Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me (though I think if it were up to him, he wouldn't belong to anyone), only my own characters do.

Author's Note:

You know, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. This last week Windows decided to die on me and I had to rebuild my hard drive from scratch. Thank God I didn't loose any files (especially the ones for this story). It took me 6 days to get everything back to normal (Erik blames Raoul, I'm blaming Bill Gates). So I'm giving you all an extra long chapter with lots of meaty plot and a fun lemon to make up for the darn computer pooping out on me.

To LittleMargarita: Glad you liked the poetry, it just sort of came to me as I was writing the chapter. I'm glad it turned out so well, I'm usually a very bad poet. And Erik is a romantic after all, so it all fits together.

To phantommistress: Erik still says that you're crazy for thinking he can go 15 times in one night. He keeps saying about how there just aren't enough hours in a night to accomplish it. Anyway, I hope you're prepared for more Pixie and Brownie hi-jinks. As for Erik being an assassin, just read Susan Kay's book for more info (though I have taken a few liberties with the story for my own purposes).

To foxgodess07: What shoe? Nothing's dropping around here except for a lot of rain. Anyway, some more plot development in the next few chapters. Life outside the forest does go on you know (winks).

I also want to thank everyone that has signed up for updates and marked it as a favorite; you also keep me writing and don't be afraid to write a review. I don't bite…well…not hard anyway ;-).

I really need your help, I'm going to do more artwork, but I can't decide who to draw next. Who do you want to see next? There's a poll up on my profile and you can vote for any 3 choices. The one with the most votes get's drawn next. Only 1 person has voted, don't be afraid, it's anonymous!

Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the more I write. Now,

Phantom of the Glen

Chapter 18

The Master Has Now Become the Student

"Erik, breakfast!" S'ray called through the open barn door.

"Coming," he replied from inside the barn.

"Good morning," she smiled as he walked from the barn. "I hope you're hungry."

"Very hungry," Erik said, gratefully taking the plate from her and sitting down on a stump to eat. "So what are you planning on today?" he asked between bites.

"I have to finish planting the garden and then you and Tavlyn can put the fence up," she said on the fence around the small horse corral. "And you?"

"I'm going to put Tavlyn on his ass today," he replied.

"Erik dear, you said that yesterday."

"I know."

"And the day before."

"Yes."

"You've been saying that for the last week and a half," she laughed.

"Correct again. Are you doubting me?" he asked putting down his empty plate and standing.

"Oh no, I just think it's cute," she smiled as he walked up to her.

"That's not what you were saying last night," he smirked standing in front of her.

"Very true," S'ray said looking up at him.

"Too bad Tavlyn will be here before long," he mused moving closer to her.

"Why? What did you have in mind?" she asked as he placed his hands on her hips and nuzzled her neck.

"Making you moan my name over and over," he whispered silkily as his body slipped between her knees and his hands went around her waist.

"Mmm, later tonight love, later tonight," she sighed as his lips brushed her neck.

"Does that mean there's a rule that says we can't make love after breakfast?" he asked, his hot breath sending a shiver down her back.

"Not at all," she smiled closing her eyes. "I just don't want you making Tavlyn jealous."

"You do know that I really don't care if he's jealous or not," Erik said now kissing her neck.

"Very," she gasped as he pressed his arousal against her. He continued kissing her, the coolness of his half-mask contrasting greatly with the heat from his mouth and making small shivers run down her back one after the other.

"Till later then," he smirked drawing away from her, "when I can take my time to love you properly."

"Hey! Hey! Stay away from the garden!" S'ray scolded the sparring men.

"Sorry!" they answered in unison before Tavlyn chased Erik back to the area they used for sparring.

The Alve put on a burst of speed and tackled Erik. He grabbed his wrists and pounded his sword hand against the dirt till he let go of his sword. Then he planted a knee in Erik's back and held his broad sword to the back of his neck. "Give," was all he said.

Erik nodded in defeat.

"Now, what have you learned?" he demanded, not moving from his position on the phantom's back.

"Never, ever turn my back on an opponent," he replied.

"And what else?" he pressed, putting more of his weight on Erik's chest.

Erik was silent, trying to think of what else he'd done wrong.

"I'm waiting," Tavlyn said, digging a knee harder into his back.

"Don't get distracted by women," he said finally.

"Very good," the Alve said standing up. "Ready for a break?"

"No, let's go again," Erik said standing up and dusting himself off.

The Alve waited till Erik was reaching for his sword and proceeded to attack. The phantom somersaulted over this sword and grabbing both ends in his gloved hands brought it up in time to block the blow. Tavlyn brought up his sword for another strike, giving him just enough time to roll to the side and grip his sword properly.

In the middle of his down stroke, the Alve changed it to a slashing blow aimed at Erik's legs. The Opera Ghost brought his sword around and blocked this blow also, driving the other's sword to the ground. Then he put his foot on the flat of the blade and rose to his feet.

