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:
To foxgodess07: Will everyone be all right? Will Raoul come to his senses? You'll just have to read and find out (enjoy the longer chappie).
To phantommistress: Erik says to keep reviewing, he needs a laugh. And Erik isn't picking on you, you'd know it if he was. Hope you don't get too mad at this chapter, but I had to do it.
To LittleMargarita: That line about the sandwich is courtesy of my guy. When I'm working on scenes involving the little people he does all the voices for them, including Luniana and lines like that will just come out. Some day I'll figure out how to do recordings and mixing and I may attempt an audio version of favorite scenes from the story.
To Nonnihil Scelestus: Yeah, she had a shock and I left you hanging. Don't worry though; things are going to get going again.
To bee27: Thanks for reading and for your kind words. I've actually worked on many of the characters you'll meet in this story for a long time and they all have their own back stories which I'll reveal as appropriate to the story. I'm also using a lot of cannon characters from both Leroux and Kay so watch out for them as well.
The picture of S'ray and Erik that you all requested will be up on Halloween on my Deviant account which is Tamster73. I will also be posting pictures of my guy dressed up as the Phantom (though he'll have short hair) on that site.
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 23
It's a Heartache
"Hello Christine," Erik said as he entered the kitchen, S'ray behind him. "I understand you came here to warn me."
"Yes, it's Raoul," she said, unable to meet his piercing eyes.
"What has he done?" he asked leaning against the counter while S'ray took a seat at the table.
"I'm not certain, I've only learned bits and pieces of what he's been doing," she said nervously twisting her fingers together. "But I'm certain he's had Madame Giry and Meg kidnapped so he can lure you back to Paris."
"Hmm, that would explain the letter I just received," he said crossing his arms over his chest. "I thought it was written under duress."
"It was," Christine continued and put an envelope on the table. "He also sent you a letter as well, here it is."
"Did your husband have you bring this?" he asked suspiciously.
"No, in fact he doesn't even know I left the estate. One of the maids was sent with this letter, but I told her that circumstances had changed and that I would deliver it personally," she said with a small smile.
The Phantom picked the letter up from the table and opened it. As he read, he began to scowl and his eyes started to blaze with suppressed fury.
"Won't the ballet mistress and the Prima Ballerina be missed from the Opera?" S'ray asked.
"Not right now," Christine replied. "The whole company is usually given this month off."
"The building becomes very difficult to work in because of the heat," Erik explained. "It's easier to give everyone off rather than have half the cast sick from the heat and the other half in a foul mood because of it. It also gives the maintenance crew time to do major projects like refinishing the stage."
"Then he does have some sense," the Alve sighed. "Kidnap people when they won't be missed and the authorities won't get involved till it's too late."
"What are you going to do Angel?" Christine asked. "He'll kill you if you go back."
"And he'll kill Madame Giry and Meg if I don't," he sighed setting the letter back down on the table.
"Not much of a choice," S'ray said getting up and going to stand beside him. "I'll help in any way I can."
"Thank you," he said wrapping an arm around her.
"And so will I, I feel so responsible for this whole situation," the young Vicomtess volunteered.
"Have you got a plan?" S'ray asked leaning into her lover's embrace.
"Partially," he replied. "Is there anyway you can contact Tavlyn, Daklu and Cyd?"
"Of course," S'ray nodded.
"When do you think they can get here?"
"Is tomorrow afternoon soon enough?"
"Perfect, the Vicomte wants me at the Church of St. Joan in seven days," he said with a smile. "Instead, we'll be there in four."
"Angel?" Christine asked, tentatively knocking on the study door.
"Yes Christine," Erik replied.
"May I come in? I would like to talk to you, to explain," she said haltingly.
"You may come in, but leave the door open please," he answered.
She opened the door and saw the Phantom seated at a baby grand piano. His back was to her and he was sorting through sheets of music. Suddenly she found herself transported back in time to almost 10 months before and the night she'd first met him face to face.
The room was filled with candles, just as his home beneath the opera had been. However the man before was not the same; he had changed in many ways, some subtle and some not so subtle. He sat confidently at the piano this time, though he was dressed very similarly. The Phantom wore black trousers and a dark blue shirt that laced up the front. Christine was also surprised to find that he was barefoot, having completed his evening chores an hour earlier. His coal black hair was still slicked back, but it was longer now and held neatly in place by a silver band with Celtic knot-work engraved on it.
"What did you want to talk about Madame Vicomtess?" he asked turning toward her.
She was startled by the mask of ivy leaves he now wore, so different from the white half-mask she was accustomed to seeing on him. "I . . . you . . . we . . . that night," she stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.
"There's no need to be frightened, I'm not going to hurt you," he quietly said. "No matter what your husband may have convinced you of."
"I know that . . . it's just that I . . ."
"Never expected to see me again?" he finished for her. "And what did you expect Madame?"
"I . . . I . . . "
"Did you think that I would disappear and drift away like the morning mist?"
She didn't answer and found herself unable to meet his eyes as well.
"Did you think that it would end like a fairy tale and it would be happily ever after?" he asked now standing.
