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:

"Ahh we have fan girls!"

"Yes we are finally as popular and sought after as the Phantom."

"You're dorks!"

"Go away you little winged pest, we are basking in our fans adoration."

"They're laughing at you, you dorks."

"No they're not, they love us."

The Tamster grabs a broom and sweeps Brownies away from her computer. "Gah, Brownies at my keyboard. Sorry everyone, on with the shout outs."

To Nonnihil Scelestus: Yeah, major things in this chapter. Hang on tight.

To foxgodess07: Erik fall for a trap? Perish the thought and read on.

To phantommistress: When is Erik's Birthday? I don't know, he's never said when it is. The Pixie and Brownies would like to know how they inspired you so they can let Erik know. Yeah, Luniana has a favorite new perch, Erik's shoulder. Why? He's tall and she thinks he's cute. Is there a pill for mystical creatures? I don't think so, but we'll cover that in an upcoming chapter. Are S'ray and Erik the perfect couple? Well, we'll just have to see and find out, tests are coming their way. BTW, Erik says to stop asking so many personal questions.

To NewPhantomFan: Glad you like the story, welcome aboard. Glad you enjoy the story. Yeah, poor Erik never thought he'd be in demand by females. Hopefully this chapter ends just as perfectly.

To Missy: Glad you finally reviewed the story, please keep on reading. Erik naughty? Maybe just a little bit and mostly to harass the Brownies.

To Arianna of the Stars: Another Brownie fan girl, they're so happy with themselves now. It's just a battle of the wills between them and Erik, who knows which side will win. We'll be getting into more of Erik's Faye side after this story arc. Yes, things will be settled between Erik and Raoul, just keep on reading.

To LittleMargarita: Congrats to the 100th Reviewer! Pixie dust and Brownie points to you my dear! Hmm, everyone keeps saying that Erik is naughty, perhaps he needs a spanking. Though yes, in spite of his recent good life, Erik is still the Phantom. The relationship between Erik and S'ray may be in for a few bumps from here on out, we'll just have to see how they handle it.

The fans have spoken. An overwhelming majority of you have voted for me to a picture of S'ray and Erik in an intimate embrace. So I have scoured the internet looking for some good pictures to base it off. The search is over and I'm ready to start. I hope to have it up by Halloween as a "treat" for all of you.

I've also had requests for a Halloween chapter as well. Never fear, I do plan on one, well a Samhain chapter that will probably end this story and mark the beginning of the sequel. However, there are still many loose ends that Erik needs to either wrap up or cut off completely.

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

Phantom of the Glen

Chapter 22

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Christine held her breath as she stood outside the door to her husband's study. She had been awakened by the arrival of the men he was now speaking with; their rough voices bringing her from a sound sleep with a start.

"So you have them both?" Raoul asked.

"Yes sir."

"The little blondie started putting up a fight, but she changed her tune real quick," one of the men laughed.

"Yeah, threaten the mother and the daughter goes all nice again," another chuckled.

The soprano stifled a gasp, it sounded like they were describing Madame Giry and Meg. She stayed where she was, almost transfixed, and continued to listen to the men talk.

"So you've got them in the church then and they are unharmed?" the Vicomte asked.

"Yes, the blonde may have a couple of bruises, but nothing permanent," a man answered.

"And the letter? She wrote it as instructed and sent it off to him?"

"Yes sir, the boy was right on time to collect it."

"And you have the one he brought?"

"Here you are your lordship."

A small smile crossed her face; she had known that Aunt Nettie was still in contact with her angel.

"Good," Raoul sneered taking the letter and putting it in his breast pocket. "Are the preparations at the church complete?"

"Yes, some of the requests were a bit unusual, but we have everything done."

"Good, the boy will have delivered the letter by now and mine will go off tomorrow morning. Then tomorrow night I'll meet you at the church," Raoul instructed. "Here's half your pay as promised, the rest when the Phantom is dead."

Christine's went wide with shock and she hurried from the study door back to her bedroom. She lay in bed, gasping for breath and staring at the ceiling. She couldn't believe what she had just heard; her heart was beating so fast that she thought it would burst from her chest. Raoul was planning on killing her angel and he was using Madame Giry and Meg as bait to lure him into a trap.

