Loves, Myths and Monsters
by JoAnne Myers
We are delighted to welcome back author JoAnne Myers to Omnimystery News.
JoAnne's collection of folk and urban myths is titled Loves, Myths and Monsters (Melange Books trade paperback and ebook formats) and we are pleased to introduce you to it with summaries and excerpts from each of the tales.
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WELCOME TO ANNA
Little does 17 year old Zoe, realize, but the Chupracabra followed her to Ohio from South America. What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and unsuspecting friendships and love …
A SPINE-CHILLING SCREAM suddenly echoed throughout the length of the cave. "Steady, men," the sheriff shouted, cocking both barrels of his gun.
Hearing thunderous footsteps approaching and heavy breathing, they knew it was no ordinary bear or coyote. This animal must be enormous!
"Find your courage, men," Jake said, and swallowed hard when the towering, horrendously ugly creature entered the light of their flashlights.
"Oh, my God!" screamed Darrel. He blasted the monster with his rifle, and Guy, Jake and the sheriff joined in.
The Chupracabra charged Darrell first, knocking him against the muddy wall and his weapon out of his hands. One of the dogs jumped onto the back of the beast, and the sheriff yanked his ten-inch skinning knife from its sheath. "Die, you bastard, die!" he yelled and shoved the blade deep into its fur-covered belly.
This seemed solely to enrage it more. It charged the others.
Jake reloaded his shotgun — and emptied it, but it was too late. The monster had ripped the sheriff's head from his shoulders and tossed it against the far wall.
Horrified, Guy slumped to the cold cave floor, crying like a baby. "Oh, God! Oh, God! Help us," he begged.
His cry for mercy went unheeded for the beast next turned his anger on the quivering man.
"You son-of-a-bitch," screamed Jake, grabbing Darrel's pistol and firing wildly at the creature, not knowing if he hit is mark or not.
The bullets had no effect, as if the creature were built like a tank. Guy's screams of sure death continued to pierce the forest, one after the other, until all was silence.
THE HUNTER'S BRIDE
When all game warden Daren Abram had to worry about was which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being stalked by the reincarnation of the town's legend …
A LOUD EXPLOSION echoed and re-echoed throughout the mountains. The thirty-eight year-old fat, jolly, Larry Wilson gleefully shouted into the air. "I got 'er! I got 'er," and proudly ran after his wounded prey by following the paw tracks.
Panting and dashing blindly through the dense woods, Larry followed the blood trail until it faded out. Thoroughly shocked by what he saw, he cried out, "Oh, my god! I didn't know there wuz other folks up here." He edged closer. "I thought I wuz the only one who came up this high. I'm real sorry. I never shoot without spotting my mark. Can I help ya?" He laid down his weapon and carefully bent nearer.
"You bastard! You killed me." The dying girl whispered and, with her last effort, scratched at his face. Falling back, her lovely hair scattered around her ruined head, her red blood saturated the dry earth.
"Gee, honey, I'm sorry. I — " he stopped, interrupted by a deep growl. Whirling around like Wyatt Earp at the OK Corral, the veteran hunter came face to face with an adult Colorless Puma. He sucked in his breath. Larry knew this species, known thereabouts as a cougar, was known for being vicious: it was the reason he hunted them.
Crouched majestically atop a nearby boulder, the feline, ears back, snarled and hissed at the two-hundred-pound hunter. Without warning, the cat jumped from her perch and, moving like greased lightning, made a beeline for Larry. He lunged for his rifle, but she was faster.
MOON PEOPLE
For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside town of Willowick, is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the boy and town she loves.
FIRST, WE NEED a few things," I said. We scurried from the school and made directly for the herb shop. There, I bought dried seaweed that would protect Drake if I couldn't. Afterward, I had Drake telephone Vanessa. He used the ruse of asking her out. Mermaids are very conceited creatures. I knew she couldn't resist trying to take him from a sister-maid. It's our nature to be deceitful and cunning, and she thought she was the master of both. Drake laid it on really well. "I thought I loved Constance, but after seeing you, I knew we were soul mates," Drake told Vanessa. "I'd like to take you to the festival today. Meet me at the backdoor of the fun-house, but don't tell Constance, I don't want her following you and making a scene."
