Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

You can think that you're in love

When you're really just engaged

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

In the end it's better for me,

That's the moral of the story.

-Ashe ~ Moral of the Story.

Edwards first physical reaction to the news was small.

His right eye twitched. Once.

His second physical reaction was a moment later, and far more difficult to miss.

The loud angry growl resonating in his chest was enough to widen Isabellas eyes and make her take another step back.

That's when he realized he couldn't be angry. If he even began to show her the tsunami of emotion inside of him right now she would turn tail and run.

He sunk in on himself. Sitting on the ground. He was unaware of the whimpers escaping his lips. But Isabella heard.

"Edward?" She spoke.

"Don't go any closer ma'am!"

Isabella looked up. Jasper was holding his hands up.

Jasper was frantically trying to calm Edward. The pain coming off of him was near blinding. He finally got him calm enough that Emmett was able to carry him home, fireman style.

That didn't go over well. Isabella thought.

Edward was a mess. A growl-y, shake-y mess. He was curled into a ball, growling and whimpering periodically, tremors roaming down his back in waves.

They were all in the front room. Rosalie glaring silently at Isabella. Their truce was over the moment she hurt Roses brother.

Isabella sat on the couch, wide eyed. Watching Edward. She whispered to Carlisle beside her, hoping Edward wouldn't hear. "What's happening to him?"

Carlisle sighed , making no effort to lower his voice. "He's probably not going to hear you right now. He's a bit distracted by the fact that this is the first ever recorded unrequited mating bond to exist."

Edward, having picked up the last part of that- cried out into his hands.

Emmett was disturbed. His brother was a man possessed.

Jasper shook his head. Bro, I'm telling you, she's wrong. The bond goes two ways. She believes what she's saying, but she's wrong.

That calmed Edward enough that the tremors in his back slowed, and he raised his head to look mournfully at his mate.

Carlislespoke carefully. "Isabella... why do you think that you had a mate before?"

She looked to him, confusion wrinkling her brow. "I was in Volterra for eight years. Chelsea... Well she tricked me. Forced a mating bond on me. I didn't know"

Edward growled louder.

Carlisle seemed taken aback- "What do you mean- forced?" Wide eyed and looking frightened of her answer.

She sighed. "It's easier to just tell the story, I think."

The year was 1962, and Italy was beautiful. There really were no words for the paradise in front of me.

But I could not allow myself to be distracted. The vampire couple I met in Colorado, (named Peter and Charlotte) told me of the powerful Italian vampire coven living here, the law makers of our world- and I must admit, I'm curious.

Curiosity killed the cat, but I'm hoping satisfaction will bring it back. I make my way thought the city, following a strong scented vampire, this was a cloaked smell, a glamour-ed scent, meant to be irresistible to even our kind. It wouldn't work on me regardless but it was a pretty scent. Very sweet, with a feminine musk undertone, sweetened to the point my nose nearly burned, like burnt sugar-cane.

I found the vampire connected. I was right to think she had a glamour ability. She wasn't even attempting to use it on me and I felt her power coming off in waves.

"Hello," I spoke quietly, as not to startle or offend her.

She looked to me, unimpressed.

"Hello," I repeated, unnecessarily. "I'm looking for the Volturi?"

Her eyebrow raised. "You found them. Are you reporting a crime?"

I shook my head quickly. "No! No, nothing like that."

Her head tilted. "Looking to die?"

I shook my head. Not anymore. I thought with a wry smile. "I was... curious. I'm rather new to this life, I was turned in 1914, I hadn't heard of you."

She looked shocked. "Your Sire told you nothing of the Law?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

Her mouth tilted down. "I'm surprised you're still alive." She shook her head. "Though he might not be once Aro finds out that he isn't teaching his younglings."

"That won't be necessary." I said quietly.

She looked very firm. "We don't allow for second chances."

"No, I mean, it won't be necessary to kill him. He's already dead."

She looked shocked again. "What happened?"

I thought over my answer. I wasn't sure if killing your Sire broke any laws, but best not to tell them until I find out.

I gave them the story I gave Victoria.

"A rogue vampire killed him. I think she must have been out of her mind. I tried to protect him, but she was too strong. I was able to avenge his death though. I killed her for his murder."

"Was your Sire your mate?"

I was appalled. "My- my what??" Was she speaking in terms of animals? "Most certainly not. I am no dirty puzzle*"

"What? You know what- never mind. Jesus- did your Sire teach you nothing?" She said shocked.

"I- well- he taught me how to hunt. How to clean up after myself."

She snorted. "Ah yes, day one lesson one. Anything else?"

