Blood in the Coffee Stream

By Maren Rescorla

After centuries of fighting between their races followed by an uneasy truce, a live-action role playing game is the last place a vampire like Dallas expects to meet a mage like Syra. His superiors insist he get to know her and learn if her people still pose a threat to them. Syra is reluctant to deal with him at first, but he's the only person who knows what she really is. As a mage, much of her secretive life is already predetermined, including who she's going to marry. Dallas uses her loneliness to get close to her but not too close. His last mission involving a mage was a disaster. The last thing he wants is a repeat performance.
As the two of them get closer, Dallas's mentor (and one time partner in crime) Tanis arrives, bringing her hatred of mages with her. Dallas must contend with Tanis as Syra is forced to visit her repulsive future husband and his overbearing family. Desperate to live her life while she has some control, Syra turns to Dallas for help. When an accident threatens both their sanity and their safety, Syra must choose between her life and her freedom before Tanis makes the decision for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maren Rescorla
• Release date: Dec 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370840175

Maren Rescorla

I was born in Utah, but moved to Northern Ontario when I was 2 and a half, which has led to a slightly unique outlook on life. My mother is an English major turned reporter and her father was an English teacher, so books of all sorts have always been a part of my world. Both of my parents were involved in local theater for years, so I spent a lot of time tagging along. Writing has always been one of those things that's just a part of me; it's one of the few ways I feel confident expressing myself and I get to play with things that just don't exist in the real world. These days, I live with my husband, three children, two cats, and whatever fairies the cats haven't chased away

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Dedication

To my husband, Shawn, brother, Christopher, and friend, Cat.

Without them this book would not have been possible.

Chapter 1 - SYRA

The vampires descended on the bar around 7pm. Some arrived alone and in silence, having just crawled out of their darkened apartments to be here. Others, in packs of three or four, found their way from the coffee shop around the corner. There were a few larger packs moving in sync, laughing along the way; most went to the same school together and were inseparable. Some of them made their appearance in poet shirts, corsets and copious amounts of velvet. The rest were in jeans and t-shirts or business suits in a bid to fit into normal society, although some would change into more traditional vampire garb upon arriving. The doorman nodded to each in turn. He'd been expecting them. After all, it was Tuesday.

As each member of our esteemed community made their way inside, the doorman, Ryan, took their dues and put a small check beside their name on a sheet. I was early as usual. Leaning against the bar, I watched the parade of college kids and high school kids pretending to be creatures of the night. I wasn’t in the mood for this week’s game of pretend, but Katie would’ve insisted. It didn’t matter what my excuse was. Tuesday night was sacred. A somewhat desperate voice pulled me from my thoughts. Please man, I'll have this week's and next week's by Sunday….please let me in. Katie will kill me if I’m not here, Jeff said. I half pitied him. Katie had a certain persuasive way about her, even if she was a little psycho. Still, he was the one who braved dating her. Whatever hole he was in, he’d dug it himself. Ryan peered at him over his dark sunglasses, waiting impatiently. Site fee was site fee, regardless of Katie’s desires. I tossed a toonie at him, earning myself an enthusiastic thumbs up. It's not like it was particularly expensive to attend, but we were only renting the place. Someone had to foot the bill. Not like anyone's ever been forced out over the money, I thought while sipping my diet Coke. I was especially careful with the straw. Wouldn’t do to smudge my lipstick.

A group of girls disappeared into the bathroom, giggling like idiots. The guys were much more likely to wear whatever they walked in with, but the ladies room changes were almost a ritual. Only four girls max would fit in at any given time, throwing off their normal street clothes for leather, velvet and lace. Make-up and hairspray would fly in a chemical spray, completing the metamorphosis. No longer were they normal girls in their late teens and early twenties. Now, they were gothic princesses. Krys had to have been the worst. I swear her corsets were always two sizes too small. Her breasts spilled over the black silk and boning. There was no way she could breathe in that thing. Too bad she couldn’t squeeze out a personality, too. She tried so hard but fell so flat.

I buckled my choker around my neck and adjusted my leather wristband, preparing for the game. People-watching was usually more my style, but the interaction within the game gave me some valuable insights on human nature. It always struck me as odd that I had to watch people playing dress-up to get to the core of their being. Especially the douche-bags. They didn't really have to apologize. They’d just blame it on their character, with the greatest of airs. The number of times I'd heard someone saying, Hun, you know I'd never do anything to upset you…it's just my character…maybe I'm just too good of an actor was unreal. They never meant it. Not once.

