Four

Mackayla walked them to the door, Brenda whimpered a tiny bit and the others waved then they were gone. Mackayla sighed and walked back into the apartment she again pulled out her laptop and settled at the table where she started up her music program and checked her email. Almost immediately she began thinking about her life

in the past few years and her mood darkened.

Her body trembled with rage as she got up and threw her mouse across the room and cursed loudly in a few different languages. She went to her room and threw herself across the bed and screamed, punched and kicked till she started crying for everything she had lost. Her back began to spasm, and she slide off the bed and fell a few times before she reached the bathroom and fumbled for her meds.

She shook out a handful and stood there debating a few seconds she barely heard the doorbell ring and her phone went off but she honestly didn't really care. Don't you dare she heard a voice in head say, so she put the meds back and heard the knock come again much louder.

"I am coming" she hollered, she opened the door to see both Blake and Carson standing there both looking impatient. They had just pulled into the driveway from getting some pizza for lunch when Carson had sensed a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

He swore and told Blake "Mackayla's in trouble."

Mackayla stared at them knowing deep down in some part of her why they were back "is something wrong?"

"I don't know you tell me" Blake growled Mackayla looked down guiltily. "You're coming back with us if you want quiet I have a spare room you can use. And I won't take no for an answer."

Mackayla shivered "can I get somethings first," the boys followed behind her closely watching her every move. It was Carson who smelt the deep despair that hung in the air and looked at Blake with a thought she's hurting pretty bad and not just physically. Blake nodded noting the stiff way Mackayla moved he planned on talking to Leon again when they got back to ranch and suggesting a few things. Mackayla lost in her own thoughts: Men are trouble. She quickly checked her e-mail again packed up her laptop. "Okay, I am ready I guess."

As they walked out Sasha walked out on her porch and smiled at the trio "hello what's up?"

"Just going swimming, want to come?" Carson asked with a twinkle in his eyes which Mackayla noticed for the first time were also specked with silver.

"Hmmm maybe....."

"Leon will be there."

"Okay give me a few minutes or I can meet you there."

"No we will wait."

Blake helped Mackayla into the passenger side of the truck a frown still on his face, trying to figure out why he couldn't read her like normal. "She's got too many shields she lowered them slightly this morning so I was able to glimpse a few things,

we'll talk later about it later” Carson whispered low on the other side the truck.

He knew Blake wouldn't like what he had gotten off Mackayla in the few minutes he had spent with her. Sasha walked out in a pink two piece and a towel swung over her shoulder Carson whistled low. She smiled as he helped her into the truck.

"Afternoon Mackayla how you doing today?" Mackayla shrugged and turned away from the older woman and starting down at her iPod as she wrote a few things in it with a stylus. Blake smiled at the music that came out of the iPod. As the truck pulled out of the driveway Sasha study the young girl next to her feeling the girl's broken heart.

A few minutes later Mackayla started to hum still thinking about what she had almost done this afternoon and why. She almost wished she been able to succeed, she wiped a tear that had slipped down to her cheek. She remembered that her phone had rung too and checked to see who had called. The familiar number that showed made her smile and her heart beat a bit faster but with her music on she didn't hear the low growl that came from the front seat but Sasha did and chuckled.

She was one of the few people who knew what Blake and Carson truly were and that if they had come back after being at the house earlier there was a good reason but she wouldn't push to find out. Blake turned to look at Mackayla wondering what had made her react like that briefly, for before that he has sensed the deepening of the blue that hung over her it quickly dissipated. He caught Carson's eye in the rear view is she

afraid of me?

Not completely was Carson’s answer Blake relaxed knowing he had read the feelings right. As they pulled up to the gate of the ranch he heard Mackayla gasp at the lay out.

He smiled as they neared the house and she gasped again at the mansion. He frowned slightly but maybe that would help he saw the white corvette in front of the house. Carson parked and the two men jumped down and then turned to help the women out.

"Wow this place is huge. I am impressed."

"Thanks. A lot of this was thanks to Megan." Mackayla frowned "my children's mom she died three years ago."

"I'm sorry I didn't know that." Blake shrugged and led Mackayla up the stairs to the door, Sasha and Carson walked behind them with the pizza.

"What took so long we're starving.....Mackayla I didn't know you were coming back with the boys." Debbie said as she walked to hug her friend with a smile before she noticed the empty look in her eyes. She turned on Blake and Carson "what did you do to Mackayla" she demanded her hands going to her hips and a scowl coming to her

lips.

"It's got nothing to do with them. I am just not feeling well today but really didn't want to be alone. So I called to see if they could come get me I wanted it to be a surprise" Mackayla lied with an unfelt smile. Blake felt the lie clear done to his bones and swallowed hard Carson did the same as they both felt the dislike that radiated from

Mackayla for having to lie to a friend.

