Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to "True Blood."

Chapter Eleven: Steady Boys, I'm thinking She Needs Me

Layla's eyes shot open. Though the hotel room was pitch dark. She couldn't see a thing. She tried to lift herself up but something held her down. She placed her hands down and felt that there was a naked Eric still lying on top of her. She looked over to the alarm clock and it was 4:45 p.m. Layla shook her head. She couldn't believe she'd slept so long. There was no way Eric was waking up anytime soon. So there literally was about two hundred pounds of dead weight on top of her. She didn't know the repercussions of waking a slumbering vampire so she was as gentle as she could be as she tried to slide out from underneath him.

"Where are you going?" Eric muttered. She could feel his lips on her chest move as he spoke.

"Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?"

"I was, until you woke me up. We're you wanting another round?" His body began to wake up with his words.

Layla was still in shock that there had even been a first time. Which she'd have to evaluate in her mind later.

"Once was plenty." She spoke without really thinking.

Eric was silent. His silence actually made Layla slightly uncomfortable. Had she hurt his feelings by her remark?

"I've never experienced that before." He muttered.

"Experienced what?" It was still pitch dark but she just knew he was grinning.

"The wealth of energy and participation from a human partner." He spoke while gripping tightly to her stomach.

"You even had the fortitude to get on top. You challenged me."

"Well it wasn't boring…" She added. Not really knowing what to say.

"I suppose you had an equal or greater amount of satisfaction from the experience?"

Layla laughed. "It was very nice Eric."

"Just nice? I suppose because I withheld a bit. But you seemed to be holding back too. I think I've yet to learn what…. Layla can do." Eric had lifted himself up to her face now, kissing her softly.

What Eric said was true. Layla did hold back. Though she thought she did a better job at hiding it.

"I know why you did that…." Eric started.

"Excuse me?"

"You thought I would bite you…"

He was right. And the fact that he didn't even try was actually great restraint on his part. So there was no doubt in her mind that he was holding back as well….

"Maybe next time you'll have warmed up to the idea more….with some gentle persuasion." Eric decided. "But I had to prove to you I could control myself…now that you know that…"

Layla sighed. She let her mind briefly wonder what sex would be like if she hadn't held back, if Eric hadn't held back. She closed her eyes trying to shake off the notion. The fact that Eric did was actually a great gesture on his part.

"I don't know why I did this."

"I do. You found someone you could be your ruthless self with. Other humans don't understand the unwavering values you have; tenacity, fearlessness, a healthy appetite for mind blowing…."

"Okay." Layla laughed. "So maybe I do know why…"

"Good….now since our clothes are still discarded all over the room…" Eric continued to kiss her cheek and made his way quickly to her neck.

"We need to get ready." Layla slyly maneuvered out from under him. Eric let out a long, moan of annoyance.

As her feet hit the floor she felt her t-shirt and quickly slid it back on. It took her a few seconds but she found her pants as well and pulled them up and buckled her belt.

"You won't be able to get anything done yet." Eric concluded.

Layla ignored his comment and continued to get dressed.

"They're all asleep. There will be no way to retrieve Maddox or talk to the King of Texas. You'll simply have to wait."

Layla rubbed her face and sat down on the bed next to him.

"You're right. I'm just restless." She really didn't have a plan. What would she do when she got there? Wait at the gates of Dameon's mansion? The King's mansion?

"I'm not good at waiting."

Eric laughed. "Neither am I."

"Well it must suck for you to be a vampire."

"I've gotten used to it."

"And patience is a virtue…"

"A human virtue…" He corrected.

"So what was your plan exactly? After you got rid of your inept kidnapper…?"

"Well, I was just doing to drive to Dameon's and figure it out on the way."

"You don't know where he lives."

"Yes I do."

"How?"

"Owen told me."

"He told you or you made him tell you?" Eric grinned. "It's nice isn't it? Not having to wonder, just knowing."

"I try not to let it go to my head." Layla insisted. Though it was fairly easy to glamour Owen…she didn't want to get to superior about it.

"So…Do you know the King of Texas?"

