ManBeast - Book 1: A Kingdom of Predators

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Jules followed Frankie down from the stands and onto the main floor; the ring looked even more impressive close up, as Jules could see the dust was still unsettled on top of the ring. Mitch had to be helped up and out of the ring by his trainers and some on site medical staff; as they lumbered past Jules and Frankie, Mitch was mumbling incoherently under his breath, leading one of his trainers to say "It's over, big guy. Next time."

Frankie led Jules past the ring, and down past some winning bettors, who were eagerly huddled and shouting around one of the white suited men again. Past the huddle, past the ring, and into the well-lit breezeway from whence Alfonzo had exited the arena. A few people were anticipatorily standing around within the hall; Jules noticed that a few of them were holding scrap books or poster boards. After a short walk down the hall halfway, a slight commotion and a female scream put Jules on alert mode; Frankie stopped walking abruptly and tensed up, sighing out loud at the sound. Alfonzo came from around the corner, still dressed in his fighting attire, grinning ear to ear with a gaggle of young women following him; his tail was waving back and forth in front of the women excitedly. After rounding the corner and walking a few steps, he spotted Frankie.

"FRANKIE!!!" Alfonzo exclaimed and rushed over to where Frankie and Jules were standing. To an onlooker, it appeared as though he was going for a hug, which also caused Jules to relax slightly. Suddenly, Alfonzo grabbed Frankie by the collar, who in turn, locked one arm under Alfonzo's right arm and his other around his neck; the two Beast-Men were locked in a grapple! The small gathering of women and onlookers shrieked and moved quickly out of the way, as Frankie and Alfonzo began to tussle, push and slam each other into the side wall. Jules immediately went back on alert mode, lost at what was occurring;

"YOU ACTUALLY CAME???" Alfonzo exclaimed during the grappling session. Frankie huffed back: "Get the fuck off of me Al! I'm here with someone tonight!" This caused Alfonzo, the young ladies, and the entourage all to stop what they were doing and focus on Jules. Jules meekly waved back: "Good fight, Mr. St. James." Alfonzo laughed heartily, punched Frankie in the shoulder (who punched him back), and led Alfonzo to extend a hand to Jules. "Call me Al, my dude! Any friend of Frankie's a friend of mine!" He shook Jules' hand vigorously, causing Jules' jacket to come slightly undone. Al laughed again, and patted Jules on the shoulder after releasing his hand.

Frankie fixed his glasses, and directed his attention back to Al. "Where's Doug?" he asked. Al did not answer Frankie's inquiry, turned around, and re-engaged several of the young ladies following him, signing autographs for the admirers that were waiting. Jules looked over at Frankie, who was beet-red in his bushy face. "WHERE'S DOUG, AL?" he stated more firmly. Al laughed as he continued to sign autographs and pose for selfies with some of the young women; this was too much for Frankie: "WHERE THE FUCK IS DOUGLAS, ALFONZO???" Frankie shouted, and grabbed Al by the arm. Al seemed to be anticipating this, and with another hearty laugh, re-grappled Frankie. This time, the women and entourage were cheering and clapping for their boisterous hero. Jules had never seen this side of Frankie before; while it was obvious to him that Frankie was extremely irate and was trying to reign in Al, it also looked as though Frankie was... "having fun?"

Frankie punched Al squarely in the face, causing Al to disengage his hold; as he stepped back his nose bled slightly, but was still smiling from ear to ear. "Just take us to Doug," Frankie said with finality, fixing his jacket. Al wiped his face and placed his hands on his hips: "Alright, alright. Fun's over, ladies. I'll catch up with y'all after I pow-wow with the chief and Captain Sunshine over here. Doug's in the locker room, talking to Roger about earnings and scheduling. Are you bringing the kid with you?" Frankie fixed his glasses again (glaring at Al) and nodded curtly. Al became ecstatic: "AWESOME!!! Dude, what's your name? You look and smell interesting! Like potential! I bet your taste in music kicks ass..." Al put a muscular arm around Jules' shoulder and began to lead him and Frankie back to the locker room, much to the chagrin of the onlookers: "Hey kid, did you know Frankie and I train together...?"