Selected

by Barb Han

  I scramble toward it on all fours and stretch my fingers out to grab it as it’s out of reach. Another inch, and I’m there—except that fingers dig into my thighs and jerk me backward.

  Snyder flips me onto my back. Her thighs are a vise holding my arms to my sides. I buck, but my attempt to knock her off me fails in a big way. She makes a play for the needle. I use her own momentum to knock her off balance this time. Extending my hand, I reach the needle first and jab it in the flesh of her arm, releasing the medicine.

  “Enjoy your nap.” I make hateful eyes at her, hoping my face is the last thing she remembers seeing before she passes out.

  Without a minute to lose, I hop to my feet. Everyone’s gone, and I can only pray that’s a good sign. They’re with Caius. He’ll take them to the rendezvous point.

  My head starts pounding and my legs shake as I make a run for it, but I make it to the meeting spot on time.

  Caius looks completely freaked out. He stands on top of the hill, scanning faces, searching for me.

  “Caius,” I shout.

  He sees me and heads straight toward me through the small group of people. “What happened to you?”

  I run to him, lean into him, and wrap my arms around his waist as he pulls me against his chest.

  “I’m okay.” I bury my face in his shirt. “Snyder was there, and I lost you guys.”

  He pulls me in tighter. “I didn’t know.”

  “I made it.” That’s all that matters. I’m determined not to break down in front of the others, no matter how much my heart hurts. I need a distraction, so I search the people gathered at the rendezvous point.

  “How’s Lillian?” I ask.

  “Not great. But she’ll survive,” Pace says as he walks up. He surveys my face, and his mouth tightens. Then, he says, “Glad you made it.”

  He has no idea. The other Selected are huddled together, a few are crying. I can’t tell if it’s because they’re afraid they made a mistake, or they’re overwhelmed by their first taste of freedom.

  I fear Rhys will show up at any second. Both he and Snyder will haunt my dreams for a long time, I’m certain.

  But he doesn’t come.

  The rest of us are all here except for Annora. My heart thunders against my chest. She took the biggest risk, drawing attention to herself at the employee gate.

  Easton will never be the same again after news of our escape breaks. The country is distracted, but I hope this sheds a light on some of the darkness here. If Snyder comes into power, this is the kind of power-hungry leader Maine can expect.

  Caius’s arms tighten around me. Time slows and minutes drip by waiting for Annora. And then I see her as she crests the hill. Applause breaks out.

  “You’re welcome to leave, to look for your families on your own,” Annora says to the small group as the sun starts to rise.

  Heads are already shaking before she finishes her sentence.

  “They’ve taken what little family we had away from us,” one of the girls says. “We have no home to go back to. We want to come with you.”

  I don’t say anything, but it’s true. None of us have homes or families anymore. All we have is each other and an uncertain future. But we have to move forward, anyway.

  “We have a vehicle stashed.” Pace motions toward the cemetery where there’s a battery-powered military truck in between the trees.

  “When did you do that?” I ask.

  He shrugs. “We had a couple of escape routes in place. Annora wasn’t leaving the other night without you.”

  Caius links our hands as we hustle to the vehicle. Pace and Keir carry Lillian.

  “She okay?” Annora asks.

  “She will be.” I look at Annora, who nods as she takes the driver’s seat, and I can’t help but think that we do have family.

  I settle in between Caius’s thighs in the bed of the vehicle. The thought of leaving Easton alive is almost too good to be true.

  The engine comes to life, and we wind out of the woods. The plan is to use this truck to find a safe place for all of us, driving until the battery runs down and then recharging it with a device built by Jax. He’s still helping us, looking out for us, protecting us through his technology. Tears sting my eyes.

  I rest my head on my boyfriend’s shoulder. “This isn’t over.”

  I feel more than see his nod. “Easton is too strong, too powerful. They’ll find a way to cover this up and open classes in the Fall.”

  Sitting up, I twist around so I can stare into his eyes. “Then we’ll regroup, find Trevor and the others, and come up with a plan to expose the school program and those behind it. We have to.” I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat and repeat, “We have to.”

  “I’m aware.” His voice holds a resigned note. “We have a little time.”

  If all goes well, we’ll have enough power to make it to Georgia. I have no idea what we’ll find when we get there. A bigger fight? My mother? Trevor?

  The sun warms my face. The wind whips my hair around. My future has never been more uncertain.

  Trevor’s out there, somewhere, alive. So is my mother.

  Taking in a deep breath, I inhale the scent of greenery and pine. I look around, taking in the green landscape. Caius is positioned behind me, like on the hill, and his arms are wrapped around me. I lean into him, my back against his chest, and his warmth surrounds me.

  I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Right now, I can’t let myself worry, because for the first time in my life, I’m free.

  Excerpt

  Standing in front of the cellar door, flashlight fisted in my right hand, light off, I’m ready for whatever’s inside. I’m one night’s sleep away from my target, Easton Prep, and from my twin sister. I haven’t seen or spoken to Tori in three years—longer than that if I count how much of an ass I was to her before she left for school.

