Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to "True Blood."
Chapter Ten: Living Dead Girl
Layla's eyes slowly opened. She looked over to the hotel clock. She rolled back over and stared at the ceiling. It was five p.m. They only had two hours until they had to be at Matius' estate.
"How do you feel?" Eric asked as he and Pam entered the room.
"Completely drained…."
Pam snickered. "Silly Layla. I didn't take that much blood. Though I suppose you're being hyperbolic... I'll go downstairs and see if there's some food. Any requests?"
"Anything."
Pam nodded as she quickly exited the room.
Eric sat next to her on the bed. He gave her a pensive look. "Tell me why you're not healing."
Layla laughed. "Ain't that just like a man, thinking it's the girl that has the problem. What if you have defective blood?"
Eric smirked. "That is not the case."
"Oh really. Well then…"
"Layla. I need to know what's wrong. This is not to be taken as a joke."
"Eric…" Layla groaned as she set up and leaned against the headboard. It was hard to handle the weight of her body.
"I have no idea. I guess, I just need to heal."
"You shouldn't have to wait with my blood in you."
"Well we have ourselves quite a mystery."
Eric nodded. "Are you well enough to go to Matius' meeting?"
Layla nodded. "Absolutely."
Eric shook his head. "You're lying. But I suspect there is nothing I could do to keep you from going."
"You'd be right."
"Well then…" Eric stood up and went to the closet. He brought back a dry cleaning bag.
"Your man-assistant brought you some clothes…they have your scent. They must belong to you."
Layla grinned. "My man assistant?"
"Yes. He brought you jeans and a shirt. And what he says are your favorite boots." Eric pulled them out and examined them.
"They look rather, distressed."
Layla smiled. "That's why they're my favorite."
Eric shook his head disapprovingly. "After you get dressed we will go downstairs."
Layla took the clothes and headed to the bathroom. Before getting there, she fell to the ground, grabbing her side. Eric quickly picked her up and put her back on the bed.
"Where does it hurt the most?"
"My side, stomach? I'm not sure where the pain's coming from."
Pam came back in with a bag of food. She looked warily towards Layla and Eric.
"Pam, find a human doctor." Pam began to head out.
"No… It's fine Pam." Layla started. "I'm not sick." Pam halted.
"Is that so?"
"At least…" Layla tried to talk as she lifted herself up. "I'm not sick enough…it's nothing that can be healed by a visit from the doctor."
"You are so obstinate….Pam the doctor!" Pam sighed and placed her hands on her hips.
"Well which is it you two?"
"The doctor!"
"No doctor!"
"Layla!"
"Eric, just…let's go to this meeting, then I'll go to a doctor."
"If you don't kill over." Pam mumbled.
Eric gave Pam a threatening look.
"Sorry. No offense Layla, but your cute little cheeks aren't rosy as usual."
"That's fine. As long as we get this meeting over with."
"How can we do that if you can't even stand up?"
Layla gave Eric a glare. She moaned as she made herself stand up slowly. "See?"
"I'll be out in the hall. Get me when you're ready." He stormed out.
Pam dismissed him with her hand. "You two I do declare…" She reached for the bag of food.
"There's V8 Splash. Rob said that was your favorite. Apples, bananas, peanut butter and this bag of stuff called Ghardetto's. Is this sufficient?"
Layla nodded. "That all sounds great, thanks."
"Good. Now, I have to go convince my master that you still care about him. The trouble you cause me." Pam shook her head..
"Thanks Pam."
"Don't mention it….ever."
….
Batista and his men were already in the room when Pam, Layla, and Eric arrived. Eric watched Layla carefully. She seemed to be masking her pain quite well. Save the drained look from her usually bright features. He stared at her appreciatively. Her will was so strong, and despite her tired features, she was still so lovely.
"It's good to see you again Layla." Batista voiced as they walked in and sat across from Layla, Pam, and Eric.
Layla ignored his comment. She was in no mood. Though she was never in the mood for Batista.
The room was set up like a large corporate office. The oval table had twelve chairs on each side, and one on each end.
