Her New Moon

28

"Why did you stop?" Billy Black asked, sitting on the passenger side of the truck.

Jacob had parked on neutral lands of the treaty by the road. He hopped out of the driver's seat, going around the truck to meet his father. Billy rolled the window further down. Embry and Jared emerged from the tree line, and Billy stuck his head out.

"What's going on?" He demanded, knitting his brows.

Sam and Paul arrived, hiding Driana from Billy. However, the Chief of the Council spotted her. He leaned back, rolling up the window. Driana stood between the two, crossing her arms. Jacob turned to his father, sighing.

"Dad, we have someone here," Jacob explained.

"I can see that," Billy deadpanned. He stared hard at each of them. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Not every vampire is as evil as the stories," Sam began. "Driana is an exception to that. She isn't like the raging red-eyes we know of."

Billy shook his head. "She could still bring danger! Even if nothing happened, something will!" He turned to Driana. "You're no longer the old you. You became something dangerous. I can't let you roam around near human settlements."

"Then why aren't I attacking you?" Driana countered. "Sam and Paul don't look worried. They aren't even pinning me to the ground. It's been a while since I turned into a vampire. I adapted to the change. It's you who hasn't."

Billy frowned, biting the inside of his cheek. The rhythm of his heart thumped differently.

"It's deeper than that, isn't it?" Driana's arms fell to her sides. "You couldn't handle the news of someone you knew becoming the pack's enemy. You find it unbelievable this happened suddenly. It's not a dream, although you wished it was. Above the surface, you want what's best for human society. Deep down, you kept me away as you believed the protection failed." Driana used her powers, seeing that Billy's eyes were wavering. "Am I wrong?"

Billy's breath hitched. He opened the car door, signaling Jacob to grab his wheelchair from the back of the truck. Jacob hurriedly unfolded the chair, helping his father to be seated. Billy wheeled over to where Driana stood. He bravely grabbed her hand, noting the coldness of her skin.

"I'm sorry," Billy spoke. "The duties clouded my head." He rested another hand on top of hers like that day Paul transformed. "But my heart ached for a niece that I lost."

"I'm still here, Uncle Bill," Driana quietly said.

Billy patted her hand, smiling at her. "I know you are."

"Dad?" Jacob called. "Driana's doing well around you. Suppose she does the same around other humans. Do you think we can lift the territories off her?"

"We can't rush everything just because things are smooth right now," Billy said firmly. His eyes met Sam, who stared back with leadership. "I'll bring a council meeting tomorrow. Driana, you will come back and wait here for the news."

"Yes, Uncle Billy," Driana smiled.

Jacob started the truck. He and Billy left back to their home. Embry and Jared whooped, yelling in happiness. Paul softly kissed Driana's nose, swaying side to side as he hugged her. Sam smiled, hands on his hips like a proud father.

"Alright," Sam interrupted them. "Let's all head home to rest."

"Who's babysitting today?" Driana asked.

Sam shook his head. "No one."

"What?" Driana furrowed her brows. "I'm going to be by myself?"

"I realized how overprotective and cautious we became over you," Sam explained. "Starting today, the pack and I will visit on certain days. You'll now be able to breathe and have some time to yourself."

Driana crashed into Sam, feeling relieved. "Thank you, Sammy Boy!"

Sam stroked her hair before ruffling it. "No funny business when we're not around. Understand?"

"Of course," Driana assured, rolling her eyes.

The afternoon of tomorrow came. Driana trudged through the wet soil and bush, going down a slope. She hid in the treeline, waiting for the council members and the pack. If her heart was still beating, you could tell she was nervous. The thought of not being able to get approved replayed in her head. Perhaps it was silly to think they'd allow a vampire onto their lands after a long time.

Driana's ears perked up at the sound of an oncoming vehicle. She stood up from her hiding spot and waited on the side of the road. Harry Clearwater's truck came into view, stopping where Jacob had parked yesterday. Harry and Quil Ateara III stepped out of the pickup, followed by Billy. If the Cullens arrived earlier, she saw the faces of what could have been the wolf pack. They approached the girl, who felt timid.

"Afternoon," She shyly greeted.

"Driana," Harry spoke, breathless after seeing her vampiric side for the first time. "You look different."

"She looks the same to me," Old Quil waved his hand in dismissal.

"It's nice to see you all again," Driana said, nodding in acknowledgment.

"We have come to a decision," Old Quil began. "Because we have kept the treaty over the years with the Cullens, you aren't allowed on our lands."

Driana froze, a sinking feeling forming in her heart.

"Sam told us you've been helping them search for the vampire," Harry continued.

"For that, we made an exception," Billy said. "You have permission to set foot on my yard and wherever the pack needs you. In return, you fulfill your duty in ridding those who bring harm."

Driana smiled, hugging Billy cautiously. The man's breath hitched at the sudden movement. He patted the girl's back for comfort. Old Quil stuck out his hand for her to shake, surprised at the different temperature. Harry wasted no time in embracing Driana. His arms wrapped tighter, thankful that Driana hadn't disappeared from the earth.