Monstrous Grace: An Excerpt
Monstrous Grace is based on a series of tumblr (a blogging website) posts. It is based around a collection of ideas, opinions, and short phrases that have inspired me.This is an excerpt of a short story that is quickly growing in to a novella.
The petite bookstore looked out of place in a bustling metropolitan city like this. The inside smelled of book glue, musty papers, and there was little to be heard but quiet murmuring and the hushed jazz that played from behind the counter. It was something that belonged in suburbia. A relic of small towns and quiet places. The pencil skirted, perfectly manicured woman looked out of place as she strolled between each aisle. A short, perfectly clipped bob graced her head and she clutched a hat in her hands. She looked as if she had stepped off the set of The Great Gatsby.
“Excuse me?”
The woman approached the customer service desk, putting her hat on the counter, and Grace jumped. She had been working at the bookstore long enough to recognize most of the customers but this woman was something else.
“Yes?”
Grace blushed at the sound of her voice cracking but the woman paid no mind.
“I’m in need of a little assistance. I’m looking for the newest book by Laurell K. Hamilton but I don’t see it on the shelf.” The woman gestured towards the paranormal section, one of the smallest shelves in the entire store.
“Oh, we only had a few copies and they sold already, unfortunately,” Grace said, “It’s a popular book this week.”
“I see. Well, thank you anyways.”
“I can have a copy ordered and reserved for you if you’d like.”
The woman didn’t say something for a moment, her gaze sliding over Grace instead. Grace couldn’t tell if it was a look of judgment or something else entirely.
“That would be lovely. The name is Cathryn, with a c and a y.”
Grace scrambled to find the appropriate paperwork, her multi-colored hair falling out of its bun and into her face. She quickly scrawled out the important information and handed the carbon copy to Cathryn.
“It should be here within a week,” Grace said, “If you give me your number, I can call you when it’s here.”
“Of course, Ms.?”
“Arroyo but you can call me Grace.”
Cathryn smiled, “Pretty. Spanish?”
“Yeah. My father’s grandparents are from Spain.”
“I can see it. You’re gorgeous. Here’s my number. Call me anytime, Grace. I spend my weekend nights in that little club down the street, next to the boutique. I’m horrible at cross streets but you know the one?”
Grace nodded. It was one of those clubs where your name had to be on the list or you would be slipping the bouncers several hundred dollar bills to get in.
“You ought to come down sometime. I’ll leave your name on my list,” Cathryn smiled, picking her hat off of the desk, “Thank you for your help, Grace.”
“You’re welcome,” Grace managed to stammer, clutching the piece of paper with her number on it in her hand. The elegant woman smiled once more and left the store.
It was a week before Grace was brave enough to go down to that club. She hadn’t even been brave enough to call Cathryn beforehand, holding onto the thinnest of hopes that she had followed through on her word and Grace’s name would be on the list. She managed to find a dress that was hiding in her closet that managed to be elegant yet flirty. She couldn’t recall where the dress had come from but, standing in the line for the club, it didn’t matter much anymore. Her stomach was in knots. She should have called – she should have made sure that Cathryn was at least going to be here.
“Name?”
The bouncer peered down at Grace over his sunglasses. His leather jacket creaked as he leaned closer to her to hear.
“Grace Arroyo?”
The bouncer skimmed the list, made a mark with his pen and nodded at her.
“Have a good time. Cathryn is typically in the V.I.P. lounge.”
“Thanks,” Grace managed to squeak, avoiding the bouncer’s eyes. The club was darker inside than she had expected and the bass immediately throbbed through her bones as she walked through. It was noisy with the noise thumping techno music and drunk people attempting to hold conversations. Grace didn’t know where to go to even begin looking for a V.I.P. section and headed to the bar instead. It was pressed up against one of the walls and a large dance floor took up the very center of the club. The floor looked almost out of place and was filled with people dancing to some kind of sensual music. The bass rattled Grace's bones as she pushed her way towards the bar. The club was fairly crowded, even for a Friday at midnight, but she managed to get a drink and a seat without too much issue.