I thought hard. No, not much. I shook my head.

"And when did your Sire die?"

"1936"

"You were with him for twenty two years, and all he taught you was how to hunt? Thank god you're his only progeny."

I looked uncomfortable.

"What- I - I swear to god."

I flinched at her taking the Lords name in vain.

"How many?"

I looked at her, mouth scrunched. "Only one other, my sister. She isn't speaking to me though, she's angry I was unable to save him."

She nods sagely. "She was his mate then."

I didn't like this assumption. It made me feel as though she was calling my sister a whore.

"My sister is a good woman. She is no Dollymop* and I will not have you speak of her as one."

"Dollymop? What does that even mean? What is with you Victorians and talking like idiots all the Goddamned time?"

I flinched again, eyes going northward, as if to see Gods own eyes looking down in disappointment that I would even be associated with such a foul mouthed woman.

"Oh Lord. You poor soul. You're as ignorant as a baby. Don't worry love, we'll get you sorted."

I sort of smiled, still uncomfortable with this woman. "Alright, but I would appreciate it if you stop being so sacrilegious in my presence. It makes me worried that god will strike you down, and I don't want to see a vampire die. It sounds dreadful, and if I could still sleep, I'm sure it would give me nightmares."

She laughed. "I'll do my best, but I make no promises. By the way, my names Heidi, what's yours?"

I smiled at her, extending my hand to shake. "Bella, pleased to make your acquaintance."

Jasper held his tongue. But the fact that Isabella knew, and was friendly with Peter and Charlotte did not escape his attention. And she would have had to meet them only shortly after he met Alice, he wondered why they had never mentioned her. My

Edward was still in hell. But he was waiting to hear which of the Volturi he would be sending into the afterlife. For once, he found himself hoping he was right. That hell would suck any dead vampire straight into it's most haunting corners.

The bastard would deserve it, for stealing his mate.

Alice was calculating. She had latched onto the idea of knowing Bella when she was human. Bella had been turned five years before Alice's first memory. It was certainly not impossible for them to have known each other, but now was not the time. She wasn't worried about Isabellas mated status at all. Her vision in the clearing had not changed. Everything would be okay.

Esme was curious, and angry. Not with Isabella. But with the Volturi. She was sure it was their fault that her son was so full of misery, and her new daughter seemed to think herself broken.

Carlisle was thinking hard. It was impossible to force a mating bond. It either happened of it didn't. Isabella could have been glamour-ed into affection, or even a semblance of love. But the mating bond couldn't be faked. He was paying very close attention. Whenever she mentioned the Vampire she had supposedly "bonded to" he was going to dissect her first impression to him. If he was correct- Edward had no need to mourn.

Edwards eyes flicked to his father.

Yes son, if I'm right, Chelsea made her think she was bonded, but there was no bond- she is still your mate.

Edwards eyes widened. All isn't lost, then.

"Keep going." He said quietly. Wanting to get to the part that would confirm or deny Carlisles theory.

Isabella looked at him, surprised by his insistence, the strength in his voice. "Are you sure? You won't like it, I think?"

Edwards jaw clenched. He knew it would be hell to hear of her with someone else. Touching him. Loving him. Giving him all the firsts that should have been ours... an angry voice shouted in his head. He wondered if he would be able to sit still while discussing how his mate had fucked another man. Another vampire man. The distinction seemed important to him. He knew she didn't care for any human man she had bedded beyond sex and food. But a fellow vampire? There was emotion there. She had felt something for him. And Edward didn't like that idea at all. He had to try to force his possessive and jealous thoughts out of his head.

"I am going to do my best to not be angry. I truly do not blame you. I only- the idea of him manipulating your emotions to have sex with you?"Edwards hands went to his hair, and he tugged, so tightly that Isabella grew concerned, moving from her spot on the couch to kneel in front of him. Gently removing his hands from his hair, kissing each knuckle and holding his hand to her face.

His angry expression Faltered. Softening.

"I'm sorry Edward. I wish I could have met you first. That you could have been my mate."

Edward wanted to cry out at her causal denial of their bond. How easily she ignores my love for her.

Isabella takes a deep breath. "That's when I met the Ruling Three..."

They were seated in thrones. The three of them, looking down on me.

The one in the middle had dark, long hair, black as Midnight, smooth as silk. His expression was excited.

The blond on his left, a younger vampire, physically at least, the the cruelty in his face aged him. While he could only probably be in his mid-twenties physically, the lines of anger long set in his face aged him at least a decade.

