Page 14 of Waste (Legendary Shifters #4)

Shelley

S helley rolled her eyes as Drew and Charlie kept up their bromance, despite several heavy sighs from her.

Both men glanced at her, grinned, and then continued their conversation.

Right now, they were debating the merits of acoustic guitars versus electric ones.

Drew apparently played both, and Charlie was determined that the acoustic was more romantically inclined.

Drew disagreed and said either could be used for romance.

“Charlie! Drew would know! He’s the famous musician,” Shelley finally exclaimed.

“Shush. You’re not involved in this argument,” Charlie chided, and Shelley raised an eyebrow. Seconds later, Charlie let out a whuff as Shelly hit him in the stomach with her cast.

“What was that for?” he demanded as Shelley assumed an innocent expression.

Drew began laughing, and Shelley sent him a dire look. “You both were giving me a headache.” “Liar!” her brother exclaimed, but Shelley took the higher road.

“If you say so. Drew, can you tell us where we’re going now?” Shelley inquired, changing the subject.

“To a private ski resort. I own a cabin there. There’s tight security at the resort, and anyone trying to get in will be caught,” Drew answered.

“A ski resort? Are you kidding?” Shelley asked, looking down at her arm and leg.

“Best place to hide out. Who’d expect you to head here?” Charlie agreed with Drew.

“I hope you’ve got something for me to do while you’re off skiing!” Shelley snapped. She loved skiing and was annoyed she would miss out on the slopes.

“Shels, I’m your big brother, sheesh. I bought some of those wooden puzzles you like. The ones that you build into cars and ships, etc,” Charlie said.

Shelley sat up. She was suddenly much more agreeable. “Huh, you did?”

“Yup. I ordered six from your wish list. That’ll keep you busy for a while!”

“Nice,” she drawled, appreciating her brother a bit more.

“And just in case, Mum and Dad also sent you an e-reader gift card for you to catch up on your reading,” Charlie added.

Shelley beamed at him, forgiving Charlie his bromance with Drew.

Drew

“Let’s address the elephant in the room,” Charlie said, making Shelley and Drew look at him. “You’re a massive superstar, mate. Why were you in our small town?”

Drew laughed as Shelley rolled her eyes. “Charlie!”

“It’s fine. I was recording a video there. It was kept quiet because I’m not a huge fan of the paparazzi, nor do I like crowds. I’m quite a private man in truth, and I don’t enjoy being the focus of attention, which is at odds with my career,” Drew replied.

“Got to admit, that seems a strange choice for someone who shuns publicity,” Charlie stated.

“I love singing, and I enjoy producing music. It’s better when people sing along with me. The fans are usually fantastic, but a tiny number take matters too far. I’ve had fans camped outside my home, lunatics trying to break into my hotel room, and don’t get me started on the paparazzi,” Drew said.

“You seem pretty humble,” Charlie drawled, and Shelley gasped. Was that an insult?

Drew laughed. “Why wouldn’t I be? I was blessed with a good voice; that doesn’t equate to being self-entitled about it.

Four years ago, I earned a lucky break and became popular.

I could have done without the famous part, but it is what it is.

Just because I’ve got talent doesn’t mean I’m special.

” “Actually, that does,” Shelley replied, and Drew offered a crooked grin.

“People like my voice; others might hate it. It’s a toss of a coin. I’m fortunate, but that doesn’t entitle me to act like a diva,” Drew added.

“No?” Shelley teased, and Drew laughed.

“I bet the women flock to you, mate,” Charlie said, and Drew frowned.

“Yes, but nobody worth knowing. They seek either fame, fortune, or to baby trap me. They want Drew Martin, a country singer. But that’s only a tiny part of me.

I’m dead happy, settled in an armchair with a glass of good scotch and a roaring fire.

I make model kits, like you, Shelley, and that’s my perfect idea of an evening. ”

“Not the red carpet?” Shelley murmured, holding Drew’s eyes.

“No, that’s for those seeking attention. I’m not. Seriously, I love being at home,” Drew replied.

“But surely you enjoy the touring. I bet you’ve visited some countries,” Charlie said.

“Yeah, I’ve toured a lot, but there is nothing like home.” Drew didn’t mention that the big apartment he lived in wasn’t home. The castle was. Sure, people saw him enter his London property, but he disappeared into his bedroom and headed straight for the full-length mirror there.

