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 Evening Starbossa: I have been waiting to put that line in since I brought those two into the story. I can't help it, that line cracks me up every time. But don't be sad that the story is over for the sequel is already in the works!

To GigiMusic: Yeah, that's quite a talk they had. And how does Luniana deal with Tavlyn's interest in someone else? Let's just say, not the way you would expect.

To foxgodess07: Me do a calm before the storm? I see no dark clouds on the horizon. You'll just have to see what the next story brings.

To LittleMargarita: Hey, what are big sisters for? Besides, Christine is having a baby, she has to grow up. Will Raoul grow up? You'll have to keep reading to find out.

Welcome and thanks to 555LordBacon666 and AdriannaJae for adding this as a favorite story and to Secret13 for adding this as a story alert. I hope you enjoy the story and keep reading.

And special thanks to Evening Starbossa for letting her "Erik" read and review up to chapter 14. Please take a look at "In Dreams He Came" to see what happens when Erik meets the Phan Fic World.

And the winning subject for my next artwork for Phantom of the Glen is. . . Christine fainting in the kitchen between the Brownies.

You can also see more artwork on my DeviantArt Page. Just look for Tamster73 for users or do a search on Phantom of the Glen. I've posted pictures of the vampires on there so you can get an idea of what they look like. Plus you can see my guy dressed up as the Phantom as well (he's so darn cute when he does things like that).

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 35

Alone at Last

"Good morning," Erik smiled as S'ray entered the kitchen.

"Morning," she smiled standing on tiptoes and kissing his unmasked cheek.

"Breakfast is almost ready," he said rapping Brandji with a wooden spoon as he returned her kiss.

"You should have woke me sooner," she yawned.

"I think not, you still need your rest. I can handle chores and breakfast," he replied turning to counter and pulling the jar of jam away from Luniana as the Pixie was about to thrust her arm into it.

Luniana frowned and quicker than the wind, lashed out and bit Erik.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed pulling his hand away. "What was that for?"

"Men!" she announced and stomped her foot. "You're all the same!"

"Luniana," S'ray frowned as she went over to Erik. "Why did you do that?"

"Because, because he took my yummy," she squeaked.

"You know better than that, you don't bite in this house," the Elf scolded the Pixie.

"It's not fair!" she squeaked and flew out the open window.

"That was unexpected this morning," Erik said after the Pixie was out of sight.

"I wonder what's gotten into her," S'ray said taking his injured hand. "Let's see what she did to you."

"I don't think she broke the skin," he replied. "The callous is pretty thick where she bit me."

"Yeah, it might ache for a bit, but you're right, she didn't break through," she said releasing his hand.

"I didn't think that she would ever bite me for that," he frowned taking breakfast off the stove and bringing it to the table.

"She's been acting funny since yesterday," Brule said as he clamored onto the table.

"Funny how?" S'ray asked putting a small portion of the scrambled eggs on a saucer for the Brownie.

"Well," he said shoving a handful of eggs into his mouth. "She tied the lacings on Scar-Face's pants in a knot."

"Why would she do that to Daklu?" Erik asked clearly puzzled.

"That is odd, Dak gets along with Pixies really well and I don't think he'd do anything to make her mad." S'ray replied.

"And if she was angry at him, then why bite me?" he asked.

"Why not?" Brandji asked as he joined Brule at the eggs. "I'd bite you but I don't think you'd taste very good."

Erik rolled his eyes and continued eating breakfast.

"Have you seen her acting odd Brandji?" S'ray asked the other Brownie.

"How should I know?" he asked around a mouthful of eggs. "She's always been mean to me."

"I found some more hangers," S'ray said pushing the door open with her shoulder.

"You are wonderful," Erik smiled and kissed her as he took the hangers from her arms.

"I had no idea you had so many clothes," she said as he began putting more of his clothes in the wardrobe.

"Why is that?" he asked.

"Well, you never went anywhere outside of the opera from what you've told me, That being the case I wouldn't think you'd need so many clothes," she sighed.

"I like to be dressed properly, no matter what I'm doing," he replied. "And I don't like wearing rags."

"I like it when you're not wearing anything," she smirked.

"That can be arranged," he grinned wolfishly pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately. "Later, of course."

"What's wrong with right now?" she gasped in his arms.

"Because that won't get my things put away or find out why our resident Pixie is acting like she is," Erik replied caressing her cheek. "Mmm, but you are so tempting in my arms right now, you Faye Vixen."

"Vixen am I?" she questioned kissing his fingertips as he ran them across her lips. "Just the other night I was a temptress and seductress."

"You, my love, are all those things," he smiled down at her.

Suddenly an over-ripe plum came flying through the window and hit Erik square in the chest, disintegrating on impact. S'ray's hand flew to her mouth to hide the giggle that threatened to erupt at the look on his face which was somewhere between surprise and disgust. "Oh goodness," she said still trying to stifle her laughter.

Erik closed his eyes and took a deep breath which he released very slowly. "I think this has gone far enough," he quietly said, keeping careful reign on his temper. "I'll get cleaned up and finish with this. Please see if you can find out what's gotten into her so I can apologize if need be."

"Alright, give me your shirt. I can put it in with the sheets I'm washing," she sighed running her fingers through her unruly hair.

"Here," he said handing her the sticky shirt before walking to the wash stand. He poured water into the basin and grabbed a wash cloth. "Why am I not surprised that it soaked right through?" he asked as he cleaned the sticky juice from his bare chest.

"Because fruit will do that," S'ray replied.

"Right," he nodded drying himself off and walking back to the wardrobe.

"Mmm, leave the shirt off handsome," she purred wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"I thought you had laundry to do," he smiled fully enjoying her touch.

"I do," she sighed kissing his back.

"Mmm," he groaned as her hands moved across his flat stomach. "What you find attractive about me I don't know."

"Besides the fact that you are the most handsome man I've ever met?" she asked gently biting along his spine.

"S'ray," he groaned in protest. "I know very well you've met men much more attractive than I."

"Only on the outside love," she smiled as her hands slid down to the fastenings on his trousers.

There was a sudden tapping on the window and they both looked up to see Luniana give them a crude gesture. Then she blew them a raspberry and flew away.

"What has gotten into her?" Erik asked puzzled by the Pixie's behavior.

"Well, so much for that moment," the Alve sighed releasing him. "I'll see if I can find out what the problem is all of a sudden."

"Ahh, hello Ayesha," Erik smiled as the Siamese settled herself on the top of the piano. "I was wondering when you'd claim a spot in here."

The feline purred and arched her back under his familiar caress.

"That's my princess," he softly said as the purr grew in volume.

Ayesha rolled on her side and wrapped her front paws around his wrist as he started to draw his hand away.

"Very well, I missed you too my little princess," he sighed and continued petting the cat.

S'ray smiled as she leaned up against the open doorway to the study. She'd always known Erik was good with animals and his current interaction with the cat was proving it. The two hadn't seen each other in months and now it looked like they had never been apart.

"Mmm, you seem to be settling well pretty Ayesha," Erik smiled; his little feline always knew he would put up with her interruptions when he was composing. Then he felt a pair of arms slide around him and S'ray was pressing her cheek to his masked one.

"If she's a princess, then what does that make you?" the Alve purred. "And answer well for it will reflect on me as well."

