Shifting Moon

 It had been a little over 2 weeks since we had returned from Phoenix, and the house was busier than ever. Bella moved slowly through the house with her leg in a cast and still healing ribs, so Alice took it upon herself to come every day and help out where she could. That relieved me and Charlie from having to help Bella with her bathroom and bathing issues brought about because of her injuries. Thank God. I don't think anyone in the house would survive that embarrassment. 

 Edythe was here constantly to help with meals and spend time with me when we weren't in school. My new truck had been the talk of the town for about a week, then it was just an accepted fixture in town life. Charlie practically worshiped the ground Carlisle walked on, and all his displeasure fell on poor Edward. This had become the new normal, I thought as I was pulling my truck into the school parking lot with Edythe at my side.

 "Any plans today, Sunshine?"

 Edythe smiled at me as she darted her head forward and gave me a quick kiss, "Nothing too special. Esme asked me to stop by your new house and help with some advice on a few things, and then I'll be over to fix you, Bella, and Charlie dinner. Why do you ask?"

 I gave her a mock frown, "You know, she should be letting me decide on these things. It is my house after all."

 Edythe laughed, "It's one of mom's quirks, she doesn't like people seeing unfinished projects she is working on for them. She wants them to get the whole thing the first time they see her work. And you didn't answer my question. Do you want to make plans for us today?"

 "I want to run the forest after school for a while, maybe slip over to the Quileute side and sniff around some more for Victoria's scent."

 "Alice said the last vision she had of Victoria was her heading to Seattle like someone was chasing her. The bit I saw in her head tells me she wouldn't place herself in danger by sticking around here." Edythe tried to alleviate my worry.

 I sighed, "After what your dad told me about Vampire's attachment to their mates, I am still worried. We took both of her mates, which I didn't know was possible to begin with, I might add."

 "It's rare, but not unheard of. Some, like Marcus of the Volturi, would rather die than take another mate. That is one extreme, and I have heard of another vampire in Brazil with as many as five mates following him around to go to the other extreme. The little I got from Victoria was that she saw James and Jessy as much as bodyguards as she considered them mates."

I shook my head, "I don't know, I just feel like this isn't over yet, is all. Ignoring her could come back to bite us down the road."

 Edythe laughed, "You worry too much, Thomas."

 She opened the passenger door and hopped out. I got out of my side and walked to her and took her hand, then walked her to class. There was plenty of time to make it to my own class. When I did make it to class, Alice was there waiting for me. We had drawn the idea for our next art project, and it had been painting your favorite tree. I planned to do a blooming Sakura tree, and Alice refused to tell me what she was doing. After class was over, Mrs. Ross called out to me and Alice.

 "Before you two leave, I wanted to give you some news. Alice, your painting has gotten many students interested in painting because of your style. You, Thomas, have had the same effect, but more than that, it has pushed the student council to change their plans for Prom this year. Originally, they planned to go with the theme of the movie franchise of James Bond, but now they plan to go with a generational approach. They will recommend that students look for outfits from any time frame that interests them. They feel it will give the students more originality and make the picture booth a must for everyone this year."

 Alice jumped up and down and clapped her hands in excitement at this, and I smiled at her enthusiasm.

 "I am glad so many enjoyed it and that it gave people artistic ideas of their own. That's what art should be about. Thanks for letting us know, Mrs. Ross."

 Alice and I walked to her class, just chattering about ideas for what timeframe we thought had the best clothing that would work for Prom. I knew she would be working with Edward to get Bella and his outfit together, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out I have no choice in what I end up wearing. Rather than being bothered by this, I was thankful. These dances were for the girls anyway, I, as a guy, got all my enjoyment from these things by watching my date shine in happiness.

 Just before I got to my own classroom, I waved to Edward, who was walking out the door after escorting Bella to class and carrying her book bag. She was still using crutches at this point, so it was a pain to try and do everything herself. Not that she would admit it or even accept the help without frowning about it.

 The rest of the day went smoothly, and after the last bell, I drove Edythe as close as I was allowed to get to my new home, which was being renovated, where I dropped her off. Driving home, I thought about where to start my run today. Hopefully, Sam would be shifted so I could ask for his okay to be on the reservation. I was not banned or anything, but it was still good to ask, I figured.

 The house was empty when I got there, so I was quick to change into shorts and head into the woods. Once I got to my rock, I shifted and made my way to the rock cliff where I had first met Leah. Moments later, I felt the pressure at the edge of my awareness that signaled to me Sam had just made the change.

