Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 49

The sun was setting over Forks as Bella sat on the porch of Jacob's house, her knees pulled to her chest. The events of the day replayed in her mind in vivid detail. She could still hear the roar of the motorcycle, feel the rush of adrenaline as she tried to escape, and see the terrifying figure of Victoria in her path. Jacob sat beside her, still in his wolf form, his massive presence a comforting barrier against the encroaching night.

Billy Black wheeled onto the porch, his face etched with concern. “Sam told me what happened,” he said, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. “Are you all right, Bella?”

Bella nodded, though her body still trembled. “I think so. If it weren’t for Jacob and the others... I don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened.”

Billy’s gaze shifted to Jacob, his eyes softening. “You did good, son.”

Jacob let out a soft growl, his ears twitching, before he padded off the porch. Moments later, the sound of a wolf transforming back into human form came from the side of the house. Jacob reappeared, pulling on a pair of shorts, his face a mix of anger and worry.

“She shouldn’t have been out there alone,” Jacob said, his voice tinged with frustration. “That leech is getting bolder. She’s hunting close, and she knows our patrols now.”

Hundreds of miles away, Alice Cullen gasped as a vision overtook her. She saw Bella, alone in the woods, confronted by Victoria. The vision was hazy at first, but it sharpened as she focused—Victoria’s cold, malicious smile as she cornered Bella, her fiery hair glowing in the dim light.

Alice shot to her feet, startling Jasper, who was reading nearby. “We have to go back,” she said, her voice urgent.

“What did you see?” Jasper asked, already standing.

“Victoria,” Alice said, pacing the room. “She’s planning to attack Bella. We can’t stay here. Forks needs us.”

Edward, overhearing from another room, appeared in an instant. “What?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you see this earlier?”

Alice shook her head. “Her decision must have been made recently. We have to leave now.”

Carlisle and Esme joined the group, their vacation forgotten. Carlisle nodded. “We’re immortal. Vacations can wait. Bella’s safety is our priority.”

As night fell, the Cullens rushed back to Forks. Their swift decision to postpone their holiday left no room for delay. By the time they reached Forks, they were already formulating a plan to protect Bella and deal with Victoria. Edward wasted no time, rushing to Bella’s house the moment they arrived in Forks. He found her sitting on the couch, still shaken from the earlier encounter. Charlie was pacing the room, his face etched with worry, though he had no idea about the supernatural elements at play.

When Edward entered, Bella jumped to her feet. Relief flooded her face as she ran to him. “You’re back,” she said, her voice trembling.

Edward pulled her into a tight embrace. “Alice had a vision,” he said, his voice taut. “Victoria attacked you.”

Bella nodded, her grip on Edward tightening. “She came out of nowhere, Edward. If it weren’t for Jacob and the others...”

Jacob, who had followed Bella home after the attack, leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “We had it handled,” he said, though his tone was less confrontational than usual. “But it’s good you’re here. She’s not going to stop.”

Edward’s jaw tightened. “I know. That’s why we’re back. We need to take care of this.”

Later that night, the Cullens, Bella, and Jacob gathered at the Black Mansion, the safest and most neutral ground for planning. Harry, Hermione, and Leah had joined the discussion after hearing about the attack.

Harry Black’s temper was rarely seen, but when it erupted, it was a force of nature. He paced the vast living room of the Black Mansion, his emerald-green eyes blazing with fury. Hermione stood near the fireplace, her face a mask of concern, while Leah sat tensely on the couch, her arms crossed, a scowl deepening her features. Teddy was upstairs, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing below.

“I cannot believe,” Harry growled, his voice low but filled with barely restrained rage, “that you hid this from me. My son was in danger, Hermione. My son!”

Hermione stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. “Harry, they were trying to handle it. The Cullens didn’t want to alarm you while you were away.”

Harry’s head snapped up, and his gaze bore into hers. “That’s not their decision to make! Teddy is my responsibility, my blood. If they knew James was a threat, they should have come to me immediately!”

Leah nodded in agreement, her own anger simmering beneath the surface. “I’ve been saying it for years, Harry. Vampires don’t think like we do. They thought they could handle it, and look where it got them—Victoria nearly tearing through Forks and Bella being hunted.”

