Chapter 6

-Ellie-

"Close your eyes" I could feel his warm familiar voice echo in my ear. His scent that drove me wild filled the air, making me think of starry nights beside a roaring campfire.

"Take a deep breath." I did what my man said and took a deep breath. His strong hands wrapped around my upper arms and I could feel his hard chiseled body pushed up behind me. "Can you feel her? Can you feel your dragon?" He whispered into my ear and I felt it tingle all the way down my spine.

I nodded. "Yes, it's like this warm glowing feeling inside me."

I could feel him nod in agreement as his chin rested on my right shoulder. "Yes. That's it. Now you need to call her forward in your thoughts. Become one with your dragon."

I looked back at my Dragon Shifter with a look of 'you have lost your freakin' mind'. "I have absolutely no clue how to do that! I have been super cool and understanding about all this. But-" Before I could protest anymore his lips were crashing into mine. Silencing me with a fierce, passionate kiss. Entangling his tongue with mine and making me drown in his endless fire that roared within him.

"If anyone can do this. It's you, my Queen". He said as he pulled back and looked me in the eyes with a content warm smile and traced a finger down the side of my cheek.

I woke up with a thump. I felt around me and quickly realized I was on my floor with covers wrapped all around me. I must have fallen off my bed.

Man, I haven't done that since I was a little girl.

I rubbed at my chest that felt like it was on fire.

Fire! What the hell was that dream about? Did he call me Queen? But wait, that was my Mystery Shifter. And did he say something about my dragon? What the heck???

My thoughts flitted through everything in the dream. I have had a lot of crazy dreams in my life, but that one takes the cake and it felt so entirely real. And so deliciously hot. My insides still were clenching from thoughts of that kiss.

I was still laying on the old hardwood floor of my room when Lydia ran in. "Ellie! Your ride is here!" She sing-songed. Way too cheery this early in the morning. "So Ellie, where did we land on your TV? Are you going to let me have it when you never come back?" Lydia asked with an eyebrow raised. I rolled my eyes at the annoying child.

Ever since I got my acceptance to go to the competition, Lydia and Kitty have been pestering me about my stuff. They are convinced that I will die in the cut throat competition and someone will need to inherit my stuff.

I ignored her, just like I did every time she had asked.

"Lydia please calm down, mom wants you downstairs." I let out a huge sigh of relief when I heard the calming voice of my eldest sister.

"Jane! Thank God! A voice of reason!" I said while trying to get out of the vice my twisted covers had around me.

"What on earth Ellie?" Jane laughed as she gave me a hand up.

"Yeah, I'm not sure myself. Just woke up like this." She looked at me curiously. But I was suddenly taken back by the woman in front of me. I have yet to see her since her Mating Ceremony. It's like she practically was glowing with happiness. I rushed over to give her a big hug. "Oh Jane! You look so happy! How are you doing? Has Charles been treating you right?" I asked with fake concern. Knowing good and well that Charles was taking very good care of my lovely sister.

Janes cheeks reddened and she gave me a small smile. "Yes he is treating me very well indeed."

I shook my head at her. "Oh I am sure he is. Before we get off onto that mountain of a subject. Please tell me what I am stepping into here. They have told you the plan, right? Because I have been told next to nothing. They said Charles and his goons would be picking me up this morning and we would head to Dragon Island. They told me not to worry about clothing, because they would provide me with a full wardrobe. But that seems really weird. So I am definitely going to bring my own stuff. Who knows what they will be dressing us in? I am not wearing corsets and wench gowns!" I said in a rush. Jane listened to me sweetly as I got myself all worked up and started to help me pack.

"I don't think it will be a big deal if you bring some of your own items. But I wouldn't get too carried away. They are providing some nice things for the ladies and I might have had a hand in picking them out." She winked at me and I let out a sigh of relief. If anyone knew my style it was Jane. Though I am sure she chose some nicer items then I normally would, they would at least fit me well.

"Well that's a relief. I'm not sure why I didn't think we would be going together. Well this makes this whole thing so much nicer to know you will be with us today."

"When Charles explained the original plan to me, I just laughed in his face. There was no way he was going to get everything done he needed to do and herd a bunch of human women to a fantasy island. So I immediately jumped up and told him the revised plan where I helped him get it all done." I smiled at Jane. She was quiet tempered and sweet as could be, but she also was a hard worker and knew how to get things done. I love that she felt comfortable enough with Charles that she could show him her true strong self.

"That's my bad ass sister for you! Tell her Mate what's what!" I said with a raise of my fist in excitement.

"I don't know about that. But it's been fun getting everything ready. You're our first stop, I had a feeling you might need extra time convincing and finishing up your packing." Jane said excitedly as we finished off my small suitcase.

Oh my saint of a sister! "Well you are too kind sister. Because as you could see I did indeed need your help."

I headed to the bathroom and took a quick shower. I skipped my usual routine of turning on classic rock and rocking it loud for the whole house to enjoy. I knew everyone was waiting on me and I needed to face the music and get this over with.

When I came back into the room with my towel wrapped around me, Jane had an outfit laid out ready for me on my bed.

I smiled brightly as I took it in. It was one of my favorite outfits, still on the nicer side but still comfortable and not fancy. My favorite pair of dark rinse skinny jeans, an olive v-neck printed tee with a silhouette of Abbey Road on it and a fitted black blazer to go on top. She even had pulled out my favorite necklace that was a long gold chain with a golden compass charm on the end.

I gave Jane a tight hug. "Thank you Jane. This is perfect."

She tucked a curl behind my ear. "I thought this would help you feel like yourself. I know this whole thing is completely not your thing."

"And you are completely correct. Now while I change, I need you to tell me everything. I mean everything! Well except the TMI details. I don't need to know how exactly Charles has rocked your world." I wiggled my eyebrows at Jane, who was blushing like crazy.

