She had taken a leave from the WWE for psychological reasons. Stephanie, of course, understood but Vince had been another story. He had money invested in her and now she just wanted to up and leave? In the end Stephanie had explained her loss to him and he relented on the condition that she see one of the company's psychiatrists while she was away.

Sighing deeply, she got to her feet and went to the kitchen and prepared some camomile tea in the hopes that it would calm her down enough to sleep before she started on a crying jag like she had the night before. The truth was she hadn't had a decent night's sleep since that night a year ago and it showed. She rarely ate and as a result became extremely thin, her once sparkling brown eyes now were dull and lifeless. Huge purplish bags and rings formed her lower lids looking almost cartoonishly exaggerated on her now extremely pale skin.

Still unable to sleep she pulled on a pair of sweat pants, sneakers and a hooded sweat shirt. She grabbed her keys and went out to the porch. Pulling up her hood she hugged her sweatshirt to her body as she stepped off the porch and immediately got drenched. She had wandered for a half hour before she felt hands on her shoulders. She was spun around and came face to face with Scott.

"You're soaked to the bone," he said softly as she glared at him. His curly hair matted to his face by the rain. "You'll catch your death of cold and from the looks of you you're at death's door already."

"Fuck off Scott," she said and spun on her heel only to become very dizzy and fall back into his arms.

"Woopsies," he chuckled. "Come on," he said as he helped her walk. "Let's get you into some dry clothes and a warm bed." She allowed him to walk her to his home and up to his bedroom, feeling much too weak to protest.

"I see she's back to old habits," Matt said smirking as he watched from the shadows.

"That's fine with me," Mystic said. "Just as long as I get to kill the bitch."

"You will my pet," Matt said pulling his lover closer to him and caressing the scar running down her collarbone and kissing it. "You will. I promise you that." Mystic purred happily as she watched the curly haired vampire leading Shelly out of the cold rain.

"What have you been doing to yourself," Scott asked as he helped her undress and noticed how bony she had become.

"Why do you care," she asked and pulled the button down shirt he had loaned her around herself.

"I'd almost forgotten how much you hated me," Scott said taking her wet clothes and walking to the door.

"I don't," she said softly as he got to the door. He turned and looked at her questioningly. "I don't....feel anything lately." She sighed and buried her face in her hands. Dropping the wet clothes he sat down on the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. "Everything is so....numb...." He brushed some wet hair out of her eyes and looked deep into them. The pain in her eyes made his heart break. He pulled her to him and held her, allowing her to cry. Soon she was asleep in his arms. Kissing the crown of her head he laid back on the bed with her. Glancing at the windows to make sure the shades were all drawn, he closed his eyes and held her until he too was asleep.

"Have you heard from Shelly," Amy asked Trish as they sat getting make up done for a Divas shoot.

"No," Trish said frowning. "The last time I saw her...she looked...horrible." Amy nodded sadly. "She and Jeff shared something so very deep that none of us could possiby understand the depth of her loss."

"I'm worried about her," Amy said.

"Amy, Trish you're wanted in the studio," someone called.

"I am too," Trish said as she stood. "But unless she's in dire trouble we'll give her space." Amy nodded as she followed Trish into the studio.

Shelly awoke a couple of hours later in a dim room. She glanced at the unfamiliar room and tried to sit up, but strong arms held her in place. It was then that she realized that she had fallen asleep at Scott's house. It was also then that she realized that she had actually been able to sleep without any dreams of Jeff invading. Carefully she rolled over in Scott's arms and gazed at his sleeping face. He wasn't a bad looking man. She kinda liked his messy mop of blonde hair and the piercing in his eyebrow. She reached out and gently touched his cheek.

Scott lay holding Shelly. He had been awake just watching her sleep for quite some time. He had only closed his eyes when he felt her moving. When her hand touched his cheek it was as if it on fire. Slowly opening his eyes he saw a strange look on Shelly's face. It was a mixture of contentment and sorrow. "Are you all right," he asked. She nodded and closed her eyes.

Unable to stop himself, he reached out and kissed her lips softly. Expecting her to pull away, he was shocked when she returned the kiss, deepening it.

She groaned when his hand slid underneath the button down shirt he had loaned her when her clothes were drenched from the rain. He cupped her breast, rolling the nipple into a soft peak, as his tongue explored her mouth.

