Temptation (Metal Prodigy Series Book #4): Metal Prodigy Series, #4

By J.S. Snow

None of us are immune from a particular course of action in this lifetime, it surrounds us and is a constant presence.  It all began with Eve in the garden and forever reminds us, it's tough to resist.

Our choices in this lifetime define who we are and how we are to be remembered, and Alex's journey continues with five tattooed, foul mouthed, sexy and talented men comprising of the greatest Heavy-Metal band in the world.  New surprises unfold with this gregarious bunch and even bigger choices now have to be made.

When it comes down to it, it's a huge bite of the apple for some, but for Alex, could it be too much?  Succumbing and giving in to the urge to do the opposite of what you believe in is the ultimate test and for most, the easy way out.

This continues to be Alex's story, these continue to be her choices and now she comes face to face with…

TEMPTATION

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.S. Snow
• Release date: May 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533708212

J.S. Snow

J.S. Snow began her literary obsession at the tender age of eleven with the first voluntarily read book Dear God It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blum.  Only a few years later her fascination with fictional offerings really took root as she stepped into the mind of one of her hero’s Stephen King through his work Christine. Now seriously considering a twelve step program for her e-Reader addiction, she feeds her fascination for make believe with new literary offerings via said e-Reader, has a passion for dark chocolate, sweet tea and Heavy Metal music.  She is the proud mother of a downright spectacular daughter (who was head banging in the belly) and lives with the belief that the mind where the imagination lives is a far more entertaining place than TV or movies ever will be. J.S. Snow currently resides in Central Florida and has been in the administrative office field for twenty nine years.

Book preview

C_Reconciliation Sample Book Cover.png

None of us are immune from a particular course of action in this lifetime, it surrounds us and is a constant presence.  It all began with Eve in the garden and forever reminds us, it’s tough to resist.

Our choices in this lifetime define who we are and how we are to be remembered, and Alex’s journey continues with five tattooed, foul mouthed, sexy and talented men comprising of the greatest Heavy-Metal band in the world.  New surprises unfold with this gregarious bunch and even bigger choices now have to be made.

When it comes down to it, it’s a huge bite of the apple for some, but for Alex, could it be too much?  Succumbing and giving in to the urge to do the opposite of what you believe in is the ultimate test and for most, the easy way out.

This continues to be Alex’s story, these continue to be her choices and now she comes face to face with...

TEMPTATION

TEMPTATION IS BOOK 4 in the Metal Prodigy Series and should be read after Redemption Book 1, Resurrection Book 2 and Reconciliation Book 3.  The author also recommends reading Trepidation, the first novella in the series released after Book 2 as several references are made relating to it in this book.

199,171 Words

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance – Recommended for those 18 years of age and older due to violence, graphic language and sexual situations.

Dedication

For the Women in My Life Who Inspire Me:

My Mother

My Aunts

My Sisters

My Grandmothers

Copyright 2016 J.S. Snow

Published by JBSTSP Books Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

This book, or parts thereof,

may not be reproduced in any form

without permission from the author.

Discover more about this author at:

http://www.jbstspbooks.com

Cover Design by:

JBSTSP Books Ltd.

Author Logo Image by:

123rf.com

Other Titles from this Author:

The Metal Prodigy Series:

Redemption – Book 1

Resurrection – Book 2

Trepidation – Book 2.5

Reconciliation – Book 3

Attraction – Book 3.5

Short Stories:

Claiming

Author Signature Graphic_3.png

Praise for Redemption by J.S. Snow

EPIC!!! 4 Stars Goodreads & Amazon Customer Review

This book is the best thing I have read in a very long time. I cannot wait for the next installment. I loved the characters and their stories. Alex is a wonderful woman and the guys in the band are likeable and real. She has endured a tragic childhood and was rescued by a nun and priest who prove to be loving parents and raise her to be kind and generous. Just a rockin great read...

LOVED IT!!! 5 Stars Amazon Customer Review

Wow had me in from the start and was up all night to finish it.....you won’t be sorry if you buy this.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS! 5 Stars Amazon Customer Review

This is a book worth reading. A well-written one. It grabbed my interest from the start. Captivating story and character development.

Thought this was going to be a dark book.  4 Stars  Barnes and Noble Customer Review

Would read this book more than once.  Thought this was going to be a dark boo.  Wow, surprise!  It turns into a wonderful story about a young girl and the people in her life that build her character and allow her to become whatever she wants to be.  This is a story that will leave you wanting more and looking forward to future books.  Fantastic job for a first time author.

Great read!!!!! ...Great work by a first time author. 4 Stars  Barnes and Noble Customer Review

Great read!!!!! I really enjoyed this book and I think it’s great work by a first time author. I must admit the beginning of the story was a bit disturbing, but as I read on more and more the story got better and better. I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters of the book especially the main character. The book kept you on your toes and wanting more. Cannot wait for Book 2 to be released. I highly recommend this as a Must Read.

I can’t wait for the sequel.  Author Nicole Woolaston

This is part one of the Metal Prodigy Series".  A three-year-old girl is discovered inside a cardboard box behind a dumpster in Philadelphia.  She has been discarded by the mafia; left for dead.  Thankfully, she survives, and is adopted and raised by former nun.  She has no memory of how she ended up in the box, and refuses to speak.  With the help of her adoptive mother’s love and patience, she slowly comes back to life, and even discovers a very impressive gift: the ability to play almost any instrument she puts her hands on.  The girl (later named Alex) grows up to become a talented young woman.  While playing with a band one night, she is discovered by the leading metal band in the business: Hell’s Redemption.  Alex is asked to join the band as a guitarist, however, all the while she wonders about her past and tries to hold onto a dark secret.  Who were her parents? Where are they? And how did she end up clinging to life  inside a cardboard box all those years ago?  Alex must fight to keep her past from wrecking her future....

