A/N: So not going to lie I was really torn how I was going to write this chapter but ultimately decided on Jane but don't worry – this chapter is all about Alec and his, shall we say, parental figures. Shit gets real in this chapter and if anyone knows the background for the song title of this chapter, you'll have a good idea why.

Quick Note* I wanted to say a huge thank you to all the lovely reviews, favorites, and follows that this story received! If you didn't get a PM from me expressing my thanks I'm so sorry about that! For some reason, they aren't sending but I am in contact with tech support so I figured I would say a huge thank you here! So...Thank you!

Enjoy!

When You Love Someone

Chapter 31: Speechless

Jane

"This room is where you'll be staying. The potion has taken effect already so all you have to do is stay here until we call you. Once you come in, we can explain in full our plan." I instructed as Jacob looked around the room and slowly nodded his head.

"Okay, I can do that but won't these others hear my heartbeat?" He asked as I smirked and pointed to the walls.

"Not as long as you're here. The walls were specialty made to be soundproof…even from us. So, sit tight and wait for our signal. This shouldn't take long." I mentioned with a grimace as I heard soft footsteps and quietly closed the door before I made my way down the hallway and caught sight of Carlisle and Marcus speaking quietly before they entered the council room, and I felt a light touch on my shoulder by a curious-looking Tanya.

"Jane, what's this all about? Do you know why Alec's called a meeting?" She asked quietly as I looked away and mumbled "There's been a development but its best you hear from Alec first."

As we entered the room Alec had placed himself head of the table as the room filled and I stood next to him as Edward cleared his throat and subtly shook his head in Carlisle's direction.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice but as you would soon learn time is of the essence. To be blunt, we need to revisit the rescue operation for Bella. New information has come to light." Alec said hardened as various pretests lit the room.

"Alec our minds have not changed, there is not enough evidence to show such a mission wouldn't be futile. We have to get Bella another way." Marcus sighed as I glanced towards Alec and his jaw ticked as he glanced at Marcus.

"I know your minds haven't changed but you said there wasn't enough evidence to justify a mission. Well, we have more to show."

"And what is that Alec?" Siobhan asked curiously before Santiago scoffed and I turned sharply to him.

"No amount of evidence could change anyone's mind. Your mate isn't worth the downfall of a new government." Santiago glared and I growled lowly.

"And your place isn't permanent Santiago. We have the right to present evidence and your stubbornness won't prevent us from presenting a case for my brothers' mate." I said evenly as his eyes flashed and Caius stepped between us.

"Enough you two! This isn't an arena to air grievances. Now Alec this is your meeting, and you claim you have new evidence to show it." Caius exclaimed tiredly as Alec shifted his hands on the map and eyed me and Edward.

"As you can see my sister is correct. The last time we discussed it I didn't have sufficient evidence to prove that the council's resources wouldn't be squandered to help rescue my mate. Now we have it." Alec started as I looked at Edward and he gave a stiff nod.

"I admit that there are members here who have kept information from the council until it could be presented, that time is now." Alec started as he grabbed the vials from his pocket and set them carefully on the table as Carlisle walked forward and Marcus raised his eyebrow. "This is one of many completed potions that Bella was able to dissect and replicate. In her forthbrought, she instructed trusted members of her tribe to continue her work in her absence. They did as she asked with help from members of the council." Alec continued as there was a small gasp and I saw Caius scrunch his brows.

"And you kept this information until now? How dare you tamper with evidence, especially in times as these! Alec you of all people know better than to do something as reckless as this!" Caius growled until Edward stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Caius, although your anger is justified it's aimed at the wrong person. Alec said members of the court, but he was not referring to himself but to me. I kept it from everyone. I've been working with the shapeshifters of Forks to continue with Bella's work. When Felix arrived and informed us of Bella's new condition, I arranged a trip to Forks that Alec and Jane intercepted. They demanded to come with me, and they learned about it from me. They are not at fault. I'm sorry I've kept it from everyone, but I had to protect the legacy Didyme and Bella left behind" Edward commanded as I stifled my surprise. Why didn't he lump me in with the guilty, but Edward gave me a brief slight shake of his head as Caius specifically looked rather chagrined and marched until he was face to face with him.

