Monster

By Melissa Goldberg

This re-imagining of Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein is set in modern day LA's music industry. Music manager Victor Stonecraft's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a young street musician. Determined to turn this young man into a star, Victor shapes the man's personality and appearance to suit his needs. But Victor soon realizes he is unable to control his creation when Byron turns his newfound sexual aggression toward Victor. Seduced into a relationship he is not entirely comfortable with, Victor begins to learn more about himself and his desires than ever before. However, things quickly spiral out of control with disastrous results. This novel explores themes of sexuality and shame, fame culture, and personal accountability for one's own actions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Goldberg
• Release date: Apr 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301886098

Book preview

Monster

By

Melissa Goldberg

Inspired by

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s

Frankenstein

Copyright 2012 Melissa Goldberg

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art by Idle Toil

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 1

There was a street performer playing outside the usual coffee shop. Victor heard him before he saw him. The soft, delicate strumming of the acoustic guitar perfectly complemented the entrancing singing voice that drifted over it through the air. Victor had heard his share of street performers and so-called professionals alike, but he had never heard anything quite like this. The music intrigued him, drew him in. There was something special in it, something almost dangerous. It gave him goose bumps.

When he turned the corner of the building to reach the door of the Mont Blanc Café, Victor finally set eyes on the man serenading him. He was tall, well-built, looked about college age. His dark hair was long – too long – and he didn’t know how to dress himself properly to fit the image of his music. His music was dark, dangerously captivating, and mysterious, but the man singing it looked like he belonged in his mother’s basement smoking pot and watching cartoon shows. Victor saw this often in his line of business. There were plenty of people with talent, but so few with the whole package, with that total it factor.

Victor took a few steps out of his way to toss a couple bills into the guitarist’s case. He kept on singing, but he looked up at Victor and gave him a smile. His light eyes, the color of a frozen pond in winter, stood out shockingly from behind the curtain of tangled, jet black hair. From far away he hadn’t seemed anything special, but now that Victor was up close he felt his breath catch. He shook it off and turned away, going into the café.

Henry waved at him. Vic! He and his sister Elizabeth were already seated, and not only that, they’d ordered for Victor already.

Seriously? Henry’s eyebrow quirked as Victor took the seat next to him. I know that your closet contains nothing else, but a suit for brunch?

I’m going to work later on. Victor took off his spotless glasses to clean them as soon as he was seated.

Uh-oh.

Victor looked up at Elizabeth expectantly.

She smiled. You’re cleaning your glasses when they aren’t dirty. That means something’s bothering you.

Oh. Victor forced himself to stop what he was doing and put his glasses back on. No. It’s nothing. I’m just…feeling restless.

Henry leaned into the corner of the booth so that he could face Victor more fully, flicking his blond hair out of his eyes. Is something going on? You’ve been really busy with work ever since you started at your mother’s agency.

Victor corrected him sharply before he could think better of it. It’s not an agency. It’s music management. It’s completely different. He took a breath. Sorry. I know you know that. I didn’t mean to snap.

A teasing smile was playing at Henry’s lips. So there is something bothering you at work then?

Victor’s eyes met Henry’s, and he let himself smile. His best friend knew him so well. It’s nothing really. My mother has been hassling me about developing new talent.

Elizabeth sipped at her cappuccino. Isn’t that good? It means she trusts you.

Hardly. If she trusted me, she’d just assign me more clients as she signs them. For her to tell me to find my own means that she doesn’t want me with clients she likes. Because I might screw it up.

That’s not true. Henry gave Victor a gentle punch on the shoulder. Aunt Caroline wouldn’t have hired you if she didn’t trust you with her clients.

She hired me because she’s too busy. And, unlike with her other managers, she can push me around and make me do all the things she doesn’t want to. Because I’m her son. Victor took an angry sip of his coffee and immediately regretted it when it burned his tongue. He let out an unhappy cry, and the cup crashed back down on the saucer with a clank.

Henry couldn’t hold back a chuckle, and Elizabeth shot him a look. Then she turned back to Victor. So why don’t you to prove to her how good you are? Find someone and turn them into a major moneymaker for the company.

An ugly frown twisted Victor’s otherwise handsome face. Because that’s so easy.

Come on, Vic. There are thousands of people in this town that are looking for their shot. It can’t be that hard to find one that actually deserves it.