"Mmm okay, oh hey Sasha I didn't see you there."

"Howdy Debbie how are you?"

"Oh I am doing well." As they walked out to the pool Brenda let out a delightful screech, spit her nuk out and ran to her mama. Mackayla knelt to catch her daughter before she could slip and hurt herself, her mood lightening as she remembered her

reason for living.

Blake relaxed and smiled as he felt the change in Mackayla's body. "You really shouldn't run around the pool, you could slip" Mackayla gently admonished her daughter.

"Who's hungry?" Carson asked as he laid the pizza on the picnic table.

Everyone gathered around Carson as Leon gently pulled his niece aside "how are you doing?"

"Better I was just tired of being alone I am just no good at solitaire. This place is huge" she said with a soft laugh.

Leon nodded smiled and walked to Sasha "wow you look amazing baby" he kissed her unabashedly.

Mackayla picked up a paper plate and a pizza and cut it into bits for Punkie "did you want me to do one for Morganna?”

Before Blake could answer Morganna took the plate with pizza he had started to cut to Mackayla "traitor" he said but smiled warmly as she finished cutting the pizza for Morganna. After they finished their pizza and drinks Blake asked Mackayla "would you like a tour?" She stiffened but nodded, followed him back into the house Morganna and Brenda at their heels.

"This is the family room (the large room they stepped into off the deck), the front hall with the mud room (he pointed to a door on the right just after the main door), the dining room. The 1st kitchen where kids learn to cook (a large room through a door on the right off the hall), the main kitchen where I do the cooking (leading through a door in the left wall into a large room) the 2nd kitchen where Shelly cooks for the ranch hands

(a larger room through a door in the left wall again). The side hall with a pantry (he pointed to a door on the end of the hall) there are also stairs in there that lead to a basement. Would you like to see it?" Mackayla nodded and he opened the door,

Mackayla gasped at the size of the pantry and all the food she picked up Brenda as they walked down the stairs.

"The basement is divided into two parts, this part is obviously the kids play area and the laundry room, through that door there is the gym and I'd show you that but unfortunately I didn't bring my keys with me." He smiled as Brenda struggled to get

down to play with Morganna who had walked over to a small sand/water table. "Later sweetie" he murmured softly stroking her hair "come on Morgie we have to show Mackayla the rest of the house" she reluctantly followed them with a sad glance back at the water-table.

"Kay."

They walked back up the stairs and at the top Mackayla went to set Brenda back down but she didn't want to go, "I can take her if you would like me to."

"Okay."

"So where were we, oh yeah, this is a 3/4 bathroom, the kids study (grand room with desks off to the right). My office is the door to the left off the hall (as they came back to the t in the hall) the living room (a large room off to the right) the back hall with a door out to the patio which of course circles the house (along the back wall to the living room), a spare bedroom. Blake led her up the stairs. Morganna grabbed Mackayla's hand excitedly “dis our foor."

"Danniella's bedroom (1st room to the right), Dustin's room (1st room on the left), Dusty and Matt's bathroom (2nd room to the left), Dannie's and Morgan's bathroom (2nd room on the right). Morganna's room (3rd room to the right), Matthew's Bedroom (3rd door on the left), the kid's playroom (4th door on the left)."

Blake let out a soft chuckle as he felt a soft sigh feather his neck and cheek "I tire Daddy and Brenda's seepy we go my room."

"Is that okay?" He asked Mackayla with a laugh. She tensed a bit, at the same time her body heated at his look it meant being alone with him "we could wait if you wanted." Blake said feeling his own body hardened at the thought of being alone with

Mackayla but also knowing that she was a bit afraid of him.

"Yea that's okay, (she swallowed quickly) no I would like to continue."

So they walked back to Morganna's room and put the girls on the bed "she won't fall Mac-Kay-Lah, promise."

"I know you won't let her sweetie." Blake pulled a mesh siding that Mackayla hadn't noticed before "that's pretty nifty" she said smiling and laughing as they stepped out in the hall.

Blake noticed that this time the smile definitely reached her eyes and also got a whiff of berries/vanilla/cream that made him harden even more. Damn he thought "excuse me a minute would you please" she nodded and he walked into Matthew's

room. He looked down to see the bulge that had tented his shorts and hoped that Mackayla hadn't seen it.

Mackayla meanwhile had noticed his erection and though it scared her to no ends at the same time it thrilled her. She wanted to run back downstairs and hide behind her uncle, but she wanted to stay and see knowing that Leon thought the world

of Blake and trusted him. She hoped that Blake would not do anything to break that trust. So she waited patiently, a few minutes later Blake walked out of the room "sorry I had to go to the restroom."

"No worries."

