Adam leaned back. “Well, now it makes sense why you both survived in that water. The only question is, why didn’t you shift?”
“Shift? What are you getting at?”
“Don’t bullshit me, Hank. You’re Polar Bear shifters, just like me. I just have questions, that’s all.”
Helen handed Hank the coffee. “Thanks for helping us. You never told us your name.”
“For good reason,” Adam replied.
“Well, I guess we owe you. We’ve been living down the coast for years, ever since our group fell apart decades ago. We thought we were fine on our own. But Helen has been sick, and it’s getting worse lately. Doctors can’t help her. And we’ve lost our ability to shift, which isn’t the end of the world, but it sure would’ve come in handy in that ice-cold water.”
“Ah, so you were heading to see if the North Slope bears can help you.”
“Exactly. It’s our only hope.”
Adam shook his head. “Are you aware of their reputation?”
“Of course. But we’ve heard the old alpha is gone, along with his council. Things are better up there now. Or so we’ve been told.”
Hank peered out of the tent, spotting Adam’s plane. “You have a plane. Would you be willing to help us?”
“You mean, you want me to take you up to the North Slope? I couldn’t even guarantee that we’d find them. They’re nomads, preying on human settlements, wolf shifters, and even other bears. Besides, I’m not welcome there.”
“Please? We can pay you. Just fly us up there, drop us off. I’m begging you. Helen is my mate, and this is her only chance.”
“It’s not about money,” Adam grumbled. Looking at the both of them huddled together, he knew the bond they must’ve felt. Nodding, he agreed. “In the morning. You two take the tent tonight. Dry your clothes out by the fire. There’s plenty of food and blankets in here. I’ll sleep in the plane.”
“Oh! Thank you! You have no idea how much it means to us.”
Adam nodded before heading out to his plane. It wasn’t like he wanted to go anywhere near North Slope, but he couldn’t leave them to fend for themselves. They would likely never make it. He couldn’t live with that, knowing he had the means to help them.