"You, have been a throne in my side ever since you brought your human here the first time!" Caius growled as Carlisle stepped forward concerned and Edward kept his head high "and you dare to keep any information from us to protect what exactly? That vial on the table…what is it exactly and why would we ever give the approval to spearhead a mission like this when you all have proven that you are inept of basic communication!" Caius seethed as I looked at Alec who locked his jaw and his eyes blazed.

Keep it together Alec, we need them. All of a sudden Jacob's question rang through my head from our conversation in Forks. Would he defy the leader's rule? I asked him this once more and he gave me no answer but looking at him now. Seeing his eyes blaze I knew he would. He would in a heartbeat. The only reason he is even going along with the meeting at all was the last chance effort to not turn away peace. We were fighting a war; we didn't need a fight within too.

Caius was right, why would they give the go-ahead? As I looked around the room their faces were hardened in their choice; how do you change a mind that doesn't want to change? How do we prove our case? If they don't give a yes, Alec would go on his own. He wasn't thinking clearly, he's not thinking at all. Casting a glance, truthfully, I've never seen him like this at all. He wasn't thinking rationally.

I needed my brother but with Edward getting screamed at and Alec, no doubt thinking of an alternative route, it was up to me to get this meeting back on track. Caius would be a lost cause; he was too angry. Marcus would be tied up with doing the logical solution and Carlisle was Carlisle. He was a safe bet but right now he was busy deescalating the situation. He wouldn't want to ruffle more feathers than needed.

Siobhan…Siobhan may be the best bet we had. She was rational but she was the only one right now that seemed the most intrigued to hear Alec out.

"Siobhan" I started as she took a quick glance at me "I understand that Edward and myself abused the trust of the council. Edward is too quick to omit my own guilt, truthfully, I've known about the activities of the wolves for some time. Ever since the news of Bella's death but please… all I ask, all we ask is the chance to explain why." I asked as Siobhan glanced to the wall and I saw the gears in her head turn. I blocked out the rebuffs and squawking of the other members because all that mattered, all we needed was one yes.

"Okay." She said as Caius looked over while Marcus and Carlisle stepped away.

"What did you say?" Caius asked as Siobhan turned her cool stare to him as she repeated herself.

"Yes, I think we should hear out Alec, Edward, and Jane. Jane admits fault but considering the circumstances, I think their actions should have some leniently."

"Leniently? Surely you are mistaken" Caius said as she walked forward.

"No, I'm not. Alec had just lost his mate and if I'm reading the room correctly it seemed that Bella had distrusted more than Aro. Frankly, I agree with her choices. Who knows how far Aro's treachery really went? We are still grappling with the notion that we still have spies among us. That's why this council was created, to have a division of power and unless Caius, you want us to have the same opinion as to the traditional Volturi then may I ask… why are we even here?" She asked coolly as Caius stared her down but she didn't budge. Finally, Caius sighed and waved his hand as he stood his place next to the wall as Siobhan turned to my brother and gave him an expectant stare.

"Now, Alec, I'll assume this evidence is more than that vial on the table? Please… explain it to us. Make your case with all evidence and then we'll vote." She said as I looked bath and forth and smiled as Alec relaxed and gave a forced smile.

"Your right, it's much more than this vial but this is more than a simple solution. This could change the course of the war." He began.

I took one glance around the room and noticed more hostile expressions turned to faces of curiosity. They eyed the vial as Alec picked it up and splashed a few droplets onto his hand and held it up to Carlisle.

"Carlisle, do you smell my scent here?" He asked simply as Carlisle took a quick sniff and his eyes widened in wonder.

"No… I don't. Didyme's scent erasing potion… the wolves managed to replicate it?" He asked as I nodded my head and smiled as Alec became more confident.