She knew she had to do something; she wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to her friends because of Raoul's obsession with the Phantom. She had tried her best to convince her husband that the angel wouldn't bother them and that they were free of his influence. Raoul said he was sending off a letter to the angel tomorrow, she would have to intercept it without his knowing and find out was in it. Then she had to somehow find her angel and warn him of the trap that was set.

Raoul smiled nastily as he sat down at his desk. The trap was set and all he had to do now was wait for that damned Opera Ghost to show up and walk right into it. He pulled the Phantom's letter to Madame Giry from his pocket and opened it. "Now let's see what you have to say to that false friend of my wife," he muttered as he unfolded the letter.

Dear Antoinette,

I am glad to hear that all is going well for you and Meg. While I do miss you both, I have no real desire to leave my new home. Home, I never thought I would ever call any place home. That's the only description I have for where I am now.

I finally realized it this morning that I am truly home. I woke early as has become usual for me now and found that S'ray was already awake. She had been laying there next to me, just watching me sleep. When she saw that I was also awake, she leaned close and kissed my bare cheek like it was the most natural thing to do in the morning.

While she kissed me, she moved into my arms and whispered, "Welcome home." After she said that I truly did and still do feel at home. This is where I belong Antoinette, and I also belong with S'ray.

"Lies!" Raoul snarled and tore up the letter. Then he stalked over to the fireplace and threw the pieces into the flames. "Just you wait. I'll deal with you, Phantom, and your Fairy whore as well."

Erik came into the kitchen and saw S'ray standing at the counter wearing his shirt from the night before. He smiled when he saw her stretch to reach the coffee mugs and saw she was wearing his shirt and only his shirt. The basket of eggs was silently set down on the table as he walked up behind the Alve. He felt himself harden when he also saw that she hadn't bothered to close the shirt in front either.

"Good morning," he growled as his arms went around her and his hands cupped her partially exposed breasts.

"Erik!" she gasped as he pulled her back against his body.

"I am so hungry right now," he said burying his face in her neck.

"Then let me . . ."

"For you," he interrupted caressing her breasts. "I thought you in just pantalets was arousing. But this, this is beyond my resistance."

She gasped as his lips slid along her neck and shoulder. He held her tightly against himself with one hand while the other traveled down her stomach and between her thighs. Her legs quivered as his fingers slipped into her wet folds, caressing her intimately.

"And as wet and hot as you are already, I'd say you planned this," he growled against her pointed ear before nipping at her neck. "You conniving little seductress, laying in wait for me in almost nothing."

"Erik!" she gasped, sagging into his arms as he pleasured her.

"Yes, my wanton temptress," he said, all the silk gone from his voice and replaced with raw need.

"Take me Erik," she pleaded, caressing his unmasked cheek. "Now."

The Phantom didn't answer her verbally; instead he spun her around and lifted her up onto the counter before him. His hands went to her shoulders and pushed the linen off so he could feast his eyes on her naked body. He stepped between her parted thighs and bent his head so he could capture one of her nipples in his mouth.

She cried out softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him to her breast. "Erik I . . . I want . . . you . . . so . . . much," she panted.

He growled from deep in his chest, sending a delicious shiver down her back. Erik's mouth moved lower on her body as he slowly went to his knees before her. He looked up at her and felt as if he were truly paying homage to a pagan love goddess that had become flesh. His hands stroked her thigh and leg as he trailed kisses down it. When he reached her ankle, he moved to the other leg and repeated the same process in reverse.

S'ray's cries became wilder as he drew nearer her wet, aching core. He saw her hands move from the corner of his eyes and grabbed them before she had a chance to grab his hair and force his mouth on her. Her voice cried out in disappointment as he firmly held her hands down. She released a shuddering breath as his tongue ran along the inside of her thigh.

Erik groaned and closed his eyes, trying to regain control of his own body. He couldn't believe how aroused she was, he could taste her sweet honey halfway down her thigh. He opened his eyes again, almost overcome with her heady scent. Then he leaned forward and slid his tongue along her waiting folds.