"Angel . . . I . . . "
"I'm not an angel Christine," he said coming out from behind the piano bench. "I'm a man; don't you realize that even now?"
"Angel," she said plaintively.
"Erik, my name is Erik," he said a bit sharply. "Please address me by it Madame."
"I'm . . . I'm . . . I'm sorry Erik," she choked out, tears in her eyes.
"For what? Not going with that boy earlier?"
"I . . . I . . . I . . ."
"You broke my heart Christine," he said turning from her. "Time and again, you broke my heart."
"I'm sorry, I acted horribly toward you. I realize that now," she sniffed. "I'm left by myself a lot, Raoul is gone much of the time and most of his friends and family want nothing to do with me."
"So what? I'm supposed to feel sorry for you?" he demanded. "I've been alone my whole life!"
She flinched and continued on, "What I mean is I have plenty of time to think. I've though about what happened between us the most and I am sorry. Sorry for what I did when I pulled off your mask and betrayed your trust. I'm sorry I hurt you by running to Raoul when I was frightened of you and my feelings toward you. And yes, I realize now that I broke your heart. I only hope that you can forgive me for my foolish mistakes some day."
The room was silent; Christine held her breath waiting for his answer, what ever it may be.
Erik weighed his options. He could just refuse to answer her and hope that she would just leave the room and him alone. He could tell her that there was no forgiveness in him, but that would be a lie he would have to live with for the rest of his days. He could also forgive her; he had moved on and she should do the same with her husband. The Phantom took a deep breath and turned back toward the young soprano, his decision made. "I forgive you Christine," he said quietly.
Christine's eyes lit up. She thought he said she was forgiven, but she wasn't sure.
"You weren't the only one who made mistakes and I forgive you," he continued.
"Oh thank you, thank you Erik," she smiled. She rushed over to him and threw her arms around his neck. Then she pulled him down to herself and kissed him on the mouth just like that night so many months ago.
S'ray was on her way upstairs for the night. She was going to stop by the study and remind Erik that it was bed time. The door was open and she stopped short at what met her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing in the study. Her Erik and that human girl were embracing and he was kissing her.
The Alve's hands curled into fists and she saw red. Then she turned and ran silently up the stairs to their room. She shut the door and collapsed against it with a quiet sob.
She stumbled over to the fainting couch and sat heavily upon it, tears streaming from her eyes. S'ray leaned against one side and shut her eyes tightly, trying to banish away the sight of Erik kissing Christine. It couldn't be true; that had to be her imagination, Erik wouldn't betray her trust like that. He loved her; he told her so several times a day, especially when they made love. She sobbed aloud and covered her face with her hands as the vision refused to disappear; taunting her with the truth her eyes had witnessed only moments earlier.
"I should have known better," she cried quietly, tears streaming from her eyes. "I should never have trusted him; he's still half-human and all they know how to do is hurt each other. I should have known he'd go back to her the first chance he had; he never stopped loving her."
I should have never given him my heart, soul and body, she thought as she continued to cry. Worst of all, he betrayed her in her own home; a home she had willingly shared with him. How could he? How could he? Sorrow soon changed to outrage and then quickly to anger. She punched the cushions of the couch hard as tears still flowed from her violet eyes.
Erik was shocked as Christine first embraced and then kissed him. He had had many dreams of a reunion like this after the night of Don Juan. Involuntarily his hands went to her shoulders and he returned her embrace. Closing his eyes, he suddenly pictured S'ray before him and realized what he'd be loosing by allowing this to continue.
Opening his eyes, he gently pushed Christine away and stepped back from her. "I'm sorry Christine," he said moving behind the desk. "That shouldn't have happened."
"Oh Angel, don't be," she smiled and stepped toward him. "We can start over now."
"No Christine, there is no starting over for us," he replied keeping the desk between them now.
"We can Angel, you still love me and I can learn to love you," she sighed. "You told me that once many months ago."
"I'm sorry Christine, but I don't love you," Erik answered.
"But Angel . . ."
"My name is Erik and I don't love you," he repeated.
"You don't mean that, you're just angry because I've been with Raoul," she reasoned moving toward him. "But I've come back to you Angel."
"I don't want you Christine," Erik repeated. "I've moved on with my life and I love another."
The girl faltered and asked, "What do you mean you love another?"
"What I mean is I don't love you Christine. I don't think I ever really did either. I was alone for so long that I mistook obsession for love," he explained. "I thought that I could get you to love me and then when I couldn't, I tried to force you to love me. That was wrong of me; you can't make someone love you, I know that now."
"But I know my mistakes now as well. I should have never gone with Raoul, I should have stayed with you like I chose when I kissed you," she pleaded.
"Yes, you should have gone with him. He really does love you and you love him, otherwise you wouldn't have tried to sacrifice yourself to save him," Erik replied. "And I love S'ray and she loves me, though I've done nothing to deserve that love. I won't leave her for anyone Christine, not even you."
"But Angel," she protested.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not an angel?" he demanded, doing his best to control his temper. "Damn it Christine, don't you see that I'm a man?"
"But . . ."