Tavlyn released his blade and backed up. The phantom held his sword at the ready, watching his teacher and trying to read his next move. The Alve's eyes flicked from Erik to his own sword and back to Erik again. He backed up two more steps and reaching behind himself, pulled out a long dagger.

Erik watched him carefully; he knew how good the man was with a sword, so he must be equally good with short blades. Never taking his eyes from the Alve, he bent and grabbed Tavlyn's sword with his free hand. Tavlyn remained where he was, just watching him.

The phantom knew this had to be a test of nerves. Well, if Tavlyn thought he had patience, he was about to find out how much patience a ghost possessed. They circled each other like a pair of lions about to square off. Erik continued to watch, waiting patiently for the Alve to make the first move.

He watched Tavlyn slightly tilt his head to the side, a sign that he was about to attack. The phantom saw the Alve's fingers shift on the hilt of the dagger and he charged forward. Erik braced himself and as the Alve came forward, he thrust the swords out in front of himself, crossing them.

Tavlyn had anticipated Erik's defensive move and instead of clinching with the larger man, did a wheel kick upwards. He was horizontal in the air as the phantom's swords crossed over each other. Then his trailing heel caught Erik in the forehead, knocking him backward to the ground. Erik fell backward as Tavlyn flipped backward and landed on his feet. The back of Erik's head slammed into the ground and he lay unmoving in the dirt.

"Well," Tavlyn said sheathing his dagger behind his back. "I guess I didn't need that, now did I?"

Erik didn't answer him.

"The dagger was only a distraction, you can still take down an opponent who's better armed that you," the Alve continued and turned expecting to see his student sitting in the dust. "Erik, are you alright?" he asked dashing over to his prone form.

Tavlyn quickly checked him for wounds and found none. "Now is not the time to play possum with me," the Alve said checking his breathing; it was strong but a little shallow and fast. "Wake up Erik, wake up," he said gently shaking his shoulder.

The phantom didn't move, not even his eyelids fluttered.

"S'ray!" Tavlyn shouted, "I need your help!"

S'ray looked up from the garden when she heard Tavlyn call her name. She saw him kneeling next to her lover, who lay unmoving on the ground. "Erik!" she cried out and ran over to them.

"What happened?" she demanded kneeling opposite of Tavlyn.

"We were practicing and I was showing him how you can disarm someone who's better armed. I flipped backward up in the air above his swords and kicked him with my foot," Tavlyn explained.

"You kicked him in the head?" she said shocked.

"Umm, kind of," he replied sheepishly.

"Good job Tav, you knocked him out. Where did you hit him?"

"About there," he said pointing to a spot on Erik's forehead where a lump was forming.

"That's not much of a bump. Did he hit his head when he fell?"

"I don't know I didn't see him fall. He didn't answer me; I turned around and found him like this."

"He must have hit the ground really hard," she said feeling the back of Erik's head. "Good, there's not blood. You don't realize how lucky you are right now Tavlyn Quick Blade."

"I didn't mean to hurt him," Tavlyn said turning red and hanging his head.

"There's a pretty bad lump back here."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Go to the barn and get me a couple of horse blankets."

Tavlyn did as he was ordered and came running back out with two blankets. He handed one to S'ray and covered Erik with the other one. S'ray had already pulled his mask off and gently slid the blanket under Erik's head. "What now?" he asked.

"Go into my medicine cabinet in the kitchen and get the smelling salts," she said gently brushing Erik's hair back from his forehead.

The other Alve brought out the smelling salts and handed them to her. She pulled the stopper and lifting the phantom's head slightly, waved them under his nose several times. Erik grimaced at the ammonia smell and turned his face away from the bottle.

"Erik, lie still," S'ray said capping the bottle and handing it back to Tavlyn. "Erik, can you hear me?"

"S'ray," he mumbled blinking his eyes and trying to focus on her.

"Don't try to get up, you fell during training and hit your head pretty hard," she said placing her hands on his shoulders when he tried to sit up.

"Figured that . . . head hurts," he whispered grimacing.

"I know, I know," she soothed caressing his cheek. "Erik, I need you to open both your eyes for me. I want to make sure this is nothing worse than a bump on your head. I'll shade your eyes, now open them for me."

The phantom slowly opened his eyes and focused on his lover's face above him. She looked intently at his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief; his pupils matched and were normal. "Are you going to let me up to practice now?" he asked.

"I'm going to let you up, but you two are done practicing for today and the next two days," she frowned at him.

"But . . . " he protested.

"No buts, those are my orders," she said firmly. "You are going to rest for the remainder of today and Tavlyn will help me with your chores."

"I'll be fine, this isn't the first time I've ever been knocked out," Erik replied.

"Really? Then all the more reason for you to rest," S'ray frowned.

"It's just a headache, I'll be fine," he said trying to sit up anyway.

"Well, if you don't rest now you can rest later tonight . . . by yourself," she smiled.

The phantom was silent for a moment, considering the options she presented. "Perhaps a short nap would help get rid of my headache," he relented.

