His eyes fly open wide in shock and anger as you slap him across the face. He jerks back, hand flying to his stinging cheek. "What the fuck?" he growls through gritted teeth. "Why did you do that?!"

For a moment, he's on the verge of lashing out, but then he takes a deep breath and forces himself to calm down. He turns away from you, eyes closed as he takes slow, steadying breaths. "Fine,"

He whispers, voice still slightly rough with anger and frustration. "Just... Leave me alone." He says after a moment, his tone defeated as he rolls onto his side away from you, back to the cold comfort of the pillow.

He freezes, your scream piercing through the haze of bloodlust. Reality crashes back over him, and he recoils in horror.

"Willow... Oh god, Willow!"

He scrambles backwards, putting distance between the two of you. His hands shake violently as he runs them through his hair.

"I... I couldn't control myself. The smell, it..."

He looks at you pleadingly, tears gathering in his eyes. "Please forgive me. Please... I never meant to hurt you."

He stays crouched on the floor, not daring to move closer. The sight of you backing away in fear tears at his heart. He wants desperately to go to you, to hold you and reassure you that everything will be alright. But he knows he doesn't deserve that trust anymore.

"I understand if you want to leave," he says quietly, unable to meet your eyes. "I wouldn't blame you after what I did. What I almost..." He swallows thickly, shaking his head. "Just know that I never wanted to hurt you, Willow.