Renounced

By Bailey Bradford

Nothing is as simple as it seems—or as safe.

Dallas Smith just wanted a nap in the hammock but he ends up being abducted by a jaguar shifter named Tiago. They have a distinctly different take on several subjects, and Dallas is shocked to learn just what Tiago really is.

Tiago thinks the wolves in the rainforest are an invasive species that need to leave.

Meanwhile, there's a threat to the rainforest that no one saw coming. Marcus Criswell has had more losses in the past year or so than he can deal with. He has to, though, because he's the Alpha Anax of the North American packs. The only reason he's in South America is because his guard was kidnapped, but now Keegan is safe.

There's still the matter of the man who tried to abduct Keegan. He can't go unpunished. Then another shifter goes missing—Dallas, gone from the hammock in a heartbeat.

And on top of that, Maarten is missing.

It just got hotter than hell in Brazil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Jan 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781784303549

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

Renounced

ISBN # 978-1-78430-354-9

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2014

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright December 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

Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

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

RENOUNCED

Bailey Bradford

Book ten in the Southwestern Shifters series

Nothing is as simple as it seems—or as safe.

Dallas Smith just wanted a nap in the hammock but he ends up being abducted by a jaguar shifter named Tiago. They have a distinctly different take on several subjects, and Dallas is shocked to learn just what Tiago really is.

Tiago thinks the wolves in the rainforest are an invasive species that need to leave.

Meanwhile, there’s a threat to the rainforest that no one saw coming. Marcus Criswell has had more losses in the past year or so than he can deal with. He has to, though, because he’s the Alpha Anax of the North American packs. The only reason he’s in South America is because his guard was kidnapped, but now Keegan is safe.

There’s still the matter of the man who tried to abduct Keegan. He can’t go unpunished. Then another shifter goes missing—Dallas, gone from the hammock in a heartbeat.

And on top of that, Maarten is missing.

It just got hotter than hell in Brazil.

Dedication

To the friends who have helped me through the past five years. Some of you I’ve known all that time, and others I’ve met more recently. I love you all. Thank you.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

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

Spam: Hormel Foods, LLC

Lycra: Invista

Google: Google, Inc.

The Matrix: Warner Bros Pics

Every Breath You Take: Sting

Who Can It Be Now?: Colin Hay

Xanax: Pharmacia & Upjohn

Rambo: Orion Pictures

Chapter One

A fitful sleep was worse than no sleep at all, Marcus decided as he forced himself to open his eyes.

Coffee, Nathan muttered beside him. Ugh.

Marcus snorted and propped his back against the headboard. Food would be good, too. We’ve got a manhunt to get started on, and considering that we won’t be alone for who knows how long… Marcus waggled his eyebrows. Sex, maybe…if you’re up to it.

Nathan growled a little, rolled over, and poked him in the belly. Not with a finger, either. What do you think? And since when do we have to be alone to get off together?

Marcus ran his hands down the firm planes of Nathan’s back to the plump mounds of his ass. He gave it a squeeze as arousal raced through him. Well, fucking…

Yeah. Nathan nipped at his collarbone.

Marcus shivered and parted his legs in invitation. They wouldn’t be having anal sex around anyone else, but shifters weren’t repressed. If any of them wanted to get off, and the time was right, then more power to them.

It was just that Marcus was a bottom, and being a gay Alpha Anax, ruling over all the North American shifter packs, was hard enough on a straight person. Add in gay and more hate came his way. Pile on people’s preconceived notions about tops and bottoms, strengths and weaknesses, and both he and Nathan knew it was best to keep that part of their sex life private.

But there’s always other things we can do, Nathan mused as he began to nibble his way down Marcus’ chest.

Marcus’ reply was sucked away by a gasp when Nathan bit his left nipple. At the same time, Nathan plucked and rolled the right tip between his fingers, and Marcus forgot about anything else but the way Nathan made him feel.

And the way Nathan felt. Marcus touched him everywhere he could reach, but really loved burying his hands in the cool, long red hair that was free from the usual braid Nathan kept it in. Soft and glossy, it hung past Nathan’s ass when unbound. His pretty hair was the envy of many shifters, male and female.

Marcus bunched it in his hands, not quite tugging, but holding on as Nathan worked his nipples over. A moan slipped out, then a second when Nathan sucked firmly.

Somewhere overhead, the steady, loud thumping of a headboard told Marcus he and Nathan weren’t the only couple getting busy. He smiled when he thought of Keegan mated to Olin. Keegan needed someone to help him unwind.

Nathan pinched his nipple harder and Marcus’ attention snapped fully back onto himself and his mate.

