Hidden in Plain Sight

Joanna POV

After making it back to town I slowed down and took a few breaths. I was shaking I hadn't seen another wolf in two years. There weren't any packs around me that I knew of making this all the more strange.

Not wanting to go home I decided to call Emma. She was the only person I had become close to. Emma picked up after the second ring. “Ello?” I let out a little chuckle at her mispronounced hello.

“Hey Emma, I was wondering if you want to go grab coffee?” smiling knowing that she couldn't deny coffee.

“Hmmm Let. Me. Think..... Coffee... I don't know...” she let out a giggle then exclaimed “I'm always down for coffee! What kinda question was that?” letting out another giggle.

I laugh and we set a time for 3 to meet at our favorite cafe before hanging up.

I got to Cup o’ Joe before Emma did. I got in line to place my order trying to ignore the events from earlier. I'd have to be more careful when going out today could have ended a lot differently.

Emma got there and cut in front of two people to stand with me ignoring their protests and glares. “How's my favorite little introvert doing?” she asked.

I gave her a fake glare at her remark ruined by a smile. “I'm doing fine. How the little social butterfly today?”

She put a hand to her chest mouth gaping like id just hit her. “Me a social butterfly. Why I should smack you for just thinking it!” she said as she swished her long blond ponytail over her shoulder dramatically. “Other than that I'm great today.”

We had made it to the front of the line and placed our orders. A large hot caramel macchiato with two shots of espresso and a medium black coffee for Emma.

After we got our coffee we went to our usual table by the window. We sat in silence for a moment just enjoying our coffee. Then Emma pipped up with her usual questions. “Sooooo you meet a guy to sweep you off your feet yet?” she sat eagerly awaiting my answer.

I rolled my eyes at her forwardness I had to hand it to her. The woman was bold. “No” I replied. Watching her demeanor falter a bit.

“Girl?” she said holding back a laugh.

I'm nearly snorted coffee as soon as she said it. I looked at her with an alarmed look on my face.

She burst out laughing. “Kidding only kidding” she continued to snicker. “But Jo you need to find someone your always alone and I hate the thought of it.” she pouted.

“Em if I wanted a man I would have a man.”

She scoffed. “When was the last time you even went on a date?”

Scratching my head trying to find a way to explain why I don't date without giving myself away. “I'm just not the dating type I guess.” lame excuse. Even for me.

She rolled her eyes at me but let it go.

“How about you break any hearts lately?” while I wasn't into women Emma was a beautiful tall blonde with amazing skin and was always pampered to a T. She could look at a guy and rip his heart out if she wanted to. A surge of jealousy came over me for a moment.

She chuckled “Nooo but there is a new guy. His name is Brian.”

“Ooooooooo Brian. Tell me more.” I lean in cupping my coffee like a kid getting told the best bedtime story ever.

She smiled at my sudden interest. “ He's super sweet and plays guitar. Oh for our first date he took me stargazing. How romantic is that? Then we danced to the radio. If he isn't the one I don't know who is.” she practically swooned in her chair.

“Awweee. Em, I'm happy for you. He sounds amazing.” she seemed to beam at the sound of my approval. Just as I started to ask how they met her phone went off.

“Sorry I have to get this.” I nodded and she stood up and answered.

I caught glimpses of the conversation but nothing that told me what it was about. Emma had an annoyed look on her face as she shut her phone and walked back to the table. “That was my boss. The CNA for tonight called in sick and I have to cover her shift. Sorry, I have to run so early.” she said with a pout.

“It's ok I should get home anyway. I have work in the morning.” I crinkled my nose at the thought of getting up at two in the morning.

“Okay, we'll have to meet up again soon. I love you. Byeee.” She gave me a quick hug then vanished out the door to her car.

I sighed and finished my coffee throwing it away on my way out the door.

I got in my car when I realized there was a note under my window wiper. Thinking it was from Emma I got out and grabbed it. Sitting in my car I opened it to see scribbled writing across the piece of paper.

“Tag you're it”

Panic and dread wafted over me. Had they found me? Was the wolf from this morning from my pack?

I put my car in drive and floored it home. I had put wolfsbane in my door handle so no wolf could enter that way without being weakened. But would that be enough?

I made it home and rushed upstairs. Passing back and forth in my living room. How could they have found me? I covered all my tracks! I've been done for three years. Why not just give up?

I plopped on the couch to watch tv to wound up to sleep. My body was on edge flinching at every sound the old apartment building had to offer. After three hours my body eventually softened into slumber.