Page 10 of Waste (Legendary Shifters #4)

Shelley

“S o, who is tall, dark, and handsome?” Shelley’s mother, Gail, whispered.

Shelley sighed at her mum’s nosiness. “He is a customer at the shop.”

“Just a customer?” Gail continued to pry.

“Yes, Mum, I’ve spoken to him all of two times,” Shelley retorted as Gail’s gaze once again flicked to where Drew stood. Shelley rolled her eyes and wished she hadn’t. Her headache reminded her of what a bad idea that was.

“He seems very invested in your care,” Gail pushed. Shelley lost control of her patience.

“Yes, apparently so. Just like my last stalker,” Shelley bit out, and Gail paled.

“He’s not another one?” Gail asked, panicked.

“No. But stop making something out of nothing, Mum. He is the guy I served coffee to twice. After what happened, I don’t want to date; it’s too soon. Drew stopped when I had my accident and was kind enough to stay with me,” Shelley explained for the fifth time.

“But that was two days ago. He keeps coming back,” Gail expressed with hope in her eyes.

“Stop. Please!” Shelley exclaimed and winced in agony.

“Are you okay?” Gail demanded, rising to her feet.

“My head hurts,” Shelley whimpered.

“Press the pain medication button,” Gail said, and Shelley obeyed. Guilt crossed Gail’s face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Mum, you gotta understand. What happened hurt me badly. I’m aware you want me to find a man and settle down. Mum, I’m too young, and John Saville has turned me off dating for a long time. Stop pushing for now, please,” Shelley begged.

“I was younger than you when—”

“You met Daddy. I know. But I’m not you, and I don’t want to be twenty-five and have two kids. That was your dream, not mine,” Shelley said and winced again.

“Okay. I’ll stop, but just saying, Drew is incredibly handsome.”

“Noted, Mum.” Shelley closed her eyes. Surely the pain should be easing now.

After blacking out in the emergency bay, she had been rushed to X-ray and for an MRI scan.

Her head injury had caused a severe concussion.

Shelley had also ruptured her spleen, which had been removed, and apart from a broken arm and ankle, Shelley counted herself lucky.

She knew Drew had somehow contacted her parents after she’d blacked out and they’d hurried to the hospital.

In the half hour it took to arrive, Drew had created merry-hell, and the best doctors the hospital boasted were now treating her.

He’d introduced himself as a friend and then continued barking orders at the staff.

Shelley’s mum and dad had been so worried that they let him take charge.

When Charlie arrived, he was upset enough to follow suit.

Which meant that in the three days since Shelley’s accident, Drew had been there every day.

Shelley could understand her mother’s confusion.

She closed her eyes once more; perhaps sleep would help.

Nope, not going to happen. The door swung wide, and Shelley heard Charlie.

“Shels? You awake?”

“Yes, she’s just resting; she has a headache again,” Gail replied.

“Hey, kid,” Charlie spoke softly as he sat on the bed.

Shelley opened her eyes and offered him a weak smile. “Hi.”

“You look done in.”

“Charlie, I feel it.” There was movement at Shelley’s side, and Gail stood up.

“I’m going to speak to your dad and Drew. Be back soon,” Gail said and dropped a kiss on Shelley’s head. As soon as the door closed behind her, Shelley speared Charlie with a grim stare.

“Get Mum out of here. She’s doing my head in!” Shelley exclaimed.

“Too much doting?” Charlie teased, and Shelley just stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

“Yes, please, Charlie, make them take a break. I can’t cope with all this,” Shelley begged. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but Mum’s being OTT and is smothering me.”

“Shelley…” Charlie sighed. “After what happened with John Saville, Mum’s on high alert. And now this? The police have confirmed that your brakes and handbrake were tampered with. Although how the fuck anyone messed with them is puzzling the shit out of everyone.”

“The car was serviced at that new garage,” Shelley replied, frowning. “Wait, interfered with? You mean someone did this on purpose?”

“Yeah, Shels, somebody meant to harm you, maybe even kill you.” Charlie frowned as he spoke, trying to soften the words and their impact.

“Why?” Shelley cried.

“We don’t know, but the police are attempting to find out whether there is a link between John Saville and this attack,” Charlie elaborated.

Shelley shook her head and wished she hadn’t as pain lanced through it.

‘ Now forget about me or die .’ The words raced through her mind.

The ghoul had said that. ‘ There are monster hunters; they will take you and torture you to find out what you know about me. ’ And that too.

Had the ghoul or monster hunters caused her accident?

Shelley paled. Blast, she needed more information.