I was just about to wander off into the night's festivities when I was practically tackled off of my seat. Katie may be one of my best friends, but my god, that girl could be irritating. Oh my god, omigod, Syra, seriously, look over there, she practically screamed in my ear. She waved a panicked finger towards Jeff. Krys had her arm around his shoulder. She whispered something into his ear, giggling just enough to make her cleavage jiggle. He smiled at her politely. I couldn’t see what the crisis was.

Ok, it's Jeff and Krys. And? I shrugged, taking another sip.

And?!? Is that all you have to say? She's throwing herself at him, again!! After I had that talk with him last week, too. I swear, I saw him looking at her boobs!  Her arms swung around frantically. I ducked, barely missing a slap in the face. She'd always been a bit of a drama queen.  Dating Jeff had made it worse. I didn't get it. He was just, well, Jeff. Definitely not the most intriguing person, not by a long shot.

Kate, honey, you can't look at Krys without looking at her boobs. I mean, they're ginormous. They're bigger than my head. I seriously have no clue how her corset doesn't pop open every week.

That doesn't mean he has to look at them, she whined. She couldn't take her eyes off of the two of them.

Calm down. First of all, why would Jeff go after her when he's got you? You're gorgeous and smart and funny. She's what? Chesty? That really doesn't make a good girlfriend. I put my hand on her shoulder, trying to lead her gaze away from them. He glanced at us, helpless, as Krys lead him around the corner. Besides, they're just role playing. You know, that thing we're all here to do in theory. I'd really like to go try to do that myself at some point tonight. She glared at me.

Gawd, you're so selfish, Syr!

It's not like they can avoid each other. Remember, last week's game? When Ignatious cast a spell on Isabelle to follow Chase everywhere? And how Isabelle saved Chase's life? Now, how is Krys supposed to play Isabelle properly and not talk to Jeff at all? And how can Jeff play Chase if he ignores Krys? I pointed out.

I suppose, Katie said, sticking out her lower lip slightly.

Now, how about you go off and be the Cassidy I know you can be, and I'll go do my thing. We can chat after game. With that, I slipped off onto the dance floor turned vampire meet and greet. Game went along as usual, with a few more outbursts from the whirlwind of Katie. By the fifth time, I was about ready to grab her by her cutesy blonde pigtails and smack some sense into her. I'm not at all the violent type, but there's only so many times you can tell a girl her boyfriend is not cheating on her. I wanted to prove it to her, once and for all. It would've been so easy. Too bad it would have put me at risk.

I mingled throughout the room, eavesdropping on deals between college students who had nothing in real life, but whose characters had all kinds of money and influences in this pretend version of our city. There were the couples in the corner, wildly flirting with each other, even though they could barely be considered friends. My favourite ones to watch were the well-thought-out crazy characters. I mean, anyone can wander around, staring inappropriately at people or talking to inanimate objects, but it takes quite the imagination to properly realize the insanity of someone suddenly faced with immortality. Maybe Katie could try one of those next week. She'd have an outlet that way. There were the bids for power within our self-made society, with trades of anything from blood to slaves to favours yet to be named, just to climb up the social ladder. I tended to be one of the outsiders, who flitted from group to group. It was always good fun to stand there when I knew I was interrupting, just to see how far I could push people. Mike was my favorite plaything. He had a habit of acting like he was God's gift to women. Sure, he was cute and all, but he really wasn't my type. That's what I tried to tell myself, anyway. It didn’t always work so well. All of his characters had consistently flirted with mine, from the day we started playing this game. I spent a good deal of time leading him on and shooting him down, both in and out of character. He was normally more subtle in real life, unless he was drinking. He knew where things stood between us.

I was still playing around with Mike when the new guy walked in. His long brown hair and black leather trench coat fit the scene perfectly. His eyes were cool blue with an oldness to them I'd never seen before.  His slight smirk mirrored the slight limp in his walk. It felt like I should know him, that maybe I had always known him. Ryan stopped him at the door. The bar's not open tonight, man.

Mike invited me.

Hey, Mike, you know this guy? Ryan called from the door, still blocking the newcomer's entrance.

Oh, hey Dal, glad you could make it! Yeah, Ryan, I know him, he's cool. Mike grinned. You'll really like him, Syra, he said, waving Dal over to our booth. C'mon over, Dal, let me introduce you to some peeps.

