Devil's Dance

By Jason Halstead and J. Knight Bybee

Book 3 in the Fallen Angels series

A year has passed since the last attempts to close the portal to Hell failed. In spite of no longer being at the top of the food chain humanity continues to struggle to survive.

Andy has come into his legacy, protecting those he loves with the very power that could destroy them all. His friends are struggling to find allies in the fight against the demon horde, but can they trust the remnants of the United States government? Alex struggles to accept her new life after being rescued from the demon queen's grasp, but she knows it's only a matter of time until her Mistress finds her again.

Tam'rah's son, the prince of darkness, is coming into his own and threatening to destroy everything the world has left to offer. Humanities efforts have failed. Neither an attack led by an angel or a nuclear strike were capable of dislodging the demonic forces. With nothing left to fight back with, humanity has only one option remaining: they have to fight fire with fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Novel Concept Publishing LLC
• Release date: Oct 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310026140

Jason Halstead

Jason Halstead has always had colorful stories to tell. At an early age that creativity usually resulted in some kind of punishment. At long last he's come into his own and has turned his imagination into an asset that is keeping thousands of people entertained. When he's not writing Jason spends his time with his wife and two children, trying to relive his glory days as a powerlifter, or developing new IT systems for his dayjob. He enjoys reading and responding to fan mail as well, so if you liked any of his books, don't be shy! Sign up for his newsletter, find him on the web at http://www.booksbyjason.com, email him at: [e-mail], or follow him on Twitter: @booksbyjason.

Book preview

Chapter 01

Lanny Henrie ran the back of his hand against his head. It was a wasted effort; the heat forced sweat to bead up as soon as he wiped it away. Even the soft ground radiated heat as he peeked through the trees at the road.

Quit shaking! He berated himself. This is a simple ambush, just like I trained for. Despite his mental lashing, his hands continued to shake as he readjusted his grip on the rifle. This was his first time out. First time he would be aiming at something other than a paper target. First time shooting at something that wanted to kill him.

The sun was in front of them and high enough in the sky to give several hours of daylight. That meant the sun was in their eyes, but that would keep it from silhouetting them when the demons came.

What if they don’t come through? He couldn’t stop the thought, or the one that followed. What if they’re coming up behind us right now? They could be anywhere. Can they turn invisible? Too little was known about what the demons were capable of.

Stop it! He chided his fears. He let his eyes close as he took a deep breath. He held it for three heartbeats before letting it go. Opening his eyes, he was glad to notice his hands no longer shook.

First raid? Whoa, calm down! the man threw his hands up as Lanny swung around with his rifle raised and his finger on the trigger. It was none other than Andrew Peterson.

S-sorry, Sir! Lanny spluttered. You snuck up on me. He was shaking again. Great! Now I look like a newb in front of Andy Fucking Peterson!

At least I know I can still sneak around, Andy chuckled. I swear I can’t get anything past Megan.

Lanny had a hard time getting his heart rate under control as the legendary man laid down next to him. I remember what it’s like to face them for the first time, Andy continued. I damn near pissed my pants the first time. The trick is not to let it get the best of you. That's what they want. That's what makes them so strong.

You were afraid, Sir? Lanny couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Andy was a legend. It was said he never used gun, only the slim blade at his hip. He couldn’t picture anyone who was willing to get that close to a demon ever being afraid. Stories were told about Andrew Peterson. He’d heard it claimed that he could kill demons with his bare hands and talk to animals. Rumor had it that any time he took part in a mission, that mission was guaranteed to succeed.

Does his presence here mean that something is wrong?

Of course I was. Oh, I know what people say about me, Andy chuckled. But trust me, I’m only human. Lanny hated the hear someone say Trust me. It usually meant they were about to lie, but he couldn’t see how Andy Peterson could be anything other than human. It also went against the third rule about honesty. The man who gave me this blade saved my life that night. He patted his hip where the dagger hung. Lanny wondered at the gloves over his hands, but figured he had his reasons. Lanny preferred to wear as little as possible in this damned heat. Looks like they’re coming into view. It’s all right to be afraid, but do me a favor?

Lanny nodded as Andy squeezed his shoulder. They were supposedly the same age, but he felt like a child next to this man.

Aim at the ones with horns, Andy smiled at him. Before Lanny could think of anything to say in response, the other man pushed himself up into a crouch and moved off.

