Sorry, sorry. I've been meaning to get this up but I've been in and out of hospitals/doctor's offices the last month and it's been wearing me down. I've finally finished this chapter – hope it's worth the wait.
The lyrics are from the song 'Hey There Delilah' by the Plain White T's. I've changed some of the words/lyrics but the song does not belong to me. I still don't own anything. You may recognize a couple of other names…although they won't be an integral part of the story.
Don't own anything.
Rated: M
Unwrapped
Alex stood in the middle of the room and slowly did a 360. His face was in a state of wonder as he took in the decorations. Mack and Helen stood back and smiled as the young boy soaked it all in.
"It looks just like the Gryffindor common room…" Alex said in awe. Helen and Mack laughed gently. Mackenzie went to her son and squatted down beside him and wrapped her arms around him.
"I take it you like it?" Alex nodded and his hair bounced with him. "Good because I worked hard getting it like this…" Helen cleared her throat as she knelt down beside Mack. She shot a disbelieving look at Mack.
Looking at her innocently, Mack shrugged and turned to her son. "Ok, ok…Helen helped…HEY!" Helen had shoved Mackenzie playfully. Alex and Helen laughed as they both pinned Mack down.
"NO FAIR! TWO AGAINST ONE!" Mack yelped. They all laughed as they all tried to tickle each other. Finally, after being ganged up on, Mack threw her hands up in surrender.
"Ok! Ok! I give up! I surrender!" Mack croaked, slightly out of breath. Alex giggled and jumped to his feet. He tugged on Helen's and Mack's arms.
"I wanna go over to Livie's and Brady's place!" Helen helped Mack sit up then turned to Alex laughing at his excitement.
"Slow down wee one…"
"Please Helen, puh-leeeessss," Alex bounced around. Helen reached out and scooped him up in her arms. Kissing the top of his head, she looked over at Mack who was slowly getting up.
"Don't look at me. He's asking you…" Mack smirked as Helen playfully smacked her in the stomach. Mackenzie winced and rubbed her sore stomach.
"Please, please, please Helen, can I?" Alex tugged at Helen's hand again.
"Yeah, Helen. Please, please, puh-leeeessss Helen…" Mackenzie mimicked her son bouncing around.
"Don't you start…" Helen laughed as she watched Mack bounce around. Looking down at Alex, Helen couldn't say no. "Aright," Alex jumped up in the air and pumped his little fist, "but, you have to be back in a couple hours to get dressed. Ok?" Alex nodded and grabbed Helen's hand and dragged her to the door.
As Helen watched Alex run towards the other end of the hall, Mack snuck up behind her and wrapped her arms around Helen. Instinctively, Helen leaned back and tilted her head to the side as Mackenzie accepted the unspoken invitation.
Leaning down, Mack lightly kissed Helen's neck and tightened her hold on her as Helen moaned softly and moved against Mack.
Helen vaguely heard Mack's husky voice. "Keep that up sweetheart and Alex won't be having a birthday party." Helen shivered. Then just as quickly, Mack let go of Helen, causing the Scot to stumble a bit.
Mack reached out with a smirk to catch her. Laughing quietly Mack gave Helen a quick peck on the cheek. "We need to get dressed and I have to wrap Alex's gift up still…"
Helen gave her a scowl making Mackenzie burst out laughing.
She thinks that's funny, huh? Well then…I'll just have to fix that up tonight…Helen thought. She smiled mischievously and walked with a bit more of a sway as she passed Mackenzie, making sure her hips 'accidentally' brushed against Mack's. She smiled triumphantly as she felt Mackenzie jerk back slightly.
Helen continued walking towards their bedroom. "You can start wrapping up that gift of yours. I'll be getting dressed," Helen called out as she tossed her top over her shoulder. Mackenzie caught the piece of fabric and stared at Helen's bare back with a dry mouth.
Hot damn! Mack thought as Helen shut the door softly. Shaking her head with a smile Mackenzie turned to go to her office to start wrapping that present. Oh damn…she thought, her smile fading. Flinching slightly in discomfort, Mackenzie realized she had gotten a little too aroused.
Looking back at her closed bedroom door, Mack stared in disbelief. Oh she's good…sighing; Mack took a deep breath and trudged in to her office, wincing with each painful step.
Mackenzie was brave enough to try and make it over to the snack table without getting run over by 13 screaming kids. Quickly grabbing a plate and piling up as much food as she could, Mack turned and braced herself.
Climbing over kids that ran from one place to another, dodging a flying wizard's hat, and narrowly missing two sets of brooms that would have really done some permanent damage, Mack made it to the little nook in the kitchen where most of the adults stood by watching the mayhem.
Instantly, there were hands that went for the food on the plate. "HEY! Come on! Save some for me!" Mackenzie whined as the plate soon became empty. She looked at the empty plate then at the 10 adults that were munching on the food.
"Hate you…" she mumbled as she turned to go get more. Helen who took pity on Mack wrapped her arms around her waist and pressed herself close to Mack's back.
"Let me…" Helen whispered sexily causing Mack to almost drop the plate. Helen grabbed it and gave Mackenzie's rear end a quick squeeze making Mack jumped and she inhaled sharply watching her go with wide eyes. What in the…?
Mackenzie heard giggling behind her and she quickly turned around. Brady, Olivia and the rest of the guys either hid their faces or smiles as they watched Mackenzie blush and squirm under their gazes.
Embarrassed, Mack rubbed the back of her neck. "Hate you guys…" she mumbled as she stood to the side and watched the children stop what they were doing to let Helen pass. The group just laughed.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALEX!" The rambunctious and out of tune group of 8 and 9 year olds sang at the top of their lungs. The adults just winced as their ears rang.
Charlie who had been video taping the entire party was grinning from ear to ear. "Make a wish!" she instructed. Closing his eyes tight, Alex smiled and then blew out the candles. Everyone clapped and cheered.