Pushing him onto his back she straddled him and leaned down to kiss him once again, her tongue teasing his mouth open and their tongues twining. He slowly unbuttoned the shirt and slid it off her shoulders, revealing her ample breasts. He brought his mouth to one and began to suckle. She threw her head back enjoying the sensations that were pulsating throughout her body. She felt more alive now than she had in a year.

Unable to control his lust for her Scott rolled her onto her back and kissed a trail from her neck down to her belly button, dipping his tongue in it before moving on down to her thighs. Hooking his thumbs in the waistband of her silk panties he pulled them down her legs and kissed and nipped his way back up to her thighs. She writhed on the bed as his warm tongue lapping at her thighs sent shivers down her spine. She could feel his warm breath on her heated center and it was driving her mad.

Savoring every moment he was able to torture her he swirled his tongue around her clit causing her hips to buck. "You like that," he asked huskily looking up at her and loving the look of pure ecstacy on her face as she whimpered and nodded. He began to stroke her clit with his tongue and inserted one and then two fingers into her, moving in perfect synchronicity with his tongue. He soon felt her walls tighten around his fingers and she began to convulse as her climax overtook her body.

Feeling his arousal pressing painfully against his jeans he crawled up the length of her body to kiss her long and hard. Still breathless from her release she smiled up at him and pushed him onto his back kissing her way down his body until she got to the bulge in his jeans. She unbuttoned his jeans and slid them and his boxers off of him agonizingly slowly. She returned his torture as she kissed a trail up one thigh and then the next, paying special attention to the sensitive flesh around his manhood. He groaned when she finally took the length of him in her mouth and began to swirl her tongue around him. His hips bucked as her mouth worked it's magic on him and soon he felt his release.

Breathing heavily Scott pulled her up for another fiery kiss as she straddled him and slid down his length. She ground her hips into him before she began to slide up and down. He took her nipple in his mouth and nipped it lightly. A soft whimper emitted from her mouth as she quickened her pace and soon both were tumbling over the edge of ecstacy. Falling to the bed, limbs entwined they, slept deeply exhausted from their activities.

Scott awoke before Shelly and climbed out of bed, went into the bathroom and started the shower. As the hot water pelted down on his aching muscles he thought about Shelly. A smile came to his face as he remembered how beautiful she looked in the throes of passion. He loved how her lips parted as soft moans emitted from them. He ran the soap over his skin letting it suds up and wash away with the spray of water.

Meanwhile in the bed Shelly lay listening to water in the shower. She knew that in a few moments the water would be turned off and Scott would be back in the bedroom with her. With a sigh she climbed out of bed and found her now dry clothes. She pulled on her sweats and tank top before she realized that the water in the bathroom was now off. Just as the bathroom door opened she turned to face Scott and stared at him like a deer caught in headlights.

"What are you doing," he asked dropping the towel he had been drying his hair with.

"I um...promised....Amy I'd hang out with her," Shelly lied as she pulled on her hooded sweatshirt.

"I see," Scott said sitting down on the bed. "You got what you wanted and now you're leaving."

"Scott," she sighed. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

"What wasn't," Scott asked. "The night of great sex we shared?"

Shelly cringed. "Please don't do this."

Scott stood and grasped Shelly by the shoulders. "Tell me that last night didn't make you feel anything and I'll let it be," he demanded. Shelly looked away. "You told me that you felt numb before you fell asleep. You can't tell me that you still feel numb."

"I don't know what I feel anymore," she said pulling away from him and leaving the bedroom. Scott followed her.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means goodbye Scott," she said reaching the front door.

"I get it," he yelled as she opened the front door. "You're scared that your friends won't approve. I don't give a shit what they think. You'll be back. I know you will." That was the last she heard as she slammed the door behind her.

When she got home she took a hot shower and curled up on the couch. "How could I have done that last night," she muttered. "What the hell was I thinking?" She sighed deeply. "I was thinking that Scott made me feel more alive in just one night than I have in a year." The shrill ring of the phone interrupted her musings. She thought about letting the machine pick up, but decided that she needed some human interaction and picked up. "Hello?"

"Hey there stranger," Amy's perky voice replied.

"Hey Aims," Shelly said smiling at the familiar voice. "What's up?"

"I should ask you that," Amy replied with a laugh. "You've been avoiding everyone."

"Not avoiding," Shelly said sighing. "Healing."

"Oh," was all Amy could say. "Well, listen Trish wanted me to let you know that we're going to be in your area in a couple of days and...maybe you'd like to get together or something?"

"Sounds great," Shelly said honestly. "I miss you guys. Let me know when and where and I'll be there."

