Leith (Mountain Men 1)

Everyone mumbles to themselves, but Leith commands their attention by raising his hand for silence. They all quiet and look to him.

“I don’t regret what we did. I’d do it again. But today, one of our own was threatened by the Aitkens.”

Bram goes to open his mouth, but Leith shakes his head. “I’ve got this, Dad. You’ll listen to me now.”

Bram closes his mouth. He seems to be wrestling with this, but finally nods and keeps quiet. I squeeze Leith’s hand, letting him know he’s done well.

“Before Aitkens and I could settle things, he was picked up by his men and brought home. Not sure why.” Leith turns to Clyde. “You look into that and keep me abreast, will you?”

Clyde sits up proudly. “Aye, sir. Straight away.”

Leith nods. “Thank you.”

“Father MacGowen’s safe back at the parsonage, but I think we need to make sure that we’ve got a bodyguard with him.” He frowns. “These are dangerous times we’re in.”

He tells them about Dougal’s capture, and they listen in stoic silence. He tells them about finding Paisley in the boot, and how he plans on seeking retribution for their grievances against the Clan.

Mac frowns, and clears his throat. “I’ve an idea of how I can do that, Leith.”

“Do you?”

Mac nods. “Aye. We can fill the others in later, but mind if I speak to you privately after?”

Though his tone is jovial, his body language says otherwise. He’s gripping a table knife in one hand and a fork in the other, but I already recognize that determination in his eyes from Leith. Seems it’s an inherited family trait.

“Of course.” Leith faces the others. Mac and I will make our plans. We’ll sort things out, and take the necessary steps to avenge our sister.”

“Avenge,” Paisley mutters, buttering a golden roll. “You act as if you’re the Knights of the bloody Round Table.”

“Direct descendants, though,” Leith says.

Paisley looks at him, her eyes wide. “No kidding?”

He breaks into a grin. “Of course I’m kidding.”

They laugh, and the staff pours more wine. Bram eats in silence, slowly, methodically. Flora pours him a glass of wine and hands him a buttered roll. It seems as if she’s forgiven him for what he’s done. I sigh to myself.

Relationships are complicated.

Bram finally looks over at me. “I’m told you can speak after all.”

I lift my head and clear my throat. It still takes monumental effort. “Aye.”

Everyone falls silent. There’s a hush over the table. Even Bram holds his bread halfway to his mouth. Leith looks sternly at everyone, one by one.

“Not a single bloody word about how or why she can talk now,” he says. “I know firsthand how much bravery and courage it took for her to speak for the first time. It wasn’t a choice when she was mute, but she’s overcome so much to be able to say even one or two words.”

He wags a finger at the table, lecturing them like a stern schoolteacher, and my heart melts. He’s so protective. “Do you all understand me?”

They nod, one by one, even Bram.

But I have more to say. I can trust myself to say it, and now is the time.

I push myself to my feet, ignoring the little gasps of surprise, the way everyone stares. I hold my head up bravely, and stare at Bram.

“I was silenced,” I say, my voice so low, everyone freezes so they can decipher my words. “I’ve tried so hard to speak for years. Even now, it takes every effort I have. But like learning how to ride a bike, the more I do it, the easier it becomes.”

I hold Leith’s eyes, and he nods, encouraging me.

“But I have something to say.” I wait until the room grows even quieter. “I know I haven’t been here long, but I’ve been here long enough to make observations.” I give them a gentle smile. “When you’re forced to be silent, you’re sometimes forced to listen. To really, truly listen.”

Flora’s eyes shine at me, and Leith looks as if he’s going to burst the buttons right off his flannel shirt.

“And I’ve seen a few things since I’ve been here as well.”

I’m so nervous, my heart thumps madly, my palms so sweaty, I slide them along my trousers to dry them. “Leith loves every one of you. He devotes his entire being into being the best leader he could ever be.” I look to Flora. “For you.” To Tate. “And you.” To Paisley. “And you.” To Bram. “And even to you.”

I hold his gaze a little while longer. “He brought me here to keep me quiet. But what he couldn’t possibly know is how much you all would come to mean to me. And what you all don’t know is how dedicated he is for leading the Clan as best he can.” I smile. “Bloody hell, it feels good to finally say what’s on my mind.”