"You made a wise decision, Drake," Vanessa said. "I'll be there in ten minutes."
THE BIDDING
Apiologist 34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister then anyone imaged.
WALKING BACK TO the cruiser, Duncan said, "It sounds like the Weavers are the town's oddballs."
"The whole family has been strange for generations," Jennifer said.
"Why?"
"Different reasons."
"Like what?"
"Well, for one thing, the whole family is fanatic 'bout 'bein' one with Mother Nature.'"
"For example?"
"Jarvis prepares his own curatives, and Melissa is very superstitious and makes her own clothes."
"So, the old man doesn't trust doctors, and the girl is naïve and artistic. Those are not sufficient reasons for ostracizing the family."
"Yes, but Jarvis's wife and mother-in-law were the same way, before they died, I mean."
"Died? From what?"
"Bees … we think. But like these recent deaths, there wasn't much left of 'em."
Duncan's eyebrows lifted in shock. "There're only three types of bees that eat flesh, but those bees don't have stingers, and they aren't reported to eat human flesh," he said on entering the cruiser.
"Tell that to Rubella and Murna Weaver," Jennifer said, driving off.
"Were there any witnesses?"
"Melissa, but she was real young then."
"What could be provoking these attacks? Why so many stings? It just doesn't make sense."
THE AGREEMENT
Incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail, is the last thing rich college student and speeder Brice Conrad, needs. With an "agreement" between the town and a permanent demonic "guest", only the unfortunate ones know the truth, but do not live to tell.
MORNING CAME AND not too soon as the sheriff entered with a fresh tray of food and a priest, 60-year old Father Randolph. Noticing the tray of uneaten food from the previous night, the sheriff asked, "Are you on a diet, son? We're known for having the best fed prisoners in the county."
"What I want is a phone call."
"In due time, boy. In due time," the sheriff said as the priest neared.
"Brice, I've come to answer any questions you might have about our Lord," the priest said. "Any confessions … or last rights?"
"Last rights! I ain't dying and I ain't talking to no one except my father's attorney," Brice said, munching on a slice of buttered toast. "The longer you deny me my constitutional rights, the more trouble this county is gonna have."
"Now, son, we all wanna make this as easy as possible," said the priest.
"Make what as easy as possible?" Brice said wolfing down scrambled eggs. "And I noticed my cell mate is gone. So if you can let him go, you can let me go, too."
"Well, Mr. Nomed, ain't really a prisoner. He's more like a house quest," the sheriff said. "He'll be here tonight."
"You mean he's homeless or something?" Brice asked.
"God works in strange ways," the priest said making the sign of the cross and departing as the sheriff followed.
"Hey! Where's my phone call?" Brice yelled as the jail door closed.
LOVE'S CURSE
When an Egypt love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean's office, persons begin dying in bizarre and grisly ways, with the college's mascot a Viking King statue jokingly blamed for it.
Setting: Characters Det. Wang and love interest Amunet visit Amunet's college after hours. While there, Det. Wang encounters murder suspect Karla, forging through her recently murdered daughters locker. Det. Wang insists on an inappropriate search of Karla's person.
SHE TREMBLED WITH forbidden pleasure, finding his large strong hands inviting. Her nipples hardened. "I'll have your badge for this," she whispered.
He leaned in and sighed, "No one will believe you; you're a murder suspect." Then he placed his hands on her firm buttocks, and, caressing her hips and back with both hands, he blew on the back of her soft, highly fragrant neck.
"You're a bastard," she moaned, turning over to give him better access to her oh-so-willing front.
