Chapter 2

-Ellie-

Two days later a group of shifters arrived on our front steps. Amongst them was Charles Bingley. He was just as kind and charming as he had been on the video. Mom didn't even give him time to get his spiel out before she pounced on him.

"Mr. Bingley we are so excited to have you in our home. Please sit. Would any of you like something to drink? Do you drink normal drinks or do you drink blood? Oh no, that's those sickly vampires. Thank goodness we didn't get sidled with them. One of my best friends from college lives in their area and she says they give her the chills anytime one of them passes by." Mom shuttered at the thought.

Jane and I were doing anything we could to not kill over and die of embarrassment. Especially while at the same time Lydia and Kitty stared at the men like they were mentally undressing them. Mary was reading by the window, looking like she was trying to be as invisible as possible. Dad just sat in the corner working on his laptop, barely stopping to acknowledge them. I loved the man, but he was terrible at leaving Jane and I to smooth over the uncomfortableness that is our family.

"We are fond of any kind of drink. Water, tea, Coke. I just tried a Dr. Pepper and was amazed by it. It was very tasty." Bingley said with a bright infectious smile.

A chuckle escaped me. I never thought someone would get so excited about a soda.

"If you enjoyed that, better stay clear of Dr. Pepper Zero, it just might blow your mind." I said with a cheeky grin.

Bingley laughed, but it was almost like he didn't fully get the joke. Yeah if that was too much for him, remind me not to start talking about my interest in 18th century literature.

Mom introduced us all and as expected Bingley seemed quite taken with Jane right away. As much as I wanted to dislike him and his people for invading our lives, he seemed like a good person.

Not too long after, I was asked to start my interview with the three shifters on my own. I decided last night that if I had to do this, I will be my true self. I'm not going to answer their questions with a motive in mind. I'm not going to hold back. This is who I am, and if the King doesn't like it, then yay for me! Jane most likely will win it anyways. And she should, she deserves happiness. That is… I'm guessing she would be happy. Most girls dream of being a princess, would being a Dragon Queen be that different? Now that I think about it, it's probably crazy different. At least she will get well paid for it. That's something.

The three large men barely fit around our small coffee table in our side room. They all stared at me when we sat down and didn't say anything. Bingley had his normal bright smile, but the two other men, I think their names were Aaron and Luke gave me a serious glare. It was like I made fun of their mom and they were ready for vengeance. They were about double the size of Bingley, it was almost like they were his bodyguards.

I stared right back at them. Waiting impatiently for this to begin. I wasn't sure of the protocol. Maybe I was supposed to open up first. Maybe Dragon Shifters are like counselors. Just waiting on others to speak first. After I stared back at them for what felt like ten minutes, the two beefy Shifters let out a breath and looked down. Looking almost defeated. That was weird.

I looked at Bingley who was still smiling brightly, maybe even more so. My eyebrows shot up in question, praying he would explain.

"Aaron and Luke are dominant Shifters, so when they realized you are dominant as well they challenged you." He said nonchalantly like this is something everyone talked about all the time.

What the heck? Dominant what? Really, really weird.

"Uh, wish I would have known then I would have actually tried." I said giving an apologetic smile and a shrug of my shoulders.

Bingley busted up laughing so hard he spat water all over big bad Aaron. Aaron was not amused, but the whole scene made me laugh. I grabbed some paper towels off the counter and started cleaning it up.

"So if I am dominant, how come I can stare you in the eye no problem?" I asked while throwing the now damp paper towels in the trash.

"Because I am a submissive. I don't care to be a leader. I prefer to let everyone else make the tough decisions." He said happily. Seeming to have no problem with not being a dominant Shifter. I don't think I have ever heard a male claim to be submissive and happy about it.

"Wow, super interesting. Also interesting that you could tell I was dominant before really getting to know me. I'm intrigued by you guys. I feel there is a lot more to you than I have ever read in fantasy stories."

Bingley nodded "We feel the same about humans. But to the fact of how we could tell you were dominant, it was from your smell."