"I knew you'd see it my way lover," she smiled. "Now sit up slowly."

He sat up slowly, letting the blanket pool around his waist. "Mmm, that didn't feel good," he said putting his hand to his forehead.

"Just sit for a few minutes then," she said rubbing his back.

Erik nodded and then grimaced in pain. Tavlyn came over and knelt on his left side. "Let me know when you're ready to stand, I'll help you up," he said.

"I'm ready," he said letting them steady him as he slowly stood up.

"Now just take it easy," S'ray said putting her arm around his waist.

"Right," he replied, not daring to nod and risk his headache getting worse.

They walked him in the house and upstairs to their room. "You can go Tav, I've got him from here," she said as they stopped next to the bed.

"Right," he nodded. "I'll go start on the garden fence then." He released Erik to her and went down the stairs again and outside to start work.

"Alright, sit down slow," she said, "and I'll help you into bed."

"Going to join me and make sure I stay here?" he asked with a strained smile.

"Later," she sighed as she knelt to remove his boots.

"Good, not in the mood now anyway," he replied laying back on the bed once his boots were off. "Can you do something to make it darker in here?"

"Yes, I'll close the shutters," she said going to the windows. She leaned out and pulled the shutters closed before latching them. Then she also pulled the curtains close, throwing the room into even deeper shadows. "How's that?" she asked going back over to him.

"Mmm, much better," he sighed opening his eyes.

"You gave me a scare today," she sighed sitting by him on the bed.

"Did I now?" he asked lying on his side.

"Yes," she replied brushing his unruly hair back again. "I didn't like seeing you lying there and not moving."

"I'm sorry," he said taking her hand. "I don't like to think that I frightened you."

"I love you Erik and I don't want to lose you," S'ray smiled and kissed his marred cheek.

"I love you too," he replied bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it.

"Get some rest now," she smiled caressing his cheek.

"I will," Erik answered and closed his eyes.

S'ray got up and went to the chest at the foot of the bed. She pulled out a light blanket and was about to throw it over him when he said, "I'd prefer to take my shirt off first."

"Want some help?" she asked.

"Hmm, do I want a beautiful woman to take my clothes off? I'm not sure, let me think about it for a while," he teased. "What do you think?"

"Even when they're in pain, some men never change," she sighed sitting beside him on the bed again.

"Would you like me to show no interest in you so you can worry about me again?" he continued teasing and gingerly rolled to his back.

"Interesting, one good knock to the head and you suddenly develop a sense of humor," she laughed.

"I've always had a sense of humor," he replied as she pulled his shirt out of his trousers. "It's just a macabre one."

"So I've noticed," S'ray smiled as he sat up. Then she reached over and pushed his shirt off his broad shoulders.

"This would be more enjoyable if my head wasn't throbbing," he sighed as she pulled his shirt off the rest of the way. Once free of the shirt, he pulled her close for a brief kiss. "Now I feel better," he smiled releasing her.

"Good, now lay down so I can get your pants off," she said gently pushing him back down on the bed. Then her hands went to the waist of his trousers and unfastened them. "Well this is not the scenario I envisioned for getting you stripped down to your drawers."

"And what did you have in mind?" he whispered lifting up his hips as she tugged his trousers off.

"I was going to lure you into the creek with me for a swim," she sighed taking his shirt and trousers and hanging them over a chair. Then she came back and sat by him again.

"I'm already sorry I missed that," he said lying there in just his drawers.

"So am I," she said with a wicked smile and covered him with the blanket. "I love you," she smiled and kissed him again. "Now get some rest."

"Love you too," he murmured rolling to his left side and falling asleep.

S'ray shut the door and went back downstairs. "Brandji!" she called once she reached the kitchen. "Brandji, I have an important job for you."

"I am ready for duty," the Brownie said saluting from the counter.

"Good," she smiled down at him. "Erik was hurt while practicing with Tavlyn today; he's upstairs sleeping now. I need you to keep an eye on him and make sure he's alright."

"For you, I will do that," he said. "What happened to him?"

"Tavlyn got carried away and accidentally knocked him out," she replied. "Can I count on you to come and get me if he does anything that's unusual for him?"

"Yes, I will watch him like a brother," Brandji replied.

"You don't have any brothers," S'ray sighed.

"OK, like the brother I never had then," he shrugged.

"Alright," she smiled. "I'll be outside if anything happens."

Tentatively Brandji opened the door to the master bedroom. The room was deeply shadowed with the shutters and curtains drawn. He could see his nemesis sleeping on his left side in the middle of the bed.

They Brownie moved quietly through the room. Then he climbed up on the bedside table to watch him. "You are now in my power," Brandji grinned rubbing his tiny hands together. "You are mine to toy with."

"I'll play with you later Brandji. Right now I'd like to sleep so my head stops pounding," Erik mumbled from the bed.

"You . . . you . . ." he said pointing at the phantom.

"I what?" he asked, not opening his eyes.

"You suck," Brandji said finally.