"Don't tell me you didn't see what S'ray and I were doing when you just walked into our kitchen this morning," he said eyes blazing. "How many angels have sex Christine?"
"Ang. . ."
"Call me Erik or do not address me at all," he almost growled.
"Erik, you don't understand," she cried. "I want to be with you now."
"I do understand Christine, but you're the one who does not right now. I don't love you Christine. Yes, I was obsessed with you, but that isn't love," he explained. "Besides, you're a married woman now. And though I have done many evil deeds in my miserable life, I will not take another man's wife."
"But I would leave him for you," she entreated.
"You would break your vow to your husband so easily?" he asked.
"I would to be with you," she said looking up at him with her huge brown eyes.
"And how long till you'd want to go back to your husband? Would you then break my heart just as easily again?" he asked.
"I . . ."
"You would leave your husband for nothing because I don't love you," he said sadly. "I love S'ray, I truly love her."
"But it could be just like it used to be," she offered.
"I don't want things to be like were," Erik answered. "I was miserable back then, but I'm happy now. S'ray makes me happy and I love her."
"Do you truly love the Elf or did she put a spell on you?" Christine asked narrowing her eyes.
"I could ask the same of you," he replied with a frown. "Are your supposed feelings toward me genuine or just a lingering result of my voice and the daydreams of a lonely woman?"
"Erik, that's not fair," she replied.
"And when has live ever been fair? Was it fair when I was born with this face?" he demanded gesturing to his mask. Was it fair when first your mother died and then later on your father as well?"
"Erik, how could you remind me?" she asked, tears now beginning to fill her doe eyes.
"Because that is the reality of life and you need to face it now for your own good," he replied. "I don't love you and that is the truth. I love S'ray and she's put no spell on me, nor have I forced her to love me."
"I said I was sorry for hurting you," she sobbed. "Why won't you let me try again?"
"Because I don't want you back. Can't you understand that?" he asked, growing exasperated with her.
"But Erik I . . . "
"I don't love you, I never did. Now you made a promise to your husband or was that a lie just like when you kissed me so I'd set Raoul free?"
"No, but . . ."
"You're a married woman now Christine, you can't be thinking of just yourself anymore. You have to consider how your decisions will affect your husband and your future children," he said.
"Erik I . . ."
"Go to bed Christine, I'm going upstairs to be with the woman I love," he said turning away from her.
Christine looked at him with tears in her eyes. Then with a sob, she turned and ran from the study.
The Phantom took a breath and sat down at the desk. He removed his mask and covered his face with his hands. He heard the fluttering of wings and then the patter of tiny feet approach him.
"Erik?" Luniana cautiously asked. "Are you alright?"
"I don't know," he replied running his left hand through his hair.
"What's the matter?" she asked landing in front of him as Brandji and Brule scrambled up onto the desk.
"I feel like such a bastard right now," he replied. "Every time I talk to Christine she runs away either crying or frightened."
"Well," Brandji said walking over to stand beside the Pixie. "If it's any consolation, we think you did the right thing."
"Then why do I feel so rotten?" he asked no one in particular.
"Some times it's not easy to tell someone the truth when you know it will hurt them," Brule said sitting down next to Brandji.
"He's right," Luniana agreed. "It's not a good feeling when you have to tell someone something that will make them sad."
"You did mean what you said when you told her you love S'ray, didn't you?" Brandji asked.
"Of course," Erik replied. "She's everything to me. I would be nothing more than a monster without her."
"Then go to her and tell her what happened," Brule said.
"She's upstairs now," Luniana smiled.
"Luniana, will you keep an eye on Christine for me? Make sure she doesn't do anything foolish," he said standing.
"Sure," she squeaked and took off after the young woman.
Erik walked into their bedroom through the door that now linked his room to it. He saw S'ray lying on the couch, apparently fast asleep. He went over to the couch and knelt down in front of her. "S'ray," he said softly and laid his hand on her side.
"Don't touch me Erik," she snapped from beneath her arms.
Surprised he pulled his hand away from her. "What's wrong? Are you ill?" he asked suddenly very concerned for her.
"Sure, act like you don't know," she replied sullenly.
Erik was dumbfounded, she'd never acted like this before and he didn't know what to do. "S'ray, please tell me what's wrong," he said gently and reached out to touch her again.
"Don't you dare touch me," S'ray snarled and sat up. "What's the matter? Couldn't that girl satisfy you Erik? Is that why you're here now?"
"Satisfy me? S'ray what are you talking about?" he asked looking up at her furious eyes.
"Don't lie to me Erik," she said now standing. "I saw you kissing her."
"S'ray, it's not what you think," he protested also standing up.
"And under my own roof too," she raged, her voice growing in volume. "How could you?"
"Nothing happened and I didn't kiss her, she kissed me," he replied.
"If you wanted her back, you should have been a man and told me," the Alve spat, turning away so he wouldn't see the fresh tears in her eyes.
"I don't want her back," Erik said gently, trying to explain what happened. He laid his hand on her shoulder and slowly turned her back toward himself. "I love you S'ray, you're the only woman I want to be with."
"Don't touch me!" she yelled and pushed him away with all her considerable strength.
