The Heart of a Monster

By J.M. Franco

In the dead of night a strange drifter strides into an anthropomorphic town out of a harsh and unforgiving desert as if appearing from the dunes themselves.
The drifter, who calls himself Midnight, is a tall and charismatic wolf that is taken to excesses of drinking and smoking. That same night he befriends and beguiles a rundown bounty hunter named Drax. She takes him in, seeming to have fallen instantly in love with him, so easy that it makes him pause to wonder her motives.
But when Drax's mates, Mok and Artimis, and the local sheriff Khika begin to suspect Midnight of being the infamous and immortal killer, Midnight Reaver, the over-sized wolf begins to show signs that he is more than just a wanderer and gun for hire.
After a string of attacks on the sun burnt Ferro City and the neighboring town having all of its residence mysteriously slaughtered, an old enemy of the Reaver, The Titan of Doom, hears of the strange wolf and the possibility that he is the unstoppable killer in disguise.
All the while Midnight finds himself torn between his secrets, his mind games, his addictions, and the well-being of the town that took him in. If he is the Reaver so many believe him to be, then Midnight may escape with vengeance and safety, and if not, then he may die the same as so many that are hunted down by the dreaded Titans of Always.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.M. Franco
• Release date: Jun 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476111315

J.M. Franco

I'm me, and that's ok. I just hope all that view my stories enjoy them. I am currently writing a psychic action novel as well as the sequel to 'The Heart of a Monster' entitled 'Number 27'.

Book preview

The Heart

Of A Monster

By: J.M. Franco

Copyright 2012 J.M. Franco

Table of Content:

Chapter 1: An old Beginning

Chapter 2: The Good don’t Always Win

Chapter 3: No Faith to Lose

Chapter 4: The Wind that Blows

Chapter 5: Three Heads are Worse than Two

Chapter 6: Lawlessness and Unrest

Chapter 7: Twin Darkness

Chapter 8: Eden is Burning

Chapter 9: Fire in the Sun

Chapter 10: No Tomorrow

Chapter 11: Into the Blue again

Chapter 12: Shadows of the Night

Chapter 13: The Trample of Doom

Chapter 14: Somewhere after Midnight

Chapter 1: An old Beginning

In the radiant light of the full moon a tall man strode down a vacant highway. His red shoes were dulled and cracked under the pressure of their master’s insistent travels and his blue jeans were nearly whitewashed with age. His trench coat was wrapped tightly around him so that no other clothing could be seen, but under that his gray fur seemed new and unscathed, covering his entire body and face. His muzzle was long and thick and the wet black nose at the end took the night air in, as if for the first time.

He soon came upon a large sign and stopped to read it. Ferro City: An Anthro Union… Population: 5,670. He glared at it then reached out a thick furred hand and with a sharp nail, he X-ed out the zero at the end of the population and carved the number one into the metal. Then he stepped back to the road and continued on.

***

Ferro was little more than a few dozen dilapidated buildings in the middle of a wasteland desert. Forgotten by the rest of the planet, it was set up as a haven for those of a deep animalist heritage that still showed in their features. But in recent times it had become more a rusting stronghold against bigotry and oppression.

It was after midnight when the trench-coated beast pushed aside the sturdy door of the only place that was still open at that ungodly hour. The residents of this city were all some type of animal in their features, yet they were very human in their appendages and minds, and like him, many had come together in this backwater town since they were shunned from the rest of the world, and most of the cosmos.

Once inside, he observed the different species indulging in carnal desires while others argued or sang old songs at the tables scattered about. This place certainly welcomed deviants of the night and smelled heavily of lust and alcohol, as if no one cared that others were around to see their debauchery.

Ignoring all this, the newcomer walked across floor and took a seat at the bar counter. He looked sharply to the bartender that stood at the other end.

The bartender had kept a close eye on his newest client as he entered. Going to him after a few moments, he took his order, all the while projecting a general feeling of apathy.

The wolf kept his gaze on the tender, watching as his brown fur and short muzzle, and his ears like soft triangles, morphed in a wave washing over him body. His skin turned red and scaled as his muzzle formed into a beak while his ears became sharp and pointed.

What’ll it be? The tender asked.

A beer, he replied, seemingly unfazed by the physical transformations.

What kind? the shape shifter asked.

The kind with alcohol, he said as if the answer was obvious.

The flesh of the barkeep shifted from one color and form to another before he left to retrieve the wolf’s ambiguous order.

The waiting was hard for the wolf. His mouth was dry, not from the desert air, but from his desire to taste his addiction once more and to feel good again.

Do you always speak as if everything’s so obvious? A feminine voice inquired.

The brown-eyed beast slowly looked to the source of these words only to find a vixen beside him. She had one leg slung over the other and her long puffed tail brushed back and forth through the air behind her. Her silver hair was untamed and short, such as a boy would keep it. But from the bottom back of her head a long loosely tied-up ponytail stretched down to her hip. It was the only patch of hair that she left uncut for many years as a sign of her true femininity. The tips of her ears and paws were black; her neck the purest white and her eyes radiated a soft green.

