Hi, everyone! The next chapter is here, and this time it's from Edward's point of view. I will try to post one chapter every week or more if there is significant interest in the story. If you want have a certain opinion – please, leave a review It is really important to me to hear what you are thinking about.

Chapter 3

EPOV

On the day Emmett and I had earmarked for exploring Seattle, our anticipation of a leisurely city tour was abruptly interrupted by the persistent buzzing of our smartphones.

"Tomorrow, 8 am, my office - Liam."

The message, bearing the signature of the FBI director, left no room for leisure and demanded immediate attention, swiftly refocusing our agenda from tourism to the mission we had diligently prepared for – apprehending the enigmatic Volturi clan.

As we hurriedly changed gears, we headed back to our apartment, affectionately dubbed the "bachelor pad." Amidst the process of gathering our essentials and reflecting on the unfolding situation, Emmett couldn't contain his curiosity.

"Edward, do you think there's a chance they might send us back to Chicago?"

I took a moment to weigh Emmett's question, well aware of the gravity of the situation. My intuition guided me, and it was clear to me that returning to Chicago was not in the cards. The abrupt alteration in plans signaled a significant development. Our FBI office had come across vital new information that had the potential to tip the scales in our favor as we pursued the Volturi clan – I was sure of that.

As we hastily prepared for dinner, I turned to Emmett, my tone laced with a sense of urgency, and said, "Emmett, I have a strong feeling that this summons is about the mission. We need to be ready for whatever new development has come to light."

Emmett, recognizing the gravity of our predicament and trusting my judgment, readily concurred with my decision. Our partnership was forged in the crucible of numerous challenging situations, and we had repeatedly proven our mettle. In the face of this unforeseen curveball, our unity and extraordinary abilities would serve as our greatest assets as we embarked on this mission, poised to confront whatever lay ahead.

On the following day, the blaring sound of the alarm roused me from the light slumber I had been in. I allowed myself a few more minutes in bed, sensing that a long day lay ahead, regardless of its outcome, along with all the uncertainties that had enveloped us. Emmet's heavy footsteps exiting the apartment were my signal that my time in bed had expired. With determination, I extricated myself from the bed and made my way to the bathroom, where I took my usual shower. I decided that I preferred comfort for the day, so I donned my favorite worn-out jeans and a blue shirt suitable for everyday wear. I spritzed a bit of the cologne I had left on the shelf and headed to the kitchen to check on Emmet.

With a quick glance at the clock, I realized it was 7:05, affording us enough time to prepare breakfast and reach the office. Emmet, as usual, was surrounded by several plates of food, eating with the gusto as if it were his last meal.

"Good morning," I said, grabbing a piece of toast from his plate.

"Good... hey, give that back," he grumbled, even though the toast was almost in my mouth by then.

After our improvised breakfast, we headed to the office with enough time to arrive punctually, even though we'd be walking there. The weather still allowed for a comfortable stroll, devoid of wind or chill, and there was no rain in the forecast for the day.

As we entered the office, I noticed that some of the faces were already familiar to me, both by name and in passing. Naturally, Emmet had likely never been seen feeling concerned about anything before – he was always calm and laid-back about everything. I, on the other hand, had the unfortunate tendency to overthink, often allowing my emotions to get the best of me. Both of us took our seats in the center of the room and tried to blend in with the surroundings.

The meeting room was filled with agents, each with their unique abilities and skills, gathered to discuss the investigation against the Volturi clan. Jacob sat further away from me, nervously tapping his foot and looking towards the door. Whether his nervousness stemmed from the information about to be shared or something else entirely could only be speculated, but I assumed he was likely expecting someone, specifically Bella, to enter the room.

And just as her name crossed my mind, the door swung open, and in walked the brown-haired beauty who had occupied my thoughts throughout the day and haunted my dreams at night. She quickly scanned the room and when her eyes met mine, her smile broadened – or at least I wanted to believe I was the reason – before she hastily averted her gaze. I observed Jacob enthusiastically waving his hand as if he were an attention-starved child, and her smile quickly froze. Ha, take that, idiot. Seriously, someone probably needed to teach him how a nearly 30-year-old should behave.

