Alec steps in closer, following Richard, comfortable with being the aggressor for the moment. If it takes him a little ways further from the portal, that’s fine, he can go back to it once he’s gotten rid of Richard. Alec sees that intensity but it only makes him want to push more, only makes him think that he’s gotten closer to Richard’s breaking point, at least as far as Alec is concerned.

“I can’t think of why I would matter to you. There are better people to protect.” Alec doesn’t matter to himself, hasn’t ever mattered to anyone else, so it doesn’t make any sense.