Helen appeared with a cutting knife and handed it to Alex. He looked up at her a little reluctantly. "What is it, young man?" Helen asked gently. Alex loved it when she called him that. Made him feel like a real big boy.
Alex tugged at her hand and whispered in Helen's ear. "Can you help me?" he asked shyly. Smiling brightly, Helen wrapped an arm around his shoulders and nodded. Placing her hand over his, they were able to cut the cake with no trouble at all.
Mack stood back and watched the two of them and smiled. Her heart swelled up with pride.
"What did you wish for?" asked one of the older boys. Shaking his head Alex informed him with his mouth full.
"I'm not supposed to tell you. Or else it won't come true. That's the rules…" he said in his big boy voice. Eight year old Alicia wandered over and sat next to Alex, dressed as Hermione.
"He's right…you're not supposta say…" she said and fixed her witch's hat. Danny just rolled his eyes. He came dressed as one of the Slytherin characters. He also had the attitude of one.
"Gimmie a break. That's for babies. Come on Alex…what ya wish for?"
Shaking his head again, Alex wasn't going to say a word. "Nope. I want it to come true…"
"Don't worry Alex, it'll come true. You're really nice to not have it come true," Alicia said politely. Alex blushed at her statement.
Danny snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh brother…"
"If you don't like his answer, you can go eat mud!" Alicia stood up and stomped her foot while placing her hands on her hips. Alex looked from Alicia to Danny with concern on his face. It was his birthday and he didn't want to get into trouble.
"Danny, why don't you just leave us alone, ok? I want my wish to come true, so I won't tell anyone. Not even my mom…" Alex said diplomatically.
"Fine. But you have to play with me and Tommy. We're playing soldiers…" as he said it, Danny gave Alicia a smirk. The little girl's eyes narrowed to slits as she took a step forward. Alex went between them.
"Nah. I wanna hang out with Ali. She's my friend…" Danny scrunched up his face.
"EW…why her? All she plays with are Barbie dolls anyways…"
"I do not! I can play soldier better then you!" Alicia snapped back. Alex always liked her. She wasn't like all the other girls he hung out with who only played with dolls. She liked playing boy stuff too, like soldier or Batman.
Unfortunately, Danny didn't think so. He smiled wickedly as he prepared for a verbal attack. "Oh yeah? You wanna know why you're at the Centre? You're parents thought you were too stupid so they left you there! You're retarded…" Alicia's eyes widened then quickly filled with tears as she turned around and ran for the bathroom. Alex had never felt anger like what he was feeling at that moment.
"SHE'S NOT RETARDED! TAKE IT BACK!" he demanded. His tiny little fists were trembling. The rest of the room had gone suddenly quiet. The other children stopped and stared. Mackenzie, Helen, Brady and Olivia were moving forward in a rush.
"She's retarded…" Danny had made a face and slurred the last word. He didn't see the tiny fist that connected with his chin. He went toppling over as Alex sprinted for the bathroom.
"ALEX!" He heard his mama's voice but he didn't stop. He knocked on the door.
"Alicia?" He said quietly. He really did like Alicia and he hated to see her cry. Alex thought he heard a sniffle and he got an idea. He saw his mama coming towards him so he had to act fast. He ran into his room and frantically searched for that one item that would put a smile on his friends face.
Running back out, his mama looked upset. Holding out a hand to stop her from saying anything, Alex quickly spoke.
"I know I'm trouble but can I first make sure Alicia is alright?" Mackenzie was taken aback somewhat but nodded. She watched as he went to the bathroom and knocked. The door opened a crack and he slipped inside.
Mackenzie padded softly to the door and saw her son sitting on the edge of the tub next to the little girl. Some of her anger evaporated as she watched a little longer. Sighing, Mack looked back at the party goers and shook her head.
She was going to get to the bottom of this. She walked over to Danny who was standing defiantly with his arms crossed over his chest as Brady and Olivia scolded him. He took one look at Mackenzie advancing on him and immediately knew he was in deeper trouble then he expected.
Mackenzie saw his face fall and knew that she had him. Keeping a straight face , she stopped before him and crossed her own arms over her chest.
"We're gonna have a little talk…" Mack laid a hand gently on his shoulder and led him to the sofa. Brady and Olivia, as well as Helen watched carefully. The other's tried to look as if they were interested in several pictures hanging on the far side of the wall.
I'm in big trouble now…Danny thought as he was lifted onto the sofa.
Alicia wiped her eyes and sniffed again as Alex sat quietly.
"You know what he said isn't true. He isn't as smart as he says he is…" Alex said softly. He took several long sheets of toilet paper and handed to Ali who wiped away the remaining tears on her cheeks.
"How do you know he's not telling the truth now? What if he's right…" she said sadly. In all honesty, she had no clue why her parents left her here. Danny could be right for all she knew. Maybe she really wasn't as smart.
Shaking his head violently, Alex sat up straighter and said with utter nine year old conviction, "he's not. My mama says that sometimes mommies and daddies can't take care of us properly because they're really sick and they need help. That's why they leave us at the centre where we'll be safe. And we get taken care of…"
"How do you know she isn't just saying that stuff?" Alicia wanted to believe that was true, but people always say that kind of stuff just to keep kids quiet.
Again, Alex said with certainty, "my mama always tells me the truth." Alicia stared at Alex for a moment then nodded slowly.
"Your mama is really smart…"
Nodding proudly, Alex smiled. "Yeah! She is!" Both children laughed. Alex got nervous and stared at his shoes.
"What's wrong?" Alicia asked. She had never seen her friend nervous before.
Alex handed Alicia his most prized possession. Ali's eyes widened.
"Alex…you know I don't play with dolls." The young shrugged.