"What's the matter Layla? You look exhausted." Batista started.
"Don't address her." Eric warned. Though he didn't even give Batista eye contact.
"So now he stands up for her?" Batista laughed with his men.
Layla rolled her eyes.
"And the ethereal Pam. How are you this evening?"
"Why would it be any different with my child? Do not address her either."
"Where is Matius?" Bianca voiced as she walked in. She had the body building woman with her and her supposed second: the inept plain male vampire. The woman pulled out a chair for Bianca at the head of the table. She looked over to Batista as she sat down.
"Dear husband, how are you?" Bianca asked sweetly.
Batista laughed. "Keep it up as long as you can, Bianca. Your game is just about up."
"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about."
"Sure you don't" Batista laughed. "You never do. That's why your plan would have never worked. You are too flighty to be a leader."
Bianca shifted her focus to Eric and Layla. She eyed Layla for a moment.
"So there is the little murderess. You kill Batista's child and you are still breathing?"
"Actually, you can blame your dear husband for that." Layla corrected. "He was the one who killed Andres."
"Lies!"
"Actually I did." Batista rebuffed.
Bianca looked to Batista in shock. "What? You killed your own child?!" Bianca rose from her seat.
"You mean my traitorous child who was sleeping with my wife?!" Batista rose as well.
Bianca laughed. "What a ridiculous accusation!"
"Go on, Bianca. Keep on denying. You will pay for what you have done."
"I have not done anything." Bianca scoffed.
"We shall see."
- "Enough!" Matius entered the room.
Batista sat down promptly.
"Papi!" Bianca extended her arms towards Matius, who passed her and moved to the other side of the table. Bianca sat down slowly, as did Matius.
"Now, we are here because Bianca has made a whole mess of the Texas Kingship."
"What, Papi…that's…"
"Silence."
Bianca closed her mouth and lowered her head.
"She has attacked Batista's place of business. Unauthorized naturally. She used his child against him. And she employed the use of Weres and witchcraft without permission. And she has an indiscretion accounted in her marriage to Batista."
The man standing behind Matius was auditing everything Matius was saying. Matius looked back. The man nodded to him to signify he had finished.
"Bianca, you're my favorite child."
Bianca smiled.
"However, you have betrayed me and your husband. You have caused havoc in your adopted state. And you have threatened the life of a friend of my Kingship."
"What? I have not threatened anyone's life under your protection."
"What about Layla. Did you not give her a spell to drain her powers?"
"Layla? Who's Layla?"
Matius gestured.
"Sarah Palin? She is not…" Bianca gave Layla a curious glance.
Batista laughed. "Sarah Palin? That's a human Governor. How could you be so foolish?"
"De Vaca, you speak out of turn."
Batista's voice fell silent.
"How could I have known she was under your protection? She took Andres hostage…I had no choice but to get retribution."
"And what business was it of yours to get retribution for the death of Andres Barraza? He was your husband's child."
Bianca's mouth hung open.
"To, protect my husband's interests, of course."
"That is enough." Matius decided. "Bianca, you are hereby stripped of your title as Queen of Texas. Your marriage to King Batista is now null and void. You are no longer welcome in any social or political function the King might have or any rights to financial assets. As for your residency here, you are no longer welcome. You are to be exiled. And you are to remain there until you are seen fit to be released."
Bianca shook her head in anger. "This is an outrage. Exiled?"
"That's right."
"And where will I go?"
"That, is up to Batista. He may exile and punish you where and as he sees fit."
Batista grinned.
"NO! No, I will not stand for this."
"You don't have to, that is not your decision. I am ordering this to you as your Master. From this moment on, the terms of your punishment is entirely up to your ex-husband. I abhor your from my area. You are no longer my daughter." Matius finished his statement. He was obviously hurt.
Tears of blood began to fall down her face. Bianca fell back into her seat.
"He kept me like a prisoner. I had no power in the marriage…"
"Then you should have came to me."
"It wasn't fair. I deserved equal power."
"Still this does not justify you leading an uprising."
"Is there…..is there to be no justice for the death of Andres?"
"He was killed by his maker. Batista had every right."