Dal came towards us, weaving in and out of the people filling the room. He was done up with black lipstick and eyeliner. Wearing black motorbike boots, black jeans, a tight black t-shirt and a celtic cross pendant, he carried himself with confidence. A few of the single girls perked up as he walked past them, not bothering to wait until he was out of earshot to whisper excitedly. I told myself he didn't matter. He was probably a jerk. All the pretty boys are. So, Mike, I've got my character all made, just like you told me. Who do I have to show this to?

Umm, that would be Dana. Gimme a sec, I'll go find her. You stay here. Mike wandered off to find our story-teller. Dal slid into the booth beside me.

I guess I should introduce myself, he said, the smirk growing. My name is Dallas, but the guys call me Dal.

I'm Syra. You new in town? I asked, hoping he didn't notice me studying his face. New people fascinated me. Something about his face stood out beyond the thin scar just along his jawline. Great, another wannabe bad boy. His very presence made me tense up. Still, there was something almost hypnotic about him. I pushed those thoughts aside. He was just another guy. Nothing special.

Yup, I just transferred to the university this semester. Mike's in my psych class. Well, one of my psych classes.

You a psych major?  I tried not to sound too interested. Didn’t want to give him false hope. That was reserved for Mike. Too bad I couldn’t give him real hope instead.

Nope, I just like psychology. It's fascinating.  Leaning back a bit, he placed his hand next to mine. What do you do?

Not much. I work at the movie theater. I'm trying to save up money to go to college. My parents want me to pay for it myself, so I learn about hard work and stay out of debt. For the first time ever, the amount of grease that surrounded me at work upset me. I loved my job, but the butter and the oil and all seemed a bit much.

Smart parents, he nodded.

I guess, but I'm 19. Working a crap job to pay for school, it's just not my thing, I sighed, making a point to pull my hand away from his. I needed him to understand he was nothing special. Just another forgery in a room of perfect imitations.

So, Miss Syra, what is your thing? His grin was irresistible. It made me want to smile along with him. It made the throbbing behind my eyes that much more irritating.

I dunno. I'd like to feel passionate about something. I guess I'm just waiting for someone or something to sweep me off my feet.

Oh, really? I might just have to see what I can do to help you out with that. He brushed my hair out of my face and looked straight into my eyes. There was no way he didn't see me blushing. My mind got lost somewhere in his face. If it had been anyone else, I would've slapped him. Oh well, he was new. He could get a pass, just this once.

Mike appeared out of nowhere. Looks like I'm interrupting here.

Oh no, not at all, I assured him.

If you don't mind, Syra, I've got to steal Dal away from you. Dana's got a fight to deal with, so looks like I've got to bring the newbie to the boss instead of the other way around.  There was something in his voice I didn't recognize.  It was almost harsh. So unlike the Mike I’d known for years.

It was nice meeting you, Syra, Dal said, kissing my hand before following Mike through the crowd.

I could just barely hear Mike telling him, Don't bother man, she's impossible. I've been working on her for years… before the two of them disappeared into the crowd. My heart raced. I could feel my blood pressure rising, my cheeks burning red. How dare he tell someone I just met not to bother? It's not like Mike even knew why I never considered dating him. It wasn’t my choice. There just wasn’t any point. My parents already had other plans. It had all been sorted out when I was a baby. I hated it, but it's how I'd always been told it had to be. It was for the safety of our people. There was no way around it.

Good evening, Misty. My train of thought was shattered by Kevin’s attempt to role play with my character. He annoyed the living hell out of me. All the girls hated him. He smelled like a pizza place and had the looks to match. He was, of course, convinced he was a stud. When he was playing Ignatious, he did just fine, playing up the character of a bored vampire aristocrat with an attitude issue. I felt dirty just being near him. The way he looked at me was nearly obscene. He stared down my shirt as if my boobs had a life of their own. Granted, I could've done some pretty funky things, made it so he never looked at any breast again, but it wouldn't have been right. Hilarious, yes, but not right. I tugged at my shirt's neckline, willing it to go higher.

What do you want, Ig? I grumbled.

I saw you staring at Kent. Mike's character. Great. Mike had everything going for him that Kevin didn’t. Probably why Kevin couldn’t stand him.  You really should be careful about what you say to him, Misty. I hear Cassidy is in business with him these days, if you catch my meaning. His eyes stayed focused on my cleavage. I needed a stiff drink or a shower.

Whatever, Iggy. Seriously, do you think I care what Cass or Kent or any of the rest of you think about me or my business? I'm here for me.  I glared at him, hoping he'd take the hint and get lost. I was done with make-believe for the night. Kevin usually had that effect on me.