"Well, that does change my instinctive answer then," he smiled turning his head toward her and kissing her cheek. "Now seeing as Ayesha is the Princess that would make me the King."

"So who am I then?" she asked rubbing his shoulders. "The King's Royal Mistress perhaps?"

"On the contrary," he replied and pulled her onto his lap. "You are quite obviously my Queen."

"You sir, have a silken tongue," she chuckled.

"And you have a silken cunny," he smirked. "And I'm a lucky man to have my two favorite females so close to me right now."

There was a crash and then the tinkling of broken glass. Erik pulled the drowsy cat onto S'ray and shielded them both as several more rocks hit the window, shattering several more panes of glass. "That is it," he growled after the commotion at the window had ended. "I have had enough of this bad behavior."

"Agreed," S'ray frowned looking over his shoulder and surveying the damage.

"You work on Luniana and I'll get this cleaned up and repaired," he said.

"Right," she said sliding off his lap.

"Have you any spare panes for the window?" he asked setting Ayesha back on the piano.

"Yes, they're in the store room off the kitchen, top shelf on the right," she said going to the door.

"This is getting frustrating," S'ray sighed as they sat beneath the shade of a tree near the barn.

"Don't worry, you're bound to catch her one of these times," Erik said brushing her hair back from her face.

"Well, enough of using traditional methods," she said leaning back. "This time I'm using magic."

"About time," he smiled and leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss.

"Mmm Erik," she sighed closing her eyes.

"Try to relax a bit love before you go looking for our errant Pixie again," he whispered and kissed her once more.

S'ray gasped as he pulled her closer to himself. Her breath quickened as his lips moved to her neck and then down to her exposed cleavage. She felt him nudge the fabric to one side and then cover her bare nipple with his mouth.

He smiled as he felt her fingers tangle in his hair and hold him to her breast. Perhaps today he'd make love to her out here under this tree as she'd been trying to get him to do for the last 3 weeks. However, how far this would go depended on where Luniana was at the moment. It was impossible to forget how much mischief the Pixie was causing today and S'ray had so far failed to corner her and find out what they had done to earn the tiny creature's ire.

Erik moved up and captured her lips again; he had never imagined that just kissing a woman could be so wonderful. The only problem was his damned mask was getting in the way again. This time it was his hand that reached up and pulled it off his face, he was determined that if his deformity didn't bother S'ray then it wasn't going to bother him either. As soon as the mask was gone, he felt her hands on his face, gently touching his cheeks. "I love you," he murmured as he felt her wrap herself around him.

"I love you," she said trying to catch her breath.

"You feel so good, I can't stop touching you," he said as he felt her caress everywhere she touched him.

"Same here," she gasped as he ground himself into her.

"God S'ray," he groaned and covered her mouth with his again.

Her hands were at his waist, tugging his shirt from his trousers, anxious to feel his bare skin. One of his hands slid down her back and cupped her backside, pulling her against his erection. He felt her leg slide up along his; if she wrapped her legs around him he knew he'd be lost for certain.

Then he felt a tickle at his ankle as S'ray writhed against him. "What're you doing?" he gasped.

"What does it feel like?" she smiled opening dark violet eyes.

"I'm not sure," he replied. "Something feels strange."

They both looked down and saw that vines had wrapped themselves around Erik's feet and calves. Suddenly the vines tightened and yanked Erik across the yard. He grabbed at a tree root and grass, anything to keep from being pulled away by the vines. It was no use; the vines dragged him, cursing violently in Farsi, across the yard.

"Erik!" S'ray shrieked and raced after the sound of his curses.

She found him in a flower bed next to the house, the ivy still wrapping around him even as he kept frantically pulling it off. She barked out several phrases in Elven and the ivy stopped its advance and then retreated from the Phantom completely.

"What the hell was that?" Erik demanded after he'd scooted away from the once again docile vine.

"Pixie plant magic," she said going over to him. "Are you alright?"

"I think so, just shaken up by that," he said brushing ivy debris from his clothes. "You have to catch her now love, we can't keep letting her do things like this."

"Agreed," S'ray nodded.

"How are you going to catch her? You have no idea where she flew off to," he said standing again.

"I don't intend to look for Luniana," she frowned. "I'll summon her."

"Summon her?" he asked puzzled.

"Magically force her to appear to me," she said walking out into the glen. "I hope this won't take long to work out."

"You have a lot of explaining to do," S'ray frowned looking down at the Pixie.

"But," Luniana protested.

"You heard me, why did you bite Erik?" the Elf demanded.

"I told you," she pouted. "He took my yummy."

"He does that almost every morning," S'ray sighed. "Why bite him now?"

"I don't know," the Pixie shrugged.

"Very well, how about throwing the plum at him?" S'ray asked.

"That was funny," she giggled.

"No, it was not," S'ray countered. "You made a mess in Erik's room. And don't even get me started on the windows in the study."

"But," Luniana protested.

"And the final straw was the vines, you could have seriously hurt him," the Alve scolded. "What have you got to say for yourself?"

"It's not my fault!" the Pixie squeaked.

"Then whose fault is it?" S'ray demanded.

"His fault," she frowned.

"Erik?" S'ray asked.

"Kind of," Luniana pouted.

"How?"

"She has a shiny and I don't," the Pixie said stomping her foot.

"Is that what this is about? You're jealous of Ayesha's collar?"

"Some of it," Luniana said, not looking up at S'ray.

"And the rest of it?"

"Still his fault," she huffed. "She came with him."

"Ayesha?"

"No."

"Then who?"

"The blondie who's trying to steal my Tavlyn," Luniana wailed and sat down on the barrel.

"I see," the Elf sighed; this was a bigger mess than she originally thought. S'ray had known that it wouldn't be as trivial as jealously over Ayesha's diamond collar. "Have you ever told him this?"

"He knows," Luniana snapped.

"You do know that men are pretty dumb when it comes to knowing how we feel," S'ray replied. "Just look at Erik."

"Tavlyn's older, knows better," she huffed.

"No he doesn't, it just means he's even more set in his ways," the Alve sighed. "Besides I don't think you really love him anyway."

"But he's mine," the Pixie protested.

"Luniana, you very well know that you can't own another being," S'ray frowned.

"But Erik says you belong to him and you say the same to him," she replied.

"That's a bit different, we don't own each other, we hold each other's hearts," S'ray explained.

"I don't get it," she squeaked tilting her head to one side.

"When I fell in love with Erik, I gave him my heart," the Elf started and sat down on a barrel. "And because he loves me just as much, he gave me his heart. So when he says that I belong to him what it means is that he has my heart and always will."

"What about Tereste?" the Pixie asked.

"When Tereste died, he gave back my heart back to me," she replied. "He didn't want me to mourn him forever, he wanted me to be happy and so he gave my heart back but let me keep his so I would also never forget him."

"What about Erik's broken heart?"

"Sometimes you can fall in love with someone and give them your heart without them doing the same back to you. In Erik's case, he gave his heart to that girl and she really didn't want it, but she held it anyway. Then she met a different man and gave her heart to him instead and he in turn gave her his, but there is a problem. You can't hold the hearts of two living men, you can only hold one," S'ray explained.