Bianca seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper into her chair. She looked to Matius, then to Layla.
At this moment, Layla felt truly sorry for Bianca. She knew exactly what it was like to have to fight for power, even equality. It was doubly hard being a woman. It seemed being a vampire didn't help things much either.
"What is a human even doing here?! Worthless creature. I could snap you in half." Bianca voiced, seemingly enraged.
"Do shut up you spoiled brat." Eric gave Bianca a sideways glance.
Layla sighed. Maybe she didn't feel so bad for her anymore.
"The human is an ally. You will respect her." Matius warned as he looked to his auditor.
"Now Batista, what is your will for Bianca?" Matius looked towards him.
Batista looked to Bianca.
"She will stay in Texas and live in Austin. Her disgraced name and loss of status should be sufficient enough for punishment. She will live in the secondary estate downtown."
Matius nodded. "As you wish." He looked up to Bianca. "Bianca, you and your loyals' will stay in the West Heights Hotel, rooms are reserved. When Batista leaves tomorrow, a car will come pick you and yours up….You are dismissed."
Bianca shook her head. "Papi…Matius, please." Bianca pleaded. "Please, allow me to explain further…I can't…"
"It is over, Bianca. Leave now."
Bianca nodded and slowly rose, wiping blood stained tears on her hand as her second shut the door.
..
"Now…" Matius looked to Batista. "I apologize for the trouble my child has caused you. Since I have commanded, she will do your will and carry out her punishment. Is this sufficient?"
"Thank you your Majesty."
"I suppose that will be all you require…"
"Except…" Batista held up a finger. "I was wondering, if you could act as, mediator. A third, non biased party if you will."
"De Vaca, If this regards Miss Layla, then I am completely bias. You have treated her and Northman, which is your superior in second birth, with utter disrespect."
"I beg to differ…"
Matius smirked. "I'm sure you would. Just for fun, let us hear what you have to propose."
"Well, as you know, I am currently minus a Sherriff."
"I heard."
"The Sherriff I lost was Layla's brother, Dameon."
"Yes…"
"Layla, killed her brother. A vampire. A Sheriff….All I asked was that she perform a service in assistance in finding a new Sherriff. She has not completed this task."
"I've done enough for you Batista."
"You misunderstand. I am not angry with you anymore lovely Layla."
Layla pursed her lips. "Is that so?"
"Yes, and I'm willing to forgive all past transgressions."
"You are?" She rebuffed sarcastically.
"Absolutely."
"At what cost?" Eric chimed in. He knew where Batista was going with this.
Batista smiled. "Hand her over to me, Northman."
Eric's face remained perfectly stoic. "Out of the question."
"Give her to me, Northman. You owe me a great debt."
"I owe you nothing."
Batista looked to Matius. "Your Majesty, do you find this fair?"
Matius shook his head. "Batista, you have always been thick. I told you before you even started; My allegiance aligns with Northman and Layla."
Batista relaxed back in his chair. "All due respect, your voice is only that. You have no real authority back in the States."
"This may be true. But I do have respect. Something you seem to completely lack. I'm sure they'd love to hear about you coming into my territory and attacking my estate."
"What are you talking about?"
"I have proof that you hired Weres to attack here last night. You were clever, trying to make it look like Bianca…but she had nothing to do with it." Matius calmly rose from his chair. "You threaten my guests, you killed my assistant, and you have the audacity to frame the crime on another."
"This is disgraceful and untrue."
"What is contemptible is your impudence to request anything more of me, Northman, or Layla. If you do not leave my city by morning and go back to your Kingship, If you do not leave Northman, his businesses and loyals alone, if you do not leave Layla alone: I will drag you back here and have you publicly staked on my streets. If I hear of your wrong doing back in the states, I will come there and stake you myself. If I hear of you even trying to claim Layla…if harm comes to her by your hand I will kill you. Am I transparent enough for you to comprehend?!"
Pam gave Layla a nudge. She was enjoying this all too much.
Batista lowered his head. "Yes, your Majesty."
