Reluctance

By Bailey Bradford

What starts out as a simple assignment becomes everything Keegan ever feared, and everything he ever wanted.

Keegan has served Marcus, his Alpha Anax, to the best of his abilities. After the deaths of several guards a year ago, however, Keegan is afraid he's going to unravel at the seams. His worry over keeping everyone safe robs him of sleep and any hope of peace.

And people are noticing. Members of the guards he is captain of think he needs to get laid, or at least remember how to laugh. Keegan thinks they need to learn that there are boundaries they shouldn't cross with him. When he learns of a security breach by Marcus' brother Aidan, exposing a flaw in the safety measures Keegan has set in place, Keegan is desperate to find someone to make sure the electronics at the shifter compound are break-in proof.

Marcus and Nathan are worried about Keegan. When they find someone to do the job Keegan needs done, they make sure Keegan is the one to take a short trip to Brazil to pick up the security expert, Olin. But when Olin and Keegan meet, they snap and snarl at each other while fighting the mating bond that keeps flaring between them.

Then something happens that forces them both to depend on each other, and if they're lucky enough, they might even survive the ordeal. But first they'll have to escape their would-be captors, and make it through the rainforest, where strange things are bound to happen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Apr 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9780857156600

Bailey Bradford

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn't happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain demanding to be let out. Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

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A Totally Bound Publication

Reluctance

ISBN # 978-0-85715-660-0

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2014

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright March 2014

Edited by Rebecca Douglas

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Burning and a Sexometer of 3.

Southwestern Shifters

RELUCTANCE

Bailey Bradford

Book nine in the Southwestern Shifters series

What starts out as a simple assignment becomes everything Keegan ever feared, and everything he ever wanted.

Keegan has served Marcus, his Alpha Anax, to the best of his abilities. After the deaths of several guards a year ago, however, Keegan is afraid he’s going to unravel at the seams. His worry over keeping everyone safe robs him of sleep and any hope of peace.

And people are noticing. Members of the guards he is captain of think he needs to get laid, or at least remember how to laugh. Keegan thinks they need to learn that there are boundaries they shouldn’t cross with him. When he learns of a security breach by Marcus’ brother Aidan, exposing a flaw in the safety measures Keegan has set in place, Keegan is desperate to find someone to make sure the electronics at the shifter compound are break-in proof.

Marcus and Nathan are worried about Keegan. When they find someone to do the job Keegan needs done, they make sure Keegan is the one to take a short trip to Brazil to pick up the security expert, Olin. But when Olin and Keegan meet, they snap and snarl at each other while fighting the mating bond that keeps flaring between them.

Then something happens that forces them both to depend on each other, and if they’re lucky enough, they might even survive the ordeal. But first they’ll have to escape their would-be captors, and make it through the rainforest, where strange things are bound to happen.

Dedication

For everyone who asked for more of these guys, I hope y’all enjoy.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Hummer: General Motors

Jeep: Chrysler Group LLC.

Taser: Taser International Inc.

Viagra: Pfizer Inc

Google: Google Inc.

WebMD: WebMD LLC

Xanax: Pharmacia & Upjohn

Chapter One

The guards moved in almost perfect synchronicity, limbs flowing like waves, smooth, steady, strong. If one didn’t know better, it could be assumed they were dancing.

Of course, in their camo cargo pants and khaki shirts, they made for an impressive sight. Dancing soldiers.

Marcus snorted and Nathan jabbed him in the belly. Be nice. I don’t see you out there doing all that stuff.

I don’t think I have the rhythm— Marcus began, but Nathan was already pushing him toward the back of the troops. Nathan, you know how I dance.

Nathan kept pushing him. And I know how you fuck or, rather, how you move for me when I’m fucking you. Like a dream, Marcus, Nathan purred, so low Marcus almost couldn’t hear him. Like every man’s fantasy lover moves, so sweet and fluid and giving…

Marcus hissed, Nathan’s words going straight to his dick. You think I can do anything like that—he gestured to the men and women practicing Tai Chi—with a hard-on?

When that didn’t get him a reprieve, Marcus was reduced to whining. Nathan, come on. They’ve been practicing for almost a month and I’m going to look like a fool trying to jump in now.

I’ll be looking like just as much a fool, right there beside you, Nathan promised.

