Chapter 1. It's Not That Simple

Ulfr dropped back his head and inhaled a breath of fresh mountain air -- but there was something else. It was something sugary and succulent; apple pie, his favourite. His heart pumped, his body feeling vibrant. It was a feeling like he had never felt before.

Without opening his eyes he identified the scent and said, "Adriana, you should stay here. It's not safe in the mountains."

"I can take care of myself."

The determined tone in her voice impelled him to open his eyes. He needed to see her face, the challenge in her eyes and the confidence in her posture.

She wasn't wearing her usual dress. She opted instead for practicality, a pair of trousers and a tight shirt which fitted her snugly. Her feet were enclosed in men's ankle-high working boots.

"So there are your father's pants," Ulfr remarked with a smirk. "I think I saw him running around naked looking for them only a few minutes ago."

"How hilarious." The defiant lift of her chin made his coc