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By Bailey Bradford

Solomon wanted nothing more than to stay at home and raise his siblings, until he's kidnapped and everything in his world changes.

Solomon survived being abused by his father. He took care of his many siblings during that time, and continued to do so after he'd been rescued by his half-brother Steven, and Steven's mates Cole and Shaun.

Now Solomon's grown up. He's still raising his family, and he wants to keep everyone right there, safe and with him.

Then he's kidnapped, and he's taken away. He's got a secret that helps him escape his captors. That, and one of the jaguar guards who is supposed to be trying to capture him again turns out to be his mate, while the other guard is a woman who's fed up with the cruelty of the clan who sent her after Solomon.

Azil has known only subservience all his life. The jaguar clan he's from is warped, but he doesn't know that. It's just the way things are. It takes a taste of freedom, and finding a man who believes in him, to help free Azil from the chains of his past.

But someone wants to make sure neither he nor Solomon gets a happy ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781784302634

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

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ISBN # 978-1-78430-263-4

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2014

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright October 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. Unauthorized 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.

Spotless

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Bailey Bradford

Book three in the Spotless series

Solomon wanted nothing more than to stay at home and raise his siblings, until he’s kidnapped and everything in his world changes.

Solomon survived being abused by his father. He took care of his many siblings during that time, and continued to do so after he’d been rescued by his half-brother Steven, and Steven’s mates Cole and Shaun.

Now Solomon’s grown up. He’s still raising his family, and he wants to keep everyone right there, safe and with him.

Then he’s kidnapped, and he’s taken away. He’s got a secret that helps him escape his captors. That, and one of the jaguar guards who is supposed to be trying to capture him again turns out to be his mate, while the other guard is a woman who’s fed up with the cruelty of the clan who sent her after Solomon.

Azil has known only subservience all his life. The jaguar clan he’s from is warped, but he doesn’t know that. It’s just the way things are. It takes a taste of freedom, and finding a man who believes in him, to help free Azil from the chains of his past.

But someone wants to make sure neither he nor Solomon gets a happy ending.

Dedication

To great friends, to family. I love you all.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

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

Nintendo 3DS: Nintendo Co., Ltd.

iPod: Apple, Inc.

Ivory soap: Proctor & Gamble

The Princess Bride: William Goldman/20th Century Fox

Prologue

Five years earlier

Solomon was in shock, though he did his best to hide it. He’d never expected to be rescued, had never thought anyone would free him and his siblings from their evil, sadistic father. Now they were not only freed, but their father, Bashuan, was dead, and the lepe or clan of snow leopard shifters he’d led were on their own. No one wanted to rule them.

Solomon wanted to forget they existed. Not one of them had put a stop to the beatings and torture he, his brothers and sisters had suffered. No one had wanted to help the half-breeds and risk Bashuan’s wrath.

The sudden pressure of a hand on his shoulder startled him. Solomon couldn’t quite control his reaction, flinching and pulling away.

Sorry.

He glanced over to see who was speaking, and found that his newly discovered brother, Steven, was standing beside him.

Solomon wanted to look away. There was something about Steven that unnerved him. It could have simply been that Steven was a stranger even if, as it turned out, he was another one of Solomon’s half-siblings. Or it could have been that the hard look in Steven’s eyes reminded him entirely too much of Bashuan.

Except Steven didn’t, not when Solomon finally settled his gaze on Steven’s. There was warmth in his entire expression, and also what might have been nervousness.

How could a big, strong man like Steven suffer from a case of nerves?

That too was hard for Solomon to see. He averted his gaze, searching out Erdwin and Rhea as they approached.

They seem close, Steven murmured.

Solomon swallowed, trying to work up the courage to speak. His entire world had just been altered, and processing it all was proving to be impossible just then.

Solomon, where are we going now? Rhea asked, running the last few yards.

Solomon opened up his arms. Rhea was sweet and mostly unharmed by Bashuan. She cuddled right into his body. We’re going somewhere safe, he promised her.

Erdwin, who was so thin and small he looked younger than his thirteen years, beamed at him. Solomon never lies to us, so you know it’s true.

Solomon takes care of us, Rhea said. Always.

The claim both bruised and soothed his heart. That childish innocence, the faith Rhea had in him, it made Solomon feel like he could take on the world—ah, but he knew better, didn’t he? Bashuan had kept him and his siblings prisoners, after all.