“Hey there, mind if I join you?” Somebody was talking to her but Grace wasn’t paying attention, her gaze scanning the crowd looking for Cathryn. After a moment she replied, a hint of impatience in her voice.
“No, thank you, I’m waiting to meet someone.”
“Are you sure it isn’t me?”
Grace turned around to find Cathryn smiling at her, a martini in one hand. She was dressed even more beautifully tonight with an under-bust corset, leather pants and boots, and one of the softest looking shirts Grace had ever seen. She wondered if it was silk.
“Cathryn!”
The woman laughed, “Yes, me. I’m glad you came out. I was worried that you thought I was being too forward.”
“Oh, no, I was just…” Grace fiddled with her glass, “Nervous, I guess.”
Cathryn smiled, “No need. Let’s go somewhere where we can talk.” She held out her free hand and Grace took it, sliding off of the stool. Cathryn led her expertly through the crowd, holding her drink high so not a single drop would be spilled. Grace let herself be led, soaking in everything about the club. Leather seemed to be draped over every person here, studded chains and facial piercings being the next popular things. The walls were painted a satin black and the décor reminded Grace of various pieces of vampire literature. Most of the lighting seemed to be soft flourescent lamps designed to look like old oil lamps or candleabras mounted on the wall with long white tapered candles burning brightly. She had only heard rumors about this club and wondered if it was actually a vampire club like the gossip had said. They went through a door guarded by another pair of bouncers and up two flights of stairs. The stairs opened up into an entirely glass room that looked out towards the dance floor.
“It’s one way glass, nobody out there can see us. Not that there’s enough light in the club to see much of anything,” Cathryn said, letting Grace’s hand slip from hers, "There's a whole second floor I use for my V.I.P. sections. I had it designed so that you can't tell where they are located when down on the floor. Unless you've been in one of course."
The room was gently lit and decorated with a very Victorian motif. Fainting couches, love seats, tea tables, and arm chairs filled the small space. Cathryn's voice sounded innocent and matter-of-fact, but Grace felt a thrill of apprehension in her stomach as she sat down on the couch. The similarities between a vampire club and this one were only becoming more and more obvious.
"I like to watch people from up here. It’s far more fun to observe people when they think no one is watching. Don’t you think?” Cathryn finished, smiling as she lifted her drink to her lips.
Grace didn’t know what to say and occupied her mouth with her drink instead.
“You’re an awfully quiet girl.”
“I just never know what to say to people.”
Cathryn laughed a little at this and leaned towards Grace. “Have you talked yourself into more trouble than out of it?”
“Something like that. I’m still paying for it to be honest.”
Grace wasn’t sure if she had surprised Cathryn or if the elegant woman was just sizing her up, but nothing was said for a few moments. She wondered if she should leave.
“You’re an interesting woman,” Cathryn finally said, sitting down and settling back in the couch cushions, “Are you seeing anyone? I know someone who would absolutely adore you.”
“I don’t date actually,” Grace stammered. She finished her drink and set down on the table in front of her.
“No one “dates” anymore, they just have a lot of sex and then go home to their own beds in the morning.”
Grace struggled to not blush, “I don’t do that either.”
This caught Cathryn’s interest and she smiled like a cat with a trapped mouse.
“Really now? I’m surprised. A beautiful young thing like you…”
“I just haven’t met anyone interesting enough, but thank you,” Grace hesitated, “Look, I don’t know why I came here to be honest – I’m not a club type of girl. I should probably go.”
Cathryn raised an eyebrow but nodded and stood up graciously.
“Let me walk you out at least, help you avoid the worst of the crowds.”
Grace was somewhat taken aback by the quick agreement of her leaving and ended up with little choice regarding Cathryn escorting her out.
The petite bookstore looked out of place in a bustling metropolitan city like this. The inside smelled of book glue, musty papers, and there was little to be heard but quiet murmuring and the hushed jazz that played from behind the counter. It was something that belonged in suburbia. A relic of small towns and quiet places. The pencil skirted, perfectly manicured woman looked out of place as she strolled between each aisle. A short, perfectly clipped bob graced her head and she clutched a hat in her hands. She looked as if she had stepped off the set of The Great Gatsby.