"Been looking in the windows again?" he asked opening shining amber eyes.

Brandji's mouth dropped open. "That is not what I meant," he frowned.

"Brandji, will you do me a favor?"

"Why would I do you a favor?"

"Because you'll like the results."

"What is it?"

"When Tavlyn goes to the stream to wash up, let Luniana know about it."

"Why would I do that?"

"Trust me, you'll like the results."

"No, absolutely not," the well-dressed man with the white blonde hair stated.

"Why not? He threatens everyone in this theatre!" the Vicomte replied.

"Really? Since I bought this establishment there have been no threats against anyone here. Am I correct monsieurs?" he replied looking toward the managers Andre and Firmin.

"Oh correct, not a single note. Isn't that true Firmin?" Andre quickly replied.

"Very true, not notes and not threats and no accidents either," Firmin agreed.

"And I intend to have things stay this way. Besides you said the last time you encountered this Phantom was in Fontainebleau Forest correct?" the owner asked.

"Yes, that's correct Monsieur Phelon," Raoul replied.

"That forest is miles to the southeast of Paris," M. Phelon observed. "Are you concerned more for the Opera or for your new wife?"

Raoul stood there speechless; he was not accustomed to being spoken to so bluntly, especially by a foreigner.

"Well?" the other blond gentleman asked. "Are you going to answer or just stand there with your mouth gaping like a codfish?"

"Monsieur DeChangy I am no fool. I bought the Opera Populaire fully knowing the circumstances of the fire and exactly who was involved," the new owner said evenly.

"But Monsieur," the much younger Vicomte started.

"But nothing," he frowned with an edge to his voice. "This opera house now belongs to me and I shall run it as I see fit and not according to the paranoid fears of a spoiled young noble who is still wet behind his ears."

The three Frenchmen just stared as the fair-skinned Greek went back to his examination of the financial records of the opera.

"You are dismissed Monsieur," he said not looking up from the ledgers.

Insulted, the Vicomte huffed and strode out the office door, ignoring the two dark-haired bodyguards.

"Messieurs, a word please, before you leave for the evening," Phelon said as Andre and Firmin moved toward the door as well. They turned and stood before the desk like two children who had misbehaved and were about to be chastised. "A word of warning gentlemen," he said still studying the figures. "I trust you will immediately bring me any notes from the Opera Ghost or Phantom. I will not tolerate a repeat of your past mistakes. You are dismissed for the evening."

"Yes, of course," Andre said.

"As soon as they show up," Firmin added and they both turned and walked out.

"Barrin, Merrick, did you find anything in your explorations?" he asked after he was sure the managers had left.

"The opera house is honeycombed with secret passages, two-way mirrors, secret rooms and a lot of traps for unwanted visitors to those secret places," the larger of the two bodyguards responded.

"Oui an' from what I've been able t' get from de female members of de chorus, dis phantom was a man an' not a ghost," Merrick added.

"Any trace of anyone being in the tunnels besides yourselves?" the younger blonde asked.

"Non, Archie, it's just been us," Merrick replied.

"Not true," Barrin frowned. "I came upon the ballet mistress in the second sub-basement last week."

Phelon quirked a blonde eyebrow. "Now what business would the ballet have down there?" he mused. "Give her a message that I would like to see her at her earliest convenience."

"Yes master," Merrick nodded and left the office.

"So what do you think?" Phelon asked turning to Archie.

"Of Merrick or the Opera Ghost?" the younger man smiled.

"Either, but I'm more concerned with the Opera Ghost for now," Phelon smiled.

"I think he is a very clever man who is probably an architectural genius from those passages we've found. He also knows how to prey on the superstitious traditions of the theatre," he replied. "And I would like to meet this man."

"And you Barrin?" What are your thoughts on this supposed ghost?" Phelon asked the remaining bodyguard.

"I agree he's a man. He also hasn't been here in months, I would say since shortly after the fire. I'm going to reserve judgment on how smart he is till I meet him," the dark haired man replied.

There was a knock on the office door. "Come in," Phelon said.

"You wanted to see me Monsieur Phelon," Madame Giry said coming into the office.

"Yes, gentlemen, if you would excuse us," he said rising from his chair. The other two men nodded and left the room. "Please, sit Madame," Phelon said gesturing to the chair across from his.

"Now what can I do for you Monsieur?" she asked sitting in the offered chair and doing her best to disguise her trepidation at being called to his office at so late an hour.

"You've been here since you were a young ballerina correct?" he asked sitting again.

"Yes, that is true," she replied calmly.

"Then perhaps you can help separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to the infamous Opera Ghost," he said and steepled his fingers.

Tavlyn waded up to the bank and reached for his drawers, but they weren't there. What the? he thought, I know I left them right here.

"Hi Tavlyn," Luniana crooned from a nearby branch.

The Alve froze. "Luniana, where are my clothes?"

"What clothes?" she asked innocently.

"The ones I left here on the bank."