"I know. But that isn't a doll. She's an action figure. Look…" He proceeded to show Ali all the cool gizmos and gadgets his Batwoman action figure had. Ali was going to give it back but Alex shook his head.
"You keep it…" he said softly.
"But Alex…she's your most favourite toy in the world!" Alicia said surprised he'd even think of giving her his Batwoman toy. Everyone on this planet knew that Alex adored the Bat family.
"I have Batman so when you and me play, you can be the Batwoman and I'll be Batman…" Alex rambled on. Ali found that cute and she smiled and nodded.
"Thanks Alex…," Alicia said softly. Alex blushed and looked away. There was a light knock on the door.
"Alex? Alicia?" Mackenzie spoke softly through the door. The two friends looked at each other and Ali slipped her hand into Alex's. They slipped off of the tub and Alex opened the door and stood back. He gave Alicia's hand a gentle squeeze.
His mother stood with her hands in her pockets and waited. Crouching down to their level, Mack smiled softly.
"Alicia, honey, are you alright?" nodding, Alicia smiled brightly.
"Yes, Ms. Benson." Mack smiled and motioned to the rest of the party goers.
"Alicia, do you mind if I just speak with Alex for a moment?" Ali looked a little concerned.
"But he didn't do anything. He was really nice to me…"
Smiling softly, Mackenzie nodded. "I know sweetheart. Don't you worry…he's not in too much trouble," she winked at her son to soften her words. Alicia still looked a little worried. Alex just smiled at her.
"Don't worry. I'm a big boy now…" sighing, Ali nodded and went over to Brady and Olivia occasionally glancing back at the two.
Getting up, Mack crossed her arms over her chest and glanced from Alicia to Alex. Her son had stuffed his tiny hands into his pocket and stared at his feet as he shuffled them.
Inhaling, Mack smiled gently as she spoke. "So…you want to explain to me what happened, Bud?" She already knew what happened from Danny. She just wanted to hear her son's side of things.
Sighing loudly, Alex shrugged his tiny shoulders. "He wouldn't leave Ali alone. We asked him to stop bugging us but he just wouldn't…"
Nodding, Mackenzie asked softly, "then what happened?"
"He…he said stuff to Alicia that made her cry. Really stupid, bad stuff…." Although Danny confessed to having made Alicia cry, he didn't say what he had said.
"Oh?" Mackenzie hunkered down again as she spoke. "Mind if I ask what it was he said."
Alex looked at Alicia and bit his lower lip. Olivia was holding her in her arms as Ali was showing her the action figure.
"Alex?" Turning around to face his mama, Alex took a breath.
"Danny said the reason she was left at the centre was because Alicia's parents thought she was too stupid. And that's why they didn't want her anymore. Then he called her a retard." Tears of frustration and anger fell from his eyes as he spoke. Taking a calming breath, Mackenzie reached out and hugged her son and kissed the top of his head. "Thank you for telling me."
"I told Ali that it wasn't true. I told her what you said to me…"
"And what did I say?" Mack asked with a small smile. She felt a surge of pride as Alex told her. Mackenzie smiled brightly as she nodded. "I'm glad you decided to listen to me for once…"
"Does this mean you're not angry at me?" Alex asked expectantly. Raising an eye brow, Mack smiled at her son's attempt at squirming his way out of trouble.
"Yup."
"So I'm not in trouble anymore?"
"Oh no. You're absolutely in trouble…." She laughed as Alex snapped his fingers.
"So close…" Alex said as he looked up at his mama. Mack smiled then turned serious.
"Alex, I am disappointed in you…" she said quietly. Alex sighed heavily.
"I know…I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do…" he said miserably. Mack held her son's face gently as she spoke.
"Sweetie, that's why I'm here. You know that hitting someone is never the answer. Even if that person really deserves a punch in the nose…"
Nodding, Alex looked at his mama with sad eyes. "I ruined my birthday, didn't I?"
"Oh sweetie, no you didn't. You didn't ruin a thing…" kissing his forehead, Mack wrapped her arms around him and picked him up. Alex noticed Helen coming over.
"I have to apologize, don't I?" Nodding, Mack smiled softly.
"Yeah, you do. If he gives you any grief, you come to me. Ok? No more swinging action, got it?"
"Yes, mama…"
"Good. Now get back to you birthday party…" Mack set her son down and watched as he rushed over to Helen.
He's getting so big…Mack thought a little sadly.
"Wow! That is so cool Alex!" said one the boys. Alex nodded, completely speechless. He whipped his head around and had a hug grin on his face.
"Thanks mama! This is the most awsomest present ever!" he got up and ran to his mama who just swung him up in the air with laughter. Holding on to him and giving him a big kiss on the cheek, Mack smiled proudly.
"I'm glad you like it. I already set you up with the classes. You'll be playing like a pro in no time."
Helen wrapped her arms around both of them and kissed Alex's forehead. "Mama, you have to play something!" Alex requested enthusiastically.
"Uh…no…that's alright…" Mack said nervously. The other children looked expectantly at Mackenzie.
"Yeah! Play something!" A handful of children replied and waited patiently. Helen smiled at how uncomfortable Mack was.
"Why don't you? I've never heard you play before…" Helen almost laughed at the desperate expression Mackenzie gave her.
"Well…um…I don't know…it's been a long time…" Mackenzie knew she was blushing. She felt small hands on her cheeks as her face was turned around so she was staring into her son's eyes.
"Please mama…" he said gently. Oh jeez. Why'd you have to do that Alex? He knows I can't say no to him when he does that.
Sighing, Mack shook her head. "Alright! Alright! Just stop looking at me like that. I have a hard time saying no to you when you do that," Mackenzie stated as she put Alex down. Her son just laughed and held out his arms to Helen who happily picked him up.
