“Aye. We’ve a job to do. Dad’s got news from the south that impacts us.”
I don’t give her details, and she doesn’t ask questions, but she walks with me. I’m mentally preparing to leave and drive into Inverness to kick Aitkens arse. I haven’t driven off this mountain in fucking weeks.
“A word, son?”
“Aye.” I don’t have much patience, as time is of the essence here.
“I came across Paisley a short while ago. She was crying, Leith.”
I roll my eyes but don’t reply. I make a sort of grunting sound as I shoot a text to my brothers.
Need to run an errand in town. Will fill you in on the way. Retribution in store. Be here in ten minutes.
Their responses are prompt.
On my way.
Be there straight away.
Yes, sir.
I look up at Mum, who’s patiently waiting, her hands folded in front of her and a soft smile on her lips.
“Aye. What about Paisley?”
“Leith, she’s more sensitive than Islan, you know that.” It’s true. Islan’s a veritable fireball.
I grunt again, not terribly interested in having this conversation.
“Says you may not let her travel at the weekend. That you told her she had to remember who she was and ask your permission?”
I nod. “Something like.”
Mum blinks once, then twice. “Leith.”
I glance at the clock on my phone. “I have to go soon. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
A muscle ticks in her jaw. “Remember that a good leader shows meekness.”
I blow out an impatient breath, eager to get going on my task. “Of course. Have I done anything that showed you otherwise?”
She shakes her head and walks away. I have the distinct feeling I’m missing something.
Ten minutes later, my Clan brothers and I are driving down the steep, narrow path that takes us into the heart of Inverness. We’re far enough away, no one ever comes here by accident, but also far enough away it’s a pain in my arse to get into the heartof the city. I make a silent vow that one of my new jobs as Clan Captain will be to ensure I’ve got a better route to the city, as long as we continue to be well hidden.
The mountains of the north have so few inhabitants, until recently it’s been easy to keep our existence quiet. Now, however, with more people living in the mountains, reclusivity’s become harder and harder to maintain.
“Need a guard dog,” I mutter under my breath as I go down the steep incline.
“Come again?” Mac says, furrowing his brow as he looks at me. He’s the youngest of the brothers but older than the girls. Mac has my mother’s bright blue eyes, his hair as dark black as hers was when she was younger. He leans back, his feet up on the dash, watching me, his large frame at rest but imbued with latent power. He’s got my father’s breadth of shoulders, his arms as big as tree trunks.
“Need a fucking guard dog,” I say, louder this time. “With more people populating the city, we’re liable to have visitors more often than we’d like.”
Tate laughs out loud from the back. The middle brother, he’s quieter than the rest, but being the second oldest in the family means he’s taken on a good deal of responsibility. He has the occasional melancholy side since our eldest brother’s passing. Pragmatic and intelligent, he’d do well as Clan Bookkeeper or Secretary if he didn’t have the responsibility of a leadership role. As such, though, he’s the Chief, and second in command.
“Leith, you’re out of your fucking mind,” Tate says, leaning on the seat to speak to me. “There’ve been, what—twopeople who’ve come anywhere near us since the fucking summer?”
“Two people too many,” I mutter, ignoring the way the rest of them laugh.
