Snowman (Arctic Station Bears Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

Hell, even the building itself was going to have to come down. Or be scuttled.
    After reading the file, he understood. Things had gotten out of control. The virus and anyone exposed would need to be eradicated. And a saber-toothed tiger running around might raise a few eyebrows.
    The cover of darkness would have been better for the element of surprise, but it couldn’t be helped. The helicopter itself was very quiet, but he couldn’t count on flying in unheard.
    Parker stood up. “All right, everyone—listen up,” he said. “We’re going in blind. There is no concrete information about the situation down there. We have at least eight hostiles and one on-site agent. You should have received his photo and profile during the briefing. We can expect assistance from him, but don’t let him get close or touch you. He’ll still need to be terminated before the mission is complete, so don’t make a friend.”
    Parker pulled a handgun from its holster and ejected the clip for inspection. “Most of the bears shouldn’t have much fighting experience, and Dr. MacCready doesn’t either. Use of lethal force is authorized. Shoot on sight. We can’t afford for anyone who might be infected with the virus to leave the base. Wear your masks at all times unless you’d like to become a casualty yourself. Do I make myself clear?” He slammed the clip back into his handgun and holstered it.
    “Yes, sir!” said the chorus of mercenaries.
    “Good,” Parker said. “Now, about the shifter known as Calder. You’ve all been briefed. Do not come in contact with his blood.”
    Parker’s earpiece crackled. “ETA ten minutes,” said the pilot.
    “Roger that,” said Parker. He turned to the others. “All right, everyone. Standard sweep procedure when we land. Saddle up and good hunting. Stay on your comms.” He sat back down.
    Parker stared out at the approaching base, bathed in the dim light of a sun that never quite cleared the horizon. The hair stood up on the back of his neck and his hand reflexively moved to his gun. Something was waiting for them.

C hapter F ive - A lanna
    After I relieved Viktor, I sat in his chair for awhile, but my ass fell asleep and I had to get up and move around a little. All I really wanted was to be curled up around Liam right now, trying to stay warm. I could see my breath out in the hallway in front of Liam’s room. I rubbed my hands together and tried to ignore the darkness at the end of the hallway. It gave me the creeps.
    God, I thought. It’s too cold to move. I sat back down and leaned my head against the wall. So much had happened this week. I was literally fighting to survive. Last week, I was fighting to get coffee.
    Last week, I was sleeping alone without a sexy polar shifter living in my head and in my bed. I smiled and closed my eyes for a moment.
    Then there was a hand over my mouth. I didn’t have time to make a sound before I felt the telltale sting in my neck that told me I’d just been injected with something. My heart pounded in my chest as darkness closed in from all sides.
    C alder
    Fate was smiling upon him. Calder had been on his way to investigate the suspicious sound outside when he caught the scent of the female. When he saw that she was away from her protectors, he knew that his investigation would have to wait. He couldn’t waste the opportunity.
    He was on her before she even knew what was happening. By morning, she would be his. And there was nothing the alpha or the other bears could do to stop him.
    Calder carried Alanna to his lab. It was in an underwater portion of the base that was in disuse, according to documents he’d read. Most of the equipment was still in perfect working order. He was even able to use a generator for power, although he made sure to destroy all of the others.
    Calder secured Alanna to a metal table and gagged her. She could cry out all she liked. No one would hear her.
    The sound overhead became louder as he tightened Alanna’s