Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or Twilight.

Chapter 20

My adoptive parents Wendy and Phil stare back at me practically vibrating with excitement on my doorstep. Wendy's wild curly red hair is pushed back from her face, she has a tan from the Arizona sun, and is dressed in her standard flowy bohemian dress. Phil has on loose pants and a linen shirt, long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail. Their eyes both alight as they take in my shocked face. Oh, how I've missed them!

"What are you guys doing here?" The smile on my face is wide.

"Oh, Sunshine! Are you gonna make us stand out here all day? Give me a hug," Wendy squeals, and I'm pulled into her arms tightly and she smells like weed, freesia, and nature. It's a welcoming scent, one I hadn't realized I'd missed so badly. I'm released from her arms before being pulled into Phil's warm ones.

"Come here kiddo!"

"Not that I'm not happy to see you guys but I thought you were still out in Arizona," I say once we pull away.

"You know how badly we wanted to come when that horrible incident happened…" Wendy sighs recalling the robbery. It was all I could do to convince them not to buy plane tickets and fly out to San Francisco that night.

"And then our RV broke down and we started a small crafting shop at the local flea market to earn the money to fix it," Phil continues where she left off.

"As soon as it was fixed we decided to come and surprise you!" Wendy finishes.

"So, are you surprised?" Phil asks, his green eyes alight.

"Hell yeah! This was the best surprise. How long are you here for?"

"Just today honey we only had enough time to pass through," Wendy says sadly.

"It doesn't matter, I'm just so happy to see you. Come on, Rose and Alice are inside," I drag them into the apartment and they're met with excited yelps and hugs from the girls as we all sit down to catch up.

The three of us go out for dinner later that night. I called Edward to let him know my parents were in town and I'd be having dinner with them, asking for a raincheck on our date. He told me to enjoy spending time with them and that we could see each other tomorrow. A piece of me really wanted to invite him, but I wasn't sure if it was too soon in our relationship to meet the parents and I didn't want to put him in an uncomfortable position.

We settle on a vegan comfort food spot outside of the city. Wendy is telling me of their adventures running the popup jewelry shop out in Phoenix.

"We sold out on our very first day. They loved my biodegradable bracelets so much I had preorders for the next week. We were able to get the RV back up in two months," she gushes

"Wow, that sounds…like a once in a lifetime experience," I laugh. I'm used to stories of their crazy adventures. Before my arrival, Wendy and Phil were nomads traveling across the country, living wherever life called them. Until one day Wendy decided she wanted to settle down for a while, maybe have a kid while they were still young enough. When they discovered they couldn't conceive they decided to foster, then I came along and the rest was history as they say.

"You could say that again, we have plans to start traveling around the country setting up pop-up shops and expanding the collection," Phil sips his water before grabbing another chip from the basket.

"Really, I think that's an awesome idea. Where to next?"

"We have a meeting in New Mexico on Monday with a market manager for a store space, that's why we're leaving so soon," Wendy pouts a little.

"It's ok, I'm just glad I got to see you guys, I've really missed you," I squeeze her hand and it's the truth. No one could ever replace Charlie and Renee, but Wendy and Phil have been wonderful parents in their absence and were crucial in my healing process alongside Rose. I hate that we don't see each other often but I know they're always there for me.

"Oh sunshine, we've missed you too," She squeezes back. "Now tell me how's school going, you don't have much longer until graduation."

"Nope, next semester is my last and once I pass the NCLEX I'll officially be Bella Swan, RN."

"Well you know we'll be back for graduation, we wouldn't miss that for anything," Phil says.

"Yeah, we're so proud of you honey and I know Renee and Charlie would be too," Wendy gives me a tiny smile that I return. "So… tell me about this Edward. Alice mentioned him to me, how come we're just now hearing about him," she leans in close, thinly veiled excitement on her face.

"I'm sorry, things have been so crazy lately. I promise I wasn't keeping him from you… I really like him," I'm sure I'm blushing now.

"Oh, Phil look she's turning red," she giggles excitedly and I shake my head with an embarrassed chuckle. "I hope we get to meet him next time we're in town." And she leaves no room for opposition.

"I'm sure we can make that happen," I say. We're quiet for a moment before Wendy stares at me, her head slightly tilted.

"Honey, are you cleansing your aura?" I mentally roll my eyes. I'm used to their spiritualism. When I lived with them she routinely saged the house, placed crystals around, and read people's energy.