Yes, he hissed to Nathan.

Nathan left love bites all the way down Marcus’ torso. The ones on his belly made Marcus squirm since he was ticklish at times, especially when there was more sensation to whatever was happening on his stomach or ribs.

Laughing wasn’t going to happen, though, because Nathan also cupped Marcus’ balls and kept rolling them in hand.

Hold the headboard, Nathan advised. Don’t want to break the wall.

Marcus opened his fists and released the silky strands of hair. Sounds promising.

Nathan smirked at him. I’m not promising. I’m telling you. I’m going to fuck you, hard.

Jesus, the man still turned him into a puddle of want in a heartbeat. Nathan knew it, too. No doubt he felt it through their mate bond, just as Marcus felt Nathan’s love and adoration, his want and need.

Nathan loosely held the base of Marcus’ dick then licked over the head.

Marcus slammed his hands against the headboard. The loud thud would have been heard throughout the house.

Marcus didn’t care. He turned his face into his right arm and bit it, muffling the low, guttural groan that was torn from him when Nathan took half of his length in.

Wet and warm, Nathan’s mouth was perfection around Marcus’ cock. Nathan manipulated Marcus’ sac—rolling, tugging, pushing. He bent his legs and planted his heels, the better to thrust up.

When he slid the tip of his dick right into Nathan’s throat, Nathan let go of Marcus’ balls and instead rubbed over his asshole.

Marcus couldn’t have been still had his life depended on it. He writhed, head thrashing, unable to keep back the hungry sounds escaping him.

Nathan pressed two spit-slicked fingers into him. There was hardly a burn—Marcus was used to rougher sex. Gentle wasn’t in most shifters’ natures. Their beasts demanded a part in the breeding as well, so it was more common than not to have scratching, biting, and animalistic sex than sweet and tender—though that could happen.

But not this morning. Nathan sucked on Marcus’ cock until Marcus was too close to release. Every time Nathan swallowed around his tip, Marcus shuddered and ground his butt against Nathan’s probing fingers.

When Nathan finally eased them out and ended the blow job with a lewd lick over Marcus’ slit, Marcus was one stroke to his shaft from coming all over the place.

Nathan pressed his legs up and further apart.

Marcus pointed his toes as he spread. In—

The rest of his demand was cut off as Nathan smoothly rose up and filled him with hot, hard cock. Marcus curled up and was rewarded with a kiss that stole what little of his breath he had left.

Nathan plunged his tongue into Marcus’ mouth with the same masterful skill he thrust his dick into Marcus’ ass. Pleasure turned rapidly into ecstasy that rebounded from every nerve ending in Marcus’ body.

He held onto Nathan where he could, their skin—slick with sweat—making for a slippery grip. Marcus arched his neck, needing more, even though he hated tearing his mouth from Nathan’s.

Then Nathan rumbled, and a sharp, stinging pain shot out from Marcus’ shoulder, where it met his neck. Nathan bit him, and Marcus couldn’t even shout as his cock spurted, spilling his load between them.

Nathan rutted harder then drove in so deep Marcus could feel him everywhere. The hot jets of cum marked Marcus inside as surely as Nathan had marked him on the outside.

Afterwards, Nathan sprawled out, halfway on Marcus. Need coffee, he muttered.

Marcus did too. Shower first. He winced, a little stiff still. This bed sucks.

Mattress is lumpy, Nathan agreed. Smells like mold, too.

Marcus sniffed. Now that Nathan had pointed it out, the scent seemed to fill his nostrils with its cloying odor.

We’ve got to call Dana and see if she’s found anything out about that Robert Butler. I’m betting the answer is no. There’s got to be a crap load of Robert Butlers in the world. Nathan got up and walked to the bathroom.

Marcus rolled out of bed and followed him. True, but how many in this part of Brazil? Maarten may have information for us as well when he arrives.

They didn’t speak while going through their morning routine.

Keegan and Olin, Nathan said a moment later as he started the shower. He scratched his jaw and yawned. What do you think about that jaguar Keegan and the others have seen?

Marcus shrugged. I think it’s not my concern unless it’s involved in all of this. I find it hard to believe there’d be another breed of shifters—but then again…

Nathan scowled at him. Then again what? You can’t just stop there.

With that cocked hip and irritated expression, Nathan was sexy enough to get Marcus aroused all over again. Unfortunately, they had a lot to do. Then again, the North American packs have always been very insular. They hadn’t been encouraged to think beyond themselves by the previous Alpha Anaxes. It’s always just been about us, our own kind. There’s a lot we…I…don’t know about the world, and ruling out anything like other breeds of shifters seems hasty.

