Page 66 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
“Calvin,” he called, striding toward him.
Calvin looked up, his expression tightening before relaxing into a guarded mask. “Me Laird,” he returned, his tone neutral.
Hunter folded his arms over his chest and gave him a pointed look. “What was that back there? Ye looked ready to jump out of yer skin.”
Calvin sighed, leaning against a post. “It’s… It’s likely nothin’. I’ve been tryin’ to make sense of the odd activity on the border. The tracks, the timing—it feels deliberate, but there’s nay clear connection. Kara’s outbursts crossed me mind for a moment, but it’s a stretch to tie her to this.”
Hunter frowned, leaning in slightly. “Kara? Explain.”
Before Calvin could respond, a voice rang out, drawing both men’s attention.
“My, my, isnaethisa serious discussion?” Struan emerged from the shadows, his smirk barely hidden under his otherwise polite façade. “Laird MacKinnon. Calvin Turnbull. Good mornin’.”
Hunter’s back stiffened immediately. Of all his councilmen, Struan had always been the most opportunistic, always angling for influence and power.
He turned to fully face the man, his arms now hanging at his sides but ready. “Struan,” he said, his voice clipped. “What brings ye out here?”
Struan’s eyes darted between them—he was clearly enjoying their discomfort. “I thought I’d check on the young Miss Lily. I heard she wasnae feelin’ well after yesterday’s ride. I do hope she’s feelin’ better now.”
Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “Lily wasnae feeling well?” He turned his glare on Calvin. “Why wasnae I told?”
Calvin, to his credit, stayed calm. “She seemed much better when I saw her earlier. Must have just needed a nice supper and a good rest.”
Struan’s smirk widened, his voice oozing false concern. “It’s a shame, really. Such a spirited lass. And yer wife, too—such a sharp tongue on that one. She didnae take too kindly to me comments yesterday. Ye would think she’d appreciate a little friendly advice.”
Hunter balled his fists, but Calvin stepped in before he could respond.
“Perhaps yer advice would have landed better if it wasnae laced with snide undertones, Struan,” Calvin said coldly. “But then again, subtlety was never yer strength, was it?”
Struan’s expression faltered, his smirk dropping as he straightened. “Ye have always been quick to speak, Calvin, but ye would do well to remember yer place. I’m a councilman, after all.”
“And I’m the Laird’s man-at-arms,” Calvin shot back, his voice steely. “So, if ye have nothin’ useful to say, perhaps ye should see yerself back home.”
Hunter let his man-at-arms take the lead, but his glare didn’t waver. Struan’s arrogance was grating on his nerves, and the councilman seemed to sense it.
Struan adjusted his coat and cleared his throat. “Very well,” he said. “If ye would rather talk business, let’s. I’ve been hearin’ complaints from some families livin’ on the eastern border. With the recent… let’s call themintrusions, shall we? They’re worried about their safety. They’re askin’ how ye plan to allocate resources, especially if this continues.”
Hunter clenched his jaw. “The borders are being fortified,” he replied firmly. “We’ve patrols in place, and any further threats will be dealt with accordingly.”
Struan raised an eyebrow. “Ye are sure? The MacGee family, for example, has reported hearin’ strange noises at night. If we dinnae act swiftly, they may begin questionin’ yer leadership.”
Hunter took a step closer to him, his tall frame casting a shadow over the man. “I hear their concerns, Struan. But it isnae their place to question me leadership, nor is it yers.”
Struan held his ground, though his smugness faltered. “Of course, Me Laird. I only wish to support the clan.”
But he was only met with Hunter’s silence.
After a moment, he inclined his head and backed away. “Good night, Me Laird. Turnbull.”
As soon as Struan disappeared into the castle, Hunter let out a breath through his nose, his temper barely in check.
Calvin exhaled as well, shaking his head. “That man’s as slippery as an eel. I dinnae trust him.”
“He’s been on the council since before I was born. Somehow the man still breathes. I have to trust that me faither kenned how to manage him,” Hunter muttered. He started walking toward the barracks, motioning for Calvin to follow him. “Though it’s clear that he’s sniffin’ around for any signs of weakness.”
Calvin nodded, his expression dark. “And usin’ the MacGees as leverage. If he had his way, half the clan would be doubtin’ ye by sunrise.”
Hunter’s lip curled. “Let him try. Struan’s issue with me has always been about power. He’d rather see himself leadin’ than supportin’.”