Victor glanced at Henry and withheld a sigh. You just don’t get it. It’s not just about talent. It’s about having the right look, the right sound for what everyone’s looking for right now, the right personality. Talent is the least important thing.

Henry leaned his elbows down on the table with a laugh. Let’s hope the translation and interpretation industry doesn’t work the same way. Or this graduate degree I’m working on won’t do me much good.

The sound of a smattering applause reached their ears, and glancing out the window, they saw that the street guitarist had gained three audience members. A small bemused smile touched Victor’s lips. With the right changes, he could have the parking lot full of spectators for him rather than three bored teens.

As though reading his mind, Henry tapped his shoulder with his knuckles. Hey, how about him? He’s already got three fans.

They shared a laugh, and then went back to their coffee. But Victor couldn’t help feeling intrigued. There was an element in the music that stirred something in him. But the man himself was a bit of a mess. Victor would have to build him up from scratch if he wanted to turn him into something worth investing his time in. Was he ready to create a new persona and breathe life into a new rock sensation? Victor found himself surprised that there was a large part of him that very strongly thought he was.

Chapter 2

Victor pulled into his assigned space in the parking lot of Stonecraft Music Management. He called it a parking lot, but really it was just the backside of the building and only had enough space for four cars. He entered the building through the back door and headed to his office. As he approached, the general office assistant blocked the path to his door.

Good morning, Mr. Stonecraft. Would you like to go over your schedule for today?

No, Robert, thank you. I think I have it under control.

Robert hesitated to move out of the way. Mrs. Stonecraft said that from now on I should always go over the schedules with our managers to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

The hairs on the back of Victor’s neck stood up with irritation. With all the managers or just with me?

Robert kept shifting his weight and popping the top button of his sweater vest in and out of the buttonhole. I meet with all the managers every morning now. It’s part of my job to keep your schedules straight after all.

Yes, fine, let’s go into my office then. Victor should have known something like this was going to happen. He had one day where he got his schedule mixed up, and his mother was completely overreacting. And he highly doubted that the other managers were being so coddled and babysat.

He endured the next five minutes of Robert telling him a schedule he already knew and had programmed into his iPhone, and then he was left alone. He had an hour before he had to leave for his next appointment – he had to meet a band at the studio for their recording session – so he spent it listening to various submissions he received via email. If he could find a new client to develop, maybe it would get his mother off his back a little. But it couldn’t just be anyone. For her to approve of them and accept them as a suitable investment, they really had to be perfect. After about fifty minutes of bad quality YouTube clips of amateur performances and poorly cut together demos, Victor checked his business email one last time. Nothing he needed to read immediately.

Victor, shouldn’t you get going? You have to meet Sneek Peek at the studio in half an hour.

Victor glanced up to see his mother standing in his office doorway. I was just about to get up and go. I’m well-aware of my schedule.

Don’t get snippy with me, Victor. She crossed her arms over her pinstriped blazer. I just don’t want another situation like we had last week where an artist was waiting over an hour for you to show up.

That was a one-time thing. It was programmed into my phone wrong, and-

She cut off his argument. Speaking of which, I’m giving Laura to another manager.

Victor was on his feet in an instant. What? Why? It was one mistake. If you switch her, she’ll have to get used to a whole new manager. I already know her and her work. Did you even ask her before-?

She’s the one who requested it.

All of his arguments died in his throat and sunk down into his stomach in a heavy ball. Oh.

Caroline waved it off. Don’t worry too much about it. Laura’s always been a bit of a diva. Her cool gray eyes met his. Besides, now it frees you up to take on new clients of your own.

I am working on that. I was just listening to submissions. But no one’s really caught my attention yet.

She sighed. You’re too picky. They’re all beginners. They’re all going to need some work. Stop procrastinating.

I’m not…. Victor cut off his own protest. Look, I have to get going or I’m going to be late to meet Sneek Peek.

All right. We can catch up later then. She started to turn to go but then paused. Victor, if this is too stressful for you-

It’s fine. I can handle it.

Maybe you’re too young to be in charge of clients. Maybe I should have made you an assistant to someone else first.

Angry shame stung Victor’s chest. I’ve grown up in this business. I watched you for years. I can do this.

She took a deep breath. I certainly hope so. But if you can’t, there’s no shame in-

I’m not quitting. He glanced down at his watch and withheld a groan. Now, I really have to go. You know how traffic is.