"Now where were again (she pointed to the 4th door on the right) that's the linen closet. A spare bedroom it has its own 3/4 bath (5th room on the right). Also Molly uses this room when she watches the kids overnight on occasion this is Duncan's room (5th room on the left). Dunny and Tan's bathroom (6th room on the left). This is the spare

bedroom I was telling you about. It has its own adjoin full bathroom (7th room on the right). Tanner's bedroom (7th door on the left).”

“That's my floor up the stairs. Did you want to see it?"

Mac Kayla nodded "if you want to show me." Oh baby the things I wanna show you he thought.

Whoa there man or should I come up there Carson answered back. Blake laughed bassedly and then felt and sensed the arousal that spread through Mackayla and he felt her soft hand slip into his. Blake looked down at her and she blushed and

started to pull her hand away a worry spread through her.

"Please don't I won't hurt you" Blake murmured quietly to reassure her. She relaxed a little and Blake led her up the stairs he reached for his keys that he had grabbed quickly from the downstairs buffet. Mackayla glanced up at him confused he

unlocked the door, "do you trust me enough to close your eyes for a few minutes (she did as he asked, he opened the door and led her in with a hand on her back he felt the shiver that shook her lightly) open your eyes.” She gasped with wander and awe "this is my studio."

"Oh my gosh how beautiful."

"I like to do a lot of different things." Blake gently pulled on her hand "come, please. This is my bedroom, my domain, no one but myself, Morgie, and Tan have been in here since Megan died(he didn't mention the redecorating he had done)."

"Oh my I feel special" Mackayla said with awe as Blake let go of her hand.Blake smiled as she wandered around the room her fingers trailing along the trimming that cut the room in half and ran around the walls. He imagined the feel of

those fingers trailing over him that way.

Hey man that's not fair she gets to see your room before me Carson told him.

Where did you think I was going to take her he asked back?

Man I am just razzing on you but not quite sure how much longer I can keep our guest entertained.

Mackayla walked to sit on the edge of the massive bed "I like this bed" she said with a giggle as she bounced on it "I had a bed sort of like this when I turned 10".

Blake groaned under his breath his cock again hardening at the sight of Mackayla's breast jiggling with the motion of her bounce, and the smell that drifted to him again.Carson he thought I am in hot water right now, as he felt his fangs growing with

the arousal he was fighting hard to keep in cheek. What the hell am I going to do?

Can you get out of there without her figuring out?

I can but I am afraid if I move I am going to wind up jumping her bones.

You do that and you'll wind up losing a lot.

You think I don't fucking know that.

Ya want me to send Dusty up there?

I don't want him to see me like this he's gonna hit this stage soon enough and he's already freaked out. His eyes started to clear as he noticed that Mackayla was looking at him and creeping slowly back up to the headboard shit and bitchfuck he

thought.

What?

I think I just screwed up and freaked her out. But I think that cured my problem. He slowly walked to the bed "please stop" he heard as he smelt the fear that now filled the air. Great I just screwed any process I may have made, man...

Think you can fix it?

Well she's not screaming I guess that's a start "I'll just go down stairs and you can come down whenever you feel safe."

"Wait please don't leave what just happened? Please." Mackayla had somewhat recognized the look that had been on Blake's face, but what amazed her most had been the change in his eyes and his stock stillness. "Your eyes changed for a bit and you were.....purring underneath your breath," as she had been talking Blake had moved a bit

closer to the bed.

"No sweetie you were just imagining things humans can't purr we don't have the

capability". He whispered a bit huskily and then blew a soft breath towards Mackayla, he hated using Prosantin on anyone other than himself but he needed to calm Mackayla down. He had felt the excitement that had been below the fear. As she stared at him now he heard the knock the other door, he kept a careful eye on Mackayla he could feel a mixture of emotions pouring off her he walked to the door. "I need to step out the door

for a minute. Please stay there." As he opened the door and stepped out Mackayla curled on the bed.

"Carson said you needed me."

"Did he explain why?"

"Somewhat. He said you were feel pretty 'strongly' towards Mackayla."

”What the heck just happened to me Sha? I don't think I ever felt that strongly towards anyone."

"You want my honest opinion Blake?"

"I wouldn't have asked even though I have a strong feeling I already know what you’re gonna say. So maybe not."

"Well we all knew that Megan was not meant for you. Even though the kids you produced with her sometimes make me think otherwise. How's Mackayla?"

“Honestly she probably snuck out the other way but thank you for coming so fast but you better get back downstairs."

She laughed as she turned and walked back down the stairs. As he opened the door he heard the music and looked at the feminine form on his bed his body jumping again. Mackayla turned her head to look at him "come on we are needed downstairs."

He held out his hand to help her, but she scurried off on her own still leery but hot too. He followed locking the door to his studio again with a quick motion.

As the came to the second landing Mackayla asked "could I stay up here please."

"Of course" he knew her uncle would ask about it.