Eric shrugged. "I have met him a few times. He's very famous and very…flamboyant."

"Famous?"

"Most of us, though we are now a part of everyday society still like to maintain a discrete existence…Alvar Nunez, or some might remember him being referred to as…."

"Cabeza de Vaca?"

"You know your history."

"I know my Texas history. It was part of the core curriculum when I was young."

"Well, then you should know the human's version of the story…enlighten me."

Layla took a deep breath… "Alright let's see….Alvar Nunez aka Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish Explorer circa…early fifteenth century. Was one of three or four survivors that landed in Florida. Other survivors said he went out on his own for a few years and made his way to Texas, and Mexico and all it's surrounding states to the west. He claimed to have some sort of healing powers and some thought he was crazy while others believed him….how am I doing?"

Eric grinned. "Alvar Nunez ….now known as "Batista ," did come over on the ships, though it's a long journey, he and his second, third, and forth in command fed from the rest of the crew and eventually drained them. When they reached Florida, they were disoriented and almost completely dead. Some of the Native American's retrieved their coffins. Nunez's healing powers came from letting some chiefs drink from him in trade for safe shelter and protection during the day."

"So that's why his followers were referred to as his "children of the sun."?"

"Exactly. He could both heal and destroy. He was their god since they knew not of vampires."

"But, didn't he return to Spain?"

"He came back in 1850's I believe. He's been King ever since."

Layla nodded as she began laughing. "So he's a flamboyant King?"

"As you said he had many followers. Even before Vampires came out to society, he flaunted himself as a deity."

"It seems you don't think very highly of him."

"I respect him. He's a man of power and higher authority than I, but I can't agree with the way he carries on revealing all of our secrets."

Layla nodded. "So, you think we should go to him first?"

"I don't believe we have a choice. If I make noise in his territory without his say so, it will be hell to pay." Eric warned.

"We could go visit him tonight. But I don't think he'll allow us in with this attire."

"Is he having some sort of party?"

"Every night."

Layla nodded. "Right…flamboyant."

"But don't…"

"Underestimate him…." She finished. "If I had a nickel every time I heard that." She sighed as her face turned solemn.

"Do you think…"

Eric pulled her down to lay next to him. He ran his strong hands through her hair.

"If Dameon wants you to come, he won't kill Maddox. It's his only bargaining chip. And I would never let anything happen to you."

Layla smiled. "I'm not worried about myself."

"I know." Eric stated. "Which is troubling because you have no idea how appealing you are to vampires."

"Yes I do, but this isn't about me. It's about Maddox. Dameon is his son. He's betrayed him. I just don't understand that kind of betrayal."

"You're loyal. It's the quality of a leader."

"Thanks. But Dameon is my brother…"

"Dameon is a coward and a sloppy excuse for a vampire. You will not give yourself to him. It would ruin the whole point of what Maddox has tried to do for you and I will simply not let it happen."

"I'd never let that happen either."

Eric nodded in mild triumph.

"I know I will be welcome at Batista's, but you must go as my claim. I'll inform him that Dameon has kidnapped and tortured his own father and maker and I'm sure with an investigation he'll find out more misuses of power. It probably works best this way. If Batista saw how Maddox preferred you over his own vampire son, or if he found out what your extraordinary blood can do, he might rule in Dameon's favor. I will tell them that I have taken you as my claim in Maddox's absence."

"Why on earth would he side with Dameon?"

"He might even want to keep you for himself." Eric spoke as he were realizing for the first time. "Yes you must go as my claim. So try to be a little more subservient when we go."

"Right." She spoke sarcastically.

Eric smirked. "I didn't think so….at least let me do most of the talking?"

"Most…" Layla smiled back.

"Alright then." Eric fumbled around for his cell phone and checked his atlas.

"We can leave in two hours and 42 minutes."

"You mean you can leave in two hours and 42 minutes."

"You'd leave me here? Defenseless and fragile?" He joked.

"You bet your cute ass." Layla finished. "You have any cash with you? I'll go get some clothes for us."

