Beloved Reader -

I have heard your cries for "More Erik" and have decided to accede to your request. Therefore, the majority of this chapter shall be from His POV.

J.

XX

The moment Erik first came to Lana's dressing room, he knew trouble lay ahead. The tiny cramped space was packed with flowers, true, yet that wasn't the first thing that he picked up on. It was the unexplained absence of Lana that made him so troubled. Opening the mirror door, he stepped inside. Moving to her vanity, he looked for a note or some form of explanation for her disappearance. A note from the esteemed Louis Moncharmont d'Bienne was the only thing he could find. Resisting the urge to use the thing as a handkerchief, Erik decided to read it instead.

When he was finished, he laid the note down on the table leaving it just as he had found it. For a moment, he simply stood there waiting for the murderous rage to wash over him, to rob him of all sense of conscious thought, to fill him with the need for revenge. He waited for his long, immaculate fingers to itch for blood, to beg for the feel of men dying under his hands.

Erik noted that along with the absence of even the slightest twinge of jealousy, he actual was considering the possibility that Lana's absence had nothing to do with Louis.

"How novel," he whispered. His voice sounded oddly detached, like it was coming from someone other than himself. For centuries, he had wallowed in this dark obsession, filled with longing for on thing alone. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he was changing. Lana had changed him somehow. The emotion that filled him now wasn't precisely hope. Perhaps, it was more accurately described as a lack of fear. He no longer feared for tomorrow. The desire to throw himself into the deepest oblivion had dissipated along with his fury. Lana could never truly love him, he realized that. If she ever discovered the monster behind the mask, she would leave him as surely as everyone before her had. That didn't matter now, he knew. All that mattered was her.

Seconds later, Erik was back in the rafters overlooking the stage. Behind the scenes, the backstage was in a state of chaos. Singers and dancers alike flitted from dressing room to dressing room in varying states of undress. Stage hands fought through the crowds, trying desperately to complete their tasks.

Hidden in the shadows overhead, Erik neither heard nor saw any of this. His inhuman ears strained to hear one voice among the throng. A sense of triumph rushed through him. It was her. Pushing his heavy cloak back so that it didn't interfere, he leaped from rope to rope, moving as easily as a spider in it's web. Erik slipped down into a secret passageway that led behind the walls of the chorus room. The closer he came, the clearer her voice. As the music soared ever higher, pride swelled in his chest. This was his legacy. If he could never win her love, at least he could give Lana her dreams.

After a few moments, the singing stopped. He could hear the whisper of their voices. When they stepped into the maestro's office, Erik moved with them. The passageway ended right behind the office wall. The thinness of the wood in there made for easy hearing. Erik had no trouble at all hearing the maestro's offer.

Excitement and pride again lifted his spirit. Without waiting for the conversation's conclusion, he hurried back to her dressing room to wait for her there. Standing behind the mirror, he watched her enter. Upon seeing the ostentatious presentation of flowers, her eyes narrowed suspiciously - something that made Erik grin. He wondered if she even realized how easily her expressions could be read from her face. The girl would never make a good card player, but at least she could not lie. Not that anyone could ever actually lie to him in the first place. Erik had an uncanny knack for sensing the deceptive wiles of women. Again, in that respect, Lana was completely different. She had never deceived him, never lied to him. He wondered if she realized what a rarity she was among women.

Lana picked up the letter and read. Despite himself, Erik tensed. He didn't believe Lana was foolish enough to believe a single word the young wolf said, but Erik had learned long ago never to underestimate the stupidity of women. When she tore the note into pieces, he practically laughed with pleasure. Enough of spying, he thought as he reached for the mirror's latch. Just as he was pulling the mirror open, the dressing room door slammed open. Erik recognized the empty headed ballerina that barged into the room. Inwardly, he groaned. He had never been a patient man, but saw no choice but to wait for her to leave. From Lana's expression, she felt much the same as he. This at least gave some consolation.

Erik didn't bother to follow the conversation, so when Bella began to shout and cry hysterically it took him by surprise. Whatever tactics the girl was using apparently had worked. The anger melted from Lana's eyes, replaced now by sympathy. His lip curled in instant dislike. How dare the little chit attempt to manipulate Lana by lathering her in guilt. Go on... a voice inside his mind derided mercilessly ...pretend that you haven't stooped so low. Try to forget that you yourself once begged at the knees of Christine, pleading for her love...