"So she dropped Erik's and that's how it broke?" Luniana asked.

"That's right and it hurt him a lot because he'd never given his heart away before," S'ray nodded.

"But you fixed it right?"

"Only because Erik let me as he was tired of hurting so much and because I love him I was able to help him fix it," she replied. "But the main point is, you can't play with someone's heart because someone will always get hurt in the end."

"Is that why love potions always backfire?"

"That's exactly why, because you can't choose who you love and you can't make someone love you when they don't. Now I know Tavlyn and I know he doesn't want to hurt you, but he can't help being drawn toward Meg if that is what his heart wants," the Alve explained.

"He never has said he loves me and wants to always be with me like Erik tells you," Luniana said, her wings drooping a bit.

"I know and I know he's been trying to stop things before getting this far, but he doesn't like saying no either," S'ray said trying to comfort the Pixie. "How bad would it hurt if he gave his heart to someone else?"

"A little I guess, but I don't think I gave him my heart," the Pixie answered.

"And that's normal to be hurt and a little jealous," she replied. "However, you can't take that out on the rest of us or Tavlyn."

"OK," Luniana sighed. "I guess I should apologize to Erik."

"I think you should," she said.

"Will you go with me?"

"Of course I will," S'ray smiled standing up.

Erik smiled as he listened to S'ray talk to the Pixie. His heart gave a little lurch when she began explaining what a broken heart was, but he was warmed when she explained how one fixed one. He walked a distance away to give them privacy and waited patiently for S'ray to leave the barn.

He didn't have long to wait, for the Alve emerged several minutes later. Luniana flew out ahead of her and was off for parts unknown. He saw S'ray sigh as she watched the retreating Pixie and then walk over to him.

"Was that good or bad?" he asked as she wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest.

"It was good," she smiled as he put his arms around her.

"So now what?" he said caressing her back.

"Want to go for a swim?" she asked looking up at him.

"With you?"

"Who else?"

"But I don't have. . ." he trailed off as she put her finger to his lips.

"Neither do I," she smiled removing her finger.

"But what if. . . "

"I'm the only one who's here to see you love," she smiled and took his hand in hers. "Now come along."

Erik couldn't help but do as she asked when she looked at him that way. He'd been swimming in the stream numerous times to cool off and clean up, but always alone. It was true that they'd shared the bathtub many times, but that was inside and behind closed doors. The only thing that kept him moving forward was the prospect of undressing her himself.

They arrived at the stream in no time at all and he pulled her close for a kiss. Suddenly he felt her hands pulling his shirt open as his did the same to hers. Then he was quickly pulling it over his head and it became a race for them to undress and get into the water. S'ray won that race, she had been barefoot and he'd had to sit down and take his boots off.

He dove into the water and quickly caught her from behind. "Now I have you my sweet," he purred in her ear.

"Oh," she gasped. "You wicked man."

Erik let her slip from his grasp and swam away from her as she turned. "Your turn," he grinned. "Try and catch me."

S'ray smiled and disappeared beneath the water.

He quirked an eyebrow at the spot where she disappeared, wondering what she was planning. Then he took a deep breath and dove beneath the surface as well. He looked all around, but didn't see her before he had to get another breath of air. Erik took another deep breath and ducked below the water again. Now he was becoming worried as he was sure she couldn't hold her breath that long.

The Alve watched as the Phantom took another lungful of air before diving down again, searching for her she presumed. Now was the time to strike as he wouldn't be expecting this at all. She saw him start to rise again and that was her signal to dive beneath the water herself.

Erik was panicking; he had been down till his lungs felt like bursting three times and still no sign of S'ray. He was treading water and gasping for breath when he felt something brush his leg in the water. Praying that it wasn't S'ray's drowned corpse, he readied himself to go down and grab it before it was carried downstream. Then something slid across his stomach. He frowned, something was definitely not right.

Suddenly S'ray surfaced right before him and flung her arms around his neck. His eyes widened in surprise as his very much alive lover kissed him. "Gotcha," she grinned.

"You wench," he snarled, not at all amused by her trick. "I ought to take you over my knee for that. I thought you drowned."

"But I'm alive," she purred wrapping her legs around him.

Erik wasn't ready to suddenly support her weight and they both sank beneath the water's surface. He was still angry when they resurfaced seconds later. "That wasn't funny," he growled, glaring at her.

"What?" she asked gliding toward shallower water.

"I thought you might have died on me, again," he said following her. "That's three times now and this one wasn't even real. How can you hold your breath that long anyway? Are you part water nymph too?"

"I'm sorry Erik," she said as they were now face to face in the water. "I didn't mean to worry you like that."

"Just please don't do that again," he said pulling her into his arms. "I wouldn't survive if you died on me."

"I'm sorry," she choked as tears began to run from her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"Shh," he whispered carrying her to a rock shelf he often sat on when he just wanted to cool off and relax before preparing their evening meal. "I know, I know."

They sat like that for several minutes while she cried on his shoulder. Erik held her and whispered words of comfort in her pointed ear. "Feeling better?" he asked when her sobs had finally stopped.

S'ray nodded her head as she wiped her eyes.

"I love you," he smiled putting a wet lock of her hair behind her ear. "In fact, I love you so much that it would kill me if you died. Do you understand that?"

She nodded again and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Ai jhyli o, Ai jhyli o, Ai jhyli o," she cried over and over.

"I know, I know," Erik whispered stroking her damp hair. "Je vous aime, Je vous aime."

Several minutes later, she'd calmed down again and pulled away from him a bit. "Are you still mad at me?" she asked apprehensively.

"No, I'm not angry any more and haven't been for quite some time," he answered.

"And you still love me?" she sniffed.

"I couldn't stop if I wanted to," he smiled pulling her close and kissing her. "However, we need to tell each other what game we're playing from here on out. I was thinking tag and then you decide to play hide-and-seek."

"And here I thought the mighty Phantom of the Opera could read minds," she said with a small smile.

"Not the minds of women love," he smiled and kissed her again.

"Hello Ayesha," S'ray smiled as the Siamese jumped up on the stool beside her work table in the house. "Did you come to look at all the sparklies I have here?"

The cat cocked her head to one side; she'd never seen a person like this. The female was definitely not like the other human females she ever seen.

"I'll bet you've never seen anyone like me before," the Alve said as she bent silver wire around a large, dark red stone with tan streaks running through it.

Ayesha cocked her head to the other side; the female seemed to hear what she was thinking. Her human seemed to have the same ability, but it had taken some training to teach him first. She wondered if the female could tell that she'd really like a dish of cream right now.

S'ray smiled as the cat hinted, not too subtly, that she would like a dish of cream. "Well, let's see what his Highness says first, shall we?" S'ray smiled as she got up from her seat.

This may be a good place to live after all, Ayesha decided as she followed this Alve. Alve? The cat had never used that term to describe a two-legger before. Surprised, she stopped dead in her tracks.

"Yes, I can hear and understand you," S'ray smiled turning and scooping up the puzzled feline. "I can hear and understand most creatures here. And Erik can too; he just doesn't know it yet. But that's alright; we'll teach him won't we?"

Ayesha began to purr, this was going to be a good place to live indeed.

Luniana peeked into the study and saw S'ray was sleeping on the divan, an open book lying on her chest. Erik was at the piano, softly playing as she flittered into the room.

