Chapter 4

-Liam-

As soon as we landed on my balcony outside my room Mr. Reynolds was there to greet us.

He bowed in his quiet way. I nodded my head back in acknowledgement.

"Mr. Reynolds will you see that Georgiana settles back into her room. She might need an extra guard tonight. She has decided to be a little extra adventurous today." I said through gritted teeth.

Georgiana re-appeared then holding her invisibility bracelet in her hand, where she had just taken it off her wrist. She huffed loudly and rolled her eyes. Clearly still ticked at me.

Mr. Reynolds nodded in understanding and respectfully followed her into our adjoining rooms. I shook my head at the scene.

Beyond thankful for Mr. Reynolds and his late wife. Their family had been serving mine for centuries. Charles, Mr. Reynolds, and a few trustworthy guards are the only ones alive who know of Georgiana's existence.

I knew I could trust them with my life and the one thing I held most dear. Georgiana will eventually calm down. I know she doesn't understand my choice, but maybe one day she will. Hopefully she will understand why I didn't choose that siren, when she meets my chosen Queen after the competition. My hope is whoever will be my Queen is able to be a good friend for Georgiana. I know she needs that desperately.

I headed towards the study. I needed a stiff drink more than ever. Seconds after filling my glass, I had downed it and was filling it a second time. As soon as I let my self relax in the overstuffed leather chair, thoughts went to the pixie.

No! You will not think of her! She is a siren! Here to poison your mind!

My dragon growled fiercely at me. Almost feeling like his tallonds were scratching me from the inside. Disagreeing with my every thought.

As I battled my dragon within, Charles strode in like he was floating on a cloud. He has always been the most positive, happy Shifter I know. But this was extreme even for him. Almost like he was glowing rays of sunshine.

"Can you tone down the happy rays? It's upsetting my dark brooding." I gave him a mock glare.

His smile became even brighter at my annoyance.

"Well I have good news for both of us." Charles stated as he poured himself his own drink.

"And that would be…?" I raised an eyebrow at him. Ready to be done with this conversation and be left to my sulking.

"Well I have seen many lovely ladies the last couple days. A lot have been ehh ok, a few have been decent, but only one was perfect for you." Charles said, still grinning madly even while taking a sip of his drink.

The pang in my chest tightened at the mention of a perfect woman. I absentmindedly rubbed at my chest where it ached.

"Sure. I'm sure you found the perfect woman." I said with an exaggerated eye roll. Knowing exactly what the perfect woman for me was like and highly doubted he would have noticed her as a contender. Tis the reason I have very little faith this competition is even going to work. With Charles choosing they will all be perfect cookie cutter blondes.

"I'm about 95% sure she's your True Mate." Charles said cockily.

My eyebrows shot up. "95% sure. That's pretty sure. Please do tell what makes you think she is so perfect for me? Did she have perfectly styled blonde hair and was the epitome of pure sweetness. Almost Angel like?" He rolled his eyes back at me. Well aware I was quoting his take on his perfect woman.

"Nope. That's my kind of lady as you know. Yours is a tiny thing. She couldn't have been more than 5'2" She has long curly dark brown hair that has a mind of its own. Lots of nice curves and is feisty as hell." He winked at me and took another sip of his drink.

My heart started hammering in my chest.

Mate! Mate! Mate! My dragon started chanting once again.

"What color eyes does she have?" I asked in an almost whisper. Silently praying they were brown or blue. Anything but…

"Green. Super intense green too. But her most impressive feature is her dominance. The girl has so much strength within her it's terrifying." Charles said with a shake of his head. Still seeming in awe.

A growl of want escaped me. It was her.

My Pixie.

Well… shit. I was screwed. There was no way I could have her come and be that close to me and not want to devour her. Every inch of her, while knowing she wasn't my True Mate. I would need to come up with some reason for Charles to not accept her.

SHE IS YOUR TRUE MATE! How many times do I have to tell you? Screw the prophecy!

My dragon bellowed in my brain for the 100th time. No matter how hard I tried to tamp him down. He continually fought for control on this issue.

But… if it is My Pixie and Charles found her for the competition unbeknownst to me, then maybe she could be my Queen. We just happened to meet earlier than predicted.

My heart continued to hammer in my chest. My thoughts at war with each other in my head. Making me think I would go mad before the competition even started.

I let out a shaky breath "What is her name?" Charles looked at me curiously realizing for the first time that I was acting stranger than normal. This kind of uncertainty I never let people see. I'm always sure and confident. That's what makes me a strong king.

"Elizabeth, but she goes by Ellie." Charles said while still trying to figure out what's going on with me.

"Elizabeth" I said under my breath. Testing it out. Reveling on how right it sounded on my lips. My Dragon was fully awakened now, almost yipping with excitement in my head. Like a dog that just found its bone.