"Now leave. I don't want to see the sight of you. Your rooms are reserved at The Resort. The car will take you there now. Your flight leaves the turn of dusk tomorrow."
"Of course your highness." Batista quickly rose, as did his men. He gave Layla one last glance as he left the room.
Layla let out a huge sigh of relief. She felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Matius sat back down in his seat. He looked over to Layla and winked. "How did I do?"
"Thank you so much, Matius."
"Thank you, Layla. Your bravery and direct attitude have rubbed off on me. And you, Northman. You are a good leader. You are decisive and even calm. I appreciate your respect. It is something these young leaders lack. Even the not so young as you learn from Batista."
Eric nodded. "I thank you for your generosity and kindness."
Matius dismissed his claim. "All I ask is that you stay here for the night. I assure you it is entirely safe."
Eric nodded. " It's an honor to stay here."
Layla, Eric, and Pam all nodded as they rose. Eric wrapped his hand on Layla's waist. She leaned in a little for support.
Matius looked towards the sight in curiosity. "Northman… Just a moment of your time?"
Eric looked back towards Matius. He looked to Pam who nodded as she walked with Layla out of the room.
Eric advanced to the seat next to Matius and sat down.
"What is wrong with Layla…?" Matius started.
Eric folded his hands on the table. "She's not healing."
"You gave her your blood?"
Eric nodded.
"This is strange. Is it because of her blood?"
Eric shook his head. "I suppose."
Matius gave Eric a thoughtful glance. "I see how you care for her."
Eric looked up to Matius.
"I won't use it against you Northman."
"Layla is…"
"She is special." Matius finished as he relaxed back into his chair. "Tell me Northman, do you believe in reincarnation?"
"Reincarnation of a soul?"
"Yes."
Eric grinned. "Whatever entity or soul I possess, I've always had. And I've had if for quite some time."
"Yes, but I'm speaking of humans."
"I leave nothing out of consideration."
"Neither do I. But, If I did believe in such, I would say Layla's soul is quite old. Her wisdom and understanding of things…they are not of a twenty-something human."
Eric nodded. "She can understand matters that took us decades to comprehend."
"But alas, she's human. She is fragile, delicate and temporary. That's why I must assume her soul is old, and wise…and her exceptional beauty, her feisty temperament; Makes you wonder why a human like that would put up with us."
Eric mulled over his words. Why did Layla put up with him?
"How could she care for let alone love monsters such as we?" Matius locked his eyes with Eric's.
"Northman, protect her. You will never, not even if you search another thousand years, find another Layla. There will be other exceptional beauties, but that spirit…"
"Yes, There are also many differences in being with a human as a companion, and being with Layla."
Matius nodded. "That is true…though I wasn't fortunate enough to actually be with her... I just had to voice it. I owe it to Layla. I want to see her safe and happy."
Eric nodded respectfully. "Thank you for your graciousness…Unfortunately, I am not as at ease as she is though. I feel Batista will still try something. I am nowhere content with going back to "business as usual."
"I agree. He is not used to any sort of defeat. Do let me know if he tries something. I will have his head."
"Not if I have it first. I have the desire to kill him now to spare me trouble later. But I know I cannot."
"You could overpower him, but Batista has quite the conniving mind. Do not underestimate the depths he will go."
"I understand. I will make sure she is taken care of…If I can only figure out why she is not healing."
"Well, her blood is kind of legendary, perhaps she just needs to heal on her own."
…..
Pam helped Layla into her bed. Layla thanked Pam and smiled.
"So, you going to let Eric sleep with you tonight?"
"If all he does is sleep." I'm too exhausted for anything else.
Pam giggled. "You need anything to replenish your vitals?"
"No, I'm good. Thank you for your help Pam, really."
"I'm afraid I'm becoming to attached to you being a part of mine and Eric's life."
"Oh dear." Layla smiled as she rolled over to talk to Pam. "I'm sorry."
"Maybe it's your blood. Like our blood, yours forces the drinker to feel certain affections."
"Like a blood bond?"
Pam nodded.
Layla laughed. "Maybe you can just count me as a friend. And we can be done with it?"