"COOL! I'll grab your guitar!" Sol jumped up enthusiastically and ran to Mack's room. Grabbing a chair Mack asked what the group of kids wanted to hear.
"Do you know any Britney Speirs?"
"Can you play any Pussycat Dolls?"
"The Jonas Brothers!!"
Alicia politely raised her hand. "Why doesn't Alex pick? It's his birthday…" Everyone looked at Alex, waiting. Scratching his chin, Alex thought for a moment. Wriggling out of Helen's arms, Alex went over to his mama and whispered in her ear.
Smiling at his choice of song made Mackenzie's heart swell. She watched as Alex tugged at Helen's hand and led her to the sofa nearest to Mackenzie and they both cuddled each other.
Taking a deep breath, Mack faced her toughest crowd. "Ok then. Although all those other songs were great ideas, Alex has requested one that I used to sing to him when he was little…"
"My mama even wrote it!" Alex filled in proudly. Mackenzie blushed uncontrollably. Helen giggled at the sight of her strong detective being undone by her 9 year old son.
Clearing her through with embarrassment, Mack just waved the praise off. "Uh…ok…um…well now…who wants me to play?" She watched as a bunch of little hands went up excitedly as a chorus of 'I do's' was echoed.
Mack plucked the strings, making a few adjustments as she did. Everyone grew quiet as they gathered closely to hear Mackenzie play.
Mack begun to play then she quietly started to sing in her gentle voice. She was shaky at first but gradually became stronger.
"Hey there Alexander
what's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But son, tonight you look so handsome
Yes you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear it's true
Hey there Alexander
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me
Hey there Alexander
I know times are getting hard
But just believe me, son
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good
Hey there Alexander
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your tears away
I'd write it all
The more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
and we'll just laugh along because we know
That none of them have felt this way
Alexander I can promise you
That by the time this song is through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame
Hey there Alexander
You be good and don't you miss me
A few more years and you'll be done with school
Then you'll be making history like I knew you would
You'll know it's all because of you
You can do whatever you want to
Hey there Alexander here's to you
This one's for you
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me."
As she finished strumming the last chord, everyone was silent which made Mack nervous. Clearing her throat Mack gently rested the guitar against a wooden beam and got up.
"Ok…so…who wants cake?" she squeaked. Helen was the first to react. She clapped softly as did Alex then the rest followed. Pretty soon, everyone was requesting a song from the blushing Mackenzie.
Helen couldn't help but smile widely as the children clamored around Mackenzie speaking excitedly all at once. Olivia and Brady smiled proudly as their children laughed and teased their aunt. Elliot, Chester, Fin, Munch and the Captain were either clapping or cheering her on.
Helen noticed that Mack had a way about her that children felt safe to be with her. They're not the only ones…Helen thought with a sly smile. She felt a tug on her hand and looked down and noticed that it was Alicia. Smiling brightly, Helen knelt down and tucked a strand of light brown hair behind the girl's ear.
"Yes, wee one?" Helen asked softly. Alicia smiled shyly at the endearment. She thought Helen was very pretty and nice and she made Alex and Ms. Benson smile a lot.
"Ms. Stewart, did you want Mackenzie to play something for you?" Helen was touched by the request. This tiny, little girl had such a pure heart. Reaching out to cup the girl's soft cheeks, Helen smiled warmly at Alicia.
"Thank you sweetheart, that's very kind of you. But I think Alex should choose…"
"But you're Alex's new mom. You can choose whatever you want…," Alicia said innocently. Blinking a few times, Helen had a hard time digesting what she just heard.
New mom? What in the world? Before Helen could say anything, Mackenzie and Alex came wandering by. Mack laughed at something Alex had said. She looked up at Helen and knew something was wrong.
Mackenzie didn't get a chance to say anything when Alex was bouncing between them. "THAT WAS AWESOME!" Mack briefly glanced at her son and asked both Alicia and Alex if they wanted to try out some of his new toys.
Mack watched as the pair dashed to where Alex's toys were. Turning to Helen she reached out and rested a hand on Helen's arm.
"Babe, what's wrong?" Helen wasn't sure how to answer – she was still in shock. Mackenzie noticed Helen pulling back emotionally and she quickly stepped forward and whispered softly, "Please don't shut me out…."
Swallowing, Helen looked around. There were too many people around. Grabbing Mack's hand, Helen led them to a quiet corner away from the crowd.
"What? What is it?" Mackenzie was growing nervous. Helen rubbed Mack's arms as Mackenzie wrapped them around her waist. Taking a breath Helen calmed herself.
"It's Alicia…she said something that just…threw me…"
Mack studied Helen's face. "What did she say?"
"She said I was Alex's new 'mum'…has he said anything? Why would she say that?"
Mackenzie was stunned. As much as I want that to be true…it's never going to happen…shaking her head, Mack was speechless.
"I'll have to talk to Alicia and Alex…Helen, I'm so sorry about that. I had no idea Alex felt that way…"
Pressing a finger to Mack's lips, Helen smiled softly. "It's alright. It just threw me. Alicia didn't say that Alex said anything to her, per se. We'll have to speak with the both of them…but not now. Not on Alex's birthday. Ok?"
Nodding, Mack sighed in relief. Helen reached up and quickly kissed Mack on the lips.
"Hey! No hanky panky on you're son's birthday!" Groaning, Mack turned around and playfully shoved her sister.
Olivia just laughed as did Helen. Liv just stood there with her hands in her pockets. "Brady and I will be bringing the kids back to the centre soon. You two need any help cleaning up?"
Looking around Mack noticed the guys just standing around doing nothing. She shook her head. "Nah. I'll get the guys to help. Get them to do something useful for once…"
Olivia and Mack laughed as Helen rolled her eyes. "I'll go get some garbage bags…" Helen said as she shook her head. She got Alex's attention and Mack watched her with a smile.