Huzzah! I didn’t spoil the ending for you.  Anytime you combine rock with well-written fiction, you’ve got my attention.  This isn’t just a story about an awesome girl who plays guitar in a metal band; it’s about discovering who you are and embracing it, without shame.  I absolutely enjoyed reading this and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Awesome Book!  5 Stars  Amazon Customer Review

Loved this book.  Very intriguing and interesting till the end.

The characters we’re very believable and well..  5 Stars  Author Mark Shaw

I thought this was a well written book, with a great story.  The characters we’re very believable and well thought out.  I got really caught up in the story and was touched by the love of her adoptive mother.  I have to say as a father myself reading through the beginning of the book was pretty hard to read because of the topic.  But outside of that I think you did a great job and I look forward to reading your future work.

Wow!  Where do I start?  5 Stars  Goodreads & Amazon Customer Review

"Wow!  Where do I start?  I bought this book as a part of a personal quest to read more indie authors and strangely enough, found this author on Twitter.  To say that I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement.  I will bet that I am not the target audience for this book nor does this book fit into the normal genre of what I read.  I tend to read a lot of mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction.  None of that really mattered when it came to my enjoyment of this book.  J.S. Snow is definitely a storyteller, who captivated me from the very beginning and with a very dark and disturbing prologue, followed with a beautiful story of the main character’s early childhood, and an amazing story that continues on as the main character embarks on adulthood.  Character development in this book is spot on.  The dialogue and storyline are completely in line with the characters or scenes in which they take place.  This book had me laughing, had me crying, reminded me of all that is evil in the world, and more importantly, reminded me of all that is good.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone regardless of what genre of fiction they are caught up in.  Having played a little bit of music in my life, I would also recommend this book to anyone who has ever picked up an instrument or simply gets lost in the sound of music.  How often do we get a bang your head storyline as the backdrop for a novel?  The reader in me says this book was amazing and well written.  The guitar player in me says this book rocked!

I am very much looking forward with the next book!

Be Careful What You Wish For – 4 Stars  Self Publishers Showcase

I have stated before that art in any form should challenge you. It shouldn’t be easy to look at, listen to, or read and with J.S. Snow’s Redemption I should have been careful what I wished for. The very start of the book has a warning from the author about the nature of some of the stories content, especially the prologue, but being the hard man I am I scoffed and thought to myself how bad could it actually be? Well! I am a father of five children and the prologue of Redemption is perhaps the toughest section of a book I have had to stomach. The description of career criminal Vic and his sordid child sex trafficking project was stunning, both emotionally and the way it was written. Snow transported me to a world I really didn’t want to visit and showed me the underbelly of society that sickened me to my very core. As the book went on we got a more traditional story, the one of Alex, an abandoned child who grows up to become a world famous heavy metal star, and the character development throughout the novel was superb.

This was a book about the past. How what happens to us as younger people can either make us or break us. I have been immersed in the music business myself as a drummer with a now defunct band so I can swear the tribulations of the business that Snow describes are spot on, but it is the childhood and THAT prologue that I will remember long after this review is no longer front page news.

Not a book for everyone, and you really do need an open mind and a strong stomach to even get through the first few pages, but if you can do that you are rewarded with an incredible novel as your prize.

Wow!  You won’t be disappointed. 5 Stars  Amazon Customer Review

Wow! You won't be disappointed. I do have to admit the beginning was a bit hard to read due to the subject matter but it turned into a beautiful story. The story was very well written and believable. I could not put the book down. Can't wait for the next installment.

Perfect Read – 5 Stars!  Google Play Store Review

Absolutely loved it!! Wish the weekend was longer so i can finish the whole series but these are going to be a perfect read on my flight to Dallas. Starting the 2nd now. Can't wait to see what's next. 

Praise for Resurrection by J.S. Snow

Overall Great Read 5 Stars!  Goodreads Review

This is the second book in the Metal Prodigy Series and I enjoyed it almost as much as I enjoyed the first. By saying almost I might be giving the impression it was not as good as the first. That is not the case. The storyline continues from book one with some very clever twists, much deeper character development, and many more romantic scenes that in book one. Not being a romance reader, the increase in romantic scenes would be my explanation for my choice of words: almost. Having cleared that up, I still loved the book. There are plenty of scenes within the book that will take the reader through just as many emotions as book one did. Also prevalent in book two is the author’s consistency with both the storyline and character development along with her maintaining a distinctive style and voice.

Overall a great read and I look forward to reading more of Alex and the gang. J.S. Snow’s sophomore effort did not disappoint!

A Brilliant Book from a Brilliant Writer – 5 Stars  Amazon Customer Review

I was thrilled when the next book came out in this series. Redemption is one of my favorite books and Resurrection is even better!! J.S. Snow is an absolutely amazing writer. The story of Alex and her childhood as well as her musical prodigy status, is one of the greatest rock star romances you can find. The characters are wonderful and the story is so well developed and multi faceted that it is hard to put down. The band, Hell's Redemption, is a talented group of people who love each other and are family. Their manager, Doc, is a good person and the best in the business. I will wait with bated breath for the next installment of this series. I recommend this and the first book to all serious readers. It ROCKS.

Bravo!  Keep the books coming! 5 Stars  Amazon Customer Review

Resurrection is the second book in a series by new author J.S. Snow. Much to my delight, the characters are developing more depth and this book gives a glimpse into the lives and history of each one. It is like living in their lives and providing understanding of how they work as a team. With that said, I can’t wait to see how Alex and all the gang develop and their careers progress. Will they stay together, move in different directions, and will Alex please her parents and get married or give up her the love or her life? J.S. Snow may be a new writer, however, she is showing she is savvy and her skills are developing nicely in this second book. I cannot wait for the next one in the series.

