Sum of Kira

By Em Jay

Alpha Miran is only concerned with his pack. Can she break down her defenses?

Alpha Miran is a quiet man, who only has an interest in protecting his pack. When a mysterious traveler collapses at his border, he is torn between helping her and forcing her to leave. With tensions boiling high, and war on the horizon, Miran decides to allow her safe harbor under his protection, and romance blooms between the two. But Kira is hiding something. Will her secrets destory them? Will Miran come to terms with his nnewfound feelings for this musterious woman?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Em Jay
• Release date: Dec 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215045244

Book preview

1

It isn't like you to be so stoic, a young man said gently from behind the giant man. Is what I would say...but it is, isn't it?

His eyes settled on the landscape, his jaw clenched, hands folded behind his back.

The smaller man came up behind him, standing at his side. He craned his neck upwards, to catch a glimpse of the fierce man.

They're encroaching from all sides, sir. Aren't you worried?

The man blinked. We'll hold the line. Keep the nest tight. But as for war...there's no need to engage in anything like that.

His companion frowned. You can't avoid it forever. They all see us monsters. Less than. They attack us every day. And you...would you have us keep dropping like flies—like the dogs in the street?

The man was silent for a moment. There is a contempt, Lucian. Because of differences. Humans find vampires disgusting, because they're natural prey. Vampires find us contemptible because we're able to attain strength and yet still walk in the light.

He inhaled deeply, turning around with a small smile. Peace cannot be attained by war. These methods will only lead to more of the same on all sides.

Lucian shook his head. Those are ideals you're upholding...on the backs of our corpses, sir. And you are able to have those ideals because although you are one of us, you do not possess the weakness that is caring about others.

Lucian turned away, leaving the man to his vices. He paused by the door.

When you have something you love, Miran...I wonder if those ideals may shake.

Miran did not contest his sentiments or his departure. Perhaps he was right. His ideals were forged without bonds. But it would never change.

No one would love him. That was a fact. He wasn't particularly sad about it; it was just an unpleasant fact.

He was unable to reconcile the thought of something like a loved one. It was unthinkable for him. What he did have, was people to protect. To care for.

That was his duty.

He glanced back at the piano that stayed untouched. Dust had begun collecting along the keys.

There's someone at the border. A woman. Lucian called.

Miran tore his eyes from the landscape. Species?

She appears to be human.

Miran opened the window, jumping down from the second story onto the ground. He stalked toward the border.

A human woman. No doubt trouble. He'd have to send her back to where she came from. Nothing good ever came of humans sniffing where they do not belong.

His large form dwarfed the human woman, as he stood tall in front of her. This is not a territory you are welcome in, human. He grunted.

The woman looked at him, silently shaking. I-oh.

He raised his brow. Go back where you belong. He turned around, stalking sway.

I'm not sure where that is. I...I just want to–I can clean and cook. But I can't walk anymore. I just need to—

Her eyes closed, as she suddenly fell forward. He caught her in his hand with a frown.

What will you do with her? Lucian asked from behind her.

He brought her to his nose. She didn't smell like a wolf. He pulled her lips up. No fangs. And yet...human didn't seem to be a good descriptor either.

She's an adult at least. It doesn't seem like she's borne children by her hips. Perhaps no one will come looking for her, Lucian remarked. Still, we run the risk of her just being an infiltrator.

Miran pursed his lips. Take her to the guest room. I will see to her myself. I'll let her stay a week tops. Then send her back where she came.

Lucian threw her over his shoulder.

Be careful with her. She's fragile.

2

Kira opened her eyes, looking around. Had she made it.

Is this the place? She whispered to herself, sitting up. Where everyone can coexist?

There isn't a place like that, a steady, deep voice called from the corner of the room.

The man in the corner of the room had shaggy, long black hair, and dark eyes. He was tall, huge, rugged. Muscular and scarred.

He leaned forward on his haunches. "There isn't a place like that in this world. Where do you come from?

She looked around. I'm not sure. But I can't go back.

He leaned back. You can't stay here, either. What was your name?

Kira.

He nodded. Kira. This is werewolf pack. You are not a werewolf. The next human establishment is miles from here. I can personally carry you to the border.

She shivered. He looked scary, but his manner was kind and protective.

Please let me stay here.  She begged, her fingers curling desperately against the covers.

You cannot, He said firmly.

She screwed her eyes closed.  I'll do whatever you ask. Cooking, cleaning, housework.

I do not require any of that. Even your request is rooted in human customs. I cannot allow your stay here. You may recover, but then you must depart.

Kira sniffled, looking away. If I go back where I came from....I'll die.

His brow knitted. Your safety is not my concern. Though I wish for your continued life and health, I am not responsible for you. I am responsible for my pack.

She slipped out of the bed, stumbling over herself softly. He stood, catching her.

She clenched his clothing. Sir, please...

He sighed with a frown, looking over her crumpled form. She was pitiful, and his heart twinged in pain at the expression on his face.

It was wired into him to care for those who weaker and protect those who needed protection. More than ideal, or even his duty, it was coded in his biological imperative.

She needed him.

For a bit. Just...until you get on your feet. But we will go to the human village together when you are recovered and find you a place there.

She let out a short breath, her curls framing her face, brown eyes wide, and shiny with tears.

Thank you sir! She threw her hands around his neck. His hands hovered over her in shock a soft grunt.

Alright, alright. He patted her back carefully.

Kira leaned against him.

