Free Rogue Wolf by Heather Long Page B

would take the bedroom next to the main sleeping space, as both were on the second floor, but the smaller one had two windows and they faced the same direction as the main and hers would be farther from the front door.
    Decided, he returned to the kitchen and studied the note on the refrigerator.
     
    We have delivered a sum total of ten pre-prepared meals. We took the liberty of choosing local favorites rather than trying to match the culinary skill of Italians. Should you find any not to your liking, simply leave them in the fridge. We also added heating instructions. We will restock the fridge in three days unless you have already vacated or need food sooner. Should you need a meal sooner, simply use the landline to call us at 555-1354.
    Have a wonderful stay,
    Amelia
     
    Appreciating the attention to detail, he returned to the front and checked on Margo. Her brothers and cousin had left, but her parents were still at their vehicle. He didn’t need to understand body language to read the trouble between them. Margo stood a couple of feet away from them, her arms folded and her expression remote.
    “But you can come home now. Toman is gone, and it’s safe for you here. I know you and Mason have issues, but he wouldn’t deny you if you asked him.” Anger and upset trembled in her mother’s words.
    “I get that,” Margo said, her tone unusually even. He’d only known her a few hours and recognized the steel band of control modulating her tone. “I also get you want me home. But I don’t live here. I’m not part of this pack…and I don’t want to be.”
    “Margo, darling, you can think about it,” her father said, peacemaking echoing as he closed the gap to touch her shoulder while still resting a hand on his mate’s. “Your mother misses you. I miss you. We never wanted you to go.”
    “I’m aware. I also know you did the best you could. The trouble is, I know the world outside this pack and I like my freedom. I come visit when I can, and I’m always a phone call away—”
    “That’s not enough.” Anger edged her mother’s words.
    “Linda…” Her father attempted to play peacemaker.
    “No, Will. You and Ryan came up with this damn plan in the first place. You sent my baby away from us. I want her home. You belong here, Margo.” The lift of her chin and the stiffening of her shoulders told Salvatore Margo inherited more than her looks from her mother. “You will come home now.”
    Power swept through the yard and it wasn’t his. Margo’s eyes narrowed and she pinned her mother. The stare-off lasted only seconds, but her mother dipped her eyes first. “I love you, too, Mom. But, as I said earlier, I have work to do. You two should go now. You’ve kept me from the pack’s guest for too long. Take care.”
    Command resounded in the words and Salvatore’s heart ached. A child ordering her parents away—even he fought the urge to order his mother to back off. On the other hand, despite her temper, his mother never cornered him on any issue not involving their personal family.
    “Linda,” Will said, sliding his arm around her shoulders. “We talked about this.”
    “I know. I just—”
    “Good night.” Flat. Even. Almost stiff. The wolf facing off against her parents wanted them to leave and neither had the ability to resist the command. With half-hearted hugs and more than a few tears, the older couple retreated to their vehicle. A moment later the engine started and they pulled away.
    Margo remained where she was, arms folded, as the car disappeared down the long driveway. Salvatore opened the screen and returned to the porch. He should be inside showering, changing his torn shirt, calling his pack to check on them, calling his men in Canada or putting together plans to find his sister—instead, he stood at the top of the porch steps and studied the woman who hadn’t moved an inch.
    Movement in the woods jerked his attention from Margo. The wolf he’d seen earlier stepped out. “Do