"And more. They were able to make bottles of the stuff. With the ability to hide our scents, we would be invisible to the enemy. The information that the shapeshifters have is immense. Bella trusted the chief to guard and protect it which he has done. He was even able to go a step further and create a healing balm. A paste-like texture that is able to heal cracks and other injuries. With these two recipes in our arsenal, the rescue mission could be carried out while minimizing the risk. The Romanians wouldn't be able to track us without a scent. We could have Felix retrace his steps and if Demetri were to join us, he could track the Romanians if we don't find them first. We could stop them in their tracks. We could rescue Bella but instead of returning home with Bella we could have a Romanian as well." Alec said harshly as he tacked a marker on the map.

"This was the area Felix remembered exiting Romania. This point onward we could track to their last known location and get her." Alec said.

"It would seem that the invention would ease fears of the following but what of the new inventions that they possess? We still don't have the upper hand, for all we know they could have the exact same thing or something even more dangerous." Siobhan explained as I shook my head.

"They may have something similar to the potion, but we would still have the upper hand. We have something that the Romanians would have no way of possessing…. but a shapeshifter himself." I revealed as I texted Jacob and suddenly, I heard his footsteps in the hall as the door slowly opened revealing Jacob as he eyed the room and gave a smile.

"Hello, my name is Jacob Black, Chief of the Quileute nation and Bella's brother." He said calmly as he walked across the room as members looked at him in awe and curiosity.

"Incredible… I can't get a read on you at all. Your scent is gone." Siobhan breathed out as Caius raised his eyebrow.

"amazing indeed…. That you managed to come into our borders without any of us knowing. How is this any reassurance that this is a good thing." Caius asked skeptically as Alec turned his head.

"It means that if Jacob can get past us, he can get past the Romanians. The shapeshifters are on our side. Bella is one of them just as much as she is one of us. Jacob and his people have the same motivation as us to want to see the final fall of Romanian rule." Alec explained as Jacob eyed Caius.

"My bond with Bella goes above your rules and regulations. I was called here to represent my people and to have my voice heard in any rescue attempts for my sister. She was under your protection was she not?" Jacob asked as he eyed them, and Marcus stood straight and nodded his head.

"Then anything that may have happened to her falls under your jurisdiction. She was your ward and she nearly died. The least you could do is help get her back. Your motivations to befriend us were to enhance your power and to have allies if need be. If you all want to keep your peace with us in our territory…. You will help us get my sister back." Jacob said coolly as Caius glared while Carlisle took a step forward.

"Jacob, your people and us have had a good relationship for decades. Although I want to see Bella home the risks are still too great. We have a delicate standing since the betrayal of Aro, we have to have to show a united front. The Romanians are a great threat and although the potions are a great asset and the company of you and your pack it is still not a guarantee of victory." Carlisle explained as Jacob remained unmoved.

"Carlisle as much as I admire your peaceful ways this is not up for negotiation. I demanded I be here to have my voice in this heard. Your son and I had a deal. I would agree to give you the diary of Didyme and her book in exchange for my voice being heard. You are not my government. Our gift was meant to protect our people and innocents of threats like you. We are built to kill vampires." Jacob said slowly as he looked around the room. "My people and I are warriors. We stand proud in our duty to protect and guard and right now… my sister is who knows where because of you. Forgive me if I don't keep friendly relations with the ones that helped put her there. I will protect her even without your help. So, I'm here asking if you'll help me or stand in the way of my duty." He asserted as I smirked and eyed the room.

"Jacob be reasonable, we can't take this big of a risk –" Carlisle started as Jacob raised his hand and interrupted him.

"Carlisle with all due respect, I don't care if you can't take this big of a risk. Like I said I'm not asking permission from a council, I'm telling you that if you want to keep your peace with me and my tribe you will take this mission. You will help Alec and me to get her back. I'm not negotiating, and your government has no effect on me and my people. For thousands of years, we have lived with the threat of vampires. We know your kind… but you don't know us. I guarantee these Romanians don't know us either." Jacob said harshly as Caius hissed.

