A/N: So sorry about the late update guys! These last few days (more like weeks) have been rough for me mentally wise. As some know I struggle with anxiety and depression and a week ago I, unfortunately, had a miscarriage. That, suffice to say, fucked me up mentally health-wise and as a result, my writing suffered for it. I'm doing better now and all is getting well. Your reviews have helped me a lot so thank you to all the readers and commenters who left such kind words over the last few weeks and since the start of "When You Love Someone". For those who follow Meet Me at the Coffee Shop that story, unfortunately, suffered the most as I am extremely late in updating that. The next update should go live this Friday with another chapter the following Monday with regular updates resuming Saturday. Thank you all for your love and support and as always

Enjoy!

P.S Who else is excited that Midnight Sun came out today! You know your girl already got a copy

When You Love Someone

Chapter 16: Set Fire To The Rain

The flight felt like an eternity. I was huddled toward the back on a charter, trying to avoid talking or exposing any of the healing skin on my neck. With a quick change and some sunglasses thankfully, I was left alone.

The gash in my leg was healing but it still hurt like hell. Honestly, I was glad, it let me know that it wasn't in my head.

I was almost killed today.

I shuddered at the memory of the Alec imposter. The stranger as I had no clue who he was or if he was acting on his own accord or someone else's. Either way, I don't see how it mattered. It was so quick that it was over as fast as it started.

I killed someone today.

I never thought I could kill anyone, I never thought I would. Even now I can still see his eyes, so bright with hatred yet so empty. The smell was unimaginable and now Alec and I's sanctuary was forever scarred by that memory. When I go back there, if I go back there, I don't know.

I don't know anything anymore; I don't feel safe. How is it possible that the second I felt I had a home again it was ruined by this? Plus, why would they imposter Alec? Why him? Why did they want to hurt me like this? How did they even know where the sanctuary was? Alec told me he only knew of it.

Unless he sent them.

No. No, he wouldn't. He couldn't.

Could he?

I can't believe it. I won't believe it. Alec although cold, wouldn't want me killed. Why would he? How could he? After everything, the late-night talks, the times in the sanctuary where we just stayed silent, enjoying each other's company. Not once had he ever let on my demise. He could have killed me anytime we were alone. Why?

These questions rolled around in my head all the way to Forks. I thought about texting Jake but ultimately decided against it. He didn't know, as I wanted him in the dark as much as possible. I don't know how much of my life was vulnerable and I already put the pack in enough danger. I won't involve them further. The Cullens had no idea I was here unless Alice saw it but even if she did, I won't stay there. Not that they would offer. Truthfully, I had nowhere else to go.

I had nowhere to go.

I was alone.

Before I could help it, I felt tears prickle and I angrily swiped them away. I had no time for this. I couldn't break down now, not now. I didn't have that luxury.

I stepped off the plane, my eyes searching for anything and everything that might be suspicious. Checking into the Seattle hotel I got my room key and false name down and collapsed on the cheap bed. Ruffling through my duffle bag I checked to make sure all the ingredients were safe as well as my own journal.

Once it was dark enough, I changed quickly in my jacket and left as quietly as I could out of the hotel. Finding the woods easily I took off at a run, my destination clear. The meadow.

Feeling the dirt underneath my shoes and focusing on the company of the trees I refused to let my mind wander. Coming to a stop I walked the rest of the way not in any rush to go back to the place I wanted to avoid.

Seeing the meadow in darkness it had a type of haunting beauty, the flowers all withered and the grass swaying in the breeze. I was alone here but not completely. The animals all scurrying around let me know that this was their home. That I was just a visitor, a guest observing on what could I have been.

When I came here the first time it was for the realization I wasn't wanted. Cast aside, lied too. The second was for fear, the anguish that not only had I lost Edward but the only family unit I had known. Now as I stand here, I realized that now I mourn.

I mourn for the life I wanted, the life I almost had. I mourned for the life I could have made in Italy playing chess with Jane, spending time with Alec, talking with Heidi, and just making a life for myself that I could be happy with.

Is this what my life would be like? Running, hiding, fighting; never any peace except for those brief happy minutes of mediocrity? Could I live like that?

Was my happily ever after just one big joke or did I even deserve one? Why was it when I first came here everything was bright, growing and the sun shining yet now everything is just dead. Everything here is going through the seasons, completing the cycle.