I attempted to redirect my attention elsewhere, not wanting to appear fixated on a single individual. Thankfully, Liam entered the room, carrying a folder of documents – yes, I was right, developments were on the horizon.

"Hello, colleagues. I called you here today to inform you that the bureau has obtained new information about the Volturi. As far as our informant knows, in the next month, there is a massive drug shipment planned, much larger than the usual quantities—several times what is currently being delivered to America. The shipment is supposed to start from the port of Palermo in Italy, and it will be transferred in stages to several ships and finally an airplane. The final destination is still unclear—whether it's Seattle, Tacoma, or Portland can only be speculated. To achieve this, we need to send two of you to the town of Cinisi near Palermo to try to build a network of contacts and obtain more information about the delivery date.

I leaned back in the chair, taking in the gravity of the situation. Liam had just dropped a bombshell - there was credible information about a large drug shipment coming directly from Italy, and it was imperative to intercept it.

"I am aware that everyone here possesses important qualities for the investigation, but for the undercover operation, we'll need to use more than that. The only one among us who speaks Italian fluently is Bella, so she will be the first agent placed undercover for this part of the mission," Liam said, looking directly into Bella's eyes. She was also looking at him with a determined gaze, nodding to show that she understood her task. Liam's gaze swept over the room. He knew Bella's Italian language proficiency could be an asset in this operation, but he was still uncertain about who to pair her with or so I thought. The agents had their specialized talents, and finding the right partner for Bella was crucial.

"As we haven't firmly decided yet which one of you will accompany Agent Swan during the meeting with the other directors, I leave the opportunity in your hands. Let anyone self-nominate if they believe they could be more beneficial than anyone else. In the event of no voluntary offers, I will inform you of the board's decision within the day." – Liam said exhaling a breath more loudly. He stood in front of us and waited patiently to think about it or maybe directly nominate someone.

I found myself unable to resist deep contemplation of the current situation. Drawing from my extensive background in law enforcement, my analytical skills stood unmatched. Years of experience had refined my abilities, making me a seasoned investigator, but I had never been handed an assignment quite as unique and challenging as the one before me now. The mere idea of embarking on a mission to Italy, where I would be tasked with unearthing the intricacies of a drug trafficking operation, held a profound allure and fascination for me.

"In order to provide you with more time for contemplation, I will continue with the board's decisions regarding undercover agents." - Liam's words echoed through the room as he continued to outline the board's decisions regarding the undercover agents. My gaze shifted once more to Jacob, curiosity compelling me to gauge his reaction. It had struck me as somewhat surprising that he hadn't immediately embraced the idea of traveling with Bella, especially given their apparent closeness from the previous week. I couldn't help but wonder why he wasn't seizing this opportunity, given his own interests in the matter.

"Agent Black," Liam's voice resounded with confidence, "you will be tasked with the crucial mission of forging connections with the individuals who are collaborating with the Volturi here in Seattle concerning the illicit drug trade. Your unique set of skills will undoubtedly play a vital role in this operation. We trust your ability to navigate this treacherous path."

"Agent Newton," Liam continued, turning his attention to the next agent, "Tacoma will be your domain. We believe your capabilities will be instrumental in uncovering the truth hidden within this city's underbelly."

Liam's gaze then shifted towards Agent Crowley, who was assigned to Portland. As I observed the unfolding dynamics, I couldn't help but contemplate the intricate chessboard of assignments before us.

Finally, the spotlight turned to Agent McCarty and Agent Pierce. "You are appointed as a lovely couple, entrusted with launching a new high-end bar. This establishment will not only serve as a front for our operations but will be a linchpin in the grand scheme of our mission. Your task is not just to create an upscale establishment, but to build a network that will allow us to penetrate a significant portion of Volturi's business. You will operate as a family, presenting a united front, a cover that is all too believable."

