"It would be a waste," Elena answered. "You don't want to compel me. You like the power." Liked toying with his prey, as all vampires did.
"And Damon could be useful. He's resourceful. He managed to track you down more than once. He's an asset." Not something to be disposed of.
"Please," she whispered. "Please don't kill him. I'll do whatever you say. No compulsion necessary." But she couldn't bear the thought of him being killed because he was out to protect her yet again.