“Excuse me?”
The woman approached the customer service desk, putting her hat on the counter, and Grace jumped. She had been working at the bookstore long enough to recognize most of the customers but this woman was something else.
“Yes?”
Grace blushed at the sound of her voice cracking but the woman paid no mind.
“I’m in need of a little assistance. I’m looking for the newest book by Laurell K. Hamilton but I don’t see it on the shelf.” The woman gestured towards the paranormal section, one of the smallest shelves in the entire store.
“Oh, we only had a few copies and they sold already, unfortunately,” Grace said, “It’s a popular book this week.”
“I see. Well, thank you anyways.”
“I can have a copy ordered and reserved for you if you’d like.”
The woman didn’t say something for a moment, her gaze sliding over Grace instead. Grace couldn’t tell if it was a look of judgment or something else entirely.
“That would be lovely. The name is Cathryn, with a c and a y.”
Grace scrambled to find the appropriate paperwork, her multi-colored hair falling out of its bun and into her face. She quickly scrawled out the important information and handed the carbon copy to Cathryn.
“It should be here within a week,” Grace said, “If you give me your number, I can call you when it’s here.”
“Of course, Ms.?”
“Arroyo but you can call me Grace.”
Cathryn smiled, “Pretty. Spanish?”
“Yeah. My father’s grandparents are from Spain.”
“I can see it. You’re gorgeous. Here’s my number. Call me anytime, Grace. I spend my weekend nights in that little club down the street, next to the boutique. I’m horrible at cross streets but you know the one?”
Grace nodded. It was one of those clubs where your name had to be on the list or you would be slipping the bouncers several hundred dollar bills to get in.
“You ought to come down sometime. I’ll leave your name on my list,” Cathryn smiled, picking her hat off of the desk, “Thank you for your help, Grace.”
“You’re welcome,” Grace managed to stammer, clutching the piece of paper with her number on it in her hand. The elegant woman smiled once more and left the store.
It was a week before Grace was brave enough to go down to that club. She hadn’t even been brave enough to call Cathryn beforehand, holding onto the thinnest of hopes that she had followed through on her word and Grace’s name would be on the list. She managed to find a dress that was hiding in her closet that managed to be elegant yet flirty. She couldn’t recall where the dress had come from but, standing in the line for the club, it didn’t matter much anymore. Her stomach was in knots. She should have called – she should have made sure that Cathryn was at least going to be here.
“Name?”
The bouncer peered down at Grace over his sunglasses. His leather jacket creaked as he leaned closer to her to hear.
“Grace Arroyo?”
The bouncer skimmed the list, made a mark with his pen and nodded at her.
“Have a good time. Cathryn is typically in the V.I.P. lounge.”
“Thanks,” Grace managed to squeak, avoiding the bouncer’s eyes. The club was darker inside than she had expected and the bass immediately throbbed through her bones as she walked through. It was noisy with the noise thumping techno music and drunk people attempting to hold conversations. Grace didn’t know where to go to even begin looking for a V.I.P. section and headed to the bar instead. It was pressed up against one of the walls and a large dance floor took up the very center of the club. The floor looked almost out of place and was filled with people dancing to some kind of sensual music. The bass rattled Grace's bones as she pushed her way towards the bar. The club was fairly crowded, even for a Friday at midnight, but she managed to get a drink and a seat without too much issue.
“Hey there, mind if I join you?” Somebody was talking to her but Grace wasn’t paying attention, her gaze scanning the crowd looking for Cathryn. After a moment she replied, a hint of impatience in her voice.
“No, thank you, I’m waiting to meet someone.”
“Are you sure it isn’t me?”
Grace turned around to find Cathryn smiling at her, a martini in one hand. She was dressed even more beautifully tonight with an under-bust corset, leather pants and boots, and one of the softest looking shirts Grace had ever seen. She wondered if it was silk.