Emmett and Maggie exchanged a knowing look, their expressions revealing little emotion. It was clear that Rosalie wouldn't be joining us in Seattle anytime soon, as Emmett was now tasked with going undercover. The weight of the mission hung heavy in the air, and part of the roles were now set in stone.

As the meeting continued, I couldn't shake the feeling that the days ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainty, yet I was more determined than ever to bring my law enforcement experience to this unique assignment. My mission was to unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the surface, no matter where it led, and to ensure the success of this operation that held the fate of so many lives in the balance.

"Up until this point, the board's decisions had been decisively swift and straightforward. From here on out, we need to determine Agent Swan's partner, and if necessary, the team may be expanded," Liam declared, and it was as if this was the moment when I realized the opportunity that lay before me.

My name had not yet been mentioned, and this was my chance to calmly lay everything on the line and accept the director's proposal. Yes, it would be my first mission of this kind, but I knew I could dedicate all of my efforts to prove my worth.

The thought of accompanying Agent Swan, Bella, to Italy to uncover the drug trafficking operation filled me with both excitement and a hint of trepidation. It was a chance to utilize my skills and make a difference in a way that I had never experienced before.

As I contemplated the possibilities, the room seemed to fade away, and I could only hear the sound of my own thoughts. The weight of the decision hung in the air, and I knew that whatever I chose would define the path I would take in the days to come.

With determination burning in my heart, I spoke up, "Director, I am willing to take on the role of Agent Swan's partner. I believe in the mission, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure its success. I am ready to step into the unknown and face the challenges that lie ahead."

Liam's gaze turned towards me, and there was a brief moment of silence before he nodded. "Very well, Agent Masen. You have shown your commitment when you were willing to leave your previous tasks and came here to Seattle, and I believe you are up to this task too. You will accompany Agent Swan on this mission to Italy. Prepare yourself, for the journey ahead will be filled with challenges, but I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion."

Liam took the folder he had entered with and left the room, leaving moments of silence behind. I looked at Bella, and I saw that she was also gazing at me. I decided that the moment was right to introduce myself formally to her, so I stood up and approached slowly.

"Hello, Agent Swan! Since we'll be working together from now on, I suggest we get to know each other in a more official manner. Nice to meet you, I'm Edward Masen," I said, extending my hand, smiling slightly to show her that I meant well.

She looked at me with an assessing gaze, and for a moment, it seemed like she might not want to be here at this moment. Nevertheless, she extended her hand and shook mine firmly.

"Hello, Edward, and it's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm Isabella Swan-Cullen, but everyone knows me as Bella."

The dazzling smile that spread across her face revealed two things in that moment - a spark shot through my body, causing a shiver, and my heart raced so fast that for a moment, I thought we might need to seek help from the emergency room. As I returned the smile, I couldn't help but wonder about the unexpected connection that seemed to form between us. This mission was beginning with a mysterious energy, and I had a feeling that it would be unlike any other I had experienced before.

Liam's secretary opened the door and called us by name a little after that. "Edward, Bella, the director is waiting for you in conference room 2, immediately," she said with an air of urgency, leaving no room for questions. With a nod, I gestured for Bella to lead the way, and she walked ahead confidently, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

As she moved forward, I couldn't help but steal more than just glances. The soft glow of the hallway lights accentuated her features, revealing a graceful silhouette that exuded both elegance and strength. She appeared delicate yet carried herself with a quiet fortitude, an intriguing juxtaposition that kept drawing my attention. Her slightly wavy hair flowed down her back like a cascade of dark silk, and the intoxicating fragrance of freesias and strawberries lingered in the air, leaving a mesmerizing trail. I inhaled deeply, allowing the captivating scent to envelop my senses. It was impossible to deny the allure of her presence, and for a moment, I found myself lost in the intoxicating atmosphere she carried with her. My eyes, almost involuntarily, traced the curves of her form. Her physique spoke of a dedication to rigorous training, a necessity for every agent to maintain peak physical condition. She moved with a deliberate grace, her hips swaying ever so subtly as she walked. A flush of warmth crept up to my cheeks, and I couldn't ignore the undeniable tightness in my jeans. Ahhh, me and my horny self.