"Oh those clothes," she smiled. "You look much better without them, besides you don't need them anyway."

"Why not?"

"I brought you something to drink," she said changing the subject.

"I'm not thirsty," he replied crossing his arms over his chest.

"But you worked so hard all day, you must be thirsty. Besides, I made it just for you," she squeaked batting her eyelashes at him.

"That's very kind, but I'm really very tired right now."

"It'll pep you up."

"I should really get some rest."

"I'll help you relax."

"I'm already relaxed."

"I can change that," she smiled hovering in front of his face.

Tavlyn swallowed hard, it wasn't easy remaining calm with a naked Pixie in front of your nose.

"Please," she said, hands clasped and a mock look of innocence upon her face.

"You aren't going to take no for an answer, are you?" he asked trying to block his last private encounter with Luniana from his all-too-active imagination.

"Nuh-uh," she smiled sweetly.

His shoulders drooped in defeat. Well, I may as well enjoy it, he thought eyeing the naked Pixie. "Very well, where's the drink you made me?" he asked.

"You have to lick it off me," she smirked.

"What?"

"I sort of . . . spilled it . . . on myself."

"I highly doubt that was an accident," he glared at her.

"Oh how could you ever assume that I would commit such a nefarious act of subterfuge?" she said indignantly.

Tavlyn quirked his good eyebrow at her, then he grabbed her out of the air and licked her from her feet to her neck. Luniana purred in delight and went limp in his hand. "All of me," she giggled spreading herself before him.

"Mission accomplished, his is in her Pixie clutches," Brandji crowed after climbing back in the window.

"What happened?" Erick asked opening his eyes.

"She made him lick the potion off her," the Brownie laughed.

Erik smiled, they were wrong; revenge wasn't a dish best served cold. Revenge was best served hot or by a hot Pixie in this case. He pulled the blanket back up around his shoulders and closing his eyes, fell back to sleep.

"Ah, good afternoon young sir," the bookseller greeted the Vicomte.

"Spare me your pleasantries," Raoul snapped. "Have you got it?"

"Yes, I have been able to procure the tome you requested," he nodded going back behind the tall counter.

"So give it to me," he demanded.

"Not so quick sir, it was more expensive than anticipated," the bookseller said.

"How much?" the nobleman demanded impatiently.

"A book such as this is very hard to obtain and even dangerous should the wrong parties find out that you have a copy," the old man said cryptically.

"How much?" Raoul asked again.

"60,000 Francs and not a penny less," he replied.

"You've got to be joking," the young man growled.

"Hardly and be happy I'm not asking for it in gold."

"But 60,000 Francs for an old book?"

"Sir! This is not merely an old book," the shopkeeper huffed. "This is knowledge of the ancients and if they knew I was in possession of it they would stop at nothing to get it back."

"Don't try to intimidate me old man," the young Vicomte sneered.

"You asked for my help and I have found the book with the information you wanted and now you say the price is too high?" the shopkeeper frowned. "If that is the case then I can find another buyer for the merchandise."

"Very well, I'm sorry," Raoul relented. "It's that I'm very worried about my wife."

"Have you the money with you?" he asked.

"Yes," he said pulling out his wallet and counting out the money. The Vicomte handed over the cash and the old man carefully counted it again.

"Thank you sir," he smiled when he was satisfied that the amount was correct. "I have the book secured in back, I'll be back shortly."

Several minutes later he returned with a large book wrapped in black velvet. Raoul was silent as the man reverently set the book on the counter and carefully unwrapped it. Then he slowly opened the leather bound volume for the Vicomte's inspection. Raoul stepped forward and examined the open pages. "It's in French," he said clearly surprised.

"Yes, very lucky to find it, a French monk copied it at Fontainebleau Abbey from an original Templar text. He disappeared shortly after it was finished along with the original; they never found his body, only his rosary in a pool of blood," the old man explained. "Shall I wrap it up for you?"

"Yes, please," the young noble said looking forward to examining the contents of the book in the privacy of his own library.

"Here you are sir," the bookseller smiled handing over the book now wrapped in velvet and covered in brown paper. "Thank you for your custom."

Raoul nodded and left the tiny shop.

"How's he been?" S'ray asked after entering the room with a tray of food.

"Fine," Brandji answered. "He sleeps for a while and wakes up long enough to roll back over."

"Good, there's food and cider downstairs for you," she smiled.

"Thank you Guardian," he grinned. "Should you need me again, you have but to ask."

"I will, thank you Brandji," she said and watched the Brownie scurry out of the room. The she set the tray down on the night table and sat on the bed beside the phantom. "Erik," she said softly and put her hand on his shoulder. "I brought you some supper."

"Mmm, S'ray," he said opening his amber eyes and rolling to his back. "What time is it?"

"Supper time," she replied, "you've slept through most of the day."

"So I see," Erik said sitting up.

"How's your head?" she asked.

"Much better, if you'll hand me my trousers, I'll join you downstairs," he said stretching.

"No need, I brought supper to you."

