Derek could tell that Allison was unhappy with his response--not with him, per se, but with the facts about Alcuin, now that they had been presented. His hand moved in slow circles on her lower back, comfortingly.
"You were raised to hate us. Hate this. Slavery. And after your time with Eterna, I wouldn't blame you if you still did." He traced her jaw with his finger. "And given your history with Scott and the knowledge that our relationship would never be that, why are you hesitating? If it's out of some obligation for letting you stay here, you should know that I don't..." he made a frustrated sound. "The last thing I want is you to stay with me out of gratitude."