"Um, I haven't had the time," I shrug to appease her.

"Well we have some crystals to leave with you and I want you to use them. There's something bothering you…," I detect slight worry in her tone. And I know she can see through me, I don't want to tell them about the box left at the door yesterday, who knows how they would react, but I do want to open up to them a little. They might be able to help.

"Aunt Wendy? Uncle Phil?" I call their nicknames, what I'd been calling them since I was 15. I knew I'd never be able to call anyone else mom or dad again. But the McClain's were just as much family to me and I wanted to honor them with titles.

"Yeah, sunshine?" Her bright green eyes twinkle as she leans forward giving me her undivided attention.

"How much did you guys know about my parents?" She pauses for a moment, but takes it in stride, glancing at Phil before answering.

"Well, not too much actually. Just what the social worker told us about them when we were first given your case information," she shrugs slightly, as if she wishes she could tell me more.

"Did they mention anything about a person named Jenks?" It's a stretch, but it's all I have right now.

Phil and Wendy both glance at each other, questions on their faces.

"Honey, where is this coming from?" Phil tilts his head studying me.

"It's nothing really…" I pause. "It's just… I've been having these dreams lately about my parents and I recently went through some of their old things and found this letter my dad never mailed to this guy named Jenks and It's really eating me up not knowing who it is."

"Wow… I'm sorry sweetie that name doesn't ring any bells…perhaps someone your dad worked with?" Phil offers.

I sigh.

"Yeah, I checked. There was no one by that name," I glance down.

"Well sunshine, it can't be a coincidence. First these dreams and now this Jenks person, I think it's a sign. You know dreams are our strongest guides and if you're meant to find this person you will. I have faith that you will, just stay focused," Wendy grabs my hand again; her emerald green eyes are full of warmth. They calm my turning stomach, I didn't realize how much I needed to see them.

"Thank you, Aunt Wendy," I murmur.

"Any time sunshine," she smiles for a moment before her expression turns solemn. "Just do us a favor okay?"

"Sure."

"Please protect yourself."

I am splayed across Edward's chest in the early morning sunlight. My hand strokes back and forth across the intricate tattoo that covers his right pec. His fingers graze up and down my back and we're basking in our after-sex glow.

After seeing Wendy and Phil off the night before, this intense need to see Edward overcame me. And as if he were reading my mind, he called and asked me to spend the night with him and I happily obliged. It felt as if it'd been days since I'd seen him, but in reality, it'd only been 24 hours. After talking about our day for a while, the lust overcame us and we spent the night in each other's arms. And the morning too.

"You ever gonna tell me what this means?" I say breaking the silence. I can't help but bend down and place a faint peck on the tattoo. A wayward piece of hair falls in my face. His hand gently brushes it away. There's silence for another minute. I would think he had fallen back to sleep if it wasn't for the fingers still gently moving along my naked back. His voice is gruff when he speaks.

"It's a family tattoo. When some of us turn 18…. it's a tradition, I guess. It represents brotherhood and unity."

Brotherhood? I look up meeting his eyes. His brows are furrowed as he returns my gaze. He has a brother? Or multiple brothers? I'm hungry for more information.

"You don't like talking about your family much, do you?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

He shrugs. "Not much to talk about I guess."

"I understand, trust me." A fleeting look crosses his face; one I can't quite identify. Finally, I give a slight smile. "It would be nice to know more about them. I want to know about the people who mean a lot to you."

"You mean a lot to me," he gives me a shy smile and the butterflies go crazy inside of me.

"I do?" I ask quietly. He simply nods. "You mean a lot to me too."

"I'm glad," he says. He pauses for a moment. "Bella, are you sure you're okay after the other night?"

"I'm just trying not to think about it," I shrug, averting my eyes.

"I understand, we don't have to…but I promise you I'm going to find out who sent it."

"I know you will Edward, I feel safe knowing you're here for me," I squeeze him tightly before laying my head back on his chest. We fit together so perfectly.

"Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"Just please be careful."

"You sound like my Aunt Wendy," I snort. He gently lifts my chin and meets my eyes.

"I mean it and she's right. There's so much evil in this world, things you couldn't even imagine and I need you to be safe," his words sober me and I can only nod. We're both quiet for a few moments.

"Now enough of the heavy stuff," I lightly pinch his side, and he yelps playfully.