"I can walk myself downstairs to eat, I'm not an invalid."

"I know, but I've brought it just the same."

"Are you going to feed me too?" he smirked.

"Only if you refuse to eat, then I'll sit on you and force it down your throat," she said leaning closer to him.

"I would like to see you try," Erik said narrowing his eyes.

"I'm sure you would, but then I won't give you the letter that Henri brought this afternoon," she smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"I suppose I have no choice then?"

"Not if you want your letter."

"What if I want you as well?"

"Later, I still have some things to take care of."

"What happened to Tavlyn?"

"I'm not sure, he went to clean up after finishing and I haven't seen him since. He's probably feeling guilty about giving you a concussion anyway," she shrugged.

"Oh it's not entirely his fault, I should know enough to duck when fighting him," Erik replied.

"Well, a little guilt is good for him," she smiled bringing the tray over. "After you eat, I'll hand over your letter."

"Using my own tactics against me, I see," he smiled.

My Friend,

I am so glad to hear that you have found someone who loves you for who you are. You have been alone for far too long and I am overjoyed at your happiness. It is good to know that your relationship with Christine did not keep you from finding true love with another. I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

Things here at the opera are going well. We've just started our new season with Faust. Meg's debut as our new Prima Ballerina was a success. It was very kind of you to send roses to her dressing room; she was so surprised when she saw who they were from. Christine was not able to attend, her new husband keeps her home all the time and won't let her visit her old friends. It has been especially hard on Meg; they were as close as any sisters could be.

It is still too dangerous for you to come back to Paris. Raoul is still determined to find you. He's been back to the opera several times now demanding that the new patrons/owners allow him to search the building for any trace of you. A request they have adamantly denied every time from what Christine has told us in her letters.

We still don't know much about the new owners. I'm guessing they are probably father and son, but that is only my guess. They have two body guards, one we only see when they are here, but the other will show up during the day to check up on Andre and Firmin.

They seem to be very interested in the legends and stories surrounding you. I've noticed the younger of the two bodyguards and the younger owner both charming information and stories from the ballet corps and chorus. They've done nothing to the young ladies beyond flattery, smiled and kissing their hands; however you know how young women will act when mysterious men show the slightest interest in them.

Hopefully things will settle down here before long and we can make arrangements to get some of your things to you. I have a feeling that Raoul is about to push the new owners too far with his insistence to find you. So for now it is best that you give me no hints of where you are staying.

Fondest wishes on your new beginning,

Antoinette Giry

S'ray quietly opened the bedroom door; she could see Erik still sleeping in the middle of the bed. She padded over to the fire and lit several candles. Then she went over to her vanity to retrieve her hair brush. She stood in the dim light brushing her damp hair till it was completely dry, never noticing the figure watching her from the shadows.

Erik drew farther back into the shadows as she lit the candles. He waited, watching her brush her hair out. She put the brush away again and went back to the fire. As she stretched, he slowly came out of the shadows and crept toward her.

She finished stretching and untied the belt of her robe so she could remove it. Suddenly it was whipped from her hands and the loops from behind. Then before she could even think it was wrapped around her and she was pulled backward against her captor.

"Mmm, look what I've caught," his voice whispered low against her ear.

"I . . . I thought you were asleep," she stammered, clearly surprised and a bit unnerved by his catching her unawares.

"You thought wrong, besides I've been asleep for most of the day," he replied still holding her tightly.

"Does this mean you're feeling like yourself again?" she asked leaning her head back against his solid chest and trying to see his face.

"More than you realize," he smirked. "And no trying to peek. You should know that sleeping all day has put me back into some old habits."

"Such as?" she queried.

"Sleeping during the day and being up all night," he purred and emphasized the last by pulling her flush against his groin.

S'ray gasped as he pressed her against his arousal. "What else?" she asked as her breath quickened.

"Capturing those who have seen my face," he growled.

"So the Opera Ghost has me?" she asked relaxing against him.

"Who else?" he replied.

"And what is the Opera Ghost going to do to this particular victim?" S'ray asked breathlessly.

"Something he's never done to one of his victims before," he growled.

"And what is that?" she asked as his hot breath caused a shiver to run down her back.

"Drag her off to his bed and ravish her," he breathed across her ear and licked the pulse point on her neck.

She gasped again and leaned her head to one side.

"Please resist me, I've got so much energy right now that I'll never fall asleep before dawn," he whispered and kissed her cheek.

S'ray nodded and said, "Just don't get carried away."

"You're the one who's going to be carried away," he growled.

"No, please don't," she gasped. "I beg you."

"Too late, you're past the point of no return," he sang pulling her backward with him toward the bed. "No backward glances."

S'ray smiled inwardly; this was a side of Erik she hadn't expected and she liked it. Then she planted her feet and began to struggle against him. "No, don't," she gasped pulling away from him.

"No use in fighting," he replied loosening his hold just enough to let her slip away. He grinned as she darted away and followed her. Her hand was on the door knob as he caught up with her and pinned her against the door. "No escape from me now," he purred running his hands down her sides.