"Great," Amy said smiling. "I gotta go for now, but I promise I'll call tomorrow and let you know where we're all meeting."

"Great," Shelly said. "Tell the others I said hi and I'll see them soon."

"Will do," Amy said and they hung up.

"How did she sound," Trish asked when Amy hung up.

"She's upset about something," Amy said frowning. "But the good news is she agreed to hang out." Trish smiled and nodded. "We better head out to the ring or Vince will kill us." Trish nodded and the two women headed out to the ring.

"You actually came," Trish squealed when Shelly walked into the club. She hugged her tight and smiled eying her up and down. "You look good."

"No I don't," Shelly laughed. "Thanks for trying to lie anyway."

"That outfit does look good on you," Amy said referring to the black leather skirt, zebra print tank top and black knee boots that she opted for that night. She took a seat next to Steph and Kidman who were very cozy in the corner of the booth. They both waved a hello to her and she nodded to them. Glancing across the table she saw Courtney and Shannon whispering to each other and Kim trying to teach Adam a simple spell. Storm and Shane were on the dance floor dancing close.

"Excuse me a minute," Shelly said standing. "I think I need to get something to drink." She made her way to the bar and placed her order.

"You think we pushed too hard," Amy asked. "She doesn't seem happy." Trish sighed and nodded sadly.

Shelly took her drink and made her way to the almost empty second level of the club. Looking out over the dance floor she saw Shane and Storm still dancing and soon Shannon, Courtney, Steph and Kidman had joined them. She envied the fact that they had someone to dance with and she didn't.

"Fancy meeting you here." She heard whispered in her ear as warm breath tickled her neck. She closed her eyes as strong arms wrapped around her waist. "Look at them dancing and having fun. I bet they don't even notice that you're up here. I could do anything I want to you and no one would know the difference." Her breath caught in her throat a hand slid down her hip and under her skirt. He gently raked his nails up her thigh. "They don't know what you and I did last night," he whispered as his fingertips continued to ascend her sensitive flesh.

"Scott don't," she said breathlessly trying to shove him away, but her attempts faltered as his fingers grazed the crotch of her panties. She groaned as he pushed aside the flimsy material and swirled his finger around her clit.

"Look at them," he whispered as he continued to stroke her clit. "What would they say about you letting me touch you this way?" Shelly closed her eyes and leaned back against Scott's chest as his fingers began to work faster and faster. "You like the sense of danger don't you," he chuckled in her ear. "You like thinking you might get caught don't you?" He chuckled wickedly as she felt her knees going weak on her. "Come for me," he said as his fingers continued their assault. A soft moan escaped her lips as she came for him and collapsed against his chest breathing hard. "Good girl," he said, his hot breath tickling her neck. "You can't say goodbye to me Shelly. You know you can't. You like how I make you feel." She closed her eyes tighter and moaned when he nipped her neck. "Go freshen up and go back to your friends now. I'll see you later."

When she had composed herself in the ladies room she went back to her friends, but she soon found that Scott was right. They didn't seem to notice that she had been gone, let alone that she was back. Making up an excuse about having a headache she left the club.

Walking through the alley to get to her car she suddenly had the feeling that she wasn't alone. Sighing, her shoulders slumped in defeat and she called out, "You win Scott. Come on I'm not in the mood for this."

"Oh but you were in the mood for something in the club," a familiar evil voice said.

Spinning on her heel Shelly came face to face with Matt. "Are you following me," she asked trying desperately not to show her fear.

"Why yes I am," he chuckled. "All alone? Where's your boyfriend? He's going to miss what I do to you." He lunged at her, but was tackled from behind.

Shelly watched as Scott and Matt battled, frozen in her spot. They battled until Matt finally backed off yelling that this wasn't over. Finally able to move Shelly knelt down beside Scott to see how injured he was.

"Your lip is bleeding," she said softly and dabbed at it gently with a tissue she had found in her purse. He placed his hand over hers and kissed her palm. "You didn't have to do that," she said pulling away from him.

"I know," he said smirking. "I wanted to."

"I should kill you for what you did to me in the club," she chuckled.

"You know you loved every minute of it," he said as they both stood. He pulled her to him and kissed her long and hard.

"Scott," she said breathlessly when they had broken the kiss. "We're in an alley."

"So," he said backing her up against the wall and pressing his arousal into her. She groaned as he lowered his head down to her neck and ran his warn tongue over her sweet spot just below her earlobe. "No one can see us. There's no one here except you and I." His hands began to slide her skirt up over her hips as he went back to kissing and nipping her neck.

