Rendered

By Bailey Bradford

Alex Morgan has a mission set for himself-get justice for his Alpha Anax and come back the big hero. The only problem there is that he can't seem to track down Joshua Dobson, and he needs to, because Joshua needs to die. This was supposed to be a quick deal, but it's been weeks and Alex is tired and missing his pack, and he can't escape a few new truths he learns about himself.

Before Alex decides to totally throw in the towel, he manages to find the man he's been hunting, and his entire pack. Alex calls for reinforcements then finds he needs more than a few reinforcements of his own-against a man who has been abused most his life. A man who is Alex's destined mate. A man Alex doesn't think he should want, because he's the brother of Joshua Dobson.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9780857157201

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 Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Rendered

ISBN #978-0-85715-720-1

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2011

Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright October 2011

Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Total-E-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, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-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 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-melting and a sexometer of 2.

Southwestern Shifters

RENDERED

Bailey Bradford

Book four in the Southwestern Shifters Series

Alex Morgan has a mission set for himself-get justice for his Alpha Anax and come back the big hero. The only problem there is that he can’t seem to track down Joshua Dobson, and he needs to, because Joshua needs to die. This was supposed to be a quick deal, but it’s been weeks and Alex is tired and missing his pack, and he can’t escape a few new truths he learns about himself.

Before Alex decides to totally throw in the towel, he manages to find the man he’s been hunting, and his entire pack. Alex calls for reinforcements then finds he needs more than a few reinforcements of his own-against a man who has been abused most his life. A man who is Alex’s destined mate. A man Alex doesn’t think he should want, because he’s the brother of Joshua Dobson.

Dedication

To my editor and cover artist, thank you for all your hard work.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

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

Hummer: General Motors

Prologue

What is it that makes people destined mates? Why can’t we have a say in the hand that’s dealt us? Alex Morgan wished to hell he’d had a choice. If that had been the case, he wouldn’t be hiding behind a thick green shrub, watching the man he loved with another.

Or maybe I would. Alex watched Marcus Criswell, the Alpha Anax—leader of the North American packs, with the pretty red haired man on the cabin’s porch. Nathan. Alex had heard the redhead’s name, but hadn’t seen him before. He wished he wasn’t seeing Nathan now, although that thought made him feel petty and small. But Marcus had never shown the slightest interest in Alex, had never looked at him the way Marcus was looking at the other man, as if his entire universe was centred right there in the man’s wide eyes. Never looked at Alex with so much love when he’d ached to see it.

The dull ache in his chest sharpened, growing barbed spikes that sent fiery bolts of pain into his spine. Every nerve vibrated with it until Alex thought he’d black out. Who knew emotional pain could be so much worse than physical pain?

He shouldn’t be here, but as always, Alex had been drawn to Marcus. He’d wanted to see the man for himself, make sure he was okay. While he was certainly much thinner than he’d been, Marcus was clearly in no danger of dying from his months in captivity.

In fact, with his more slender form and the shockingly long, beautiful blond hair, Marcus looked almost ethereal. Before, with his big muscled body and short close cropped hair, Marcus had been gorgeous. But now…now he was stunning, his cheekbones so finely etched they appeared blade-sharp. Gone was the goatee he used to wear as well, and his now-pale skin glowed—whether with health or happiness, Alex didn’t know for sure, but he suspected the latter.

It made Alex feel like the interloper he was, hiding from the other members of his pack, afraid to let anyone see him—certain he wore his broken heart on his arm. Right below his shame, which burned like a brand through his thick fur. He’d been such a fool, falling for Marcus, and whether it was true or not, he felt as if everyone knew about his unrequited love.

Alex’s paws dug into the soft earth, the yearning for Marcus quickly converting to self-loathing at having failed the man. Even if Marcus had ever been interested in Alex, he wouldn’t be now, not after the way Alex had let Marcus be abducted and held captive for six months. It was the ultimate failure for someone who was the captain of the Alpha Anax’s guard.

Former captain, Alex reminded himself.

Marcus bent his head; the smaller man stood on his toes. Alex crawled backwards, his heart aching as the two men kissed tenderly. Marcus’ hands looked so big, so strong, so capable as they stroked down Nathan’s back before teasing the tip of his long braid.