The Phantom staggered backward; for all her gentle caresses and touches, he had forgotten how strong the Alve truly was. "S'ray, please let me explain," he pleaded reaching out to her.
"Why? So you can use me some more and play me for the fool?" she cried. "Use me again like you have all along?"
"That's not true, I've never used you," he said, realizing now that she'd seen Christine kiss him in the study. "I love you."
"Liar! You don't even know what love is," she snarled, her violet eyes flaring in anger. "I accepted you, trusted you and took you into my home. I gave you my heart and my body gladly. Then you do this to me, you bastard!"
"Listen to me please," Erik said, putting his hands on her shoulders. Suddenly all he felt was sharp, searing, burning pain. He released her and fell to his knees on the floor before her. The Phantom looked down at his hands, she had burned him magically. He squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head as a new wave of agony sliced through him.
"I told you not to touch me," she frowned, her breathing still quick and sharp.
"She . . . asked me . . . to forgive . . . what she did . . . to me," he said haltingly as he gritted his teeth against the pain. "I forgave . . . wanted her . . . to move on . . . forget me."
S'ray turned her back on him and scowled into the fire as he spoke.
A sharp pain, not related to the burns, lanced his heart as she turned away from him and tears of regret began to fall from his amber eyes. He had hurt her even more than he realized and as a result may have lost her forever. "Didn't expect . . . her kiss . . . love you . . . pushed her away . . . she wanted . . . me still," he forced himself to continue, he had to tell her what happened before he passed out from the pain in his hands. "Told her . . . I love you . . . not her . . . not leaving you . . . not angel, man . . . go back . . . to husband . . ." Erik collapsed onto the floor with a groan of agony, unable to stand the pain anymore. "Ask . . . little people . . . they saw," he finished and blacked out.
Without sparing him a glance, she strode to the door and flung it open. "Brandji!" she called sharply.
"Yes Ma'am," he saluted, recognizing the anger in her voice.
"What happened between Erik and Christine in the study Brandji?" she demanded.
S'ray knew the Brandji wouldn't lie to protect Erik like Luniana or Brule would. Brandji and Erik tolerated each other and she knew that Brandji wouldn't hesitate to squeal if Erik had betrayed her with the human. Brandji recounted what he had seen, not leaving out any details. It was the same thing that Erik had told her when he was in agony and not apt to lie.
"Are you certain that's what happened?" she asked when he'd finished.
"Yes, you can ask Luniana and Brule, they saw too," the little Brownie replied.
"Thank you Brandji," she said and closed the door again.
She rushed over to where he lay curled up on the floor. "Erik, I'm so sorry," she gasped kneeling beside him. "I shouldn't have doubted you, but when I saw her kissing you I just saw red."
"Would have . . . felt same . . . in your place," he rasped, opening pain filled golden eyes.
"Give me your hand please, let me mend what I've done to you," she offered holding out her hand as fresh tears filled her eyes.
Erik reached out a shaking hand, even though every movement sent new knives of pain slicing through him. She ever so gently took his ravaged hand in hers and spoke softly in Elven over it. His body shook as even her gentle breath sent new waves of agony to sweep over him. Then a blue light began to envelope her hand and soon his as well. S'ray smiled as she watched the burn heal and his hand become whole again. Releasing that hand, she took his other and repeated the healing spell.
"I'm so sorry love," she cried, tears dripping onto his forehead as she cradled his head in her lap. "I'm so sorry I hurt you like this, I won't hold it against you if you can't forgive me for it."
Erik held up his hands and looked at them; they looked as if the burns had never happened. "S'ray," he said softly and reached up to catch a tear with his fingers.
"You can leave with her if you wish," she said closing her eyes. "I won't keep you here."
"Why would I want to do that?" he asked sitting up and turning toward her.
"I hurt you and you didn't deserve it," she sobbed.
"I wouldn't say that," he sighed. "In one way or another, I deserve every hurt ever done to me. And knowing how impulsive Christine is, I should have kept a large piece of furniture between us at all times."
"That's still no excuse for me to do what I did," she said wiping her eyes.
"Come here love," Erik said with a small smile and pulled her into his lap. "Now, no more tears over this. I'm fine and I do love you S'ray."
"I'm so sorry I lost my temper and hurt you," she sobbed against his chest.
"I know, I know," he whispered and wrapped his arms around her. "I forgive you love."
She nodded and continued to cry against him, only this time it was in relief that he loved her and not the woman downstairs. It felt good to be wrapped in his arms, he was solid and she felt safe and loved in his embrace. S'ray buried her face in his linen shirt and closed her eyes, still softly sobbing.
Erik was at a loss as what to do with a crying woman. None of his previous experiences had prepared him for this situation. Holding her seemed to be helping, so he adjusted his arms to a more comfortable position and began stroking her mussed hair. Much better, he thought and smiled down at her. She had finally quit crying and now there was just the occasional shuddering breath to remind him that the fight had been real. "Feeling better love?" he asked and kissed her forehead.
S'ray nodded, but remained curled up in his arms anyway.