Psst! Lanny heard from his right. He turned to face the only other person out here that was as new to this squad as Lanny. Was that Andrew Peterson? Robert Larsen whispered.

Keep your eyes forward, their commanding officer snapped.

He took a moment to nod to his friend, before sighting down his rifle at the approaching demons. There were six of the monsters herding a group of humans between them. Lanny couldn’t get a good count on how many humans were with the demons. He didn’t know where the intelligence originated that the demons would be moving a group of slaves, but it was good.

The demons moved as though they owned the land they walked on. Then again, they more or less did. They’d conquered the last of the lower United States during the poor excuse of last winter. Central America fell soon after, and the demons set their sights on Canada. Calgary was only a three hour drive from what used to be the border, but somehow the demons never found their camp within the woods. Rumor had it Alaska was putting up a good fight, but Lanny didn’t know for sure.

Now, at the end of a summer that never wanted to quit, there wasn’t much of North America that fell outside of the demon’s control.

Aim at the ones with horns, he muttered as he focused on the demon he assumed was the leader. He had the largest horns of the six demons. He also had the most horns. Black twisted points covered its head, with the largest horns poking out past its broad shoulders.

Hold, their commander ordered in a firm, but quiet voice.

Lanny took a moment to ask for a blessing on his rifle and bullets. He’d had to endure three weeks of religious training before he was deemed good enough to bless his own gear. Of course, the real test was about to happen. If he shot and the monster didn’t go down, either he wasn’t as good a shot as he thought he was, or he’d failed to endow his rifle with holy power.

He almost never missed. It was why he was out here while others his age were still being trained. That and the resistance was getting desperate. Lanny might be one of the youngest but soon there would be more people his age fighting. They were running out of reinforcements fast.

Take aim, the order broke Lanny’s musings.

His hands were calm as he took a deep breath and controlled his exhale. At the bottom of the breath he held it. His front sites sat squarely between the demon’s wide-set eyes.

Fire! The command was swallowed as gun shots ripped the air.

Lanny took another moment to verify his aim and squeezed the trigger. He watched as the large demon’s head snapped back. A loud, Whoop! escaped his throat. He wanted to get up and dance, but a stern look from his commander settled him down. He took aim again and saw that a couple of the slaves were down and bleeding. Not everyone was as good a shot as him. Worse, the demon he’d hit was still standing and charging right for them. He could see where he’d struck the beast, but its skull must be made out of iron.

Lanny tried to take aim again, but his hands were shaking. He pulled the trigger anyway and saw the ground puff up to the demon’s right and behind it. Cursing, he tried to calm himself, but a gloved hand moved his barrel aside.

I’ve got this one, Andy said.

Lanny stared at him for a moment, not understanding. What did he have? He didn’t wonder long as Andy ran at the approaching demon.

Hold fire, the command came, followed by a string of curses from his commander. Anyone shoots that hothead and I’ll hand feed you to the next one of those horned bastards I see!

Lanny expected Andy to draw the blade at his side as the two met. The large horned demon swung at Andy, but he ducked the attack and planted his fist into the demon’s chest. Despite his size and momentum, the demon doubled over Andy’s punch and staggered back. Lanny heard the beast growl as it straightened up. It stood at least three feet taller than Andy. Lanny hadn’t noticed how large it was until that moment. There was no way Andy could stand up to that monstrosity alone.

Lanny set his sights on the demon again. It was close enough now that there was no way he could miss. Even with Andy in close, he could put a round in its chest. Its head may be able to deflect a bullet, but he was going to see if its chest could.

Something struck his feet before he could squeeze the trigger.

I told you to hold your fire! his commander’s voice screeched above him.

I can’t miss from here, Lanny protested. He had the best shooting scores. No one could out shoot him. Missing a second ago had been nerves, a fluke. He couldn’t miss this shot!

Does he look like he needs saving?

Lanny’s mouth moved wordlessly for a moment before he turned back to face Andy and the horned demon. Andy still hadn’t drawn his blade. His movements were flawless, and seemed to take no effort at all. He dodged two more swipes of the demon’s clawed hands before striking back. The demon howled as Andy’s gloved fist connected with the underside of the demon’s outstretched arm.

The beast pulled back and looked at Andy as though seeing him for the first time. Its right arm hung uselessly at its side. Lanny expected him to pull his stiletto, but it remained on his hip. Andy stepped forward, not letting his opponent pull back too far.