Next to them, was a younger gentleman. Dark brown hair and a face that had once been mischievous. Perhaps my age physically. But his face was aged in a different way. Indifference. Pain, sadness. Heidi had told me that he had lost his wife. His... mate. I'm supposed to call them mates. But it feels so vulgar. So crass.

The one in the middle speaks to me. Introducing himself, and the others.

"Hello, little one! My name is Aro, these are Marcus and Caius." He gestured first to the sad, and then the angry man.

"And you are?" He asked with a smile, descending down to reach for my hand. He had a powerful aura surrounding him. I was unsure of his gift, but he was very powerful. Though his aura kept close, very internal, only flowing out the slightest bit at his hands. Swirling around his palms.

I shook his hand.

First there was shock. Then anger. Then finally resting on frustration.

"You're a shield?"

My eyebrows came together. "I don't know what that means?"

His eyebrows raise. "You aren't even trying to use your power are you?"

My eyes shift away. "I can't really control it."

He laughs. "Marvellous."

I look to him, curiosity raging.

"I wonder- are you immune to all vampire gifts?"

I smiled. "So far..."

"Jane," Aro called over his shoulder.

"NO!" Edward hissed, infuriated. Though he had never met the Volturis' little witch, he had heard the stories. Knew of her gifts. And he was going to rip her into pieces and burn her, just as her village attempted when she was human.

He was vaguely aware of Isabella attempting to get his attention. Her hands touched his face, and suddenly she had it.

His eyes focused on hers as she spoke. "It didn't work! Nothing does! Well... most anything- I'm still vulnerable to gifts surrounding my emotions." She sighed. "I'm going to skip that part of the story- mostly- part of it is important though, so get ready.

Aro wanted to see if I could be tracked. I could have told him that I couldn't, but I was unaware of why he wanted Demetri in the room.

Aro smiled at the tracker. "I need you to use your gift on this vampire."

Demetri didn't think twice. He turned to me, and I could feel his gift, rough and abrasive against the edge of my awareness. My shield, Aro had called it.

The tracker had oil slick black hair, an upturned nose and a mean face. I found him unattractive. And his gift made me wary of him. The last tracker I had met- was a cruel sort.

The tracker looked awed at me. Bending at the waist to take my hand. Kissing my knuckles.

At first I had a sense of disgust. But then, suddenly, a wave of something strong, and heart-wrenchingly beautiful wafted over me, and I felt my self lean in.

Eyes on the tracker. Eyes on my mate.

Edward was rocking again. He couldn't seem to help it after she referred to Demetri as her mate.

I'm her mate. He can't be. No, I love her. She's supposed to be mine.

Emmett laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. With a growl, Edward shook him off refocusing on the story.

The time I spent with them felt like months. But I was with them for eight years in total. I wanted to marry my mate, but he claimed he had a prejudice against marriage. That he didn't believe in it. I was quite scandalized.

But, I rationalized to myself that I was a vampire. And vampire rules were different than human rules.

What is a mate but a vampire husband?

But still- I was conflicted. I was more pure than most in the sixties I had not even known a mans lips.

But I knew I had to get over my aversion to sexual activity. Though Demetri claimed he was perfectly happy without sex, I knew that he had needs. I was taught of them in finishing school.

And it was difficult, some nights, when we were alone in his room, I felt him a stranger to me, no connection at all, and I found this unnerving, since when we were with the family, I felt more tied to him then to my own survival. As if I would sooner die than allow anything to hurt him, or his family.

I wanted to learn how to protect my mate and his family. I asked for help in developing my gift. Aro agreed eagerly.

I should have known something was amiss.

It was four years before the first time I gave myself physically to Demetri. He seemed hesitant. And asked me more than a dozen times if I was sure. He looked almost apologetic.

We didn't have sex often. Demetri claimed vampires were different in our needs weren't as strong as humans. That made sense, seeing as I didn't feel lustful towards him at all.

Finally on my seventh year with them, I put my foot down. I told him I didn't intend to live in sin any longer. And he would make me his bride, or I would leave.

He proposed that night. I didn't see the hatred in his eyes.

Wedding planning swept me up into its wild wind. Aro told me, that this was a joyous occasion and to have as large a wedding as I desired.

I had been searching for Demetri, going to ask his opinion on the tie colors I had picked for his groomsmen, when I heard him hissing.

"Heidi, I can't take it! I don't want to hide anymore! I love you! Not the Victorian Ninny! She's so boring and sniveling. All she does is complain about missing her sisters and complain that she's not human. She can't even eat without throwing a hissy-fit." His voice changed, taking on a high pitched whine. "Oh! Demetri! You don't think he had a family, do you? Oh! Demetri! Should we call them? Send condolences?" He scoffed. "She's a soft little idiot. I felt bad for her at first, but I can't help but hate her. How can she not see how badly I wish I could throttle her!"