Erik pushed these thoughts away, body tensing for battle. Into the room stepped the damned little wolf. From the back of his throat came a low growl. Like a caged lion, he paced back and forth behind the mirror, his eyes never leaving those of his adversary. There was something about the boy that drove Erik to distraction. A hint of malevolence hidden under the guise of a handsome demeanor. Not to mention the way Louis looked at Lana. There was something predatory, something intensely wrong with the way he watched her when he thought she wasn't looking. Again the low growl escaped his throat. Surely Lana could hear him. Unless she was too distracted by the young pup to listen, that is.

Despite his earlier emotions, his feelings of trust and certainty, Erik felt his temper begin to mount. He ground his teeth in frustration. He had lost the trail of the conversation going on in the room. Seeing the bastard kneeling down beside Lana had almost sent him into convulsions.

"She's mine...mine," he whispered fiercely, hands balling into fists.

Louis straightened up and moved away from Lana. It was obvious from her expression that she was relieved to see him leave as Erik was. The realization eased his mind just enough to let him listen again.

The twit was speaking to the boy now, babbling on about her new position in the corps de ballet. Erik rolled his eyes. Will they never leave? He managed to swallow his impatience long enough to hear something that sent a chill down his spine. Both the wolf and the chit were conspiring together, using their joint influence to sway Lana. Erik hoped she would be smart enough to realize her danger. He prayed she would be strong enough to say no.

Much to the surprise of all and horror of some, Lana said yes.

Erik waited quietly for the room to empty, watching Lana as she sat holding the wilted bouquet of flowers. Finally, when the moment was right he slid the door open on silent hinges and stepped inside.

XX

"What on earth am I going to tell Erik," Lana muttered, feeling rather lost and forlorn at the moment.

"What are you going to tell Erik, indeed," said a voice from behind her. Lana's eyes flew open. She spun around in her chair, her eyes taking in the familiar dark form. Her first impression of Erik was his expression. His ambers eyes seemed even more brooding than usual, a dark haze concealing his emotions from her sight. His brows were furrowed in thought. The corner of his lips turned down at the corner, set into a decisive frown. She had hoped that somehow he wouldn't have overheard her conversation with Bella and Louis. Apparently that hope was as useless as trying to cover up a zit with foundation.

With a sigh, Lana allowed her glance to move away from Erik's glowering face. He was wearing his long coal colored cloak, darker than the deepest of shadows. Lana found his cloak particularly appealing. Whenever he wore it, she always remembered the night he sheltered her inside it, guiding her in the darkness. Underneath, he wore slightly more modern attire - a black cable knit sweater with matching trousers.

Lana stood. Crossing her arms underneath her breasts, she met his gaze evenly. She had learned in her short lifetime that bad news was like taking off a band aid. It was always easier to face the problem head on, ripping it all off at once, rather than let things linger.

"Well Erik, I have good news and I have bad news. But before I get to either, I insist on changing clothes." She gestured towards her gold lame costume. "I haven't had a chance yet, so if you don't mind..." Okay, so maybe she didn't want to rip the band aid off right now. Did stalling make her a coward? Okay, well yes, but that isn't the issue.

Erik glowered from behind his mask, but Lana could see the barest hint of a smile glimmer in his eyes. She wondered how long that would last. Still, the knowledge that he wasn't already killing, maiming, or fainting made her relax a bit. Erik turned sideways, facing one of the few walls that wasn't adorned with a mirror of some kind. Shucking off her clothes and tossing them into an untidy pile, Lana began to rummage through her bureau for something to wear. No jeans, no shirts.

"Shit," she cursed under her breath.

Erik turned his head slightly. "Pardon?"

"Nothing," Lana said sweetly. Just that I'm standing in my dressing room in only my tighty whities while your back's to me... Throwing open her tiny closet, she searched for something to wear. Aha, she found a dress hanging forlornly in one corner. "Hmm..." she muttered, "I forgot I even owned that."

Lana paused, dress in hand. A slow smile crept onto her lips. She wondered what Erik would do if she had him turn around right now. Would he stop her if she walked into his arms wearing nothing but her bra and panties? Would he finally place those lips on her skin, welcoming her into his dark embrace?

"Would you hurry up with this," Erik growled.

