Shadows of Temptation

Previously on Forbidden Fruits :

My breathing was difficult, but I gathered the strength to say, "N-Not an Angel."

" Oh, he speaks. It looks like you need some assistance there. Would you like some?' He smiled brightly, like helping his natural enemy was his favorite pastime.

''- mean thoughts

""- Speaking

Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or any other twilight works .

Edward POV:

The shapeshifter in front of me on his knees, his long frame imposing yet oddly agile. His bronze skin spoke of his Quileute heritage, a testament to the rich history that ran through his veins. Speaking of his blood I could smell from where I stood it was unlike anything I had ever encountered. Its scent was intoxicating, permeating the air around him with a richness that was both alluring and dangerous. Every time I caught a whiff of it, it stirred something primal within me, a hunger and desire I could barely contain. It was as if his blood sang to me, calling out with a sweetness that was impossible to resist. The thought of tasting his blood was bewildering but thought of indulging in him , a shiver ran through me. As I stood there in my own musings , those eyes, deep rich brown pools of darkness, held a glimmer of untold secrets, a glimpse into the depths of his soul met mine. The defiance in those eyes had a smirk growing on my face , I wanted to challenge that look . Though I was content with controlling myself at this time.

"As if I was weak or foolish to ask a pale face for help" The young shifter scoffed breathy then using his hands he pulled himself off the forest floor. As I watched him move with a fluid grace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and captivation for this enigmatic young man. I was able to get a better look at him , and he didn't seem to be ashamed of his nudity. And from the hint of his thoughts he hoped that in any form he took I would be intimidated by his size , because he is weak in the knees right now.

" Oh you are impressive in either form , though I'm pretty sure I could handle you" I chuckled and my smirk was in full force now finally lowering my hands to my side.

Now, he stood stiffly, his brow furrowing with disbelief, his eyes narrowing as his heartbeat gradually slowed to a steady rhythm in my ears. 'You can hear my thoughts,' he stated, his voiced thought tinged with astonishment and a hint of apprehension in his head.

I nodded slowly "I can read minds," I confessed, my tone tinged with resignation. "It's not as glamorous as it sounds, though. It's more like... a constant stream of voices, thoughts from those around me that I can't block out. Sometimes it's overwhelming."

I watched his reaction carefully, the surprise evident in his slightly widened eyes. He was processing the information, his expression a mixture of surprise, discomfort, and a sense of invasion of his privacy.

"That must be... challenging," he murmured, initially taken aback by the revelation, as having someone access his innermost thoughts without his consent feels intrusive and unsettling to him.

I nodded in agreement, a weariness settling over me. "It is. I can control my ability to some extent. While I can't turn it off entirely, I've learned to filter out unwanted thoughts. It's like tuning out background noise in a crowded room. This allows me to maintain privacy and sanity despite being bombarded by thoughts."

His eyes widened in surprise, his expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "So, you can just... ignore people's... thoughts?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity making him move closer to the treaty line.

I nodded, meeting his gaze evenly. "Yes, to a certain extent. It's taken practice, but I've become quite adept at it over the years."

He let out a low whistle, shaking his head in amazement. "That's... wild, man. I can't even imagine what that must be like." He lost in thought trying to see if it's similar when he communicates with his pack when shifted.

I offered him a wry smile, acknowledging the unique challenges of my telepathic ability. "It definitely has its moments," I admitted. "But I've learned to cope with it."

As the shifter unconsciously neared the treaty line through the revelation, the overpowering scent of blood gradually diminished. I couldn't shake my curiosity about the sudden surge of desire and how he slowly quelled it. Though still captivated by his scent, it no longer overwhelmed me. Moving a bit closer to the line caught his attention, prompting his gaze to snap back to me.

"So, are you finally going to tell me your name, Darling?"I inquired, my tone laced with curiosity.

The shifter's gaze held mine for a moment, his expression guarded yet intrigued. After a brief pause, he nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess it's about time," he replied, his voice low and measured.

He took a step closer, closing the distance between us as he extended his hand in greeting. "I'm Jacob Black," he introduced himself, his tone steady despite the underlying tension in the air.

I met his gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Edward Cullen," I responded, clasping his hand firmly in mine. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Jacob.

Jacob's grip was strong, his handshake firm and resolute. I couldn't help but notice the warmth of his touch, a stark contrast to the coldness of my own skin. I was reluctant to let go of that warmth but I kept it respectful. Despite the lingering tension between our kind, there was a sense of mutual attraction in the air as we exchanged introductions though it seemed like Jacob was resisting it. I chuckled in my head 'If this is the game the shifter wished to engage in, I would willingly participate,' I thought to myself, prepared to meet the challenge head-on.

"Likewise, Edward," Jacob acknowledged, his expression softening slightly. "I've heard a lot about you."

I arched an eyebrow inquisitively, curious about what he had heard. "Oh? And what exactly have you heard?" I asked, a hint of amusement coloring my tone.

He rolls his eyes. "Not you in particular, just tales of your family passed down through the tribe," he clarifies. I chuckled "I know of your ancestor," I continued, a note of respect in my voice as I referenced Ephraim Black, a figure of significance in both of our histories.

Jacob's eyes widened in surprise, his shock evident as he processed my mention of his great-grandfather. "You know about Ephraim?" he asked, a mixture of astonishment and curiosity in his tone.

I nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Yes, his name holds significance in both of our histories," I replied cryptically, my words carefully chosen to conceal the extent of my knowledge.

Jacob's thoughts raced, his mind undoubtedly buzzing with questions about how much I knew. But to his surprise, I offered no further explanation, my expression remaining enigmatic as I held his gaze.

"Yeah, he was the one who made the treaty with your family," Jacob mused aloud, his voice tinged with reverence.

I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth of his words without revealing any additional information. I wasn't ready to tell all my secrets. "Indeed," I replied simply, allowing a moment of silence to linger between us.

Despite Jacob's thoughts swirling with curiosity, I made no attempt to delve into them. Instead, I maintained a polite distance, respecting his privacy while keeping my own secrets guarded.

"So," Jacob began, breaking the silence with a hint of curiosity in his voice, "when did the Cullens return, and why now?"

I met his gaze, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Ah, the million-dollar question," I replied, my tone teasing as I considered my response carefully. "Let's just say, certain... circumstances tempted our return."

Jacob arched an eyebrow, his expression filled with skepticism. "Circumstances?" he repeated, a note of suspicion creeping into his voice. I nodded, a mysterious glimmer in my eyes. "Indeed," I confirmed cryptically, leaving the details shrouded in ambiguity. "But I assure you, our intentions are... peaceful."

A flicker of doubt crossed Jacob's features, but he nodded in acceptance, choosing to trust my word for now. "Well, as long as you're not here to cause trouble," he remarked cautiously.

I chuckled softly, a playful edge to my tone. "Oh, Jacob," I replied, my voice laced with amusement, "we're simply here to blend in with the scenery and enjoy the... unique charms of Forks." Jacob's lips quivered in a half-smile, his skepticism momentarily overshadowed by the easy banter between us. "Right," he conceded, a spark of laughter dancing in his eyes. "Well, just try not to stir up too much trouble while you're here, Cullen."

I nodded in mock seriousness, my smile widening into a grin. "You have my word, hopefully we will run into each other again" I assured him, a mischievous twinkle in my eyes hinting at the secrets I still held close. With a nod of farewell, I retreated from the edge of the treaty line, the familiar comfort of home calling. my hunger was somewhat forgotten now returns tenfold as I look for newer prey. This meeting has left me famished in the best ways.

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