Twisted Stars (Hardest Mistakes #3) by Dannielle Wicks

Live? They’re going to kill me already?
    “First off, you live in the town of Blake Pike and attend the local university?”
    What did she just say? “Umm, yes?”
    The microphone buzzes loudly with static. “How long have you known the other prisoner?”
    Jayden? “A few months?”
    “Have you been informed as to why he was seeking refuge in your home town?”
    “No?” I answer, confused.
    “Do you know what he is?”
    Well, that was blunt. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
    “Answer the question, Miss Reynolds.”
    “Then, no, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”
    “Your parents are Jocelyn and Mark Reynolds, currently divorced. Jocelyn is on a cruise overseas, and your father resides in Boulder City?”
    I stomp toward the mirror, ready to hit something. “You leave my family out of this, you monsters!”
    “Very well. That is all…for now.” The microphone buzzes again, and the lights shut off, plunging me back into darkness. I sink to the floor and wrap my arms around my knees. Are they going to kill me now? Are they going to hurt my family? My mom? My dad?
    Light in the shape of a door appears on one side of the room. I stay where I am, not game enough to move, especially if they’re here to kill me. A shadow covers the doorway as someone enters. I shake my head and push myself back until I hit the wall.
    “No, please,” I plead as the shadow grabs my arm in a tight hold and drags me from the room. I let my weight fall, so they have to lift me up again. As I’m dragged into the hallway, I look up at the person holding my arm. He’s dressed in a white lab coat and gloves. I try to tug my arm out of his grip, but he just squeezes tighter. “Let me go, please,” I plead again, trying not to break into hysterics.
    The man looks down at me in disdain. “Stop. I’m not here to kill you.” I don’t believe him, but I let him lead me along the bright corridor. We enter another room—this one looks more like a laboratory.
    “Sit.” The man points to a white plastic chair beside a chrome bench full of instruments. I sit hesitantly and look around at the white room. What is it with scientists and white?
    The man in the lab coat digs around in a drawer under the silver bench until he brings out a syringe and a couple of sample jars. He turns to me and pulls my arm open, jabbing the needle into my elbow before I have a chance to flinch. He draws blood and labels the sample jars. When he’s finished, he stands and leaves the room, locking the door behind him. At least he didn’t turn the lights off. I’m so sick of being left alone in the dark.
    Voices chatter outside the room, and then Cait strolls in, holding a clipboard.
    “How are you this morning, Miss Reynolds? Sleep well?”
    I raise an eyebrow at her. “Apart from the fact that I’ve been kidnapped and forced into a small, dark cage, oh, and then you threatened my family and told me you were going to murder me…yeah, I’m great. Thanks for asking.”
    “Unfortunately, sarcasm won’t get you very far, my dear.” She scribbles something down on her clipboard and turns back to the door. “Shall we go?” Go where? Not game to ask, I stand and follow her from the room. Two soldiers flank us as we walk down the corridor.
    Cait opens the door to the room with the cages. I glance at Jayden as I’m pushed into my cage. The way he’s lying along the tiles makes me think he’s asleep.
    The guards leave with Cait, and the room goes quiet. I can just hear Jayden breathe softly. Leaning up against the cold bars, I fiddle with the hem of my shirt.
    I wonder if Mom is okay. I wonder if she’s found out I’m missing yet. Surely Dylan has raised the alarm?
    Jayden groans under his breath and turns onto his back, laying his hands on his chest.
    “Are you okay?” I flinch at the way my voice echoes through the room too loudly.
    He tips his head toward me. “You’re back,” he says softly, pulling himself up into a sitting