"We will not be badgered by a boy! You may be built to kill us, but we are built to kill everything. You don't order us around!"

"I don't want too but as your partner just assessed, Bella was under your protection. Her safety was your responsibility and from what I've been briefed on, you don't want to take that responsibility. You once sent Alec and Jane to make peace with us so we can learn from each other. Be friends with one another, I don't see that happening when you are purposely endangering one of my own. I am telling you my conditions for this relationship to work. It is entirely up to you if you want to keep it. You are so worried about the risks that the Romanians pose to you and yet you are completely ignoring the assets that my company will provide. You have no knowledge of us. No one in this room does. What makes you think the Romanians would too?" Jacob asked as I smiled and nodded my head.

"Jacob is right. The shapeshifters are a secret that no one knew about. The Romanians rarely, if ever, go to the Americas. They wouldn't know about them. Edward and I can go as security for Dimitri and Felix. Even if the Romanians moved, Dimitri can track Bella's scent. Alec and Jacob will trail behind using the potion and so if there is a trap or any kind of danger, we will be ready for it. Edward can read any mind and Alec and I can easily take down any enemy. With Jacob's help, the risks are minimized." I argued as Caius locked his jaw and Marcus looked deep in thought.

"I agree. Although I was not part of the original Volturi, if what Jacob says is true it is now our responsibility for the safe return of Bella Swan. She was under the protection of you when she was held in a false trial. She was burned under your eye. It is our duty to bring her home. I am with them." Siobhan said as I smiled and murmurs were heard around the room.

"Siobhan we can't agree to this," Caius muttered as she turned to him sharply.

"We can't agree to this if you decide to say no. Honor dictates, we do the right thing. This is the right thing. If Jacob agrees to work with us, then I will vote yes." She repeated as Caius grumbled.

"Thank you" I whispered as she nodded and the rest of the council looked around awkwardly.

"I still say no. I'm not willing to risk more members to a passion project," Caius grumbled as Alec hissed.

"You know well enough that this is more than a passion project! If the roles were reversed, I would hardly think you would have the same standing. If it wasn't for Bella, Aro would still be in charge, he would still act without question! Caius, you may disagree on where we stand but I won't tolerate disrespect!" Alec growled as Caius mumbled an apology before Marcus uttered his vote.

"I vote yes."

"What!" Caius gasped as Marcus shushed him.

"Brother we cannot shy away from duty and our relationship to the shapeshifters is too important. If the potions are complete and if Jacob agrees then a mission is possible. I vote yes." He said as Alice stepped forward.

I was surprised as she's been strangely quiet all this time but her voice almost silenced the room. "I vote yes. Bella is more than just my friend but, speaking purely from a strategic standpoint she is a needed advantage that the council needs to win the war. She may have more information and her talent in alchemy is unmatched; we need her and Jacob is the perfect advantage we need to get her back." She voiced as Jacob smirked.

"All of a sudden you can see me now pixie?"

"No… but I have faith in you, and I have faith in Bella. I don't need my gift to see success." She whispered as Jasper glared and stepped forward.

"That isn't good enough Alice. I love Bella too, but this is still too risky. To go barging in there without a plan is foolish." He sighed before he looked to Alec "I'm sorry, truly I am. If we had more time, more information on what we were getting ourselves into I would say yes. Hell, I would be right there with you but…. I can't agree to this. Not now, maybe if we have a scout's report on what it would like but not now. I'm sorry, I vote no." Jasper sighed once more as he resumed his place as a series of yes's and no's echoed the room as we halted at a tie; it was just Demetri left.

"I don't know. I really don't. From what Felix tells me that place is horrible, but… to go there with a strung together plan and no coordinates, no weapons…. well other than a shapeshifting dog, no offense." Demetri muttered

"Some taken" Jacob snarked.

