DogMan: Chapter 3 - Long Ride to the Truth -Written by :Vincent Rouge

Max and Poodle rolled through the streets, the city lights flickering through the windshield like whispers. Max, still in his half-transformed DogMan state, sat in the passenger seat, his torn hoodie barely hanging onto his furry, muscular frame. His glowing yellow eyes stared ahead, avoiding Poodle’s gaze. Poodle gripped the steering wheel, her curls tucked under her orange hoodie. 

She glanced over, breaking the silence.“ So, can you talk in that form or just slobber with your tongue out? ”Max growled softly. “I didn’t hear you complaining a couple weeks ago.” Poodle’s expression tightened. 

“I’m serious, Max. Why are you still doing these jobs? You got more potential. Now look at you… you’re a damn dog-man thing!”

Max snarled, his voice deep and rough. “You think I want this? Who’s helping you with your spot, huh? We gotta eat!”“I’m tired of just surviving,” Poodle shot back, her voice low but sharp. 

“I want to live, Max. And you… you could do so much more.”Max fell quiet, the weight of her words heavy in the air. The car hummed, the only sound between them as they neared their destination.

 The boss man’s spot loomed ahead like a shadow in the night.“I love you,” Poodle whispered, eyes locked on the road. “But if boss man kills you… I’ll never forgive you.”Max sighed, his form shifting slightly, fur retreating, hoodie slipping over his human skin. The weight of his double life pressed on his shoulders. He glanced at Poodle. 

“I’ll holler at you later. I’m gonna see what’s up.”Poodle opened her mouth to ask if she could come, but she already knew the answer. Instead, she forced a smile, watching Max step out and head toward the building. Without another word, she revved the engine, her heart heavy, and sped off into the night.