Page 46 of Waste
“No, where Ghoul is concerned, the cat is well and truly out of the bag,” Drew agreed.
“Remember, if she is not your mate, then we may have to wipe her memory,” Mary said gently.
“I’m far too aware of that outcome, Mary. The problem is, what other memories might we damage?”
“The risk of harming Shelley’s other memories is outweighed by protecting our people. We shall do what we have to,” Mary replied, and Drew nodded.
In the past, he wouldn’t have blinked. But as it was Shelley, the thought repulsed him. If she were his mate, the bond needed to snap into place soon. Still, Drew was unsure if he wanted it to or not.
Chapter Eleven.
Shelley
Shelley didn’t mention what she’d observed in the mirror, and neither did Drew. But she knew he’d seen it and wondered why Drew was keeping quiet. Shelley had witnessed Mary Worth in all her horrific glory. But Drew acted as if he hadn’t noticed anything. They were once again on a plane, but this time headed to Drew’s home estate. Shelley was a little tired of travelling. They’d been to two different countries in the space of a fortnight; now they were returning to England.
Drew had a secure place in the English countryside, and he was taking her and Charlie there. That had caused a huge fight with her parents. Gail and Jake had insisted that Shelley come home, and Drew highlighted their lack of security measures. Gail had verbally attacked Drew, asking what good his were. In return, he had pointed out that Shelley would have been dead if not for his efforts, and Gail burned silently.
Shelley was aware Gail hadn’t finished. Gail wanted Shelley home, but Shelley believed she was safer with Drew. He was breaking his back to protect her. If the attacker had got to Shelley in her parents’ house, they wouldn’t have stood a chance.
“I’m aware that you can hear me. Thank you for saving my life. Mary, I don’t know why you did, but it’s very much appreciated,” Shelley murmured to the bedroom mirror.
Shelley waited in vain for a response, but there was nothing.
“Mary Worth, I’m not afraid of you,” Shelley stated. “And if you ever need aid, I’ll do my best.”
Shelley rose and hobbled out to meet Drew and Charlie. She checked her scarf was in place before she left. The bruising around her throat was dreadful, and Shelley was worried about people seeing it. Every time Charlie and Drew had looked at her, they’d winced, and guilt had crossed their faces. She was using soft, dressy scarves to hide the contusions, but Shelley understood how bad they were.
Drew’s friend, Killian, had been beside himself, and they’d learned on their arrival back in England what had happened. The assailant had been driving a food-delivery van. The original driver had been discovered drugged and bruised but alive. Using false identification, the fake driver had delivered the goods and then parked up behind a bushy area and stalked Shelley.
Killian assured them that all footage had been sent to the police, and the police were actively searching for the man. Shelley remained unaware of who might be responsible. None of it made sense. As she approached the living room, she heard Charlie and Drew arguing and paused.
“Shelley’s strong, but not that tough. This will upset her!” Charlie snapped.
“Charlie, I’m aware of your sister’s limits; she can handle this. Jesus, what a bitch move,” Drew said, and he sounded tired.
“Just give Shelley a few days. It’s only been two since her attack, and with everything else, she doesn’t need this. Shels is maxed out,” Charlie replied.
“I agree, but I think she’ll surprise you. And if Shelley stumbles across this? It’s all over the blasted media,” Drew responded, and Shelley heard guilt.
“This isn’t your fault.”
“Yes, Charlie, it is. I should have considered how my fame might harm her. This is on my shoulders and mine alone. Damn it! Why do such venomous and spiteful people exist?”
“What’s happened?” Shelley demanded, having heard enough. Both Charlie and Drew jumped, and Drew looked stricken with guilt while Charlie was worried.
They exchanged glances, and Charlie let out a sigh.
“There’s been another newspaper article, and it not only names you, but it’s incredibly unpleasant,” Drew explained as Shelley waited.
“How so?” Shelley inquired, limping to the sofa. She sank into it and stared up at the two overprotective men.
“Jo,” Charlie spat the word out, and Shelley felt her stomach sink.
“No,” she murmured. Surely, Jo wasn’t so unprofessional as to give an interview.
“Yes. My PA and manager have contacted your company and are requesting that Jo be dismissed. The interview is a blatant violation of privacy and your personal security,” Drew continued.
“Let me read it,” Shelley demanded. Her unease grew as Charlie and Drew exchanged glances. This was going to be bad. Shelley steeled herself as Charlie reluctantly handed over his phone.
