“We already voted,” Jamie said.
“Without me? I dinna have a chance to vote.”
“Yer choice wouldna matter, Alex,” Craig said. “The decision was unanimous.”
“All right.” Alex would listen to what they had to say. These men would be left to hold together whatever remained of his family, so their opinions mattered more than his.
“Before God and all men representing Clan MacKay, we pledge our lives to our new laird.” Mathe, the eldest and highest ranked captain of the bunch, pushed his chair out and knelt before Alex.
Jesus Christ above… This was the last thing Alex expected or wanted. He wasna meant for the laird’s seat, and dinna deserve it after being gone so long. If these honorable men knew what had taken root in his heart since the night he fled home, they’d surely change their minds about him. There was more to being a laird than just carrying the blood of his sire and brother. It required patience and judiciousness, a healthy fear of the Almighty, and respect for men less fortunate than himself.
All characteristics Alex admired in other men, but was sure he dinna possess himself.
“Stand before me as an equal, Mathe.” Alex gestured with his hand. “Venerate a man worthy of the title.”
The captain did as he asked but looked confused. “Ye are our choice—which makes ye worthy of the honors.”
“Nay,” Alex said firmly. “In order for me to be laird, I must live here. I have no intention of staying in the Highlands.”
A loud murmur rose from the crowd below.
“Tis no coincidence ye showed up when ye did, Laird MacKay,” Mathe continued, talking louder so the rest of the people in the hall could hear everything he said. “Only God can be credited with such timing.”
“Or the devil,” Alex murmured.
His words caused more unrest.
“Are ye no a Godfearing man?” someone questioned from the crowd.
“Would ye abandon us again?” a woman cried.
“If ye dinna want to stay, why’d ye defend us against the Sutherland dogs?” another man asked.
Alex sighed and crossed his legs under the table. All fair questions. Their fears and uncertainty were justified, for the future of Clan MacKay was at stake. Standing, Alex raised his hands. The least he could do was try to provide some comfort and leadership until the next laird was chosen. “I am not the man ye think I am,” he said. “I’m a sellsword, a bloodthirsty, soulless creature who kills for a living.”
Silence settled over the great hall.
“The blood of other men has paid for the properties I own in Constantinople. I keep six concubines, who I bed without hesitation for the sake of pleasure alone. I no longer pray to God for mercy and understanding. I wake each day wondering who I will be sent to hunt and kill. No one calls me friend, but all seek my approval out of fear that it’s their throats I will cut next. Is this the type of laird ye want?”
“Ye keep slaves?” Jamie asked, looking shocked.
“Aye,” Alex admitted. “And I am a better master than most.”
“Tis an abomination,” Ramsey MacKay, another cousin and a captain in John’s personal guard, commented, his face twisted with disapproval. “But a forgivable one considering where ye’ve been. Living with heathens so long has caused ye to stray from the ways of God. But even the prodigal son was welcomed back home after living a life of sin.”
“I appreciate yer understanding, good cousin—even yer attempt to explain my misdeeds. But I assure ye, I am not easily misled by anything or anyone. I live as I do freely, and without regret.”
“Are the lassies more beautiful than ours? Is that what keeps ye away?” an old woman asked.
The men sitting at the high table laughed.
“If that was the only reason, I’d bring my concubines with me,” Alex assured her.
Just as he was about to continue explaining himself, Keely entered the great hall. Unable to keep his eyes off her, the crowd followed his wandering gaze.
“There’s the reason Alex MacKay willna stay,” the old woman yelled, pointing at Keely. “Keely Oliphant broke his wee heart.”
Several men standing in the back of the room advanced on Keely, cursing her name and presence.