"Why me?" S'ray gasped as he pressed her against the door with his virile male body.

"You've caused my blood to start to boil," Erik sang pulling her backward again.

"Please release me, please release me," she sang in response and struggled against him again.

"Never, you're past the point of no return," he responded pulling her close again. "No use resisting." He held her with one arm and pulled her robe off her shoulder with the other, revealing purple lace underneath. His eyes widened in surprise, he'd never seen anything so feminine and alluring on her. Erik's desire and curiosity were piqued and he quickly pulled the robe from her body.

S'ray whirled to face him and his breath caught in his throat at the sight that greeted his eyes. She wore what resembled a corset, but without any boning and it laced up the front and back with ribbons. Lace straps across the shoulder held it up and provided a lift to her now heaving bosom. Instead of her normal pantalets, she wore what had possibly been the beginning of trousers; however they ended just below her bottom. The garments hugged her every curve and were made of a purple lace that left very little to the imagination. Completely at a loss for words; he just stood there looking at her, hunger plain on his face.

"Well?" she asked, a sly smile lighting up her features.

He closed the distance between them, never taking his eyes from her. "You never cease to amaze me," he smiled.

"Does that mean you like this?" she asked turning around so he could see from all angles.

"Erik likes it very much," the phantom replied easily slipping back into using third person when referring to himself again. His fingers ghosted over the fabric covering her breasts, turning her nipples to hard peaks.

"Good, Luniana will be very happy," she sighed leaning into his touch. "Are you sure you're up for this? I was just going to sleep in this tonight."

"Did you really think that would happen after I saw you in this?" he growled taking her by the shoulders and pulling her close.

"I thought it would depend on how you were feeling at the time," she said reaching up to his mask.

"Mmm, not so fast," he replied tipping his head back out of her reach.

"Don't you remember your no mask promise?" S'ray frowned.

"Erik made that promise, not the Opera Ghost," he smiled wolfishly.

"I thought Erik wasn't going to share me with anyone," she said as he deftly pushed one of the straps off her shoulder.

"He won't mind in this case," he said and bent down to kiss her neck.

"And what if I do?" she asked.

"I'll change your mind," he replied as he pushed down the other strap.

"So you're going to make love to me with your mask on?" she gasped as he licked her neck.

"Of course, I am the Opera Ghost," he whispered in her ear and cupped her breasts through their lacy covering. Then he grabbed her hands in his and pulled her to the waiting bed.

"Then you leave me no choice," she replied and planted her feet again.

"Too late, you're coming with me and I'm going to have you over and over and over again," he grinned pulling her forward.

"Never," she said shaking her head and trying to break away from his grasp.

"Oh yes," Erik said jerking her forward.

"No," she gasped as she connected with his broad chest again.

"Mmm, now this is more like it," he smirked sliding his hand down to cup her bottom.

Reflexively she slapped his bare cheek. He grabbed her other hand and kissed her fiercely. She resisted, nipping at his lower lip. "That's the fire I like," he said pulling her backward with him again.

He scooped her up in his arms to quell any further resistance and carried her to the bed. The phantom laid her on the bed and covered her body with his, holding her captive. "No please," she gasped when she felt his erection pressed against her.

Then his mouth descended on her lips in a bruising kiss. She gasped and tried to turn away, still resisting as he'd asked her. She pushed at his shoulders while he held her legs trapped between his own. He lifted his head and looked down at her with fiery eyes. "Having fun?" he asked with a grin.

S'ray nodded 'yes' and continued twisting her body beneath him. His hand moved to the ribbon tie between her breasts and undid it. His breathing quickened as he pulled the ribbon from the eyelets and watched her breast spill out of their confines. He leaned down and first licked, then sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. "Mercy," she gasped as his mouth left trails if fire across her skin.

"Never," he growled slipping his hand inside her very brief pantalets. She pushed harder against him.

"No, no," she gasped over and over, trying to twist away from his searching fingers.

He smiled wolfishly as his fingers slid between her wet folds. "Your mouth is resisting, but your body is begging for my touch," he smirked.

"No," she denied shaking her head.

"Liar," he growled and stroked her clitoris to demonstrate his point.

S'ray gasped and arched against him. He bent his head to her breasts again, teasing her nipples to hard peaks. One of his fingers slipped inside her while he rubbed her clitoris with his thumb. "Oh please, please," she gasped, her body writhing beneath him.

"Please what?" he growled leaving a trial of fiery kisses down the valley between her breasts.

"Please take me Opera Ghost," she pleaded as she shook with a small climax.

He sat up and looked down at her; she was flushed and her chest was heaving in a very fetching way. "Strip now," he growled getting off from on top of her.

"What?" she gasped pulling the lace over her breasts again.

"You heard, strip for me," he said, raw lust plain in his voice.

"No, don't make me," S'ray said with a shake of her head.

"Either you do it or I rip your clothes from you," he threatened.