I tried to discreetly sniff my shirt, checking for some insane B.O. but I didn't get a whiff of anything but my deodorant.

All three men laughed. Obviously catching my sniff.

"It is not an odor type of smell. It's a scent that your life force puts out. Dragon Shifters have heightened senses, so we smell all kinds of things that humans do not." Bingley took another drink from his water while casually taking in the small room.

"I feel I have learned so much about Dragon Shifters in the last few minutes, but are you not supposed to be interviewing me?" I asked curiously, wondering if the King was this easy to talk with as well. If so, maybe going to Court wouldn't be too bad.

"Don't worry you have been sharing lots with us. Now your name is Elizabeth Bennet and you are 23 correct?"

"It's Ellie actually. The only person that calls me Elizabeth is my mom and it's usually when she is upset at me. Which is most of the time." I smiled brightly. Mischief dancing in my eyes.

"Ha, got it." Bingley scrolled down further on his iPad. "Before the Supernaturals arrived, what did you do for work?"

"I worked for my fathers company, I did all the graphic design." My thoughts lingered on all of the non-finished projects waiting in my email. Maybe one day life will go back to normal and I can finish them.

"Very cool. My records show that you went to college for art and design in Nashville?" Bingley asked but knowing full well from the answer that laid in front of him.

I nodded my head. "Yep."

"Have you ever wanted to be a Queen?" He asked sincerely. But the question makes me laugh.

"Well up to a week ago, I thought the only Queens left were in Europe and they were all wicked old. So nope, I have never wanted to be Queen." I said getting impatient once again. If this is how these questions are going to go, I might as well save us all time and head out now.

"Can you see yourself as a Queen?" Bingley asked timidly almost like he knew I would think the question was ridiculous.

I laughed loudly once again. "Not at all. I am by far not Queen material. I prefer chucks over heels, I hate wearing makeup and the idea of having to wear a big heavy crown all the time digging into my temples sounds terrible. Also anyone will tell you I'm outspoken and don't give a crap what others think of me. That doesn't quite make up a dignified Queen."

All three men stared at me… but not in disgust. Maybe more like awe… These Shifters just get stranger and stranger.

I looked at the three of them, unsure what to do now.

"I'll be honest Miss Bennet- " I quickly interrupted Bingley.

"Please call me Ellie, Miss Bennet is way too formal for me." I give them a kind smile, hoping to ease the tension that had formed after my last answer.

Bingley nodded. "I was going to say, to be honest Ellie, you are much more suited to be our Queen than you think."

My eyebrows shot up. Weird. Super weird.

"Most likely your King is a serious, dominant, Alpha male. The last thing he wants is someone to challenge his dominance. He wants a demure Princess that will beckon to his every whim. That's not me and I never will be." I looked each one of them in the eye, proving my point.

Bingley's smile somehow got even brighter with my last statement "I think it's exactly what he needs."

"Yes, but most of the time what someone needs isn't what they really want." I challenged him with a knowing smirk.

He nodded and grinned in understanding. Luke leaned over and showed Bingley his watch. He nodded toward both men.

Bingley put his hand out for me to shake. "It was very nice to meet you Ellie Bennet. I'm sure we will see you again soon."

I shook his hand, left the room and let Jane know it was her turn.

I noticed Jane seconds later heading into the side room with a tea tray. I smiled. Something I would never think to do, it's what makes her so caring and loving. It just comes so naturally for her.

Loud giggles echoed from the living room and mom was prattling on to someone on the phone. Already shouting to the rooftops that Jane would be Queen and a millionaire.

I shook my head and decided this was the perfect time to escape to the woods.

I desperately needed some alone time. This last week had been filled with so many extremes. I just needed a moment of peace.

I followed the worn path through the trees that I've taken my whole life. I breathed in deeply. Man, I've missed that feeling. The crisp, cool air of the deep woods filling my lungs.