Well? she said, waiting on his answer.

No, the he replied. I also speak in incomplete phrases.

Was that some kind of joke?

Not at all, my friend.

She smiled at his words; an unobtrusive schoolgirl’s smile.

As he looked at her curiously, he felt that she was under dressed for the chilled night. She wore loose khaki shorts and a tight fitting tank top.

But these thoughts washed away as she leaned into him while the bartender brought the drink he had requested. The mug was placed in front of the wolf, and the shape shifter paused for only a moment before he turned his gaze to the familiar female. Then, with a void look in his eyes, he nodded to her and walked off as more guests entered the establishment.

That’s E, she explained. You may have noticed that he has some difficulties controlling his appearance.

It does seem so, he said, his words lacked a feeling of interest as he drank the amber liquid.

Yeah, she went on, absorbed in her own story. He says it takes too much energy to stay in one form. Says he has to sleep for days afterwards when he tries even a little. But he could stay in any form for as long as he really puts focus into it. Though I’ve only seen it once during a really bad fight here. And I’ll tell you, that never happened again.

That so?

Yeah… I guess it would be a good story if you cared, she said and turned away somberly.

There was a moment of silence.

I’ve never seen you around here before, she spoke again.

He set the mug down on the counter.

I’m not from here.

I didn’t think that you were, She flicked her eyes his way.

You sure have a lot on your mind, foxy.

She didn’t reply.

It’s heartwarming. I’ve only been here ten minutes and someone already cares about me. I came from that city to the west, past some high dunes. ‘Don’t recall the name.

What? Andarrio City? That’s a human community! Anthros aren’t allowed there.

So I heard.

He pulled a cigarette out of a pocket and jammed it between his lips. He then retrieved a silver lighter, flipping it open as his large furred thumb struck the wheel and let the fire breathe his cigarette to life.

The slender female shifted uncomfortably as he started into the second addiction.

Then I suppose you might be entirely new to this planet, if you didn’t know about the bigotry?

He took a deep drag and exhaled.

If it makes any difference, then yeah. Just got here from Utarra.

Really? Then you’re a lucky one to get off of that planet before it was destroyed.

Yeah, he replied in a sigh and called to E for another drink. Luck just follows me.

He looked back to the vixen and found that she was now leaning in even closer to him. Her breath flowed over his furred hands as she stared at him intently, which only caused him to look away as if he was trying to ignore her. The breath that flowed from the woman was saturated with the scent of alcohol.

Who are you? She asked frankly.

You must be lonely. Who are you?

I’ve been lonely for a while. Please, call me Drax.

He smiled at the sound of her name, breaking through the harsh exterior he painted on himself. But it was an awkward smile as if it was a reflex with no real happiness. However, she was delighted to see this reaction.

Isn’t that a boy’s name? he suddenly questioned.

Hmph, What do you know about names? Drax huffed at the wolf, insulted by the question.

I know a boy’s name when I hear one, He said.

Then he gazed into her eyes once more, his own irises seemed to pierce into her mind.

Did your father want a boy, little Drax?

M-my father?

His words had a hard effect on her. In anger over his assumption and shock at his boldness, she began to explain.

I was grown in a lab, if you must know, she blurted out as old memories began rush into her mind as the alcohol blurred her judgment. She remembered an old man in the white coat that stared into her holding cell. He was always staring at her.

I… I was supposed to be male, but it turns out that science isn’t an exact science.

Dumb scientists, huh? Well, lonely Drax, you can drink with me then. But, I’ll tell you the truth my friend… I’m not really a wolf.

Oh, Drax sighed and turned away. She was relieved to have the subject change from her past.

Well, whatever you are, I’m sure you’re not that bad, she replied. I’m glad that you’ll drink with me, though. My clan… ah, I should say, my mates aren’t much of the night crowd, or the bar going types. And though E, with his compelling conversational skills is always a joy, you seem like the one I’ve been waiting for.

E, listening this whole time, looked over abruptly as he washed a clean pint glass. His lips contorted inward as he huffed a sound of disapproval. He then went back to his work, this time ignoring the two predators completely for fear of further insult.

The gray beast smiled again, baring all of his sharp ivory teeth. Drax smiled with him, happy to see that he was in higher spirits now. But, she soon felt sad as she looked into the void of his eyes. In them she saw no light or warmth, only a hollow darkness that forced her smile to slip away. She didn’t feel better until the barkeep had brought them more drinks and she lifted her mug with him.

The wolf brought the rim of the mug to his lips and swallowed, probably without tasting. He set his glass down, and while still clutching the handle he put out the dying butt of his cigarette in the now empty glass.

I’m Midnight, he finally admitted.

Midnight? Midnight Wolf?

No, nothing so …

Stupid?

…Obvious, he said sharply as he ordered another drink.

Trying to drown your soul in that stuff? Drax asked him.

Of Course. All that I love is gone.

Don’t be so dramatic, Midnight. I can tell that’s not you. And after all, this may be a new start for you.