Heidi sighed. "You agreed to this. To keeping her happy. As long as she's here, we're untouchable. The only gift that can even get through her thick fucking skull is Chelsea's."

Chelsea I remember, can manipulate the bonds between vampires. And this is when I realize I had been tricked. It feels as though the floor has dropped from beneath me. This man is not my mate. This man certainly doesn't want to be my husband.

I turned on my heel quietly. I want out of Italy. Now.

But I know I have to make a stop first.

/-/-/-/-/

The throne room is gorgeous. As beautiful as the first time I saw it. This will be the last.

Aro smiled down at me, looking over the book he was reading. Something in Latin. I never learned.

"Isabella! What a delight! Here for wedding advice!" He took in my face.

Read the betrayal, the anger and the humiliation in my eyes.

He walked towards me hands extended. "Oh dear, what seems to be the problem."

I extend my hands. After my sixth summer with them, I learned how to allow Aro to read my mind. So I took his hand, and was not surprised when his lips turned down sharply.

"Ah... so. This is a dreadful thing."

I looked at him with sad eyes.

"Oh dear one. Don't worry, I understand. Though I must tell you- you got part of this wrong."

I tilted my head. "And what is that?"

He smiled. "You think that Demetri is not your mate?"

I nodded, "He doesn't love me. You used Chelsea to make me think he did." There was no anger in my tone, and Aro knew I held no malice towards him for this transgression. I couldn't blame him. He was only doing what was best for his family. I would have done the same for my own sisters.

"You're wrong Bella." He smiled. "Yes, we did use Chelsea to form the bond, but he is your mate now. There are no take backs with the bond. You will find no other."

I was devastated. Heartbroken. I am destined to never love another in the same way as I loved a man who hated me.

Aro wrapped me in a hug. Whispering in my ear quietly. "Bella... isn't fake happiness better than a truthful hurt? Demetri will keep pretending. You can pretend too. I mean, you don't want to be alone again, do you?"

I closed my eyes. No I didn't want to be alone. But it didn't appear I had a choice. My pride was too strong to stay where I was unwanted.

"Aro. I want to leave." He looked into my eyes. Saddened, he had grown fond of me during my time in Volterra. I had come to think of him as a friend. But I wouldn't live like this.

He nodded. "I understand Bella. I suppose it necessary. But I do hope you'll visit."

I smiled tightly. Not wanting to admit I would never return to Italy. It would be too hard to turn away even the fake family I had found here a second time. With Aros permission, I made my way back to America.

Carlisle is ecstatic.

They aren't mates. He thinks to Edward. Sure of himself now.

Edward looked at him. Yes son. She's your mate. Watch this.

"And Isabella, after you left Italy, did you find yourself missing Demetri often?"

She shook her head. "No, I mostly just feel hurt, angry, and used whenever I think of my time in Italy."

Edward could of growled. Of course she felt used. She was being used. And maybe she felt no anger towards Aro for his schemes, but Edward had no such impediments about hating his fellow telepath, and the tracker. He was still plotting the trackers demise but Alice pulled him out of those thoughts.

It won't work. You'll just get yourself killed.

Edward was disappointed to hear that.

Carlisle smiled. "Isabella, Aro lied to you."

She looked at Carlisle, confused. "What do you mean?"

"You cannot force a mating bond. There is no possible way. I was willing to hear you out to see if perhaps I was wrong. But if you were truly mated to Demetri, you would never stop loving him. Even if he hated you with everything in him."

Isabella flinched. "That's awful!"

Carlisle continued. "And a mating bond is always a two way connection. He would have loved you as well." Carlisle sighed. "Isabella, him telling you that was his last ditch effort to get you to stay. He wanted your shield, remember?"

Isabella looked stunned. "So- so you're saying..."

"You are unmated Isabella. At least you were. The question is, are you now?"

Edward looked at Isabella. Pain clear in his eyes. Please, they seemed to whisper. Please.

Isabella stared at him. "I- I don't know. What-"

Edwards lip trembled, and Isabella smoothed it with her finger, shushing him softly.

Emmett rolled his eyes. "It's simple Belly-Bear. Do you love my brother?"

Isabella was distracted. "What the hell did you just call me?"

Emmett grinned. "Not the time, little sister."