"I do love you S'ray," he smiled, holding her close to his chest. "You're all I could ever wish for in a woman. You're beautiful and so soft and warm and so passionate and loving. But you're also strong and very brave. You're not afraid to stand up to me and my temper and tell me when I'm wrong."
She looked up at him and he gently wiped away the tears that were still on her cheeks. "Love you too," she whispered, relaxing in his arms.
"I was going to tell you what happened downstairs," he said stroking her cheek. "I would never jeopardize our love by keeping a secret like that."
"I don't know why," he continued, "but I felt like such a bastard after telling her that I love you and not her."
"Not something she wanted to hear?" she softly asked, running her fingers along the open front of his shirt.
"She tried to deny it, said you had me under a spell," he sighed.
"Foolish girl, love spells never last long and they always come back to curse the caster," she said quietly.
"And I know the difference between obsession and love now," he smiled. "Thank you for that S'ray."
"Let's not talk about her now, the past has caused enough trouble for one day," she said with a small smile.
"Mind if we take this to the bed? I'd like to stretch out, but still keep you close," he suggested.
She nodded in agreement and moved to slide off his lap so he could rise.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
"Letting you get up," she answered.
"You, my sweet, are light enough that I can stand and still hold you in my arms," he said tightening his arms around her and then gathering his legs beneath himself, he stood.
"Erik!" she shrieked and threw her arms around his neck as he picked her up.
"Yes?" he smiled.
"Put me down," she said looking up at him.
"I think not," he replied walking over to the bed.
"I'm not a little girl, you don't have to carry me," she sighed.
"So true, but you are mine and if I choose to carry you in my arms, then I shall do so," he replied and laid her on their bed before turning back to the couch.
"You come back here," she frowned, sitting up.
"But I was going to . . . "
"Come here," she interrupted and beckoned him back to the bed with her hand.
"What is it love?" he asked sitting on the bed by her again.
"You're sleeping here tonight," she smiled scooting closer to him.
"I know, but . . . "
"Shh, you're sleeping on the bed with me," S'ray continued covering his mouth with her hand. "None of your sleeping on the floor, chair, or couch nonsense."
He nodded in consent and she lowered her hand. "Now may I finished undressing for bed or not?" he asked as she draped her arm across his shoulders.
"I am sorry I hurt you Erik," she said and kissed his marred cheek. "I should have known you wouldn't deliberately do something like that to me."
"You can trust me S'ray, I'm not like other men you may have known," he said turning toward her and catching her eyes with his own.
"I know that now," she sighed putting her other hand on his shoulder and gazing back at him.
"I would rather hurt myself than cause you any sort of pain," he said. "I love you S'ray."
"I love you Erik," she whispered leaning closer to him.
He put his arm around her and pulled her closer. Then he inclined his head and kissed her. The kiss was hesitant and chaste at first; then it became more forceful and passionate as S'ray welcomed and returned his affection. Minutes later they broke apart, both breathless. "This is how I feel about you," the Phantom said between ragged breaths. "I cannot find the words to tell you, so I must do this." He leaned in and kissed her again, their mouths melding together. She opened her lips and allowed him to taste her, he groaned against her; she was so sweet, so warm and so alive. His hands slid up to hold her face as they kissed and she sighed under his attentions.
"Come to bed love," she smiled looking up into his warm golden eyes.
"After I finish undressing," he replied huskily.
"I can do that for you," she tempted running her hand down his chest.
"I know," he smiled caressing her cheek. "Have you anything pretty for bed?"
"I think I can find something to your liking," she sighed, leaning into his touch.
"S'ray?" he asked, opening the door but not daring to look in without her permission. "May I come in?"
"Yes Erik, please do," was her reply.
He pushed the door open and stepped into their bedroom. All he could do then was to stare at the sight before his eyes; S'ray was reclining on the fainting couch wearing and emerald green, silk night gown. It was simply cut as a sheath; her shoulders were bare except for the slim straps that held it up. The rich fabric clung provocatively to her breasts and there was a slit up the side that revealed a generous portion of her bare leg.
"Do you like it?" she asked turning toward him. "Luniana made this for me several years ago, but this is the first time I've ever worn it."
"You look breathtaking," he said closing the door to his own room.
"Thank you Erik. Why don't you come here for a closer look," she smiled and beckoned him over to her place by the fire.
"You're so beautiful," Erik said sitting next to her. "How could I ever desire anyone but you?"
"Does that mean you like this?" she asked indicating the gown she wore.
"Very much," he breathed as his eyes ran up and down her body. Then he leaned forward and captured her lips in a kiss. "Though I must confess that I am eager to see this off of you was well."
"Wicked man," she chuckled between kisses. "I'm yours Erik, take me as you will."
"I know," he whispered. "Just as I'm yours."
"Erik, you don't understand," she sighed as his lips moved to her neck.
"Then tell me, help me understand," he murmured against her.
"Mmm, an old tradition," she sighed as he continued kissing her.
"Tell me more Cherie," he said lifting his head and gazing into her soft violet eyes.
"When Alve couples fight, the one who is wrong will give themselves to the other to make peace between them," she explained putting her arms around his neck. "So you may do as you wish with me tonight."