Lanny heard his fellow fighters cheer as Andy went in for another strike, but the demon must have been faking the extent of its injuries. Its right claw came up and barely missed Andy’s head. Its follow on kick didn’t miss, and Andy flew back.

The horned monster raised it arms and roared, cheering itself on. When no one else joined him, he turned and found that his fellow demons had been reduced to dust. His roar turned to a snarl as he stepped towards Andy.

The young man picked himself up and held his chest as the demon came on him. He wiped at his lip, smearing blood across his cheek where he’d been cut from his fall. He looked dazed and off balance from the demon’s blow. Lanny held his breath, certain that the demon was going to kill Andy while he was still recovering.

Lanny wanted to look away as the demon’s powerful leg drew back, but his muscles were locked. In horror he watched as that leg seemed to blur with speed. He heard Andy’s grunt as it connected with his chest. He expected to see Andy go flying again.

He didn’t budge. Andy had a firm grasp around the demon’s thigh. How had he taken that blow?

With another grunt, Andy twisted and it was the demon, not Andy, which lost its footing. With inhuman strength, Andy swung the beast around in a wide arch until one of its large sharp horns impaled a thick tree. Andy dropped the leg.

The demon growled in fury as it worked to free its head from the tree, but Andy didn’t waste his advantage. In one smooth motion, his gloved hand pulled the long dagger free from its sheath and plunged into the demon’s chest. Once, twice, and the monster crumpled to dust.

If you’re done watching the show, maybe you should help the others.

Lanny turned to look up at his commander, unsure what he meant. The battle was over. They’d won. What else was there to do? He followed his commander’s gaze to see where his fellows were helping the humans that they’d just rescued.

Yes, Sir! he snapped a quick salute as he got to his feet and slung his rifle across his back. He took off at a careful jog down to the road. Some of the rescued humans needed medical attention, but only one looked serious. Over his weeks of training, it was drilled into him that their first priority was killing demons. If they saved some humans in the process, fine. If they ended up killing some in the process, oh well. As long as demons died, the mission was a success.

One of the injured was an attractive woman who looked to be in her early twenties. As with every slave, she was naked. Lanny had been trained for this, but he still felt his cheeks burn as he approached her.

My saviors! she screamed. I thought they were going to… going to— she broke down crying, sobbing into her hands, but doing nothing to hide her nakedness.

Lanny pulled off his shirt and draped it across her shoulders. You’ll be fine now. You’re among friends, he tried to comfort her, but had no idea what to say. Instead he tried to concentrate on checking out her injury. He found blood seeping from a hole in her right calf. He couldn’t help but notice how smooth her calf was, despite the dirt and grime covering her body. He also couldn’t help but notice how nice the rest of her body was.

A hush descended around them. Lanny looked up to see Andy standing over them. He wasn’t even breathing hard after his fight.

She’s distraught, Sir. Who knows what those monsters did to her while they— He cut off from the look in Andy’s eyes. He noticed that the legendary man still had his stiletto out.

Andy moved in a blur, burying the hilt of his blade between the woman’s breasts.

She died in his arms as Andy turned and walked away. Lanny stared after him, forgetting for a long moment that he held a corpse in his hands.

Chapter 02

Andy paced outside a small ramshackle hut being used for a headquarters. The thing had been cobbled together out of spare parts and probably wouldn't keep out rain, let alone a real storm. But until it rained again the shade of the uneven roof kept the sun off his back and the holes in the walls let the wind in. The minimal cooling was nice, even if he didn't need it. The heat hadn’t bothered Andy in a long time.

Andy, get your ass in here, a voice yelled from inside with a slight French accent.

He felt his anger start to rise at this treatment by the other man, but tamped it down. Colonel Frederick Beckstead, or Father Fred as he preferred to be addressed, was the leader of this camp. He was the only person who didn’t treat Andy as though he were some great hero sent here to save mankind.

Andy pushed the door open and stepped in. There was a small diesel generator running out back, supplying electricity to two lamps. They flickered as Andy walked in and then regained their strength. Andy ignored them. A small desk was at the far end of the room. Behind it sat a man in his mid-forties. The man's thick head of hair was going gray above a set of sharp eyes and a hooked nose.

Is what this young man says, true? Colonel Beckstead asked, pointing to the kid Andy had talked to before the ambush. He refused to think of the man as Father Fred. Andy knew the man was human, but didn’t like the way he grabbed at every ounce of power he could.