Eric handed her his wallet. "How did you pay for the hotel without cash?"

"Used the last of it….what's your size?"

Eric stared at her blankly.

Layla leaned over and pulled his shirt, jeans, and shoes from the floor.

"Okay." She took a mental note. "I'll be back in about three and a half hours."

"I really wish you would wait. You don't know if you were followed."

"I would know." Layla corrected him. "Besides, I have to get out here."

"Why? Afraid we'll make love again?" He glanced at her suggestively.

"Something like that." She smiled as she put on her shoes and walked to the door. Eric sighed and made his way to the closet, equipped with a cheap cradled coffin. Just in case her opening the door shone too much light in the room.

…..

Eric was impressed with the suit Layla had bought for him. It fit him to a tee. He hated wearing tuxedo's. Fortunately the black material was soft and form fitting. Layla wore a short silk green dress that complimented her lightly tanned skin. It was strapless and it ended just before her knees. She wore strapped black gladiator heels that made her significantly taller. He noticed Layla had the same stride in heels as she did with any other shoes. She fixed her hair up where the majority hung down in loose curls and only a small part was pulled up on top. He liked that, it showed all of her face.

Layla liked the way Eric looked as well. But she had no illusions. This wasn't a date. Though they dressed and smelled the part, she had to focus on the mission at hand.

"You need to relax." Eric suggested as they walked out to the hotel parking lot.

"Do you think we'll have enough time? It's a five hour drive."

"Who said anything about driving?"

Layla paused in her tracks.

"You can't be serious?!"

"It's the most efficient way to travel." Eric concluded as he took off his jacket and put it on Layla.

"It will cut arrival time practically in half, but you might get cold."

"You're that fast?"

"Let's find out….though you may have to redo your hair." And without warning he lifted her up and they were off. Layla laughed.

"This is so weird."

….

"You think this is a tad bit theatrical." Layla concluded as Eric lowered them down on the grounds of Texas State Capitol Building.

"Did you know that Texas State Capitol is taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C.?" Eric asked.

"I did not." Layla smiled as she put all of her hair down.

"Let me." Eric suggested as he grabbed several strands of her hair. He held out his hand for Layla to give him her hair clip.

"There. It looks perfect."

"Thank you." Layla smiled. The first tender moment she'd ever remembered sharing with Eric.

"It makes you look a little more accessible, instead of screaming, 'I'm a sex siren.'"

"Okay…." She looked around. "So where is this King of Texas?"

Eric gestured for her to follow him.

"On 6th street. He owns a club called The Political Animal."

6th street was a long strip in downtown Austin that provided a wide variety of night life. On 6th street there's a club for everyone; sport fans, music fans (live or DJ), and of course specialty clubs that catered to certain fetishes or in this case vampires.

Layla nodded. "Cool name."

Eric smirked. "Not with the times."

"Aristotle is one of those foundation figures. Doesn't really have to be with the times."

"Nunez hated Aristotle."

"He's that old?"

"And then some…Now, I can't stress how important it is that you let me do the talking."

"I understand Eric, don't speak unless spoken too."

"Sometimes not even that."

"Fine."

"And please don't stray from my side. You're not bitten on the neck and unless you're with me at all times I can't guarantee someone won't mistake you as fair game."

Layla hated this. It was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. And she'd heard it many times in her life from Maddox. But now was no time for pride.

"I didn't come her to die….I know the drill…I'll be good."

Layla looked at all the people her age laughing and walking along the strip. That would have been her if she didn't move in and live with vampires through college. She would have spent time here having adventures and drinks with friends. She could have dated men who were alive. Men that were anything but possessive. Men that wanted to get in her pants and leave the next morning. Somehow that simplicity sounded inviting, but it was something she'd never known.

Almost all the men she knew were vampires. And they wanted to claim you and keep you all to themselves for long periods of time. It was all backwards from regular society.

Though to the untrained eye, Layla and Eric were the perfect couple. Attractive, well dressed and both exuded a confidence that all onlookers on 6th street seemed to envy. If they only knew….