“Cathryn!”
The woman laughed, “Yes, me. I’m glad you came out. I was worried that you thought I was being too forward.”
“Oh, no, I was just…” Grace fiddled with her glass, “Nervous, I guess.”
Cathryn smiled, “No need. Let’s go somewhere where we can talk.” She held out her free hand and Grace took it, sliding off of the stool. Cathryn led her expertly through the crowd, holding her drink high so not a single drop would be spilled. Grace let herself be led, soaking in everything about the club. Leather seemed to be draped over every person here, studded chains and facial piercings being the next popular things. The walls were painted a satin black and the décor reminded Grace of various pieces of vampire literature. Most of the lighting seemed to be soft flourescent lamps designed to look like old oil lamps or candleabras mounted on the wall with long white tapered candles burning brightly. She had only heard rumors about this club and wondered if it was actually a vampire club like the gossip had said. They went through a door guarded by another pair of bouncers and up two flights of stairs. The stairs opened up into an entirely glass room that looked out towards the dance floor.
“It’s one way glass, nobody out there can see us. Not that there’s enough light in the club to see much of anything,” Cathryn said, letting Grace’s hand slip from hers, "There's a whole second floor I use for my V.I.P. sections. I had it designed so that you can't tell where they are located when down on the floor. Unless you've been in one of course."
The room was gently lit and decorated with a very Victorian motif. Fainting couches, love seats, tea tables, and arm chairs filled the small space. Cathryn's voice sounded innocent and matter-of-fact, but Grace felt a thrill of apprehension in her stomach as she sat down on the couch. The similarities between a vampire club and this one were only becoming more and more obvious.
"I like to watch people from up here. It’s far more fun to observe people when they think no one is watching. Don’t you think?” Cathryn finished, smiling as she lifted her drink to her lips.
Grace didn’t know what to say and occupied her mouth with her drink instead.
“You’re an awfully quiet girl.”
“I just never know what to say to people.”
Cathryn laughed a little at this and leaned towards Grace. “Have you talked yourself into more trouble than out of it?”
“Something like that. I’m still paying for it to be honest.”
Grace wasn’t sure if she had surprised Cathryn or if the elegant woman was just sizing her up, but nothing was said for a few moments. She wondered if she should leave.
“You’re an interesting woman,” Cathryn finally said, sitting down and settling back in the couch cushions, “Are you seeing anyone? I know someone who would absolutely adore you.”
“I don’t date actually,” Grace stammered. She finished her drink and set down on the table in front of her.
“No one “dates” anymore, they just have a lot of sex and then go home to their own beds in the morning.”
Grace struggled to not blush, “I don’t do that either.”
This caught Cathryn’s interest and she smiled like a cat with a trapped mouse.
“Really now? I’m surprised. A beautiful young thing like you…”
“I just haven’t met anyone interesting enough, but thank you,” Grace hesitated, “Look, I don’t know why I came here to be honest – I’m not a club type of girl. I should probably go.”
Cathryn raised an eyebrow but nodded and stood up graciously.
“Let me walk you out at least, help you avoid the worst of the crowds.”
Grace was somewhat taken aback by the quick agreement of her leaving and ended up with little choice regarding Cathryn escorting her out.
---
The alleyways were deserted by three o’clock that night. Claws clicked on the cement as the creature slid through the shadows, avoiding the glare of taxi headlights and the occasional giggling drunk couple as they stumbled from street to street. The beast had grown tired of alcohol induced fear and sought a much sweeter target. Human morals raged within its chest, beating against its ribs in almost desperate attempt to turn it around. It ignored the quivering heart, the weak stomach, and blocked out the screaming English that rattled around in its brain.
Cathryn was the perfect prey. Why shouldn’t it go after her? She was delicate, elegant, smelled of sweet berries and cool blood. An easy target. The beast smelled the club half a block away and settled in the shadows to wait. It wasn't sure how long Cathryn would stay at the club but decided that this was the best place to begin tracking a prey. Visit their den. Visit their lair. Find their scent and track. Track until they catch your own scent and the fear rises in their throat until they can no longer find breath for a scream until your claws sink into the flesh.