That hardly makes me feel better. But Marcus let himself be poked and prodded along until he was standing beside Nathan, both of them behind their guards. You’re going to make this worth embarrassing myself.

It wasn’t a question.

Nathan grinned at him and waggled his eyebrows. Then he flipped his long, red braid over his shoulder so that it hung down his back, the tail of the red strands brushing his pert bubble butt. Pay attention, Nathan said.

I am. Marcus could stare at Nathan all day.

To the instructor. Nathan turned his pert nose up and slid into a position as easily as the guards did.

Marcus was so screwed. He wasn’t surprised that Nathan seemed like a pro in a matter of minutes. The man was all kinds of flexible, being a gymnastics pro. Once he’d had his own gym and students and—

Well, he still had students, and a gym of sorts, although now it was on the pack property, in the compound. Nathan had shifter kids doing flips all over the place.

Nathan growled and Marcus considered ignoring him, but really, if his guards were doing it…

Once he’d loosened up and quit worrying about looking foolish, Marcus didn’t do half bad. He didn’t think so, anyway.

But Nathan… He was pure beauty and elegance and whatever the hell the spirit of Tai Chi was supposed to be. Marcus had never wanted him as badly as he did while watching the way Nathan flowed into every move. Marcus might not have been half bad, but Nathan was perfection.

It wasn’t just lust Marcus was feeling, though. Every time Marcus thought he couldn’t possibly love Nathan any more, he was proven wrong. It was, he supposed, the nature of mates. They grew closer over time, and never reached a place where that leveled out. At least, he didn’t think they did.

You did good, Nathan said when the practice was over.

Several of the guards acknowledged them both, and Marcus noticed that they all seemed to be puffed up with a bit of pride. He should have been out here practicing with them sooner, but he’d been too busy thinking he’d look like an idiot. Sometimes being the Alpha Anax and ruling over all the packs in North America could make a guy self-conscious.

Keegan Austin, the captain of Marcus’ guards, stopped in front of Marcus. Thanks for this. It makes a difference to the guards.

Marcus waved at Keegan as he studied him. Since the attack that had left several of the guards under Keegan’s—and Marcus’—command dead almost a year ago, Keegan had lost that merry part of his personality. Marcus was close to giving up on ever seeing it return.

If nothing else, it’ll give them something to laugh about, Marcus teased, but Keegan shook his head vehemently.

No, sir. Not one of our guards would be so haughty, Keegan vowed.

Marcus sighed and rested a hand on Keegan’s left shoulder. I was teasing, Keegan.

Yes, sir. Keegan averted his gaze. I need to go check the perimeter.

Marcus considered cracking a joke about Keegan dismissing him, but had enough forethought to realize that Keegan would only apologize profusely. Go on then.

Alpha Anax, Nathan. Keegan bobbed his head and jogged off, a dozen guards quickly falling in behind him.

I think if we got Sissy Dee back here, he’d maybe not be so miserable, Nathan murmured.

Marcus dismissed the idea in a kind tone. No, she’s happy serving the South American Alpha Anax. No use in trying to convince Ryder to let us have her back here. Plus her mate would probably be pissed.

Probably, Nathan agreed. But Sissy and Keegan were pretty close. Seems like he doesn’t have any friends. Did he have friends before? How do we not know that?

Not really. Being the captain of the guards means not being friends with any of them. Friendly, sure, but not friends. There has to be a line between him and those he leads.

That’s stupid, Nathan groused. You’re friends with people who aren’t Alpha Anaxes.

My brother and his mate, Gabe and Mika, Marcus said, thinking it over. There aren’t many people that I’d consider close friends. Gabe and Mika, well, they weren’t even part of our pack for a good while.

It’s difficult being friend and leader, Nathan murmured, knowing it but hating that it was true.

Too many people expect favoritism, and too many more are quick to make accusations of such if they aren’t the ones I’m close to, Marcus confirmed. I learned that quickly when I first became Alpha Anax. You find out quickly who your true friends are in times of power, and times of loss.

Nathan was out and out indignant on his mate’s behalf. Fuck anyone too stupid to appreciate you. I hope their liver falls out their butt.

Marcus snorted then laughed so loudly several of the guards turned to give him a startled look. Nathan arched a brow at them and they went back to minding their own business. Well, he couldn’t blame them for looking. Marcus was gorgeous and he had a laugh that made you want to join in with him. Nathan realized he’d heard it far too rarely in the past several months. But being the Alpha Anax was serious business.