Oh, it hurt through to Alex’s bones, watching the two of them! So why was he? Alex huffed softly, strangling the whine that wanted to work its way out of his muzzle. Hadn’t he already decided he couldn’t stay here any longer, couldn’t bear to see Marcus and his destined mate together? Marcus would be told of Alex’s admission of unrequited love, by Aidan, Marcus’ brother most likely, since he was whom Alex blurted out his unrequited love for Marcus to. Having Marcus know about it would be a humiliation to compound all others, and too much for Alex to cope with. He couldn’t stay, yet he loved the Alpha Anax.

And he’d failed him. He’d let Marcus be taken by a vengeful shifter Alex knew intimately. It was too much, a burden of shame that was crushing him. He couldn’t stay, couldn’t look into Marcus’ dark eyes and see the loathing there. There’d be no tender looks for Alex, no soft words of forgiveness. He didn’t deserve them anyway, should they ever by some miracle be spoken. All Alex could hope for now was to redeem himself, at least a little, by bringing Marcus’ abductor to justice, as well as whatever members of the traitor’s pack he could find.

Alex gave the mated pair one last look, envy melting to shame as he did so, then he turned and breaking his oath to never abandon his Alpha, Alex ran.

Chapter One

Having spent most his life up north in or around Ohio, Alex wasn’t prepared for the gruelling heat of the Southwest in July—specifically not here in Whereverthefuck Arizona. He vaguely recalled overhearing some joke about it being a ‘dry heat’. Like that made any difference. It was so hot he wouldn’t have been surprised to find himself cooked from the inside out, and he was so thirsty he wanted to howl with it.

Still, he had to admit there were some beautiful places in Arizona. So far, he thought this right here might be his favourite. The red rock cliffs were stunning, majestical to him in whichever form he was in. Manzanita and juniper dotted the landscape, and cactus, of course.

The fact that a stream ran through a good stretch of this area meant there was a bit more diversity in plants, and all in all, Alex found it wholly entrancing—except for the fact he suspected Joshua Dobson and his pack were hiding out somewhere relatively close. At least within a hundred mile radius, Alex hoped, because fuck, he was tired in every way possible, and more than a little lonely. It was past time for justice to be rendered, either by Alex or Marcus, should Dobson or any of his pack turn themselves in.

Maybe he’d have been finished already if Dobson’s pack had truly disbanded. That was a bit of misinformation given to Alison, Alex’s sister and now captain of the guard in Alex’s stead, by the now deceased Stewart Combs—former member of Dobson’s pack—and it threw a wrench in Alex’s plans to hunt down each member. Stewart had been their only link to Joshua Dobson at the time, but the wretched asshole had managed to grab Alex’s gun and kill himself before doing anything more than lying to them about Dobson’s pack being disbanded.

One or two shifters he could handle, but a pack was more than he could take on alone. He’d known it might come to this but hoped it wouldn’t. If members had split off, he could have single-handedly taken each one on—been the hero he wanted to be. But the pack had stayed together, and now that Alex was sure of where they were, he would have to do something he dreaded. He’d have to call for help. It wouldn’t be the same as being the one who brought down Dobson and his pack, but maybe he’d still find some redemption.

After all, he’d managed to track them; even if they moved out overnight, which he doubted, they couldn’t get ahead of him much. He was so close he could almost taste the victory, and in truth, he longed to finish this so he could return to his pack—or find a new one. Surely he could swallow his pride and do what needed to be done. Marcus would send his guard; he’d want Dobson brought to justice, along with his pack.

So I can’t take them out all by myself. Doesn’t mean I failed. Yet it felt that way to him, and Alex snorted at his own vanity. This shouldn’t be about him in the first place; it should be about defending his Alpha Anax, avenging him even. But he knew there was too much of a desire to prove himself, too much hurt driving him for this to be an altruistic act.

Ever since he’d got the idea into his head, Alex had been able to think of little else. He’d lit out like his tail was on fire, albeit it was also tucked between his legs. Weeks alone had given him plenty of time to think about his actions, his own reasons for being where he was, doing what he was. Alex wasn’t proud of what he’d learned about himself, but that wasn’t an excuse to let Dobson get away.