The creature licked its maw and rubbed a shoulder against the brick building next to it. Its pelt always itched whenever it hunted. Perhaps it was the result of the human inside, beating frantically to get out. The beast pushed the human away again, glowing yellow eyes narrowing suddenly as the sweet and delicate scent of Cathryn caught its attention. There. Across the street. Its gaze darted from the sky high heels, the curve of her calves, the tight skirt and the swing of her hips, all the way up to the hat that shaded her eyes and the hands that held nothing but a small clutch. The beast growled low in its throat and was surprised to see Cathryn stop. Its noises were normally just out of a human's range of hearing. She seemed to tilt her head, as if listening for something. After a moment, Cathryn continued on.
The brick rubbed against its shoulder as the animal crept out of the shadows and broke into a full run. One. Two. Three leaps across the street and the beast was on top of Cathryn, snarling loud enough for anyone within two city blocks to hear. Fangs sunk into flesh and it growled in pleasure. There was no scream from Cathryn though, no struggle. Its jaws dug in tighter around her waist, tugging and beginning to rip at the flesh. Blood poured from the wounds but, still, Cathryn stood stock still on the street.
"Naughty, naughty," Cathryn whispered, coughing a little as the beast's teeth began to puncture her lungs, "You shouldn't have chosen me as your target, dog."
Cathryn shoved her hands inside of the animal's jaws and wrenched them open, pulling teeth out of her flesh. Her clothes were tattered and her abdomen was shredded. The creature yelped in surprise and stumbled. It regained its footing in time to watch as Cathryn's abdomen healed, the flesh glowing softly until it was smooth and perfect and no more blood leaked from her body.
"I told you," Cathryn smirked, tossing clutch, hat, and heels to the side, "You picked the wrong target."
Woman and beast leaped at each other again, screams and snarls mixing until everything sounded the same.
The alleyways were deserted by three o’clock that night. Claws clicked on the cement as the creature slid through the shadows, avoiding the glare of taxi headlights and the occasional giggling drunk couple as they stumbled from street to street. The beast had grown tired of alcohol induced fear and sought a much sweeter target. Human morals raged within its chest, beating against its ribs in almost desperate attempt to turn it around. It ignored the quivering heart, the weak stomach, and blocked out the screaming English that rattled around in its brain.
Cathryn was the perfect prey. Why shouldn’t it go after her? She was delicate, elegant, smelled of sweet berries and cool blood. An easy target. The beast smelled the club half a block away and settled in the shadows to wait. It wasn't sure how long Cathryn would stay at the club but decided that this was the best place to begin tracking a prey. Visit their den. Visit their lair. Find their scent and track. Track until they catch your own scent and the fear rises in their throat until they can no longer find breath for a scream until your claws sink into the flesh.
The creature licked its maw and rubbed a shoulder against the brick building next to it. Its pelt always itched whenever it hunted. Perhaps it was the result of the human inside, beating frantically to get out. The beast pushed the human away again, glowing yellow eyes narrowing suddenly as the sweet and delicate scent of Cathryn caught its attention. There. Across the street. Its gaze darted from the sky high heels, the curve of her calves, the tight skirt and the swing of her hips, all the way up to the hat that shaded her eyes and the hands that held nothing but a small clutch. The beast growled low in its throat and was surprised to see Cathryn stop. Its noises were normally just out of a human's range of hearing. She seemed to tilt her head, as if listening for something. After a moment, Cathryn continued on.
The brick rubbed against its shoulder as the animal crept out of the shadows and broke into a full run. One. Two. Three leaps across the street and the beast was on top of Cathryn, snarling loud enough for anyone within two city blocks to hear. Fangs sunk into flesh and it growled in pleasure. There was no scream from Cathryn though, no struggle. Its jaws dug in tighter around her waist, tugging and beginning to rip at the flesh. Blood poured from the wounds but, still, Cathryn stood stock still on the street.