He walked back to the pool "where are the girls" both Leon and Debbie asked?

"Mackayla wasn't feeling too well again so she stayed up in the spare room Morganna and Brenda are napping. You can go check on them if you would like. "

"No I trust you" Leon said.

If only you knew Blake and Carson both thought.

"Is Mackayla okay Leon she seems stressed?"

"Not really sure. Maybe we let her do too much Friday and yesterday."

Mackayla came downstairs and out to the patio Brenda in her arms, she noticed that Chuck had arrived while she was upstairs and he sat in a lounger shirtless, wet and Debbie on his lap. He smiled and winked at Mackayla she smiled back and Leon walked up and asked her "how are you feeling now, and please don't lie to me anymore

young lady. I always know when you lying and I don't appreciate it but I didn't call you on it before, but keep it up much longer..." he said low and deep. Mackayla hung her head guiltily and blushed as she heard two distinct chuckles and a warm shiver rake her senses she looked up to see the two men walking toward them. She made a mental

note to add that to her suspicions.

"I am a bit better but still not really wanting to be around people but also don't think being alone would be a good idea (she added quickly at her uncle's questioning look)" she said with a frown. "Believe me Uncle I've had worse days than this." Leon nodded then took Brenda in his arm and then put his other arm around Mackayla's waist

and squeezed her hard. He was not really an emotional man but when it came to his family he was very protective, even though he had lost emotional distance with his brother he still kept close tabs on him, his wife, and his daughters.

"I am here for you I will listen openly to anything you want to tell me and be there for you anytime."

Mackayla said "I know Uncle Leon and I appreciate that." Brenda whimpered softly stuck Pancake back in her mouth as they moved to sit down in the chairs next to the table Aerina got out of the pool and walked over to stand by her cousin. Mackayla

smiled gently at her cousin "hey sweetie."

"Can I get you something to drink Mackayla?"

"Sure I'll take a glass of the lemon-lime please and thank you."

"Ogan peas tanks." Aerina giggled as she poured the drink for her big cousin into the glass, and refreshed Brenda's drink in her sippy and handed the drinks to her cousins. Blake watched the interactions and smiled the woman was well loved by her uncle and his daughter obviously.

He noticed Dustin get out of the pool and cross the patio to Mackayla "are you hungry there's still some pizza left in the fridge I can warm some up for you."

"No thank you very much Dustin. Why don't you two go back and play in the pool for a bit longer." Blake was amazed at his son's action but was glad that she had made such an impact of the kids. Mackayla slipped her ear buds back in and started up her laptop to work on a few things.

A few minutes later she felt a tap on her shoulder she looked up to see Sasha standing next to her so she pulled out a bud. "We were wondering what you would think about forgoing the practice and just chilling here. Blake said he would fire up the

grill and we could do a cook out."

"What about the rest of the group?"

"He would call them up and invite them of course, and that if it got too much for you could go back up to the spare room or whatever (most of it was Leon's suggestion)."

"That might actually work but whatever you guys decide is fine by me."

A few minutes later Leon's phone rang it was John saying he was going to miss practice cause his daughter was really sick and he was headed up to see her. Then he called Susan, Matt and Jennifer and told them about the change of plans. As he was doing this Blake rode to tell William bout the change William said he would be there about four as he reminded Blake about an appointment he had.

When he got back Leon told him that Jennifer would be there, Susan said she would get there when she could because of an accident with her refrigerator. Matt wouldn't which Leon had expected due to the animosity between Blake and Matt and then about John's daughter.

Maybe it's for the best Leon thought it had slipped his mind for a bit that he wanted Mackayla to talk to Matthew about her back and set up some appointment's.

And the tension between the two boys would probably make her feel worse he would have his niece call him later tonight to talk and see what he could do. After about 45 minutes Jennifer arrived at the ranch in a pink sundress walked around to say hey to everyone noticing that Mackayla seemed to be a little blue today.

After a little bit Jennifer slipped out of her sundress she had chosen to wear her more conservative two piece today. Blake tensed as he felt a twinge of desire rake him and glanced to see that Mackayla had straightened drastically in her chair. "She is a lot of pain right now" he heard Carson say softly next to him.

"I know."

"Why don't you talk to Sasha and see if she can do something her being a nurse and all but you better put your sunglasses on your eyes are charging.

As he slipped them on he walked towards where Leon and Sasha where but stopped as he heard her whisper to Leon "she didn't want them. I think maybe I should see if she wants to go for a walk."

"Sounds like a good idea but check in with Blake first please baby."

Sasha turned around and saw him and he nodded as she walked the last of the

way to him. "Take Maggies with you and if you feel anything off or strange do not hesitate to call for me."

"Of course." So she walked over to Mackayla asked her about the walk Mackayla nodded, and then she and Mackayla walked away