But Solomon had vowed long ago to do whatever he had to in order to keep his family safe. Bashuan’s death did not negate that vow in any way.

Always have, always will, he assured Rhea and Erdwin and, perhaps at least a little, himself.

Solomon glanced over at Steven. Always. I take care of them. It was a challenge, even though Solomon didn’t realize it as such until the words were out. It was then that he knew he wasn’t letting this stranger, no matter what Steven had done for them, come in and take control.

After studying Solomon for a long moment, Steven nodded.

Solomon did too. He hoped Steven got the message.

Chapter One

Present day

I don’t want to help with the dishes, Rhea said, stomping her foot. With her bottom lip pushed out and those big blue eyes of hers, she got her way entirely too often.

If her current tendency to throw a hissy didn’t get curbed quickly, then there’d be a world of trouble from her in another few years. Solomon pointed toward the kitchen. I suggest you help with the dishes like you’re supposed to if you ever want to see your Nintendo 3DS again.

Her pretty eyes rounded. You wouldn’t!

Solomon arched one eyebrow at her. Care to bet your 3DS on that?

Rhea stomped her foot again. You used to be nice!

So did you, Solomon told her, keeping his voice level. His intention wasn’t to hurt Rhea, only to make her aware of how she was behaving, or misbehaving, as it were. Parenting was hard. Parenting sixteen siblings? Sometimes that was a nightmare—not that Solomon would ever walk away from his responsibilities.

I think she should have dish duty for the next month.

Solomon just barely kept from stomping his own foot at Steven’s suggestion.

I hate you! Rhea yelled before pivoting and running into the kitchen.

Not helping, Solomon snarled as he turned to Steven. I had it under control.

Steven held both hands up. Calm down. I was only trying to help. You’re right. I shouldn’t have butted in. It’s just… He sighed heavily and rubbed his brow. She used to be so sweet, and now she’s… That. Steven gestured in the direction of the kitchen. I don’t get it. It’s like aliens took over one night while she was sleeping.

Solomon chuckled and felt his irritation drain away. She’s not the only one who’s had fits about stuff, Steven. The younger kids had been more prone to such things than the older ones, like Erdwin and those around his age. I think they’ve forgotten most of the bad that was done to them, and they’re probably as close to normal as any kid can be. Hence, the fits. Most parents have to put up with them.

Cole and Shaun joined Steven and Solomon, with Cole shaking his head. My dad could just look at you and make you behave.

Your dad is the most powerful shaman in existence, Solomon pointed out. And his mate is creepy.

Cole barked out a laugh.

Shaun giggled but bobbed his head.

Steven grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. Cliff isn’t such a badass.

Cole hissed and lightly thumped Steven on the back of his head. Language.

That means you get to do all the laundry tomorrow, Solomon gleefully pointed out. That was the rule—curse and you had laundry duty. With so many people living in one residence, laundry was a never-ending cycle of hell.

If you cuss again, that’s two days, Shaun warned. And trust me. You don’t want two days of laundry duty. It kills the soul.

Solomon was amused by Shaun’s dramatics. You should start up an acting troop. Think of it—you could put on shows when the pack gets together for ceremonies. Oh! Solomon bounced on his toes. You could re-enact Remus and Cliff’s big fight with the evil shaman!

Shaun slapped a hand over his own heart. Oh, my dream come true! To be on the stage— Then he ruined his performance by guffawing like a lunatic.

Maybe we spoil them, Steven said, returning to the original issue.

Solomon wanted to argue that they didn’t. Lying wasn’t something he was good at, however. I want them to have everything, he admitted. Starting with better behavior for some of them, so I suppose we need a family meeting.

Steven slid an arm around Solomon’s shoulders, speaking as he did so. First, we strategize.

Yes, Solomon agreed. They’d learned to make sure they presented a united front and all when it came to discipline and rules, although Steven did on occasion screw that whole thing up. It was his natural tendency to lead, to be the boss or alpha or whatever, Solomon knew that. He also knew it wasn’t in his own nature to let someone else run the show, not when it came to family. We should get Kylie, Erdwin, Vanessa and Jora, too, he added. Now that those four siblings were eighteen, he believed they should be involved in the parenting if they wanted to be.

Steven groaned.

Shaun patted his back. Now who’s trying out for drama king?