"Yes, but the ladies love me, anyway." He unbuttoned her white silk blouse to suckle her breasts. "And you will too." They locked lips. The kiss was long and hot. But both were so engrossed, neither knew they had an audience.
Karla kissed him in return and slid her hands up his shirt and onto his sweaty skin. He then reached under her skirt and ripped off her moist panties. She in turn unzipped his jeans, which allowed them to bump buggies against the lockers.
While searching the passageways for her ride, Amunet was alerted by the unmistakable sounds of fornication coming from the nearby hall. She crept to the metal and glass door behind her.
"Kill her!" Amunet ordered, pointing her puppet at Karla.
The bronze monster immediately obeyed by kicking down the door.
"No! No!" Karla shouted, trying to hide beneath a desk. Her weak attempt to escape, however, proved useless.
The Viking King reached in and dragged her into the open.
Again she screamed, just before the icon bit her face off.
THE PACK
When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian falls for mortal girl Drenda Way, he must save her from his fellow Lycan's and stop a werewolf uprising.
I DON'T NEED to hold it. I can tell from here it's pure silver. Wrap it up."
On my way back to Drenda, I found a beverage machine and quickly got the water before rushing on. I downed the liquid in two huge gulps.
Nearing the restroom I sensed danger, but it was coming from outside.
I bypassed the bathroom and shot out the exit door. What I saw boiled my blood.
"Leave me alone! Please!" Surrounding my girl were four thugs, ranging from sixteen to twenty years old.
No problem, I figured, I can take them all. "You heard the lady."
"Well, look at you!" The lead thug studied me. "What are you, an Indian, or somethin'?"
"Yeah!"
"Let's kick this red man's ass like we white boys did a hundred-fifty years ago." The second thug laughed and sneered.
Without batting an eye, I released a low growl and opened my lips. "This Indian has changed a lot over the years. You punks might be surprised."
IS IT ONLY A MYTH?
When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James "Jim" Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he stops at nothing to save his citizens.
JIM KICKED THE cruiser into drive and took off for the Hamrick farm.
Once he reached Route 50, he turned on the local radio and enjoyed his coffee. For some reason, the scenery on this autumn morning seemed prettier than usual. The autumn colors appeared more intense. The entire area carried a subtle attraction he seldom saw — too tied up in his "sheriffing" duties. Maybe it was the coffee?
Born in West Virginia and moving to Ohio's Vinton County with his mother and her younger brother, Bernell, he hoped he had left the nightmares behind. He had not. Even though his law enforcement career was fulfilling, and he had many friends, the same reoccurring nightmare plagued him virtually every night. As a result, he never slept well, and last night had been no different. It seemed a curse hung over his head.
Once he reached the farm, he noticed the odd behavior of the huge hound dogs. The animals appeared anxious, pacing the length of their confinement, to and fro, yet not one either bayed or whimpered. It sent a thrill skittering up his back.
FOR THE LOVE OF GINNIE
Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the thirtieth century returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved Ginnie Wade from a snipers bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy and perils.
Setting: Dr. Alex Anderson meets his friend Will at "The Bling", a hotspot for the rich and bored.
THE PAIN AND loneliness I felt at times from yearning for a life-long partner and family wasn't easy to accomplish. Scientific and Medical technology still could not reverse the sterilization effects on the female species.
Sure there were some human women to date. But most were either sterile, too old, too young, or there was just no chemistry between the two of us. I wanted that spark that unites between two people madly in love...like my parents. I never met any couple happier with one another then my beloved parents. That's the kind of love I want … never ending.
The emptiness and frustration of not finding companionship at times made me want to die. But that was the loneliness talking. I know that now. I love life. I want to live, and I know who I want for a wife. It's just that meeting her would be a little tricky.
Abruptly, I asked, "What do you think about time travel?"
"Are you serious?" Will asked. "Scientists have tried to conquer time travel for hundreds of years, and failed."
"Maybe they failed because they weren't Doctor Gabry and me."