"Hey! Anyone in there?" Liv lightly elbowed her sister in the ribs. She had a smirk on her face.
"What? Can't find anyone else to harass?" Mack said with a smile. Olivia just threw an arm around her sister's shoulders and watched her wife and Helen.
"How ironic; that the two of us can find someone like them." Mack was quiet. She hadn't planned on ever meeting a woman like Helen. But now that she had, she wasn't sure what she'd do without her. And that scared her.
"Yeah…real ironic…," Mackenzie mumbled. Olivia gave her a squeeze and wandered off to round up the kids. Mack caught sight of Chester heading her way.
"Hey partner. Nice party. He is one lucky kid…," Chester said as he sauntered over.
"Find anything?" Mackenzie was anxious. Although Captain Cragen had ordered her off, she was taking a risk continuing the investigation. Correction, Chester is taking a big risk…
Nodding, Chester glanced at the group before him making sure that none of the other detectives were around. "Nothing much. Just that the kid has got a real sore spot for you."
"Yeah, what else is new? Nothing else then?"
"I dug around a little further. The woman…she's done this sort of thing before. But every time they try and bust her for it, she disappears. Cops end up arresting the wrong person; usually it's the second in command, so to speak…"
Hmmm…that's news to me. Why didn't the Chief mention any of this before I went under? Very suspicious…Mack thought.
"Where did she do this before?" Mackenzie had to lower her voice since Helen and Cragen were close by. "Actually, let's continue this in the office…," Mackenzie motioned Chester to follow her into the room.
After closing the door slightly, Mackenzie slipped her hands into her pockets and listened. She didn't like the information she was hearing one bit.
"You sure about this?"
Chester nodded solemnly. "Maybe the Captain's right. Maybe you should drop this…this whole vodoo thing is scaring me," he said cautiously. Truth be told, he was a bit frightened by the whole thing. And Chester Lake didn't frighten easily.
Shaking her head, Mackenzie was even more determined to catch this nut job. "Is there anyway you can get in touch with the Bradfield police? Who was the investigating officer? Get them to send whatever information they have on her."
Sighing, Chester ran a hand through his hair. "Detective Inspector Alex Fielding was the lead on this one. I can try contacting her. West Yorkshire is pretty far…," he said a little reluctant.
Senescing Chester was about to back out, Mackenzie spoke quickly. "Look, whatever information you come across, you just give it to me. I won't ask for you to put your ass on the line…"
Shaking his head, Chester smiled. "No way. We're partners. Give me some time…you know the area code for West Yorkshire by any chance?" He said with a cocky grin. Laughing softly, Mack slapped his back.
"Sorry man, you're on your own for that one…"
"Hey you two! No shop talk allowed!" Brady popped her head in and smiled. She opened the door and held her arms out to Mack.
"Your sister and I are heading over to the centre to drop of the kids. We should be back in a couple of hours to pick up Alex…"
Nodding, Mack smiled. "Thanks. We'll be right out…," and giving a very slight nod of her head, she looked over at her partner. Chester caught it and smiled as he walked out of her office.
Brady, as always, never missed a thing. Placing her hands on her hips, she gave Mack her famous look. "Mack…what's going on?" she asked suspiciously. Sighing, Mack knew she wouldn't be able to lie to her.
Holding up a hand to ward off any more questions, Mack mentally prepared herself. "Look, Chester just needs some advice on a case he's working on. Since I'm not at work to help, I figured the least I could do is be a sounding board of sorts…," she ended with a shrug. It's not the complete truth…but close enough.
Brady knew a cover up when she saw one. She was about to call Mackenzie on it when Olivia stepped up behind Brady and wrapped her arms around her and playfully nuzzled her neck.
"Is my baby sister giving you a hard time, babe?" Olivia heard the slight catch of breath as Brady struggled to answer. Glancing at her sister, Olivia nodded ever so slightly and winked at her.
Thanks sis…Mack thought as she watched the two of them lovingly stared at each other.
"On second thought, why not save you're answering for later," Olivia wiggled her eye brows suggestively and laughed as she quickly ducked Brady's playful swat.
"Oh you! Is that all you think about?" Brady laughed as she followed her wife out of the room. Mack watched as the kids got rounded up and formed a line in front of the door all under the watchful eye of Brady.
Shaking her head, Mackenzie smiled softly. At least some things haven't changed…Mackenzie thought, remembering all the times Brady had that with her as a kid when they were all lucky enough to go on trips to the zoo or museum.
She noticed Alex bouncing around in front of Helen showing off one of his gifts. Mack was pretty sure it was from her sister. Helen laughed as she watched him demonstrate how that toy worked.
Mackenzie caught the eye of Captain Cragen. Inhaling, Mack slowly made her way over to him. Here we go…
"Thanks for coming…bye…," Mackenzie waved at John as he and Fin sauntered out of the loft. Sighing tiredly, Mack slid the door shut and locked it. Brady and Olivia had been there a few minutes before to pick up Alex.
She ran a hand through her hair then stretched her arms out and winced as she heard her bones crack in various places.
Man…I need to start working out again. She shook out her arms and trudged slowly to her room. Helen had disappeared a while ago with a sexy smile on her face and Mack wondered what that was about. Shrugging, Mack assumed that Helen had gone to sleep.
Mack rubbed her eyes as she entered her room and noticed Helen wasn't in bed yet. Scratching her head, Mack glanced around but saw no sign of her.
"Helen?" she cried out.
"In here…," came the muffled reply. Mackenzie was about to head into the bathroom when Helen opened the door and stood there in nothing but some silky material that didn't cover much. Mackenzie was frozen on the spot, eyes wide as she soaked in the beautiful sight of Helen.
Helen, for her part, was a nervous wreck. She had no idea what she was doing and prayed that she could pull this off. She didn't even know why she let Brady talk her into going through with it; she had never done anything like this before. Not even with Nikki.