Hermione sighed, running a hand through her hair. “You’re right, Harry. They should have told us. But James is gone, and Victoria will be dealt with. What matters now is making sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Carlisle was the first to speak, his tone conciliatory. “Harry, I understand you’re upset, but—”

“Upset?” Harry interrupted, his voice cold. “I’m beyond upset, Carlisle. You hid the fact that a vampire—James—tried to kill my son. My son! And you thought it wasn’t important enough to tell me?”

Esme stepped forward, her expression earnest. “We didn’t want to worry you, Harry. You were on your honeymoon, and we thought we could handle it.”

Harry’s fists clenched at his sides. “You thought wrong. You gambled with Teddy’s life. If James were still alive, I would hunt him down myself and make him beg for mercy before ending him.”

Edward winced at the venom in Harry’s words. “It wasn’t just about sparing you worry,” he said quietly. “We thought it would be over before you returned. We didn’t anticipate Victoria’s persistence.”

“You didn’t anticipate,” Harry repeated, his voice rising. “You don’t get to take risks with my family! Do you have any idea what I would do if something had happened to Teddy?”

Leah, standing with her arms crossed, spoke up. “This is exactly why I don’t trust them, Harry. They think they know better. They think they’re superior.”

Edward’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, Alice stepped forward, her hands raised in a placating gesture. “Harry, we’re sorry. Truly. But we handled James. He’s gone.”

“That’s not the point, Alice,” Harry snapped. “The point is you kept it from me. You made decisions about my family without consulting me.”

The argument raged for another hour, but eventually, tempers began to cool. Carlisle, always the diplomat, finally said, “Harry, you’re right. We made a mistake. We should have told you. It won’t happen again.”

Harry’s gaze swept over the Cullens, his expression hard. “It had better not. If another threat like this arises, I expect to be informed immediately. No more secrets.”

Esme placed a hand over her heart. “You have our word.”

Edward, looking visibly chastened, added, “I won’t let anything happen to Teddy. You have my promise.”

Harry’s anger ebbed slightly, but his voice remained firm. “See that you don’t. Because next time, I won’t be so forgiving.”

After the Cullens left, the Black Mansion was unusually quiet. Hermione approached Harry, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You did what you had to do, Harry. They understand now.”

Harry sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I just... I can’t stand the thought of losing Teddy, Hermione. He’s everything.”

“I know,” she whispered, pulling him into a hug. “And that’s why you’re such a good father.”

Leah joined them, her expression softer than usual. “For what it’s worth, Harry, you handled that better than I expected. I thought you’d rip their heads off.”

Harry managed a small smile. “Believe me, I considered it.”

The three of them sat together in the living room, the weight of the evening slowly lifting. Upstairs, Teddy slept soundly, oblivious to the storm his father had weathered to keep him safe.

Over the next few days, a plan were finalized. Bella was to go about her normal routine, with the illusion that she was alone. In reality, both the Cullens and the shapeshifters would be watching her every move. The Black Mansion was chosen as the central base, given its fortified location and magical protections.

Hermione worked with Harry to add extra wards around the mansion, ensuring Victoria couldn’t get close without them knowing. The Cullens alternated between patrolling the forest and staying close to Bella, while the shapeshifters monitored the borders of their territory.

“I don’t like this,” Jacob muttered as he stood beside Edward on one of their patrols. “Putting her out there like this.”

Edward didn’t look at him. “Neither do I. But it’s the only way to draw her out.”

Jacob growled softly. “You better make sure she stays safe, Cullen.”

Edward turned his head, his golden eyes sharp. “I’ll do more than that.”

On the fourth night of their plan, Alice’s head snapped up as she gasped. “She’s coming,” she said, her voice urgent. “Tonight.”

The woods surrounding Forks were silent, the kind of silence that signaled danger lurking in the shadows. Bella Swan stood frozen on the dirt path, her motorcycle lying forgotten on its side. In front of her was Victoria, her fiery red hair blazing against the gloom, her predatory smile revealing her intent.

“You thought you’d get away from me, little human?” Victoria’s voice was soft, almost mocking.