"Oh Ellie, it's been amazing. Netherfield is so beautiful and they have this huge staff that caters to everyone's needs. And oh Ellie, the food! It's marvelous!" Jane said with a dreamy look on her face.

My stomach grumbled at the thought. "Will we have a chance to get food on our way? I am starving."

Jane smiled brightly. "There are all kinds of pastries our chef made and strong coffee in the SUV.

My eyebrows shot up. "Wow. Sounds great. At least I know they plan on feeding us properly." I said while finishing up with putting my necklace on.

I decided to just let my hair air dry and curl at its own will.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror. I am who I am, I just pray when I come back, I can still say the same. That this whole thing doesn't turn me into someone else.

or something else.

What was that? It was like a strange female voice just spoke in my head. So weird.

"You look crazy hot Ellie. He won't be able to take his eyes off you." Mary said with a wink as she came up behind me. "Kinda like that Shifter the other day was looking at you."

My head snapped up to Mary's reflection and gave her a pleading look with my eyes. Thankfully Jane didn't seem to hear as she was working on something on her phone.

"Well I officially hate you two, you know that right?" Mary said with an annoyed look as she took my small satchel I had stuffed with a few things for the drive.

Jane and I glanced at each other with a knowing smile and rolled our eyes at Mary, but then came on either side of her and squeezed her tight.

"We love you too Mar! And just turn up your music extra loud. They shouldn't bother you too much." I said giving her one extra squeeze before letting go.

"Seriously! You guys are leaving me to the hyenas. But I do hope all goes well." Mary said genuinely and I couldn't help but hug her again. The three of us held on for a minute longer.

"Ok we really have to go. We will be late getting the other girls." Jane proclaimed and we headed down the stairs.

Charles and the two beefy shifters that always followed him around were being entertained by Mom, Lydia and Kitty in the living room.

"Oh Charles! The ceremony was just so lovely! And Jane looked stunning next to you!" Mom cooed loudly as we walked into the room.

Charles' cheeks were red but as soon as he saw Jane he was by her side with a huge smile on his face. They looked at eachother like they hadn't seen one another in a year, not only half of an hour. It was adorable.

My own heart ached as a memory filled me of my Mystery Shifter looking at me like that. The pang in my chest tightened. How on earth am I supposed to do this competition for some crazy man, while my heart yearned for some man I didn't even know?

What is my world right now!

"Ellie, we are so happy you will be joining us. I know my Jane is excited as well." Charles said while never taking his eyes off of Jane.

I smiled as Jane was just as enamored with Charles.

Aaron leaned down and whispered something to Charles and he nodded his head.

"Looks like it's time to go. Are you all ready to go Ellie?" Charles looked towards me.

I nodded and shrugged my shoulders. "I guess so. Let's do this."

Mom gave me a hug and pretended to wipe fake tears away. Putting on an emotional show for the Shifters. I know mom truly does love me, but she is not at all going to miss me.

Lydia and Kitty gave me quick hugs whispering to me all the silly naughty things I needed to do to get the Dragon Kings attention. I shook my head at their ridiculousness and pray they are somehow hit by maturity and decency whenever I come back.

Dad grabbed my arm right before I stepped outside. Honestly I almost forgot to say goodbye. He had been almost non-existent since I was told my fate. "I am truly sorry Ellie-girl. I wish I could stop this." I looked my dad in the eye, and saw his true concern there.

"Thanks dad." I looked down at my well worn converse, trying hard not to get emotional.

"Hey if anyone can do this, it's you." Dad said with a smirk on his face. But his words sounded eerie familiar. Where did I just hear that?

I nodded, trying hard not to tear up. I hardly ever cried. But the few times over the years when I let it out was when my dad told me how proud of me he was.

He gave me a quick hug and I headed out the door,

Where my jaw literally hit the floor. "Uh Jane, that's not an SUV, that's a spaceship!" A top of the line stretched Cadillac Escalade was parked on the side of the road.

Jane laughed at my expression and handed a few of my things to Aaron and he placed them in the back.

I laughed and looked over to see Lottie and her parents had noticed and came outside to check it out. Lottie ran over when she noticed me. "Can you believe this thing?"she said and I shook my head. I had ridden in a couple limousines for friends' sweet 16 parties and prom. But never something like this.

"Yeah this is crazy." I still stood there shaking my head.

Lottie wrapped an arm around my shoulders and squeezed me into her side. "Give 'em hell Ellie. Show them they can't control us. Never forget Lucas." She whispered for only me to hear. Knowing full well if they heard her she could get taken herself.

I nodded. And squeezed her back. Through everything with the Mystery Shifter and the happiness of Jane I honestly had forgotten about them taking the guys away. These smooth talkers had somehow made me forget what they had done. Even started making me think all this was normal. She let go of me and I clenched my fists at my sides.

I gave my family a wave and followed Charles and Jane into the huge car.

It was decked out on the inside with fine leather seats and all kinds of bells and whistles. Including a buffet area to the side with said pastries and coffee. I made a beeline to them, knowing I needed food and caffeine to survive this. Also I needed to avoid Jane and Charles right now. Too many thoughts racing through my brain.

I focused out the window and channeled my confusion and thought about all the upheaval the Shifters have done to our normal lives.

But then I see Jane and Charles and can't deny the true admiration between them. Also, chocolate eyes that blazed with fire sprung to mind.

Mine!

My head snapped up to Jane and Charles who were looking cozy in eachothers arms.

"Did you guys say something?" I asked, very confused. That voice was the same one I heard in my room.

Jane and Charles shook their heads but quickly went back to gazing deeply into eachothers eyes.

I shrugged my shoulders and waited for the next 9 competitors to fill the vehicle.

This was going to be a long day.