Helen…you know exactly why you're doing this! Her mind screamed. The look of pure want and satisfaction on Mackenzie's face was all the encouragement Helen needed. Squaring her shoulders, Helen held Mack's gaze as she slowly but so very sexily, took a step forward.
Mackenzie's mouth was drier then the desert and her heart was going faster then humanly possible but she just couldn't look anywhere else but at Helen. Mackenzie's breathing became shallower with each step Helen took.
Helen stopped a few inches in front of Mack. She watched as Mackenzie shivered with Helen so close. Helen felt powerful knowing that she could have this effect on her. She licked her lips sensuously and lifted her head so her lips were hovering over Mackenzie's.
Mackenzie clenched her hands into tight fists. She wanted to touch Helen so badly that it hurt and she was doing a good job of it until Helen reached down and wrapped her hands around each fist and slowly messaged them open. Helen didn't stop there; she worked her hands up along Mackenzie's forearms, and then to Mackenzie's stiff shoulders kneading them into submission.
Mack could control her body's reaction to Helen's strong hands. Her head rolled back as Helen continued her assault on her shoulders and moaned softly as she felt Helen's lips on the base of her neck.
Helen moved her hands to Mack's back and begun to rub slow circles up and down along her back. She lightly grazed her lips along Mackenzie's collar bone and she was rewarded with a groan. Mackenzie swayed slightly in time with Helen's masterful hands as her eyes fluttered shut.
Mack's hands rested on Helen's waist but soon they were sliding down to cup her buttocks and she squeezed lightly. Helen gasped and her hands faltered slightly but she regained control as she reached down and pried Mackenzie's hands away and held them gently behind her back and smiled sexily.
"I don't think so love…," Helen said breathlessly as her lips hovered over Mack's again. Mackenzie struggled against Helen's hands but gave up without a fight after it was obvious that Helen wasn't going to let her go.
Mackenzie lowered her head in order to kiss Helen's lips but again, the other woman stopped her. "Sorry love. Not this time."
Mack growled in frustration. She wasn't able to touch her or even kiss her…what the heck could she do? As if reading her mind, Helen gently nudged her stubborn detective onto the bed and climbed up on top, straddling Mackenzie's hips.
Mackenzie had to remember to breathe as she stared at the stunning creature above her. She grabbed fist full's of the blanket beneath her and bit her lower lip as Helen's glorious weight bared down on her as she straddled Mackenzie.
Helen braced herself by placing her hands on Mackenzie's strong shoulders as she leaned forward slightly with just enough pressure making Mackenzie gasp then moaned loudly. She watched as Mack's eyes fluttered shut and felt her raise her hips in a silent plea for more.
Helen smiled as she teased Mackenzie by moving every so slightly with just enough pressure causing Mack to cry out. Helen slid her hands from Mackenzie's shoulders down to the edge of her shirt and pushed it up as far as she could, stopping just at the top of her breasts and she slowly began kneading them. With every movement of Helen's hands, Mackenzie moaned and sighed as sensations ran through her.
Helen loved the sounds that she was getting from Mackenzie. They made her feel more then powerful…they made her feel alive. Helen slid her hands down lower and she bit her lip and moaned loudly as she cupped the heavy flesh that was Mackenzie's breasts. They fit perfectly in her hands.
Crying out, Mackenzie threw her head back as she lifted herself up to offer Helen more of herself. She felt Helen's skillful fingers pinch and then sooth her already harden nipples. Mackenzie was feeling the pressure build between her legs as Helen continued her careful inspection of her nipples and was quickly getting lost in the sensations.
Mack was breathing hard when Helen finally lowered her head and replaced one of her hands. Gasping at the feel of Helen's wet mouth on her, Mack could do nothing but lay there helpless as Helen had her way with her. And Helen did have her way with her; she was wild as she moved her attention to Mackenzie's other painfully hard nipple.
They both groaned out loud as Helen's hot tongue lathered Mackenzie's nipple. They both heard unrecognizable sounds, but neither were sure who it came from and neither really cared. Mackenzie's hands were trembling with the effort of controlling herself as Helen drover her closer and closer to completion with that sexy mouth of hers – and they still had their cloths on!
Mackenzie wildly reached out and grabbed the only thing she could, Helen's night gown. She held on for dear life as she felt herself being slowly pushed over the edge. Helen held her hand over Mackenzie's as she felt Mack pull her down harder over her.
"Helen…," growled Mackenzie. She buried her hands in Helen's hair and steadied her as Mack pulled her up to kiss her firmly on the lips. Tongues tangled with each other as Helen's hands got busy once more with Mackenzie's breasts. Ripping her mouth from Helen's, Mackenzie slid her hands from Helen's hair and cupped the wonderfully proportioned breasts.
Helen hissed and moved against Mackenzie's hands causing her hips to grind themselves against Mackenzie's. Closing her eyes and throwing her head back, Mack let out a low moan of approval. Instinctively, Mack's fingers flexed again and again over Helen's breasts and the beautiful Scot covered Mack's hands with her own as her head tossed about.
Not being able to get enough of Helen, Mackenzie growled and sat up quickly covering a hardened nipple with her mouth. Crying out as she arched her back, Helen buried her hands in Mackenzie's hair. Mackenzie's arms went around Helen, bringing her even closer then before as her mouth sucked wildly at Helen's breasts through the silky cloth.
Mackenzie felt like a caged animal devouring their meal as she moved to the next breast. With every moan and groan that Helen was making, it was slowly pushing Mack over the edge. She desperately tried to control herself but it was so damn hard with Helen moving and sounding like that.
Slow down man! Slow down! Mackenzie's mind screamed. Tearing her mouth from Helen's chest was excruciating, especially when Helen begun to whimper. Still holding her in her arms, Mack leaned back slightly and pressed her face into the valley of Helen's chest and nuzzled her there.