Since college I have been living in an apartment with Lottie in Nashville. The day the supernaturals invaded, we hightailed it back home. Thankfully her family lives next door so we still have been able to see eachother every day. But neither of us wanted to be far from home when all this was happening. I loved living in the heart of the city, with all of its energy and excitement. But nothing relaxes me more than being here in my woods.

I sat down with my back leaned up against the trunk of one of my favorite trees. I let my head fall back and stared up into the infinite abyss of leaves. It was the start of fall and the colors were just starting to pop throughout the area. I closed my eyes and continued to inhale the sweet smell deeply.

Voices from behind the tree snapped me out of my peaceful state.

"You will get back to my room this moment!" A man's deep voice boomed across the woods.

"No! I don't want to go back there!" A young girl no older than 16, cried out. Clearly frustrated with the man.

Anger boiled within me. If that Shifter is forcing that young girl into his bed, I'm going to rip his head off!

"Hey! Fire boy! Leave the girl alone now!" I gave him my most intimidating stare. Which if anyone else was watching would have probably laughed their heads off. Here is itty bitty me, staring down a giant. An insanely handsome giant. But a giant most definitely. He had to be over 6'8". No matter, I wasn't going to let them think they can just push us around and we will be their play things.

He looked up at me and our eyes locked. I felt a pang in my chest and a foreign emotion took over me. This insane need to be closer to him overwhelmed me. Like an unknown force was pulling me towards him. I fought its pull with everything within me.

As I stared into his deep chocolate eyes, they transformed to gold before me. Almost like fire was flaming around his irises. Our eyes remained locked on one another and the world around us faded. All I saw was him. He was not just handsome, he was breathtaking. He had short brown curly hair that was left a little longer towards the front. A few of the longer curls on top tousled about in the fall breeze. Between his strong cheekbones and his intense stare I was starting to become weak in the knees.

The pull to be closer to him continued to tug on me until I could not control my feet any longer. He seemed to be having the same struggle. My body began moving on its own volition. Step by step we made our way to each other. We stopped merely inches from each other. Something deep inside urged me to wrap myself around him.

Around… this complete stranger! What is wrong with me????

Wasn't I just yelling at him for being a perv, preying on young girls! Now here I am almost panting thinking about climbing him like a damn tree!

"What's going on between you two? Brother, you ok?" The concerned voice snapped us both out of the strange haze we had been under.

I looked over at the young girl and quickly pieced it all together. Not a perv after all, just a protective brother. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I had been holding.

Why should that be a relief? I don't know this man! He is nothing to me!

Except as soon as those thoughts entered my mind, the pang in my chest hit me again. I looked up to see him starring once again. I averted my eyes. Not wanting to get trapped in whatever mystical force he was using on me.

"Seriously Liam! What is going on?" The girl looked at her brother then at me. "Do you know each other?"

-Liam-

As soon as I locked eyes with the pixie, my heart stopped.

One word repeated in my head over and over again: Mate!

Every inch of her enticed me. Her tiny frame, wild curly hair, piercing green eyes, luscious curves that made my mouth water. But most of all her dominance. No one had ever come close to challenging me like that. It was like a drug and I desperately needed another hit.

Even after Georgie interrupted our intense stare down, I still couldn't take my eyes off of her. There was no way this goddess was human. Her strength shined so bright it almost was hard to breathe around her.

Before I could answer Georgie, the woman shook her head "No."

She seemed to hesitate for a second, but before it overtook her she answered in full confidence. "No, we do not. But I am glad to know he is not trying to force himself on you. Now that would be pretty freaking disturbing don't you think?" She smirked at Georgie and her green eyes shined with mischief.

Something deep inside me wanted to know what else could make her eyes shine like that.

Before we could respond she got a phone call.

"I'm sorry it's my sister. I need to take this. It was very nice to meet you both!" She answered her phone and headed back the way she came.

Georgie and I were left awestruck.

Georgie's cough behind me distracted me from staring at My Pixie's perfect curves as she blurred behind the trees.

"So uh… what's going on bro?"

