Her New Moon

36

"Come on," Chief Swan muttered repeatedly.

"He'll make it," Seth told himself.

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Sue cooed in Leah's ear, an arm around her daughter.

After Victoria had vanished, the wolves and Driana circled back to where they last left the humans. Chief Swan and a couple of the armed volunteers carried Harry Clearwater out of the woods. They took a vehicle to the hospital, anxiously waiting for the news. Driana hid outside the building, using eyes and her superhearing to keep tabs on what went on inside. Chief Swan and Billy Black kept Sue company. Sam was present, leaning against the wall beside Embry. Both distanced themselves from where Leah stood, who was in too much pain to care for their presence. Seth paced in the middle, talking to Leah and occasionally Sam and Embry.

"This isn't going well," Embry spoke low.

"I know," Driana agreed. She shifted through perspectives, her unalive heart feeling heavy. "I can barely hear his heart."

Sam crossed his arms, looking over everyone present for Harry. He had known the man before he and Leah dated. Despite being on communication strictly for business, Harry was the father figure Sam never had. Harry would teach Sam all he knew about fishing, even taking him out on a boat ride. It was another story to others but a memory for both of them.

"Let's all be strong as we are with him right now," Sam told them.

Quil entered the hospital, followed by Old Quil. No words could explain how distraught Old Quil looked, who hadn't said a word since his arrival. Jared approached Sam and Embry, nodding at the alpha, who left to take over patrol with Jacob.

"How's he doing?" Quil quietly asked Billy Black.

"You can sense it, can't you?"

"I'm in denial," Quil sighed, glancing at his grandfather. "After he heard the news, he hasn't spoken at all." He shifted his gaze to everyone else. "It's too much."

It began to rain. Everyone felt hopeless, wondering when the torture would end. Sue held her children as they slept soundless on either side of her. Chief Swan offered any assistance he could for Sue. Billy Black and Old Quil sat beside each other in a corner, staring blankly at the floor while holding a private conversation. Sam returned from patrol, standing beside Driana under the tree.

"What's wrong?" Driana furrowed her brows.

"Bella," He responded with an unreadable expression.

Driana clutched his arm, encouraging him to speak more. "What happened, Sam?"

Sam sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "She went cliff-diving, not waiting on Jacob. So much guilt consumed her. Your death, us protecting her. When Jacob found Bella, she spoke to herself and then screamed before jumping into the water." He shook his head. "But you won't stay with me any other way," He repeated the words she had said.

Driana frowned, staring straight at the building. Those words weren't for Jacob. "I see," She whispered.

"If it makes you feel any better, she's safe at Jacob's house," Sam told her, glancing.

"I suppose that should make me feel slightly better," Driana huffed.

"I'll head back inside," Sam informed, ruffling her hair. "Stay put, okay?"

"Okay, Sammy Boy."

Sam jogged back inside the building. Embry took that as his cue to patrol beside Paul. As hours passed by, the sky became darker. Clouds continued to loom overhead, shielding any ounce of moonlight. Was this how it felt like for the pack when they waited for Driana?

A doctor entered the hallway where they waited, pursing his lips. Chief Swan woke Sue, who nudged her kids awake. Leah automatically stood up as she saw the doctor, followed by a groggy-looking Seth. After confirming they were the immediate family, the doctor led them to a private room.

"Here we go," Sam muttered.

Embry and Paul arrived on time, speed-walking to Driana. She ruffled Embry's hair, and he softly smiled. Paul wrapped an arm around her shoulder, kissing her nose as a greeting. The three gazed at the building, preparing for the worst.

"How's our dad?" Leah quickly spoke.

"Leah!" Sue scolded, making her daughter sit back.

"It's alright," The doctor assured. "I get everyone goes through with emotions after waiting." He sighed, clasping his hands on the table. "Unfortunately, whatever left him shocked in the woods caused another heart attack. I'm sorry to say that he didn't make it."

"No!" Leah shouted.

Sue held Leah, tears falling from her eyes.

"Dad?" Seth talked to himself. "Dad's gone?"

Sam closed his eyes, breathing heavily. Sue returned, revealing that Harry was no longer with them. Quil looked at his grandfather and Billy Black, shaking his head. Old Quil nodded, leaving to take a moment to himself. Billy Black kept a handkerchief to his face, quietly sobbing. Chief Swan couldn't move, emotions piling through. 

"I can't," Sam suddenly said. He excused himself, leaving the building.

"We'll check on him," Jared told Sue.

Sue looked at Chief Swan with a pained face. "I have calls to make."

Sam's body shook as he neared Paul, Embry, and Driana. He exploded, clothing ripped into the air as a black wolf emerged. The rest of the pack joined. Together, they ran into the woods, letting their bodies take them to where Harry was last alive. The rain washed away his scent, but the memory remains. Driana stared at the night sky, a faint view of the moon. Tilting their heads back, the pack howled in grief.