"I was 21 years old when I graduated from University; I ended up being approached by someone a few days after graduation." JJ said as the team listened intrigued.

"The man who approached me was a CIA recruiter." She paused watching the faces of the team who sat in front of her. "He recruited recently graduated students from various university's that the CIA had been secretly watching over for months, if not years who they thought would make potential spies." she said. The teams expressions suddenly turned to shock as they were starting to put the pieces together.

"I accepted their offer of 6 months hardcore CIA training and after the training I became a full fledged CIA agent and spy. I ended up staying with the agency for 5 years." The team just stared at her, unable to comprehend what she was saying. "My file says I slowly completed FBI training in between jobs from the age of 21 to 26 but the CIA made that file up as a cover when I joined the FBI." she finished.

JJ looked at the team's reactions. Morgan looked shocked and a little angry, Reid looked stunned, Rossi sat with a black expression on his face. Emily just looked at JJ with understanding and Garcia had an encouraging look on her face. Hotch looked stoic as always but she could tell he was hurt behind his mask. She sighed.

"Th-this is a j-joke ri-right?" Reid stuttered.

"Yeah, I mean, you were a spy. No way." Morgan said with disbelief.

"No, I'm afraid it's not a joke Spence." JJ said sadly.

"I don't believe it!" Rossi boomed suddenly.

"Look, it's true and I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys but please let me explain why." JJ pleaded with tears in her eyes. The team looked at JJ and nodded allowing her to continue.

"CIA spies have various different partners during their time. But I was a lone wolf. I had one partner and that was only for 3 months because the CIA wanted to experiment with me. But other than that I was alone on all the missions." The team were stunned again. "So, when I joined the FBI, I never thought I would get to know and love you guys. The CIA drill into you that emotions and feelings get you killed so I never thought I would feel anything for you. Little did I know that you guys would become my family." she smiled at them. "By the time I had gotten to know you guys as friends and family, it was too late. I thought you would hate me for lying and I would lose you all."JJ explained with unshed tears in her eyes. Morgan stormed out of the room in anger.

After a few minutes of the team sitting in silence processing everything, Morgan came back in the room, a little calmer than before, he sat down again and JJ continued.

"Then it became about protecting you." The room looked at her confused. "God, the amount of people I have killed, took down or had imprisoned is a hell of and I knew that people would want revenge and would be out for blood so I didn't want the people closest to me being used as leverage in anyway so I kept quiet to protect you. You guys not knowing about my CIA past kept you safe."

"I guess I understand." Rossi said after a few minutes of processing as Emily and Garcia nodded in agreement and understanding.

"I'm still a little hurt and mad that you didn't tell us but I think I get it. I mean I had my secrets that I didn't want you all to know as well." Morgan said, not as angry as before.

"So why are you telling us after all this time?" Hotch spoke for the first time, his expression blank, his tone harsh.

JJ took a deep breath. "I was the agent undercover with Hamba, Hosi and Lafar."

The team gasped in shock.

"They could be after you JJ." Hotch said more softly than before.

"I know but I can take care of myself, I promise." JJ replied confidently. "Do you guys hate me?" She asked a stray tear making its way down her face.

"I can't speak for these guys but I don't hate you, I'm a little hurt but we all have secrets and you just shared your biggest one with us. Like I said last night, I could never hate you." Hotch looked at her with hurt and understanding in his eyes.

"Thank you." she croaked, her voice full of emotion. Hotch seeing how emotional she was, stood up and gave her a tight hug as the team looked at the pair in shock at Hotch's rare display of affection.

They broke away as Emily interrupted. "I'm the same as Hotch, I'm just hurt, but I'll get over it." she said walking over and hugging her friend. The rest of the team done the same except Reid and Morgan.

"Reid." she whispered with tears.

"I'm sorry JJ, I don't hate you but I also don't know if I can get over this. I'm really hurt right now." Reid explained.

JJ nodded. "I understand, I hope you can forgive me." she said. "Morgan?"

"I'm not going to lie JJ, I'm angry right now but I understand and the anger will pass. I still love you girl." he said.

"Thanks guys and I am sorry, I hope you'll be able to fully forgive me eventually." she said with a sadness in her voice.

"Ok, so we know about some of your CIA work because of what Garcia told us but let's hear it from you." Emily said slightly excited.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was hard to write, I must admit. Please review, they make my day!

Next chapter: JJ and James telling the team about their connection and about JJ's life as a spy.