 {"Thomas, is that you?"}

 {"You know, Sam. One day, someone is going to ask, 'Who is Thomas?' in a strange voice, and you are going to freak out."}

 {"You are probably right. What are you doing shifted? Working out with your...friends again?"}

 {"Nah. Today, I am looking for signs of that carnivore vampire Victoria. If you don't mind, I will range into your territory a bit also. What about you, it's too early for your usual rounds."}

 {"I am headed to Emily's place. Go ahead and cross the border, Thomas. You are still welcome."}

 {"Thanks, Sam. I really doubt she is in the area, but I just can't shake the feeling she will be back."}

 I was going to ask how things were going with Emily, but I didn't, because I knew. It wasn't going well at all. Sam was unshakable in his faith that he would win her over, but Emily wasn't showing any signs of forgiving him for hurting Leah, at least outwardly.

 {"Trust your instincts, Thomas. They are primal. Well, I am just outside Emily's place. Wish me luck, it's the 333rd time telling her how I feel, so maybe luck will be on my side. She just needs to accept her feelings for me, and then we can appeal to Leah for forgiveness together."}

 I sighed to myself and was again hopeful that my nature was different enough that I would not imprint. I didn't want to lose my feelings for Edythe because of some biological urge.

 {"I wish you luck and hope it all works out for you, Sam. I will let you know if I find anything in my search."}

 I felt Sam disconnect from my mind as he shifted back to human. I made my way deep into Quileute land, checking for any vampire sent at all, but found nothing. About 30 minutes into my search, I heard a pained yelp and a frightened howl split the air.

 I felt the pressure on my mind again and reached for Sam, wondering what had happened. When the connection was established, my mind was overwhelmed with his pained cries.

 {"Oh Heaven's, I have killed her! I want to die!!! I didn't mean it Em, please stop bleeding... I can't change back to help, SHE IS DYING, AND I DID IT!!! HELP ME GOD!"}

 I started running as fast as I could toward where the howl had come from, {"SAM, I AM COMING. Lead me in with another howl."}

 {"THOMAS!!!"} I heard another howl of pain and slightly changed directions. {"Help us, Emily is hurt, and it's my fault. Hurry, there is so much blood and I... I can't get near her. Oh God, there is blood covering my claws. Please kill me if she can't be saved, I deserve it."}

 Panicked whines reached my ears as I arrived at a small house butted up to the woods. When I arrived, I saw a young woman with black hair lying on her back and blood pooling all around her. I shifted to human form and ran to where she was. Sam was nearby in wolf form and in a full panic. One moment trying to approach her and the next backing away, whining.

 At first glance, I saw three long scratches along the right side of her face starting beside her eye and straight down her cheek. The scratches then picked up along her right arm, nearly down to her wrist. Knowing I had to do something about the blood loss, all I could think was to make a tourniquet for her arm, as all I would be able to do for her face would be cloth and pressure.

 Looking around for something to use, my mind went to the band around Sam's leg. I ran toward him and shouted. "SAM, STOP MOVING. I need the band around your back leg."

 His whole body shivered as he tried to force himself still so I could help his mate. In no time at all, I removed the band and grabbed a small stick. I took Emily's hand and stretched the band around it and up the cuts until I reached above the torn flesh, then I put the stick in the band and started to twist it until I saw the blood flow from the wounds slow significantly. I then tucked the stick under the band so it wouldn't come undone unintentionally.

 With that done, I stood up and ran towards her house and went in with no hesitation. I ran straight to the phone on the wall and dialed Edythe's number. As the phone rang, my eyes were searching the room for car keys and other things I would need, as a plan was forming in my head.

"Hello"

 "Edythe, I need you to get your father and an ambulance. I have a young woman who has severe blood loss from an animal attack, and I do not know her blood type. Get to the Quileute border along La Push Road as quickly as you can I will bring her in a car. It will be a blue late model Honda Civic, look for the naked white guy driving."

 I didn't wait for a reply as my mind was already trying to figure out the best way to get her in the car with the least amount of pain for her. I grabbed a clean towel from a pile near the sink and ran to the spot where I had seen the car keys and ran out the door with them in hand. Straight into a second wolf, who tensed and growled at me in surprise.

 Knowing who it was, "Jared, are you calm enough to shift back? I need help getting her into the car."

 After a brief pause, he shifted back in an agonizingly long amount of time.

 "Carry her to the passenger side, and once I am in, put her in with her head towards me so I can apply pressure to her face as we get to the hospital."

 "We should get her to Sue Clearwater, she is a nurse."

 "No time or guarantee she is home. Besides these cuts go to the bone, the longer we take, the worse off she will be in the long term. I will make sure she gets the best care possible. Move now!"

 Sam growled at Jared, and that ended all debate for the Wolf warrior. He quickly picked her up and ran to the car to do as I had told him. Before he got her in, I had moved the seat back and started the car. When Emily was in the car, I laid her face up in my lap and put the towel on her facial cuts with as much pressure as I dared. I hit the gas almost before Jared got the door closed, racing towards the highway and praying Edythe and Carlisle would be waiting for me.