Leaning her head back against the wall she moaned as Scott's educated hands roamed her body. Finally feeling brave enough she ran her hands down his chest to his jeans. She unzipped them and slid her hand in grasping his hardened shaft and running her hand up and down it a few times before she slid his pants down, freeing him of the confining material. With a growl he ripped her panties off and lifted her into his strong arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he guided her down his length.

She felt the straps of her tank top slide down her shoulders as he brought one breast then the other to his mouth and ravaged them. She felt the cold stone of the wall scraping her back as Scott rammed into her fast and hard. Her senses were on overload as she came whimpering Scott's name. Scott followed soon after grunting her name over and over.

They held onto each other a moment while both caught their breath and then straightened themselves out. "Come home with me," she said softly as he continued to hold her. He nodded and followed her to her car.

The drive home was silent, neither knowing what to say. Once they were behind closed doors Scott pulled her to him for a fiery kiss. Once they had broken the kiss she grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him into the bedroom.

Scott lay in bed watching Shelly sleep. She seemed so peaceful, almost angelic. He hated the thought of her waking up and most likely kicking him out of her home. A million emotions swirled inside him as he gazed at the sleeping woman beside him and he didn't really understand any of them. Ever since he had gotten his soul back things had been so confusing. He went from despising Shelly to falling hard for her. He didn't think he could take making love to her and then being told goodbye much longer, he had to tell her how he felt.

Just as he came to that conclusion Shelly moaned softly and her eyes fluttered open. "You're still here," she said closing her eyes. Scott hadn't seen the hint of a smile on her lips because she buried her head in the pillow again.

"I can leave," he said. "I just thought that..."

"I didn't mean it like that," she said lifting her head again. "I just thought that you'd have left by now," she said with a shrug.

"Why would I leave," Scott asked. She shrugged again. "I have all I need right here." She looked at him with the deer in headlights look again. "I love you Shelly. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true." She shook her head and sat up, holding the sheet to her chest. "You're all I think about when we're apart. When we're together I can't wait to get my hands on you. I love you."

"You don't love me Scott," she said standing and pulling the sheet with her. "You're just infatuated....or maybe I'm just a good fuck to you." She sighed. "I think you should leave now."

Scott hung his head, somehow knowing that this would be her reaction. He stood and collected his clothes, dressing quickly. "I'd just like for you to answer one question for me," he said once he was dressed. She nodded her head, but avoided eye contact. "Why won't you give this a chance?"

"There is no this," Shelly said. "You're just someone I go to when I need to get laid."

These words were like a dagger through his heart and he winced as he heard them echo in his mind. He turn away from her and sighed as more emotions ran rampant through him.

"Fine," he said grabbing his leather jacket. "I know why you're acting this way and all I have to say is fuck your friends. If they don't like us together then who needs them. This is your life Shelly and it's about fucking time you start living it. You know that you and I will be together again. It's just a matter of time." With that he stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Shelly slumped to the bed with tears in her eyes. She had a million emotions swirling around inside her, love, hate, sorrow, remorse. None of them made any sense to her right now, but one thing she knew for certain was that Scott was right. They would be together again because she didn't have the willpower to cut him out of her life now.

"You had her and you let her go," Mystic screeched at Matt. "You fucking let her go!"

"I told you," Matt said calmly. "Fucking Scott was there. He saved her like he was her fucking knight in shining armor."

"You promised me Matt," Mystic said and began to pace in front of him. "You promised that you would get her and bring her back to me. Do you know what it's like to live with this horrible disfigurement?!"

Matt pulled her into his lap and placed gentle kisses on the scar which ran from her neck to just below her collar bone. "I see what she's done to you and I promise that we will make her pay for it, but you need to have patience my love."

Mystic sighed and placed her head on his shoulder. "I'm trying, but it isn't easy."

"Hello Stephanie," Shelly said on the phone. She nervously twisted the phone wire around her fingers as she spoke. "Um...I think it's time for me to come back to work...that is if I stilll have a job." She listened and half smiled as Stephanie gushed and fawned over the fact that she wanted to come back. "Great. Smackdown...this Tuesday....well...I think I need a little practice before I jump back into the ring. All right. Monday...in Seattle. Great. I'll see you then." She hung up and sighed. "This is just what I need to get Scott out of my system."

Monday afternoon Shelly entered the arena and was greeted by Stephanie. "I had a strange feeling you wouldn't show," she said to Shelly smiling.

