"I'm not good enough," he repeats, not realizing what part of this has actually shocked her.

"I'm scared all the time and I make you look after me too much and I... I wanted him to rip that brand off me. I wanted him to because I... for the first time I actually felt like I didn't want to be E-Erik's anymore." Max hugs himself tighter, his face screwing up as he tries to fight a rising sob.

"I know it was stupid. I know. But I... I wanted to belong to myself for once. B-but even then I-I... I just liked being bitten so much. I... I can't escape it. No matter what I do."

He finally crumples to his knees, curling up on himself. "I don't deserve your love. I'm already too... damaged."