"Naughty, naughty," Cathryn whispered, coughing a little as the beast's teeth began to puncture her lungs, "You shouldn't have chosen me as your target, dog."
Cathryn shoved her hands inside of the animal's jaws and wrenched them open, pulling teeth out of her flesh. Her clothes were tattered and her abdomen was shredded. The creature yelped in surprise and stumbled. It regained its footing in time to watch as Cathryn's abdomen healed, the flesh glowing softly until it was smooth and perfect and no more blood leaked from her body.
"I told you," Cathryn smirked, tossing clutch, hat, and heels to the side, "You picked the wrong target."
Woman and beast leaped at each other again, screams and snarls mixing until everything sounded the same.
---
Sunlight and the smell of frying bacon is what woke Grace the next morning. She rubbed her eyes clear of sleep and groaned to herself. She had stayed up too late reading again. Grace stumbled out of the tangled blankets and into the bathroom before she realized that she wasn't in her own apartment. There was no meowing Siamese cat following her about, meowing insistently for her breakfast. She hurried out of the bathroom and looked around the bedroom and wondered where she was.
"You're up. I heard the toilet."
Grace was startled to see Cathryn standing in the doorway of the bedroom holding a spatula and wearing an apron but she wasn't sure if that should be more concerning than her waking up in a completely different apartment than she should have.
"Uh, yes, I am," Grace said lamely, tugging at her shirt.
"Come and eat. I made bacon and eggs," Cathryn said before walking off. Grace didn't know what else to do and followed Cathryn down the hall. She sat down numbly in the elegant kitchen and tried to decide what to say as Cathryn plated scrambled eggs and crisp bacon and slid the square white plate in front of her. Grace waited until Cathryn sat down also.
"So..."
Cathryn looked up at Grace and smiled, "So?"
"Why am I here?"
Cathryn laughed, "I thought that was going to happen. You don't remember?"
"I remember visiting you at the club but I went home," Grace said, peeling apart one of the strips of bacon. She was too nervous to eat. "At least, I thought I did."
"You did," Cathryn said reassuringly, "And then I found out the greatest secret of all."
Grace paled and shook her head. Oh no, she thought. Cathryn put her elbows on the table and leaned a little closer across the table towards Grace. She smiled so perfectly and Grace couldn't help but noticed that her flawless makeup was already in place for the day. The bright red lips turned into a smirk.
"You're a hellhound."
Sunlight and the smell of frying bacon is what woke Grace the next morning. She rubbed her eyes clear of sleep and groaned to herself. She had stayed up too late reading again. Grace stumbled out of the tangled blankets and into the bathroom before she realized that she wasn't in her own apartment. There was no meowing Siamese cat following her about, meowing insistently for her breakfast. She hurried out of the bathroom and looked around the bedroom and wondered where she was.
"You're up. I heard the toilet."
Grace was startled to see Cathryn standing in the doorway of the bedroom holding a spatula and wearing an apron but she wasn't sure if that should be more concerning than her waking up in a completely different apartment than she should have.
"Uh, yes, I am," Grace said lamely, tugging at her shirt.
"Come and eat. I made bacon and eggs," Cathryn said before walking off. Grace didn't know what else to do and followed Cathryn down the hall. She sat down numbly in the elegant kitchen and tried to decide what to say as Cathryn plated scrambled eggs and crisp bacon and slid the square white plate in front of her. Grace waited until Cathryn sat down also.
"So..."
Cathryn looked up at Grace and smiled, "So?"
"Why am I here?"
Cathryn laughed, "I thought that was going to happen. You don't remember?"
"I remember visiting you at the club but I went home," Grace said, peeling apart one of the strips of bacon. She was too nervous to eat. "At least, I thought I did."
"You did," Cathryn said reassuringly, "And then I found out the greatest secret of all."
Grace paled and shook her head. Oh no, she thought. Cathryn put her elbows on the table and leaned a little closer across the table towards Grace. She smiled so perfectly and Grace couldn't help but noticed that her flawless makeup was already in place for the day. The bright red lips turned into a smirk.
"You're a hellhound."