"Hello Luniana," he quietly said as she landed before him.

"Umm, hi Erik," she said fidgeting.

"And what can I do for you this evening?" he asked still playing.

"That's a pretty song, what's it called?" she asked.

"It doesn't have a name, I'm just playing what comes to me," he replied.

"Umm, Erik," she said still fidgeting.

"Yes," he said, patiently waiting for the little pixie to continue.

"About earlier today," she squeaked and looked up at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. You weren't the one I was mad at."

"I see," he replied.

"I'm really sorry," she squeaked, a hitch coming to her voice. "Can you forgive me?"

"Is this going to happen again?" he asked.

"No," she answered looking up at him with wide, sad eyes.

"Very well, I accept you apology," he said.

"You do?" she asked shocked.

"Yes," he nodded.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she chirped and springing into the air, kissed his bare cheek.

"You're welcome," he smiled as she happily flew off.

"What are you doing?" Erik asked as he leaned against the door frame.

"What does it look like?" she asked setting the candle holder on the bedside table.

"You don't have to bring that gruesome thing in here," he sighed.

"It's not gruesome, it's either very good glass or crystal," she replied putting a fresh candle in it.

"Its glass and I don't think a skull really belongs in your bedroom," he said now coming into the room.

"Our bedroom," S'ray corrected ignoring his protests.

"Fine, our bedroom," he smiled.

"Besides, if you didn't intend on putting it out somewhere, why did you bring it?" she asked as he put his arms around her.

"I don't really know, I just picked it up and put it in a box," Erik explained breathing deeply of her hair, still scented from her bath earlier.

"Besides, I like it," S'ray smiled leaning back against him.

"You're joking, right?" he asked.

"No, for some odd reason it seems to fit. Just like the two of us," she explained reaching a hand up to caress his cheek.

"We are a rather unlikely couple, aren't we?" Erik sighed closing his eyes.

"And I wouldn't have it any other way," she smiled as he kissed her cheek.

"Neither would I, I've waited far too long for you," he whispered.

"You've waited too long?" she chuckled. "I've waited centuries for you."

"Touché," he smiled. "I still don't understand what I ever did in my miserable life to deserve you."

"Does it really matter? I'm here now," she said turning her head toward him.

"I suppose not," he sighed.

"Let's just say that cruel fate was kind for a change and leave it at that," S'ray suggested kissing his bare cheek.

"But the last time I was gifted with such beauty, she was cruelly taken from me," he replied.

"I'm no flighty opera diva or naïve girl on the verge of womanhood," she countered. "I'm more than strong enough to love you Erik Destler."

"You'll have to be, my past has a habit of coming back to haunt me," Erik said pulling her tighter against himself. "Mmm, I almost forgot why I came up here in the first place."

"And why is that?" she asked as he released her.

"You asked me on Beltane how I knew so much about lovemaking without having done it before," he smiled.

"Yes, you said you read about it in a book," she replied turning to face him.

"Well, I brought one of the books," he said producing a book from the air.

"You really brought the book?" she asked her eyes lighting up.

"I brought one of the books," he smirked.

"Can I see it?"

"Of course," he said handing her the book.

She looked at the cover and frowned. "I'm afraid I don't know this language Erik," she pouted.

"You don't have to," he smirked.

"But how will . . ."

"Open it up," he said.

S'ray opened the book, her eyes widened and she gasped in surprise.

"Now, do you think you need to read Hindi?" the Phantom asked.

"No," she breathed turning the page.

"See anything you like?" he asked moving close to her again.

"Well this clearly requires a third participant, so that's out," she said turning the page.

"Of course," he whispered kissing her temple.

"Mmm, this looks familiar," she sighed.

"Indeed," he agreed as she turned the page again.

"How about this?" she asked pointing to the image on the page.

"I think we could find time for that later," he purred taking the book from her and setting it on the bedside table.

"What are you thinking Erik?" she asked as he backed her up against the bed.

"That previous image," he replied gently pushing her down on the bed.

"Erik!" she gasped as he dropped to his knees before her.

"Alone at last," Erik smiled as he closed the door to their bedroom.

"Not quite," S'ray laughed, pointing to the window where Brandji, Brule and Luniana stood watching them.

Erik walked to the window and with a smirk, closed the curtains. "Now we're alone," he said and knelt before her in front of the fireplace.

"Mmm, I think you should check the bed love," she sighed, stroking his unmasked cheek.

He looked to the bed and saw Ayesha curled up in the middle of it. With a sigh of annoyance, he stood again and went over to their bed. He picked up the drowsy feline and after carrying her over to the door, placed her outside and closed it again. "Did I forget anyone?" he asked leaning against the closed door.

"No, it's just us now," she smiled from the divan.

"Finally," he sighed and removed his mask.

"Come here love," S'ray softly bid and opened her arms to him.

"Alone at last," he smiled and kissed her waiting lips. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close. He felt his heart beat faster in anticipation of finally sharing their passion for each other freely and without worry of disturbing anyone else. Though he had enjoyed the company of Antoinette, Meg and the other Alve; he had longed for the solitude and privacy of just the two of them again. "I missed this," he whispered against her neck.

"Silly man," she chuckled, "we made love just this morning."

"I know, but I missed the quiet of just us," he replied closing his eyes as she kissed his neck.

"You missed being able to make love when and where the urge hit us," she laughed knowingly.

"That too," he grinned, pulling back to look into her eyes. "I love you S'ray."

"I love you Erik," she smiled and caressed his bare face. "Take me to bed my valys jhylaes."

"Now what does that mean?" he asked picking her up. "The second part sounds like love, but I don't recognize the first word at all."

"Valys is phantom and jhylaes is lover," she replied as he carried her to their bed.

"So valys jhylaes would be Phantom Lover," he reasoned still holding her in his strong arms.

"Correct love, you don't mind being called that do you?" she asked stroking his beard roughened jaw.

"No, in fact, I like it," he smiled and laid her gently on the bed.

"Then come here Valys Jhylaes," she sighed as she stretched out on the bed.

"As my Pagan Goddess commands," he smiled and lay beside her.

"You, my love, are over dressed," she said unlacing his shirt.

"As are you," he agreed, pushing the strap on her nightgown down her tanned shoulder and then feathering kisses on that bare skin.

"Oh Erik," she sighed, tangling her fingers in his midnight hair.

"Yes, my love," he whispered against her throat before licking where her heartbeat pulsed expectantly.

She gasped and closed her eyes when he softly bit her. S'ray arched against him and tilted her head to the side, giving him more access to her neck. He smiled and continued covering her with impassioned kisses. Erik loved the sound of her soft cries and moans of pleasure. He felt a swell of pride and desire, knowing that he was the one giving her such pleasure.

Then they heard raised voices at the window, Brandji and Luniana were arguing as usual. "Tell her to leave us alone!" the Brownie demanded of the closed window.

Erik groaned and dropped his head to her breast in frustration.

"Ignore them," she whispered gently. "It's just the two of us."

He lifted his head and caught her lips in a kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair again as she held him to her. There was another commotion at the window and then a cry of outrage followed by the tinkling of Pixie laughter. "Now what," he growled and got up off the bed.