He sniffed the air, catching the familiar scents he’d followed for a while now. One in particular seemed imprinted on his mind, in his senses, though Alex couldn’t figure out why. Heavily drenched in fear, he couldn’t make out anything else about the scent—or he could, but it just didn’t make any sense and confused him until he wanted to howl. He just followed to the best of his abilities. Often that odour was also tinged with pain, and it caused a weird burning in Alex’s stomach, so he’d tried his best to avoid it. He didn’t need the distraction.

After following what faint hints of Dobson’s trail he could find over the past several weeks, and losing it and running in what amounted to great big circles all too often, Alex knew he was finally be getting closer to the asshole.

Do what you have to. Better to admit you can’t handle this on your own than to end up dead and let Dobson get away. Then you can go home. Alex had always loved being part of a pack, and leaving his had been the hardest thing he’d ever done. Maybe he shouldn’t have let shame and yeah, fear, drive him out, but he had.

Although there’d also been a pressing need to prove himself, and he knew now that had been one of the main reasons for this hunt, he hadn’t been entirely selfish in his reasons for leaving. The fact was, he had screwed up. He hadn’t protected Marcus from Joshua Dobson before, but he’d damn well do it now, or as soon as he got his hands on—or sunk his teeth into—the shifter. He almost hoped it came down to him and Dobson, fighting to the death. Alex’s fury boiled hotter than the sun on his fur, and he growled low, his paws curling into the ground.

This was going to end, soon. Tonight he’d head over to Sedona and find somewhere to sleep for the night. He’d discovered it was easy enough to do, sniff out someone lonely or just horny. It felt a bit like whoring himself out, but Alex told himself it wasn’t, not really. He left the men well satisfied, and in exchange, he got a couple of hot showers, sleep in a bed, and sometimes a decent meal or two. Tonight he’d need another favour from his soon-to-be lover. He’d need to make a call, one he both dreaded and anticipated in equal measures.

* * * *

He’s still following us, Alpha.

Sean Dobson cringed upon hearing the beta’s report. Ever since Joshua had found out Marcus Criswell had not only survived being abandoned in the cave in New Mexico, but that he’d resumed his position as Alpha Anax, he had been crueller than usual.

Unless there’s a miracle, he’ll find us.

The proclamation made Sean shiver. It wasn’t just the news that they were still being hunted that scared him. In truth, Sean wished they’d get caught. What he didn’t want, though, was to be his brother’s whipping boy again.

One glance at Joshua’s scowl and Sean knew he was fucked. Joshua was furious, and he’d look to take that out on someone. Sean was the usual target of his brother’s temper. He huddled in the corner, cradling his arm that hadn’t fully healed from being broken the last time. It would have been healed completely, should have been, if Joshua didn’t stomp or kick it every chance he got. Sean was worried it’d never heal right, shifter abilities or not—but what did it matter, really? They’d all be dead soon, or imprisoned—and rightfully so—by Alpha Anax Criswell. Sean knew which of those two he’d prefer.

Do you know who the fucker is? Joshua growled as he clenched his fists. Sean bit back a whimper and tried to curl his body over his arm while keeping an eye on the other two shifters. The beta’s lips twisted in a cruel grin as he glanced at Sean.

Marshall was Joshua’s most trusted pack member, which was why he was the beta, but he made Sean’s skin crawl. He didn’t ever want to be left alone with him. There was something in his eyes when he looked at Sean, something hungry and angry and it scared Sean to his core. Marshall seemed to enjoy subtly prodding Joshua, stoking his temper and leaving Sean to suffer the consequences. The smirk on the jerk’s face told him Marshall was fixing to do that very same thing now.

Maybe, Marshall drawled as he shifted his gaze to Joshua. If you didn’t have…problems…detecting scents, you would be able to tell us who the fucker is who’s determined to track us down.

Joshua’s hands clenched as he straightened, thrusting his chest out. Is there something you want to say Marshall?

Sean bit his bottom lip, waiting for Marshall to point out that all the cocaine Joshua snorted had done irreparable damage to his sense of smell. Normally shifters weren’t affected much by human drugs, but apparently, if consumed in great quantities, at least one of them did have an effect. Joshua must have snorted a gram or two of coke in the past few days. It’d made him meaner than usual, and it wasn’t just Sean who’d paid for that. There were several female members of the pack who had been forced to part their legs for their alpha.

Joshua had decided he needed to procreate, spread as much of his seed as

Reviews for Rendered

[tanat-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really like Bailey Bradford's writing. This series is great I hope there is more to come.