She gasped and her body writhed under his erotic attentions. Erik's talented tongue would bring her to the brink of release only to pull her back from the edge at the last moment and let her body calm again. He repeated this divine torture several times before finally standing before her again. Her hands were released and he fumbled with the buttons on his trousers. Then her hands joined his and he groaned in relief as she released him from the confining garment.

The groan he emitted next as she wrapped her hand around his erection came out as the rumbling purr of a lion or tiger. S'ray shivered at the primal sound she elicited from him with a simple caress. She lightly ran her fingers up and down his length as she kissed and gently bit his bare chest.

"S'ray, please, mercy," he groaned covering her hands with his and stilling her caresses.

"Yes, my Erik?" she sighed as their passion-glazed eyes met.

"I need you," he rumbled, his hands moving to her hips. "Now."

Her hands moved to his waist and she pulled him closer, leaning back as she did so. Erik steadied himself against the counter with one hand and slid into her with a grunt of satisfaction. S'ray's hands left his waist and she leaned back, supporting herself with her arms.

S'ray's head fell backward and she sighed in delight as he pulled them closer together. He just felt so damned good inside of her; she hadn't realized that just being joined with a man could be such an intoxicating feeling. Then he started to thrust inside her and those wonderful feelings intensified.

She looked up at him with heavy lidded eyes. Erik's eyes were closed and his brow slightly furrowed as she concentrated on controlling his thrusts. The Alve gasped as his strong hands grasped her rump. Her legs wrapped around him and sweat beaded on their bare skin.

The kitchen was quiet except for the sounds of their urgent joining. Both Erik and S'ray were so completely absorbed in giving and receiving pleasure that neither heard the kitchen door open and someone step inside.

Christine urged her mare forward; it had been almost two days since she left her husband's estate in the country. Using her skills as an actress, she had managed to convince the maid that she needed to deliver Raoul's letter instead as circumstances had changed. Granted, the money she offered the girl had also helped to convince her as well. She smiled to herself; there were advantages to being a Vicomte's wife.

She knew she was reaching the end of her endurance and bravery; she had to find her angel soon. Unfortunately the villagers had been less than helpful; the ones that did talk to her only gave vague answers when she questioned them about a masked man. The only help she'd received was at the inn and the inn keeper had only pointed her to the road she was now on and warned her that she traveled down it at her own risk.

And feel at risk she did. The road, though trail was a better description, was overgrown and dark. She kept imagining a highwayman dressed all in black leaping out at her and shouting 'Stand and deliver' just like in her Father's stories. She also imagined her angel of music, the Phantom, coming to her rescue and fighting off the highwayman. She smiled, that was a nice daydream.

On the other hand, she could also imagine monsters lurking in the gloom just beyond the old road she followed. Raoul had come back from this very forest and had terrible nightmares for a month afterward. When she would ask what had happened to him, he would flatly refuse to discuss it. However, in the throes of his nightmares she was able to glean a fairly good idea of what happened from his barely coherent ramblings. Ramblings that made her blood run cold on more than one occasion.

Goblins, always said during the worst of the dreams and a word that had always carried an air of fear with it from some of her earliest childhood memories. They were terrible, twisted creatures with an insatiable lust for mortal blood. And when they weren't looking for blood, they were stealing naughty children and taking them to the Goblin King in his castle beyond the labyrinth. She shivered at the idea that such creatures may truly exist outside of the realm of imagination and folklore. And some of the things Raoul had muttered about the monstrosities doing, her skin crawled at the very memory of his words.

But he'd also spoken of an Alve or Elf as the fair folk were called in her native Sweden. As a lonely little girl she had often pretended to have an Elf friend who would play with her when no one else would or could. They would play in the fields and forest and go on grand adventures in the land of Tir Na Nog where the Elf lived.

Christine wondered if her angel and the Elf were friends. Her father had always said that the Elves loved music; perhaps her angel had used his music to bring the Elves to aid him against the goblins and save Raoul. It would be a dream come true to meet one of the fair folk.