I would never complete the cycle. I was going to be forever stuck like this. Trapped. Hunted. How did it come to be like this? Hiking up my pant leg the torn flesh was still jagged and raw, and I flinched at the sight of it. Logically I knew it would grow back, just heal over and become another scar.

Just one more scar. What's one more anyway? I've had many in my life. Before my change, there was one on my ankle from a fall on the pavement, another on my knee when I broke it, and had to have surgery, on my side from where my appendix had been removed. On my wrist was where I had almost lost all those scars. On the other was its twin; except, that scar was when I had lost the others. I never thought much on that day, although I couldn't remember much either.

I was flying, I remembered the wind in my face, the adrenaline rushing through my body, then nothing but pain. Searing heat surrounding my body and finally waking up in the Cullen's home. Edward's smiling face above mine.

Why did they change me? If they had let me die their problems would be solved. The Voltari's degree would have still been settled, their secret safe. Edward and Astrid would be completely free to be together, Didyme's murder would be in the past and I would be with my parents. With my family. Possibly the only people who have ever loved me unconditionally.

I wouldn't be alone. I wouldn't be hunted. I wouldn't be suffering like this. Alice's warning all that time ago about everyone's happy ending why would it be my responsibility? Holding me to this unimaginable task. Why couldn't they do it? Alice is a seer as Jasper said she's just an observer but is that her only role? Why couldn't anyone else do it?

Why is it always me?

Just when things are going well the rug is always pulled out under me. When will I learn that lesson? That everything had a price and I'm tired of paying it. I already paid my life to it; now will I pay my death to it? My end?

Rolling down my pant leg I sighed, letting all the air out of my body. Setting down my bag I looked through everything. The ingredient staring back at me. The parchment with Didyme and Carlisle's signature reminding me. Reminding me of my choice to pursue this. If not me, then who?

Chelsea warned me, the stranger warned me, Alice warned me. What happened? Why is everyone afraid of the truth? Am I afraid of the truth?

Even Alec warned me.

He was so…different. He told me to hide the books, so I did. He told me to be careful and I tried. He told me so many times. All this time I have been warned. Was Alec trying to hurt me more? Getting me to open up about the Cullens to hurt me more? Why am I feeling like this? Why do I even care about him? When we were in the woods when he leaned down to kiss me did he mean it? He was scared, so am I, we agreed to not go further. To stay friends yet why am I so hurt?

Why is his betrayal so painful? Is it even a betrayal? I don't know if he tried, for all I know the stranger took his form to scare me away, to tell him what I knew, yet he mentioned Chelsea. What did she have anything to do with this?

I shook my head of that thought. It was too much, and I needed to leave soon. The sun was rising and I wouldn't be safe much longer. Gathering everything up I walked into the woods at a fast pace, looking for the one spot I knew I could use. Finding the marked tree I found the dilapidating building.

Resting on the outer edge of the reservation no one really knew about this building and even if they did it was far too out of the way for any shapeshifter or vampire to seek it out. Honestly, this was a last-ditch effort but it was possibly the only semi-safe place I had left. Finding the old table, I set up shop, cleaning the various cobwebs, and ignoring the nests in the walls; I got to work.

I set up all the equipment I needed and organized to the best of my ability. Finally, I took out the scent erasing potion and set it up on the table. I'm confident I could get it right this time.

I had too. Everything in me was screaming at me that fresh blood would work. Now it's all the matter of getting it.

My phone chimed then and reading the text I couldn't' decide if I was annoyed, angry, or grateful.

Check the south of the house

Alice. Of course, she would know, there are no secrets. Yet if what I suspected was there, I had no time to lose.

Swallowing my pride and making sure everything was safe (but taking the vial just in case) I dashed through the woods, my skin shining whenever the sun broke through the trees. Seeing the grand house in the distance various scents hit my nose. Of course, it was the Cullen's and some of Jake and the pack. Coming closer Jake's scent became stronger as I found the source.

There, on the forest floor was six vials of fresh blood. How? Why? I don't know and eventually, I would ask Jake once everything was finished but now time was ticking, and I needed to get the recipe done.

Running back I got straight to work. First and foremost, I checked the temperature, noticing it was five degrees off from the previous time. Quickly measuring and mixing I added my own spit again, this time seeing the liquid change to the same color as the one in my pocket.

Awesome.

Adding more dried leaves the liquid bubble more as the color changed once more, this time a murky hue as it gave off an ugly smell.

Not awesome.