  I had no idea that day would be our last together. If only I could go back and change the way I acted…

  Night has plunged the farmhouse into darkness at this hour. The door is heavy. I open it, inch by inch, praying the hinge doesn’t squeak. Once inside, I shut the door over my head and run my hand along the wall, feeling my way with each step down. My muscles are coiled, and I’m ready to strike as I mentally prepare for every scenario I’ve encountered in the past.

  The last safehouse I reached had been raided minutes before I got there. Plan B had me sleeping in the nearby woods under a pile of leaves for three nights. I’ve learned how to time my escapes. Raids are becoming more common. For the first twenty-four hours, the target is monitored closely. Day two brings cameras, drones, and fewer patrols. By the end of day three, the raid team moves on. That’s when the good guys arrive. One by one, they disable the surveillance cameras. The raid teams are smart, but the underground teams are smarter.

  Getting in and out of Maine is becoming more difficult as tensions rise. Even crossing the Massachusetts border is becoming a struggle. Other, less sympathetic countries are tightening security gaps, filling holes.

  Exhaustion is wearing me thin, and I hope like hell I’m not about to face a fight. After walking nonstop for thirty-six hours, I need food and rest to make the final leg of my journey.

  I give the signal—the hoot of an owl—to let the occupants, if there are any, know I’m friendly.

  “Welcome.” I recognize Cyprion’s voice immediately.

  “How’d you beat me here?” I ask. He isn’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow morning.

  A faint light turns on, illuminating his face.

  “I never thought I’d say this, but you’re a sight for sore eyes,” he says.

  “Are we alone?” I ask.

  “Yes.” I take a seat next to him as he hands me a bottle of water. All signs of welcome wash from his face.

  “We have a problem.” Cypri
on’s expression is a gut-punch.

  “What is it?”

  “I just got word. Your sister’s not at Easton anymore. She’s gone.”

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  Acknowledgments

  There are so many people to thank for making this book happen.

  First and foremost is my editor, Candace Havens, who is a living, breathing Wonder Woman if ever I’ve met one. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover my gratitude for the fact you have managed to bring this book of my heart to life. But that’s where I’ll start. Thank you for being my inspiration and for believing in me from my early writing days to now. I’m not sure if you realize how much you inspire the entire writing community and especially me.

  Hats off to the team at Entangled Publishing. All the love goes to Curtis Svehlak, production editor extraordinaire, and publicity dynamo, Riki Cleveland. And everyone who worked behind the scenes to makes this story into a book. You are all rock stars and I’m so grateful to each of you.

  A huge thank you to Jill Marsal, my agent, for always having my best interest at heart and being there every time I need advice.

  This story wouldn’t have seen the light of day without the encouragement of a few people. Tonia Knight, you let me stand on your shoulders when I didn’t think I could take another step. Thank you for lifting me up, reading a first draft and giving me the courage to keep going—I love you. Mom, you are my biggest cheerleader and always make me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. Thank you isn’t nearly big enough to cover my gratitude. And to Kathy Ivan for volunteering to beta read when I know you didn’t have time, and for being so enthusiastic about the story. Your feedback and encouragement have meant so much to me. Chris Keniston, our writing sessions make this journey so much more fun. And Kathleen Baldwin for the amazing cover quote. Thank you!

  There are two people who inspire me beyond words. Madison Goodman, you are a beautiful soul, and I have loved to watch you dance. Ashton Benn, you are such a bright light. I think you know how much I adore you but just in case you don’t…you are amazing.

  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside you.” To Kristy Blakeslee, what lies inside of you is an unbelievably bright light. A gift that shines on so many, including me. Getting to know you is one of my greatest fortunes.

  To my family, for being the great loves of my life, my inspiration and my heart. I love each one of you so very much.

  Brandon, I love our ‘let’s brainstorm a new book’ sessions. I’m still working on that reindeer holiday romance we talked about a couple of years ago. LOL

  Jacob, I’m amazed at your tech abilities. Thank you for all your brilliant advice. I seriously can’t wait to own a real AllinOne someday, so I hope someone hurries up and invents it. I also love that you talk tech and gaming to me like I know what you’re saying even though I have no clue half the time. LOL

  Tori, I love our home spa sessions and the fact that we visited literally every Sephora in Manhattan over five weeks one summer, racking up Beauty points we still haven’t spent. Next time, I promise not to be afraid to try the gluten free options at DŌ. LOL

  Babe, there’s no one else I’d rather do this life with and I can’t wait to see what each new day holds for us. I love you with all that I am.

  And, last but certainly not least, to a very special angel, who’s guiding hand has been on this story from the first. I will never forget your generous heart and infectious smile, or how much you loved butterflies and Tiffany blue.

  About the Author

  Barb Han is a USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books “heartfelt” and “exciting.” She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, a poodle mix and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard. Sign up for Barb’s newsletter at www.BarbHan.com.

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