She traveled on like that for some time, lost in her own fantastical dreams of her father's stories. At length she came to an opening in the forest. She rode into the bright morning light and toward the house in the middle of the glen she had entered.

It was very quiet; there were no signs of anyone about. There were horses milling about in their corral, chickens roamed the yard looking for breakfast, and she could see sheep grazing in the pasture. Christine went up to the front door and found it was locked. Then she lead her horse around the side of the house and tying the mare to a hitching post went up to the side door.

She knocked softly on the door, but there was no answer. She tried the knob and the door swung open. Christine entered a small entryway where several cloaks and jackets hung on wooden pegs. Some were obviously for an adult man, while others appeared to be for a woman or a youth.

Then she heard footsteps and muffled voices beyond the entryway. She walked farther into the house and opening another door, entered the kitchen. Her brown eyes swept the room and stopped at seeing two figures embracing against a counter. As her eyes went over the couple, she saw they were engaged in much more than the friendly embrace she had first assumed. The couple was making love in broad daylight on the kitchen counter.

Christine could plainly see the woman's bare legs wrapped around the man's waist. She stared at the man's broad back, shoulder length black hair was plastered to his horribly scarred skin by sweat. She looked away to the table when she saw his trousers hanging loosely to his hips.

Her eyes then lighted on the mask sitting on the table next to a basket of eggs. She knew that mask very well, it belonged to the angel. Her hands flew to her mouth to stifle a gasp of surprise and here eyes grew wide with shock.

"I know how you feel," said a small, heavily accented voice to her right. "I was going to make a sandwich on that counter."

Christine's eyes grew even wider as she stared at the little man wearing a rat's skull for a hat. She felt a tugging on the left side of her skirts. She looked to her left and then down and saw another one.

"Hiya Toots!" another of the creatures grinned up at her and waved.

It was too much for the young woman, her eyes rolled up in her head and she fell to the floor in a dead faint.

"Was it something we said?" Brule asked Brandji from the other side of the prone woman.

S'ray cried out in pleasure as Erik's thrusts became harder and deeper. She was so close now, all she needed was the slightest push and she'd go over the edge into complete rapture. Then he bent his head over her and she felt his tongue slide between her breasts and then to the side before pulling one of her hard nipples into his hungry mouth.

His groans of pleasure were felt to her very core and it was more than enough to send her over the edge. S'ray cried out and clung to his as she shuddered in release. Erik kept thrusting as best he could while her body trembled around his. He lifted his head from her breast and clutching her hips to his, spilled himself deep within her. They stayed like that for several minutes, both too spend to move.

Then S'ray reached up to his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. As they kissed, Luniana flew in through the open window. She giggled at the position the lovers were in and then noticed the unconscious woman on the floor. "Hey!" she squeaked, landing on Erik's broad shoulder.

"Mmm, what is it Luniana?" S'ray languidly asked, caressing Erik's marred cheek.

"You have company," she trilled.

"Tavlyn doesn't count," Erik grumbled.

"Not Tavlyn," she giggled.

"Then who is it?" S'ray asked as Erik brushed his cheek against hers.

"I don't know," she shrugged.

"Fine, Erik I really hate to make you move," the Alve sighed and kissed his marred cheek.

"I know," he smiled, kissing her again as well.

"Ah-hem!" Luniana huffed tapping her tiny foot on Erik's shoulder.

"Yes, so where is this person?" Erik asked as he fastened his trousers.

"On the floor stud," the Pixie giggled as Erik reddened.

"I don't see anyone," S'ray said as she buttoned Erik's shirt.

"Other side of the table," Luniana said impatiently and flew to where the girl lay. "Down here, never saw her before."

The pair walked around to where the Pixie indicated. Erik's face became as white as a sheet when he saw who lay on the floor. He staggered backward and sat heavily in a chair.

"Erik, what's the matter?" S'ray asked, immediately concerned at his reaction to the woman. "You look like you've just seen a ghost."

"A ghost from my past," he replied, putting on his mask again.

"Who is she Erik?" the Alve asked.

"Someone I though I'd never see again," he replied. "Christine."

