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“I am trying tae secure the future of the clan,” he said through gritted teeth, and then glanced towards Ainsly, imploring her to control her man just as he had controlled Calan. She sat upright and realized what he was doing. She slipped her hand away from his and formed a steeple.

“Calum, please, let’s nae make this any more difficult than it haes tae be,” she said. Ian was pleased that she had enough sense to support him in this. It definitely took Calum by surprise, though. He sat straight up, and his mouth opened wide. Then, he pressed his lips together and frowned, although he seemed to accept Ainsly’s suggestion.

“Seamus used tae handle meeting with the merchants. Perhaps yer man here can take over. He seems charming,” Calum teased, glancing at Calan, who grimaced. Ian knew him well enough to know what would come next, so he held up a hand, silencing Calan before anything could be said.

“Aye, perhaps sae,” Ian said.

“As for who we welcome, well, we welcome anyone in need.” Calum looked at Ainsly.

“Aye,” she said. “I hae always wanted this place tae be a refuge for people who hae nowhere else tae gae. The land is cruel, and sae many people find themselves thrown out of their homes and at the mercy of the world. I hae heard tae many tales of those who hae nae survived when all they needed was a roof over their head tae let anyone gae without shelter. They may nae be strong warriors, but they are resourceful, grateful, and they work hard. I dinnae want tae change that.”

Ian nodded and pressed his lips together. “I see.” They spoke of other matters, and Ian asked about every facet of the clan. The meeting lasted for two hours. One of the most pressing matters that Ian wanted to implement was a reworking of the military, considering that both their forces had been diminished. They would be further depleted by some of the men giving up the ways of soldiering to tend to the land and go off hunting. He wanted a standing army who would train together so nobody would ever take this keep again.

“Calum haes always overseen the army,” Ainsly said.

“That explains why they were sae easily defeated,” Calan said. He was the only one grinning. At Ainsly’s comment, Calum had sat up with pride, but as soon as Calan spoke, he wilted again.

“If ye haed nae attacked like cowards and taken us by surprise!” Calum snarled, beating his fist against the table.

“Stop this,” Ian said sternly, his words cutting through the tension. “Yer men fought well, Calum, and ye should be proud of them. But I think there was room for improvement in certain aspects of yer strategy. There is nae a finer mind when it comes tae battles than Calan. Ye and Calan will work taegether tae train the military. I want them drilled sae hard they know what tae dae in any situation, is that clear?”

Calum and Calan both started to protest, indignant that they would have to work with each other. They spoke over each other until Ian slammed his palm on the table, making it seem as though the entire room was shaking.

“That’s enough! I am the laird, and I hae given ye orders. If ye cannae obey, then I will find someone else who can.” His face was full of fury, and he shifted his gaze between both of them, making it clear that he wasn’t going to give Calan special treatment. They both nodded although they glared at each other. Ian decided that he had heard everything he needed to hear and declared that the meeting was over. As they left, he turned to Ainsly.

“I would like ye tae show me all the lands of the valley. I hae seen the keep, but I wish tae learn about everything else we hae here,” he said.

Ainsly nodded. “That was cruel of ye, putting the two of them taegether,” she said, although the gleam in her eyes told Ian that she found it amusing.

“Perhaps, but they will need tae find a way tae work taegether. We all will if we’re tae hae a future. When are ye ready tae ride out tae the border?”

“Soon. There is something I must attend tae first,” Ainsly replied.

Ian nodded. “I’ll be at the stables preparing the horses,” he said and then walked away from her, but before he did so, he leaned down and planted a searing kiss that made the world melt away. He left her feeling proud, as though he had accomplished a great deal. The kiss was sweet, and her lovely taste lingered on his mouth.