I knew better than to let my thoughts wander, especially in a professional setting, but the magnetic pull of her presence was distracting. In an effort to regain my focus, I forced my gaze upwards, determined to maintain the professionalism expected in this situation.

Bella reached the conference room ahead of me and confidently opened the door, revealing Liam seated behind the desk, waiting for our arrival. I cleared my throat and straightened my posture, willing my thoughts to remain professional as we entered the room and went to sit next to each other. The same pull towards her were pushing me to be as close as possible to her.

"Agent Swan, Agent Masen, I'm pleased to see you again in a more relaxed environment," Liam began. He placed a folder on the table, and as we leaned in, we could see photographs of individuals and addresses meticulously arranged within.

"In this folder, I've prepared photographs of the individuals you need to establish contact with, as well as addresses of the locations where the shipment is expected to originate," Liam explained. His tone was composed, and his expression showed a mix of seriousness and determination. "I want to reiterate that the exact date is still unknown, so your stay in Cinisi will not have a set end date at the moment."

I exchanged a quick glance with Bella, and we nodded in unison. This was the nature of our work, after all, and we were prepared for the uncertainties it entailed.

Liam continued, "Your task is not to disrupt the delivery but solely to establish connections. We need to stay informed about quantities and future shipment dates." He gestured toward the folder. "The first individual you need to make contact with at the docks around Palermo is named Enzo. He's the son of a local mafia figure, a young man of 30 years."

We both examined Enzo's photograph. He appeared deceptively ordinary at first glance, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a tall, slender figure. However, it was the prominent scar that ran diagonally across his face that set him apart. This scar could prove a valuable identifier, especially in a crowd of people.

Bella took the photograph, scrutinizing it closely. We understood that thorough preparation was essential for success in our line of work, and we had plenty of time to familiarize ourselves with every detail in the folder.

Liam leaned back in his chair, waiting for any questions or comments. We knew the gravity of the mission and the significance of our role. Our mission was clear: gather vital information while remaining undetected.

After a few moments of contemplation, we silently acknowledged our grasp of the mission's details up to that point. Liam proceeded to provide further instructions, his gaze unwavering. At that moment, a knock on the door drew our attention. Liam's secretary, Macy, entered the room and handed a new folder to the director. She swiftly exited the room, leaving us in suspense about the contents of the folder. Liam opened the folder, flipped through the pages, inspected the contents of a particular section that produced a jingling sound, and then closed it, redirecting his attention to us.

"Your departure is scheduled in five days," Liam began, his voice firm and resolute. "In the second folder, you will discover flight tickets, meticulously forged documents introducing your new identities, keys to your residence in Cinisi, two bank cards loaded with sufficient funds to meet your expenses during your stay, and the key to a vehicle waiting outside your house, ready for your transportation needs," he elucidated. He gently pushed the second folder towards us, revealing the contents of our covert identities.

"Both of you understand that the process of going undercover necessitates a shift in your outward appearances, as time permits," he reiterated, emphasizing the gravity of this aspect. "Agent Swan, you should consider altering your hair color and hairstyle. Agent Masen, your task involves a trim of your hair and the growth of a beard. Additionally, both of you are required to wear contact lenses," Liam reminded us. He emphasized one of the more challenging aspects of missions like this—the intricate transformation of one's appearance and the meticulous adoption of a fabricated life.

I nodded in agreement, fully aware of the demands this entailed. We had undergone such transformations before, but each mission brought its unique set of challenges and uncertainties.

Liam leaned back in his chair leaving his hands on the table in front of him, his expression conveying both trust in our abilities and the weight of the mission ahead. We understood the importance of every detail and the critical nature of maintaining our cover, even under the most probing scrutiny.