Will looked at me in awe. "Oh, my god, you're serious!"
"We discovered something today in the lab," I said, giving him an arrogant smile. "We believe this is the answer."
"So who is to be the Guinea pig?"
"Me."
Silence came from Will, then a gasp. "That could be suicide."
"Or the biggest discovery of the thirtieth century."
THE HOUSE ON SHADY LANE
A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in 1873.
WHY DID YA kill him before I had my fun with him, ya big clunk," nineteen-year-old Shelly yelled, pushing her seventeen-year-old brother Garner away from the lifeless body of her late night suitor. The wildflowers the unfortunate man had picked for her along the way lay at his feet, as dead as he now was.
Tall and fair, Shelly had her pick of many suitors. Her handmade dresses with matching bonnets were the envy of all her contemporaries. She was a great listener, an even better lecturer, and often tutored the illiterate. Shelly presented a personality as fresh and welcoming as a spring shower.
"Slut!" he said, reaching down and yanking his hatchet from the man's forehead and wiping it off on the dead man's coat. The youngest family member was seventeen-year-old Garner — a stout, handsome boy. He was a real joy to his aging parents when it came to farm work and furnishing meat for the dinner table. He had the self-effacing manners of a minister and had earned a reputation in the area for helping others.
"Don't!" Pa yelled, approaching. He grabbed a cloth and wiped off the blood. "I can sell that coat to the sheriff's eldest boy for a dollar." The man of the house then stripped the newest victim bare.
Sixty-year-old Floyd or "Pa," a gentleman farmer, had inherited the farm from his parents and made a meager, but adequate, living from his land, raising hogs and chickens, and selling small wooden objects he whittled from wood and peach seeds.
"This one is real skinny. I'll barely git a fit stew out of 'im … go ahead and bury 'im," Ma instructed, face sagging with disappointment.
Oceana or "Ma" Allender, now fifty-seven, remained the strict "backbone" matriarch of the family. Hardworking, she ruled the roost with an iron hand.
THE PROPOSITION
The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of his life, when the ad to break a "wild filly" turns out to be a fiery Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all.
COMPLETELY HIDDEN WITHIN the shadows of the stable, I approached cautiously to peek into the great hall that was the center of the barn. Immediately, I froze, like a deer when he hears a warning whistle.
"What do thou see?" Joshua asked, while I gazed through the slats of the stall.
"Yes, what be thou lookin' at boy," Thaddeus whispered, as if he knew my eyes had locked on to the most enchanting women in the world.
"Her name be Tess," Thaddeus explained as if, like Henry, he read my mind.
"But to thou, she's thine challenge. The thrust of our proposition," Joshua said, with a slight giggle.
"She be wild as the wind, but more precious than gold," Henry said in a lovesick tone.
It was obvious to all, this emerald-eyed beauty had broken Henry's heart. Perhaps that was the reason he agreed to marry her baby sister, Polly.
The men left me staring at my proposition like a kid at Christmas. What was it about this scarlet-haired wench that provoked such infatuation in young men, but anger and frustration in the elders? I had exactly ten months to discover the secret. I had never felt this way about any woman before. Yes, I had girlfriends in Texas, but they were friends. This feeling I felt was new, strange, and exhilarating. I wished to taste her fire and brushed back sweat beads.
"What makes ya think she will like me?"
"'Cause thou ain't a Quaker. Thou a man of the world. Tess was always different. Always want'n more freedom then Quaker life offers."
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Photo provided courtesy of
JoAnne Myers
JoAnne Myers has been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. She is a mother of three and grandmother of eight. Besides having several novels under her belt, she canvas paints.
For more information about the author, please visit her website at BooksAndPaintingsByJoanne.com and her author page on Goodreads, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Loves, Myths and Monsters
JoAnne Myers
A Collection of Folk and Urban Myths
A collection of mystical tales starring the Mothman, the Chupracabra, reincarnation, ghosts, an Egyptian love curse and more entwined within the human world.