I threw it out once the texture was beyond saving and started again. I tried again and again and again. Not waiting any time writing down each mistake, each move I made. Each time I grew closer to success.

Writing down each measurement and temperature I wasn't sure how long I was there until after many failed attempts I was on the second to last vial of blood, but I was confident I had it this time. Seeing it bubble I laughed when I saw it cooling; the color and scent matching exactly to the one on the table. As a test I tore an old shirt from my bag and spread it on the ground, my scent strong.

Dashing a few drops on it I yelled in success as I smelled nothing! I smelled nothing!

I fucking did it!

I completed Didyme's recipe and now had one of the most important recipes in my arsenal. Confident I mixed what I needed for the healing balm, that recipe already completed but it was safe for me to use it until now thanks to some hunting in the forest and picked what I could grab near the stream.

The balm was tacky, sticky but gentle. It stung as I put it first on my arm, but I smiled wide when I saw my crack heal perfectly. It shrunk and cleared in a matter of minutes. I had to make more for the gash on my leg but for now, this would do nicely. I had the invisibility potion and that was more than enough for me. Stocking up and recreating it again I had more than enough to last me a while.

I am a fucking genius.

Looking back now maybe that was the reason I was the one who pursued it. I could recreate the recipes. I had gone further than anyone before me. That was why they wanted me killed.

Allowing myself a few moments of satisfaction I knew my work wasn't done yet. There was still a big reason why I came back. This was just a big bonus.

Someone had still tried to kill me which meant one thing. I was close and knew that there was one person who could help answer some of my questions.

It was time to visit the Sregoni Benefuci

Steeling myself I walked again towards the house, the sun dimming as the loom of its shadow giving it an ominous feel. I noticed that there was no movement in the house. Just silence. It was creepy.

There were new scents leading into the forest and I noticed one smell was missing. It seems Carlisle was told I was coming.

Knocking on the door (because just going in seemed rude, oh the irony of having to be invited in) Carlisle answered looking relaxed yet his eyes were cautious. Of course, last time I was here I did tell him to go fuck himself.

"Hi Carlisle"

"Hello Bella, please come in" He opened the door wider as I stepped in, the house in all its familiarity seemed mocking now. It was far too empty and for once since everything hit the fan I... kind of missed everyone. Edward being the exception.

"what can I do for you, Bella?" I heard Carlisle's calm voice as he broke me out of my thoughts. Right, back to business.

"Carlisle, I was hoping to speak with you about something delicate. Something that Edward brought to my attention the last time I was here" I started off awkwardly

Apart from me felt bad for asking for help after telling him to screw himself but that was a very small part. "He showed me a document, in which there were ingredients and notes from Marcus's lost mate: Didyme" I led on as saw him immediately stiffen, his eyes widening.

"A document you say" he led on as he sighed and looked out the window

"You know the one, it has your signature Stregoni" I replied as he chuckled lowly without humor

"She was always fond of that name wasn't she" he numbered mainly to himself. Turning he gestured for me to follow him as he led me up the stairs to his study.

I've never been to his study, not once did I have a reason too although I was aware. From what Edward has said no one really goes into his space, not that their not welcome it was just the thought was intimidating.

Upon entering I couldn't see why. There was a huge window along the wall with the rest of the wall space overtaken with books. His desk was a warm brown and I could tell he was reading some medical journal. Just like Carlisle, always working.

"Bella, what do you know about Didyme?" He asked somberly, his eyes reflecting for the first time his age, memories, and lifetimes all passing through with a single glaze.

"More then you think," I said cryptically

"I see. Do you know how she died?" He asked not looking at me.

I debated what I should tell him. The cover story that was passed or what really happened? Would I be in any more danger than if I did? Even though Carlisle is, well, Carlisle I couldn't gauge how he would react. I had to risk it though, if my death came from Carlisle of all things, at least it would be different.

"She was murdered," I said with certainty as he slowly nodded his head, not even flinching.

"Yes, I suspect she was too" He whispered quietly "It seems you've gotten yourself in quite a situation. I don't know why I ever doubted it. You have always been special Bella, even when you were human" He continued staring sadly at me. "I knew you would be gifted but I didn't know how much. Your shield is impeccable but able to find Didyme's book and replicate her potions. Truly gifted." He muttered as my eyes widened.

"How do you know about her book," I said as I took a step back watching him carefully as he stared at me sadly.