"How should we establish contact with Enzo? Does he reside in Cinisi, or should we search for him in Palermo?" I inquired, already formulating the initial steps of our mission in Italy. Liam turned his attention to me, offering a slight smile, and responded, "Agent Masen, you raise a valid question. As far as our information goes, he owns several establishments and cafes in Palermo, near one of the central streets. It would be wise to start your search from there. In case of failure to find them, it's also known that the family owns a villa in the vicinity of Cinisi, in the Carini area, which is well-known to the locals. However, I want you to be cautious in building your network of acquaintances. I expect you to recite your life information and use it cleverly."

I nodded, signifying that I had no further questions. My gaze turned to Bella, who also shrugged her shoulders and quietly took the folder. We were ready to embark on this mission, understanding its complexity and the importance of every step.

"In case you have no more questions, I wish you success and anticipate receiving feedback with acquired information shortly. Good luck, colleagues," Liam concluded, signaling that our meeting was adjourned. Both of us rose from our seats, clutching the folders, and exited the room.

As we left Liam's office, the weight of the upcoming mission settled on our shoulders. Bella glanced at me, extended the hand holding the folder, and asked, "Well, partner, are you ready for the journey? It would be nice if we divided the information we need to read." I smiled, attempting to muster courage, and replied, "I've never been more prepared." She chuckled softly, a sound that didn't help my already racing heart since she walked into the office earlier today. I reminded myself that this journey could be a double-edged sword given my caution after Tanya's allure and Bella's undeniable charm. However, I preferred to set aside such thoughts for the time when I wouldn't need to be entirely focused on the mission, which was my top priority at the moment.

"I suggest we exchange numbers and catch up in two days to arrange a meeting where we can intertwine our stories and fill in the gaps," I proposed. "I don't mind," Bella replied, taking her phone from her jeans' pocket and handing it to me so I could input my number. I quickly grabbed it, saved it in her contacts, and dialed my own number to ensure it was saved. Shortly after, the expected ringtone sounded.

Upon parting ways with Bella, we obtained copies of the documents from the folder and the items assigned to us—new passports, ID cards, and bank cards. She took the keys to the house and the car, while I held the plane tickets. Afterward, I made my way back to the room where we had our morning meeting to find Emmett.

Naturally, he was sitting at the center of the room, surrounded by Mike, Kate, Maggie, and Tyler, recounting stories from our previous missions in Chicago. "Emmett, let's get going. Уork is waiting for us," I invited him. Truthfully, I just wanted to return and delve into investigating all the information we had acquired today.

Emmett stood up, wished everyone a good day, and approached me, successfully nudging me out of the room. "So, you and Bella, huh? What was that call of courage about, and why did you accept the task?" he asked as we walked toward the elevator, throwing me a sidelong glance. "Bella and I are colleagues, Em. The mission is why we're here. Would you have offered if you weren't assigned the task?" He didn't respond, and I smiled triumphantly, feeling confident that I'd nailed my reply.

As we exited the elevator into the building's lobby, we spotted Jacob, who seemed to be waiting for something or someone and appeared pensive. Hmm, he's probably waiting for Bella. Once again, she infiltrated my thoughts with that gentle smile I saw on her face earlier today. She would likely be the most exciting but also the most tormenting part of this journey. I wasn't thrilled about getting too attached to a colleague, but I knew that controlling one's emotions was no easy task.

Emmett continued to pester me about Bella as we headed to our apartment, attempting to lighten the mood with his humor. He couldn't resist teasing me about the possibility of a romantic involvement between Bella and me. I laughed along, brushing off his comments, even though I couldn't deny the fact that thinking about Bella made my heart race each time.

As we settled onto the street , I decided to address the underlying tension. "Emmett, have you ever found yourself working closely with someone you couldn't help but find captivating? Someone you knew you should keep your distance from but couldn't resist being drawn to?" I asked, knowing that Emmett had encountered his fair share of intense experiences.