"What do you mean by that love?" he asked lightly running his fingers across her bare skin.
"Just what I said, you may do as you wish to me tonight," S'ray sighed as he caressed her. "Touch me however you wish Erik. I won't complain and I won't tell you to do differently."
"So you would allow me to treat you like an object, a mere possession; treat you without a care if I give you pleasure or pain?" he asked.
"That's right love," she nodded.
"I . . . I . . . I can't," he said shaking his head, remembering the times in his own life when he'd been treated as someone's possession. "It's not . . . I love you, I can't treat you like that."
"But it's your right Erik, there will be no repercussions and I won't fight you no matter what you wish to do," she gently told him.
"No S'ray, I can't. I know what it's like to be treated that way and I won't do that to you. I love you too much to treat you like anything other than the woman I love," he said and began kissing her throat.
"Erik, I'm giving you leave to do with me as you wish," she said smiling under his attentions.
His eyes suddenly lit up with understanding and he smiled back at her. "So I could tell you to kiss me and you would have to kiss me where and how I tell you?" he asked.
She nodded her head while keeping eye contact with him.
"I understand now," he said softly and kissed her.
"What do you desire Erik?" she whispered against his ear.
He took a shuddering breath and closed his eyes. The Phantom wasn't sure what he should say, he'd never dreamed of being asked that question and certainly not in such an intimate setting. Countless erotic images and fantasies whipped through his mind until he settled on one he desired more than any other. Erik opened his eyes looked at her as she waited for his answer. "Take me to bed S'ray and make love to me. Show me that soft and gentle side of you that I love so much," he smiled and kissed her.
"This is what you wish of me?" she asked brushing hair from his face.
"Very much," he nodded.
"Then come to bed love," she smiled as she stood and held out her hands to him.
He stood and putting his hands in hers, allowed her to lead him to the bed. They stood by the foot of the bed, his back was to it. "Remove my robe for me," he whispered as they stood in the welcoming shadows of the bed before each other.
She released his hands and smiling up at him, pulled the tie on his long robe. Her fingers quickly worked the knot apart and she blushed slightly as the garment fell open. "You're naked," she breathed sliding her hands up his chest to his shoulders.
"I am a wicked man, what did you expect mon amour?" he grinned down at her.
"Nothing less than this," she smiled pushing the robe off him where it pooled on the floor around his feet. "I love you Erik," she sighed sliding her hands down his now bare chest. Then with a wicked little grin she pushed him backward onto the bed.
Erik pulled himself farther onto the bed and leaned back against the pillows. He watched her pull up the gown so she could join him on the bed and noticed the matching slit on her other leg. She knelt on the bed at his feet and was about to pull the gown up over her head when he stopped her. "No, leave it on yet," he said gazing at her. "You look so beautiful in it."
"Now what do you wish of me Erik?" she asked still kneeling at his feet.
"Well, I am a bit sore," he replied closing his eyes. "Give me a massage."
"As you like," she smiled and sitting cross-legged on the bed pulled his feet into her lap. "Now you just relax and let me take care of you."
The Phantom smiled as she began rubbing his feet. He was a bit surprised that she didn't start higher up his body, but didn't mind because it felt so damn good. "Where did you learn that?" he asked as she ran her thumb up the arch of his foot.
"Tereste, he was a foot soldier so he would often come home with sore feet," she smiled moving on to his other foot. "Hmm, he would fall asleep while I did this all the time," she continued massaging his foot.
"Mmm, that feels so good," he sighed.
"Don't you dare fall asleep," she chastised lightly.
"I thought you were mine for the night and wouldn't protest anything I did?" he asked arching his eyebrow.
"Sorry," she said softly and bowed her head as she continued rubbing his foot.
"Come here S'ray," he sighed holding his arm out to her.
She put his foot down and obediently slid into his embrace. "Yes Erik," she whispered, waiting on his next request.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that the way it came out," he said wrapping his arm around her.
"You don't have to apologize," she said lying still in his arms.
"Yes, I do. I said I wasn't going to treat you like that and I don't intend to even with a slip of my foolish tongue," Erik said and turned her face toward him. "Please look at me S'ray and don't avert your eyes, you'll have me thinking that my face is frightening you."
"This face could never frighten me," she smiled touching his right cheek.
"Disgust you then," he replied closing his eyes.
"Or that either, I love you Erik. I love all of you, including this," the Alve replied now caressing that same cheek.
"S'ray," he whispered holding her tightly against himself.
"Yes Erik," she breathed against his chest.
"I can't . . . I can't keep this up," he said with a shake of his head.
"What is it love?" she inquired, now a bit worried again.
"I can't take you being subservient to me, please stop acting like this," he said with a hitch in his voice.
"But custom . . ."
"Then custom be damned. You're my love, my equal. I don't want you fawning at my feet and awaiting my every command," he said opening his eyes and gripping her shoulders tightly.
"Erik . . ."
"Stop this farce, you're breaking my heart acting like this," he pleaded with her.
"If that is what you wish," she meekly replied.