"I don't know." Demetri sighed before Alec gripped the table and closed his eyes. He was breathing hard as he glared at all of them, especially Carlisle as he was the last one to say no. There was a silent communication that happened between them, but Carlisle looked away and he turned his glare onto Caius as he held his chin proudly. Stubborn fool, Caius was always too proud of his own good. I pursed my lips into a thin line before I turned my attention back to Alec. He then started to slowly take the cufflinks off his suit and set them gently on the table as all eyes were on him. The cufflinks had the Volturi crest on them, each member had the crest on them in some fashion. Some men chose a bracelet or cufflinks, mine was a pendant that hung from my neck as I gripped it and stared at my brother who gave a deep sigh.

"I understand the council's hesitancy to a mission like this. I don't agree with it, in fact, I have never disagreed with it anymore…. But I understand it. This is why I will no longer ask if the answer is no. I will accept whatever decision the council makes but…. If the choice is no that won't stop me from going to her. If I must do it alone I will. I'll renounce my role on the council if I have to, I will no longer be a part of the Volturi. Losing Bella means losing me." Alec declared as the room went deathly silent.

Some stared in shock, others in silent anger but the meaning was clear: What are you willing to lose.

I sighed as I gripped my pendant before I slowly started to remove it and set it down next to his cufflinks. I caught the eye of Marcus as he stared sadly but I didn't break my resolve. The choice was wrong, we couldn't leave her there alone.

"And me. Losing Bella means losing me as well." I said softly as I stood next to Alec in solidarity.

"And me" I heard Felix's soft voice as he walked closer to us and Demetri blanched.

"Felix you can't be serious!" Demetri hissed as he looked back calmly.

"I am. I told you the horrors so you would have a clearer understanding of why we need to get her, not to make you more indecisive." He whispered as Demetri stepped back as if he'd been slapped.

"You'll lose us too," Alice whispered as she and Edward walked to stand behind us and Jasper growled. "Jasper I love you, but this is wrong. We have to get her! We'll go by ourselves if we have to." Alice declared as the room was in a stalemate.

Carlisle looked at Alice and Edward sadly as it seemed Edward and Carlisle had their own silent communication. Alec kept his stare on both Marcus and Caius as they both looked shocked and disturbed and I had my eyes on everyone else.

"Well…. This changes things." Marcus sighed. "You'll all risk your roles in our council for one mere woman?" Marcus asked quietly as Alec glared.

"She's more than a simple woman Marcus. She was the one that brought Aro's lies to the light, she was the one who discovered Didyme's lab, she was the one who discovered the truth about her in the first place. No mere person could do that. I would risk everything for her." He said quietly as I saw Jacob smile as he took his place next to me.

"It seems your delicate government is falling apart over, what you call, a mere woman. If a person's influence can tear a hole in a stronghold such as this, I would reevaluate the strength of your government or reevaluate the importance of her safe return. I'm willing to work with all those who stand beside me now. I would consider your place among them going forward." Jacob said lowly as Caius bared his teeth and Marcus sighed deeply as he locked his jaw.

"I think we're in agreement on that," Marcus said quietly as he eyed all of us.

"It seems our hand is being forced," Carlisle murmured as he sighed. "For the sake of our new government…. And the safe return of Bella. I change my vote." Carlisle whispered as I smiled.

"I change my vote." Marcus sighed.

"I don't have to change my vote but I'm glad you two see reason," Siobhan smirked as she looked towards Carlisle and Marcus as Alec still kept his glare on Carlisle.

"All those in favor of a rescue offensive for Bella Swan, say I," Siobhan asked the room resonated with "I's"

"The I's have it – Alec you have the support of the council." Siobhan declared as I smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. This was it…. we were coming for you Bella.

I'll never talk again

Oh boy, you left me speechless

You've left me speechless, so speechless

And I'll never love again

Oh, friend, you've left me speechless

You've left me speechless, so speechless

Speechless – Lady Gaga

A/N: Don't forget to review and I'll see you Monday!