"I almost didn't," Shelly replied truthfully. "But I think I need to get back in the ring. Staying at home is driving me mad." Stephanie laughed as she led Shelly to the ring.

"Now I know you probably don't need it, but I asked someone to help you scrape off that ring rust," Stephanie said pointing towards the ring.

Shelly's eyes followed her hand and she groaned inwardly. There in the ring seated atop one turnbuckle was Scott. He smiled and waved to her. "Scott," Shelly said to Stephanie in disbelief.

"Believe it or not he's been quite a big help with the new wrestlers," Stephanie said waving to him. "He's helped them all develop their in ring ability tremendously." She saw Shelly's skepticism and patted her on the back. "He's a changed man," she said softly. "Ever since that night....he's been different. It's almost like he was reborn."

Shelly smiled weakly at her and nodded. "He's not the only one," she mumbled. "I better not keep him waiting. Thanks Steph." Stephanie nodded and left Shelly and Scott to work out.

"Didn't think you'd get rid of me so easily did you," Scott said with a chuckle as she entered the ring.

"Can it Scott," Shelly said. "This is not a social call. I'm here to train."

"Suit yourself," Scott said with a shrug as he hopped off the turnbuckle. "Ready when you are."

"I need a break," Shelly panted after an hour of running through moves. "I had no idea I was this rusty."

"You're too hard on yourself," Scott said wiping his brow with a towel. "You're doing great." She scoffed at him and took a swig of her water. "Why do you do that," he asked getting closer to her. "Why don't you take a compliment?"

"I guess that's just the way I am," She replied and turned away from him.

He spun her around and looked into her eyes. "I meant every word I said the other night," he whispered. "I find myself falling deeper and deeper into love with you." She closed her eyes tight and shook her head. "I'm telling the truth and I know you didn't mean those nasty things you said."

"You don't know anything about me," she said glaring up at him now. "You know nothing." She yanked free of him and stormed out of the ring.

Running his hand through his hair he sighed and decided to follow her. She wound up in the women's locker room. Checking to make sure they were alone, Scott locked the door behind him.

Shelly let the hot water cascade down her aching body. Somehow she felt that coming back to work had been a mistake. Her thoughts soon drifted to Scott. She couldn't help feeling guilty about the way she had been treating him.

Her thoughts were cut short when she heard the shower curtain shift. Without opening her eyes she knew who was in the stall with her. She leaned her head back onto Scott's bare chest and sighed. "I know more about you than you think," he whispered in her ear as his hand slid down between her legs. "I know what makes you scream my name." She whimpered as his fingers worked their magic on her. She felt her knees go weak as her orgasm washed over her and she leaned back against his bare chest panting. "Turn around," he whispered in her ear.

She obeyed, but did not look up into his eyes. He turned her chin up so that she met his eyes. "If you want me to stop just say so." She shook her head no and kissed him long and hard. He lifted her into his strong arms and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he guided her up and down his hardened shaft. Soon she was whimpering his name over and over as a second orgasm gripped her body.

"We shouldn't have done this here," Shelly said once she had caught her breath. "Someone could have walked in."

"I locked the door," he replied smirking. "And I don't care who knows about us." He grabbed her sponge and began to soap her up. "I don't care if your friends don't approve. I want to be with you."

She shrugged him off and rinsed the soap off quickly before grabbing a towel and getting out of the shower. "This can't happen at work again Scott," she said. "Not at work."

"How about your hotel room...later...say around eight," he asked wrapping a towel around his waist.

"Scott I'm serious," she replied glaring at him.

"So am I," he said with a chuckle as he pulled on his clothes.

He pulled her into his arms and tried to kiss her, but she pulled away. "I think you should go now." She turned her back to him and began to dress in silence.

"One of these times you're going to tell me to go and I won't be back," he replied as he left the locker room. Shelly sat down with a heavy sigh knowing he meant every word.

When she was finally dressed she headed back to the hotel and decided to walk instead of take a cab. She had gotten maybe three blocks away from the arena when she heard footsteps behind her. She stopped, her heart pounding in her chest, and looked over her shoulders. Not seeing anyone she started on her way again and again heard the footsteps behind her. "All right," she yelled as she spun around. "Who the fuck is following me?! Show yourself!" She regretted it instantly as she saw Matt emerge from his hiding place in an alley.

"I have to give you credit," he said smirking. "You have guts. Too bad those guts can't help you now." He smirked evilly at her as he saw her eyes dart around for Scott to come save her. "I believe this is where you run."