Gets better and better!  Loved it!  4 Stars  Barnes and Noble Customer Review

I absolutely love this book. I have also read book 1 & you can definitely tell how much the author has grown with book 2. This book has made me laugh out loud, cry, get angry & feel sadness. I have fallen in love with each character and love the direction in which the story is going. If you love hot guys, love, sex & rock & roll then this is a must read. Looking forward to book 3, since this one left a huge cliff hangar. Kudos to the author, job well done.

EPIC! 5 Stars!  Amazon Customer Review

Great story! Could not put the book down. It had me in its clutches from start to finish. I really loved the support that they gave each other. These characters will stay with me for a long time to come. Definitely recommend both books. Can't wait for the next installment!

Praise for Reconciliation by J.S. Snow

Absolutely a Must Read – 5 Star Amazon & Goodreads Review

I have loved this series from the start and can without a doubt say this book put me through more emotional ups and downs than all the others put together. I literally spent the first 9 or so chapters crying my eyes out (with a few laughs)...for real had the frozen eye pack out the next morning, the headache from hell and a trash can full of tissues. This book took the series to a whole new level and is on a playing field no one else has yet stepped foot on. I have been trying to wrap my head around all the twist & turns for almost 2 days now and just can not even put into words how much this book will get to you (in an exceptionally good way). Someone, somewhere will get this series into the right hands and it will without a doubt become number one on the top/best selling list. MIND BLOWING!!!

Again, nothing but the best from this Author!  5 Star Amazon Review

One of my all time favorite series, this book continues the story of the heavy metal guitar player, Alex Hattabaugh. In this story her life takes a tragic turn when she loses the one person she could always count on, her mother. The band rallied and a funeral of epic proportions is planned by Doc Madison. Unsure of her feelings and what the future holds, Alex has many decisions to make. Relationships are strained but Hell's Redemption forges on. Drake and Angela finally admit how they feel and Seth is doing some soul searching. Read this series, it is written so well and the stories are brilliant. Thanks to J.S. and I am waiting for more.

These will leave you breathless. – 5 Star Amazon Review

Alex and John's story continues with more drama with their friends, Sister Maria Teresa's death and more. A real roller coaster of emotion and suspense!

I love this Series! – 5 Star Amazon Review

I love this series! These are long books that have a lot of details in them, but I've discovered that was one of the things I liked best. There is plenty of heat between Alex & John and it ends with a maddening cliffhanger, but I know that I'll have a great book to look forward to in December!

Ready for Book Four! – 5 Star Amazon and GoodreadsReview

The third book in the Metal Prodigy Series continues on where the story left off in book 2. Book 3 builds on the relationships established in the previous two, answers many of the questions leftover from book 2, and graciously leaves us with a cliffhanger in anticipation of what will happen next in the next book. I enjoyed the book on many aspects and admittedly am caught up in the story now. Like book 2, there are more romance scenes that might be a bit edgy for some readers but the majority of them add to the story. The author is very consistent with her character development and it’s noteworthy that she is doing this with multiple characters that all play a vital role in the story. As a writer, this is impressive to me if for no other reason than I can’t imagine that many personalities dancing around in my head. I have only one negative thought on the book and that is a slight departure from the musical aspect that attracted me to the series in the first place but in order to tell what needed to be told, I can understand the author’s direction. All in all, it’s a great read once again. I could easily see this story as an ongoing series on cable.

Reconciliation is an Awesome Read – The Author has done it, yet again!  5 Star Barnes & Noble & Goodreads Review

I absolutely love how the story keeps you on your toes. This story was an absolute tear jerker for me. I absolutely love the main character but the author also takes you on a trip deeper into the lives of the other characters as well. I'm hoping once this series is complete with Alex's story that we will be able to get a story on the others as well. I cannot wait for Book 4 as this one leaves you with a big cliff hanger. Thanks J.S. Snow for the fabulous book.

A Roller Coaster of Emotions – 5 Star Goodreads Review

This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. I have never read a book that I have fallen in love with the lives of these characters so much. Who doesn't like a rockstar but, to love them all and to get huge pieces of story about all the characters in this book not just your typical boy meets girl, but girl meets band and family and friends. JS Snow weaves not just a simple story but a tale of family and friends with lives and loves. This book made me laugh so hard, but it made me cry just as much. This book has a huge cliffhanger so be prepared.

Not What I Expected – 5 Star Goodreads Review

GASP!  Holy crap, not what I expected, as I try to formulate what I wanna say, I'm stumped lol.  Did I get a crap-ton of questions answered finally?  Yes!  Did I cry? Hell yes!  This book was geared toward resolving the mystery for several characters, as well as leaving me hanging yet Again!  My adoration for all things Hells Redeption is a given.  2016 CanNot come fast enough!  J.S Snow is the bomb, and warning, snot Rags will be needed!! The excitement never stops!

What a Ride!  - 5 Star Goodreads Review

What a ride! J.S. Snow is one amazing storyteller - This is a Rock & Roll mega novel that takes you on a journey that I could easily see on the big screen if not a cable series. It revolves around a musical prodigy named Alexis Grace Hattabaugh. Her story is scary, sad, beautiful, uplifting and hotter than hell (in an awesome way) - I have read all three Novels in order and the two Novellas over a 4 day period, that's right my life shut down as I had to keep reading, talk about book hangover!!! If you are a fan of this genre get online now and order them, if not, you will be. the reading order is: Redemption, Resurrection,Trepidation, Reconciliation, & Attraction.   These stories have so many layers and characters and it truly takes a gifted Author to write so many storylines that just flow.  If you love JR Ward & Sherrilyn Kenyons writing style, you will fall for J.S. Snow, I know I did.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

About

Dedication

Copyright

Praise

Prologue - Chances Were Slim to None

One - A Gun Safety Tip from a Liberal

Two - How Much Was That Lap Dance?

Three - What the Ever Living...

