Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

JOE

J oe led the group of inexperienced hikers through the dense, snow-covered forest, their excited chatter filling the crisp morning air. They were neophytes from the lower forty-eight off one of the cruise ships on a day excursion into the Alaskan wilderness.

Wilderness this wasn't, but wilderness would probably have killed the whole lot of them. If the guy with the too-white smile, perfectly coiffed hair and designer outerwear complained one more time that his feet hurt, Joe was fairly sure he'd just end him. The trail they were on was well-trodden and ice free, making it safe for beginners. But the thick canopy overhead cast dappled shadows on the path, making it seem more adventurous than it actually was. Joe kept a close eye on the group, ensuring no one lagged behind or wandered off. Most were city folk, inexperienced but eager for a taste of adventure.

That was the thing about Kodiak, you didn't actually need danger to feel like you were doing something exciting and daring—something you could exaggerate about to your friends back home. Even breathing could be a topic of awe for the tourists as every breath formed small clouds in front of their faces. The snow crunched under their boots, punctuated by their excited chatter as they moved through the otherwise serene, wintry silence.

Joe's sharp eyes scanned the group. There were eight of them, bundled up in bright jackets and scarves, their faces flushed with excitement and the cold. They were all new to this, clearly thrilled by the adventure. He smiled to himself, remembering his first hike in the wilderness and the sense of awe it had inspired.

"All right, everyone," Joe called out, his voice carrying easily in the still air. "Keep close and watch your step. It's an easy trail, but the snow can make things a bit tricky."

It really couldn't, but the more the tourists perceived action and adventure, the better. He wanted to deliver a truly fun and safe experience for the cruise passengers as the money from the cruise line was good and the work, for the most part, was fun, lucrative, and easy.

They nodded, following his lead. Joe moved at a steady pace, ensuring no one was left behind. He pointed out various features of the landscape, sharing tidbits of knowledge about the local flora and fauna that managed to thrive in such harsh conditions. The group listened intently, their curiosity evident.

"Over there," Joe said, pointing to a cluster of snow-laden spruce trees. "That's where we might spot some Arctic hares. They blend in well, so you have to look closely."

A murmur of excitement ran through the group as they peered into the trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive creatures. Joe watched them with a sense of satisfaction. It was moments like these that made his job rewarding—seeing people connect with nature and experience its wonders firsthand.

As they continued, Joe made sure to check in with everyone, asking how they were feeling and if they needed a break. He knew the importance of keeping spirits high and ensuring everyone was comfortable. The trail might be easy for him, but for beginners, used to walking on well-maintained and trodden trails, it could still be a bit of a challenge.

"Let's take a quick break," Joe suggested, leading them to a clearing with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. "Perfect spot for some photos and a breather."

The group eagerly complied, pulling out their cameras and snapping pictures of the stunning scenery. Joe took the opportunity to hand out some trail mix and water, reminding everyone to stay hydrated despite the cold.

"Joe, this is incredible," said one of the hikers, a middle-aged man named Frank. "I've never seen anything like it."

Joe nodded, a warm feeling spreading through him. "It's something special, all right. Alaska has a way of showing you just how amazing nature can be."

They resumed their hike, the group now more confident and enjoying the experience even more. Joe led them through a gentle ascent, pointing out animal tracks in the snow and explaining how to identify them. The sun had passed the mid-point in the sky. As they neared the end of the trail, the group was tired but exhilarated. Joe could see the sense of accomplishment on their faces, the joy of having tackled the wilderness and come out stronger for it.

He was in the middle of explaining the different types of flora when his satellite phone buzzed in his pocket. He ignored the call, intending to get back to whoever it was as soon as he got the hikers back to the trailhead.

"Great job, everyone," Joe said as they reached the trailhead where transportation back to the cruise ship awaited them. "You've all done fantastic. Remember, it's not about how fast you go, but about enjoying the journey and respecting the environment."

They thanked him, their gratitude genuine and heartfelt. He was a little surprised at the number of people who pressed money into his hand, telling him this had been the highlight of their cruise experience and promising to come back. Joe felt a deep sense of fulfillment. He had guided them safely through the snowy Alaskan wilderness, sharing with them the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. As they loaded up their gear and headed back to civilization, Joe looked out over the pristine landscape once more, already looking forward to the next adventure.