Dropping her gym bag she took off, but she wasn't fast enough. Matt caught up with her and dragged her away with him.

Without much trouble Matt managed to knock Shelly out enough to drag her to his car. When he arrived at his lair with Shelly slung over his shoulder Mystic squealed with delight and helped him strap her to a chair. "Now we wait for her to wake up," he said smiling.

"Fuck that," Mystic said and whacked Shelly upside the head hard enough to draw blood. Shelly's eyes snapped open and she looked around the unfamiliar territory until her eyes rested on Matt and Mystic.

"What do you want with me," she asked softly.

"You don't know," Mystic asked with disgust. "Does this look familiar at all," she sneered as she bared her scar to the captive. Shelly stared at it blankly. "I barely have the use of this arm anymore!" With that she used her good arm to whack her upside the head again.

"You know what," Matt said pulling Mystic aside. "I think you should torture her like you had planned love. If you kill her now you won't have any fun later."

She smiled up at him with a wicked glint in her eyes. "I know some fun we could have later, but I'll settle for it now." With that she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him, biting his bottom lip gently before breaking the kiss and dragging him to the bedroom.

"Scott," Stephanie said stopping him in his tracks. "Have you seen Shelly?"

"Not since we finished up our training session," he lied. "Why?"

"She's not answering her cell and she's not at the hotel," Stephanie replied.

Scott's expression grew worried. He knew that she was going to walk to the hotel because she usually did after training. "I think she mentioned walking to the hotel. She might have stopped somewhere. I'll see if I can find her on the street and let you know. Until you hear from me try not to worry." Stephanie nodded and watched as Scott grabbed his bag and jacket and headed out the door.

Scott walked along the path he knew Shelly would have taken and his heart sunk when he came across her gym bag. He picked it up and rummaged inside pulling out the cell phone which had broken when it was dropped. With a sigh he pulled out his own phone and dialed Stephanie's number. "Steph," he said heavily. "Round up the troops. Shelly's definitely missing and I have a feeling I know who's responsible."

"What's going on," Shane asked as he entered Stephanie's office with Storm trailing behind.

"It seems that Matt and Mystic have abducted Shelly," Stephanie said sadly.

"What? Why," Amy asked.

"Mystic was badly injured last year. One side of her is practically paralyzed now," Scott said. "To a vampire that means she might as well have been killed that night because there's no way to survive with such an injury unless you have someone to help you feed, which she does."

"So, what do we do," Trish asked.

"What do you mean what do we do," Kim yelled. "We get her back. For all we know she could be dead already."

"No," Scott said. "They want to torture her."

"Well," Joxy said. "He is the resident vampire expert I guess."

"Expert," Adam snickered. "He is a vampire."

"All the more reason why he's an expert," Glenn said. "So what do you suggest we do Scott?"

"We won't be doing anything," Scott replied. "It's much too dangerous for any of you to go in there. I'll do this."

"We're her friends," Amy protested. "We should be the ones to help her."

"That's exactly the reason why I can't let you help," Scott replied as he pulled on his leather jacket. "You're her friends and she'd never forgive me if I let any of you get hurt trying to save her."

Stephanie grabbed his shoulder as he passed by her. "That's the risk we're willing to take. We have to help because we're her friends." Scott glanced over his shoulder at the gathering of people and nodded reluctantly.

"Why the hell are we in this dump," Tammi asked as she and Chris made their way through garbage and sludge on the streets. Seeing two familiar faces up ahead of them she smirked and called out, "Hardy got to you too huh?"

Trouble and Hunter turned around and smiled seeing Chris helping Tammi down to where they stood. "He said he'd make it worth our trip," Hunter said nodding.

Just then Matt met them. "Good. I see you found the place all right. It's not much, but it's home." He ushered them all in and the four demons stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Shelly strapped to a chair. Congealed blood matted in her hair at her left temple and a ragged scab formed part of her lower lip. Her head hung limply to the right side and her breathing was ragged. "This my friends is what I promised you."

Trouble smiled wickedly and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Hunter clapped his hands together and began to rub them in anticipation. Tammi smirked and cracked her knuckles while Chris cracked his neck, his eyes burning deep red with hatred for the woman before them.

"You can get in as many licks as you want, but I want to be the one to finish her off," Mystic said as she scraped a long blood red nail along Shelly's collarbone drawing blood. She brought her finger to her mouth and licked off the blood, savoring it's salty sweetness. "Have at her," she said and went to Matt's side as the couple watched Hunter, Trouble, Tammi and Chris punishing Shelly.

