Chapter 18

Jacob approached the beautiful vampire, feeling both nervous and excited. Though he had been admiring Edward from afar, he had to act nonchalant.

Casually walking up to him, Jacob asked, "What brings you here?"

Edward looked up at him, his piercing amber eyes meeting his. There was something in his eyes that he couldn't identify. He couldn't help but feel a little weak in the knees.

"I'm just playing hookey," Edward replied in his velvety low voice. "But don't worry, dog. It's not about your investigation."

"Isn't it?" He raised a brow, trying to keep the conversation flowing. "Aren't things a bit more complicated now that Bella knows about you bloodsuckers?"

His gold eyes hardened, his expression fell, and he sighed. Jacob's hand itched to reach out and caress his angel-like face, but he clenched his fists instead.

"Of course. We have a reputation to maintain. I cannot deny that this posses a problem for our kind."

Jacob's eyes narrowed. "What kind of problem?"

Edward smiled wryly, and Jacob felt his heart skip a beat. His grin was just so sexy. "Like you dogs, we are bound to secrecy. However, our rules are a little more strict. If Bella's discovery were to spread or be discovered, " he said, pausing importantly, "Her life would be in danger."

Jacob nodded, feeling uneasy. He clenched his jaw. "And what are you guys doing to prevent this?" He hissed through his teeth.

He rolled his eyes, which was both infuriating and... hot. "There's nothing we can do, dog." His voice was patronizing, and Jacob felt the urge to both slap him and kiss him senselessly. Luckily, Edward spoke again, which distracted him from his absurd thoughts. "Alice and I don't believe she's a threat to our secret. However, a few of the others don't quite agree."

"Like who?" He scoffed. "Rosalie?"

His eyes widened in a brief surprise. Jacob smirked, pleased that he had caught him off guard.

"Yes," Edward said. "She and Jasper believe that her being aware of our secret poses a threat."

Now, it was Jacob's turn to roll his eyes. "But that was your guys' fault, wasn't it?" But then he added, "I'm glad she saved her from the van, but wouldn't there be a more inconspicuous way of doing it?"

Edward let out a long breath. "I suppose. But even the most talented of us get caught by surprise sometimes."

"So your psychic bloodsucker didn't see it coming?"

Edward stiffened. He seemed uncomfortable discussing his family's special abilities with him. Still, all Jacob could focus on was how the tension accentuated the lean muscles in the neck, making him even more alluring. "Not until the last moment. Future seeing is very complicated."

"Hmmm." He hummed, thinking about this for a moment. "I suppose, if it were that simple, ya'll wouldn't get into as much trouble as you do."

The sexy, lopsided grin returned to his face, momentarily stunning Jacob.

"That's correct, dog." He replied.

He spoke the word "dog" with an odd, affectionate tone that made his heart jump and pick up in double time.

"Whatever." Jacob dismissed the comment and turned away from the man, afraid that he was blushing and wouldn't be able to maintain his composure for much longer.

In the midst of an awkward silence, he decided to walk away. However, before he could go very far, Edward began to speak again. His commanding yet sweet voice caused him to halt in his tracks.

"Hey," Edward said. "I figure I'd let you know something..."

He stopped and turned around. "What?"

"Alice had a vision earlier," he explained. "She predicts that there will be some visitors who are... of our kind."

His eyes widened in surprise. "Other vampires? Here?"

Edward nodded. "Yes, but they're likely just passing through. There may not be any cause for concern."

He furrowed his brow, looking skeptical. "And these visitors... Are they like you, in their eating habits?"

"No," Edward frowned. "I'm afraid not."

His face twisted into a frown. He felt a sense of discomfort as he processed the information. Bloodthirsty vampires here in Forks...

"We'll be on guard." He told him.

Edward nodded again. "I trust that you will."

He forcibly pulled himself away from the breathtaking creature, his heart pounding with uncertainty... and excitement. The word "trust" reverberated through his mind, a foreign concept that seemed out of place between their two opposing species.

Despite the undeniable attraction that had drawn him to Edward in the first place, he knew that he needed to keep his distance and remain vigilant, lest he fall prey to its seductive charms...