Erik stormed over the window, completely unmindful of his state of arousal. He yanked back the curtain to reveal a very surprised Luniana and Brandji. Scowling, he pulled open the window and snarled, "Whatever it is, work it out somewhere else!"

"She pushed Brule off the window," Brandji complained.

"He called me a doody head," Luniana pouted pointing at Brandji.

"No, I said you smelled like doody," the Brownie corrected.

"Ohh!" she exclaimed in shock and anger. "You . . . you . . ."

"I don't care who said what to whom or who pushed who off the window," he ground out. "You're both leaving now to settle this somewhere else."

"But . . . " Brandji began.

"Out! Now!" he shouted.

Brandji back-pedaled and then began scampering down the vines on the side of the house as quickly as he could.

"Well, that got rid of him," Luniana smirked triumphantly.

"You too," he growled.

"But . . . " she protested.

"Now, before I put the cat on you," he threatened.

"S'ray," she called out.

"Listen to him Luniana," she answered from the bed where she waited for Erik.

"But . . ."

"Luniana," she cautioned.

"Humph," the Pixie said with a toss of her head and flew away.

Erik stood in the open window, leaning heavily on the sill and willing himself to calm down again.

"Erik," S'ray called from their bed. "Erik, come back to bed."

He turned and saw her sitting up in their bed, smiling at him. He smiled in return and walked back to the bed.

"You handled them very well," she smiled as he sat by her again.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "You still needed to put in the last word with Luniana."

"Pixies can be very willful, you just have to be firm with them," she explained putting her arms around his neck. "You'll get used to it in time and so will they."

"Are you sure?" he asked, her gentle touch already calming him.

"Positive, they have to listen to you as much as I," she whispered and kissed the base of his throat.

"And why is that love?" he asked, his fingers sliding into her soft hair.

"Well, you are my Green Man," S'ray smiled caressing his chest. "You are in charge when I'm gone."

"Mmm, I don't think Brandji will like that," he chuckled.

"Does it look like I care?" she laughed softly. "Now where were we?"

"And you could hang a half dozen doughnuts on Erik's raging hard-on," the Pixie called from the window.

"Get out!" Erik roared while blushing furiously.

"I am out," she called and blew him a raspberry while sticking her thumbs in her ears and wiggling her fingers. Then she turned a back flip and flew away again.

"So where were we again?" S'ray asked with a chuckle.

"Right about here I believe," he murmured and drew her down onto the bed again. His hand pulled the gown down, exposing one of her small breasts. He blew softly across the nipple, causing it to harden and S'ray to gasp his name. Then his mouth closed over her eager peak and he groaned aloud as he suckled her. She moaned softly and he felt himself harden further as she brushed against him. His warm mouth slanted across her chest to her other breast and he suckled her through the fabric of her nightgown.

S'ray clutched at him, never wanting him to stop pleasuring her. "Oh yes Erik, yes, yes," she sighed encouragingly. "More please more."

"As you wish," he smiled against her and raised his head. "But first, something for me."

"Whatever you wish love, just please don't stop," she pleaded as he sat up.

"Then take this off for me," he smirked fingering the material of her gown, "slowly."

S'ray smiled and sat up, then she slid off the bed to stand before him. With a sultry smile, she let the other shoulder strap of the gown fall off her shoulder. She shimmied her shoulders and the gown fell to her waist, baring her breasts to his hungry eyes. Erik's eyes burned with desire and he drew in a shaking breath. His lover held his gaze as she let the gown slide down her slim hips and pool around her feet on the floor.

He almost groaned in pain, he desired her so much as she stood there before him in just a brief pair of pantalets. She licked her lips suggestively and untied the ribbon at the top of her only undergarment. Erik watched, unable to look away, as she stepped toward him again and let her last bit of clothing slide down her strong legs.

She stood bare before him, a glorious goddess from the wild Celtic France of ancient times. He could hardly breathe; her naked beauty had effectively silenced him. Erik shook with desire as she stepped closer yet to him, neither had said anything since his request for her to disrobe. "Why so silent good Monsieur?" she asked in a sultry voice as her hand lightly caressed his cheek.

"I have no words to describe the beauty that stands before me," he whispered, gazing up into her violet eyes. "Never have I ever envisioned anyone so wonderful in all my fantasies."

"I am no fantasy my love," she smiled, tossing her hair behind her shoulder.

"Of that there is no doubt," Erik replied as his eyes swept over her.

"Do you desire me Erik?" she asked, gently swaying before him.

"God yes S'ray," he groaned, closing his eyes to try and control himself; lest he become a beast and take her forcibly.

She didn't answer, but he knew she must be smiling as her hands went to the open collar of his shirt and pulled the lacing out the rest of the way. "Mmm, you are much too handsome to hide away under all these clothes," she smiled, lightly running her fingers over exposed skin. "Take these off for me."

Erik watched her step back and found himself unable and not wanting to resist her request. He rose and stood before her, then pulled his open shirt from his shoulders and let it fall on the floor. His hands went to his trousers and unbuttoned them for her. She watched intently as he stripped down to his drawers. "All of it love," she commanded softly.

Never loosing her gaze, he untied the garment and let it fall. They stood naked before each other, the only sound in the room that of their excited breathing. S'ray stepped forward and put her hand on his naked chest. He drew in a sharp breath, as if burned by a hot iron. "What is it love?" she asked, looking up into his burning amber eyes.

He couldn't answer her; he stepped closer and put his hands on her shoulders. He grasped her tightly and drew her in for a fevered kiss. Her arms found their way around his neck and her fingers tangled in his ebony hair. They came together like fire and ice; he was burned by her fire, she by his ice. His hands moved down and he picked her up without breaking their kiss. He sat her on the bed and as she leaned backwards, she drew him down with her.

They moved as one onto the bed, neither wanting to part from the other. He pulled back and gazed down at her. "I need you S'ray," he said huskily as he turned her face toward his.

"I know," she smiled, stretching out before him in an open invitation to her body.

His hands went to her breasts and she gasped as he lightly teased her nipples to hard peaks. Her thighs parted as his hand slid lower down her body. He groaned in want as his fingers slid across her desire slicked sex. "God S'ray," he groaned against her smooth stomach before kissing it.

"Yes," she hissed as he stroked her.

"I can smell how much you want me," Erik said and kissed her Venus mound. "I can hardly wait to bury myself deep inside you."

"Oh please Erik," she gasped as his tongue slid down to tease her clitoris.

"Please more or please stop?" he smirked stoking the inside of her thigh.

"More, oh more Erik," she pleaded as he held her hips still.

"Such a wicked woman, letting me do such wicked things to her," he softly chuckled and dipped his tongue in once more to pleasure her.

She cried out at the sudden pleasure and arched her back.

"And you seem to enjoy these wicked things so very much," he said raising his head to look at her.

"Tease," she pouted.

"Only if I don't carry through and I fully intend to carry through on this," he smiled reaching up to caress a breast.

S'ray gasped and let her head fall back as he stroked and squeezed her.

"You are perfection, my wild goddess," he sighed watching her reactions to his touch.

"As are you my Valys Jhylaes," she smiled happily.

"No, not even close my love," he said kissing her inner thigh. "I have come here in pursuit of that deepest urge, in pursuit of that wish, which till now has been silent, silent."

