A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young Page A

These things must be done right. You come back another day, after I’ve had some rest.” She motions to the lump of candies. “Now go on.”
    Reluctantly I break off a piece and slip it between my lips. The peppermint is overpowering at first, but then I taste something tangy underneath. I look over at her. “What kind of mint is this?”
    â€œJust something to calm your nerves,” she says.
    I immediately spit it out into my hand. “You’re drugging me?”
    â€œOh, hush,” she says, as if I’m overreacting. “It’s a mild sedative. My own special blend. We Seers are fond of our medications. And I can’t have you breaking down on me, not when there’s still so much to do.”
    I stand up, shocked that I let myself get so completely fooled. I toss the candy onto the table and it shatters into pieces. Marceline watches with little more than curiosity in her expression. Then she turns toward the window.
    â€œYou should go. Your boy is out there waiting for you. And I’d prefer if he didn’t come in.”
    I glance in the direction she’s looking, but the blinds are down. I’m guessing she’s talking about Abe since she already had Harlin in here today. Wait. What was Harlin doing here?
    â€œThe guy earlier,” I say. “Why—”
    â€œDon’t you worry yourself about Harlin, child. He’s a tortured soul. He’ll find you when he’s ready. Right now, you have bigger things to deal with,” she says, walking to the door.
    A wave of relaxation stretches over me, my eyes taking a second to adjust on her as I follow behind. It’s the sedative taking effect. It must have been strong. What would have happened if I ate the whole thing?
    â€œThe Shadows can be very tricky,” she says. “But as you know, you always have a choice. Well . . .” She pauses as if thinking about it. “That used to be the case. I believe things are changing now. Which, of course, is why you’re here.”
    â€œWhat?” I ask, confused. Slightly disoriented. I hope she didn’t poison me with that stupid mint. “I—”
    â€œYou’ll be fine,” she says, patting my arm. “Only lasts an hour or so. Now no more talking today. I’ll see you soon enough.”

CHAPTER 12
    M arceline opens the door, and I hear her crunch down on the rest of her peppermint, the noise loud enough to make me think she cracked a few more teeth in the process. I turn to ask if she’s okay when I see her looking past me. I follow her gaze, and see Abe standing on the sidewalk, facing her house with his hands casually in the pockets of his black pants. He’s devilishly handsome with a crisp white T-shirt, his hair brushed to the side. When he sees me, he offers a subtle wave. I smile.
    â€œGo on now,” Marceline says, putting her hand on the small of my back to usher me out. “No one can help you, child. It’s up to you. You have to follow your Need. It’s the only way to remember.”
    I turn back to ask her again about the Need, but she closes the door, the lock snapping shut. For a moment, I stand there, facing the house—swaying a little on my feet. Her story of the Forgotten seems ridiculous outside of her small living room. I almost wonder if all of this is part of a hallucination. Just then, Abe calls my name.
    â€œThought maybe you’d want to hang out before work,” he says as if that’s a completely normal reason for him to have tracked me down at the house of the town psychic.
    â€œHow did you know I was here?” I ask, stepping off the patio to make my way toward him. The air is heating up as the afternoon quickly approaches.
    â€œWas it a secret?” he asks.
    â€œNo.” I’m embarrassed as I answer, knowing that I was hoping to hide it from him. It makes me think of the memory I had in Marceline’s living room about lying