Page 126 of Taming the Beasts
I gave Emma two thumbs up. It was good that she hadn’t accused Kebe outright. Just in case King did like her.
“Well, what is she doing that seems supernatural?”
“She’s disappearing. And it’s not super vampire speed. Because we have her on camera.”
“Disappearing? Huh.”
“What?” Emma asked. “Do you know what kind of creature does that?”
“I’m not sure. What other information do you have?”
“She claims to like blood and all the normal vampire things, but it seems like she’s lying. She also says she’s like a bajillion years old. She’s from ancient Egypt...”
“Fascinating,” King said. “Egypt? Really?”
Emma nodded.
“And you said she claims to be a vampire?”
“Yeah, but...”
“I’ve always had suspicions that vampires actually originated there,” he said.
Wait, what? Really?
“No, they’re Romanian,” Emma said.
“Not necessarily. They became prevalent in Slavic folklore. But that doesn’t mean that’s where the disease began.”
“Disease?” Emma asked.
“What else would you call it?”
“A curse.”
“A curse, a disease, what different does it make? But there was magic in ancient Egypt. That fits more to me. The folklore always seemed so religious. I don’t think vampirism has anything to do with Christianity. It’s older than that. More powerful. And if this stranger you met is similar to a vampire, but a little different? I think maybe she’s telling the truth. She’s just the most powerful vampire in existence.”
Emma looked over at me.
I shrugged. We hadn’t used Kebe’s name. But I knew she’d talked to him about the coin. Did he knowwe were talking about her? I waved my hand to keep Emma talking.
“Oh did I say it was a she?” Emma asked. “I meant he. It’s a guy that’s lying about being a vampire.”
“Is he like really feminine looking or something?”
I stifled a laugh.
“Yeah,” Emma said. “He’s a real...lady boy.” She made a face. “So you thinkhe’sa vampire? Despite disappearing and being caught on film?”
“I think a vampire that old is capable of a lot more than one born more recently.”
“Interesting. I know Zoey asked you about this magical silver coin with an Anubis head on it too. Do you think that could cure even a powerful vampire?”
“I think it will cure whatever supernatural creature it comes in contact with.”
“Without hurting them?” Emma asked.
“It’s a cure,” King said. “I can’t promise it won’t hurt. I’ve never seen it work, so it might be a painful transition back to being mortal. But it will cure them.”