Pulling his satellite phone out of his pocket, he glanced at the list of recent calls. There weren't many, but the last one was from Asher Wells, a good friend and wolf-shifter, but also the head of the park rangers in this area. Joe's stomach tightened with unease. Asher had known he was leading one of the hikes for the cruise ship and wouldn't have called unless it was important.

He hit the button to call him back. "Asher Wells," came the steady voice on the other end.

"Ash, it's Joe. I was just finishing up with the cruise folks. What's up?"

"Joe, thanks for calling me back. I need your help." Asher's voice was tense, the urgency palpable even through the crackling connection.

"It's yours. What's going on?" Joe asked.

"There's a missing scientist, Dr. Melinda King. She was working at the Arctic research station and hasn't been heard from in several days. We've got some search teams out, but... there's something off about this whole situation. I need your expertise."

"If she's been alone in the arctic wilderness? Her chances for survival aren't good."

"Understood, but she may be one of us."

"Us as in shifter? Wolf?" Doubtful, as wolves tended to act as a pack and if one of their own was missing they'd be out in force.

"Not wolf, but something else, and before you ask, I have no idea what kind of shifter. In fact, she may not be a shifter at all. The bottom line is she needs our help."

Joe felt a twist in his gut. Ash was one of the few people who knew all about his past and knew that he still had nights where his dreams were filled with horrific visions of that last op that had gone so terribly wrong. Joe had tried to leave that part of his life behind, but the past had a way of catching up. "Can't someone else handle it?"

Asher's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Joe, this isn't just a missing person case. There's been talk of foul play. I have a bad feeling about it. Your experience as a Ranger could make all the difference. But you need to be careful."

Joe clenched his jaw, memories of Afghanistan flooding back. The failed mission, the lives lost. He didn't want that responsibility again. "I'll help, but I'm going alone. I can't be responsible for anyone else."

Asher hesitated. "Joe, it's too dangerous to go alone. I have a team ready?—"

"No," Joe interrupted firmly. "I do this alone, or not at all. I can move faster, stay under the radar. I can handle myself."

There was a long pause before Asher sighed. "All right, Joe. Just... be careful."

Joe ended the call and took a moment to steady himself before returning to his own cabin to grab his gear. He placed a call to his mountain climbing store, To the Top, and explained to the staff worker who was covering for him today that an emergency had come up, and he would need to be away for several days or longer. He explained the situation as best he could as he packed the gear he would need. After ending the call, Joe finished packing quickly and efficiently, his mind already shifting to the task ahead.

Asher had made use of his connections, and a private helicopter touched down outside of Joe's A-frame cabin just as he finished. Once on board, the pilot lifted off and headed north into the wilderness, Joe felt the familiar tension in his muscles, the heightened awareness that came with preparing for a mission. Despite his reluctance, he could feel a surge of responsibility for the life of another and knew this was something he needed to do.

When they landed, Joe understood why Ash had called. The area was isolated and was one Joe frequently visited as he could shift and run in his sabretooth form, relatively free of discovery. He headed toward the forest as the chopper lifted off. If and when it was needed, Joe could call for it.

As the forest closed in around him, Joe disappeared into the shadows, determined to find Dr. King and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Trudging through the harsh tundra, the biting wind cut through his heavy coat and stung his exposed skin. The snow beneath his boots was deep and unforgiving, each step a reminder of the treacherous landscape he now traversed. He couldn't shake the memories of his last mission in Afghanistan, the way it had all gone wrong. The weight of his comrades' deaths hung heavily on his shoulders, each gust of wind whispering their names in his ears.

His mind drifted to the faces of his fallen brothers, the chaos of the ambush, and the guilt that still gnawed at him. He had vowed never to lead others again, the responsibility too great a burden to bear. Yet here he was, alone in the frozen wilderness, on a mission that dredged up old wounds.

Suddenly, through the swirling snow, he felt assaulted, not by the elements or an enemy, but by nausea and dizziness. There was a sense of disorientation as he scanned the horizon with his binoculars. It was as he was doing so that he spotted a dark figure stumbling and then collapsing into a drift. Joe's instincts kicked in, and he quickened his pace, pushing through the snow with renewed urgency. As he drew closer, he saw it was a woman, her clothing ill-suited for the extreme cold. She was barely conscious, her lips blue and her movements sluggish. He could sense she was a shifter and wondered why she hadn't remained in her shifted form.