You're the Alpha of this pack, aren't you? She asked gently.

He looked ahead. Human understanding of the structure of wolf society is very weak.

I see. Then you're not?

He sighed. Wolf society follows a family structure. Rather than brute force, those who are oldest and strongest care for the younger weaker members of the pack. Like elder brothers and sisters.

She smiled. Family. That's beautiful.

He said nothing.

Then what are you?

Miran was quiet for a moment more. I am Miran. And I am eldest to all, and strongest of all.

He picked her up, laying her back in the bed. Rest now. You must recover, soon—

She pulled him back, her hand smaller, fancier less scarred than his own.

I'm sorry would you stay with me? she looked away. As you can tell...I'm quite soft. I'm afraid...of being alone.

Miran sighed, sitting back in his chair, letting their hands unravel.

Very well.

He closed his eyes. She was a beautiful woman. He didn't sense that she was dangerous. Just a lost young woman, most likely hurt in more ways than one. It wouldn't do any harm then, to help her a while longer.

Are you asleep?

He peeked one eye open. No.

Kira couldn't sleep. She needed to embed herself here. With him. She had to make sure she became close to him. Her eyes river the room, the piano in the corner.

3

Miran could not escape Kira. She followed him everywhere he went, following closely behind him, her toes in his heels.

Her dark brown skin has more color to it after a few days, but she still insisted she follow him no matter where he went. So he stayed still. He didn't want her to see the layout of the pack. She was still an outsider after all.

Kira's fingers stroke the keys of the piano. She liked it, he thought. She never played, only look longingly at it.

I have duties today, he announced. You're not to come with me.

Kira stood anyway, putting her hand on the back of his shirt.

He sighed, lifted her up with one hand and setting her down. Kira...

She looked down. I'm sorry. I'll stay put. She sat down.

He noted her expression and heaved a sigh, standing. He left her to her devices alone, walking around the border of the pack. His pack was well over 30 acres. He patrolled the border every day. It didn't take long. An hour to be thorough. His mind flitted back to Kira, the wild against his face. She was...interesting. But more then that there was something about her that wasn't quite right.

Something he couldn't place. Something innate and ingrained. Something about her didn't smell right. She didn't smell bad...Just not right for the information she'd given him. He'd given her enough time to explain herself. With the border clear, he headed back home.

He walked up the stairs, opening the door and slamming it shut.

Kira looked up at him, started. She was sitting at the piano.

You smell strange, He informed her, pulling off his shirt.

Kira sniffed herself. I didn't realize. I'm sorry I—

He shook his head. No. Not that scent. You smell like me right now. You have my...I meant your...other scent. I can't seem to tell what species you are. Enlighten me.

Kira shrugged. I'm human. I'm a human woman.

He blinked, sitting next to her at the piano. His large hands slammed down on the keys dramatically on the minor keys playing a discordant note.

No, he said with finality. You're not.

He looked over at her. His hair was pulled back, his shirtless body scarred, muscles bulging. He was athletically built but was still somewhat soft. She leaned closer. He wanted to get rid of her, it seemed. But she couldn't go back.

I don't understand of course I am. I...I can't fly or drink blood without puking and I'm not a wolf. What else would I be? She nervously asked, a shiver taking over her body.

Hm...what else would I be? That is interesting. I don't know, Kira. And truthfully. I don't care. You don't have to go...but you have to get the hell out of here, hm?

Kira reached out, touching his hand as they hesitated above the keys. His eyes were a light brown color almost yellow. They peered deep into her soul, shaking her.

If you abandon me...If you make me leave I will die. There is no doubt no hesitance. When I leave I will die, Miran. Can you be convinced to shelter me?

Miran quirked his brow. Shelter you from what? From who?

Kira swallowed roughly. Does it matter? It's not like anyone is a match for you, right?

Miran wasn't amused. Appealing to his ego was what she attempting to do. She wasn't as innocent as she appeared was she? She was trying to manipulate him. He just wasn't as gullible as she assumed. Her fault.

She wasn't wrong though. It wasn't likely whatever was following her was stronger than him. The issue? It wasn't just him. He had responsibilities. And he couldn't think of a good reason why she should be one of them.

Kira looked down. I'll live like I'm dead, I swear. I don't have to stay here. I do y need anything. I just...need your protection.

Miran pursed his lips and sighed once more. Something about you seems wrong, Kira.

She smiled softly but said nothing. She stood, walking away. I'll stay out of your sight.

Miran played a gentle tune on the piano closing his eyes. He'd have to do research on her. His fingers massaged the keys, her image flitted behind his eyes, as he did forming a new melody.

Something mysterious to fit her.

Letting her stay then, sir?

He paused, but didn't open his eyes, giving a silent nod of affirmation.

And that seems like a smart decision to you sir? Lucina asked leaning against the door.

Miran shrugged. Not particularly. But it's what I'm doing for now. Do you think I can handle it?

Lucian sighed. Don't know anything you can't.

Miran smirked. Ah, and how are the pups these days?

Lucian shrugged. The same as they were yesterday. Running about. Biting things they shouldn't.

Miran' slips turned up, his hands moving once more, caressing music from the instrument. Lucian, do you worry for me?

Of course I do, Miran. You're...

Miran waved his hand. Ah, so sentimental. Hey...make sure you eat before you go out. You can't skip breakfast.

Lucian grumbled, walking away. Miran just smiled infinitesimally, playing the piano. He'd look forward to the havoc she may wreak. He would put an