A soft sigh escaped Lana's lips. This was not the time to press her luck. Erik was angry enough with her as it was. The last thing she needed to do was try his patience. Besides, if he rejected her, Lana didn't know if her heart could take it. Hurrying, Lana slipped the pale blue dress over her shoulders. It was simply made and cut with a modest scooped neck. The hem reached just below her knees. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she nodded her approval before calling to Erik.

"Alright, I'm decent."

Erik turned to face her, not expecting to see the vision that stood before him. He had never seen Lana in a dress before. Certainly, her costume for Aida had been in the Egyptian style, but it didn't count as an actual dress. The light blue color highlighted her pale skin and long black curls. Lana couldn't help but notice the approval in his eyes. A slow, steady heat rose from the bottom of her toes to the roots of her hair. She felt a blush turn her pale cheeks crimson.

For a moment, Erik could say nothing. He quickly regained control. Keeping his voice free of the raging emotions he felt, he spoke. "I believe you had something to tell me?"

"Ah yes - the good news or the bad news?" Amazingly enough, Lana was able to keep her voice from trembling. It wasn't nerves that made her feel so shaky. To see Erik staring at her so openly, however, made her feel so... so...

"The bad news," he said. Apparently, he wasn't going to let her off the hook. Erik walked to her dressing room door and locked it then seated himself on the settee. He gestured for Lana to sit as well. Feeling like a child about to be chastised, she sat down next to him. The low seated couch was rather small, she noted. The shoulders brushed against each other as she sat. The momentary contact sent ripples of sensation through her skin. Turning to face him, she folded her legs neatly underneath her while Erik crossed his own. Lana caught herself staring at his long fingered hands which he had rested on one leg. She became acutely aware that he was watching her, patiently waiting for her to respond.

Lana took a deep breath then slowly let it out. She forced herself to meet his gaze. The artificial lighting in her room set the golden sparks in his amber eyes ablaze. Without even realizing her dilemma, Erik held her enthralled with his strange gaze. He merely thought that fear of him had made her incapable of speech. To think of her being afraid of him sent a tremor of pain through his heart. Slowly he extended one hand, covering her smaller one with his own. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"You needn't be afraid of me," he whispered.

"I'm not," she said without hesitation. "It's just that..." I can't stop looking away from you... "...that I'm not sure how to begin, you see."

Erik sighed. Even that small, insignificant sound was beautiful to hear. "I will make things easy for you - I do not want you to go, Lana."

"Erik, Bella is my friend..."

He shook his head. "I care nothing for the girl. It's the boy I do not trust."

Lana's cheeks burned even brighter. Shame was the catalyst that helped tear her eyes away from his. Hearing Erik refer to Louis was too embarrassing to bear. "This has nothing to do with Louis, Erik. Bella is my friend, and before I met you she was my only friend. Did you know that when I first came to Paris, I didn't speak a word of French. Bella taught me everything about the theater. She helped me survive those first few weeks."

"Lana, I understand that the girl is close to your heart. That doesn't change the fact that the man is dangerous."

Erik's hand still covered her own. Lana took her other hand and grasped it with both of her own. Her eyes pleaded with him to understand, to give his blessing. "It's just one little party. I won't stay that long, I promise. Just long enough to make a social call and snag some free food. I know you don't like the idea. Hell - I don't like the idea. But you see, Bella is my friend. I'd do anything to keep her from being hurt. If I don't support her now, what kind of friend does that make me?"

Her eyes searched his for understanding. Carefully he kept his expression guarded. Silently he weighed his options. 1. He could forbid her to go. This of course would only force her to choose between her friendship with the silly little chit and himself. He was confident that he would win the battle, but in the long run Lana would grow to resent him. 2. He could tie her down. Unfortunately, the end result of this would be much like the previous option. Although he would at least have the satisfaction of seeing her tied up... This thought led to others. Erik quickly pushed that particular train of thought away before things got out of hand. 3. He could allow her to make her own decision, then do his best to protect her.

Again, Erik sighed. What choice did he ever truly have? Once upon a time, he would have kept her from leaving his side in a heartbeat without even a moment's consideration. Was it this remarkable girl that had changed him so much, or merely the effects of years of rejection.

Lana held his hand tightly in her own. Erik encircled her narrow wrist with his fingers, drawing her hand closer to his body. "I ask only this Lana - that you promise to be careful."