No. Midnight said. Just an old beginning.

They drank and spoke long into night as others drank and spoke and made love in the background. But the wolf and fox took no notice of anyone else as they tried to enjoy each other. Nothing mattered to them except the moment they were sharing, for now they were not lonely.

Do you, hav’ any place to stay, to-night? Drax asked Midnight in a drunken slur.

One of her arms wrapped around his wide shoulders and her muzzle rested against his leather-coated arm. He embraced her as well. They looked like an old and content couple.

Hmm, no…, the wolf replied in the same sort of fog. I was hopin’ this bar might have an-inn, but it don’t. It’s the back alley for me tonight… my friend.

Alley! No! No. Why don’ you come home wit’ me? There’s always room fo’ one more.

Hmm. I don’ know. We just met… why would ya invite me home? Is’ strange.

Well… Drax looked to the counter shyly, as if she didn’t know how to tell him. ‘Ya believe in love at first sight? she asked.

He looked to her with a strange glare, as his intoxicated mind took in her words.

No, he said plainly.

O-oh, she responded in a hurt tone. ‘Course not… Well, you know… I’m trusting, and I can hold my own… and ya seem like a good person. I’m just trying to help. If ya don’ want to...

No… ‘guess it’s a good idea, Midnight finally concluded in his slurred tone.

It’s a very good idea, E said from the other end of the bar. Seeing as I’m closing in five minutes.

Closing? Midnight yelled out, unable to control the level of his voice. But, it isn’t even dawn.

We close before dawn, Midnight, the tender explained. If you want more, be back at eleven. Bar’s closed ‘til then. Better get used to those rules.

Hmm, yea’ yea’, the wolf muttered back as Drax helped him to his feet.

They leaned against each other to stay steady as they made their way out of the bar. They were the last to leave, and the streets were deserted as they stepped out into the chilled air.

Drax curved her tail around Midnight’s tail as they went forward into the sandy streets. She guided him down the winding alleys in the dark, both leaning on one another just to keep from falling over in their excessively drunken state.

Drax… do’you think I’m greedy? He asked her abruptly.

She snorted out a laugh. Her first impression of the question was how ridiculous it seemed.

Na, ya’re ok! I mean, you bought all the drinks… ‘not’s greedy … why would ya ask? she replied.

He gave no answer. Instead, they walked on for a while from the commerce square, where E’s bar was, to the outskirts of the city where the residents dwelled. It was a brisk stroll in the darkness as shadows stretched out their slender claws to grab hold of wayward travels under the moon.

They talked about things neither would remember in the morning as if the cold and the shadows weren’t even there. The mood felt romantic for Drax, and she wished that they had never made it home. But, she came to a sudden stop anyhow.

What is it? Midnight asked.

We’re here. She said.

Yeah, we’re where?

This is my home, wolfy.

Midnight examined the plain white door. Then he looked up and around. It looked like a giant box. The house was square and painted blue so it matched the midday sky. There were windows on either side. It looked like a five-year’s old drawing.

Now, I live with a clan. Mok and Artimis. You’ll like’em. Arti’s an ex-solider, an’ Mok is cute. I’m sure… ya’ll get along nicely.

Hmm, I’m sure.

They stepped up to the door and Drax played with the lock and handle, missing the keyhole several times. Midnight finally put his large paw over hers to keep the key steady.

Your… your paw is so cold, Midnight. You’re catchin’ your death.

He smiled as he held onto Drax. He held her as the key slipped into place. Drax then gasped as he suddenly buried his muzzle into her silver hair, breathing in her scent.

She was shocked at Midnight’s behavior. She turned the knob and pushed the door open, without realizing that she had done it, causing her to nearly fall flat on her muzzle. But Midnight caught her by the sides and helped her regain her footing.

Thanks, she said giving him an intoxicated smile. She got on the tips of her toes and came towards him, kissing his cheek gently.

She continued into the small house, her wagging tail inviting the wolf in after her. Of course Midnight followed, without caution, as he closed the door behind him.

The room was dark and humid, as if it was permanently sealed from the outside world, with a bit of moonlight dripping in through a window, providing the only illumination. The small den connected to the kitchen and a hallway. A long couch and coffee table made up the majority of the room, with a modest sized television resting firmly against the opposite wall adjacent to the front door.

You can put your coat here, Drax motioned to a rack.

Midnight removed his trench coat and attempted to hang it up, but in a drunken haze, he missed and it fell to the floor. He looked down to it and grunted in disapproval.

Unclipped his gun belt, he hung it up, taking extra care not to miss again. From the holster, a heavy .44 revolver gleamed as a few rays of moonlight reflected off it.

I thought I felt som’thing hard when ya grabbed me, Drax said from behind him. That’s a nasty lookin’ weapon… What’s it for? Her words seemed distrustful now.

… I hunt, for bounties, he simply said.

Oh, a tough guy… Well, Mr. Wolf, I do a bit of hunting myself, she proclaimed as her fingertip