She let him go, but their conversation weighed on his mind for the rest of the day. All through the recording session and the various conference calls and the meeting for one of his client’s tours, he felt uneasy. Every action he took and word he spoke went under extreme self-evaluation; he was so overly concerned with doing his job right that it was actually making him less able to pay attention. He had to keep asking people to repeat things or go over something a second, third, or even fourth time, and by the end of the workday, Victor felt like the most useless person in the history of the planet.

He slid into the driver’s seat of his silver BMW and started the engine, but the thought of going home to his empty apartment filled him with a sense of depression and dread. He thought of calling Henry, but he didn’t want to force his friend to listen to him complain like a whiny child. He just wanted some time to himself, but he didn’t exactly want to be alone. The cozy atmosphere of the Mont Blanc Café entered his mind followed by the remembered taste of their succulent fresh baked croissants. And they also had Wi-Fi there, which meant he could sit on his computer and relax for as long as he wanted.

Already feeling lighter, Victor drove off toward his destination. He had only ever been there in the mornings so sitting in a cushy seat in the dimly lit café was a new and pleasant experience for him. It felt comfortable and welcoming – two feelings he was greatly in need of that night. It wasn’t very crowded at this time, unlike the hectic mornings when it was often difficult to find a seat.

As he was setting up his computer, a waiter approached his table. Victor saw the pad and pen in his hands before he lifted his eyes to his waiter’s face. He recognized the light blue eyes in an instant, but the too-long hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

What can I get for you?

Victor couldn’t respond for a moment. You…you were playing outside the other day.

He smiled, a sort of half-embarrassed, half-pleased smile. Yeah, I was.

You work here?

For about four months now.

I’ve never seen you before. And I come here for breakfast all the time.

Exactly. I only work evenings. His smile lost its embarrassment. So, uh, can I get you some coffee or something?

Oh, right, yes. I’ll have a double espresso and a croissant.

You got it. He scribbled something on his pad and then walked back behind the counter.

Victor stared after him, feeling somewhat mesmerized. Perhaps he had misjudged him. There was something undeniably magnetic about him; he might have that it factor after all. Victor began shaping him in his mind. He would have to cut his hair, still keeping it long but in a styled way rather than a too-lazy-to-cut-it way. And tighter clothes to show off his physique; his body was far too well-toned to hide under those baggy clothes. And given how dark and seductive his music was, a touch of eyeliner probably wouldn’t hurt either. That metrosexual emo look was really in for rock at the moment.

Victor realized he was still staring when the waiter’s puzzled eyes met his. He quickly averted his gaze back to his computer, nervously pushing his glasses up on his nose. Moments later coffee and a croissant was placed on the table.

Victor’s voice came out in a mumble, and he kept his eyes glued to his computer screen. Thank you.

The waiter didn’t leave. There was a short but very awkward pause and then, Can I ask you something?

Victor’s chest tightened. He forced himself to look up. Sure.

What did you think? Of my music?

There was something absolutely endearing about how nervous he looked. It wasn’t often that Victor saw a six foot tall, two hundred pound man looking so desperate for the approval of his small-boned, geeky-looking self.

The music I liked. A lot, actually.

The waiter instantly broke into a smile, breath rushing from his lungs as though he’d been holding it. Then his expression faltered. Was there something you didn’t like?

Victor leaned back in his chair. Let me ask you something. How long have you been in LA?

About five years. I moved here right out of high school.

And you moved here to pursue a music career, I assume.

Yeah.

And what have you been doing to try and get that going?

The waiter shifted his weight. The question obviously made him uncomfortable, and it was probably because he didn’t have a great answer. I play in the Promenade a lot, or other outdoor spaces, like here. The manager told me last week that I could play outside whenever I wanted. I’ve tried to get actual gigs, like in clubs and stuff, but I just get a lot of no. It seems like that’s all I’ve gotten since I’ve come here.

Have you made a demo?

The waiter bit the inside of his mouth before answering. I don’t really have access to equipment or anything.

Are you really surprised that you don’t have a career yet? No one’s going to just give it to you because you have talent. There’s way more to it than that. Victor leaned forward onto the table, confidence surging suddenly through his body. First off, your look is all wrong for the type of music you play. You need to create a persona to go along with your songs. I know musicians aren’t actors, but they still have parts to play.

After a quick glance around, the waiter took a seat across from Victor. What’s wrong with the way I look?

