Chapter 68

AUBREY'S POV After shifting back, I pulled on my clothes quickly, my hands still trembling slightly from the encounter in the clearing. Knox was already dressed and waiting, his expression a storm of worry and frustration as he paced near the cabin's porch. "What were you thinking?" he demanded the moment I approached. "Do you have any idea how far you wandered?" His voice was tight with barely controlled emotion. "Without mind-linking, I had no way of knowing if you were safe. All I could do was follow your scent and pray I wouldn't find you hurt... or worse." The fear in his voice made my irritation at being scolded fade. I stepped closer, placing my hand on his chest. "I'm sorry. I caught my mother's scent—honey and lilies. It was so strong, so real... I couldn't help following it." Knox's expression softened immediately, his hand coming up to cover mine. "Aubrey..." He pulled me into his arms, his chest rising with a deep sigh. "I understand, but that area is strictly forbidden. Yo