Chapter 77

AUBREY'S POV The golden hour bathed Willow Lake in a surreal light, transforming the landscape into a canvas of amber and emerald. Tall pines cast long shadows across the shoreline, their reflections rippling in the water like dark, trembling fingers. I had been here countless times, but today felt different. Electric. Charged with an anticipation I couldn't quite explain. Knox stood a few feet away, skipping stones across the lake's surface. Each rock danced—one, two, three, four skips—before surrendering to the water's embrace. His movements were fluid, almost predatory, a reminder of the wolf that lived beneath his human skin. I watched, mesmerized by the casual grace of his muscular frame. My outfit was practical but chosen with care—a light blue tank top that clung to my curves, faded denim shorts that stopped mid-thigh. My hair, the color of honey in this light, was pulled back in a messy ponytail, strands escaping to frame my face. I was aware of how I looked, aware of Knox's oc