I calmed my dragon down and steadied my hammering chest. This still doesn't mean it's her for sure. I wished so badly I could know.

Then it hits me. The wizard! I could go to him again and see if the prophecy had changed. There had to be an explanation.

"Charles, I need you to find Gammear. I need to know if the prophecy is still what was said a year ago." Charles eyes widened. Wanting so badly to ask more questions, but stopped himself.

Charles might be my best friend and knows me better than anyone, but he is also my second. My beta and when given a command, he will follow it. No matter how badly he wants to question it.

He nodded and headed for the door. When he had the door halfway open he hesitated for a second, like he remembered something but then carried on through the open door.

Charles hesitation reminded me of his first statement when he walked in the study. "I have good news for both of us…"

"Charles!" I called out loudly. Hoping he had not gotten too far out of earshot.

A second later Charles popped his head back in the doorway.

"Yes, My king?" He said mockingly with a formal bow.

I shook my head at him, but couldn't help the chuckle that came out. He only called me that when I ordered him around too much.

"Hey you said you had good news for you as well, what was that?"

Charles whole face lit up and his demeanor lightened within seconds. "I found my True Mate." He said wistfully.

"What! Are you serious? Why didn't you start with that?" I said jumping up to hug my best friend. "This is amazing news Charles. Does she know?"

"Yes she knows and has accepted to be my mate." I'm not sure if his grin could get any wider, but somehow it does. I patted him on the back. Beyond excited for my best friend.

"Well tell me about her, is she like the blonde Angel you always dreamt of?" I said while gesturing with my hand for him to sit back down on the chair beside me.

A goofy smile covered his face. "Oh Liam. Jane is the most beautiful thing I have ever beheld."

"So I'm guessing you met her while doing an interview for me. Should I be worried that you stole my Queen from me?" I raised an eyebrow at him. Trying to hide my smile.

He laughed loudly. "Oh no my friend. She was not in the running at all. Yes I did interview her, but that was purely for selfish reasons. I knew immediately she was my mate, but I had to get her to actually look me in the eyes. The interview was just a ploy to help with that."

I chuckled knowing immediately that if she struggled to look into 'happy submissive nicest guy in the world' Charles eyes, she would never be able to handle me.

"She is a breathtakingly beautiful, blonde, blue eyes, sweet, kind and everything pure and perfect in this world." He sighed as he thought of his Angel.

I can't help but smile at the dreamy look on his face.

"Have you decided when you will have the mating ceremony?"

"Yes, I thought it best for us to be mated before we go to Dragon Island. We would be away from each other for too long if we decided to wait till after the competition. It could become too painful for me. Jane suggested she could go with her sister, be her assistant during the competition. But the idea of My Angel being un-mated and surrounded by thousands of horny Dragon Shifters makes my blood boil." Charles sneered at the thought and smoke started to snarl from his nostrils. Clearly not ok with that idea.

"Her sister has been accepted for the competition?" I asked curiously.

He smiled brightly. His anger gone in seconds. "Ellie, the woman who I think is perfect for you, is my mate's sister." He gave me a wink with his wide grin.

My eyebrows shot up. Completely surprised that these two women who sound like complete opposites are sisters.

Immediately I became stiff, realizing Elizabeth would be here for the mating ceremony. My heartbeat picked up. How do I explain my absence to Charles of why I can't attend his ceremony? Elizabeth can't know who I am. Especially now that she will be a part of the competition.

I opened my mouth to come up with an excuse when Charles spoke first. "I completely understand if you don't want to be present for the ceremony. I know you are trying to keep a low profile before the competition."

I let out a breath, thankful for Charles who always understands.

"I think that might be best, but I'll be hidden away where hopefully I can watch without anyone seeing me." I tell him while leaning my elbows on my knees.

"Sounds good. Maybe Georgie can watch with you?" Charles said hopefully. Georgie is just as much of a little sister to Charles as to me.

"She would love that. You might have to ask her though, she is currently not speaking with me." I let out a huff at the drama.

Charles laughed. "What did you do this time?"

I glared at Charles for that kind of remark. "She is just ready to have her own life and hates being cooped up. She escaped today. Once I found her and made her come back she wasn't happy with me."

"She's a teen Liam, she will get over it." Charles said gently.

I nodded my head knowing he was right. I'm sure Georgiana will be back to normal tomorrow.

Charles left me soon after and I leaned back in my chair. Feeling just as confused, but a hundred times lighter then when I came in the room an hour ago.

Maybe, just maybe Elizabeth, my pixie is my queen after all.

-Ellie-

The next few days went by in a blur. Charles came back the next day for my last interview. But his questions were super strange. Not really my opinions on things, important things. But just my favorites and preferences. Like what my favorite color was? Favorite ice cream flavor? Favorite meal? Once I answered them all he gave me my official invitation to be a part of the competition.