Four – Thanks Jesus Dude

Five - There’s Something to Be Said About a Good Spanking

Six - Henry Hanson, Legal Bad Ass

Seven - A Free Lifetime Supply of Breakfast Sandwiches

Eight - That Was Fast

Nine - I Thought They Decided To Make A Movie?

Ten - Holy Flying Bullets Batman

Eleven - An Unlocked Door and a Battering Ram

Twelve - Not Today

Thirteen - I Don’t See Emmy Awards In Any of Your Futures

Fourteen - Shooting People in the Cajones

Fifteen - Mom Wasn’t Having It Was She?

Sixteen – Cutting the Cord

Seventeen – Yeah

Eighteen – Someone Call a Doctor?

Nineteen – It’s Called a Danish

Twenty - A Pack a Day Habit

Twenty One - When All Else Fails

Twenty Two - Compartmentalizing

Twenty Three - An Out of Court Settlement and a Recipe

Twenty Four - The Ultimate Decision

Twenty Five - The Zombie Apocolypse and Pissed Off Parents

Twenty Six - A Lot in Common Indeed

Twenty Seven - The Names are Freaking German, Aren’t They?

Twenty Eight – We Are The Champions

Twenty Nine - Scissors

Thirty - Who The Heck is Elvis?

Thirty One – Luke... I Am Your Father!

Thirty Two – Listen To Your Gut

Thirty Three – An Idea

Thirty Four – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Thirty Five – How You Like Them Apples?

Thirty Six - That Was Easy

Thirty Seven - Satisfaction is Not Guaranteed

Thirty Eight – The Age of Aquarius

Thirty Nine – Faith

Forty – Two Souls

Forty One – Forgiveness

Forty Two – Butterflies

Forty Three – Nametags

Forty Four – What a Great Fucking Name

Forty Five – Who Got Married?

Forty Six – Leader of the Pack

Forty Seven –  At Last... Again

Forty Eight – Anyone But The Big Giant Turd

Forty Nine – An Empty Nest

Fifty – Biting the Ankles

Fifty One – Yee Haw

Fifty Two –An Unexpected Gift

Fifty Three – The Osmonds, Swingers and Jesus of Nazareth

Fifty Four – Not All Things Are As They Seem

Fifty Five – Finally!

Fifty Six – Cutting to the Chase

Fifty Seven – Inevitability

Fifty Eight – A Long Overdue Conversation

Letting Go – Terri George

Acknowledgements

Futher Acknowledgements

About the Author

He who cannot resist temptation is not a man.

-Horace Mann

PROLOGUE

Chances Were Slim To None

MAY 2002 – FIFTY MILES Outside of Canyon de Chelly, New Mexico

Sitting with his son on the embankment of the river he used to fish with his own father, Jacob Lonewolf knew there was something on his boy's mind.

Due to his son's severe stuttering problem, John communicated primarily with his eyes and body language.  He only hoped the boy would never decide to play poker, he'd be shit at it because he was nothing but tells, What is it son?

He simply shook his head at his old man, shifted uncomfortably and adjusted his fishing pole position.

They were attempting to snag some freshwater trout in the middle of the week versus their regular Saturday outing at the insistence of John’s mother.  Her being the community's resident healer with her holistic homemade concoctions, their home was filled with jars of anything to fix whatever ails ya, including skin irritations.

When she noticed the entire jar of herbal ointment used to treat such things was missing, she became quite worried.  Seeing her only child walking around the house in nothing but shorts, she discreetly looked him over and when she didn't find a visible rash, she quickly deduced what he had been up to and why he snuck in so late the night before.

So knowing there had been an allergic reaction to the latex condom he had been given by Luke Weatherly, she sent her husband and son to have a private follow up about this rite of passage and to make sure things were alright.

Jacob Lonewolf knew he was a man of few words, and he also suspected that even if his offspring didn't have a speech impediment, he'd probably be lacking in the verbose department as well.  However, because of it, getting him to communicate at times was a feat higher than the mountains which surrounded them.

So, he made it a point to get to one quickly and speak his mind truthfully for he feared there may come a time when his offspring would retreat permanently into the sound of silence, You and Moonbeam obviously took things to the next level last night.  Your mom just wants to make sure you're okay, and I do too.

John whipped his face in his father's direction and had a horrified expression on it.  It quickly morphed into complete embarrassment and he knew beyond a doubt, if the boy had the strength and ability, he'd lift up that boulder he was sitting on, crawl into the hole underneath it and never come out again.

His boy closed his eyes and looked away.  Jacob resisted the urge to laugh his ass off at his son's mortification.  He was sure John's grandfather suppressed it too when he went through the same thing twenty years ago, and speaking of, Son, I'm sorry; I should have warned you about that.  I'm allergic to latex too.  Was even at your age when I got my cherry popped as well.

Now the look on the younger Lonewolf’s face was one of absolute being floored.  His parents met and married a few months shy of their twenty-first birthdays, and his old man just confessed to losing his virginity to someone other than his mother.

For some kids, this computes to being told two plus two equals a tree full of lemons.

Jacob anticipated this reaction from his son, the way he and his wife Sarah carried on with each other all the time it was easy to assume they were only destined to be together.

Oh, how he wishes that had been so.

Iiiitttt wha wha wasn't mmm mom?

He looked into his son's eyes and saw for certain his world had just been turned on its head.  When your parents start showing that they are real human beings under their roles, it can be a little tough to take.  We all paint the people who raised us in our heads a certain way, put them on pedestals, and therefore they only existed as they do now.

Okay, let's be honest, picturing our parental units as horny teenagers is something we all refuse to even think about.

Eeeewww.

Shaking his head no, he decided to clue in his son and perhaps make him feel more at ease about what happened with Moonbeam the night before and maybe steer him in the direction he should be going, I was your age.  Thought I was in love with a girl on the reservation.  We took things to the next level, and afterwards, we both knew, it meant no more than what it was.

John looked away and out over the water, his brows knitted.

Tim’s daughter is nice, but even I think you know, she's not the one.

