Page 141 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Ye'd have tae reach it first. And with that shoulder⁠—"

"Tristan." Elinor's voice held warning. "Stop tormenting him or I'll tell everyone about what ye did at the Cèilidh."

Tristan's eyes widened. "Ye wouldnae."

"Try me."

"Fine. Fine. I'll behave." But he was grinning. "Though I maintain that David needs the teasin'. Keeps him humble."

"I'm plenty humble," David muttered, reaching for his cup.

"Ye're really nae."

The meal progressed with the comfortable chaos of a clan gathering. Food was passed, stories were shared, laughter rang out. David found himself relaxing despite his earlier tension, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie.

Several people approached the high table to offer personal thanks—warriors who'd fought beside him, families whose homes he'd protected, survivors who wanted to express their gratitude.

David accepted each thanks with grace, though he insisted he'd only done his duty.

"Ye did more than yer duty, me laird," one older clansman said. "Ye gave us somethin' tae fight fer. Reminded us why we call this place home."

After the man left, Elinor leaned over. "You're uncomfortable with praise."

"I just did what needed daein'."

"You led them through a siege. You fought off an army. You killed the man who'd been terrorizing us." She touched his face gently. "It's okay to accept that you did something remarkable."

"Ye did remarkable things too. I'm nae the only one."

"I know. But tonight's about honoring you. About the clan showing their appreciation." She smiled. "So try to enjoy it. Even if it makes you squirm."

David was about to respond when he noticed a commotion near the entrance. The doors opened, and a familiar group entered.

"Well," Euan MacLeod said loudly, his walking stick tapping against the floor as he limped in. "I see ye started the celebration without us."

Behind him came Calum, Archibald, and Lachlann—the other Covenant brothers, all grinning.

David stood, wincing at the pull on his shoulder. "What are ye daein' here?"

"What daes it look like? We came tae celebrate." Calum embraced him carefully, mindful of the injury. "Though by the looks of ye, the celebration nearly didnae happen."

"News travels fast."

"Aye, it daes. Especially when one of our braithers gets intae a proper war. But by the time yer messengers had arrived and we had prepared tae leave, we got a message it was all over!" Archibald was next, his hug gentler. "Heard ye took quite a beatin'."

"I've had worse."

"Liar." But Archibald was smiling. "Where's yer lovely wife? I want tae hear her version of events. Bet it's more accurate than yers."

Elinor had risen to greet them, and was immediately swept into embraces by all four men.

"Elinor," Euan said warmly. "Glad tae see ye in one piece. David was dreadfully vague in his message about the extent of the attack."

"That's because he didn't want you to worry," Elinor replied.

"We came anyway, if a bit late." Lachlann gestured to the hall. "Figured ye could use some backup. And some friendly faces at the celebration."

"We're grateful ye're here." David gestured to the seats being hastily added to the high table. "Join us. Eat. And then ye can tell me what's been happenin' in yer own lands."