Eric stopped in front of the club. "You ready?" He gave her a slight grin, but decided not to wait she was really ready or not. He grabbed the small of her back and clung his arm around her.

….

The club was upstairs in an old brick building. It was terribly dark. They had to walk up two flights to reach a woman standing at a podium. Behind her was a single wooden door. You could hear the Latin based music pouring through.

"Name?" The woman addressed only Eric. She was clearly a vampire.

"Eric Northman. Sherriff of Area Five."

"Louisiana? How is our neighbor?" She smiled giving Layla a once over. Layla tried not to roll her eyes…all she could do was look away.

"Very well. I'd like to request an audience with your King."

"You and everyone else." She concluded. "But I'll see what I can do for our neighbor in Area Five."

Eric nodded.

The woman glanced towards Layla. "Is this a gift for our majesty or your accessory?"

"The latter. This is my claim."

"I'll make a note of it." She grinned. "You can go in now."

Eric opened the door and escorted Layla in front of him. The club was one big room. The floor was all wooden. Layla felt the vibration of the music under her feet. There were vampire dancers, just like Fangtasia but these dancers were in traditional Mexican dress. They beamed proudly and smiled at the onlookers. Eric escorted them to a table on the side of the large room. Layla grinned as she watched the Vampire Mariachi player pretend to blow into his trumpet. He did not breathe, therefore he could not play the instrument. The speakers were playing a prerecorded track.

"And to think Milli-Vanilli was frowned upon and forced to stop making music." She leaned and spoke towards Eric.

He gave her a puzzled look.

She shook her head. As to tell him never mind.

"Do you see him?" She whispered.

Eric scanned the room and shook his head.

"He always insists on making an entrance." Eric spoke with annoyance. Looking as if he were already bored.

The bartender came take their order. Eric ordered a TruBlood and Layla ordered a rum and coke. Eric stared at her strangely, as if that were an unusual drink order. The waiter soon came back and gave them their drinks. Layla took a sip. After sitting it down she placed her hand on the aged wooden table and began to tap her fingers impatiently.

"Stop that." Eric insisted.

Layla shook her head and placed her hand flat on the table and looked around. Unlike Fangtasia, The Political Animal seemed to be more like a normal club. At first glance it just looked like a popular spot to drink and dance. Though the company was thoroughly mixed with human and vampire, everyone seemed to be having a great time. Several vampires and humans had cast glances towards Eric. Even amongst his own kind he seemed to stand out. He took up all the space he required and then some. By association, many onlookers stared at Layla.

Some vampires even gave her a suggestive glare. One actually came up to them at the table.

"Never you in here before." The tall dark vampire spoke as he looked towards Layla.

Layla ignored his comment as Eric instructed, a little annoyed of his presence.

"We are here on business." Eric announced as he kept his eyes on Layla.

"Are you now?" He extended his fangs and pulled up a chair next to Layla.

"You smell delightful, mind if I try you out?" He asked in an attempt to glamour her. Layla had the urge to punch him square in the jaw. But she restrained herself.

He leaned closer and inhaled her scent. He took two fingers and removed the strands hanging on her neck.

Eric stood up and with a quick swoop of his hand he'd twisted the vampire's arm and slammed him against the table. The vampire yelped.

"I do not allow others to address my claim without my say. It would be wise if you walked away and went on with your evening."

The vampire nodded. "I wasn't aware she was your claim. She smelled as if she wasn't. My apologies."

Eric nodded as he released his hold. The vampire shook at his arm and disappeared into the crowd.

Eric straightened his coat and sat back down.

Layla shrugged and took another sip of her drink. She sighed as she rested her head in her right hand.

Eric grinned. "Is this boring you?"

"She wants you to ask her to dance." A voice said from behind her.

Layla turned shyly. Eric stood from his seated position.

"Your majesty." Eric gestured.

"Sherriff." Batista smiled happily. " I was curious when my assistant told me you were here. I'm sorry about Bo, he's one of our regulars, but he knows not of polite behavior."

"It was only a small inconvenience."

