Wrath of the Lycan: Snakeheart, #2

By Damien Benoit-Ledoux

Turns out the Lycan didn't want to talk…

…they wanted me dead, but I wasn't going down without a fight.

I'm not the kind of guy who likes to be pushed around. I know what I like, I thrive with routines, and I'm a control freak.

But after the werewolves decided I was a threat and the police harassed me for a violent crime I didn't commit, I realized my happy life was spiraling out of control and no matter what I did, it was all going to hell... literally.

I've never been on the run from anyone before, but after speaking with the strange old priest, I started running from the devil himself.

Wrath of the Lycan is the second book of The Snakeheart Series (Season 1), a supernatural novella series about Dante Coranguis and the ancient prophecy of the End Times.

Get it now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purple Spekter™ LLP Press
• Release date: May 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9798215548653

Damien Benoit-Ledoux

Damien Benoit-Ledoux is an author and freelance editor. His mind is a magical and nerdy place where fantastic heroes defend amazing worlds from dangerous villains who run amuck in an epic struggle to take over the universe. Recently, the brightest and best from this colorful cast of characters have made their way into notes, plots, stories, and novels for you to read and enjoy. Damien strongly believes the real world we live in should be a place where LGBTQ equality and respect are second nature and never questioned. When he's not working or spending time with his husband, their son, and their dog, Damien weaves this philosophy into the exciting lives of his characters and the fantastic space battles and romances they endure so they'll stop taking over his dreams at night. And finally, he wants you to remember a very important thing: No matter how bad your day is at work, it’s always important to be grateful that you don’t work for a Sith Lord.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Dante Coranguis sat in the front passenger seat of Father Daniel’s Toyota Camry because he refused go with him to Saint Michael Church or the rectory. Whenever he entered a church, he felt nauseous, so he assumed the same would happen in the priest’s dwelling. The car ride to Dante’s condo building, Gemini Point Tower, had been mostly silent except for small talk about the nice fall weather. The priest made him feel uncomfortable, but he couldn't put his finger on why because he seemed nice enough.

It’s that one, Dante said, pointing to the glass and steel tower ahead of them.

All right. Fr. Daniel steered the car and pulled up to the sidewalk. When it came to a stop, the Vampire-killing priest put the car into park.

We should talk, Fr. Daniel said.

Dante nodded. I thought killing was a mortal sin or something. At least, I think it’s against one of the Ten Commandments.

You can’t kill what’s already dead, the priest replied. Dante studied his features, illuminated by the streetlights and decorative lamps of the building outside. The man had a flawless side-part of salt-and-pepper hair and a slightly wrinkled forehead. His horn-rimmed glasses framed his face and brown eyes and gave him an air of distinguished gentlemanliness.

Is that why that thing… disintegrated?

Fr. Daniel nodded. That thing was a Vampire, son.

I know.

And the rest?

Lycan, Spellcasters, Fae, a Soul Hunter named Dorian, and maybe a demon or two. It’s hard to be sure when there are so many in one place. But the one thing I’m sure of is that they all wanted you, Dante Coranguis.

How is it exactly that you know my name? he asked, surprised. The priest had referred to him by name after killing the vampire in the street.

You gave my sacristan your business card. That, and Marcy spoke with me. Tonight, I simply put two and two together.

So, what do you want with me, then?

To save your soul, Dante. If you are The One that the prophecy speaks of, then you will face many trials as you come into your power… a power I am sworn to destroy.

Great, so even the Catholic Church wants to kill me. Do you not see the irony there?

Fr. Daniel chuckled. The Evil One will do everything in his power to convince you that your destiny is set, but it is not. You can still exercise your greatest God-given gift.

Which is?

Free will.

Choose the path of holiness. Choose love in all things and above all, do not despair and give in to darkness.

This… evil one… you’re talking about the Devil, aren’t you?

Fr. Daniel sighed. The Devil he his.

Dante scratched his nose with his left hand. The Vampires told me their prophecy spoke of someone who would be immune to their powers. Then they told me I was the Herald of the Rex Inferos. One of the witches used the word herald as well, but neither of them told me much else. Do you know what the prophecy is all about?

Fr. Daniel nodded. Yes, but it is not pleasant. We shall not speak of such things at night. For now, go home, go to bed, and get some rest.

Dante nodded and climbed out of the car. He shut the door, but instead of walking away, he turned back. Fr. Daniel lowered the window and smiled at him.

Yes?

How do you know you won’t be attacked or killed on the way home for interrupting tonight’s little gathering?

I don’t. But I believe the power of God and his Spirit are far greater than anything Satan can throw at me. Fr. Daniel winked, then pulled away from the curb, leaving Dante to mull over his evening.

image-placeholder

The next morning, Dante nailed his presentation and garnered a handshake from two of the top investors and the company CEO, Sandor van Kilrich. When he returned to his office with Marvin Jones, the vice president of software design, he found Solange working at his conference table.

Aren't you worried people will think I'm playing favorites? Dante asked her.

Solange immediately brought her index finger to her lips, suggesting he shouldn’t speak.

What's that supposed to mean? Marvin asked.

Dante looked at Marvin, then looked at Solange. She shook her head and immediately brought her index finger to her lips, suggesting he be silent about her.

Sorry, Marvin. I completely changed gears on you and thought about another situation. I was arguing with myself.

Oh, okay. But, do you think I'm playing favorites with you?

Dante shook his head. Definitely not. Like I said, different situation. Why isn’t he acknowledging Solange?

Okay, well, if you could have the team’s velocity reports from the last sprint in my inbox by the close of business tomorrow, that would be awesome. You really did a great job this morning. Thanks for putting in the extra hours last night.

No problem, and thanks.

See you later. Marvin turned and left Dante's office. Two seconds later, he popped