The kids made a fine looking pair, but he could tell his boy's soul was not at peace around her.  He was happy with her, horny for sure, open minded with the fact she didn't desire anything exclusive, but in the end what matters is the person you choose to be with makes you a better one simply because they are there.

Hhhuhh hooww diiid uuuu knnn kkknow mmmooom wha wha was the one?

Looking out over the water himself, Jacob could feel a part of his wife's spirit running through him.  He then closed his eyes and basked in the tranquility of it all.  Opening them, he turned to his son and conveyed a prayer of sorts all the while explaining how he knew, The moment the other half of your spirit enters your space, everything changes.  It now becomes the moment in your life when every question you've ever had in your head on what your purpose is and why it is you're here on this earth is answered.  It's her.  Your spirit is content because now its whole.  She is what was missing.

His son blinked rapidly, and he sent up thanks to the Great Spirit, his offspring immediately recognized what he was talking about.  While the girl was nice, and would probably make a good wife for someone, he didn't desire for John to settle just because he had to due to their circumstances and lifestyle in their small oasis in the middle of the desert.

You shouldn't feel that you did anything wrong last night.  You both followed through with what nature was taking you towards.  But don't think what your body craves and what your soul desires has to be the same thing.

The boy nodded in agreement, but still had a look of guilt about him.

So how is the rash doing?  Your mom's ointment helping?

John closed his eyes in frustration and turned beet red.

Jacob was laughing out loud this time, and clapped his son on the back, I know it was one hell of a way to find out you have an allergy.  I'm sorry I didn't warn you it could happen. He finished continuing to laugh.

Just as John was reconsidering lifting up the boulder again, his fishing line tugged indicating he had another bite.

Someday I’m going to figure out how you keep skunking me.

His son simply smiled and reeled in the catch.  Holding it up with clear pride, his father quickly assessed it to make sure it was a keeper, unhooked it and added it to the day's catch.  Tonight's grub was going to be mighty tasty.

Ya ya yoourr wha worm is onnnana wha wha wrong.

You think?

John nodded in complete confidence and smirked.

Hey, there you are! John's best friend shouted as he approached.

Jacob looked back and waved at Hiatt and then glanced up at his son, Hope you understand why I didn't bring him along with us today.

He shot his dad a small smile, nodded quickly and upward head jerked at his buddy.

Mr. Weatherly stopped by and he needs our help to clean out that old shack in the southern part of his field.  Looks like he's going to tear it down and plant more corn.

Did he say when it’s coming down?

Nah, but he was bitching about something about soil samples and stuff. Hiatt shrugged.

Yeah, it was painted around thirty years ago, I should know, I helped when I was little.  The bottom boards were my artistic contribution.  Looks like the paint we used back then may have contaminated things.

Well, you should probably tell my old man that; he's got ideas on how to recycle them for a new greenhouse he wants to put up.

I'll talk to him.  Why don't you two get on then, I'll take back the catch and have them cleaned.

John immediately pointed at his chest with his thumb and gave his father a stern expression to which Jacob quickly replied, I know, I know, I'll tell her it was you who caught them all.  Show off.

John’s best friend started laughing looking at the full bucket of trout at their feet and punched his buddy in the arm, Skunked the old man again huh?

Jacob Lonewolf was not amused.

Alright, you two go on.  Oh, and Hiatt, tell Luke, I'll stop by in a few hours to shoe his new horses.

They nodded at John's father and were off.  As Jacob watched their retreating backs, he wondered if their lifelong friendship was going to sustain the impact of his son taking things to a physical level with the girl his best friend was desperately in love with and who in his opinion, completed the other half of Hiatt's soul.

music-notes-clip-art-png.png

HEY, NEED TO ASK YOU something. Hiatt said as he kicked a rock out of their path as they trudged on towards the Weatherly ranch.

He looked down at the guy he considered his pseudo big brother and nodded.

I'm thinking about telling Moonbeam how I really feel about her, but I know she's sort of been seeing you. Hiatt quickly spat out looking up at his buddy nervously.

John simply stared straight ahead.  Obviously, while living in a place where everyone knew everything about one another and things got around quickly, it looks like it was only his parents who were aware of his and Moonbeam's tryst the night before.

I mean, you've told me it's nothing serious with you two, and you know how I've always looked at her.

Guilt started raining down on him heavily.  They didn't plan on doing the horizontal mambo, it just happened.  One minute they were talking, the next making out and finally a lot of naked and seeing what body parts fit with what went down.

As his father's words rang in his ears about the other person literally being the other half of your soul, he suddenly felt relieved he wasn't feeling guilty towards Moonbeam.  She must have known it too, because after all the  -you gonna be okay's - were delivered after he became vertical and was certain his dick wasn't going to fall off, she flat out told him she didn't want what transpired between them to mean anything.

He walked home relieved and in complete agreement.  After sneaking in and checking he hadn't woken his parents, he went and retrieved the ointment to put out the fire in his crotch.

However, let's get back to the thing about him boning the girl his best buddy pines after shall we?

Ya ya yoouurr ddaa dad.

I know what Hollingsworth thinks of her man, you really think I care?

For all the peace, love and koombaya going on in their utopia, in reality, there was actually a lot of inside politics happening behind the scenes.  Hollingsworth Stevenson and Tim Edwards were once best friends.  They met at Berkley and made the cross country trek together hitchhiking to attend a little well known music festival called Woodstock.  After their adventure there and meeting up with their future wives; the four decided to hide out from the war until it was over.  Both men had also received their draft notices before embarking to New York.  With their new girlfriends desiring to build this new utopia, they made their way in Hiatt's mother's VW Beetle, picking up her friend Sarah who lived in South Dakota on a Lakota Indian Reservation along the way and the five ended up where they are now.  The car's engine wasn't cooperating and being broken down in the middle of nowhere, it was sheer luck and happenstance John's father and grandfather stumbled upon them and offered them assistance and shelter for the night.

However, this is where history tends to run in opposite directions, depending on who is telling the story. From Hollingsworth's point of view, it was him who made the offer to John's grandfather to cultivate the land and make it self-sustaining using his education in botany.  He could revitalize it which after many years suffering from droughts was dying.  He pointed out; there was a natural and ecologically sound way to bring it all back to life.

From Tim's point of view, it was his idea and he was the one who took it to John's grandfather, but because he didn't know the science to make it happen, Hollingsworth received all the credit and in turn, became the de facto leader of the group.  However, what Hiatt's dad conveniently chooses to forget, is that it was Tim who left and brought the others back from Berkley with him so that it could.

From then on, the two men had a power trip thing going on and were very clear, they were no longer friends.  They'd exist in harmony, because, well, they needed each other, but that would be as far as it went.  When their children were born, with one having a boy and the other a girl, both men made no bones with stating there was no way in hell their kids would ever play in the same sandbox together let alone merge aura's or some shit.

John shot him a knowing look that he thought his friend was playing with fire.  Him being interested in Moonbeam was bad enough, taking things to the next level would disturb the agreed upon tranquility of life in their community forever.

So am I trudging on something that’s yours man?

He assuredly shook his head, however, his gut told him not to disclose what happened the night before, and not only due to the man’s issues with wanting to duke everyone out all the time, including his own father for his narrow minded view of the world.

Cool.  Hey, I wonder if we’ll find more instruments and shit in that shack today, wouldn’t that be all sorts of groovy?

John shrugged his shoulders and smirked.  He became melancholy.  For as talented as his brother was on drums where exactly was that talent going to take him?  He was relieved Hiatt had another outlet besides hanging out with him to keep his fits at bay, but he secretly wished the world could see what he could do on skins, it was nothing but amazing.

However, here they were, a couple of seventeen-year-olds off to their part-time job to clean out some old shack, and then it would be back to the commune they lived on in the middle of bum fuck nowhere to continue on in the tradition their parents founded by restoring peace and harmony to the earth.

The chances of them actually leaving this place, let alone putting their musical talents to work in an actual band were slim to none.

Don’t just run from temptation, look it in the eye and defeat it.

–Baylor Barbee

ONE

A Gun Safety Tip From A Liberal

PRESENT DAY - GOOD Samaritan Hospital - Los Angeles, California

It was a well-known fact, Alex detested guns, but can you really blame her?

When she was but a tot, she listened as her parents were both executed, by a gun.  Only yesterday, she was nearly gunned down on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards.  The love of her life, John, who was currently in a hospital bed, was now recovering from the three bullets which hit him in the chest to save her.  Mr. Taggert, a long-time family friend was almost taken out by snipers just hours ago.  At this moment she was staring down the barrel of a nine millimeter which was no doubt purchased to finish the job the Sons of Anarchy wannabe’s failed to do earlier.

Yeah, Alex wasn’t going to be a big fan of them ever at this point, and it was more than likely her rational opinion about the second amendment was about to change dramatically.

So, while most of us who would be in this situation would be throwing up our hands, begging for our lives, screaming, wetting our pants...not the musical prodigy currently facing her mortality.  She was at peace and completely at terms with the fact her life was about to come to abrupt end.  She’d soon be with her mother, her biological parents and more importantly, John would be safe.

There was no doubt in her mind the second the bullet came out of Jeff LaCross’ gun, Tyrone would hear it, run into the room and return fire taking him out.

So resisting temptation to let their bodyguard know there was immediate danger here in the celebrity exclusive birthing suite at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, she remained calm and simply met the gaze of her murderer, You?  What are you doing here?  You’re dead.

He sneered in satisfaction and in fact, fired his weapon, aiming directly at her head.

An interesting little tidbit about the whole right to bear arms thing, was most liberals like Alex weren’t against the second amendment.  They weren’t completely jazzed about it, but figured as long as it made a good number of American’s sleep better at night knowing their rights weren’t being trudged upon, then so be it.  However, what those on the left side of the aisle hoped their conservative brethren understood is, if you’re going to possess something which could literally take a human life, well by God, clean it when you’re supposed to would ya?  Guns firing when they shouldn’t, and more than likely killing someone you didn’t intend to is just plain stupid all around.

Jeff LaCross missed this little helpful liberal tip as his jammed.

Looking at his gun in frustration and curiosity, Alex decided maybe today wasn’t a good day to die after all and lunged at him, NO!

The two struggled and Jeff back handed her hard across the face, sending her to the floor, Fucking bitch!

Drop the weapon man! Tyrone hollered from the doorway, his own pointed at LaCross.

Not wanting to give up his quest for revenge and to take down his father’s empire, the man did no such thing and instead pointed it at John’s bed, his new target clear.

Hope also sprang eternal with this crazy idiot that his niner quickly cleaned itself.

The head of John Lucas’ personal security fired off one round hitting LaCross in the shoulder to which the former music label president recoiled and as he swung his arm to return fire, the body guard let a second go, nailing him in square in the chest.

Clutching it, Jeff looked at the man who ended his quest for satisfaction, swayed and collapsed.

Keeping his weapon pointed at the assailant, Tyrone walked slowly and carefully over to him and said, Alex, you alright girl?

Holding her face, and sitting up, she asked, Is he dead?

He kicked the gun out of LaCross’ limp hand and one of his worst fears came true.  When he was a police officer back in Philly, the one thing which creeped him out more than anything, were the stories of when people died with their eyes open.  He hadn’t ever come upon a scene like that fortunately, but had heard plenty of scary tales from his fellow officers to know, he’d rather not.

Now he was witnessing firsthand what all the heebie jeebies was all about.

Bending down, he searched for a pulse anyway, and confirmed it, Yeah, he’s dead.  Are you alright?

She didn’t answer him, but got herself up and rushed over to John’s bed.  Prepared to calm him down, pray his oxygen levels weren’t going all wiggy wiggy thanks to the wild west showdown which just happened, she instead found him... snoring.

She blinked in complete disbelief and as he suddenly shook his head and grumbled like the TV was on too loud and wished someone would turn it off so he could get some decent shut eye.

She looked at his IV bag and gaped at it.

Lower dosage my left foot!  How could he not wake up from all that noise?

As the commotion started out in the hallway with the security alarms going off, Tyrone stood and asked her, "Before I have to answer all sorts of questions again, would you mind sharing with me if there is anyone else out there in the world who wants you dead?"

Running her fingers through John’s hair and as tears entered her eyes; she came to a stunning conclusion.

This is all my fault.

Best way to overcome temptation is to avoid the tempting situation.

–A Fortune Cookie

TWO

How Much Was That Lapdance?

At a former stomping ground across town, the four remaining members of Hells Redemption decided it might be a good idea to get their – Girls, Girls, Girls -on.

What?  These guys are Heavy-Metal rockers; did you really think you were not going to read a strip club scene featuring them sooner or later?

Drake looked around the place and actually scrunched his pierced face in disapproval.  It was once a perfectly disrespectful joint you normally wouldn’t be caught dead in, but was cheap, the girls were hot and the establishment was low life enough to where the paparazzi wouldn’t give it a second thought.

I don’t know which to find more disturbing.  This place getting a complete overhaul or the fact that Winston’s back in Miami now has karaoke. He mumbled to his best friend and took a pull off his beer.

Sitting across from him, Seth chuckled, All things change man.  It’s been a while since we were here last. He finished sipping his diet coke.

Their drummer was a big fan of the improvements as he parked his caboose at the end of the stage and waggled twenty’s at the dancer with his teeth.

The band’s second bassist and producer for their next album was in the club’s new VIP section hopefully getting his freaky deaky on which Drake gladly paid for.

Leaning in so Seth could hear him better over the music, I need to ask your opinion on something.

Yes, I think Lola was smart installing laminate versus newer carpeting, since she didn’t elect to go non-smoking.

The rhythm guitarist rolled his eyes in reply, I’m serious man, I need your advice.

Sorry, these places really lose their appeal when you aren’t wasted to enjoy them.

Shit, was this a bad idea?

No, not at all.  Considering we couldn’t extract shit out of him during dinner, this was a good one.  If he’s not going to tell us what went on with the redhead, then we can at least get him laid so maybe he’ll relent on being such an asshole. Seth answered, pointing his thumb behind them where the beaded off curtains which led to the VIP section were.

He was in full agreement with his friend, Cole as of late was a moody fucker and they were all getting pretty tired of it.  They tried at Alex’s behest to talk to him about it at dinner, but the kraut wasn’t having it.  They ended up making the meal an official tax write off as he insisted on discussing the next album and how due to John’s stationary condition they were going to have to go into preproduction right here in Los Angeles.

It also officially sucked their old headquarters had just been sold.

So what’s on your mind?  From the looks of things, you and your Latina lovely are doing just fine.

Drake smirked with pride, they were actually fanfuckingtastic.  However, he needed to address something, and the only man who truly understood the depths of his depravity could give him solid advice.

Yeah, we’re good, but I’m worried they may not stay that way you know?

Seth narrowed his eyes and countered, You keep it in your pants for everybody but her and they should.

He shook his head in aggravation, for this was not what he was worried about.

The front man quickly deduced what was doing in his friend’s noggin, You told me she knows about your predilection.

She does, but we haven’t...

Seth smiled and realized, his buddy was in quite the predicament, But she has yet to get you to submit, at least in the way you expect.

Drake nodded and took another gulp of his beer, I had an idea.  She’s open to learning, but she’ll need to be trained.  I was thinking about asking Lisa if she would teach her.

Seth proceeded to spray the approaching cocktail waitress with diet coke he just sipped, Hey!  You freaking jerk! She yelled.

Gaping in complete astonishment, Drake grabbed a bunch of cocktail napkins to assist the now furious server with clean up as his incredibly sober douche bag friend coughed and laughed his ass off.

The club bouncer didn’t find this all too amusing as he made his way over to their table to send the two rock stars on their way.  This of course caught the attention of the Taggert twins who pulled sentry duty over at the entrance to keep reporters out and were now coming over to lend their assistance.

Sweetheart, look, he’s really sorry. Drake pleaded with her as he haphazardly assisted with clean up.

Yeah, he looks it.  It’s not funny you jerk, I have to pay for the dry cleaning of these uniforms myself!

Seth just continued to laugh.

Drake quickly fished out some cash and put in on her tray, Here, allow me, really, we’re very sorry.

Looking at the full night’s take she just made in less than half an hour she’d been on shift, she told the bouncer she was fine, Well, you guys are going to have to make this next round last awhile as now I have to go and change. She finished shooting Seth a dirty look.

Their lead man put up his hand in apology and next took out some cash of his own and added it to the pile.

Drake waved off their security guys, who, after assessing things were cool, went back to their post.

While still pretty pissed, she tucked the wad of cash in her now wet top and turned around to head to the locker room.

Are you sure you’re sober?

I’m sorry man that had to have been the funniest fucking thing I’ve heard in like... forever. Seth chuckled picking up his new diet coke.

Sitting back down, and breathing a sigh of relief things were returning to normal, he decided to find out what his best friend found so funny about Lisa training Angela to be a qualified dominatrix, So what’s wrong with my idea?

Drake, you have to be without a doubt, the smartest guy I know, but when you come up with a dumbass idea, it’s fucking major. He answered and started laughing again.

What’s so dumb about it?  Lisa is the best.

Did you or did you not fuck her at one time?

Several times actually, not that it’s any of your biz.

Seth laughed, shook his head and decided to educate the now off the market sorry son of a bitch, There’s your answer dick head.

Still a little slow on the uptake, Drake sat back affronted, She was my DOM, not my girlfriend.  There was never anything else between us.

Seth swallowed his mouthful in attempts at not showering anyone again, Angela is not in the lifestyle man.  She will not understand the two are mutually exclusive.  To her, Lisa is your ex, and she is not going to want fuck all to do with her.

She was just my DOM, nothing else.  Ang wouldn’t have anything to worry about.  She shouldn’t feel threatened by her at all.

Seth went to sip on his soda again and decided against it, for Drake’s lack of understanding was really brightening his day, however, it would end up getting a lot of people wet and sticky, You not only found yourself one beautiful, intelligent and well-rounded woman to fall in love with, but a Latina at that.

Yeah, what does her being Puerto Rican have to do with anything? Drake shrugged like this wasn’t anything to worry about.

Oh, how the mighty hath fallen, fuck me.

Women of Latin decent are unique my friend.  They’re special.  They have hearts of gold, but beneath that is a passion and ferociousness unlike anything you’ve ever seen.  They are very protective of what is theirs, get jealous on a dime and hold a grudge like no other.

Drake sat back and processed his friend's words, but still was a student in Clueless 101, So you think she’ll have a problem with meeting her?

Seth laughed and asked, You enjoy getting laid on a regular basis?

You saying when she gets pissed at me in the future, she’s going to hold out?

The band’s front man smiled and shook his head, the countless times his father pissed off his mom, he knew beyond a doubt, the man paid a high price for his lack of brain cells and suspected this played a role in him being an only child, Guess you’ll have to find out the hard way how our women roll, but I can’t let you do this to yourself.  Declan is expanding the club, turning the entire east wing of it as a matter of fact into all things BDSM.

No shit?  Really?  Drake sat forward finding this very interesting.

Yeah, however, I told him not to send out your renewal notice because of Ang.

Drake sat back and anyone could tell the guy’s wheels were now spinning at the possibilities.

The question is your girl really ready to enter that world?  I mean, seeing it on the internet is one thing, up close and in person, way different.

The man didn’t answer him, instead the gears just kept on grinding.

Look, she could still get trained, by a qualified DOM who has not done you.  However, if Angela even sees Lisa there, she’ll fuck her up just on principle because she has with you; which in turn could cause problems for us.  He warned.

Drake shot his friend a warning glance and quickly defended his woman, She wouldn’t do that.

Hey there, how you doing?  Seth Batista, first generation Cuban American male who lives with two Latina’s. He said firmly holding out his hand for a shake.

Oh fuck. He replied, smacking himself on the head.

Yeah, asshole, tread carefully. He replied, taking back his unshaken hand.

I got to talk to her about this, don’t I?

Yeah, but be delicate about it, and honest.  I’m sure with Lisa’s schedule; she won’t be there very often anyway.  But wow was she the last time I was there.  Seth said with wide eyes puffing out his cheeks.

His friend laughed, running into the Lisa Anton, when she was in her full get up as a master dominatrix, was a thing to see, Still wanting you on your knees huh?

She can keep trying, but it’ll never happen.  So, you want me to call Declan?

Yeah, have him send it out, in the meantime, I’ll talk to Ang.

The two men turned to see the club’s owner Lola come out of the VIP room.  Drake checked his watch and noted she hadn’t been back there with Cole very long.

Approaching the two, she straightened her skirt and asked on a purr, Enjoying the new club gentlemen?

The woman truly cracked Drake up.  She was exactly like the song for which he was sure she was named after implied.  She was a showgirl, literally had yellow ribbons in her hair and her dress was indeed cut all the way down to there.

The entrepreneur of all things topless dancing in the city of angels was pushing fifty, however, thanks to the lucrative income she made on her back and no doubt from the generosity of her clients tips, plastic surgeons ensured she didn’t look a day beyond thirty.

Up’d your technique Lola, you weren’t with him very long. He inquired, wondering exactly what his five Benjamins bought.

My old ones are just fine, but only on those who choose to take advantage of them.  Your man sent me on my way.  Oh, and no refunds.

Five bills at dinner, another five for his friend, a few for the splattered on cocktail waitress and from the way Hiatt was stuffing twenties down dancer’s G-strings, he’d probably be out more before the night was finished.

Yeah, take him out and talk to him, it’ll be fun, she said.

Fuck.

How about you double check my technique, maybe I’m... getting rusty. She purred sauntering up real close and snaking her arms around his neck in hopes he could finish what Cole hadn’t even started.

He immediately dislodged them and pointed her in the direction of his still single cola spraying friend, I’m afraid I’m no longer a viable test subject, Mr. Diet Coke over here on the other hand is always game.

Seth simply smirked at her and patted his lap.

As Lola sauntered over and straddled him, he motioned to the beaded curtains where the VIP area was telling his buddy where he’ll be.

Not that the man gave a shit as he was busy giving a closer inspection of Lola’s latest surgical enhancements.

music-notes-clip-art-png.png

ENTERING THE LAP DANCE and then some zone, he nodded at Keith Taggert who had been tasked with making sure things stayed anonymous by keeping everyone else out for a while, I take it he’s still back here?

There aren’t any other ways out of here I’m aware of.

Why don’t you head on out so he and I can have a private convo.

You got it, and oh, Mr. Mitchell I think you and I should sit down and have one ourselves about recent developments, you feel me?

Drake nodded solemnly in acknowledgment.  He was not happy at all with how things went down with Kai Lambert, but in a strange way was relieved.  However, if the man before him was still going to head their security, an understanding about discretion during any situation was needed, no matter whom the dude’s father was, We’ll find the time.

Thank you sir, I’ll be out front if you need me.

Hearing the beads knock together indicating Keith was now out of ear shot, Drake turned the corner to find his friend nursing his drink, hunched over and finding the floor quite interesting the