"A friend?" Pam voiced, slightly intrigued. "Does that mean I can housesit for you when your out of town? Can I use your enormous television to watch movies on?"
"Even when I'm in town."
"Well you can borrow my lawnmower. You know I don't use it." Pam grinned. "I think I like this whole friend thing. Goodnight Layla."
"Goodnight Pam."
….
The next time Layla rolled over, there was a large, Viking vampire in her bed. She slowly opened her eyes. Eric looked over to her.
"When did you get here?"
"An hour ago. I was talking to Matius. I was quiet when I came in…I didn't want you to stop sleeping."
Layla smiled and moved her body to his. She placed her head on his chest. Eric wrapped his arm around her.
Layla let out a long sigh. "I'm very ready to go home."
"So am I." Eric murmured. But it suddenly hit him. The whole time he'd known Layla they'd been in some kind of trouble. What would happen if it was actually over? What if the storm ended and she wouldn't want him anymore. He furrowed his brows in disappointment of himself. These insecurities were new. He had never known them before.
He sensed something in Layla, she seemed to be mulling over something similar in her mind.
"What's wrong with you?" Layla asked as she lifted her head.
"What do you mean?"
Layla shook her head. "As far as I know, a blood bond works both ways." She smiled and tilted her head.
"Nothing is wrong. I've missed so many nights at Fangtasia. I'm worried it has not been cared for properly."
"Uh huh." Layla nodded. He was obviously lying.
"Well…" Layla sat up and got off the bed.
"What are you doing?"
"Going to take a shower."
Eric grinned. "I'll go with you."
"No, I'm going to go by myself." Layla voiced as she stood at the doorway. She looked back towards him. He was giving her a disappointed look. Layla quickly turned and left.
…
The shower was warm and inviting. But inside, Layla felt so cold. A surge of emotions were rolling through her. Eric seemed distant. It wasn't what he said, but when he said it, a part of him seemed to shut off inside. She sensed he was deeply upset. Layla let the water splash on her face as she closed her eyes. What if Eric was done with their relationship? All they'd had so far is chaos. What if he didn't want to weather the calm? Truthfully it would take a lot from both of them. But the real truth was with Layla there had never been calm. Only times she was with Eric did she feel actually happy, content and out of harm's way. But the truth was, Batista wasn't going to stop. Just like Dameon, Batista was driven by desire for her and her blood…Mainly the blood…the bodily desire just went along with it. And the dream she had, the dream was clearly a warning. She'd never seen Eric's daughter. She was not a part of Layla's subconscious. She was a messenger. And as long as she was around Eric, he was in harms way. Layla knew what she would do.
…
Eric laid on the bed staring at the ceiling. Layla certainly knew how to keep him waiting. He closed his eyes. He felt that something was churning inside Layla, just like him she was worried about something. He knew he shouldn't of lied to her. He knew Fangtasia was fine. No one would cross him or Pam by running it inappropriately. Not after what happened to Longshadow… But the confused chaos of her brain suddenly became clear. And she was heading back to the room. Eric opened his eyes as she opened the door.
Layla's hair was wet. Several long strands were still dripping. She wore a black tank top and light blue shorts. Her mouth was slightly open. She stared deliberately as she walked then crawled upon the bed. Layla relaxed on top of Eric. She closed her eyes and ran her hands up his stomach to his chest. She bent down and kissed him on the lips softly. She did so several times. Afterwards she looked down into his eyes. Eric stared into hers. Her eyes were sad, and full of longing. He always wanted her. But this time, he felt her desire for him was quite more palpable, almost matching his.
Eric brought up his arms to wrap around her. Layla closed her eyes and let out a small sigh. Eric flipped their positions and moved on top of her.
"Don't worry." He whispered into her ear. Layla melted. "It's over. And if it isn't, I'll take care of everything." He assured her as he kissed her neck. Layla turned her head. She tried to fight back the tears.
She knew that the girl giving her Eric's symbol of protection must of meant she needed to protect Eric. It might have been her in the vision but Eric wasn't in the picture. She had to protect him from it all… But she only knew one way, and she really didn't want to do it.