After I received the invitation, I had to take an hour long walk to calm myself down. I had still been hoping their was a possibility that they would see how wrong I was for the King and give the spot to someone else. But I should have known with Jane being Charles True Mate that I was in this thing no matter what.

After walking through the woods I went and spent time with Lottie. Who to my dismay was not chosen for the competition. I even tried to put a good word in for her to Charles but he just smiled and laughed. If it was anyone else I would have been super annoyed that he was making fun of my best friend. But I could tell with Charles saying 'No' was super uncomfortable for him.

Lottie helped me come to terms with the competition a little bit more. Reminding me if anything I would be surrounded by loads of extremely hot Dragon Shifters. So that was a plus. Even though only one Shifter filled my thoughts non-stop since that day in the woods.

Also with me being accepted, I know for sure dads company would be taken care of for now with the 10,000 that I will get the day we will leave for Dragon Island. So I am truly thankful for that.

The rest of our time was filled with preparations for the Mating Ceremony. Charles offered to have it at Netherfield and once mom got ahold of that information she didn't stop till everyone in Tennessee heard all about it. Charles offered to take care of most of the details, so the only thing we had to worry about was getting Jane ready for the big day.

We were all beautified in new dresses, even though we would not be officially Jane's bridesmaids but she wanted us to feel like we were. Even calling me Maid of Honor almost every time she talked to me. It was cute, I would have thought her not having the wedding she always dreamed of would have made her sad, but she had taken it in strides. Just happy to be with Charles anyway she can.

"Oh Jane! You look stunning!" Mom shouted way louder than needed as Jane got ready for the ceremony in a spare bedroom at Netherfield. "Even though you weren't chosen to be Queen, which still completely baffles me…" She grunted while not so subtly giving me a heavy side eye. To which I suppressed an eye roll and tried not to laugh. "But I'm so glad Charles was not blind to your beauties." Mom dabbed at her cheeks as she admired Jane.

Jane really looked gorgeous. She went with a sleek A-line dress with elegant lace cap sleeves. She decided to pull her hair to the side with loose curls and fresh white flowers adorned her golden hair.

"Janey! You look so freakin hot! Seriously, hunky Charles isn't going to know what to do with himself when he sees you!" Lydia screamed and gave Jane a big hug.

Kitty came up beside her and whispered something to Lydia and mom. It made all three of them erupt with high pitched giggles. Like they were all 13 again.

While they were distracted Mary and I inspected Jane in the mirror one final time, making sure all was perfect. I then noticed a smear of hot pink lipstick on the shoulder of her dress.

"Lydia! You got your heinous lipstick on Jane's dress!" Mary lashed out. Knowing how thoughtless Lydia could be, and with a ridiculous color as well.

Surprisingly, Lydia was genuinely sorry and immediately contrite.

I rushed out to the bathroom a few doors down to get a wet washcloth.

But a solid block of muscle stopped me before I could even take two steps down the hallway.

I looked up to find a set of deep chocolate eyes that once again seemed ablaze with fire.

It was my Mystery Shifter.

My hand flew to the pang in my chest, that now felt like it was on fire.

The mans hands that had shot out to steady me, now rested comfortably on my waist. As our eyes locked, his strong fingers curled around my hips. Gripping me tightly pulling me towards him. But there was no pain, just this feeling of rightness. Like being held by this insanely strong man was what I always was meant to do.

In a swift motion, the Dragon Shifter pulled me through the open door that was directly behind him. He closed the door, pinned me up against the wall and kissed me fiercely with a desperation I had never known. Almost like he hadn't had water in years and needed it to survive. Normally that kind of thought would absolutely terrify me. Someone needing me that much, but it made sense to me. Because I needed him just as badly.

In the past I thought I knew what it felt like to have a passionate kiss. But those were Boy Scout kisses compared to being kissed by this mountain of a man Dragon Shifter. I never felt so alive. So understood and by someone I had only shared a few sparse words with.

He lifted me up and without thinking I tried to wrap my legs around him. But my long floor length gown didn't have enough give to make that happen smoothly. Unless I wanted to reveal a lot more skin then I had planned with a man I just met.

But then again the fire that roared between us clearly made my normal restrictions dissolve.

We both laughed as I fumbled for a second, but then he sat me back down. I figured he would realize the craziness of what we were doing and pull back. But instead it was like no seconds had passed and he had me pressed up against the wall once again.

His kisses were warm and strong. Teasing me with his tongue and gently biting at my lip. We fought for control and I reveled in a man that could match me in this kind of battle. His kisses trailed from my lips to behind my ear, sending flames of passion through my whole body. Then he moved to suck and nip on my throat. Almost making me shake with need.

