The pain was fine. He could deal with pain. The bruises were just a transfer, her pain flowing to him, and it'd be a reminder later, of what needed to be done.

"You're safe. You're safe. We'd never let anyone hurt you." No, he should be honest. "I'd never let anyone hurt you. Never."

Eric could posture all he wanted but he'd kill him before he got to cause any real damage. Cut him down right where he stood.

In a heartbeat.