I’d hate to impugn on anyone’s honor, Andy said, forcing a small smile to his lips, but since I have no idea what he said, I can’t really answer that question. There was something about Fred that made Andy want to be as much of a pain in the ass to him as he could be.

Don’t play games with me, Peterson. You know exactly why I called you in here. Did you kill that woman in cold blood?

Andy decided to drop the act. A quick glance at the kid—he really should stop thinking of the other man that way, they were probably about the same age—showed that his face had leeched of all color. Andy wondered what was going through his head. Here he was, stuck between the two most powerful men for miles around, and the poor guy was the cause of tension between them. Andy didn’t blame him for running to the colonel and telling what had happened. He probably should have said something at the time, but he still felt sick for killing that woman. Even though she hadn’t been human anymore.

She was possessed, Andy said. He met Fred’s stare without backing down. I couldn’t tell until all the other demons were dealt with, but there was no mistaking her taint.

Damn it, Andy! the colonel swore, and then looked to the kid—young man. That’s all for now, Lanny, unless there’s more you want to add?

Lanny glanced at Andy with wide eyes and gulped. Andy had to give him some respect for having a backbone when he turned and faced Fred.

I don’t think she was possessed, Sir. She seemed very thankful that we’d saved her. Lanny’s voice cracked a little as he spoke.

Andy shook his head and smiled. Lanny was brave to speak against Andy right in front of him. He knew what was said around camp. Knew that he was becoming a legend in his own time. It was hard not to let that go to his head, but Megan had a knack for keeping him in line. Alex was another matter, always encouraging him. Thinking of his girlfriend brought a grimace to his face. Megan was going to be pissed when she found out what he’d done today. He wasn’t supposed to be part of that ambush.

Of course, that’s when Lanny decided to turn and face Andy again. I’m r-really sorry, Sir, he spluttered. The truth is important, be honest unto thyself and unto others. It’s the third rule.

I know the rules, Andy tried not to sound annoyed. The rules were Colonel Beckstead’s creation. They were a means for him to assert his authority, like he was some kind of Moses with his stone plates and Ten Commandments. Andy knew better than to call them commandments in front of Fred. He knew that most of the camp’s inhabitants viewed the rules as a great way of life, but Andy felt they were another way for the Colonel to assert his authority.

Thank you, Lanny, Fred said with a smile, though his hard eyes never left Andy. The enemy is a great deceiver, and wily in their ways. Be careful, and think on what I’ve said. Now, there are some things I would like to discuss with Young Andrew, here. Please see to your gear.

Yes, Sir, Lanny snapped a salute. Rule number 4: Keep your weapon as clean as your soul. Both are needed to defeat evil.

Andy tried not to wince at Lanny’s brainwashed attitude. He hadn’t been this zealous out on that ambush. Was he just acting in front of the colonel?

You could learn a lot from that man, Colonel Beckstead said as Lanny closed the door behind him.

I’m not much of a boot licker, Andy replied, trying to sound calm. By the way Fred’s eyes tightened, he knew he hit his mark.

I thought I told you to capture anyone possessed, not kill them. Andy knew the old man wouldn’t rise to his bait. It just made it more fun to jab at him.

I’m sure I mentioned what a mistake that would be? Andy replied, ignoring the way Fred glared at him. I can keep this place hidden as long as no demons are within its borders. Bring someone possessed in, and we might as well open the gates for more to follow.

Why were you out there? Fred asked in a calm tone. If Andy hadn’t seen the vein pulsing at his temple, he’d never suspect how angry he was making the Colonel. It wasn’t a big mission. Just a simple ambush. No reason for you to be a part of it at all.

I was bored, Andy said as he plopped himself into the nearest chair. The thing was hard and uncomfortable. Everything in this small hut spoke of a man that eschewed wealth. Nothing hung on the walls, and every bit of furniture was made by hand. To Andy, it felt like the man was bragging about how humble he was.

Bored? the colonel growled, his anger was surfacing. You claim to worry about our safety, yet put yourself at risk. What happens if you die? Who will hide us from evil then?

Like you said, it was a simple ambush. Nothing that would have put me in danger. Andy gave his biggest smile. He was sure the old man would explode at his insolence, but he kept himself under control.

Are you sure it wasn’t for a different reason? The question was delivered in a calm even tone, but it set Andy on edge.