"Good. I would hate to ruin our peaceful alliance." He sat down in the chair that Bo had pulled up and relaxed back into it.

"We are such close neighbors yet we never cross paths."

"Yes, we'll have to make a change." Eric suggested.

Layla studied the vampire. Everything about him screamed happy-go-lucky club owner. He was average height, about 5'11, a little on the heavy side but by no means was he fat. He had dark Latin skin and a thick head of hair. For some reason when she'd pictured him in her mind, she literally thought "Cabeza de Vaca", which is Spanish for "head of cow." This was not the case, he was a handsome man. Batista's clothes were very casual. That of a car dealer of some sort. He wore a pale tan shirt with a pale blue floral pattern. He wore khakis and simple brown dress shoes. All he needed was a cigar.

"So is it business or is it business? I've heard of you Northman, no nonsense." He smiled liberally. "Except for this fair creature." He turned towards Layla.

"And what is your name?" He asked while picking up Layla's hand and giving it a light kiss. Layla smiled in acknowledgement.

"This is Layla."

"This is your Layla?"

"Yes. It was a long trip from Shreveport…I needed fresh sustenance."

"I can imagine." He glanced at her neck searching for bite marks. "I guess the two of you are on intimate terms?" He spoke this time directing his question towards Layla. She made a small nod.

"What a pretty smile." He flirted. "And pretty dress to match your pretty dark hair." He took her hand for her to stand.

"Would you mind if I had a dance with the pretty lady?"

"Depends on the dance." Eric joked.

"Why a salsa of course to match pretty lady with pretty dark eyes and hair….I'm willing to bet a free round to all patrons our little Layla knows how to salsa."

Layla smiled.

He snapped for the band to change the song as he guided Layla to the dance floor.

He was a smooth dancer. And his hands stayed in all the polite places at the beginning. But as the dance progressed, need for heavy touching was required. Layla knew how to Salsa dance. She learned when she was sixteen when her school required she have an extra elective. She decided to take traditional Salsa.

She tried to stay focused on the dance, the dance she was having with a vampire probably over two thousand years old. A vampire that suddenly dipped her to the floor. Her back arched accordingly.

"You move well my dear."

"Thank you." Layla smiled as he lifted her back up.

Her steps progressed forward as his moved back, then reverse.

Batista smiled as he looked around at the crowd. "You would be my number one lady." He raised his voice slightly over the music.

"You are not a silly girl and you dance with purpose." He pulled her into him.

She grinned slightly.

"And you have a pretty smile." He concluded. The music had finished and everyone was clapping for them. Layla looked over at Eric, who was standing by their table with his arms crossed. He was grinning slightly.

Batista clapped as well and Layla followed suit as he escorted her back over to Eric.

"You were a fool to sit her at a table. She should be dancing all night." He informed Eric.

"It's a shame we have business now." Batista concluded as he gestured for the two of them to follow to his office.

..

For a King of Texas, his office was that of an accountant at H&R Block. It was simple with an automatic pencil sharpener and a laser clock that made it look like the time was floating in the air. He didn't have much need for a desk.

Batista shut the door to his office as he gestured for Eric and Layla to have a seat. He sat behind his desk in the much bigger leather chair and relaxed.

"I assume you remember the rules. You must glamour your claim after this discussion when you leave."

"Of course." Eric spoke respectfully.

"Alright now, what can I do for Sherriff of Area Five?"

Eric leaned forward. "It's more of a matter of your state."

Batista tilted his head. "A matter for Texas?"

Eric nodded. "I've had some trouble with your Area Seven Sherriff."

"Dameon Oxley?"

"That's right. He sent first a vampire, then two humans to attempt to either kill or kidnap me."

"Kidnap? Why would Dameon want to kidnap you?"

"I am in alliance with his father and maker; Maddox Rovic."

"I know Maddox. He's a loyal subject. Does he have a quarrel with Dameon?"

"Apparently so. Maddox had a claim, a claim that he had long before Dameon became Sherriff. Dameon leered after this claim, and told Maddox to give her too him. Maddox refused being his maker, he had the right."

Batista nodded in agreement.