Lana's smile lit her entire face. She practically was flushed with pleasure. "Of course," she stammered, not sure what else to say. He cares about me... she could see the evidence in his face plain as day. His hand was warm against her skin. Sensation arched through her arm into her body.

Erik met her eyes again, holding her with his steady gaze. "We will not speak of it again then, agreed?" Lana could only nod feebly. Moving with all the litheness of a feline, he lifted himself off of the settee. "Now for the good news," he said with a smile. "I do believe congratulations are in order, yes?"

Lana's eyes widened. "You know? But... How in the bloody hell did you find out? I only found out myself a few minutes ago."

Looking down at her surprised face, a crooked smile curved the corners of his lips. "I'm with you always, Lana. Even when you least expect it. I've guarded your steps since the moment I met you." He extended his hand to her. Without question, she took it. Erik helped her to stand. For some reason, Lana was suddenly feeling light headed. There was an intensity to Erik tonight that she had never sensed before. It left her breathless. "You've done something that none of my other proteges could achieve. Not only have you gained access to center stage, but you've paved the way yourself." Holding her arm, Erik guided her closer to him. His smile widened. "I wish to tell you something, Lana. I've tried over and over again to guide my precious students to fame. Never have I seen someone gain such recognition so easily."

He reached out to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. Lana closed her eyes, inclining her head toward his touch. Erik was careful never to touch her to often, afraid that to do so was only to invite disaster. Tonight, he was less cautious. The dress Lana wore made her look even more beautiful than ever. He simply couldn't resist the temptation of touching her.

"As I was saying, cherie, there are congratulations in order. Tonight I have a surprise for you." It was almost as if he had read her mind earlier. Just as she had hoped, Erik shifted his cloak so that it enveloped them both. His rich, intoxicating scent filled her nostrils, threatening to overwhelm her senses.

"Are we going to your house by the lake?" Lana managed to whisper between numb lips. Her head was swimming, but she didn't care. Erik had slipped one hand around her waist, holding her carefully against him. She allowed herself the supreme indulgence of resting her hands against his chest. She could feel the ripple of muscle whenever he moved his arm. There was strength in his body unmatched by any man she had ever seen. A thrill of excitement rushed through her body, making every neuron sizzle with anticipation.

"We're not going down," he stated simply. When she looked at him in confusion, again he smiled down at her. "Tonight, we're going up."

XX

That night would become forever in Lana's memory as the most magical, the most fantastic she would ever know. Erik took her on a journey through the maze of beams and rope ladders that soared above the stage. Well above the reach of common men, seated among the highest beams, together they perched. He showed her the secret places that only he knew. He took her to his favorite spot to watch the opera, the ledge by the chandelier high above the audience. When that was not enough, Erik led her higher and higher until they reached the rooftop.

Only when they sat together upon Apollo's Lyre did he allow their manic pace to slow. There, chaperoned by the mighty statue himself, Erik held Lana against his breast. Together they sat wrapped tightly together under the warmth of his cloak until the sun began it slow ascent. At some point in the night, Lana had fallen asleep, her head resting against him. Wrapping her body tenderly in his arms, Erik carried her back to her dressing room. Laying her on the settee, he covered her with a warm blanket. Kneeling beside her, Erik tucked the blanket around her slender shoulders. In her slumber, her pink lips had parted. For once, the temptation was too great to resist. Moving slow, as if in a dream himself, Erik pressed his trembling lips against her own. The kiss was light so as not to waken her, yet it was the most tender thing he had ever experienced in his entire accursed life. He wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and make her his. To lie her on his bed of satin. To cover her body with his own.

Strength of will was the only thing that saved the child from what he realized was a fate worse than death. Once she knew what lay behind his mask, she would never want to know of the kiss he had stolen. Brushing back the hair from her forehead one last time, Erik returned to his lair, his body burning with desire that he feared could never be slated.

As soon as Erik had left the room, Lana's eyes popped open. Her lips burned from his kiss. Her skin still tingling from his remembered touch. A slow, contented smile spread across her lips. He loved her.... he just had to learn how to admit it.

Lana was patient. She could wait...

XX

A/N: Hoped you guys liked it : ) Does the read and review dance

As for the eventual rating, thanks for the feedback!! We'll have to see what happens together, you and I...