"No, but I am a vampire. Many would judge me for my actions, especially anything towards a human. Most believe your kind to be only good for sustenance, and for the most part I have agreed. You are different." The way he said it was very matter-of-fact, just stating the facts. "I have to care what others think of me. I would not be a good sheriff if I didn't." The reason he had such loyal followers was because he knew what they thought of him, and it was mostly positive. One did not gain loyalty with negative behaviors. He was fair for a reason.

"Yes, control always comes with practice," he agreed. "You will continue to get stronger, of that I am positive."

Eric shook his head. "It wasn't a matter of the ability working. I have had my compulsion fail before, and it still activated, it just had no effect. In this case, if I tried, there would be nothing there. It is rather...debilitating." He didn't know why he was telling her all of this. Did he really trust her so?

Eric's mouth curled up into a smirk, taking a step forward, their bodies nearly touching. "You would like that? To be protected by me? For me to feed on you?" His fangs were fully out now, as he looked down at her, lust lacing his voice. "You know what that will do to me, do you not?"