Bella’s breath hitched, but before she could respond, a deep voice interrupted the standoff.

“She’s under my protection.”

Victoria turned sharply, her smile faltering when she saw Harry Black stepping out from the shadows. His green eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, and his stance was one of complete authority.

“And who are you?” Victoria sneered, though there was a hint of hesitation in her tone. She could sense something... wrong about him.

“I’m Harry Black,” he said, his voice low and steady. “The father of the child your mate tried to kill. All of this—your vengeance, your little games—they end here.”

Victoria’s eyes widened for a split second before narrowing. “So, you’re the one they’re so afraid of. The one who killed James’ little coven mates. He spoke about you before he died, you know. He said you were nothing but a wolf hiding behind humans.”

Harry smirked, unbothered by her taunt. “James was a fool, and you’re about to join him.”

Victoria laughed, a sharp, cruel sound. “You think you can stop me? You’re out of your depth, human.”

Harry stepped forward, his movements deliberate and menacing. “Oh, I’m far from human.”

Victoria lunged at Harry with the speed of a predator, but he was faster. He sidestepped her attack effortlessly, grabbing her by the arm and throwing her into a nearby tree. The impact splintered the wood, and Victoria let out a feral growl as she recovered.

“Impressive,” she hissed, circling him. “But I’m not done.”

She darted forward again, her claws extended, aiming for his throat. Harry caught her hand mid-swing and twisted, forcing her to her knees.

“You have no idea what you’re dealing with,” Harry said, his voice laced with a dark promise.

Victoria snarled, struggling against his grip, but Harry tightened his hold, forcing her to look up at him. “You brought this on yourself,” he growled. “Your mate tried to kill my son. And now, it’s your turn.”

With that, Harry released her and took a step back. Victoria’s smug expression faltered as she saw him begin to change.

The cracking of bones echoed through the forest as Harry’s body contorted. His skin seemed to ripple as fur sprouted along his arms and legs. His hands transformed into massive, razor-sharp claws, and his face elongated into a fearsome snout. When he stood upright, towering over Victoria, his green eyes glowed like fire in the dark.

Victoria stumbled back, her usual confidence shattered. “What... what are you?” she whispered, genuine fear creeping into her voice.

Harry let out a bone-chilling howl that reverberated through the forest. “I’m your worst nightmare.”

Victoria tried to flee, but Harry was on her in an instant. He swiped at her with his massive claws, ripping through her marble-like skin. She screamed in pain, her attempts to fight back futile against his sheer power.

“You thought you could hunt my family?” Harry roared, his voice a guttural snarl. “You thought you could escape my wrath?”

He pinned her to the ground, his massive paw crushing her chest. Victoria’s eyes darted around desperately, but there was no escape.

“Please...” she gasped, the fight gone from her voice.

“There’s no mercy for those who threaten my son,” Harry growled.

With a final, powerful bite, Harry crushed her neck. Victoria’s body shattered into pieces, her remains glinting like shattered glass under the moonlight.

The forest was silent again, save for Harry’s heavy breathing. He stood there for a moment, his massive form heaving as he regained control. Slowly, his body began to revert to its human form, the fur receding, the claws shrinking, until he was Harry again.

He looked at Bella, who was still standing frozen, her eyes wide with shock. “You’re safe now,” he said, his voice softer but still commanding.

Bella nodded slowly, her hands trembling. “What... what are you?” she finally managed to whisper.

Harry glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Someone who protects what’s his.”

Without another word, he conjured a blanket to cover himself and called Leah and Hermione through his magical communicator. “It’s done,” he said simply.

When Leah and Hermione arrived, they quickly assessed the situation. Leah gave a low whistle as she looked at the shattered remains of Victoria. “Remind me never to get on your bad side,” she joked, though her tone held a note of seriousness.

Hermione walked over to Bella, wrapping an arm around her. “You’ve been through enough for one day. Let’s get you home.”

Bella nodded, still too stunned to speak.

As they left the forest, Harry paused, looking back at the scattered remains of the vampire who had dared to threaten his family. “Let this be a warning to anyone else who thinks they can try,” he muttered before following his family back to the mansion.