"To Hell with what I wish! What do you wish? Do you really enjoy acting like this? Do you really prefer being submissive rather than aggressive with me?" he demanded.
She just looked at him, surprised by his sudden outburst of temper.
"Answer me woman," he almost snarled and gave her a shake, desperately wanting her to fight and stand up to him. "Give me that fire you had the first night we were together."
When she still didn't answer him, he said up and pulled her up as well. "I want that fiery Faye woman from Beltane," he growled gripping her arms painfully. "If I wanted a submissive woman, I could have had Christine."
Her eyes suddenly blazed and she slapped him hard. "How dare you!" she hissed.
The Phantom's own eyes blazed in return, finally he had her back. He yanked her close and covered her mouth in a searing kiss. S'ray's hands slid up his chest to his shoulders and then into his midnight hair as she returned his kiss. His hands slid down to her hips and began gathering up the gown in them. He parted from her only long enough to pull the gown up over her head and off.
"Don't you ever act like that with me again," he growled cupping her now bare breasts and teasing her nipples with his thumbs. "Am I clear on this?"
"Mmm, yes Erik," she gasped leaning into his touch.
"Good," he growled and pulled her down onto the bed with him again. "Now, let's make love my wild Faye beauty,"
S'ray sat up and smiled down at him. She placed her hand on his stomach and slowly slid it up to his chest. From there she began to lightly trace the scars that criss-crossed his chest. When she'd finished, she bent her head and began kissing those same scars.
Erik smiled as he watched her. This was what he loved about her; she was confident and bold, but also soft and gentle. He raised his hand and brushed her hair back from her face. She took his hand in hers and softly kissed his palm. He closed his eyes as her lips traveled down his fingers. Erotic images filled his mind as she sucked each of his fingers into her hot mouth. "Vixen," he gasped as her lips moved to the inside of his wrist.
"Is that a request for more?" she smiled and licked his wrist.
"More of the same, only lower," he grinned with half-lidded eyes.
"You mean like here?" she asked running her fingers down to his bicep.
"Mmm, lower love, lower," he replied with a very cat-like purr.
"I like it when you do that," she said with a slight giggle.
"Do what?"
"Purr," she giggled. "Like a lion or a tiger."
"So you like that?" he asked sitting up.
"Yes, it's very . . . mmm . . . it makes me feel all hot and wet when you do that," she said straddling his lap.
"Does it now?" he asked putting his hands on her hips.
"Yes, why don't you feel for yourself?" she tempted and blew her warm breath across his ear. "Touch me Erik."
The Alve gasped as his hand slid slowly between her thighs and caressed her wet folds. She took a shuddering breath when his fingers brushed her clitoris. S'ray pulled his mouth down to hers and kissed him fiercely. Her hips began a gentle rhythm as he intimately caressed her. "So hot, so wet," he murmured against her.
"Yes, yes," she gasped, slowly collapsing down onto the soft bed.
"So beautiful," he whispered following her.
"Oh Erik," she sighed opening herself to him.
"My love, my treasure, my life," he murmured kissing her throat and then the tops of her breasts.
She cried out softly and arched up to him as his mouth closed over one of her breasts. Her fingers slid into his hair and held him tightly as his tongue teased her nipple to a hard point. She cried out again as he first suckled and then bit that now aching nipple. S'ray whimpered as his mouth released her nipple from his sweet torture and moved to its twin.
He slid his finger inside her channel as his mouth closed over her other eager peak. She writhed against him as he stroked her nipple with his tongue and her clitoris with his thumb. A sharp cry escaped her lips as a small orgasm overtook her. He smiled against her as he suckled her nipple; he wasn't sure what scent she was wearing, but it was making him want her almost more than he could bear. S'ray moved against him and her juices covered his hand as he worked his nimble fingers in her sex.
"Erik please," she moaned as he bit her now aching left nipple.
"Please what?" he gently teased enjoying the sight of her reactions to his caresses.
"Please . . . ahh!" she cried out as he stroked her clitoris again.
Erik kissed between her breasts and then purred for her.
"Yes!" she gasped opening her eyes loving that vibration that went from his chest and deep into her.
"So what am I?" he asked gazing back at her.
"My love," she smiled and caressed his cheek.
"I know that. What kind of cat am I when I purr for you?"
"Mmm a big one," she laughed.
"Wrong answer," he grinned and covered her breast with his mouth again.
She gasped and fisted her hands in his thick hair, holding his hot mouth to her. S'ray moaned softly as he slid a second finger into her slick channel.
"What kind of cat am I?" he asked again with a purr.
"A tiger," she sighed.
"Mmm, big cats like that don't purr S'ray," he said kissing the underside of her breast.
"Yes Erik, they do," she replied. "How close have you ever been to live tiger?"
"The Shah had a pet tiger," he answered between kisses. "He never purred."
"Would you purr if you were in a cage?" she asked.
He was quiet for a moment. "No, I would not," he agreed.
"And your eyes are the same color as a tiger's," she smiled.
"And I have stripes as well," he said wryly.
"You also move like a cat."
"I would also like to devour you right now."
"Are you sure you don't have that confused with something else?"
