Lord of Wolves (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 8 - Meeting Erik

Erik's POV:

I couldn't stay away. I had to know why she kissed me. It had been forty-eight hours and I hadn't gotten that kiss out of my mind. It was there always. I remembered the fire that had been in it and smiled. The ice cave was cold without her presence. I missed her. As I watched the fire with my wolves surrounding me I realized something. The wolves had been enough for so long but now they weren't. I wanted that girl to stay with me forever. I had to see her again. I loved her.

Crystal's POV:

I sat in front of my fire and watched the flames. Shantell had gone to bed early but I couldn't sleep. I remembered those weeks when my lullaby was Erik's deep breathing, when my alarm clock was him rising to start breakfast. It had become norm and I missed it. Correction: I missed him. I looked at the clock. It was midnight. How wonderful it would be to see him again. It was dark outside and I wondered if he would come to see me. After all no one would see him. It was dark and he could move like a cat. I looked out the window and saw the moon and stars light up the snow like noon day. I was about to turn away when I saw something moving across the ice sheets. Only one thing could come at that pace and from the ice sheets: Erik. I clapped my hands lightly and ran over to Shantell.

“Wake up! Wake up!” I whispered while shaking her.

“What?” She mumbled. “What time is it?”

“Midnight, silly. I want you to meet someone.” Shantell sat straight up and said,

“Erik?” I rolled my eyes.

“No, Santa. Of course, Erik. His sled and white wolves are coming across the ice sheets. I will talk to him and ask him if he wants to meet you. Don't be offended if he doesn't. He isn't used to humans.” We both pull on our house coats and I go outside. Shantell has situated herself at a window and I will wave if it is safe for her to come out. I walked onto the small back porch and watched as Erik's sled slid towards me. I was a little nervous because it would be the first time I would talk to him after I had kissed him. Thought were flying through my head and I didn't even notice the cold. But if he didn't want to see you again then why is he hear, a voice said. I knew that it was right. I hoped it was right. Erik's sled stopped behind my house and the wolves didn't even yip. They must have understood the need for silence. Erik stepped from the sled and opened his arms wide. I smiled and rushed into them. I buried my head in his chest and smiled. I could feel those reassuring scars and I sighed contentedly.

“I am glad to see you, Erik.” I whispered into his chest. He was shaking just a bit and I wondered why.

“I am glad to see you as well, Crystal. I was wondering something. Could I...” He drifted off. I could feel his shaking increase. I drew back and rubbed his forearm gently.

“Could what?” He looked straight into my eyes and in a whisper said,

“Could I kiss you again?” I was surprised but tried not to show it.

“Of course, you can.” I leaned forward and closed my eyes. His lips met mind halfway. If I thought there was fire in our last kiss well, I was mistaken. This was the ultimate. I was loving every moment of it. His hands clamped onto my waist and held on as if it was the one thing that could keep him grounded. At last he drew away and pulled me into a hug. I felt something wet hit my hair. I looked up to see him crying.

“Thank-you.” He whispered and hugged me tighter.

“I think I enjoy it as much as you do.” I said. “But may I ask a question?” He nodded. “Why did you want to kiss me again? I enjoy it but I was just wondering.” He looked at me and opened his mouth but then shut it.

“I don't think I can trust you enough with that answer yet. Maybe one day.” He held me close. I felt a knife stab my heart but I didn't let my face show it. I knew that I was lucky to have him trust me with this much.

“Okay, but as soon as you are ready to admit it, then I will be here to listen. By the way,” I said, remembering Shantell who I blushed to recall was standing at the window. “A friend of mine is here and she wants to meet you.” Erik pulled away completely and his golden eyes went wide in fear.
“Crystal, I don't like this. I don't trust anyone. I-” I stopped him with a kiss on the lips. I didn't know why I was doing this when someone who I wasn't sure I loved and who I was sure didn't love me. You do love him, Crystal. You just won't admit it yet. A voice in my head said. I ignored it. His kisses tasted too good to leave alone. If he wanted that then I would give it to him. He kissed me gently.

“Okay, I will meet her. I can't resist you when you kiss me.” I smiled and waved at the window. Shantell walked out the door. I could see Erik draw back toward his wolves. The wolves growled a little then settled down. Cromwell even wagged his tail.

“Hi, Erik.” Erik gave me the you-told-her-everything look. I nodded and took his hand. Shantell descended the steps and walked toward us. Erik's hand was shaking and I knew he was about to make a run for it when Shantell extended her hand.

“My name is Shantell.” Erik looked at her extended hand. He looked at me then took it carefully. Shantell held it firmly and shook his hand. “Crystal has told me a lot. I am so glad to meet you at last. I was hoping that I would get this opportunity.” I could see that Shantell was trying to stay calm but her eyes were alight with joy. Erik looked at me and gently released Shantell's hand.

“Delight to make your acquaintance, Ms. Shantell.” Shantell shook her head.

“Just call me Shantell. No need for formality.” I looked up at Erik.

“Do you want to come it? We can get you something warm to drink or eat.” Erik shook his head.

“No, thank-you. In fact I better get back before someone notices that I am here. I can't be caught here. It was nice to meet you, Shantell. Can I talk with Crystal alone, please?” I gave Shantell the look and she grinned. With a wave she walked back inside the house.

“What do you think of her?” He smiled.

“I never liked blonds.” I laughed at his statement.

“Well, what hair color do you like?” He thought about it for a moment.

“Well, I have always liked dark hair.” He ran a finger through my dark waves. I blushed.

“As I said, I had better get back.” He kissed me before he turned to go. “Thank-you, Crystal. You don't know what that means to me.” And he was gone before I could say anything. He said he likes your hair, that voice said in my head. I blushed again. This blushing was really becoming a problem. I walked back into the house and saw Shantell standing with her hands on her hips. I knew there was to be a long conversation about this.