Helen sighed as she ran her fingers through Mackenzie's hair. Taking encouragement from that, Mack placed a kiss there then moved lower, placing small wet kisses as she went. Mack gently laid Helen flat on her back and tenderly untangled herself from Helen's strong legs.
Kneeling down in between them, Mack smiled softly at Helen and slowly peeled off her shirt. Her smile grew as she watched Helen lick her dry lips with such yearning. Their eyes never broke contact as Mackenzie unhooked her bra but not taking it completely off, leaving it hanging on her shoulders. Helen's nostrils flared at the silent invitation – one she couldn't pass up. With eyes locked unto Mack's, Helen slowly rose up, placed her hands on her hips to hold Mackenzie in place. Looking up at Mackenzie, Helen smiled sensuously as she took Mack's unhooked bra between her teeth and slowly pulled it down. When the offending material was gone Helen, still never breaking eye contact, softly pressed her lips against Mackenzie's abdomen. Mackenzie gasped as she felt hot breath on her skin.
Mackenzie couldn't look away, even if she had the power to. It was so…erotic watching Helen. And this was coming from that considered herself a Plane Jane when it came to sex.
Helen smiled triumphantly. She lightly nipped at that same spot and felt Mackenzie jerk and heard her whimper. Helen felt so untamed, so wild…so sensuously powerful.
"Oh poor baby. Let me kiss it and make it better…," Helen said breathlessly. She had no idea where this new woman was coming from, but damn it to hell! She loved every second of it.
Placing a tender kiss there, Helen made sure she had Mackenzie's full attention. Smiling, Helen held Mack steady as her tongue lightly traced the quivering muscle she found there. She repeated the process again as she felt Mackenzie tremble.
Mackenzie was slowly going out of her mind. She knew Helen was intense, but this was a whole new game all together. This Helen was wilder…untamed and Mack found she liked it.
Helen's hands didn't stay still for long. As Helen continued kissing Mackenzie, her hands were busy exploring the other parts of the woman before her. They gently caressed Mack's outer thighs then moved inwards. Mackenzie groaned as Helen's hands cupped her between the thighs. They rubbed slowly, back and forth until Mackenzie cried out and had to reach out and grab Helen's shoulders for support.
Helen vaguely heard Mackenzie's voice begging her for more. Wanting to please Mack, Helen kissed her way down to the button of Mackenzie's jeans. She stopped there, breathing heavily against Mack's skin, waiting. She wanted Mack to really want this, the way she was dying for it.
Helen's hands moved again, this time very slow and deliberate. One hand went to Mack's rear end and held her there as the other went to her zipper and caressed her. Mack trembled and Helen smiled as she watched with enjoyment. Mackenzie had to steady herself by placing her hands on Helen's shoulders.
"Helen...please...," Mack begged raggedly. It was all Helen needed to hear as she slowly undid Mackenzie's button. Once undone, Helen's mouth kissed the exposed flesh she found there. Mack whimpered and leaned into Helen desperately trying to get more from the other woman.
Chuckling at Mackenzie's eagerness, Helen maneuvered herself so she was now on her knees. She kissed Mack slow and deep, leaving her completely shaken. Helen's hands found their way to Mack's zipper and hovered there for a moment. Mack's hands drifted lower and covered Helen's and pressed them into her.
Breaking the kiss, both women were breathing heavily. "You started this sweetheart...," Mackenzie breathed raggedly. It was a split second before Helen's hand took hold of Mackenzie's zipper and slid open her jeans.
Mackenzie kept her eyes locked onto Helen's as the other women slipped a hand inside. Helen gasped as she found Mack already wet for her. Mack's nostrils flared as she felt Helen's fingers slide easily into her. Mackenzie clenched her jaw and closed her eyes as Helen continued her exploration. Mackenzie couldn't stay still; she had begun to move along with Helen's fingers. One of Helen's hands slithered inside Mack's jeans and found her bottom and squeezed.
Mackenzie groaned loudly as she rested her forehead in the crook of Helen's neck. She sucked at the tantalizing skin and tasted sweat. Mack's own hands slid from Helen's waist to her butt and squeezed hard as she drew her even closer. She growled as she heard Helen cry out.
Helen's fingers went deeper as Mack pulled her closer. Mack let out a low moan of pleasure and jerked slightly as Helen slowly pulled and pushed her fingers in and out.
Mackenzie's head snapped up and she rested her forehead against Helen's. Her hands held on to Helen's arms as she gave a low grunt. "Helen...too much...please...," Mackenzie grounded out as her hips moved with Helen's fingers.
"I'll take care of you, love." Helen whispered in Mack's ear as she pulled her fingers out from her. Mackenzie whimpered at the loss of Helen inside of her but was quieted by Helen. "Shhh...I'm here love. I've got what you need...," Helen murmured as she soothed her by kissing her hard and deep.
Mackenzie was so lost in Helen's kiss she was caught off guard when the small woman shoved her back onto the bed. Breathing heavily with anticipation, Mackenzie watched as Helen climbed on top of her.
Helen kissed her way down Mackenzie's body stopping every so often to lovingly lick, nip and sooth the woman beneath her. She finally reached the top of Mackenzie's jeans. Glancing at Mackenzie with heavy lidded eyes, Helen slowly pulled down the cumbersome material. Mack was completely at the mercy of this beautiful woman.
Now completely undressed, Helen surveyed the body beneath her. Mackenzie was the perfect specimen, muscles in all the right places, arms and legs well toned, perfect olive colored skin all over. And wonderfully wet, just the way Helen liked it. Helen ran her hands down Mackenzie's stomach and smiled as the muscles there clenched at her touch. She kneaded the taught muscles in Mackenzie's thighs until she heard the other woman moan. Only then did she make a move that both women were craving for.