I'd be more careful when addressing your elders if I were you, Kevin said. He stood up, trying to be intimidating and failing miserably.

Elder? You're only 3 years older than me. And when you've got an eternity, do you really think a three year age difference matters?  His attitude was pushing me over the edge.

That's it! he cried as Ignatious, then as Kevin, Ok, so I'm trying to hit your character. Are you going to see if you can dodge it?

Of course. I'm going to block you, hit you back and leave.  Taking another sip from my pop, I realized I'd finished it an hour ago.

Ok, let's see if we can get someone to call the fight for us. Hey, Ryan, you done at the door?

Whatcha need, Kev?

Just a quick combat run. Should take maybe five minutes. Ryan nodded and made his way over. A short series of rock paper scissors challenges and my character was relieved of Kevin's. Yes, I cheated. I just wanted to get out of it. At that point, I was more interested in getting to the end of the game, so I could talk to Dallas more. Maybe he'd break my boredom. Or he'd piss me off and I'd know to write him off too. Either way, he sure was hard to read. Harder than anyone I'd met before. I moved to one of the darker corners of the bar and did my best not to be seen, without literally blending into the wall. People generally liked believing I didn't just appear out of nowhere, even if I kind of did. It was a good turnout. I was hoping Mike and Dallas wouldn't leave before I had a chance to talk to them more. I drifted off into fantasies of what it would be like to live a normal life. Sure, Katie complained endlessly about Jeff, but they were in love. They did all the cute couple things; holding hands, finishing each other's sentences, sharing dessert. I pretended to be irritated, but really, I was just jealous. Love was something that I had given up on years ago. The best I could hope for was tolerating the man I had to marry.

I'm not sure how long I was standing there before Katie found me. Syra, how long have you been hiding here? Well, it doesn't matter anyways, game's almost over. You were totally right, by the way. Jeff was totally just playing Chase. I'm such a dork. She flung her arms around me. It was nearly suffocating.

Well, yeah, Kates, I could've told you that, I replied, trying to ease myself out of her embrace. In fact, I did tell you that….five separate times.

I know, hun, I know. I should totally listen to you. Anyways, I'll catch you up on game later. Cassidy made some major headway today. It was so awesome. But, omigod, did you hear? They're opening up the bar to us for the rest of the night. Something about an appreciation thing. It's like our own private little club. Ryan's gonna DJ it too. I'm so totally freaking here. You gonna stick around? Please? You've got to. It'll be no fun without you! Katie switched seamlessly from squealing to pouting, this time in a bid to persuade me. It never took much with her. She was my opposite in a lot of ways, but maybe that's why we got along so well. She was always super perky and a lot of fun to be around. I, on the other hand, came across as the classic brooding goth girl. I liked my black clothes and my boots. I loved dying my hair, usually black, although purple wasn't unusual either. I was also fairly shy, which most people mistook for being standoffish or bitchy. Katie could easily win awards for most popular, most bubbly and most likely to be a cheerleader for the rest of her life.

Yeah, I guess I can stick around for a bit. Do you know who else is staying?

Well, Jeff, of course, and Ryan. Krys for sure. Kev's on the fence about it…I think he's waiting to see how many girls are staying. She made a gagging face. And there's Jen and Casey and May, not like any of them would ever go somewhere alone. I mean, seriously, do they pee together too? Dana and her new boy will be there. He doesn't role play though, so he'll be around in a bit. How weird is that, that Dana's guy doesn't role play?

Yup, it's weird. Dating outside of the group was almost unheard of. It was just easier. Game wasn't something outsiders tended to grasp.

Oh and Mike and the new guy will be around too. New guy's totally hot. If I were single, I'd totally go for him. Have you had a chance to meet him? Her arms were still flailing around. Maybe that's how she stayed skinny, by endless flailing.

Umm, yeah. His name's Dallas, by the way. He's cool. I tried to look past her, to see if he was still around.

Oh wow, so not only is he totally hot, but he's got a sexy name too. Please tell me he doesn't have a weird voice. That would just mess up everything.

Seriously, Katie, what's with you and voices?

Katie shrugged. A guy with a crappy voice just isn't as cute as he could be, sorry. Speaking of which, when are you gonna get yourself a hottie of your own?  She nudged me slightly. Her babble was exhausting.

I dunno. Most of the guys I know just aren't my type, I guess. I wasn't exactly lying. Technically, the problem was that none of the guys I knew could do magic, no matter what they promised.

Hmmm, really?  I'm not gonna turn around one day and find you checking out my ass, am I?