A Ki of Heart: A Bond in Chains (Book 2)

Bellamy

No, Bellamy whispered. Please not her.

Kia stood near the edge of the ring. Her heels were half sunk into the dirt. One hand tucked behind her back, the other curled around Rose’s fingers.

She didn’t look any different, not in that sense. She still had the same face Bellamy had known forever. The same eyes that had rolled at him—laughed with him—and cried in front of him once.

But now every part of her glowed in his head like someone had thrown a spotlight over her. It all made sense how he looked for her in every room, how he wanted to be near her. The rage he felt every time someone else was getting a piece of her he wanted.

It wasn’t him changing. It was fate reaching into his life and rearranging it without permission. His dad had even mentioned it once after a meeting—but Bellamy laughed it off because he didn’t want it to be true. He never wanted it to be her.

It’s her, Sage said without any hesitation. Mate.

Sage stumbled, claws gouging the dirt. A low possessive—mostly afraid—sound rumbled out of his chest.

Why would fate give him the one person who picked him last?

“Is that normal?” someone whispered nearby.

“First shift,” another voice said.

“He’s just reacting to the crowd.”

Rose’s grip on Kia’s hand tightened. Thomas took a half step closer to them, like he’d seen something in the way Sage was suddenly fixated.

Ignore her, Bellamy snapped at his own wolf.

Sage didn’t listen to him and took a step forward. The crowd shifted back a little without realizing it as the new prince’s wolf walked to the edge of the circle. They stopped a few feet in front of Rose. Sage rubbed his head against her, then moved to Kia. Up close—her scent was worse. It wrapped around them—and settled in their lungs. Sage lowered their head; eyes locked on hers.

She stared back, brows drawn, with no flare of recognition. There was no bond snapping into clarity on her side. All she felt was confusion, annoyance, and a hint of concern... maybe.

“Hey,” she said softly. “You’re okay.”

Sage rumbled. The sound eased something in her shoulders. Bellamy had never made her relax before.

“Stop being dramatic,” she whispered. “You’re scaring your guest. But you look… good, Sage.”

Warmth flared, helpless and ridiculous throughout his body.

Mine, Sage said again, quieter this time. Not a claim shouted to the world. A vow whispered inward because he wanted Bellamy to say it back—but Bellamy refused. He was too focused on his beta. Sage stepped sideways—slow—and deliberate, sliding his body between Kia and Malik in one smooth motion. Her hand, which she had tucked away, brushed Sage’s shoulder. Malik’s fingers flexed at his sides. Kia rolled her eyes.

“Subtle. Don’t act like Bellamy,” she murmured. “Move, you’re making a scene.”

Her voice wasn’t sharp. This was what she was used to—Bell separating them because he wanted to—now he needed to. Sage didn’t move. Rose’s mouth quirked. Her eyes, though, were sharp, tracking every inch of this. Thomas tried to catch Bellamy’s gaze. When Bellamy finally looked up at Thomas, his expression was complicated.

Before Bell could talk himself out of it—he linked Thomas. She’s mine. It wasn’t to gloat. That’s what Bell told himself—because part of it was. The other part was panic.

Thomas dipped his chin the tiniest fraction, saying, we’ll talk later. Bellamy could pick up the whispers from the crowd. Some of them suspected what was true. Others who knew their dynamic just thought Bell was being Bell.

Donavan’s voice cut through the murmur. “Go run,” he called, Alpha-command laced beneath the words.

Sage shivered. The urge to run and feel his new body full-out surged down his spine. He tore their gaze away from Kia and backed away from her.

“Go,” Donavan commanded again.

And they bolted around the boundary of the stage—then took off into the woods. All Bellamy could feel was Sage’s satisfaction and the constant, humming awareness of one thread to the girl in black.

When they finally slowed, they padded back toward the circle. People cheered—eyes glowing, their own beasts stirred by the energy. Council members pretended this was all going according to their neat little plan. Kia was still there at the edge.

Good, Sage said, satisfied, as if she’d moved an inch.

Bellamy let the shift pull him back—bones cracked—fur retreated. He stumbled upright, chest heaving, sweat slick on his skin, shorts hanging on by a miracle. The applause hit a second later. Bellamy forced a grin and waved once. He accepted the towel someone shoved at him. Then his gaze went straight to her.

She was clapping. But the distance between them felt bigger than the whole clearing. She didn’t look at him like someone who had lost something. She looked like someone who had already let go.

Ours, Sage murmured.

If she had a choice, Bellamy said. She wouldn’t choose us.

Then change her mind, Sage snapped.

Back inside, Bellamy lost track of how many girls they pushed in front of him. Every few minutes, his eyes went hunting, not for another future Luna, but for his mate. One minute, she was there laughing with Rose. The next minute, she was dancing with some Alpha’s son who looked like he’d never seen a real fight in his life. Then she was gone.

Sage went on high alert, so fast Bellamy’s vision blurred.

“Kia,” he whispered her name to no one in particular. He searched the room. His eyes never found her. He would have felt better if she were standing over there with Rowan.

Vincent, he linked. Where is Princess Kia?

She’s out in the garden with Beta Malik, Vincent linked.

Of course, they were together. They were always together.

Mine, Sage roared.

Bellamy could feel Sage wanting to shift again. His teeth ached—claws were beginning to bite into his palm. He slipped out, ignoring whatever counselor was still talking to him, and let the night swallow the noise. Her scent hit him first. That stupid, impossible mix that was just… her, sweet and sharp like lightning. The bond hammered at him to claim what was his.

Bell caught them standing past the last light post.

