"If he makes a move against an infant, I will kill him." He paused, and then shrugged. "Actually, if he gives any indication of being dangerous to any child, I'd like get over a lot of my own issues and compel him myself."

Which was not ideal, no, but kept everyone alive. "He's my friend, Elijah. That doesn't mean I'm going to let him do whatever he wants." And not just for Damon's sake, really.