Isabella shook her head. He was an oaf, but he was right. Her eyes went to Edward. Suddenly feeling lost again. "I- well. You're certainly." She looked up, hoping for some assistance from one of the Cullens. But they had vacated the area. Leaving the two of them alone.

Edward wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her close, staring into her deep red eyes.

"Isabella. You don't have to say anything right now. I don't expect you to love me yet. This must be horribly confusing for you.

But I cannot deny that I love you. That I want to spend my life with you. And that I would do anything in the world, I would move heaven and hell, to have the chance to be with you. In whatever respect you will have me. I love you. So much it hurts Isabella."

Isabella would be crying if it were possible. She wrapped her arms around Edward and leaned on his shoulder.

"I feel this Edward. I feel the bond I have with you, and it scares me. You could hurt me so easily. I don't ever want to feel the way I did that day again. And it would be worse with you, because everything is real. Everything I feel for you feels so real Edward. I don't know what to do."

"Give in." He whispered into her hair. "Give in to me. Don't be afraid of me. I would never hurt you. I would rather die than hurt you."

Isabella let out a half sob, burying her face in his chest. And she did. She let go. Gave up the reigns of control she had been grasping for far too long. Her shield fell, and she gasped in relief. She never would have done this for anyone else, not even when she thought herself madly in love with Demetri would she have let him hold her like this. So vulnerable. More so than she had been since she was human. But she was so tired. And Edward would take care of her.

Edward was swept up into the mind of his beloved. So trusting in him. So full of love that she didn't even recognize to be love. And he held her tighter. He was glad his family had left for a hunting trip. If any of them had been here when she was this defenseless, he would have been unable to control his temper. He held her and rocked back and forth soothingly, while she sobbed into his shirt.

"I love you." he whispered.

"I trust you." She whimpered. And he knew that, for her at least, this was bigger a miracle than love.

Edward was bathing Isabella. He was attempting to be a gentleman, she was obviously still upset. But he was also very sure he might combust before he gets a chance to have an emergency meeting with his limbs to nickname his hand Isabella.

He was using a glass pitcher to pour water over her hair. Kissing her temple before he did. Massaging the sweet smelling soap into her skin. Watching her slowly relax.

Her eyes had drifted shut, and Edward took this opportunity to quickly look down her body, Memorizing every curve and line for later use.

"You're such a pervert." She whispered. A smile in her voice.

Edward glanced up. Indeed she was smiling, softly. And her eyes were still closed, how did she know?

"Your breathing changed. And then you whimpered." She answered his question without him needing ask it.

Edward was embarrassed again. Her eyes opened. "It's okay you know. You can look. Though I'm a bit jealous." Her voice was still quiet, calming. Her smile was softly teasing. "You can see all of me, but you've still got all these clothes on."

Edward stood. Unbuttoning his shirt, and removing his undershirt. Unbuttoning his pants and removing them, and his underwear as well. Edward was well aware that if he wasn't stressed beyond belief and strained by fear, he would have never allowed anything as improper as this to occur. But right now he needed his mate.

Edward was a tad shy. This was the first woman to see him nude since his mother. He looked up at Isabella eyes questioning, fearful again.

But Isabellas eyes were full of wonder. And awe. She gestured to the water, and then Edward climbed in. It was hot water. And it felt good on his muscles.

Isabella grabbed the soap, massaging his chest, and his arms and shoulders with it. His eyes closed and he leaned into her touch.

Edward was in heaven. This Angel was relaxing him from his earlier fears of rejection. He felt at home here with his mate. His chest rumbled with a low purr, as they lay together in the water.

Isabella was in heaven. His skin felt like silk. And smelled like like home. His scent was sweet sandalwood and sun-warmed chocolate. Vanilla and cashmere. Warm and inviting. And she leaned on him. Chest to chest. His breathing grew heavy again, but he made no move to deepen the contact. They were both just happy to find comfort in each other's arms.

[AN: okay! So. We're in the clear. Or are we?

This chapters song isn't my favorite but it does fit the theme.

Any theories? Hate it? Love it? Let me know!

I love reviews you guys are my favorite people in the world! Thank you somuch you are my main inspiration when writing. This story still has a few twisty turns left. Let's see what happens, shall we?

Also! I need opinions! Smut! No smut! I've been considering it- but I also have trouble writing smut with Edward. In my mind Edward is very thoroughly a man of his time, and speaks like a man of his time- Victorian sex slang and all. I have a few that I am going to use on the story regardless of the amount of sex inside- just because my Edward is a little pervert. Sometimes. Only with his Isabella.

Also!

Dirty puzzle: nasty slut.

Dollymop: part time prostitute.]