Still, he wanted Marcus to be happier than he had been lately.

It’s been a rough year, Marcus said, picking up on Nathan’s thoughts as he usually did. I am happy, Nathan. Don’t think that I’m not.

"Happier, Nathan informed him. I want you to be happier. I miss hearing you laugh like that, Marcus. I miss us being able to forget about the worries and bad things in the world, and just…just be together." Oh, and he was being a whiny bitch!

Nathan, honey, Marcus began, cupping Nathan’s chin.

Nathan raised his head and let his gaze rest on Marcus’ dark brown eyes. I’m sorry. I sound like a selfish little shit.

Marcus smiled the kind of smile that lit those almost-black eyes right up. Now, if I were to call you a little anything, you’d make me regret it.

Nathan huffed as a gentle breeze wicked away some of the heat making him sweat. Yeah, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t so. He rubbed his temples, not because there was any pain but simply to try to wipe away the greedy thoughts he had. Still, he must have done it wrong and instead pushed the words right out of his mouth.

You mentioned that you had considered quitting, handing the position you hold over to someone else. I said no at the time, but I keep thinking… Nathan forced his lips closed, unwilling to go there. He wouldn’t even think the thoughts since Marcus would pick up on them.

Marcus gave him a troubled look and pulled him into his arms. Neither man spoke, Nathan because he wouldn’t give voice to the fears that plagued him more and more, and Marcus because he was Marcus—patient, loving, loyal and wise enough to know that eventually, Nathan would cave and tell him what was preying on his peace.

Feeling Marcus’ arms around him wasn’t unusual, but this time there was something more to it. Emotion probably, with an almost desperate edge to it all. Nathan closed his eyes tightly and wondered why he felt like he was on the verge of tears. He wasn’t a man who cried easily, if at all. Yet at that moment, everything inside him was a jumbled, fucked-up mess.

Everything except his love for his mate. That grew stronger, and was the one constant Nathan relied on, emotionally. His fears and imagined horror stories couldn’t dim that love one single bit.

Nathan, honey, Marcus said again, quietly, his breath wafting over Nathan’s ear a second before warm lips did.

Nathan shivered despite the heat, need beginning to coil in his belly.

Tell me what’s wrong, Marcus urged. He kissed the top of Nathan’s ear then licked it before dipping his head low enough to nibble at Nathan’s earlobe.

Oh sweet Jesus, Nathan mumbled, wrapping his arms around Marcus. The man was broad and thickly muscled, having added more bulk since he’d almost died in a challenge for his position almost a year ago. He was possibly bigger than he’d ever been, something Nathan had heard other shifters discussing. Plus, Marcus had gained muscle on his twin brother, Aidan.

Which made Aidan irritated and Nathan happy. He did like to pick on Aidan more often than not, even though Aiden was a damned good guy.

Marcus sucked on the spot high on Nathan’s neck that always made Nathan all quivery and horny.

Marcus, he growled, curling his hands into fists around the stretchy material of Marcus’ shirt.

Hmm? Marcus murmured as he licked over that spot.

Nathan’s eyes crossed and he tried to remember what he’d been about to say. Scolding Marcus—that’s what he’d been about to do, hadn’t he?

But Marcus began sucking up a mark on him. Nathan decided to bite his tongue for now. Fuck it. Who cares who sees? There weren’t any of the pack kids around, as it was time for them to be in school. Marcus insisted on every child getting an education, and Nathan would bet they got a better one than most human kids in their public schools.

Get your mind in the gutter, honey, Marcus silently shared with him. At the same time, he ran his hands down to clutch at Nathan’s butt.

Nathan clenched his cheeks, working his flesh against those strong hands. He got the sensation in his belly like he used to before a big competition, all nerves and excitement and hope.

He nipped at Marcus’ chest through his shirt, scraping his teeth over one taut nipple.

Oh, Marcus gasped, leaving off marking Nathan’s neck. Fuck yeah. Again.

Marcus dragged one hand back up to cup Nathan’s head. He put a little pressure into the hold, urging Nathan on. Nathan rewarded him with a sharp bite to that hard nipple.

The sound Marcus made wasn’t a word, more of a grunt, but the meaning was clear. Nathan grazed that tip as Marcus squeezed his ass, digging his fingers against the seam of Nathan’s jeans.

