Unexpected [Rewritten Version] | Twilight Edward x OC

Chapter 8: The First Case of Mismatching

"Nothing much but we have confirmation that he is indeed an enemy. The pack will guard Bella's house at night. It'll allow us to hunt."

"That's great. We should also coordinate to watch over Charlie and track the intruder."

Rosalie was obviously not very pleased by that but said nothing. "Carlisle." The doctor looked at his son. A frown appeared on his brow when he noticed Edward's troubled state. "There's something I must ask you."

All Cullens were now curious about what Edward had in mind. As privacy was quite rare in the vampire, Edward figured that his siblings would eventually find out about their conversation anyway, so he did not mind talking about this in front of them. However, he was not sure of how to phrase his thoughts.

"Is it about Bella?" Carlisle tried to help his son when he saw his difficulties in expressing himself. "About the fact she wants to become one of our kind?"

Edward shook his head. "No, it's not that. I just wanted to know... what you felt when you first met Esme?"

Carlisle, but the rest of the family seemed quite taken aback by Edward's question. It was definitely not what they expected him to ask. Still, a smile stretched on Carlisle's face at the memory that played in his mind. He turned to Esme with love in his eyes and rested his hand on hers.

"I felt like I've found a sense to my life again," Carlisle softly said, which brought a bright smile on Esme's lips. She intertwined her fingers with his. "I felt... human again. As if everything was at its right place. I've found my sun and I'm gravitating around her. And without her, I feel lost."

It was clear that Esme reciprocated the feeling, and that it was what each couple, Rosalie and Emmettz or Alice and Jasper, felt. And that was also what Edward felt. But not for Bella. For Irene.

"Is there something wrong, Edward?" Carlisle asked again. It was obvious that what he had said did not exactly help him.

"It's about Irene, isn't it?" Jasper said, which did surprise the rest of his family. Edward was no fool, he knew that Jasper knew. Being a pathokinesist, Jasper could feel what Edward felt. He must have known for a long time about his inner conflict but waited for his brother to be comfortable enough to talk about it. "You're not wrong. What you feel for her is nothing near what you've ever felt for Bella."

"Ok... can someone explain what's going on?" Emmett intervened.

"Is it possible for a vampire to change mate?" Edward then asked Carlisle.

"I don't think so. A mate is the other part of you. It's the one you are willing to take any risks for, the one you feel complete with. It's the one your entire being, from your soul to your cells, resonates with."

Again, this description fitted perfectly for what he felt for Irene.

"Why this question, dear?" Esme asked her son.

Edward remained silent for a moment. It felt surreal, but there was no denying anymore. "I think... I think Bella is not my mate... I think Irene is."

Silence. The Cullens exchanged gazes, not entirely sure if what Edward said could even be possible. Something like that never happened before. But they had also noticed the chemistry he had with Irene. They had noticed how Edward would be more preoccupied by Irene. They did notice how Edward had grown distant with Bella. They were still close and they obviously cared for each other, but it was not the same as it used to be. Edward wouldn't visit her at night anymore and wouldn't mind Jacob's presence as much as he used to. Instead, he would talk about Irene more often or gaze at her more often. In fact, Edward was looking at Irene the way the Cullens were looking at their mates.

"I think she is too," Alice declared and it did bring Edward great relief. If Alice and Jasper sided with him, then he was not mad. "I didn't understand at first, but since the day we've met the twins, your future with Bella became more and more blurry and unsure. My visions are now about Bella and Tony, and you, you are always surrounded with a red fog."

"It's true that when you first met Bella, you were incredibly attracted to her blood," Carlisle reminisced. Bella's blood's scent was so powerful that Edward had had to leave for Alaska for two weeks. Bella's blood was particularly appealing for any vampire and had a stronger effect on Edward. "We might have mistaken your attraction for her blood for the mating bond. Bella may be your blood singer and Irene your true mate."

"So what are you gonna do?" Rosalie asked.

"I need to talk to Bella. Now."

Edward did not want for anyone's answer and headed back to the Swan Residence. It was imperative for him to have a serious conversation with Bella. They were still officially dating and it was wrong to stay with someone he did not love. It was not fair for Bella, and he knew that she felt the same way. It all became clearer for Edward. His feelings for Irene, his attraction for Irene, his desire to remain by her side forever, it was all so clear. And he had never felt this happy in his entire existence. He was in love with Irene, such a strong, beautiful, and amazing woman. He was in love, truly in love. And it made him so blissful.

When he got to Bella's house, Tony was just about to leave. It was a little awkward as the three of them exchanged looks. Tony and Bella were obviously in love, but she was technically still dating Edward. So Tony awkwardly waved goodbye to Bella and exchanged a quick courtesy with Edward before leaving. Bella cleared her throat, feeling a little embarrassed as she shoved her hands into her pockets.

"Hey," was all she could utter.

"We need to talk," Edward said, which did scare Bella.

She gestured to him to come inside as they headed to the living room. She felt a little nervous as she believed that he was mad at her for spending so much time with Tony. They stood in the room, awkward.

Edward was obviously trying to find the right words to use but eventually, all that left his mouth was: "I think we should break up." Bella blinked a few times. He continued, "Lately, you and I have grown distant. I care about you, I truly do. But not in the same way as I used to. And I don't think it's fair for you if I stay with you while I think about someone else and while I don't have any more romantic feelings for you. You need someone who loves you and only you. But that person is not me..."

Though he believed Bella was in love with Tony, Edward was still quite nervous at the idea of hurting her. A break up was never something comfortable to handle, especially when it was the first. Though his nervousness quickly vanished when he heard Bella's chuckle.

"Geez, you scared me. I thought you were mad at me," she sighed in relief. "In all honesty, I'm glad you're saying this. It's exactly what I feel. I don't have any romantic feelings for you anymore too. But with everything happening with Victoria and the intruder, I didn't want to take your focus off the situation."

Edward let out a sigh of relief as well. He truly did not want to hurt her and he was glad that they were on the same page.

"So, this is official?" He smiled, amused as he held his hand out to her. Bella chuckled and shook his hand.

"Yes, Edward Cullen, you and I are no longer dating."