Helen's mouth hovered over Mackenzie's womanhood. "Please...," came the breathless plea. Mackenzie felt Helen's hot breath over her and felt herself becoming more wet then she was before. She was going to screamed if Helen didn't do something soon then a split second later, it didn't matter anymore – Mackenzie screamed anyways.
Helen's mouth was on her, sucking her until Mack thought she was going to loose her mind. Just then Helen straddled Mackenzie and smiled lovingly down at her. Reaching out to caress Helen's exposed thighs; Mackenzie took this time to catch her breath.
"God Helen...you're amazing...," Mackenzie said breathlessly. With one hand still caressing Helen's thigh, Mackenzie slid a hand up to Helen's chest and caressed the valley between her breasts and stared in wonder as Helen's head fell to the side. Her eye had fluttered shut as she begun to move her hips and sighed.
Mack then moved her hand to cup Helen's breast once more. Helen gabbed Mack's other hand and brought it up to the other breast and leaned into her. She bit her lip and moaned so sensuously that Mack nearly came hard.
Hands shaking, Mackenzie grabbed the hem of the silky garment and tugged desperately at it. "Take it off! Take it off now!" She ordered roughly. Helen, just as anxious as Mack, did as she was told and grabbed the ends of her night gown. She wasn't moving fast enough for Mackenzie. She grabbed a fist full of Helen's gown and yanked it off of her and tossed it aside.
Helen spread her naked form against Mackenzie's body. They both gasped at the touch of the other's skin. Each was acutely aware of the other's every move, which only heightened their arousal. Hands and lips explored every contour of the other's body. Soft sighs and breathless moans filled the quiet room.
All too soon, they were both sweating with their efforts of slowly driving the other over the edge. Helen slid a hand in between the two of them and found what she was looking for. Helen broke their kiss as she gave Mack her toothy grin. She pushed herself up and straddled Mackenzie again. She gently placed a hand on Mackenzie's chest and held her down as she easily slipped a finger then two into her.
Mackenzie gasped and moaned as Helen pushed in then out, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. She broke out into a sweat with the effort of controlling what she knew was coming. Mack reached out and took hold of Helen's waist then slipped down to her thighs then back up to her waist again. She repeated the action for several minutes until she felt her muscles begin to tremble. Helen must have sensed the change because her fingers begun to move rapidly and with add pressure. Mackenzie growled as she held on to Helen's hips.
Mackenzie was breathing heavily and she threw her head back against the bed as Helen continued her seduction. Helen leaned forward and supported herself on an elbow while her other hand was busy pleasuring Mackenzie. She slid a leg higher along Mackenzie's hip, a silent plea for Mack.
Mackenzie smiled at the invitation and obeyed the unspoken request and slid her fingers in between Helen's legs. Both groaned the moment Mackenzie's fingers made contact with Helen's dampness.
Helen moved against Mack's exploring fingers just as Mackenzie was moving against Helen's. Soon, they were crying out as the tension built inside them. They moved desperately against each other wanting their release.
Mackenzie was the first to let it all go with an animalistic growl. Her muscles were taut as she came hard; legs trembled with the force of her release. Helen was close to her own satisfaction; her inner muscles delightfully squeezing Mackenzie's fingers as she slid them in and out of her.
It didn't take long for Helen to surrender herself to Mackenzie. She arched her back and held onto Mack's strong shoulders as she finally let go. She felt herself sinking onto Mackenzie's body, too exhausted from what just happened. She had smile on her face that said it all.
Mackenzie wrapped her arms around the tiny frame and gently caressed Helen's back. She lifted her head and placed a tired kiss on Helen's shoulder. Moaning, Mack inhaled the husky scent of Helen and sex. "God woman…you're an animal…," Mackenzie said teasingly. Her fingers lost themselves in the tangled mess of Helen's hair.
Helen closed her eyes and raised her head to kiss Mackenzie gently on the lips. Mackenzie moaned as she tasted herself on Helen's lips.
"I didn't hear any complaints," Helen said tiredly. She rested her upper body on her elbows as she stared down at Mackenzie. She bit her lower lip and smiled, absolutely content. Mack stared at her and felt a rush of emotion flow through her. Reaching up, Mack tenderly traced Helen's cheek with a finger.
"What?" Helen asked a little self conscious. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and waited.
Mackenzie could blurt out what she really wanted to say. She'd see Helen running for the first plane out of her if she did. She opted for the second thing.
"You're so beautiful. Thank you," she said sincerely. Helen felt herself turn red.
"For what?" Helen asked softly.
Mackenzie smiled lovingly up at her. "For everything…for being you…for this…," Mack shrugged, a little lost for words. Helen was taken back by that – people thanked her all the time for different things. But the difference between them and Mackenzie was that Mack was sincere and that there was nothing behind those words except for genuine honesty. This made the words more precious to her.
Feeling tears form, Helen smiled gently and leaned down and softly kissed Mackenzie. "Thank you," Helen whispered. She laid her head in the crook of Mackenzie's neck. She missed the expression on Mack's face.
Swallowing hard, Mack held on to Helen. She felt her heart pounding in her chest. Although, those words could mean a billion things, coming from Helen, it meant so much more. Mack held onto those two words as if it were the only thing saving her from drowning. They were about as close as she was going to get from the three words she longed to hear.
Mackenzie gently nuzzled the top of Helen's head and heard her sigh. She tightened her arms around her waist and watched Helen fall asleep with a satisfied smile on her face. Mackenzie stared at the ceiling and replayed those two words over and over. Those two words moved her.
She finally let the tears fall. Gradually, the lull of Helen's rhythmic breathing pulled Mack to sleep. She glanced at the sleeping woman next to her before sleep took control.
They lay sleeping, wrapped tightly in each other's arms.