"Perhaps," he smirked moving his body over hers.
"Yes," she hissed as he replaced his fingers with his hard length.
"I love you S'ray," he said huskily as her body curved around his.
"I love you Erik," she sighed as he began gently rocking his body into hers.
"S'ray, S'ray, S'ray," he whispered in response to her caresses.
She pulled his mouth down to hers and kissed him. His lips parted and her tongue slipped into to taste and tease him. "Oh Erik," she gasped, clinging to him and bit his lower lip.
He thrust into her hard at the sudden pain of her bite. She cried out and arched against him, pressing her breasts against his chest. He rolled them over so she was now on top of him instead. She pushed herself up and with a smile adjusted her position over him. He groaned aloud as she ground herself down onto him.
Erik grasped her hips as she moved over him. Her hands were splayed on his stomach and he watched her breath come in short huffs. "Erik," she gasped rocking over him.
"What?" he groaned, pulling her farther onto himself.
"Come here," she smiled, crooking her finger and beckoning him to sit up.
"Is this what you wanted?" he asked and pulled her against his chest once he was upright.
"Almost," she smiled and leaning back, moved her legs so they were wrapped around his waist. "How does this feel?"
"Mmm, wonderful," he smiled as she wriggled her hips.
"Good," she sighed and reached up for a kiss.
"You do . . . realize," he said between kisses, "that it . . . will take . . . a good deal . . . longer in . . . this position."
"I know, that's why I wanted this position," she smiled devilishly, still kissing him. "And I also know how much you love having as much contact with me as possible when making love."
"That I do," the Phantom smiled sliding his hands up her back and pressing her against his chest. "Mmm, I love the way you feel against me."
"I know," she sighed and traced one of his scars with her tongue. The she gripped his shoulders tightly and began sliding up and down his length.
Erik groaned as they rocked together; their small, slow movements causing shivers of pleasure to race down his spine. His hands slid back down to grasp her ass and increase the speed of her movements. She gasped and pressed her lips to the base of his neck; kissing and then licking where his pulse throbbed. "S'ray!" he gasped when she bit that same spot.
"Yes love," she smiled now kissing that same spot.
"Vixen," he gasped as she nibbled his neck.
She moaned softly and moved her hips in a circular motion. He groaned in ecstasy and pulled her farther onto himself; relishing in the feel of their joined bodies. Her arms slid around his neck as she continued kissing every spot on his neck that made him gasp or shudder in pleasure. One of his hands moved up to grasp and caress her breast. She softly moaned his name and arched into his touch while he teased her nipple.
S'ray could feel a warm knot of pleasure growing in her belly. She could also feel Erik finally growing warmer as they rocked together. It took him a while, but she always managed to warm his normally cool flesh. She smiled against his chest, his being part goblin had definite advantages in the summer heat.
Erik smiled down at her and tipped her head up so he could kiss her. The kiss quickly became fierce and passionate. His hands gripped her tightly and his mouth moved to her neck and shoulder, softly sucking and biting at her bare skin. "Yes, yes," she gasped, clutching at his shoulders.
"Mine, mine, mine," he growled possessively as she began to tense around him. This slow buildup was maddening and he was tempted to roll them over and take the dominant position again. But he held back, she had wanted this so he would give it to her. Besides, they could always do it his way next time.
S'ray clung to him now, their every movement causing a ripple of pleasure to course through her. She dug her fingers into him and whimpered as she came closer to release. His hands grasped her tightly and slid her up and down his hard length. Her cries of pleasure kept growing louder as she came closer yet to sweet release.
"My name," he growled. "Say it."
"Erik," she gasped.
"Louder," he demanded.
"Erik!" she cried out, so close to the edge now.
"Again," he growled in her ear.
"Erik! Erik!" she screamed as she shook against him. Bare moments later, he pulled her quivering body tight to his and spilled himself within her. The only sound was her breath coming in quick pants as she clung to him.
Erik dipped his head and kissed her. "Mmm, you're wonderful," he smiled caressing her cheek.
"You too," she smiled, still breathing heavily.
"I love you so much," he said kissing her cheek.
"Love you too," she sighed leaning into his caress.
"Tired my love?" he asked.
"Very," she whispered, snuggling against him.
He deftly moved her legs from around him and pulled one down so he could roll them into their soft and welcoming bedclothes. Erik pulled the blanket and sheets up around them as S'ray lay nestled in his arms. "My precious love, my wonderful treasure," he whispered, watching her eyes drop shut.
Soon she was asleep in his arms, smiling softly. He settled himself further into the soft bed and cuddled her close. His hand absently stroked the curve of her waist and he found himself drifting off to sleep as well. The Phantom's last thoughts were of the woman lying peacefully in his arms before he slipped into a dreamless sleep.
Author's End Note: Hope no one is too upset after this chapter. But you had to know that something like this would happen if Christine ever showed up. Everyone please pray for good weather on Saturday so I can take some awesome pics of my guy as the Phantom in a forest setting and maybe S'ray as well.
Coming up in Chapter 24 – War Counsel
Erik's plan revealed and put into motion. 'Nuff said!