S'ray sat back in her chair and frowned, it had taken all her skills of persuasion to get Erik to carry the young woman into the spare room for her. It was silly, but he acted as if the child had the black plague. So this was the famous Christine, the slip of a girl that had torn the mighty Phantom's heart in two. She could see why Erik had fallen for her; she was a beautiful young girl.

The Alve's eyes narrowed as she silently assessed the sleeping girl. She leaned forward in her chair and placed her hand on Christine's stomach. Her eyes widened in surprise and she smiled, this would complicate matters. S'ray felt sorry for the poor little thing; her husband was a complete idiot.

Then the girl's eyes fluttered and S'ray withdrew her hand. "Where . . . where am I?" she asked opening her eyes.

"You're safe in my home in Fontainebleau Forest," S'ray answered. "Do you remember how you came here?"

"I . . . remember walking in, the door was open, and I saw . . . oh my goodness," she exclaimed and blushed bright red.

"Yes?" S'ray gently urged.

"I saw the angel embracing a woman and they were making love," she blushed. "And then there were two tiny men talking to me and I guess I fainted then."

"Dumb Brownies," Luniana snorted from the window sill.

"Who said that?" Christine asked looking around.

"I did," the Pixie chirped. "On the window sill."

Christine's eyes fastened on the Pixie and she moved closer to the woman next to her bed. "What is that?" she asked pointing at the Pixie.

"She is a Pixie and her name is Luniana," S'ray explained.

"That's S'ray Dragon-Friend, Guardian of the Forest," Luniana said now pointing at S'ray.

"You're . . . you're one of the fair folk," Christine gasped finally looking at S'ray, "like in Father's stories."

"So you know my kind then," S'ray gently smiled, trying to keep the young woman at ease. "Tell me then, what trouble brings you to the Guardian?"

"I'm looking for the angel," she replied twisting her hands in the blanket. "He's in danger."

"The angel?" the Alve asked.

"Yes, he wears a mask that covers the right side of his face," she answered brightening. "Is he here?"

"Let's get you cleaned up a bit first," S'ray suggested with a smile. "Then we can get this angel for you."

"Oh yes, thank you," Christine smiled.

Erik sat at the piano, mindlessly playing scales. He had finally quit pacing after nearly tripping over the Brownies several times. However, a few growls and a snarled "Get out!" had driven them from the study and he was now alone with his thoughts.

He had been surprised, to say the least, to see Christine and also embarrassed when he realized that she must have seen him and S'ray making love in the kitchen. He inwardly cringed at the thought of having another intimate moment with S'ray being observed by others. Damn, but he needed a drink right now.

He went over to the desk and after sitting down, opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a glass. Erik poured himself a full glass of the amber liquid and took a long drink. He set the glass down and closed his eyes as the whiskey burned all the way down his throat. The burn of the alcohol took his mind off Christine only momentarily.

Christine, he sighed and ran his hands through his hair. How did he feel about her? And did his feelings for her compare to those for S'ray? Yes, he had been concerned when he saw her lying on the kitchen floor; that was only natural. Wasn't it? Did he feel an overwhelming need to take her in his arms and save her? No, he did not feel that at all.

She was a married woman now; he'd seen the wedding ring on her left hand. The Vicomte's ring, not his; though he still possessed that ring. However he didn't want her to wear that ring anymore. In fact, he felt nothing for her except his initial concern for her well being. S'ray had been right, he had only been obsessed with her and that obsession had ended when she had kissed him so he would release the Vicomte. He smiled over the glass he'd picked up again; he no longer wanted Christine to be his.

What he did want though, was to take S'ray into his arms right now. In fact, a warm feeling came over him at the thought of her and it had nothing to do with the whiskey he was drinking. He smiled again; this feeling was love most definitely. Erik almost wished it was night so he could lie in her arms and forget the woman in their guest room.

However, that wouldn't take care of the current situation. He just knew Christine's sudden arrival had something to do with the last letter he received from Madame Giry. He also knew that the Vicomte was most likely at the center of whatever was going on and that Christine could just as likely be an unwitting pawn in his plan.