"And so?"

"Dameon took Maddox prisoner. He chained him in silver and threw him in a coffin."

"When was this?"

"A few years." Years seem like weeks to vampires. Batista wasn't shocked he hadn't heard about it.

"So how did he get free?"

"This…I do not know." Eric guarded his words. "But Maddox came to me just this week and asked me to protect and take his claim as my own. Since then it seems he was recaptured by Dameon."

Batista looked over towards Layla.

"She's smells well, but why does Maddox care so much about bastante ser humano?"

"Because Dameon betrayed him and the whole vampire race by hurting his own. His own father and maker nonetheless. He gave me Layla because he didn't see Dameon deserving."

"I see." Batista sat back in his chair and laced his fingers together.

"Dameon has betrayed his own kind, his own father and maker."

"That's correct. And because she is now mine; Dameon sent the vampire and humans to my business and tried to kill me with a silver bullet, then kidnap me and my new claim. Me by a silver net."

"This is very serious. Is what you're saying true?"

Batista looked towards Layla again. "Is what he's saying true? Are you now his claim?" He asked staring at her penetratingly. She could tell he was trying to glamour her.

"This is true, Eric is my master."

Batista seemed satisfied and nodded. "Esto es illuminar." He was about to get up when he seemed to remember something and he sat back down.

"Sherriff, have you told your Queen of Dameon's treachery?"

Eric shook his head. "I thought this was your matter, I reported only to you."

He nodded and seemed satisfied with Eric's answer. "You are a good Sherriff. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I shall take care of this tomorrow. Where are you staying so I can inform you of the news?"

"We have not got a hotel but I will send the information when we do."

"You should travel to San Antonio as well. So I can inform you immediately when I disavow the treacherous Dameon Oxley."

"I will travel to San Antonio then."

"Do not worry Sherriff, Dameon will not be bothering you or your pretty new claim anymore."

Layla bit her tongue. What about Maddox? She thought.

"And of Maddox?" Eric asked quickly.

"If he can be saved, it will be done." Batista insured.

Eric grabbed Layla and once more reattached his arm to her back.

"Be sure to return much more often for leisurely purposes." The old vampire suggested.

"And bring the enchanting Layla." He winked at her as Eric quickly escorted her out of the club.

..

Layla didn't realize how cold she was until the warm night air embraced her skin. She was going to make a remark but felt as if she needed to play the part of the ignorant glamoured girl just a bit longer.

Eric held on tighter to her as he walked quickly through the crowded street.

"You did well." He spoke suddenly. "I'm impressed with your seed of control."

"Thanks I guess." Layla murmured. "So where are we going in such a hurried pace?"

"First, we need to acquire a car. Second, I need to get you some place safe."

"Safe?"

"At least three men as I counted in the club were Dameon's men? They're following us now."

"How did you know? I couldn't see anything in there. It was so dark."

"I've lived the past thousand years in the dark."

"Oh yeah." She smiled sarcastically. "Why didn't you tell de Vaca?"

Eric smiled. "Same reason you acted like you let me taste you. I was playing a part." He swiftly guided her into a pizza parlor. The worker's almost jumped when Eric glided him and Layla in.

"Excuse us." Eric spoke unapologetically as he pulled her into an employee's closet and shut the door.

There were cleaning chemicals and supplies galore.

"Hopefully the chemicals will cover our scent." Eric whispered as he held Layla close to him.

He noticed eager footsteps as on of men ran in the parlor. One of the followers shifted his feet around for a second then quickly ran out.

Layla let out a deep breath and relaxed a little more into Eric's chest.

"Well now that we're alone…" Eric suggested as he ran his hands up and down her side.

"I didn't know you could dance like that. You must show me how you get your back to arch like that…"

"I'm just full of surprises." She spoke sarcastically.

Before his lips could reach his, Layla opened the closet.

"We really should be going now." She grinned playfully as she ran out of the parlor and hailed a cab.

Eric smiled and slid in the cab after her.

"Let's stay in Austin a little longer…" Eric suggested. "I want to show you something."