Pain blazed through Shelly's body faster than her nerve endings could register it. She closed her eyes tightly and prayed for Scott to come save her or for the pain to end. She soon lost consciousness from the intensity of the pain.

"Enough," Matt yelled seeing that Shelly was near death. "We will save the rest for my love."

"I'm not satisfied," Hunter grumbled.

"You knew the deal," Mystic said with a smirk. "Now be gone!"

"I don't take orders from a crippled vampire," Hunter growled and lunged at her. Before anyone knew what had happened Hunter's head was spun around and sickening crunching sound was heard. He fell limply to the floor.

"Hunter," Trouble screeched and went to his side. She glared up at Matt. "You bastard! You killed him!"

"Now what kind of a boyfriend would I be if I let him assault my love," Matt replied with a smirk. Trouble grumbled and lunged at him, unfortunately she met with the same fate that Hunter had. "Anyone else have any objections," Matt asked Chris and Tammi, who both shook their heads and backed off.

"I see her knight in shining armor is arriving," Mystic said sensing Scott's presence. "And he's brought the calvary."

The door was kicked open and in stalked Scott. "Where is she," he growled grabbing Mystic by her hair.

"No need to get rough Scott," she giggled evilly. "She's right over there." She pointed in Shelly's direction.

Scott followed her hand and gasped at the sight before him. Shelly's head now hung practically in her lap. Her blood streaked hair fell into her face, but he could already see many of the bruises, scrapes and cuts she had. "You evil bitch," he yelled and threw Mystic against the wall. She fell to the ground in a heap. Matt lunged at Scott only to land on a wooden stake that Emily had thrown to him. Matt disappeared in a cloud of dust.

"No," Mystic screeched and scrambled to her feet. Before she could do anything Scott had grabbed her and pinned her up against the wall.

"Did you do this," Kim yelled at Chris and Tammi as Adam and Shannon held them. "Answer me!" They remained silent. Sparks flew out of Kim's fingertips and zapped both Tammi and Chris, who cried out in great pain. "Did you do this?"

"Yes," they answered in unison, not wanting another shock.

"Tie them down to something," Scott yelled to Adam and Shannon. "Someone get her out of that chair," he yelled to anyone who would listen. Emily and Amy managed to get Shelly out of the chair as Scott dragged Msytic over and began to strap her down. "You like torturing people," he growled. "We'll see how you like the torture." When he was done he ushered everyone out and gathered as much wood and paper he could find around the three victims before he lit the pile.

Just before he left he heard Mystic call out, "She's as good as dead already! I got my revenge!" Wicked laughter as well as screams could be heard as he ran to escape the sound.

"Is she going to be all right," Steph asked as they all packed into Trish's hotel room, which she had transformed from a meadow to a hospital room. They laid Shelly down in the hospital bed and began to tend to her many wounds.

"She's out cold," Trish said frowning. "They really worked her over good. We'll see how she is in the morning. For now let's take shifts sitting with her."

"I'll take first shift," Scott said. "It's because of me that she's in this condition. They all nodded and went to get some rest. They'd all be back in the morning to see how Shelly was.

Shelly felt strong hands bathing her body. She had no idea where she was, but she was happy to be away from the pain. She ached all over, but at least the sharp pains had gone away.

Scott braced himself as he gave Shelly a warm bed bath. She had so many bruises, scrapes and cuts. He hated what they had done to her, but he knew that they were burning in a hell demension now. "I should have gone back to the hotel with you," he whispered. "I should have been there to prevent all of this. I didn't know that this would happen."

"Scott," Shelly called out softly when he got up to empty the basin of water he had been washing her with.

"I'm here," he said taking her hand in his, but she had lost consciousness again. He kissed her hand and went to empty the basin again.

Shelly was reliving the fight they had before she had been abducted.

"We shouldn't have done this here," Shelly said once she had caught her breath. "Someone could have walked in."

"I locked the door," he replied smirking. "And I don't care who knows about us." He grabbed her sponge and began to soap her up. "I don't care if your friends don't approve. I want to be with you."

She shrugged him off and rinsed the soap off quickly before grabbing a towel and getting out of the shower. "This can't happen at work again Scott," she said. "Not at work."

"How about your hotel room...later...say around eight," he asked wrapping a towel around his waist.

"Scott I'm serious," she replied glaring at him.

