city," the dark-haired one began.

I was in shock, every other group that had come through didn't scent me. How was it possible that these men did? I studied their faces, trying to figure them out, willing them to give me more information without using words. Hoping that an explanation would be written on their faces. But I saw nothing. This told me one thing: they were warriors and, by the looks of them, they were some of the best in their pack.

"Jade, you can't be too shocked. I have known you since we were young pup," the dark-haired one said.

When I looked at him closely and thought about all the faces I had tried to forget from my past, it finally hit me, "Bela!"

I looked at the blond man to my other side, "Victor!" My brother's Beta and Gamma. With the information I had, how was it even possible? When that Alpha destroyed the pack, they would have been among those who perished.

"How?' Is all I asked.