The press called him reclusive, and Drew wasn’t inclined to deny the accusation. He rarely gave interviews and had a tiny social media presence. His publicist despaired at Drew’s lack of ambition in pushing his public persona. Drew wasn’t worried about the Hunters connecting him with Ghoul.

It didn’t appear they knew the Legends could shift, and it was a zealously guarded secret.

Drew would love his fame for the next ten years before dying quietly and retiring from the spotlight.

He wasn’t very bothered about that. Being famous was a byproduct of his enjoyment of singing.

Plus, with the surrounding magic, if he wanted to rejoin society, he could always use a glamour, although sometimes Hunters could detect them.

“Are you okay?” Shelley asked, leaning forward, and Drew realised he’d drifted off with his thoughts.

“Yes, fine. Sorry,” Drew replied. “When we get to my chalet, I’ve hired several guards, who’ll protect us from prying eyes.”

“Do you usually have security around?” Charlie asked.

“Not at my private homes. But with Shelley being targeted, I thought it necessary,” Drew said, and Charlie nodded.

Despite their age gap, which Drew felt keenly, he liked Charlie. The guy was rather upfront and in your face. What you saw was what you got. Charlie didn’t put on a front while hiding his true self. Instead, the man let it all hang out, and you either liked him or not. It didn’t bother Charlie.

Whereas Drew noted Shelley was quieter but no less strong than her brother.

It was a quiet strength, which Drew admired.

Somehow, Shelley was worming her way past his walls, and she wasn’t doing it deliberately.

Drew found himself fascinated by her and wanted to know what she was thinking.

He didn’t feel a bond between them, but he was attracted to her.

Shelley’s life had been upended, and she’d been hurt twice in a relatively short amount of time.

Instead of whining, sulking, and making everyone else miserable, Shelley got on with things.

She’d only had one blowout, and he could understand why; they had been rude and not included her in the planning. It was justified.

Drew also noted that Gail seemed eager for Shelley to settle down and have kids, but Shelley was opposed to this. Although Shelley hadn’t discussed what she wanted, it was clear her life plan differed from Gail’s own ideas.

“Will we be safe?” Shelley asked quietly, and Drew nodded.

“Yes. This is one of my boltholes when I need a timeout. Even though I shun publicity, paparazzi tend to be insidious. Many wealthy and famous individuals frequent the resort, and therefore, security is paramount. They employ a high standard of personal protection there, and guests feel safe and able to relax,” Drew said.

“It sounds expensive,” Shelley murmured and bit her lip.

Drew frowned. What did that matter? Then he realised, Shelley was worried about meals and other things she might want.

He knew that Shelley’s family wasn’t struggling financially and that their business generated a good income.

They were more than comfortable, but Shelley didn’t act like a rich kid.

She had struck out on her own and earned her own money. Drew had respect for that.

“Order anything you wish; it goes onto my tab. They don’t take cards or cash here. You provide the room number, and it’s charged accordingly. If you want drinks or snacks, just get what you’d like and charge it,” Drew explained.

“Holy crap, it’s that type of exclusive?” Charlie exclaimed, and Drew chuckled.

“Yes, money and cards are deemed crass!” Drew agreed.

“Damn, dude, nice to be that level of rich,” Charlie teased.

“Like your family is hurting,” Drew retorted, and Shelley sighed.

Both he and Charlie turned grins on her, and Shelley blinked. “No ski bunnies coming back to the chalet. You two together are devastating!”

A light blush hit Shelley’s cheeks as her words landed, and Charlie preened.

Drew smiled shyly at her. The truth was, this human shifted form wasn’t his.

What Shelley was seeing wasn’t really him.

Ghoul was an ugly monster, and Drew could barely remember his God form.

He’d some recollection of how he’d once appeared, but he looked completely different now.

Even his name bore no resemblance to his God-given name.

Stavin Mon’clesseur. He’d not been called that for thousands of years.

He wondered what Stavin Mon’clesseur would sound like on Shelley’s lips and then wondered why it mattered.

Drew searched deep within himself. Was there an inkling of a bond?

Marie and Pandora had both seemed to think Shelley was his mate.

Oh, he didn’t want one, but he was curious.

Nope, there was no connection between them. Then again, having never experienced it, how would it feel?

Drew sat back, considering what was happening. Meanwhile, Shelley and Charlie bickered among themselves quietly. Drew idly noted that their bond was much like his with his siblings. And it reassured him greatly, although he didn’t understand why!

Shelley