Caress The Dark God [Scions of the Ankh 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Toni L. Meilleur Page B

ancient times to present. “From what you described to me, it reminded me of Apep’s power somewhat.”
    “He’s been imprisoned for thousands of years.” Anubis wrinkled his brow in curiosity. “He’s no longer able to feed off anything.”
    “Correct. The priests who perform the ritual believe it keeps him just outside their realm. They are usually very dependable. This year however I received no confirmation from my sources that the ritual had been completed. I did not think it that important and thought to look into it at a later date. However I became otherwise distracted by Ralabos and his reawakening.”
    “Yes, but the humans don’t have the power to hold him at bay. It’s just a ritual that we gave the people to make them feel safe and empowered. He caused them great harm.”
    “Are you aware that humans today join cults that cause them harm?” Jonathan ran a hand through his hair.
    Anubis stroked his chin in thought. “It is one of the oddities I have found among the race. What is your point?”
    “The priests that usually perform the rituals have a website.” Jonathan retrieved his laptop and set it on the desk in front of Anubis. “Instead of keeping him at bay, a cult has developed to worship him. The priests decided to try another approach at controlling Apep. According to this website, they offered him a gift instead of trying to imprison him.”
    “Which is why they didn’t report the ritual.” Anubis got a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
    “Correct, and look at when it took place.”
    Quickly Anubis scanned the screen. “They did it during the one time of year when the veils separating the different realms are at their weakest.”
    “It’s possible that with the right knowledge they could have let something out, or in.” Thoth plopped in a nearby leather chair. “It’s worth investigating. I’m leaving within the hour. The priests know enough about the old ways to have stumbled upon something.”
    “I will never understand many of the things humans do.” Anubis shook his head. “I will investigate the casino deaths.”
    “And what do you plan to do with Dr. Michaels?” Thoth grinned.
    “Everything I can,” Anubis answered as he phased out of the office.

Chapter Seven
     
    He crawled out of the hole, his tongue darting out to scent the air. The sun was not at its strongest, which was good, for he had no intention of sleeping the day away. There was too much to be done, lots of preparation. Teremun stretched his tall frame as hunger pains gnawed at him. It was time to feed. Feeding him took all of his strength and then some. It would not be too much longer, however, before the Great One would have enough energy to arrive, and Teremun would have enough to usher him into this world.
    He detected the familiar coppery-sweet scent of human blood. Just to be sure, his tongue shot out again, and this time it was bathed in even more of the intoxicating scent. Teremun began to follow the trail. In a short time, it led him to a small family of three, picnicking. How sweet , Teremun thought mockingly to himself as a dark-haired toddler ran after the disk the human male threw. It landed at Teremun’s feet and he picked it up. The child stopped just short of him and reached out her chubby arms for the disk. Teremun picked her up as well and began to walk towards the child’s parents. The mother smiled. The smile wavered as he got closer. “Thank you, I’ll take Femi now,” she said nervously.
    Teremun looked at the mother, mildly surprised that her human intuition had targeted him for the danger that he was. It didn’t matter. “No, I think I’ll keep her,” he responded with a dark smile.
     
    * * * *
     
    She jumped at the sharp rap on the door, even though she’d been expecting his knock. Tessa smoothed her sweaty palms on the skirt of the long summer cotton dress. The lavender color of the dress meshed well against her skin tone. Her hair was drawn back in a high