Layla turned back towards Eric and pulled his head where his eyes met hers. Eric's eyes blazed with desire and pining.
"Eric…" Layla tried to smile. "Eric I have to go."
"You're just fine, right here." He grinned as his lips returned to her neck.
"No, no, Eric…Listen to me."
Eric stopped and looked up at her.
"I have to go right now. But I'll meet you back in Shreveport."
Eric stared down at her with perplexity. She seemed to be telling the truth. But her blood seemed to be torn, as if she was lying.
"You don't need to go." Eric shook his head. He didn't understand what was happening. And then it hit him.
"Stop that."
"Stop what? I'm just telling you that I need to go…"
"You don't need to go…you're lying." He looked down at her accusingly.
"I'm not lying. Everything is fine."
Eric shook his head. "No, you're trying to glamour me…Why?"
"I'm telling the truth."
"Layla!" Eric rose and pulled her to a sitting position.
"I'm not…"
"Do not lie to me." The glamour seemed to be wearing off.
Layla swallowed. She couldn't help it. A tear was now falling from her face.
"I just…I need to go."
"You're safe here. Tell me why you were trying to glamour me."
Layla couldn't speak. She couldn't even look toward him.
Eric felt angry, and slightly stung with betrayal. And to top it off offended that she wasn't being truthful.
"Fine." Eric grabbed her face and forced her to look at him.
"Let go of me."
"Why did you try to glamour me?"
Layla could feel Eric's influence over her. The blood and his glamour. He knew how to use to blood bond to his advantage. She felt her resolve weakening. She knew it wouldn't be long. Eric wasn't using hardly any force, but he was certainly letting her know he could. Layla closed her eyes and turned.
"You're not getting off that easy, Layla. Just tell the truth."
She fought it off. He'd tried to glamour her before and failed. But that was before the blood bond.
"I don't want anything to happen to you." Layla took a deep breath and looked into his eyes.
Eric stopped the glamour. He stared at her for a moment, registering her words.
"What are you talking about?" He asked in a softer voice now. He still held her face in his hands.
Layla shook her head and laughed. "I have to leave. So you can be safe."
"From who?"
"Ha…" Layla shook her head. "From me really."
Eric lowered his hands. "From you?"
Layla nodded. "I am trouble."
Eric grinned. "Yes, but that is not going to keep me away."
"I care about you, Eric."
Eric stared at her. His face turned resolute.
Layla rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe she was saying this…to a Viking Vampire nonetheless.
"You care about me?"
Layla nodded and shrugged. She laughed a little more. "Damn it." She spoke softly under her breath.
Eric looked down for a moment. His eyes trailed from her legs and journeyed up to her eyes.
"You love me?" His tone masked it as a fact, rather than a question. But he was really asking.
Layla shook her head. "Now that's just even more trouble. Let's just say I care about you. Because that's definitely true."
Eric nodded. "You will be my undoing, but I care and long for you in spite of it."
"That's exactly what I'm trying to say. No matter what I do…if I'm with you….Batista is not going to stop."
Eric smirked. "You let me worry about Batista. It was the same story with Dameon. There will always someone vying for your affections…or blood ."
"That's just it. I can't… I have to go on my own."
Eric seemed to piece it all together in his mind. "Your vision…my daughter. What did you see?"
"I saw…Batista. He was standing over me. He knelt down and whispered to me…you knew it would come to this… and then…"
"What?"
"He bit me."
Eric shook his head. "That will never happen." Eric could feel the anger rise inside him.
"You said that all your visions come true."
"Yes, but I've also never heard of my daughter from over a millennia ago appear in someone else's dream. And she marked you with the pendant of protection."
"Yes but.."
"Layla, you are the most difficult mortal. What must I do to gain your trust?"
"It's not that I don't trust you. It's just…"
"You don't want me getting hurt…Tell me, was I in this vision?"
Layla shook her head.
"Then it's not me we should be worried about, is it?"
"You weren't in the picture Eric, which means you weren't there. This is going to happen to me. And collecting from our past shenanigans, you are always there at my defense. If you're not there it must mean you're either captured yourself or…"
"Dead?"