She sat up and slid to the edge of the bed. Standing, Erik pulled her to her feet and then waited with his arms crossed over his bare chest. S'ray took a couple steps back from him and holding her top closed with one hand, pulled the lacing out the rest of the way with the other. Then after turning her back to him, allowed the garment to fall to the floor. When she turned back to face him, he saw her using her mane of honey colored hair to conceal her breasts from him.

His hungry eyes watched her hands slide to her hips and start pushing the purple lace down her legs a bit at a time. Erik could feel his breath quicken as she slowly revealed her most secret place to him. The shimmy of her hips mesmerized him as she moved the fabric lower and lower. Finally, it fell to the floor and she stood before him gloriously naked.

"Back on the bed," he growled and watched her lay back down and wait to see what he would do next.

She watched his hands move to the buttons on his trousers and deftly unfasten them. He slid both trousers and drawers down his lean hips in a fluid motion, never taking his eyes from her naked body lying on the bed before him. Slowly he stalked over to the bed and cat-like crawled from the foot of the bed to loom above her in the shadows of the room.

"Please," she gasped, shrinking back from him.

"So no you beg me for it," he smirked in the darkness as his knee slid between hers, nudging them apart. His hand moved down to and pulled one of her legs up around his waist. He looked down at her waiting, her eyes met his and she nodded.

Erik slid into her with a long groan of pleasure. She cried out softly as he filled her and wrapped her other leg around him. "Oh, that feels so good," she sighed as her arms went around his neck.

"I told you I'd make you change your mind," he smiled down at her.

"Still wide awake?" she asked adjusting her hips beneath him.

"Yes," he groaned and began to slowly move over her.

S'ray gasped sharply as he buried himself deep inside her.

"You feel like heaven," he murmured burying his face in her neck.

She shivered as his cool mask touched her hot skin. She felt the pleasure begin to wind up inside her again as he covered one of her nipples with his mouth. Her fingers tangled in his ebony hair, holding him to her breast. "Harder, harder," she gasped beneath him.

Erik's mouth moved across her chest to her other breast, leaving a trail of burning kisses on her skin. She moaned and writhed beneath him, her fingers now digging into his back. His hands moved up to grasp the headboard of the bed. He drove into her hard, a low growl rumbling from deep within his chest. S'ray cried out his name with every thrust and lifted her hips to meet his.

S'ray pulled his mouth down to hers; his tongue slipped inside and mimicked the movements of his body. She whimpered into his mouth, the pleasurable tension building steadily inside her. He broke the kiss so he could watch her reactions to his efforts.

Even in the dim light, he could see the distinctive flush on her body that signaled she was close to coming un-done. She was so warm, her skin almost burned; a distinct contrast to his which always seemed cool to the touch. Even in the heat of passion, he never grew as warm as she did. His body did warm up and he could feel himself sweating, but it was nothing like S'ray; she practically burned in comparison to him.

He felt her arms slip from around him and watched her briefly caress her breasts before sliding her hands up so she could grasp the headboard as well. This was definitely not the slow and tender lovemaking they usually enjoyed. This was rough and primal and exactly what they both needed tonight. Her cried became more and more desperate until she finally screamed out his name and her body shook uncontrollably in release. Erik thrust into her several more times until he groaned out his own release.

She felt him collapse onto his back next to her, his breathing still heavy. A smile came across her face and she sighed contentedly; that had been just what she needed, a good hard fucking. S'ray slowly opened her eyes and rolled toward him. Erik was sprawled on the bed next to her and though it had slowed some, his breath still came quickly. She reached across him and pulled the mask from his face. "Thank you," he said and taking the mask from her, tossed it on the bedside table.

"No, thank you," she purred cuddling next to him.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked, possessively wrapping an arm around her.

"No, in fact I really needed a good, hard fucking like you just gave me," she sighed and kissed his scarred chest.

"Mmm, same here," Erik said and kissed the top of her head.

"How do you feel?" she asked running her leg along his.

"Absolutely amazing," he grinned stretching out next to her.

"Would you have really ripped my clothes off earlier?" she asked running her fingers over some of the many scars that criss-crossed his chest.

"Yes," Erik replied settling into the bed.

"Hmm, next time you may have to do just that," she said with a little laugh and closed her eyes.

"Mmm," he smiled and held her closer. "I love you."

"I love you too," she murmured, already drifting off to sleep.

Author's End Note: Don't get upset . . . they were play acting and not out of character! Besides, they both have a wild side that needs to be let out every now and then. And hey, don't forget to vote in my poll and help me decide which characters from the story I draw next.

Coming up in Chapter 19 – Good Morning Beautiful

Some old habits of Erik's never die, but then again why should they? And what the hell is Raoul up to and what is that book he's purchased. Does Christine know what is going on with her new hubby even? What happened to Madame Giry in Monsieur Phelon's office? Will Andre and Firmin grow a pair and stand up for themselves? Where the heck did Tavlyn disappear to?