"Bella, please, you have no reason to fear me. I have and always will be in your corner. I have much to atone to you, especially after what we did. I know Edward meant well by giving you that document but truthfully, he shouldn't have. Not yet anyway. As for knowing about the book I helped her write it. I first met her on her travels. She was an extraordinary woman and through her, I was able to meet the descendants of Taka Aki. Through her, I was introduced to the Volturi and the court of the Romanians." He whispered as he sat on his desk, meanwhile, I was too shellshocked at what I was hearing to take much notice. I just stood there, silent as a statute as he continued to talk.

"Bella, I'm sure you have many questions and I'll do my best to answer them but please, be warned of the consequences. I don't know who did it, I don't know who was behind it but I do know that whoever tried has ended up dead." He stared up at me, exhaustion and wisdom in his eyes, and at that moment, I realized just how ancient Carlisle is.

"Carlisle…" I breathed "I…" I stuttered at each question burned in my throat and I was at loss for words. "I know about the danger. Someone tried to kill me yesterday" I whispered as his eyebrows knitted together and stood quickly before he had me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh Bella, are you alright? Are you harmed?" He asked quickly, his strong familiar arms reminding me of the affection, the safety, the love that I had with them, and it broke me. Before I could help it all the emotions, I had been pushing down rose up within me and I started to cry. Loud wailing sobs escaped as he supported my weight as I sunk down to my knees the gravity of the situation hitting me.

"I was scared" I sobbed "I didn't know what to do and I killed him"

"It's okay, your safe here" He whispered as I continued to sob against him.

"It was someone I knew but it wasn't at the same time" I whispered, "I thought it was Alec, but it was an imposter, a stranger. He seemed to know me. I nearly lost" I mumbled as he quietly shushed me, stroking my hair the way Charlie did whenever I was scared. I missed him. I missed my mom. I missed my family.

"I, I don't know what to do. I need to solve it but Carlisle what do you know? Please, I need to know." I whispered as I sat up, his arms supporting me like I was a child. Sniffling he helped me up and led me to the couch where I slowly started to calm down. The sobs ceasing and sobs slowing down. Ever patient Carlisle just sat with me, letting me calm down until I could face him, my questions returning.

"Carlisle, what was on the document? What were you working on?" I asked as he looked to the floor, shifting in his seat.

"It was something that could change our world forever. It would be that we would never die. It was when tensions were growing between the Romanians and the brothers and Didyme was worried. She wanted to make sure of their survival if anything happened, so she came to me, asking if there was such a thing... She knew of my interest in alchemy and Didyme, she was naturally gifted and created many potions but one eluded her. La fiamma invisibile…The invisible flame. Didyme was trying to make a potion that could make us fireproof. She had many failed attempts at the castle and when Marcus grew suspicious she came to me, hoping I could help her. I agreed."

"She was making sure no one would die" I whispered

"Yes. However, a potion like that, a weapon like that, it grew dangerous for her. The Romanians were already weary of her abilities and ordered her to stop. Didyme refused and thus she started to work in secret. There's a lab beneath the castle, if you find it or if you already did, all the ingredients were there…except one. She wouldn't tell me what it was though. She stopped visiting when tensions reached a breaking point and the war broke out. I don't know if she ever completed it but I do know that the recipes we created together she compiled them into her book. She was intelligent though, she hid it with a potion, to make things invisible except for those who were aware of it. I believe I and one another were even aware of its existence." He said thoughtfully.

Alec…it had to be. I remembered when I showed it to him, he looked surprised, but it didn't look unfamiliar to him. He had to know what she was doing. "I think I know who that person is," I said quietly as Carlisle nodded.

"Yes, her book would be dangerous. There are many people who tried to force Didyme to use her gift of Alchemy, but she refused. Aro even insisted on using her gifts and refused thus she had to go completely undergrown. When I heard of her death, I didn't believe it. Didyme was a capable fighter and even then, it just didn't sound right. I knew her and that's not it would have gone."

"She was trying to reach Marcus" I supplied as he turned to me "She was with the other wives and asked Alec to bring her to Marcus on the battlefield. Caius intercepted them and Caius took charge of Didyme. They got separated somehow and she died"

"Caius?" Carlisle raised his eyebrow "I'm surprised, Caius didn't care much for her. Caius was one of those who grew bitter over Didyme's refusal and it was a well-known secret the disdain went both ways. It grew so bad that some of Didyme's and Caius's court chose sides."