"So am I," he said with a chuckle as he pulled on his clothes.

He pulled her into his arms and tried to kiss her, but she pulled away. "I think you should go now." She turned her back to him and began to dress in silence.

"One of these times you're going to tell me to go and I won't be back," he replied as he left the locker room.

"Scott," she whimpered. "Don't go. Please don't go."

Scott looked up as Trish entered the room and gave him a knowing look. "Is there something going on between the two of you," she asked softly.

He looked down at Shelly and then back up to Trish. "I don't think it's my place to tell you that."

She nodded. "I was afraid that this would happen."

"You don't understand," Scott said. "I love her. I'm in love with her."

"And how does she feel about you," Trish asked already knowing the answer. Scott sighed. "I'm not trying to be hurtful," she said placing a hand on his shoulder. "Be careful. You might be the one getting hurt more so than she will." With that she went back to bed leaving Scott to think over what she had said.

When Shelly opened her eyes she felt a weight on her right shoulder and arm. Painfully shifting her head to see what it was she saw the familiar tangle of curls that adorned Scott's head. With a deep sigh she tried to pull her arm out from under his sleeping head, but was greeted with intense pain, so intense that she whimpered and woke him up.

"You're awake," he said with a sigh of relief.

"How long have you been here," she asked softly and winced as her ribs began to ache with every movement she made.

"All night," Scott said and shoved her back down gently. "Lie still and I'll get Trish. I think she should be done with what she's been working on."

Scott came back moments later with Trish. "Morning sleeping beauty," she said smiling and handed Shelly a glass of a greenish liquid. "Drink this. It should help with the pain and with your healing." Shelly took the glass and sniffed it, making a face at the horrible odor. "I know," Trish said. "It tastes awful, but it works." Shelly sighed and gulped down the liquid, gagging down the last few drops. "Now stay in bed until it takes effect. You should be good as new in a couple of hours." Shelly nodded and then looked at Scott awkwardly. "Um...Scott," Trish said catching Shelly's subtle hint. "Why don't you go shower and change. I'll sit with Shelly until you get back." Scott nodded and left the room. Trish looked down at Shelly and smiled. "How long were you going to wait before you told any of us about you and Scott," she asked softly.

Shelly sighed and looked away. "I wasn't planning on telling anyone," she admitted.

"It almost sounds like you're ashamed of your relationship," Trish said.

"We don't have a relationship," Shelly said. "We fuck and then I kick him out." She swung her legs over the side of the bed finally able to move with less pain. "I am ashamed of what I've been doing with him...." Before Shelly could finish the statement they both heard the door slam. Apparently Scott had been eavesdropping and was now pissed.

Shelly attempted to get out of bed, but Trish pushed her back. "Let me go talk to him."

"No," Shelly said. "It's what I said that upset him. I should go talk to him." The pain in her body was slowly fading and she was feeling stronger by the minute. She grabbed some clothes that Trish had tossed to her and dressed as quickly as she could.

She found him standing on the roof of the hotel. "Don't jump on my account," she said with a nervous chuckle. He turned around and glared at her.

"You're ashamed of me," he said. "You've said some hurtful shit to me, but that was like a dagger through the heart."

"I said I was ashamed of what I've been doing with you," Shelly said.

"Which is that? The fucking or the kicking me out," Scott asked.

"Scott," Shelly said looking away from him.

"No," Scott said turning her to face him. "Tell me. I want to know what it is about me that's so repulsive. Why can't you love me?"

Tears burned behind her eyes, but she blinked them back. "I'm ashamed of the fact that I've been using you to make myself feel..."

"Feel what," he demanded.

"Feel anything," she said letting the tears fall now. "I just wanted to feel again. After I lost Jeff everything just went numb on me. I just wanted to feel something and you...you made me feel good at first, but now...."

"Now what," he asked softly.

"Now....I feel guilty for leading you on the way I've been. I don't love you Scott," she said.

"But why not," he asked. "I don't understand what the difference between Jeff and I is."

He pulled her to him and kissed her forcefully. Shelly struggled to break free, tasting blood in her mouth from the kiss. "I don't care if you're using me," he said breathlessly when he finally broke the kiss. "I like being close to you. You don't have to love me. You can hide me like a dirty little secret. I just like being with you." He kissed her again, this time with less force.

She returned the kiss at first and then pushed him away. "You may not care, Scott, but I do," she said. "I've been using you and it's killing me inside. Goodbye." With that said she kissed him softly and walked away leaving him staring after her longingly.