So why’s the damned thing popping up? Nathan asked. He got in the shower and hummed. Oh yeah. God, this cold shower is just what I needed. The humidity here is awful.

We’re too used to the arid desert we live in. Marcus joined Nathan in the shower. As for the jaguar, maybe it’s not used to us, either. Could just be a cat that’s not sure what to think about the wolves in its jungle. All I know for sure is, as long as it stays away from me and mine, it can do whatever it wants.

* * * *

The sounds coming from Keegan and Olin’s room sent Dallas as far away from it as he could get. He didn’t consider himself a prude at all and was a complete believer in to each his own and everything like that, but he was positive that was the whack of belt on skin, or some other heavy instrument of pain being used.

That kind of rough play scared him. He’d had a lover smack his ass once while they were fucking and it had totally thrown Dallas out of the mood. He’d tried to cover it with louder moans until he’d received a couple of even harder slaps, then it had all kind of gone to hell from there.

As he sprinted past Marcus and Nathan’s bedroom, he heard more smutty noises. They at least just sounded like they were fucking, which was all well and good.

Except people were getting laid and he wasn’t, and that kind of sucked the big green weenie.

Dallas’ left temple throbbed, and he stopped in the kitchen, cradling his head in his hands.

Are you okay?

He peeked through his fingers at Zoe. She was standing at the stove, cooking what looked to be eggs.

Dallas sniffed. His ability to scent was off and he grimaced. I can’t smell right.

Sissy Dee walked into the kitchen—he’d heard her footsteps and turned to see who was coming in. Sissy patted his shoulder, a sympathetic look on her usually scowling face. You’ll be fine. That hit to the head you took messed things up with your senses. I’ve heard of it happening before, but everyone I know that’s experienced it recovered after a couple of weeks.

Weeks? Dallas squeaked, letting go of his head. But— But I’m a shifter! We heal fast and…weeks, really?

At least you’re still cute, Sissy said, giving him another pat before sauntering over to the table. Maarten will be here soon, and he’s bringing groceries for at least one good meal. Once he’s here and we’ve gone over the plans, we’ll be heading out. Since your sense of smell is fucked up, Dallas, you stay with the two guards I’ll leave here. It’s better that you aren’t trying to hunt when you can’t even smell right.

Dallas gawped at Sissy. Honestly, let the woman fuck you once with a nice fat dildo, and she thinks she’s your boss.

Close your mouth, hon, she chided.

Dallas did, only to open it up again as she narrowed her eyes at him. He wasn’t going to give up and let Sissy order him around. I don’t have to listen to you. I’m part of Marcus’ pack, and Keegan’s his captain.

He’ll tell you the same. Sissy lit up when her mate entered the kitchen. Juanita, you look lovely this morning. I’m the luckiest gal in the world.

He was going to have to take his arguing to Keegan—or Marcus. Maybe even Nathan.

Sissy and Juanita exchanged a long, loud kiss.

Dallas groaned. Gawd, all you mated pairs are all lovey-dovey.

Jealous? Juanita asked, her accent making the word thick and sexy.

A little, except for the whole vagina and boobs part, he admitted.

Zoe snorted and threw a spoon at him. Dallas caught it easily.

At least your reflexes are quick, Sissy pointed out. We all know your aversion to our parts. It just so happens, we don’t care for yours either.

Dallas would let that go, because what he and Sissy had done once hadn’t really involved their genitals touching. Just her, him, and that big dildo. They’d both been bored and curious. Although, he did know other guys who’d put out for Sissy in such a way before. It didn’t matter now. Sissy was mated and happy.

Juanita’s brother, Guillermo, joined them in the kitchen. At that point, Dallas sprinted for a chair since there was only one more left. He’d give it up if he had to. Until then, his happy ass was going to sit.

Y’all don’t get too used to me cooking, Zoe groused, loading up the toaster. I’m not domesticated, just hungry, and anyway, this is all I can make. Scrambled eggs and toast.

I can make bacon or sausage, Guillermo offered.

Zoe scoffed at that. None in the fridge. I looked. Three times.

Guillermo got up and strode to the cabinets. He opened them then crowed as he took out two cans. There is Jia canned beef and pork! I love this stuff! He held the cans out to Zoe.

Zoe took one and wrinkled her nose. Uh. This looks a hell of a lot like Spam.

What is Spam? Guillermo asked.

"A question we all would like to know the answer to, Dallas contributed. But I’m hungry enough to eat anything."

"No