"Yes."
"Well, lucky for you, I'm already dead."
"Lucky me." Layla laid back down on the bed.
"Layla you exquisite creature, must you always be so difficult?"
"Must you?"
"Just for fun, let me, the magnificently sculpted vampire take care of things." Eric laid down next to her and played with her hair.
"You haven't even healed from the spell from that bitch Bianca. And already you are planning your next attack." Eric took her hand and guided it across his face. Her finger traced across his lips. He took it gently in his mouth and teased it with his tongue.
"You shouldn't have to do anything…"
Eric laughed and relaxed on top of her. "You still don't get it."
"Get what?"
"After all this time you don't see your effect. I'm yours Layla. You can use me as you see fit. Especially in bed."
Layla felt herself getting a little too excited. "You better be careful saying things like that…I may just use you up until you're spent."
Eric laughed through eager kisses. "That's what I'm counting on."
……
Bianca sat in silence in her hotel room. Her mood was numb. She was appalled by the treatment she'd been dealt. She expected as much from Batista. But she never thought Matius, her maker would have acted that way. He had always admired her tenacity, her drive to get what she wanted. And she was furious with Layla. The human that seemed to have Matius' affections more so than she. Bianca seethed. Wishing there was a way to get her back.
"What do you want?" She spoke in a low, angered tone as she stood up and opened the door.
Batista was standing on the opposite side about to knock.
"My dear ex wife…how are you?" He spoke condescendingly as he invited himself in. Batista settled on the couch.
"Why are you here? There is nothing more that you could do to me."
Batista smirked and shook his head. "You have always had a false sense of entitlement Bianca. At first I found your undeserved pride endearing. But as time passed I found it to be dull, and quite pathetic."
"I've already asked you twice…"
Batista grinned. "I'm here to offer you a counter proposal…well, since your master declared you must do what I say…I suppose you don't have a choice. So really it's your new orders."
"What?" She spoke through exposed fangs.
"No need for anger dear, this will excite you. I'm giving you what you've always wanted."
Bianca laughed. "Freedom?"
Batista shook his head. "Power."
Bianca perked with interest. "What do you mean?"
"I mean I'm giving you the empty Sherriff position in Texas."
Bianca began to laugh. "Is that so?"
"Yes." He shrugged. "All you have to do is report to me once a year. You may run your area as you see fit."
"And why would you just give me that?"
Batista laughed. "I'm sorry. 'Give' might not have been the appropriate term. I give nothing for free."
"Whatever it is, it's out of the question. I will not do your bidding. I'd rather be a prisoner." Bianca turned her face away and crossed her arms.
"Oh I think you'd rather enjoy this."
"Why?"
"It involves you getting vengeance, on your Sarah Palin."
"Layla? That human? It was you who killed Andres."
"Yes, and you're going to have to square with that. But you are telling me you do not want to put her in her place? The way Matius dotes over her, as if she's an equal to us!"
Bianca nodded. " It's disgusting."
"Yes…and all I'm asking is that you capture her, alive…bring her to me."
Bianca scoffed. "So you can dote over her too?"
"No. Layla…the girl and I have a score to settle. She must be put in her place."
"Then just let me kill her."
"No. You will leave her to me. I will take care of her."
"But…Matius…he warned me not to…"
"You let me take care of Matius. I can protect you from his wrath. He also said that you must do my will. This is my will. You have no choice."
Bianca began to smile. "You will kill her?"
"I will take care of her."
She began to frown. "You want her first."
Batista laughed. "That is none of your concern."
"And if I do this, if I get the girl to you, I get to be Sherriff?"
"That's right. And you may have that position as long as you like. As long as you make it look like I was not involved."
"I'd be happy to drain her for you…"
"Layla is mine, to do as I please. You will not harm her. You will bring her to me. So, do we have a deal?"
She glared at him warily. "What choice do I have?"
"You don't. But it's better than living out eternity as a disgraced, exiled Queen."
"Alright. I'll do it."
Batista smiled graciously. "Wonderful."