"Chose sides" I repeated questioning

"Yes, the court of old was famous for political and personal squabbles. That was part of the reason I left the Volturi. Many would subscribe to either Caius's or Didyme's philosophies. It tore friendships and relationships apart. One such tragedy was Alec and Charmion." Carlisle mused as I stifled a gasp.

"What?" I looked towards him as his eyes widened

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset" He backtracked as I shook my head, not caring that I looked like a gaping fish.

Alec knew Charmion.

"Alec was with Charmion…were they mates," I asked quietly not wanting to hear the answer.

"No, no they weren't mated just companions to one another, but they did care for each other." He led on cautiously "Of course once the war came they drifted since Alec chose to guard Didyme and Charmion disagreed tautly over Didyme's choices. I'm afraid she and Caius grew quite close and that caused some tension. Of course, that was long ago, she doesn't even go by Charmion anymore but Chelsea. I do apologize, I don't want to speak on behalf of Alec, I know you two have gotten close in the last few months." He looked down and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Chelsea. Chelsea was Charmion. It all makes sense.

Her warning, her anger, the glint in her eye. She was always there in the background. I knew she could manipulate emotions but that could be the bare minimum of her power. It was always Chelsea.

"…. Chelsea figured she would have more luck with me given the nature of our relationship." The stranger's words mocked me as the memory faded. Oh, Alec….

"No, no it's fine. I mean I never really asked but as it looks like maybe Alec…maybe he organized it" I whispered, my heart sinking.

"What do you mean" He questioned

"The stranger, he disguised himself as Alec because I trusted him. Maybe Alec organized it because where he attacked me, it was in a place only Alec and I knew about. No one else knows where it is" I whispered "and the stranger he mentioned something about Chelsea and she attacked me before I left"

"If that's the case then you mustn't go back Bella, it's too dangerous there," He said sternly as I shook my head

"No, I have too, it would look suspicious if I didn't. I have to go back"

"No Bella, it's too dangerous" He insisted, sounding like Edward for a moment. Hm, so that's where it comes from.

"No danger or not. If Chelsea murdered Didyme and Alec covered it up the brothers must know. They need to know what happened" I cried as Carlisle shook his head.

"Bella, please see reason, if you were attacked that means they know Bella. Didyme's death shocked the world and if her murder was common knowledge that would mean..."

"Death. It would mean death to them" I whispered my heart shattering as Alec's betrayal cemented in my heart.

Why would he do this?

"Bella you're not safe. Does Alec or Chelsea know where you've gone? He asked, closing the curtain to the office.

"No I don't think so but Marcus might send Alec out. They had to come with me the last time and Alec and Jane joined me. Marcus told me he would be sending a guard out after me" I said quietly as I tried to process everything.

Alec tried to kill me.

Alec, the man I cried with, the man who I opened too, Alec the man I…loved.

I loved Alec…and he tried to kill me.

No, no this couldn't be, I couldn't love him. I couldn't love him, I can't love him! Soon I felt the tears prickle and my chest tightened.

If I didn't love him then why does it hurt so much? Why do I feel this way?

"Carlisle" I called as more tears swarmed my eyes. Instantly he was by my side and he was back to stroking my hair, seeing my distress. "Is it possible to love someone who isn't your mate?" I asked quietly

"Yes, but Bella why are you asking this?" He asked hesitantly

"I think Alec is my mate" I sobbed

"Oh, Bella…" Carlisle soon looked to the window, hearing the same running footfalls as I had. Curious I looked to the window "Are we expecting anyone" I asked cautiously feeling like throwing up.

"No….we're not," He said lowly before grabbing his phone and sent a quick text. "I'm calling Jasper and Emmett Bella they'll be here in a few minutes. If my suspicions are correct, we should have back up. You'll be okay Bella" He cautioned as I slowly shook my head.

"No…I won't" I stared out the window as I saw Alec running towards the house, his sneakered feet barely ruffling the grass. "This ends tonight," I said gravely before running down the steps standing guard in front of the door, waiting.

Alec slowed upon seeing me, relief coloring his features before transforming into one of concern. That lair, master of manipulation. Not anymore. I don't care if it's another clone, I don't care if it's actually him. Even if it breaks my heart. Even if it can't be possible.

I'm going to kill him, even if it kills me in the process.

But there's a side to you

That I never knew, never knew

All the things you'd say

They were never true, never true

And the games you play

You would always win, always win

Set Fire to the Rain – Adele

A/N: Welp…. we're here, we're on the ride together and we just have to hold on until the end. See you Monday!