His right hand became lost in my hair, while his left hand started mapping every bit of my side. Like he was memorizing every curve.

When his roaming hand started caressing my ass, a traitorous moan escaped my lips. I knew immediately it was time to slow this crazy train down.

I pulled back immediately and took a few steps back.

Realizing when I did that we must be in the library. It was a beautiful room filled to the brim with antique books. If it was any other time, I would of loved to take my time and soak up every ounce of this room.

I looked back up towards the huge intense Dragon Shifter. His gaze still direct and never leaving mine. He seemed to be barely containing himself. Looking as if I let him, he would have his way with me any second.

Never had a man looked at me like that. Like he would give his life to be with me. I should be 100% terrified by that look, but for some crazy reason it calmed me and filled me with a peace I've never known. Making me want to run back into his strong arms.

We must have been staring at each other in complete silence for what felt like ages, when someone pounded their fists on the door.

"Ellie! Are you in there? Did you get swallowed up by a shifter? Where the heck did you go?" Mary's concerned voice filled the room as she opened the door.

Her eyes went wide as she took in the two of us. The huge Alpha Shifter with his brown curls sticking out all over the place that was still staring at me like he wanted to devour me. Then there I stood clearly looking wrinkled and knowing my wild curls most likely resembled a rats nest with how he was fisting it earlier.

"Uh… Ellie the ceremony is about to start." Mary said while taking a long look at my mysterious shifter.

I shook my head slightly, helping myself to focus. I straightened my dress and began combing through my hair. All of a sudden I felt his warm fingers on the side of my lips.

"Some of your lipstick smeared." He fixed it back to normal. And gazed one more time into my eyes. Then he leaned down close to my ear and whispered. "I will see you soon, Elizabeth." He placed a soft kiss on my cheek, then dragged his lips slowly from my ear to my chin. Giving me goosebumps from his not so clean shaven face. Then just like that he was gone.

Mary gave me a big cocky smile "So… whatcha been up to?" She sing songed holding her hands behind her back. Trying to seem innocent.

I rolled my eyes at her. Trying not to laugh at her knowing smile. "Do not tell anyone!" I said straightening myself for a final time. Hoping all was back together.

She cocked her head and raised one eyebrow towards me. "And what would that be dear sister?" I smacked her arm, grabbed her hand and headed out the door.

I took a breath as we walked towards the gardens where the ceremony was being held. I know Mary will drop it. Mary and Jane are the only ones in the family I trust to actually keep my business quiet. Even dad might give it up, if the information benefitted him in some way.

We rushed to the front seats where everyone was already seated. Hoping to be as quiet as possible, but with how small the ceremony was we stuck out like a sore thumb coming in late. Add insult to injury, mom gave me a very loud talking to about how I was ruining my sisters day.

I wanted to yell back at her that a handsome Dragon Shifter just felt me up in the library, but I figured that might cause her to have a cardiac arrest.

I tried to calm myself down and focus on the big day. Trying to stop my thoughts from replaying everything that just happened in my mind over and over again. The way he bid me goodbye and sent chills down my spine.

Wait a second! He called me Elizabeth right before he left!

Normally that would tick me off that he used my full name, but it sounded so sexy coming from him. But how did he know my name? I guess seconds before Mary had called me Ellie, but it's like he had known for sure my name was Elizabeth. Weird.

I could still feel the warmth in my chest that he was still near but I couldn't see him anywhere. Instead I focused on the perfectly decorated gardens. Everything was covered in bright beautiful flowers and white lace was draped delicately above. It was sweet and perfect just like Jane.

The small quartet of stringed instruments changed their tune to Clair de lune. One of Jane's favorite songs. There was no walking down an aisle towards the groom. That was not custom in a mating ceremony. Charles and Jane stood from the front row and walked hand in hand to the front. They faced each other and committed their lives to one another. I would never have believed that two people who just met could adore one another with such devotedness.

Now after experiencing my own insanely passionate experience with a Shifter, I could see how it was possible. Though my feelings are far from being understood and he is not my shifter. He didn't ask me to be his mate. Just kissed the living daylights out of me and then disappeared.

But he did tell me he would see me soon.

What did that mean?

Was he planning to come to the ceremony but got held up. Is he planning on stalking me and appearing randomly to neck me in a closet?

I hate the part of me that prays it's the last one. It's like all of my strong will and determination vanishes when that man appears.

Applause around me woke me up out of my thoughts and I quickly joined our small party to stand and congratulate the perfect couple.

*Authors Note*

Thank you all for letting me know you are enjoying my story. I am so happy to hear from quite a few Non - Fantasy fans that I am bringing you to the dark side! I hope you all continue to enjoy this fun hot adventure!