But even with knowledge, what could she do?

The police wouldn’t believe her story; hell, Shelley had trouble believing it.

A real-life monster? Yeah, the cops would lock her up and throw away the key.

The men in white jackets would carry her off laughing.

She had to discharge herself and find the ghoul. He could explain more to her about these hunters.

“Shels?” Charlie sounded concerned, and Shelle peeked up. “You blanked out, sis.”

“Sorry. I’m trying to get my head around the fact that someone wants to kill me.”

“Mum and Dad didn’t want to tell you. But Drew and the police insisted, you know. It’s been an ongoing argument since yesterday. Shels, no offence, how friendly are you with this Drew? You do understand who he is?”

“I didn’t know who he was, Charlie. I’ve met Drew twice at the shop, and he offered me his number.

He stated women shouldn’t have to give their numbers out and feel unsafe.

Jo hit on Drew, and he shut her down both times.

Then he stopped at the scene of the accident.

I was so scared that when I recognised him, I latched onto him. ”

Charlie looked thoughtful. “Drew claims he’s in town to record a new song. His hotel was in that direction, and he’s right. Drew had to travel that route to reach it. But even so, coming across your accident? That’s a massive coincidence.”

“Do you think he’s dangerous?” Shelley whispered and gazed out of the window at Drew, standing and talking to her parents.

“I don’t know. But the Saville experience soured everyone. Maybe I’m just being overreactive. Saville nearly stole you from us, and I can’t be sorry he’s dead. I hope he’s burning in hell somewhere, I really do. I’m trying not to be overprotective, but it’s hard,” Charlie admitted.

“Yeah, I understand. But I’m okay.”

“Shels, you’re not, that’s the problem. If this was an attempt to kill you, it failed, and they may try again,” Charlie said.

Shelley paled. She needed to get out of here and somehow contact the ghoul. Her gut told her he’d have answers.

“But I haven’t pissed anyone off that badly, not unless someone is fanatical about their coffee and I made them the wrong order,” Shelley replied.

Her attempt at brevity failed as Charlie stared at her. “Have you had any irate customers lately?”

“Charlie, please. You can’t get through the day without one angry customer. Sure, there are pissed-off customers, but they return the next day. Does anyone stand out? No.”

“Get some rest. The hospital is releasing you tomorrow,” Charlie said.

“Yippee,” Shelley deadpanned. With a broken ankle and arm, moving around and looking after herself would be difficult.

There was no doubt in Shelley’s mind that her mother was already planning to take Shelley home with her.

And as much as Shelley loved her, she dreaded the notion of being under her mum’s administration.

Shelley closed her eyes and sighed. Life would be hard for a while!

Drew/Ghoul

He watched as Shelley settled against the pillows. Whatever Charlie had said had upset her; he could tell.

“You don’t need to keep coming back,” Gail stated, and Drew looked at her.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Drew asked, perplexed. Had he done something wrong?

“Shelley said she only met you twice; you’re not friends. So why are you here?” Gail accused.

Drew smiled as Jake’s eyes narrowed on him.

“The truth is what I said. I met Shelley at the coffee shop. I liked her and wanted to take her on a date. But today isn’t safe for women, so instead of asking for her number, I offered her mine.

Shelley declined and tried to steer me in the direction of her abrasive and rather unattractive manager. ”

Jake snorted, and Drew looked at her. “You find Jo ugly? Son, you need your eyes checked.”

“Oh, she’s beautiful on the outside. But her entire personality is repulsive. She couldn’t be more obvious as a gold digger if she had it tattooed across her forehead. I’m sure you know who I am, so this should make sense; I rarely meet a genuine person,” Drew replied honestly.

Gail laughed. “That is quite true. Jo has made it plain she’s after a rich husband. And yes, we can understand that you’re surrounded by people putting up a front. Being famous must be a pain in the ass.”

“I’ve no intention of tangling with Jo. Shelley is sweet and gentle, and she has a kind smile. That attracted me,” Drew admitted and surprised himself. Had he really been looking at Shelley that way?

“That might be true, but everything you’ve done is overboard for a stranger,” Jake challenged.

“Have either of you researched me?” Drew asked.

“No?” Jake replied after glancing at Gail, who shook her head.

“Look up the Drew Martin Charity. I think you’ll find some answers there,” Drew said. “I’m going to head to the local coffee shop. The drinks here are appalling. May I fetch you any?”

“I’d love a tea,” Gail admitted, and Jake agreed.

“And for Charlie?”

“White coffee, two sugars,” Gail replied.