He sat up and continued, "I have sought you; that our passions may fuse and merge."

S'ray sat up as well, remembering the words of the song he'd shown her, though the words he sang now were a bit different. He'd said he'd written the song for himself and Christine and she was curious as to why he chose to sing it to her now.

"In my mind I've already succumbed to you; dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to you," Erik sang as his fingers traced her curves. "Now I am here with you: no second thoughts, I've decided, decided."

She sighed in pleasure and let her head fall backward.

"Past the point of no return, no backward glances; the games I've played till now are at an end," he sang with more passion. "Past all thought of if or when, no use resisting; abandon thought, and let the dream descend."

She gasped and shivered, his voice was like a caress from his hands. Seductive words dripped from his lips like honey, making her ache for him to complete her.

Erik pulled her close to his chest. "What raging fire shall flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks its door?" he demanded, his voice becoming rougher with desire. One of his hands slid down to grasp her ass and pull her against his erection. "What sweet seduction lies before us?"

Her breath came out in a soft moan of pleasure and she looked up at him with desire darkened eyes.

"Past the point of no return, the final threshold; what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn?" he asked gently cupping her face, "beyond the point of no return."

S'ray gazed up into those warm golden eyes of his and she stroked his cheek. Then taking a deep breath, she replied, "We have come here to that moment where words run dry, to that moment where speech disappears into silence, silence."

"I had brought you here, hardly knowing the reason why," she sang to him. "I wanted to help you, along the way I fell in love with you."

She slid her hands down and stroked his chest. Her fingers ruffling the dark curls there, proof of his human heritage. "Then in my mind, I imagined our bodies entwining defenseless and silent," she confessed now kissing his chest over his heart. "And now I am here with you: no second thoughts, I've decided, decided."

Erik smiled down at her as she sang back to him and realized that he would be content to listen to her voice forever. He hadn't really planned on S'ray singing back to him, let alone remembering the words he'd shown her in his lair well enough to modify them. She was a remarkable woman and he was blessed that she loved him in spite of his looks and bad temper.

"Past the point of no return, no going back now," she sang moving back a bit to admire her lover's bare body. "Our passion-play has now, at last, begun."

"Past all thought of right or wrong, one final question," she smiled caressing his quivering stomach. "How long should we two wait, before we're one?"

Her eyes lit up with the fire of passion and she gripped his arms possessively. "When will the blood begin to race, the sleeping bud burst into bloom?" she demanded. "When will the flames, at last, consume us?"

They were silent for several moments, each basking in the love of the other. "Past the point of no return the final threshold; the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn," they began singing again. "We've passed the point of no return."

"I'm yours forever S'ray, or as long as you'll have me," he said softly as they knelt before each other on the bed.

"I love you Erik," she said, tenderly stroking his bare face. "This face, your past deeds mean nothing to me. I love your heart and soul and that will never change. I will never stop loving you."

"Oh S'ray," he said, emotion heavy in his voice.

"Shh, no more words," she said softly placing her fingers against his lips. "We don't need them now; show me how you feel my love."

His hands gently caressed her face, a look of wonder in his eyes. His lifelong wish had finally been granted, he was finally loved for himself. He slowly dipped his head toward her and softly kissed her. She did not flinch or pull away, but kept her eyes open and returned his kiss in kind. Erik pulled back for a moment to catch his breath and gaze into her eyes. Then he leaned down and kissed her again, letting his lips say what his voice could not.

S'ray's arms were around his neck, fingers stroking away all tension there. Then she pulled out the tie holding his hair back and combed her fingers though his ebony pony tail. She kissed him back, smiling against his lips as his arms wrapped possessively around her again.

He pulled back again and looked down at her with hungry eyes.

"Yes love," she murmured softly and lay down upon their warm bed.

Erik lay next to her, running his hands over her body as if they were together for the first time. He silently committed every inch of her to his memory. Then after he'd caressed all of her with his hands, he began the long, slow process of covering her in kisses.

She gasped and moaned softly as his lips moved over her sensitive skin. She cried out and arched against him as he softly suckled one of her nipples while he circled the other with a calloused thumb. He kissed across her chest and pulled the other nipple into his mouth. Her hands firmly grasped his hair, holding him to her breast.

His mouth moved lower to her stomach, accompanied by her cries of delight. Erik groaned in his need for her, her honeyed scent pulling him down her body and making his mouth water in anticipation of tasting her again. He kissed across her navel and over to her hips, she was so aroused he could almost taste her now.

Her thighs parted for him as he softly kissed her bare mound. He lay between her legs and began kissing the inside of each thigh. He licked and softly bit the tender flesh making her cry out his name in their shadowed bower. S'ray tossed her head from side to side, the rest of the world forgotten except for the man pleasuring her now.

Erik slid his tongue up her thigh and then licked her sex. "Mmm," he smiled closing his eyes and savoring her honeyed sweetness. "You are so sweet my love." He bent his head again and circled her clitoris several times before gently sucking on it. Her body spasmed with a small climax when he hummed against the sensitive nub. He continued pleasuring her with his mouth, enjoying every tremor and sound of pleasure he elicited from her.

A hiss of pleasure escaped her lips as he slipped two fingers inside her. She gripped the bedclothes tightly as the pleasure coiled, burning hot inside her. She writhed beneath him and cried out incoherently as he brought her closer and closer to release. His hands tightly gripped her hips and held her still after she almost bucked him off her. Her breath came in quick pants as the pleasure coiled ever more tightly within her.

He continued his erotic assault on her body, his tongue ever so lightly teasing her. She was close to the edge, her whimpers a plea for him to release her. His lips closed around her clitoris again and he hummed against her. S'ray gasped and then her voice rose in a shout of pleasure as he pushed her over the edge and she came undone in his arms.

Afterward, she finally opened her eyes and met his warm golden gaze. "You are truly a goddess when you're undone," he smiled and kissed her. "I love you S'ray."

"Mmm Erik," she sighed languidly in his arms and brushed against him as she stretched out.

He drew his breath in sharply at the sudden rush of sensation.

"Lie back Erik and let me return the favor," she smiled sitting up and pushing his shoulders back into the bed. Then she leaned forward and kissed him, her hand gently caressing his ruined cheek. He closed his eyes and kissed her back, letting the rest of the tension of the past two weeks drain away from his body.

S'ray continued lavishing him with kisses, when she tired of his lips she moved to his cheeks, his nose and his eyes. Her hair fell around them, giving them an added sense of privacy. She watched him open his eyes and gaze at her with those warm golden orbs. Her hand caressed his stubbled chin and she kissed his lips again, this time slipping her tongue inside to taste and tease.

A groan of desire rumbled from deep within his chest as their tongues played tag with each other. She pulled back momentarily to look at him and then darted forward and began kissing his chin before moving to his neck. A gentle groan escaped his lips as she kissed and nibbled along his Adam's apple and down to the slight hollow at the base of his throat.

His hands slid up to lightly hold her shoulders as she kissed back and forth across first one collar bone and then the other. She traced each of the scars on his chest and stomach with her fingers and then with her mouth. Her mouth gently lingered on the new scar on his left shoulder, the one the Vicomte had given him as he fought for her. Erik sighed as her silken tresses trailed across his skin as she kissed her way down his scarred body.