He took a moment to ponder, and his playful expression turned serious. "Yeah, Edward, I've been there. It's a delicate situation. But we're professionals, and we've got a job to do. This is not the time to get sidetracked by personal feelings." His words carried the weight of experience and wisdom, which I genuinely respected.

"Do you remember what happened with Tanya back in Chicago? I couldn't control the feelings then, how could I now?" I asked cautiously, my gaze fixed on the street ahead. "I got carried away with my feelings and believes, and it ended in disappointment. I don't want to make the same mistake again. Bella is a colleague, and I need to keep it that way." – I said determined this time.

Emmett who was walking next to me, grab me for the shoulder and patted it, recalling maybe the past, and then turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Edward, I remember Tanya well. You were genuinely smitten with her, and it took you some time to recover from it. I don't want to see you go through that kind of heartache again. Just remember, we're professionals, and emotions can cloud our judgment. Stay focused on the mission and be cautious not to get too emotionally involved. That's the best way to protect yourself."

His words resonated with me, and I appreciated his concern. As we continued on our journey, I decided to heed his advice and maintain a professional distance from Bella. My focus needed to be on the mission and the safety of our team, not on personal feelings.

When we returned to the apartment, I stored the folder in my room and headed to the terrace, hoping for a better environment to focus. I directed my thoughts towards the tasks for the coming days: getting a haircut, organizing my luggage, finding a store for contact lenses, and thoroughly reviewing the information in the folder. The absence of my close ones was one less worry, as I needed to give them a heads up about my departure if we were still in touch. Emmett was my only friend, and I valued his friendship greatly. I regretted that he wouldn't have a chance to see Rosalie before we delved into the case. The weather here was starting to feel like autumn, with the first days of October already gone by, but the weather in Italy was still unknown to me. I considered it an extra task for the coming days.

I had another task on my hands, getting acquainted with my new alias, Emanuele De Luca. He was the son of immigrants, unfamiliar with the Italian language. At 27 years of age, he was unmarried and had no children. The information available was scarce, but given the department's tight schedule after I accepted the mission, it would have to suffice to fill in the gaps as needed. However, the upcoming meeting with Bella presented an opportunity to craft a more elaborate backstory together, adding depth to our characters when necessary.

After spending ample time poring over photographs of the apartment, establishments, coffee shops, the port, as well as schematics and maps, I decided it was time for dinner. According to my phone's clock, it was nearly 7 pm. As I made my way to the living room, I found Emmett, who was also delving into a similar folder, likely containing information about his mission alongside Maggie. I had no doubt that the two of them would be able to create convincing personas and establish a well-known bar, thereby attracting a portion of the Volturi's human trafficking business. Although we all despised having to witness the suffering of innocent souls, it was a necessary evil to prevent its further expansion.

Based on what Emmett told me, the bar was conveniently located near the city center, undoubtedly drawing in more people. Emmett and I decided to order takeout for dinner, sparing us the worry of cooking.

While we waited for our food to arrive, we talked about topics unrelated to work. It was our time to unwind, and it was just Emmett and me. Our conversation was a welcome distraction from the demands of our mission. We discussed everything from sports and movies to personal interests, sharing stories and laughs.

Our conversation was interrupted when the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of our dinner. Emmett collected the food, and we sat down to eat, continuing our conversation. As we enjoyed our meal, I appreciated the camaraderie we shared. It was essential to have these moments of connection amidst the high-stakes world of espionage.

After we finished our meal, Emmett and I parted ways again, retreating to our respective rooms. I was determined to gather more information about the weather in Italy and take a closer look at the map around Cinisi and Palermo. I hoped that by studying the area, I could memorize essential details that would prove invaluable during our mission.

As I pored over the maps and data, my thoughts kept returning to the upcoming journey, the challenges that lay ahead, and, of course, Bella. It was clear that working closely with her would be both a professional challenge and a personal test of my restraint. I couldn't help but wonder how our partnership would evolve and what obstacles we would face.

So, that is the beginning of the investigation. Next is Bella.