Her New Moon

29

"Poor tourists," Embry murmured, poking at the abandoned stuff. His face became angry. "That vampire chick keeps getting under our noses. Is there some way to trap a vampire?"

Sam rubbed a hand over his face, irritated that there were endless victims. Victoria had continued feeding on unsuspecting humans. Each time they caught up with the vampire, she quickly fled, leading them back to square one. Driana had theorized Victoria had an ability, a master of escaping. Her theory did not comfort the pack and the council at all.

"How about we lay bags of blood and attack her when she least expects it?" Jared suggested.

Driana pulled a face, crossing her arms. "Jared, please say you're joking."

"I guessed it would work," He pouted, kicking a rock. "Kim says I'm brilliant at plans."

A few days ago, Jared returned to school, attending regularly. He locked eyes and fell for his seatmate, Kim. Surprisingly, Kim revealed she'd never thought her crush for months would reciprocate her feelings. The pack and Driana would tease Jared, who gushed about the girl.

"Well, I doubt we could do that," Paul said, nodding at Driana. "She'd eat the bag before we could even use them."

Driana scowled, whacking Paul in the stomach. "Jackass!" She turned to Sam. "We need a better solution. Not all of us can protect the entire west of Washington. Being alone in areas is dangerous."

"Let's head back to my house," Jacob spoke. "We'll report what we can to my dad."

They bantered, journeying back to Jacob's house. Driana slowed down, and a faint but sweet scent evaded her nose. She shook her head, eyes dilating and contracting. The girl looked up, grabbing Jacob's arm. In front of his house was a parked faded-colored truck. They were only meters away. Driana calmed herself, regaining her focus. Using her powers, she saw slender hands doodling on a piece of paper.

"Bella's waiting for you," Driana spoke. She pinched her nose.

Paul growled. "Jacob, if she doesn't leave, this could ruin Driana's self-control."

"What is she even doing here?" Jared questioned, raising a brow.

"No revealing our secrets," Sam reminded.

"I'll sneak around through your window," Driana said.

To avoid being noticed, Sam ushered her. Driana hurriedly slipped through Jacob's window, gasping for air. The scent of a wet dog lured her back to a normal state. If that's how Bella smelled, Driana would have to depopulate some animals to avoid eating her. Billy knocked on the door, opening it slightly.

"You alright?"

"Yes, Uncle Bill," Driana said. She pointed outside. "Just the adrenaline to hide after seeing Bella."

"She's stubborn, that one," Billy sighed.

They left Jacob's room, carefully watching the commotion outside. Jacob stared at Sam, who spoke their native language, before leading the pack inside. They crowded the living space, watching Bella and Jacob walk into the woods.

"Maybe we should give them privacy," Driana proposed.

"And let Jacob slip up?" Paul disagreed. "That girl could spill our secrets!"

"Paul," Sam warned, shaking his head. He turned to stare out the window. "He's sworn to secrecy. We trust he'll keep it."

Bella and Jacob argued over Sam, making Driana and Jared snicker at the dire situation.

"She hates your guts," Jared noted.

Sam rolled his eyes. "So I've heard."

"Sam's trying to help me, don't blame him. But if you want somebody to blame," They heard Jacob say. "How about those filthy bloodsuckers you love? The Cullens."

"I don't know what you're talking about-"

"Didn't he break the treaty?" Driana gasped.

"It's not broken if she had known," Sam sighed. He turned to Driana. "There are times you could find a way around the rules."

"That's what you are- my friend!" They heard Bella shout. "Jake, don't!"

"I'm sorry, Bella," They heard Jake say before he entered the house.

The rain started as the poor girl stayed outside the house, motionless. Driana fought every urge to comfort the younger girl. Jared and Embry stood behind Sam, who reported to Billy what had happened at Lake Crescent. Jacob seemed out of it, glancing at the door occasionally. Paul leaned down, wrapping his arms around Driana. He turned her toward him, kissing her nose.

"She needs to go home," Driana spoke gloomily.

"I'll handle it," Billy said, giving a quick call. "Charlie, yeah, it's me. Listen, the kids got into a fight. Yeah. Yeah, she left." He wheeled himself to open the door. "Bella? Charlie called. I said you were on your way home."

The sound of an engine roared to life, squelching under the mud and making noises as it disappeared. Jacob fell back into a chair, covering his face. The poor boy was shaking. The pack, Driana, and Billy could only stare out of pity.

"We'll head back out," Sam spoke. "Jacob, you can join us later tonight. We'll give you space until then."

They left through the front door, back out into the woods. Sam ordered that they stay in pairs. He allowed Embry to patrol the reservation. Jared followed Sam to the South, while Paul partnered with Driana to the North.

"How's Jacob?" Paul asked, an arm wrapped around Driana's waist.

Driana sighed, using her powers to check on the poor boy. "He's laying in bed, staring at the ceiling."

"He has no choice like the rest of us," Paul scoffed. "We were born into this life."