Well, the music you write gives off the aura of, like, a dark, sexy, mysterious rock god. And right now you look more like a lesbian trucker from the seventies.

Oh. Wow. That’s…honest.

Victor held back a laugh. It’s my job to be harsh about things like this. I mean, you have to give us a package to sell. Right now, you’d be lucky if they carried you in Wal-Mart.

The man across from him shook his head a little, an uncomfortable smile coming to his lips. You really don’t pull any punches, do you?

Like I said. It’s my job. Victor dug into his wallet and pulled out one of his business cards. Victor Stonecraft of Stonecraft Music Management.

He took the card. I’m Percy.

Well, that’s going to have to change too. There are no rock stars named Percy.

He laughed. Anything about me that you do like?

It’s not about me not liking you. It’s about what sells. Victor sat up in his seat to move closer. If you’re interested in actually getting your music career off the ground, I can make it happen for you. So long as you’re willing to do everything I say.

Percy glanced behind the counter and whatever he saw there made him get quickly to his feet. I’ll, uh, I’ll think about it. Thanks for the advice. He gave Victor one last smile and then hurried off to do his job.

Victor settled back into his chair. It surprised him how excited he was about Percy. He wanted to mold him into the perfect rock star. The cogs in his mind were running smoother than ever before. He was tempted to start setting up appointments for him already. He glanced over at where Percy was standing behind the counter working the coffee machine. There was so much Victor could do with him. The desire to create something out of nothing was all-consuming. Percy had to say yes. Victor didn’t plan on giving him much choice.

Chapter 3

Victor became increasing restless as the days passed with no call from Percy. What was taking him so long? Didn’t he realize what Victor was offering him? Fame, fortune, a chance to play his music for the world. It was all any budding musician could ask for.

A knock sounded on his office door. He perked up, wondering if perhaps Percy had come straight to the office. Yes?

Robert poked his head into the room. You have a visitor, Mr. Stonecraft.

Anticipation pressed against Victor’s chest. Send them in.

Go ahead in, Ms. Clerval.

Victor wilted when he realized it wasn’t Percy after all, but he gave Elizabeth a cordial smile when she walked in. He walked around his desk to give her a hug, which she warmly returned.

Liz, what a nice surprise. What brings you in?

She shrugged and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. Just felt like checking up on you.

Did Henry come with you?

No. Just me. There was a pause.

Oh. I see. Victor went back around his desk and sat down.

Elizabeth fidgeted with the purse in her lap. Are you busy? Did I come at a bad time?

Victor immediately shook his head. No, not at all. Today is a rather light day actually. You have perfect timing.

I’m glad you don’t seem as stressed out today. I was worried about you.

Victor smiled at her concern. I’m fine. His thoughts never far from his new project, he decided to probe for information. Did you or Henry go to Mont Blanc at all this week?

Not that I know of. Why? Did you want to go?

Not exactly. He hesitated to tell her, but he wasn’t sure why. I was wondering if you’d seen that guitarist playing again. I want to sign him.

Her face brightened. Really? That’s great. I think it’ll be so good for you to have a client that you got yourself. We could go get lunch there and see if he’s playing. Do you have time to go now? We could do dinner instead.

Victor didn’t get a chance to politely turn down her invitation because his mother walked into the room.

Oh! Lizzie, I didn’t know you were here.

Victor nearly rolled his eyes. She knew goddamn well that Elizabeth was here; that was why she came in. He knew what would inevitably follow now. Elizabeth and his mother exchanged a hug.

Caroline took Elizabeth’s face in her hands. You’re prettier every time I see you.

Elizabeth smiled off the compliment.

What brings you in?

I just came to visit Victor.

Caroline glanced meaningfully at him, and Victor expressed his disagreement with his eyes. Victor, you have the afternoon free, don’t you? Why don’t you take Lizzie out to lunch?

Elizabeth had a bright smile on her face. We were just talking about doing that.

Caroline was answering Elizabeth, but her eyes were on Victor. Perfect. It’s a date then.

Victor had to bite his cheek to keep from protesting her word usage. Yes, well, there’s a potential client I’m scouting who plays outside the café we go to. So it does work out rather perfectly.

Caroline looked pleased. Fantastic. I’m glad you’ve finally taken an interest in someone.

"He needs a complete makeover, of course. I can’t sell him as he