Nathan’s mind skittered away from that. He’d bottomed precisely once, back when he and Marcus had first found each other. But lately… Lately he’d been thinking. He could lose Marcus at any time, given the fact that shifters could challenge him for his position. And they did, periodically. None since the last one a few months ago, and Marcus had won easily.

But… What if he doesn’t win the next time? Nathan forced that thought down, sending a flare of need up to the forefront of his mind instead. Marcus was smart, brilliant even. Sex wouldn’t distract him from picking up on Nathan’s worries if Nathan was careless. He wouldn’t burden Marcus with them. Marcus had enough on his plate already.

Nathan let go of his worries. Right now he had the most gorgeous, sexy man in his arms, and he wasn’t going to waste a moment of their time together. He gave Marcus’ tit one last nip, then he pulled back.

Nathan, Marcus began, but Nathan quirked his lips into a grin and took Marcus’ hand.

Come on. I happen to know an outbuilding that’s out of range of the cameras. He gave Marcus a filthy look and ogled the erection pressing against Marcus’ jeans. Did he really want to have that big thing up his butt again? Nathan had been sore for days after the one time they’d done it.

Since he felt like he had swallowed a whole net full of butterflies, Nathan was kind of thinking that yeah, he might want to try it again. They’d been together for years, and maybe he shouldn’t be so…so rigid about certain things. And maybe Marcus shouldn’t, either.

But later, when they were in their rooms and there was lots and lots—and lots—of lube. Maybe Nathan would even drink a twelve-pack or something first, see if it loosened him up. Literally.

"What are you thinking?" Marcus asked, raising both brows at him.

Nathan decided he would surprise Marcus with that when he was ready to follow through on it. For now, though, he was thinking of plenty of things.

I’m thinking I’ll be fucking you with nothing but spit, Nathan told him, enjoying the way Marcus’ cheeks went ruddy. I’m not going to be stretching you first either. Think you can take it?

Fuck, Marcus rasped. He practically dragged Nathan to the right outbuilding. Nathan wasn’t reluctant at all, but Marcus was taller, longer-legged, and he was striding close to a sprint. Nathan almost had to jog to keep up.

Fuck me just like that, Marcus demanded as he pinned Nathan against the wall of the building. Hard and desperate, like you can’t wait to be in me.

I can’t, Nathan told him, and immediately he flipped them around, putting a spin on Marcus’ step so that he was pressed chest to the wall. I seriously can’t.

But the position wasn’t going to work. Marcus was too tall, damn it.

Nathan cursed and considered putting Marcus on his knees right there, but someone could see. People with their fucked-up ideas about tops and bottoms, Nathan fumed. There were shifters who detested having a gay Alpha Anax. Then there were those who were okay with it only because they assumed that Marcus topped.

He didn’t. Nathan was several inches shorter than Marcus, smaller for the most part except when it came to dick size. There he surpassed Marcus just a bit. Yet if it became known that he was the one putting his dick in a hole—well, unfortunately some would think a lot less of Marcus. That, in turn, would mean more challenges and more risk for Marcus.

Nathan grabbed Marcus by the arm and began walking. Inside, he ordered. Marcus followed, stopping beside Nathan at the door to the building. Nathan punched in the security code before opening the door. He stepped inside then moved so Marcus could enter.

What’s this shit? Marcus asked, glaring at the messy stacks of crates. This place needs to be organized.

It does, Nathan agreed. Later. He shut the door and pushed Marcus forward, palming one firm ass cheek. There’s more pressing matters at hand.

Marcus arched into the squeeze. Yeah, fuck the mess.

Nathan snorted. That’s leaving me a cheesier line than I can take, Marcus.

Must take quite a bit of willpower to pass up an easy one like that, Marcus said. But you can fuck me, since I’m easy.

Nathan groaned and closed his eyes. It’s a good thing I love you so much and you’re such a stud, otherwise I’d have to muzzle you.

Mm, Marcus hummed. Maybe, if you think you’d get off using a gag on me. Although I think you’d look—

Don’t even, Nathan warned, popping Marcus’ ass hard. And the only thing I’d want you gagging on is right here. Nathan pressed up against Marcus’ side. With their height discrepancy, Nathan’s cock only hit Marcus mid-thigh, but that was okay.

Marcus gasped and those dark eyes went even