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      To Alaska, where I’ve enjoyed some delightful journeys, including some of the best cruises ever. And to Fred, who’s always there with me.

       Prologue

      “Destruction of the Northern Hemisphere?” Lt. Patrick Worley didn’t even try to keep the disbelief from his voice. “Maybe the world?”

      “Okay, could be an exaggeration,” responded his superior, Major Drew Connell. His gold-colored eyes that looked so much like those of his wolf side, even when he was in human form, stared sternly at Patrick. “But it might be a real threat. One that could at least destroy parts of Alaska if it isn’t stopped.”

      They were in Drew’s office at Ft. Lukman on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It was small, but he had furnished it well with government-issue gear. Patrick just wished the chairs were more comfortable. Or maybe his discomfort today was more a result of the mission he was just offered.

      One he probably couldn’t refuse, even if he wanted to. Which he didn’t. But he needed a better understanding of what was expected of him. “You’re sure this isn’t just straight global warming?” he asked. “Assuming you believe in it.”

      “Oh, I believe in it,” Drew said. “Maybe some of this is part of a natural global cycle, maybe not. But in any case, the current annihilation of one good-sized glacier park the way it’s been happening … We don’t know where it could lead. There’s no underground volcano, like in Iceland. If it’s the result of some kind of terrorist plot, we need to know it.” Drew leaned back in his seat, but his shoulders remained rigid under his standard camouflage uniform that matched Patrick’s, except for the symbols of rank.

      “So Alpha Force has been chosen to figure it out. Why? And why send me?” The way Patrick heard it, he was going to be pretty much on his own in Alaska, except that his aide, Sgt. Shaun Bethune, would have his back.

      “Some scientists are already up there, studying and doing whatever scientists do,” Drew said. “We need to know what they know, and more. To accomplish our mission, we need someone good. Smart. Someone who’s been part of Alpha Force since its inception, and knows how to utilize his assets—all of them, including our brand of brew.”

      Patrick laughed. “Love that stuff.”

      “We all do,” Drew agreed drily. He was the one who’d first concocted the elixir that was so important to this highly covert special ops unit. Patrick, also a medical doctor, had helped to refine it.

      “In other words, a super shapeshifter who knows his stuff.”

      “You got it.” Drew smiled for the first time. “And why Alpha Force? Because word is quietly getting out, in the right circles, that despite being relatively new, we’re damn good. We can undertake assignments no other military unit could possibly hope to succeed at—not the way we do it, as fast or as well. We can approach them from more angles than anyone. So … you willing?”

      “Sure am,” Patrick said with no hesitation.

      “Okay, then. Number one priority is to find out why those glaciers are coming apart so devastatingly and so fast. But while you’re at it, you’ve got to maintain the secrecy of Alpha Force, and who and what we are, at all costs. Mingle with people, maintain your cover—and we’ve got a great one for you. Above all, study the glaciers, using everything you’ve got. Study everyone you meet, too—learn what they know, but without letting them get to know you and your mission. And report in to me often. Got it?”

      “Yes, sir,” Patrick said, giving his superior officer a mocking, yet genuine, salute.

      His grin quickly faded as he turned to leave. Drew had made his point. This mission was serious.

      The future of Alaska—and maybe even Alpha Force—could be riding on his success.

       Chapter 1

      Trying not to let her frozen breath get in her way, Mariah Garver smiled as she watched the playful huskies on

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