Her hand slid across his hip and lightly caressed his erection. "S'ray!" he gasped at the intense pleasure.

"Let it happen Erik," she whispered and kissed the tip. "Let the pleasure take you."

Erik whimpered in response and grasped the pillows beneath his head. What she did to him and made him feel, if he'd died now, he would die knowing what paradise already was. His hips bucked upwards as she drew him slowly into her mouth. It was no wonder they called this the little death, he felt as if she were drawing the life out of him through his cock one lick at a time.

S'ray smiled and blew softly on his wet erection. She was rewarded by his sharp intake of breath. The Alve grasped him again and wrapped her lips around him, sucking gently. A strangled cry of pleasure escaped him as he came closer to release. "Let it happen love, don't hold back and try to prolong things," she said and swirled her tongue around the tip.

"Oh God," he groaned somewhere between pleasure and pain.

"What do you need me to do Erik? Tell me and this wicked woman will do it," she smiled kissing up and down his length.

"L…lick . . . lick me," he gasped, wanting to bury himself within her.

She bent her head and ran her tongue up and down the length of him, paying special attention to the sensitive head. He moaned and gasped, his body twisting in pleasure beneath her. "Anything else?" she asked swirling her tongue around the head again.

"S . . . su . . . suck me," he groaned arching up beneath her. "Hard."

Her head bent low again as she drew him into her mouth, sucking softly at first and then harder as he requested.

"God yes," he hissed, throwing his head back. She would let him slip out of her hot mouth till she held just the tip of his erection and then she would tease him unmercifully with her tongue. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, she would suck him back into her mouth, stroking him with her tongue.

His breath became shallow and fast as she brought him closer and closer to release. He knew he couldn't take much more and he would be undone. "S'ray!" he cried out as she caressed a particularly sensitive spot with her tongue.

"Show this wicked woman how wicked a man you are," she said sultrily. "Come undone for me Erik; let me taste my wicked man."

His cock was engulfed by her mouth again and she moaned and sighed as she pleasured him. He couldn't believe what he heard, it sounded as if she was getting as much pleasure from pleasuring him as he was getting from her. It was too much for him, he groaned and his hips jerked as he spilled himself within her eager mouth.

She smiled and swallowed his seed. He tasted different from Elven men; he was sharp and tangy, but not unpleasant, just different. She swallowed again and licked the last of his seed from his softening erection. S'ray licked her lips and then kissed the head of his cock before moving up to lie next to him again.

S'ray propped herself up on one arm and lazily caressed his damp chest while she watched him come back to himself. Her fingers played in the wet, black curls of hair at the center of his chest. How different he was from Elven men, she smiled and watched his more pronounced Adam's apple move as he swallowed several times. "S'ray," he finally murmured, reaching up to caress her cheek.

"Yes Erik," she smiled covering his hand with hers.

He reached around her head and gently pulled her down to his waiting lips. Their kiss was slow and gentle and when they finally pulled apart she lay half across his scarred chest. "You do realize that I won't be able to repeat that for a while now," he chuckled twining his fingers in her long hair.

"And your point?" she sighed caressing his stubbled chin.

"None really, at least not for a while," he smirked. "But it gives me plenty of time for other pursuits."

"Like what?" she asked running her fingers through his dark chest hair.

"Mmm, perhaps I'll go down to the study and compose some music," he said sitting up.

"Oh no," she said and jumped on top of him.

"And why not?" he asked holding her in his lap.

"You are staying right in this bed my Valys Jhylaes," she said poking him in the chest.

"And why would I want to just lie about in bed?" he asked quirking an eyebrow.

"Because I'm in it with you," she smiled now lightly caressing his chest.

"Well you can join me in the study, I know you love hearing me play," Erik replied.

"I'd rather play with you," she giggled and kissed his cheek.

"Then get your guitar out," he suggested.

"I'm not interested in that kind of playing," she said in a sing-song voice and trailed her hand down his stomach.

"Cards then?" he asked, knowing full well what she wanted to do with him.

"Nuh-uh," she said shaking her head.

"Then what?" he asked trying to ignore the feelings she was stirring up in him again.

"Love games," she smiled looking back up at him. "I love you Erik Destler."

"I love you S'ray Night-Star Dragon-Friend," he said and kissed her. Her arms wound around his neck and she pressed herself against him. Erik's arms were around her and he felt himself begin to stir again. "God S'ray, what you do to me," he groaned, lifting his mouth from hers.

"Seems like someone isn't as spent as he thought he was," she smiled rubbing herself against his hardening cock.

"How can I be with a temptress such as you in my arms," he smiled. "Oh woman, I can feel your wet heat against me."

"I am how you say avoir la trique," she said with a wicked grin as she continued rubbing herself against him.

"Mmm such a nasty phrase from such a pretty mouth," he groaned as her hand slipped between them to caress his now half-hard cock.

"And what are you going to do about it?" she smirked stroking him.

"Punish you," he replied opening his eyes again.

"How?" she demanded now lightly caressing the head of his erection.

"Mmm, make love to you," he smirked grabbing her shoulders and rolling them over so he was on top of her. "Make love to you very slowly and the way I wish to make love to you."

"And how is that?" she asked as he pushed her thighs apart with his own.

"Long, slow strokes that leave you begging me for more," he replied and licked one of her nipples.

She gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist. "Please love, take me now," she sighed as he pressed against her.

"Not till I'm ready," he growled and gently bit her nipple.

"Erik!" she gasped and then cooed when he began to suckle her.

He moved his mouth to her other breast when he'd taken his fill of the first. S'ray's body was heaven beneath his, she was soft, sweet and oh so willing to join her body to his. She made him so happy; he hardly knew where to start making love to her. Erik moved his fingers over her nipple as he laved attention with his mouth on her other breast. His own mother had never nursed him and he wondered if that was perhaps an underlying reason for his fascination with S'ray's breasts.

Erik drew back and looked at his lover. She lay with her head turned to one side, eyes closed and mouth open. She let out soft cries of pleasure between panting breaths. Her arms lay limply on the pillow beneath her head, framing her face. Hard, dusky nipples topped her small, firm breasts; one still glistening with moisture from when he'd been suckling her mere moments before. His eyes moved down to her trim waist and flat belly. He was drawn down to her seductively flared hips and then her bare Venus mound. Smooth, well-muscled legs that wrapped around his waist completed the picture of his goddess.

"How is it that a demon such as I am blessed with a goddess like you?" he murmured sliding his hand down to stroke the treasure between her thighs.

"Because I love you," she answered opening dark violet eyes.

"And I you," he whispered and slid inside her.

"Erik," she gasped softly and pulled his mouth down to hers.

He didn't start moving right away, but stayed still and enjoyed the feeling of her body wrapped around his. She smiled and sighed against his mouth; another side of his human half, he was more well-endowed than an Alve man. S'ray remembered that he had been so surprised by that fact, but he had also made certain that she was always ready for him before they became one. She cried out in frustration and brought her hips up to his, encouraging him to begin their dance of love.

"Is this what you want love?" he asked silkily as he slid almost all the way out and then back in. "I already told you this is what I'd do to you."

"Oh Erik, Erik, Erik," she moaned softly.