"Hey! Can you hear me?" Joe shouted over the howling wind, dropping to his knees beside her.

She mumbled incoherently, her eyes barely open. Joe quickly assessed her condition—severe hypothermia. He knew he had to act fast. He shrugged off his pack, pulling out two chemical hot packs, activating them and placing them on her neck and abdomen before wrapping her in an emergency blanket. Then, he lifted her into his arms, her body alarmingly light and cold.

"We're gonna get you warm," he said, more to reassure himself than her, as he began the arduous trek back to an emergency shelter he knew to be in the area.

He could sense that Asher was correct, the woman—if she was Melinda King—was not only a shifter, but his fated mate as well. Joe was just about to ask if she felt strong enough to shift when he realized she'd passed out. He squashed down every other feeling than that of urgency to get her to the shelter. It was her only hope for survival.

He pulled up the locator that could home in on the shelter's emergency beacon and began the trek toward it. The journey was grueling, the added weight and the worsening storm pushing Joe to his limits. He focused on each step, blocking out the memories that threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn't afford to fail again. Not this time.

Finally, he reached the small emergency cabin. Kicking the door open, he carried the woman inside and laid her gently on the cot. He immediately went to work, stoking the fire and layering blankets over her shivering form. He rubbed her hands and feet, trying to stimulate circulation.

As the warmth began to seep into her, she stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Joe watched her closely, sensing there was more to her story than a simple accident in the snow. Ash had been unclear as to how she had ended up stranded in the arctic wilderness. The details, in fact the entire situation as far as he was concerned, were sketchy at best. There was a determination in her eyes that belied her fragile state.

"Who are you?" Joe asked softly, continuing to warm her hands.

"Melinda," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Dr. Melinda King."

Relief to have found her flashed through his brain. Now to see if he could find out what had caused her to brave the arctic cold without the proper equipment. "What happened to you, Dr. King?"

Her eyes filled with fear and urgency. "They're dead. They killed them."

"Who killed them? Who did they kill?"

"My colleagues. The company is hiding the data... the methane... it's worse than anyone knows. Marcus—my boss—ordered the security team to kill them and then destroy the facility to cover it all up. He doesn't know I managed to download the information before I escaped."

"So, without a plan, you just ran off into the wilderness? Shifter or not, that wasn't a particularly good idea."

"Aren't you paying attention? There's something going on. Something they don't want anyone to know."

Joe frowned and managed to suppress his growl. Someone had tried to harm his fated mate? That wasn't something he was inclined to let pass.

"How'd you get out?"

"I climbed up into the ducting through the vent and then got to the woods. I've been trying to make my way to safety… somewhere I can give the information I have to the authorities. Someone needs to go out there and confirm it. The company I work for is trying to cover something up that could have disastrous consequences for the environment."

Joe walked over and looked out the window, his suspicions confirmed. This was no ordinary rescue, and they weren't going anywhere tonight or for several days. Melinda was in danger and now, so was he. But there was no turning back. He couldn't ignore someone in need, especially when the stakes were this high.

"We're not going anywhere until this snow lets up. Rest now," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "You're safe here. We'll figure this out."

"If you don't want to help me," she started, tossing the covers back.

"I didn't say that, Melinda. But if we're not safe out in this storm, neither is anyone looking for you. Besides, it's dark and you're exhausted. Why don't we get some sleep, and we can reassess the situation come morning."

Joe sat by the fire as Melinda drifted into an uneasy sleep. His mind was racing. If she was right—and he had no reason not to believe her—someone would be trying to get to her to get whatever information she might have. Outside, the storm worsened.

He tried to call Asher to let him know he'd found Melinda, but the phone's signal could not cut through the static created by the storm. It and the wilderness were as harsh and unforgiving as his memories, but he couldn't let the past, the elements, or whatever had driven his fated mate to risk her life to paralyze him.

This time, it was personal. It was his fated mate. He had a chance to make a difference, to save her life. To find his own happily ever after as so many of his friends had been doing of late, and he wouldn't fail. Not again.