"Oh Ms. Swan, that wasn't nice," he lets out a deep belly laugh before he's on top of me and his fingers find my side in a furious tickle, and his lips join my neck. I can't contain the giggles that erupt as he tickles me. His playful side has reemerged, and I am breathless. His lips move up to mine putting a silence to my laughter. Our lips move against each other in a dance I know all too well.

Sooner than I'd like, he gives me a last peck and pulls away. His eyes are alight as he stares down at me.

"Oh, Bella I L- "

It's as if ice-cold water is poured on his head and he catches himself before finishing the sentence. Was he about to say what I think he was?

He clears his throat before straightening up and it's almost perfect timing when his cell phone chimes. He grabs it quickly, perhaps looking for a distraction from my questioning gaze.

I'm still in shock as I register his almost slip up. Could he love me? Were those the words he stopped himself from saying? It was an emotion I was slowly coming to realize on my end, but perhaps it wasn't one-sided. Maybe he couldn't deny the powerful connection between us either. The thought scared me and made me giddy at the same time. I could sense it made him uncomfortable so I wouldn't mention it. Not yet.

One day.

He quickly responds to the text message before placing the phone back down.

"I'm sorry Bella, something's come up at work and I need to go to the office," he glances away from me. Is he embarrassed?

"On a Sunday?" I question.

"I'm sorry," he shakes his head with a sigh.

"You're not seeing someone else, are you?" I ask half-jokingly. He snorts before giving me a crooked smile.

"Trust me, you're the only woman for me," I see slight relief on his face at the change of topic. But I tell him it's okay and I'll see him later, before getting dressed.

Saved by the text.

Somewhere in San Francisco

"Are you fucking crazy? Why would you pull that stunt?" Edward slams the man against the wall shattering the picture frame behind him. The man could easily push him back if he wanted to, their strengths matched. He knew because they'd sparred many times before. However, the man only nudges Edward away before straightening his suit jacket.

Edward stands heaving greatly, his fury barely restrained.

"It was just meant to scare her. It's obvious she knows nothing, we don't have to worry about her anymore," the man says calmly.

"You're fucking up the groundwork I've laid, she's supposed to stay in the dark until it's time to act. Your little 'gifts' are not a part of the plan," Edward sneers.

"I think you know the plan is fucked don't you, brother?" The man sits in the chair in front of the desk crossing his leg and smirks. "I think I may have to just pay her a visit in person next time."

"Don't you fucking go near her." The words are out of Edward's mouth before he can control them.

Suddenly a horrifying look of realization crosses the man's face replacing his smirk.

"You're in love with her."

Edward scoffs before looking away. He wouldn't even entertain those words.

"You are. I can see it all over your pathetic face. You're in love with the girl that's why you haven't done it yet," the man says as if he's solved the world's greatest mystery.

Edward is silent. Hearing those words out loud awakens something inside of him. Something he wasn't sure he ever felt before her. Something he thinks he realized a while ago.

"That's what I thought," the man sneers. "What do you think they'll say when I tell them why you haven't completed the mission? That 'love' has gotten in the way. You were always the weak one," the disgust in his voice is palatable.

"I don't know what the hell you think you've figured out or what sick ideas you're thinking? But you have about five seconds to leave my office before I throw you out of the window," Edward's hands clench the edge of his desk.

The man remains sitting, eyes locked on Edward.

"Brother, you need to follow your orders, I won't get in your way again. I'll report that you have everything under control to them, but your time here is up. You're almost done, and then you can walk away forever. I know how much you want that. Don't fuck it all up now, not over a woman."

Edward doesn't respond, just stares blankly. He's already given away too much. His feelings have been laid bare. And all it'll take is a quick phone call and everything he's worked so hard for will be gone.

The man stands up, buttoning his suit jacket.

"I figure it can be tomorrow night, she trusts you, she won't suspect a thing. The rules still stand… anyway you see fit, just get the proof that it's been done. There will be a car waiting for us at midnight tomorrow."

And with that, he turns and leaves the office.

Edward heaves a great sigh as if the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. He falls in the chair behind the desk unable to hold his own weight up.

It was as if he were literally being split into two, the pain searing right down his middle.

Edward slumps down in the chair. He wanted to scream, yell, break something. Anything. He just wanted to let himself go and forget about everything. Especially her.

But instead, he drops his head into his hands and for the first time he can remember, he weeps.

I love to hear your theories and ideas, keep them coming!

We're getting much closer to the big reveal… so hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride!