The ShadowsForge Collection: #1 Three Times a Hero & #2 Trials on Tour: ShadowsForge, #1

By M.J. Conrad

ShadowsForge 1: Three Times a Hero
Bass player Ty Synclair is discontented with the women that come through his life who love him for his money, image, and fame. He believes there has to be one woman, somewhere, who will love him for who he is, not the package sold to the public.
Alexis Rivers is finished with her abusive boyfriend and finished with love altogether. She wants a man who would simply love and appreciate her. Since he doesn't seem to exist, she wants to remain alone for the rest of her life. The problem is her heart doesn't agree with her decision, a decision that crumbles fast after literally running into Ty Synclair in the middle of a blizzard.
Can two cold hearts spark a fire, when they collide on a snowy mountain road and spend three days alone together in a snowbound cabin?

ShadowsForge 2:Trials on Tour
ShadowsForge - This is a warning. This is to let you know that you've been a thorn in my side for far too long. I have had to put up with my lady gushing over you for the last four years now, and I've had enough of it. It was bad enough before you came through my city but since you did, I've given a lot of thought to ending your career permanently. I wanted to give you a sporting chance by letting you know that your days are numbered.
Travel with ShadowsForge as they continue the Ethereal Edge Tour, spending two explosive weeks at venues throughout the United Kingdom. Join Ty Synclair and his band mates, Geoff Richards, Jordan Cantrell, Jon Wiles, and Brian Cummings as they tour their homeland, trying to stay one step ahead of danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.J. Conrad
• Release date: Sep 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370812790

M.J. Conrad

M. J. Conrad is the owner of an answering service/Dr. exchange in the Antelope Valley in California. She enjoys writing, gardening, crocheting, and a lot of reading. She has done acquisitions reading for a publishing house, writes book reviews and is trying to break out of her usual genre with Shyanne's Secret, her first western historical. She'd been married to Steve, the love of her life, for over 30 years. M. J. Conrad also writes as Jena Galifany Jena Galifany is a veteran author, previously published through multiple publishing houses. Her ShadowsForge series, Three Times a Hero, Trials on Tour, Retaking America, and The Long Way Home have all received rave reviews. Three Times a Hero was a Reader's Choice #1 Best Seller the first month of its release. Jena has taken a break from completing the series to try her hand at something new in this historical love story and is excited to see how it is received. Other novels by Jena Galifany include Her Perfect Man, an historical paranormal romance, Love Lifted Me, a Christmas short story, and Day Labor, a contemporary romance with a twist. All of Jena's novels, previously published and new, will be released via self-publication. She makes her home in Southern California with her husband. She has three adult children, one granddaughter, and 2 granddogs.

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SHADOWSFORGE 1 & 2: THREE TIMES A HERO - TRIALS ON TOUR

M.J Conrad writing as Jena’ Galifany

Copyright 2017 by Jena’ Galifany

Published by M.J. Conrad/Jena Galifany at Smashwords

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Credits:

Cover Design: Jenevie Conrad / Patrick Kearney

Technical Advisor: Jonathan McMillan

Dedication

To Beta Readers: Joyce, Brandi, Maria, Samantha, and Jennifer: Thank you for keeping ShadowsForge alive.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

SHADOWSfORGE 1: THREE TIMES A HERO

"ShadowsForge 1: Three Times a Hero is a book about people

making life-altering decisions… about strength, growth and

relationships-just the kind of book I love… a love story that

is both sweet and sexy…

~~Theresa Rhodes, Reviewer for Novelspot.net~~

SHADOWSFORGE 1: THREE TIMES A HERO

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

SHADOWSFORGE 2: TRIALS ON TOUR

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

About the Author

The ShadowsForge Series

Discover Other Books By Jena Galifany/ MJ Conrad

SHADOWSFORGE 1: THREE TIMES A HERO

Preface

Mirada Valley Civic Center –

It was a cold winter night in Mirada Valley with the breeze sweeping down from the snow-frosted mountains surrounding the valley. The Civic Center roiled with excitement as the final strains of hard rock music split the night. The camera man filmed the band from the wings as they took their final bows and, one by one, exited the stage. Camera held firmly to his eye, he moved to the side to keep from being trampled. Crew members rushed in to throw warm robes around the band members to soak up sweat and to keep them from the chill as they made their escape. The audience screamed and cheered as drummer Brian Cummings, always the last to leave the stage, threw his final pair of stick into the crowd. With both muscular arms held high over his head, he punched the air in triumph of another perfect show.

Brian made his way to the waiting limo. A reporter, working with the camera man, swooped in, talking as he fell into step at Brian’s side. The camera framed Brian and the reporter as he spoke.

Tonight’s concert has been perfect, as usual. The fans were great, and again as always, the concert rocked. Every note, every move, delivered in perfect choreography. He nodded toward Brian, directing the camera to focus on the drummer as he switched to interview mode. Brian, what’s up next for ShadowsForge?

They moved swiftly through the back hall toward the outside door. A limo waited beyond the door where four of the five members of ShadowsForge had already made their escape. The door stood open, framing the band members who stretched before allowing the long black vehicle to swallow them one at a time.

Brian caught a towel that was thrown to him as he continued forward. He wiped his face quickly and wrapped the towel around the back of his neck as he smiled at the shorter man.

We've a weekend off, Mate, and it's time to party. The next show isn't until Tuesday night.

Shifting the microphone from Brian to himself, the reporter continued. Where can your fans hope to catch you this weekend?

His blond hair dripping and sticking to his forehead, Brian thought for a moment before he answered with a grin of anticipation on his tan face. Los Angeles or Hollywood...or where ever we land first.

Ah, come on, Brian. Can you be more specific? The reporter raised his brows in anticipation of a scoop.

Brian laughed and shook his head. That's a secret.

By then, the two passed through the outside door and caught up with the others. Geoff Richards, Ty Synclair, Jordan Cantrell and Jon Wiles had already entered the limo. Brian neared with Nigel Patton, the road manager on his heels. Gary Felding, ever on alert and head of ShadowsForge security, held the door. Brian stopped, and turned to drape the sweaty towel over the reporter's head. He grabbed the reporter’s head and planted a kiss on the shorter man’s forehead. He laughed again as he climbed into the limo followed by Nigel and Gary. Before the reporter could respond, the limo sped off and the band was away.

With the towel covering his head, the reported pulled the microphone clear and finished his interview with the camera. There goes ShadowsForge, British rock band on the U.S. leg of their Ethereal Edge world tour. Off for the weekend and loving life. Live from the Mirada Valley Civic Center.

* * * * *

The kitchen was clean, just the way Les liked it. There were a few spices on the counter that Lexi would put away before he arrived. On the stove, the pot of stew bubbled, releasing a wonderful scent that made her stomach growl. Or maybe it was what she planned for the night that made her stomach roil.

Lexi pushed her waist length black hair over her shoulder as she concentrated on the last ingredient. One at a time, she twisted the six capsules open, dumping the contents into the bubbling brew. She mixed the powder in and smiled as she stopped herself from tasting the sauce that clung to the spoon.

That would have been a bad idea, she chided herself, placing the spoon on the dish at the side of the stove. She gathered the empty capsules and ran them down the garbage disposal.

Shortly after she heard the purr of her Nova pulling into the driveway, the front door opened and closed. Lexi’s heart thudded in her chest. She squeezed her eyes tight and took a deep breath. There was no going back now. The concoction was made and Les was home for his dinner. She could only wait.

Les Roberts staggered into the kitchen. He was in his early twenties, rugged, dressed in jeans, a knit pullover, heavy overcoat and work boots. He set a bottle of booze on the table, and threw off his coat before moving up behind her. She turned toward the stove, taking the spoon to stir it again. If he saw her face, he might get suspicious. He stumbled against her, nearly pushing her into the stew. Lexi turned off the flame before her oversized sweatshirt caught fire. Les slid his hands up under the sweatshirt and grabbed her by the hips. She shuddered at the touch of his cold hands.

There’s a good girl, getting my food ready. His breath on her cheek reeked of alcohol and weed. Lexi tried not to breath too deep.

I knew you’d be hungry. How was the concert?

Les nuzzled her neck, pulling her hips against him. The music was great and Jess brought some smoke that was outstanding. We cut out when the weed was gone, before the show was over, to grab a few drinks.

Big surprise there, she thought. Who went with you besides Jess?

Jess' brother showed up.

Lexi feared moving as his hands groped all over her body beneath the sweatshirt. She would have to wait until he was satisfied that she wore nothing under the baggy shirt, the way he liked her when he got home. He placed a kiss on her ear before he let the sweatshirt drop into place. He moved to fall into the chair while she pulled a bowl from the cabinet, dishing up his food. She set the bowl on the counter and carefully spooned the stew into it.

Jess’s brother. He’s that young blond boy, right? The one with the deep blue eyes?

She heard the chair scrape on the floor as Les stood. Before she knew what happened, Les grabbed her by the arm and flung her against the wall. He grabbed her shirt, pulling down to reveal a bruised and scarred shoulder. He leaned so close to her face, she could barely breath. She cringed, her arms down, palms to the wall, waiting for what she was sure would be his discipline for saying the wrong thing.

You know what I’ll do if you ever look at another guy, don’t you? He gave her a jerk, banging her head against the wall. Don’t you!

I wouldn’t. I was just… talking.

You’ve mine, Lexi. I own you.

Lexi tried to focus on his face. I know. I…I’m yours. There’ll never be anyone else. I swear. She closed her eyes tight, praying it was what he wanted to hear.

I’d kill him. And you!

I know.

After a long moment, Les released her but she stayed against the wall. He slammed open the drawer for the silverware. For a moment, Lexi feared he was going for the knife again. To her relief, he grabbed a spoon, his dish of stew, the booze and disappeared into the living room. She stayed against the wall until she heard the television. She pulled the neck of the sweatshirt up to cover her shoulder as she rubbed the back of her head where it had hit the wall.

Lexi crept to the door, peeking around to see Les shoveling the stew into his mouth and washing it down with the whiskey. She smiled.

Chapter One

Tonight’s concert had been perfect. The fans were great, absolutely, and the concert rocked. Now it was over, and Ty Synclair needed to get away. He needed to get some air, some quiet, and some peace. Some time to think.

ShadowsForge were finished for the weekend, and that rarely happened: a weekend off. They weren’t expected to be anywhere until Monday afternoon when they were to board the ShadowsForge jet at Los Angeles International Airport and travel north. Their immediate plans included heading down to Los Angeles or Hollywood to relax for a couple of days.

The next show wasn’t until Tuesday night. The stage and equipment were on the way north by truck and would be set up by the time they arrived Monday night. One night of rehearsal would be followed by the next afternoon’s sound-check, and all the usual procedures that went into the preshow set-up. Then, house lights go down, cheers rise, applause explodes, thunderous music screams to life, and that barrier called a curtain would disappear, signaling that the two plus hours of hammering workout had commenced.

Ty Synclair couldn’t wait to get out of the sweat-soaked black vest and black jeans he had worn onstage. He had to peel off the saturated material that had become a second skin before he could enjoy a refreshing and well-earned hot shower. His chest-length curly hair was plastered to his neck and framed his face, having lost most of its fullness beneath the scorching stage lights, as if it had melted.

As he stood in the pounding spray, his hair grew with the weight of the water, creeping down his back and chest nearly to his waist. His trademark curls. It was straight now but that wouldn’t last long. As soon as it dried, up it would kink, losing almost half its length in the process. He could have stayed in the shower for an hour, but he had plans.

The ShadowsForge logo that hung on a thick silver chain around his neck collected foam as he shampooed his hair. After a good scrubbing, he leaned forward to rinse his head. The logo glittered, surrounded by his hair that created tunnel vision to the shower floor. When the water finally ran clear, he flipped his head back and squeezed the thick mane that was destined for a handful of conditioner.

As he worked the necessary emulsion through his hair, the bathroom door opened. Through the glass enclosure, Ty could see the small, darkly dressed creature that barged into his calm. The dark suit that perpetually looked like it had been slept in announced the ShadowsForge road manager, Nigel.

Ty closed his eyes and tried to convince himself that he was still alone. The British accented voice refused to leave him to his peace.

What’s taking you? You’ve been in there for half an hour. There’re people out here waiting.

Nigel paused. Ty continued to ignore him. After a few heartbeats, he continued with a whinny exhale of breath. The ladies, Mate. If you don’t hurry, Geoff will have all the good ones.

Ty took the time to rinse his hair before responding. He can handle them.

Nigel leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. Not like you can. Get out here and earn your keep. You’re the one they expect.

If there was one thing that Ty was bone tired of, it was doing what everyone else expected him to do. He wanted some spontaneity in his life. He needed some change.

Right, Nigel. They expect me to get totally drunk or chemically altered before I put on a flawless performance of the horizontal bop between the sheets with one… or two… women who can brag about it in the morning. Plus, I need to do it without hurling on her… or them. If I’m lucky, I get to sleep it off tomorrow. That’s near impossible with Jordan and Jon bickering.

Nigel laughed. Hey, that's the rock star lifestyle. You've done it for six years. Only another fifty or so to go.

Ty turned off the water and grabbed a towel to wrap around his hair. Whoever designed it must have died young... and ugly. He wrung out his hair and toweled off his body. Wrapping a dry towel around his hips, he ran a wide-tooth comb through his curls.

Nigel pinched his bottom lip thoughtfully, his gaze on the floor. I should be so lucky as to enjoy what you get every night. But, no, I get to herd your asses around the country, handling damage control and keeping any of you blokes from getting lost or arrested.

Ty glanced at him in the mirror. Be my guest, Nigel. Go grab yourself a young lovely and have at her. Don't forget to get altered first for the full effect. You can have my turn.

Nigel huffed. No telling what Geoff and Jon would get into if I left them on their own.

Ty laughed at the though. You’re probably right. But I've got plans. Have Jordan or Brian keep them in line. Have yourself some fun.

Jordan's off to his room already, company undisclosed, and Brian's negotiating positions and flexibility with a lovely little skirt.

Good for Brian. That doesn't happen every night.

I know. Let's not ruin it for him. Nigel pushed off from the counter and smacked Ty on the shoulder. Get out here before Gary lets the masses come in after you. He paused to look back at Ty. We could save time: just pick two, and send them in with some stimulants. He waited for a response with brows raised.

Ty smirked. I make my own choices in the lady department. ShadowsForge Corporate handles the rest of my life. I'll keep this chore for myself. He grabbed a towel and spun it into a rat tail. He popped Nigel, who yelped as he scuttled through the bathroom door. Ty drove him across the bedroom, out the door, slamming and locking it against further intrusions.

He slid into a pair of jeans and his black athletic shirt, wearing a slashed yellow shirt over it. He thought about the buffet of food and selection of so called ladies that would inevitably be waiting in the main room of the suite. Each woman was competing; hoping that one member of the band would claim her for one night or maybe two. Ty didn’t want to stake a claim.

More to the point, he didn’t want one to claim him. To some of them, one night constituted a lifetime commitment that nobody in the band had any intention of honoring. Some of these women couldn’t see themselves for what they really were: a night’s entertainment. They cheapened themselves in what they offered so that was the way the band accepted them. Ty smirked at the thought, and then quickly pulled on his socks and a pair of short black boots, planning to escape as soon as he could.

Ty pulled on his denim jacket, flipping out his now damp, quickly curling hair from the collar as he picked his way through the crowded suite toward the door. He tried not to look around at the two—and three—people groupings around the room. Yeah, the lads had already chosen their entertainment for the night. There were a few selections left over.

Ty shook his head in annoyance. He had arranged to borrow a car from one of the local stage crew and only wanted to get out for a quiet drive about the hills surrounding the valley. He was still amped from the performance, but wanted to be alone while his body calmed down from the adrenaline high he always experienced after a live show. Looking down at the floor, hoping not to catch anyone’s attention, Ty threaded his way to the door, pulling it open in anticipation of freedom.

Hey, Ty. A loud voice hailed him before he made his getaway. Geoff Richards, front man and the voice of ShadowsForge, called from across the room.

Yeah? Ty stopped for a moment, not looking at Geoff, but instead noticed a young… very young… blond wearing more makeup than material, sitting on the arm of the sofa, seductively eyeing him as if he were a bar of chocolate.

Bet she’s not even sixteen. Dangerous!

Where are you going? Geoff swaggered up with a petite but large busted brunette tucked under his arm for support.

Ty moved his gaze from the blond, who began tracing her lips with the tip of her tongue. He stepped into the hall before she could invoke the reaction he was trying to avoid. Before he could pull the door closed, Geoff parted from the brunette and followed him.

What’s up? Geoff followed Ty to the elevator.

Nothing. Just want to get some quiet.

With all those women in there, you want quiet?

Geoff’s eyebrows shot up as he leaned against the wall beside the silver doors. You know, you’ve been skipping out of these after show parties for a while now. We have a rep to uphold and you’re not doing your part. What’s happening with you, mate? Geoff eyed Ty with concern. Y’know, that little blond can be real quiet, I bet, if you put something in her mouth. He grinned.

Ty rolled his eyes. He punched the elevator button with the side of his fist.

Yeah, and she looks like if her daddy shows up in the middle of your party, you can be a guest of the golden state of California for a very long time… for free. A ten by ten room with three meals a day. What a holiday. Geoff, don’t you ever get tired of them?

Groupies? Hell no. Not enough of them. He shrugged. What else is there?

There are real women; women who care about who they are and what they do. These girls don’t respect themselves, and they sure as hell don’t respect us. They only care how big your… name is. They don’t think anything more of the guys they sleep with than a famous name in their black book. Most hope to make the bucks off the book they’ll write when they get too old to party with the bands. ‘Yeah, I shagged Jagger, Elliott, and some guy by the name of Synclair twenty years ago, and that’s my claim to fame. I even tried to pin a kid on whichever one I could get to take the fall.’ Or worse, it is your kid so you get to support her for the next eighteen years. That’s a pretty high price for one night.

You’ve handled your share of them. Geoff straightened defensively. Two at a time as I remember. Back when we started out. Before Elsbeth?

Yes, I did, and that’s why I want something better now, Ty explained, wondering why the elevator was taking so bloody long. Don't you ever want to find that one?

What one? Geoff turned to look up and down the hallway. I’ll take any one.

Ty shook his head, relieved to end this conversation as the elevator door opened. When you find the one, you’ll know what I mean. I’ll see you later.

You’ve been spending too much time alone, Ty. Um, I’ll keep the blond quiet for you.

Ty smirked as the doors closed. Yeah. You do that. Give my regards to her daddy, he muttered, buttoning the lower half of his jacket.

* * * *

Alexis Rivers quickly buttoned her jeans before she slipped her heavy cloth coat on as quietly as she could. She didn’t bother to pull her hair out of the collar.

She tip-toed to the coffee table. Les was passed out on the sofa, empty stew bowl and half empty booze bottle on the table beside his wallet, a packet of rolling papers and ring of keys. Alexis carefully took the money from his wallet.

She headed for the door, grabbing her shoulder bag and short boots on the way. A moan caught her attention, and caused her to freeze, holding her breath. She closed her dark eyes tight, offering up a silent prayer.

Lord, don't let him wake up now.

She stood perfectly still until she could once again hear the deep rhythm of his breathing. She made her way to the front door, flung her bag over her shoulder, and slipped outside before she pulled on her boots. She retrieved gloves from her pockets, sliding them on as she crossed the snow-covered yard to her Nova, thankfully backed into the driveway. The heavy clouds dropped thick snowflakes on her as she went.

Alexis shivered as she climbed into the car. She wasn’t sure if it was because of what she had done or from the snow. Either way, she would be happy to get to the cabin, light a warm fire and enjoy her new freedom. She took the car out of gear, allowing it to roll down the driveway, as well as some distance down the hill, before she started the engine. Once she was on her way, she smiled, letting out a breath that she hadn't realized she was holding.

In three days, she would be in Oregon. Les would never find her there. She had rented a small, furnished apartment in Salem, sight unseen, trusting that she could always move after she found a job and got herself established in her new life. She was only taking what she could carry in two suitcases so it didn’t matter where she found herself as long as it was away from here. She had carefully scraped together about a thousand dollars that he didn’t know about and before leaving, transferred from his wallet to her pocket another five hundred that she could live on until she found a job. Hopefully. It didn’t matter. Oregon broke was better than Mirada shattered. Everything was set, and now she was on her way.

The cabin five miles down the road had been rented for two weeks. She would only be there until Monday, when she would head to Los Angeles International Airport, desert her beloved but unreliable Nova and disappear. Les Roberts had bounced her off the walls for the last time. She’d had enough of his physical violence and mental abuse. It was time to get on with her life. If he survived the drugged sleep, he’d be raging furious. Alexis sure didn’t want to be around for that. Since he was still breathing when she left, she was reasonably sure he would survive. His kind always did.

All she had to do was lay low until Monday. She wanted to leave him when she could be gone the next day, but the opportunity came with a three-day gap in it and she had to take it. She was happy that she had had the foresight to rent the cabin. Otherwise, she would have been sitting at L.A.X. for three days, and most