He threw back the rest of the whiskey and was tempted to pour himself another glass though he didn't. Now was not the time to get drunk, no matter how much he may want to. There was a familiar knock at the door. "Yes S'ray," he smiled.

"May I come in?" she asked from the other side of the door.

"Are you alone?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes Erik," she sighed.

"Then please come in," he smiled as the door opened.

"Are you alright?" she asked approaching the desk and immediately seeing the bottle on it.

"I think so," he sighed. "Come here."

"What is it Erik?" she smiled walking around the desk to stand before him.

"Mmm, my love," Erik smiled wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling into her chest.

"Erik?" she asked putting her arms around his shoulders.

"Shh, I just need to hold you right now," he whispered pulling her onto his lap. "I need to know you're real and this isn't some dream I've been having."

"I'm real Erik, I'm real," she whispered combing her fingers through his midnight hair. "Listen, you can hear my heart beating for you love."

Erik could indeed hear her heart beating and feel the warmth of her body soaking into his where they made contact with each other. He pulled her closer to his chest and breathed deeply of her scent. He let his mind and body relax while he listened to the music of her heart; her fingers combing through his hair.

S'ray smiled and kissed his forehead as he held her. Even though she wasn't the type of woman who clung to a man all the time, she did love it when he wrapped his arms around her and just held her close. She rested her cheek against his head and pressed another kiss to his forehead. The Alve sighed as his arms momentarily tightened around her.

Her eyes closed as she breathed his now familiar scent. He smelled of soap, wood smoke, and ink. Breathing deeper she could also smell hay, candles and Erik's own musky scent. She twined the long hair at the back of his neck around her fingers, enjoying the silky texture of it.

Erik sighed and nuzzled against her soft breasts. She was such a strong woman, but also so soft when she needed to be. She felt and smelled wonderful in his arms right now. He could smell her beloved honeysuckle perfume and under that he could still make out the scent of their love making from earlier in the day. "I love you," he murmured against her breast.

"I know," she smiled, "because I love you too."

"Is she awake yet?" he asked quietly.

"Yes love," she softly replied. "She's freshening up in the tub room."

"Do you have to go back to her yet or can I hold you for a while?" he asked sounding almost like a small boy while he caressed her back.

"I can stay love, Luniana is in there with her," she replied stroking his neck.

Erik nodded and hugged her closer.

"She's been asking for you," S'ray said.

"I'm not surprised," he whispered.

"Though she keeps referring to you as an angel," she continued. "She's never referred to you by your name."

"She doesn't know it," he sighed. "I never told her my name."

"Why not love?" she asked resting her check against him again.

"She never asked," he replied simply.

"Not even at the end?"

Erik shook his head.

"You're going to have to face her shortly you know," she said pulling back from him so she could look into his amber eyes.

With a pained look in his sometimes too expressive eyes, he nodded in agreement.

"Now remember to keep your temper in check love, she's in a delicate condition," S'ray continued, stroking his unmasked cheek.

"Christine always was," he sadly smiled.

"I doubt that love," S'ray smiled down at him.

"What do you mean love?" he asked.

"She's pregnant Erik," she replied.

"What? How?"

"Well the girl is married so I would assume that she and her husband have been intimate," she smiled. "And when mortals are intimate, the women tend to get pregnant. After all, that is the main goal of making love for them."

"Mmm, I know all that," he replied. "Can you tell how far along she is?"

"It's early, I would say not more than two months. And please don't say anything to her, I don't think she even knows she's pregnant yet," she explained.

"I won't, unless she brings it up first," he replied and pulled her close again. "Thank you."

"For what Erik?" she asked.

"For loving me," he smiled and kissed her.

Author's End Note: Kudos again to LittleMargarita for being the 100th reviewer. This went so well, I may do another similar contest. I'll see what I can come up with for the next chapter. And on another Halloween related note, finally talked my fella into dressing up as the Phantom and I'm tempted to go as Luniana.

Coming up in Chapter 23 – It's Heartache

Christine is back in Erik's life. What does this mean? Does she want him back? What happened to Madame Giry and Meg? What is Raoul planning to do Erik and S'ray?