Missing

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.