“If the comment I made about your curves—” Malik’s voice was low, laced with charm.

Kia giggled. “It’s okay.” Her fingers gripped his jacket, like she was pulling him closer.

Malik reached up, pushing her hair out of her face before his fingers landed on her chin. His thumb paused under her bottom lip. She let him lift her chin, giving him access to her mouth. Each gentle stroke sent a shiver of pain through Bell’s body.

“Gin... Kia,” Malik whispered her name as if it were something sacred. “Malik,” Bellamy said, more like a warning.

They both jumped. Kia looked annoyed. Malik dropped his hand and took a step away, jaw locking.

“Bell,” she said, brows pulling together.

“Rose is looking for you,” Bellamy lied. “Something about pictures.” Her shoulders dipped just a fraction. She knew he was lying. She went anyway.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “See you inside?” The question wasn’t aimed at Bellamy.

“Shortly. Go take embarrassing pictures with Rose.”

Kia brushed past Bellamy, careful not to touch him. Her scent drifted over his skin like a ghost, making his head turn. He didn’t grab her—didn’t call her back—didn’t beg. He watched her leave and pretended his hands weren’t itching to hold her.

Coward, Sage growled.

Neither of them spoke until her steps faded and the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the garden.

“Now I understand why you would always do that,” Malik said, nodding toward the ballroom.

“Do what?” Bellamy shrugged, like he didn’t already know.

Malik chuckled dryly. “Ruin every moment I have with her.”

“Maybe some moments are meant not to exist,” Bellamy said, forcing himself to be calm, because he refused to show that what he saw affected him.

“Maybe,” Malik said, his voice leveling. He kicked at the ground. “Just admit it already—Kia’s your mate, isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

The word felt like a door slamming shut behind him. It meant there was no going back to pretending she was someone he could ignore.

Malik stood straighter. “I know it will be hard for you to trust me around Kia, because you know I love her—”

Something inside Bellamy snapped. Rage had drowned out the rest of Malik’s words.

He’s not a threat to us, Sage said, steady as stone.

Yes, he is.

Kia

I walked back into the ballroom with my nerves still buzzing from Bellamy catching us in the garden.

He was pissed, Eve muttered.

I know. But Bell doesn’t get to control what I do.

Eve went silent in that way she did when she sensed something shifting. Something I couldn’t see yet. Bellamy strode back in moments later—posture straighter—expression locked down like he’d pulled himself together by force. Malik followed a step behind him—focused—but he seemed smaller somehow.

I smiled and gave him a small wave when Malik’s gaze found mine. His eyes flashed gold like his wolf hit a glass wall. Malik went rigid—and his gaze ripped away from me so hard it made me flinch.

I reached for Echo out of instinct. It felt like fuzz at first. Then the connection caught.

Echo? I asked into the space.

Gin? Echo rasped, like my name hurt. Can’t. I’m Sorry.

The link slammed shut—knocking the air out of me. I sucked in a quiet breath, hand pressing to my chest like I could hold the ache in place.

Eve, what was that?

I don’t know, she answered.

I rubbed my hand against my sternum like it would convince my body to stop reacting.

“Ki,” a familiar voice said, their hand brushing across my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Hey, Thomas.” I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m heading out,” he said quietly. “Already?” I asked, glad he didn’t push me to talk about myself.

“I wish I could stay longer,” he said honestly. “But without a beta, I can’t leave my pack in the hands of the council for too long. They might riot”

“I understand. They’re not equipped to think outside of their own needs.” That caused him to smile.

“They’re not as bad as Harold,” he laughed.

The night stilled between us for a second. Thomas stepped into my line of sight.

“Ki, are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes,” I said too quickly. “I’m fine.”

He narrowed his eyes, like he didn’t buy it, but let it go.

“Text me or call me if you ever need someone to talk to.”

“I always do. Now go save your pack from those that think they’re in charge... and Thomas, if you need help finding a beta, I know how to put together a good spreadsheet.”

He smiled and pulled me into a tight, quick hug. He was there, then gone. Malik stayed close to Bellamy the rest of the night. Not once did he drift back toward me. He wouldn’t even spare me another glance. Bellamy kept shoving girls at him like Malik needed to be distracted. He didn’t engage with any of them. He just stood there like he was made of stone.

He’s not our mate, Eve said quietly.

You don’t know that, I whispered back.

Rose came to my rescue before I could sit there and rot. She took my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor, and for a moment it felt like I was dancing with my mom. I could see her red hair moving to the music, her sea salt scent filling the air. Donavan even joined us, letting me stand on his shoes like I was a little girl again. In this moment, I had my parents—or at least the shape of them.

But the moment ended as the music wound down and people started drifting to their rooms; unease crept in. I searched the room—the entrance—the bar—and the hallway leading to the restrooms. Malik wasn’t anywhere to be found.

I sank into a chair at one of the tables, fingers curling tight in my lap. Where was he?

“What are you doing?” Bellamy’s voice cut in front of me.

I blinked, clearing the fog. “I’m waiting for Malik,” I said. “He’s supposed to take me home.”

Bellamy hesitated, just a beat too long.

“He’s not coming.”

My chest tightened. “Why?”

“Classified,” Bellamy replied smoothly. “I’m headed out. I can take you home.”

The word classified hit wrong. It felt cold and final.

“Okay,” I said after a moment.

I didn’t want to go with him, but he was my only option. I pulled my phone out of my clutch and typed.

Me: Hey. Don’t get killed on your classified mission.

Me: Text me when you get home.

I locked my phone without waiting for a reply and left with Bell.