"Bro? Really? You have been out in the human world for an hour and you have decided you are one now?" I looked at her with a quizzical brow. My lips turning up slightly at the edges.

She smiled brightly "Yep. I think I was always meant to be here. I can tell, they get me."

As strange as it is, I get it. She has always been a little different then other female Shifters. Always full of joy and hope. Two things you would never find in a normal Dragon Shifter female warrior.

"Stop stalling and tell me what's going on! And don't even try to deny it. Anyone with eyes could see some kind of mating call thing happening between you two." She pointed her finger in my chest. Pushing it in deep enough to sting. A little. My sister's tiny strength could never really do any harm to me.

I let out a slow breath. "Because that's exactly what it was. She's my True Mate, Georgie." I stared back towards the trees where she was long gone now. Feeling that void, where for those few peaceful moments she filled.

Georgie's eyes went wide in shock. "Seriously? I mean, I knew that's what it looked like, but I can't believe it's true. You actually found her!" Georgie started jumping in place excitedly and then hugged me tightly. All of a sudden she stopped and pulled her arms back. A deep concern written all over her features. "But what does that mean about the prophecy?"

My hand went up to twirl my normal long curls in agitation. But forgetting once again they were no longer there. I ended up ruffling the short hairs on the back of my head. Hoping for some kind of peace to calm my nerves.

"No idea. The prophecy was very clear that the competition would help me find her. Maybe we weren't meant to meet now. Something must have changed the prophecy or… she is not my True Mate and my dragon is mistaken." My dragon thrashed in my head at the proclamation. Causing scales to form on my arms and smoke to come out of my nostrils. Clearly not agreeing with that thought.

Georgie's eyebrows shot up "Looks to me your dragon disagrees. He clearly believes she is your Mate."

Georgie knows as well as me, my control over my dragon is iron clad. I never let him take over until I'm ready. So for him to force a change on me when it wasn't my idea, means he's serious.

"My dragon has said that woman is my Mate non-stop to me since we locked eyes with her. But it still doesn't add up with the prophecy."

"What will you do?" Georgie said with wide eyes of concern.

A cold chill came across my skin. I knew exactly what I had to do for my people. I could feel my heart start to harden and darkness trickle inside it. With the darkness I silenced my beast. Not letting him change my mind.

"What I must. Every piece of me wants to rip back into the forest and track her scent. Find her and never let her go. But that's not what is best for the kingdom. At the end of the day I am King, Georgiana. I will protect and do what is right for my people. If the prophecy says I will meet my Mate in the competition, then that woman is not my True Mate. My Queen is someone else." I gave her a stern nod. Inforcing my decision. But the words felt like acid on my lips. Burning all the way down my throat.

"That's bull shit and you know it." Georgie spat the words toward me. Clearly disgusted with my change of heart. Echoing the little bit of light that still flickered in my heart.

"This kingdom was not built on what selfish people wanted. This kingdom was built on the best thing for its people. I can not just let that go because of my feelings. We might not understand the prophecy, but we must honor it." I said as forcefully as I could. Letting her know I was done discussing it.

"Well then you are a bigger idiot than I had ever thought." She turned her back to me in frustration.

"Let's be thankful it's a decision you never have to worry about then." I heard her gasp and could feel her anger crashing out of her. I immediately closed my eyes, regretting my words. Knowing I went too far.

It was never her decision to get sick as a baby. It was never her decision to be hidden away. It was never her decision to never be known as the last surviving Dragon female and Princess of our kingdom.

"Take me home now!" She gritted out through clenched teeth.

Georgie placed the invisibility bracelet, given to her by the Wizard, on her arm and disappeared within seconds. Quickly I shifted to my dragon form and she straddled my back. It was a well rehearsed action one we had perfected since Georgie had been old enough to hold on.

My dragon fought me the whole time. Batteling me for control. With every second that passed my heart hardened more and more.

I wouldn't let this pixie siren ruin everything we worked so hard for.

We will have the competition. I will find my Queen and we will help our people find their True Mates.