Steven gave him the stink eye. "I’m not acting. That’s heartfelt dread I’m showing there. And I still can’t get over Erdwin being eighteen already. He looked so little when I first met him. Are you sure you had his age right?"

Solomon snorted at the familiar question. Steven claimed Erdwin had to have been ten at the oldest when they’d all been rescued, but the truth was, Erdwin had been malnourished and it’d stunted his growth. Fortunately, five years of good food and safety had fixed that. You know he’s eighteen now. Stop stalling. We’re doing this family chat. Besides, it’s not so bad, having more people weighing in on… Solomon didn’t finish. It was harder having more opinions bantered around. They should get a say. That’s what we agreed originally.

We were idiots, Steven said bluntly. Why did we think, oh hey, we’re doing all right raising this herd of kids—let’s make it more challenging by letting each one that turns eighteen have a say in raising the others? And why didn’t anyone tell us how stupid an idea that was? Everyone argues!

If they’d had proper parenting themselves, they might have done things differently. Solomon doubted it, though. After all, Cole had had a good upbringing with Remus as his father. Cole hadn’t spoken out against their plan.

Cole shrugged as if he knew what Solomon was thinking about. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

They split up to find the four so they could have their meeting. Cole asked Remus and Cliff to come watch the younger kids, much to the delight of the children and their babysitters.

Everyone knew Cliff was the biggest kid of the bunch.

Ten bucks says we end up grounding him, Steven said when Cliff shouted and twirled Mett overhead.

Solomon watched the big, scary-at-times shaman spin Mett like he was a toy. You go right ahead and tell him he’s grounded. I’ll be here laughing at you.

Steven nudged him on the arm. You don’t think I could take Cliff?

Solomon didn’t see any right way to answer that honestly.

Let’s get this parenting discussion over with, I want to make lemon bars, Kylie said. You two quit picking at each other.

It figured they’d had four siblings turn eighteen in the past few months, Solomon mused. That was the thing about having a father who’d been intent on mating with as many female shifters of differing breeds as possible. Lately, some of Solomon’s siblings had been talking about trying to find out who their mothers were.

A niggling of discomfort when the subject was brought up always began burbling in his belly. He refused to examine why.

This was his family. Solomon wouldn’t lose any of them. He couldn’t think about right and wrong, couldn’t let himself imagine women mourning their children stripped away from them at birth or shortly thereafter.

Solomon locked those thoughts away. They were new to him, and troubling. He’d spent years trying to make sure his brothers and sisters were taken care of and now, suddenly it seemed he was having doubts that he’d done the right thing.

Chapter Two

The matter of mothers didn’t leave Solomon’s mind. It bothered him for weeks and finally he decided he was going to have to do something about it. His own mother was dead. He knew that without a doubt. She’d been one of the few Bashuan had bred with multiple times before killing. Solomon had a few siblings some would consider his full brothers and sisters. To Solomon, every one of Bashuan’s offspring was his ‘full’ sibling. There was no differentiating.

But Solomon didn’t know if any of the other women Bashuan had bred with were alive, and once the thought had occurred to him, it wouldn’t go away. There were nineteen offspring of Bashuan left. Steven and Adal’s mother was dead. Taking into account Solomon’s mother’s death too, that left approximately fifteen women who might be searching for their children.

Then again, it could be fewer. Solomon didn’t know who the mothers were. There could be more than one child per woman, and the chances of each mother having been killed were very high, too. Bashuan had killed often. Solomon had no doubt that had included Bashuan murdering his own offspring.

Solomon kept wavering between panic at losing any of his family members and guilt that he was possibly keeping some of the kids from mothers who might love and want them. Though with the way Bashuan had raped many females to force breed them, there was also the possibility the women would not want reminders of that violence and hatred that had been dealt to them by Bashuan.

It was too much to work out on his own but Solomon was terrified of bringing it up with anyone else. If he were told that the right thing to do was to let go of some of his siblings, he didn’t think he could do it. That made him very aware that he was lacking in the areas of nobility and doing the right thing. How was he supposed to teach the younger ones right from wrong when he was such a hypocrite?

All he’d lived for, always, was to take care of his younger family members.

He couldn’t worry all the time. If he did, he’d break into a million tiny pieces. He’d feel lost and… He had to be strong. Solomon worked out when he was able to. He spent time playing and talking with his family. He kept busy, going to bed exhausted