Speak plainly, Colonel. I’ve got better things to do than sit here in your office and banter. He pulled the dagger from his belt and started flipping it in the air. He had to wear gloves when he held it. A year ago, the object—blessed by the late Archangel Michael—couldn’t hurt him. After learning and working with what he was capable of, the weapon had begun to tingle in his grasp at first. Now if he touched it with his bare hands, it burned him.

When was the last time you attended mass? The colonel spoke after a moment’s silence. Don’t think I’ve missed the fact that you tend to perform missions, or become busy, whenever I give a sermon.

I know where my soul stands, Andy snapped. He cursed as he missed the handle of his stiletto. The blade clattered to the floor, echoing loudly in the following silence. He tried to act calm as he bent over to retrieve the blade and return it to its sheath. He’d meant to get under Colonel Beckstead’s skin, but the tables were turning.

I see you still need the gloves, Colonel Beckstead said. You forget that I know what you really are, Andrew. Make no mistake, I will use anything I have at my fingertips to defeat the demons, but that doesn’t mean I trust that the weapon I fire at my enemy will always point at my enemy.

Andy’s jaw ached and he realized he was grinding his teeth. He was letting this old man get the better of him. He knew where his loyalties lie, even if the colonel didn’t want to believe it.

I’ve sworn to protect everyone in this camp, Andy said as he worked to regain his nonchalance. Or are you accusing me of breaking rule number two? Deceit will lead to damnation. Only those with evil in their hearts seek to lead others astray.

Only you know what’s in your heart, Andrew. I seek to save men’s lives, as well as their souls. I’ll expect to see you at tonight’s mass. Colonel Beckstead picked up a sheaf of papers and started flipping through them. Andy knew it for the dismissal it was.

Yes, Sir! Andy stood and mimicked Lanny’s salute and tone. If Fred noticed the mockery, he didn’t show it. He had to work hard to keep his pace even as he left.

Oh, and Andy, Fred said in a tone dripping with coolness, you’re the only one I have that can sense demons. I have to take your word on whether someone is what they claim to be. I’m glad to have you on our side.

The urge to slam the door behind him was almost too strong to overcome, but he knew that would be playing into the colonel’s hand.

He didn’t miss the subtle threat. Colonel Beckstead only tolerated him because of what he did. If he didn’t remain useful and start towing the company line, as it were, then he was gone. That the colonel didn’t trust him or his judgment was plain to see.

He headed for his small hut near the edge of the camp. If he was lucky, Alex would be gone on some errand, letting him spend some quality time with his girlfriend. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Alex, but her constant catering to his needs was wearing on him. He understood that she was thankful for him helping to rescue her, but he hadn’t been the only one. Some good people lost their lives that day. Besides all of that, he knew if he let Alex get away with everything she wanted to do he could get used to it way too easily.

Megan didn’t like Alex’s attitude either. In her case he knew it was jealousy. It hadn’t helped when Alex had insisted on living with them. That Colonel Beckstead had endorsed the idea, claiming that Andy needed a chaperone to ensure they followed his rules and didn’t have ‘pleasure of the flesh’ as he called it, didn’t make Andy like the colonel any more. She followed Colonel Fred’s dress code, but just barely. She still professed that being clothed felt wrong. Somehow she was able to follow the dress code to the letter, while still looking ready to entertain a bachelor party.

Last time he checked sex wasn't a four-letter word. Granted, there were versions of it that were… but what the old man didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt him. Of course, Alex didn’t make the rare moments alone any easier.

And it looked like today was going to be another day where rare moments didn't happen. Andy walked up on their hut and saw Alex standing outside waiting for him.

Chapter 03

Megan threw her weight against the pot in her hands. There was one spot that refused to come off. No matter how hard she tried, this one blemish never came clean. Tears of frustration sprang to her eyes as she redoubled her efforts.

You should let me take care of that, Alex told her. To anyone else listening, she would have sounded sincere. Megan knew better.

I don’t need your help, she snapped, scrubbing harder to clean the pot. Why don’t you go kiss someone else’s ass and leave me alone?

Okay, but any time you need help around here, with anything, just let me know. The words were polite enough, but the tone dripped with other meanings. Megan knew she meant helping with her boyfriend, Andy. The tramp thought she was being subtle.

She had to admit she wasn’t frustrated with the pot, or the spot that wouldn’t come off. The spot had been there since they scavenged it from the city a few months ago. It was part of the pan and it would never come off.

No, what pissed her off was that her boyfriend had run off again that afternoon. Before the demon invasion, if a boyfriend would have done that, she would have suspected he was cheating