"So soft, so warm," he murmured against her ear keeping his movements long and slow.

S'ray gasped and lifted her hips to meet his every thrust. He fought the urge to let his body take over and take her harder and faster. He wanted to draw out the pleasure slowly, let the fire build before it finally consumed them both. His lips found her neck and he kissed her, causing a shiver to run down her body as he found a particularly sensitive spot.

Erik's hands moved up to link with hers, holding her arms to each side of her head. He smiled and kissed her parted lips, still keeping his movements slow and steady. He could feel her body starting to react to his slow loving; her moans of pleasure became deeper and her body felt warmer against his.

He increased the pace of his movements, but still continued using long thrusts. She cried out and her head tipped back, giving him access to the full column of her neck. He leaned down and trailed kisses along her throat, ending with a gentle bite at the base.

She gasped again and tried to put her arms around his neck, but he still held her hands firmly in his own. "I think not my goddess," he softly said against her. "Erik knows what he is doing, let Erik love you and bring you to the very pinnacle of pleasure. Please say you trust Erik."

S'ray looked up into eyes that shone with all his love for her and smiled. "I trust you Erik," she whispered and lifting her head, kissed him.

"Erik loves S'ray with all that he is," he said, pausing his movements.

"And I love Erik with all that I am," she sighed, gazing up at him with love and desire.

Erik dipped his head again and kissed her, his tongue slipping in to deepen the kiss. She kissed him back and sighed in pleasure as he began moving over her again. S'ray gasped and moaned as he moved slowly, with long, measured strokes that had her begging him for more. Still holding her hands in his, he increased the pace; delighting in how her body arched against his.

She could feel it happening, that slow build up in her belly. It started out as a small tight flame, but soon grew to a raging inferno of desire that only he could quench for her. "Erik please," she gasped as he slowed his pace again. "Please Erik, please."

He smiled and increased his pace again. She moved against him, meeting his thrusts and gasping his name. It was becoming harder and harder to control himself as her movements became more desperate. Soon he found himself just responding to her need with his own, thrusting harder and faster. S'ray clung to him, her body on fire for him and crying out her desire for him.

They were so close; he could feel her secret muscles start to contract rhythmically around him. Her head was back and her breath came in sharp gasps. He leaned down and kissed her and felt her wrap her legs tightly around him. His own breath was coming quicker and he could feel himself come nearer as well, but he concentrated on pleasing S'ray first.

S'ray cried out loudly against him as the pleasure coiled ever tighter within her. His every stroke pushed her closer to pure ecstasy and longed for release. She wanted so much to caress her lover and hold him, but he held her hands trapped with his own, wanting her to just receive pleasure from him. She felt herself rise up against him one more time, then cry out his name as the knot suddenly came undone and she trembled in sweet release against him.

The man could hold back no longer, he let himself lose control finally and spill himself within her. He held himself above her as he trembled against her as well. Finally he released her hands and rolled onto his back beside her, completely spent.

They lay next to each other for some time, both too spent to even speak. After a while, S'ray stretched and then snuggled up next to him. "Erik is the most wonderful man in the world," she sighed resting her head on his shoulder. "And I love him very much."

He smiled and wrapped an arm around her. "Erik loves his S'ray very much as well," he smiled. "Is S'ray pleased with her Erik?"

"Very, very much," she grinned, turning over in his arms. "Erik outdid himself tonight."

"Then Erik is happy," he sighed and then frowned as he felt her shiver. "But S'ray must be getting cold now."

"A little, but I don't feel like moving right now," she sighed and held herself even closer to him.

"One moment love," he smiled and pulled her arms from around his chest. Then he sat up and pulled the covers up and around them. "Now come here," he said holding his arms open to her after settling himself in the bed.

S'ray eagerly moved into his embrace once more, she felt so good being wrapped in his arms and their blankets. "Mmm, I'd forgotten how much I missed this," she sighed pressing herself closer to him.

"What's that love?" he asked combing his fingers through her mussed hair.

"Just being close to someone like this," she sighed stroking his damp chest.

"Mmm," he replied closing his amber eyes.

"Oh Erik, you look so handsome right now," S'ray cooed gently running her fingers along his stubbled jaw.

"No, no I don't," he replied not opening his eyes.

"Oh yes you do. You're all relaxed now, you don't look so harsh and that makes you very handsome," she explained gazing up at him.

"I'm well aware of what I look like without the mask, I am not handsome," he asserted, turning his marred side toward the pillow.

"No you don't," she frowned and turned his head back. "I want to look at all of you."

"Damn stubborn woman," he growled quietly.

"What other kind would put up with you?" she laughed and kissed him.

"None apparently since all three women that I count among my very few friends are all exceedingly stubborn and that includes you my love," he sighed in frustration.

"You forgot Luniana."

"Yeah, you forgot Luniana," the Pixie chirped from outside the window.

"Sorry, thoughts are still a bit muddled from making love," he sighed, ignoring the Pixie.

"Forgiven," S'ray smiled caressing his cheek. "And it looks like Luniana has forgiven you as well for earlier."

"But I didn't do anything," he protested.

"I know, but you're a man so it's naturally your fault as well," she laughed.

"Women," he grumbled letting his head fall back to the pillow.

"Morning love," Erik whispered as S'ray's eyes fluttered open.

"Mmm, morning," she smiled stretching in his arms.

"You're beautiful," he sighed watching her.

"You're in love," she lightly chuckled.

"Totally and completely," he agreed.

"I'm surprised you're not up and dressed already," she yawned.

"It's not all that late," he shrugged. "Besides, I have something to ask you this morning."

"What is it?" she asked curling up against him.

"Teach me magic, please," he said looking down at her for her reaction.

"What?" she asked surprised.

"I understand if you don't want to, I'm sure there are many secrets you don't want someone like me to know," he said quickly to hide his disappointment at her reaction.

"Whoa, slow down love," she said sitting up. "I never said that I wouldn't."

"But. . ."

"But nothing, you just surprised me with that. I didn't know you were interested," she smiled as he sat up. "We can start after breakfast."

"I love you," he smiled pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

"Mmm, love you too," she purred between kisses. "But if you keep this up, breakfast will be late."

"I don't think I'll starve," he grinned.

"You'll be late for your first magic lesson," she smirked. "And you wouldn't want your teacher mad at your on your first day, would you?"

"Mmm, you have a point," he replied releasing her.

"After breakfast then?" she smiled kissing his deformed cheek.

"After breakfast," he sighed swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

"You forgot your robe," she chuckled as he strode to the door to his room.

"I know," he grinned looking back at her over his shoulder.

Author's End Note: Wow, this is the end of Phantom of the Glen. But don't worry, I'm not done with Erik, S'ray and all the others; there are many adventures in store for them yet. There is a new poll on my profile asking which characters from the Leroux and Kay books you'd like to see brought into this, you can also ask for other fantasy characters and creatures in a review.

To Be Continued in Phantom of the Glen – Family Ties

Teaser from an upcoming chapter of Family Ties:

Margarita's eyes lit up with happiness. "Sis!" she smiled and tried to run out of the water to S'ray.

"Margarita?" S'ray said surprised.

Sisters? Erik thought, still completely surprised; he'd known she had many siblings, but not more than the one sister that she mentioned.