Her New Moon

32

"It's not going to work, Jared," Driana sighed, crossing her arms.

"Shush!" Jared silenced her, spreading the blood on a dead tree. "It will!"

The pack continued dealing with Victoria for days. Knowing the truth about Victoria's motive, they were more on edge. The stress caused the wolf pack to become more hot-headed than usual. Their teamwork and communication skills tested their patience.

"I swear!" Paul would shout, transforming. He became worse, shifting every day from losing his temper. "You didn't even catch her! So, shut up, Embry!" Jared and Embry frequently bickered more than having their dorky conversations. "Make me, Jared! You have better eyesight and can't even find her!" Jacob would bother Sam over how the plans weren't enough. "Sam, this isn't working- We need better routes- This plan will lead us to failure!" His comments annoyed Sam, causing the alpha to have trouble keeping calm. "Jacob, let me think!" He'd repeat. However, it could only make Jacob stay quiet for a short time. Driana was less obsessive over Bella's protection than Jacob. She knew when things got out of hand, she'd scold him.

Sam allowed Driana to stay in Neah Bay whenever Bella was present. He trusted that her powers would keep her alert if Victoria neared the area. Driana watched over Bella at Emily's house. She kept hidden in the same spot upstairs, quietly lurking behind the railings. It was Jacob's idea, and Bella agreed, not wanting to bring the danger anywhere. Emily, her lively self, would be the entertainment, talking for Bella and herself.

"Oh gosh," Emily smiled, recalling a memory. "You should've been there!"

"I, too, wish I arrived earlier," Bella shyly spoke.

Emily walked to the younger girl, handing her a drink from a handmade mug. She went back behind the counter, her hands tossing the dough back and forth between her hands. Laying them on the pan, she continued moving around, keeping the conversation.

"Don't you wish you could turn back time?" Emily sighed dreamily.

"To the good old memories, yes," Driana heard Bella thickly swallow.

Emily opened her fridge, pulling out huckleberries stored in a lid-tight container. Grabbing a bowl, she drowned them, letting them soak, before rinsing the huckleberries by hand. She reached the top cabinet for sugar, pouring the content, huckleberries, and water into a saucepan.

"How are you holding up?" Emily asked, focused on the jam.

Driana saw Bella furrow her brows. "With?"

Emily shrugged, stirring the jam. "The whole vampire hunt and what happened lately."

"Oh," Bella frowned. The girl clasped her mug. "Almost a year ago, a vampire wanted me. Fast forward to today, and I can't say things changed. Except for the fact that I'm, once again, pulled into the world of the supernatural. The boys are wolves. Who knew, huh?"

Emily chuckled, letting the huckleberry jam cool down as she prepared a mason jar. "We were told fables when we were younger for lessons, never expecting they ended up coming true."

"I hope there'd be a nice lesson coming out of this," Bella sighed, sipping her drink. She pursed her lips. "I want the wolves to make sure Victoria is gone."

Driana stared directly at Bella, surprised by her choice of words.

"Oh?" Emily raised her brows. She started frying dozens of bacon, the sizzle and smell alluring to a human. "What makes you say that?"

"Justice for Driana," Bella softly smiled. "You know, I am the reason why Driana's dead."

Emily warily made eye contact with Driana before plating the bacon. She started boiling potatoes. "Bella, don't say that."

Bella shook her head, placing her drink down on the round table. "I attracted that horrid vampire, James. He hunted me but died thanks to the Cullens because they protected me. Victoria is after me because her James is gone. She sends Laurent, the one the wolves killed, to do the deed. Instead, Driana is dead because she saved my life."

Emily pouted. "Oh, Bella."

Bella slumped against her seat, tears falling down her cheeks. "Everyone's done so much for me. I hate how the only thing I can do is sit here, not doing anything."

"Driana would've done anything to keep anyone safe," Emily said, turning to Bella and smiling. "If she were here now, I'm positive she'd scold you for thinking that way about yourself." She scooped the potatoes into the bowl, mashing them and adding the bacon.

"When did you meet Driana?" Bella curiously said.

"It's been so long," Emily laughed. "I think Leah introduced us when we were at a small lake. Driana didn't know how to swim, so I chose to keep her company. That girl was talkative. She had me fooled as I thought she was quiet. Conversations with her were fun. Driana would express joy in what she loved."

Bella softly smiled. "And she still did when I hung out around her."

The door opened, and Sam entered the house. He greeted Bella before giving Emily a passionate kiss. Bella looked away, taking huge gulps of her drink. Asking if Jacob was doing fine, Sam confirmed Jacob was with his rants. Bella excused herself, and the pack entered the house.

Embry cupped his hands around his mouth. "Boogeyman, you can come out now," He teased.

Driana went downstairs, rolling her eyes and lightly punching his shoulder. "Very funny, Em."

"Must be fun being up there for hours," Jared added, snickering.

"Leave her alone," Paul defended, pulling Driana down to sit on his lap. "She's an angel watching from above."

"Bleck!" Embry heaved.

"Whatever, Paul," Driana scoffed at him. She gave Sam a grim look."No signs of Victoria here, Sam. But, her vision is slightly murky as if she's underwater."

Sam froze, causing Emily to grasp his arm with worry. "She's moving toward the rez."