"Max was no secret." Erik says, maybe a touch defensively, but that's because he's actually surprised by that accusation. "His former identity was, yes, but the organization in charge of mediating between humans and supernatural creatures were well aware of him and his condition. They came to my home, personally, to check up on him every six months. His existence was never hidden."
That's not the whole story, of course. IOPSA was authorized to remove Max from Erik's care if they ever suspected abuse, but Erik was adamant that if they did, Max would no longer have his protection. That was enough to quell any thoughts of Max leaving with them.
"Of course I understand. I am trying very hard to keep my patience because I do understand. If you would extend me the benefit of the doubt for just one moment? Let me say my bit: I have been a member of this town and community for nearly a year at this point. In that time I have found a kind of freedom here that could only ever be afforded to me by relinquishing my grasp on my former power. Do you understand? The Vampire laws by which I was bound do not exist here. The threats to my territory, and the people within it, are no longer a concern. I am responsible only for myself now, as an ordinary citizen. Contrary to what you think, I have enjoyed that.
"But, when the call was put forth for someone to represent the people like me, who have come to view this place as their new and permanent home, I thought I might be able to offer some valuable insight. I thought my prior experience might be useful. It will be up to you, and the rest, to decide if you believe that. I have no deeper ambitions than to see this place I have decided to call home flourish for the generations that are to come." Especially when he has been given serious cause to wonder if he might be able to raise a child of his own here. At the very least he is already a (sort of) Uncle to one.
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That's not the whole story, of course. IOPSA was authorized to remove Max from Erik's care if they ever suspected abuse, but Erik was adamant that if they did, Max would no longer have his protection. That was enough to quell any thoughts of Max leaving with them.
"Of course I understand. I am trying very hard to keep my patience because I do understand. If you would extend me the benefit of the doubt for just one moment? Let me say my bit: I have been a member of this town and community for nearly a year at this point. In that time I have found a kind of freedom here that could only ever be afforded to me by relinquishing my grasp on my former power. Do you understand? The Vampire laws by which I was bound do not exist here. The threats to my territory, and the people within it, are no longer a concern. I am responsible only for myself now, as an ordinary citizen. Contrary to what you think, I have enjoyed that.
"But, when the call was put forth for someone to represent the people like me, who have come to view this place as their new and permanent home, I thought I might be able to offer some valuable insight. I thought my prior experience might be useful. It will be up to you, and the rest, to decide if you believe that. I have no deeper ambitions than to see this place I have decided to call home flourish for the generations that are to come." Especially when he has been given serious cause to wonder if he might be able to raise a child of his own here. At the very least he is already a (sort of) Uncle to one.