We both stood silently for a little while, processing what happened.
“I guess we don’t need to stand guard anymore,” I murmured. “I mean, we will, but we’re only backup now.”
“Apparently,” Marduk grunted. Then let out a bark of laughter. “Who would’ve thought our mate would end up living next door to a medusa?”
“That’s a lot, even for us,” I agreed.
My phone started ringing. I pulled it out to find that it was Mom. Wordlessly, I handed it to Marduk.
“It’s your turn,” I said, then turned, and I strode back to my bike. I heard him bark out a laugh and answer the call. Let him try to hold out against Mom!
I was happy to listen to him do even worse than me. By the time he was done, Mom had Bec’s address.
“This is so bad,” he grumbled after ending the call and shoving the phone back at me.
“And so not my fault,” I taunted. He scowled at me and mounted his bike. “I’m going home.”
I waved him off and settled in to guard my mate for the night.
Chapter 5
Marduk
TheNewMe888
I’ve been thinking about what happened yesterday.
When that message came though from Bec, I wasn’t sure what to say right away. I decided the best approach would be to answer her with a question.
MotoSerpent1520
Was there something specific you’re thinking about?
There was such a long pause that for a moment I thought she might not answer at all. I was about to start typing when words appeared. A lot of words.
TheNewMe888
I’ve been thinking about the clerk at the gas station. She was so scared and I acted like I was some hero with super powers. What if the guy had shot her? She was an innocent bystander just trying to do her job. After he got the cash and the cigarettes he would’ve left. Who cares about some money and goods? Not when human life is at risk.
I hadn’t thought about that. At the time I was so focused on saving Bec, that I hadn’t even noticed there was a clerk there. Part of me wanted to ignore my own guilt and push Bec to feel guilty enough that she forgave me for following her without her knowledge. The other part felt the need to acknowledge my own culpability.
That second part won.
MotoSerpent1520
I’m not innocent either. I put myself between you and the robber, but I didn’t consider the clerk’s life. If he’d pointed that gun at her, I don’t know if I would’ve acted fast enough to save her because my first concern was you.
TheNewMe888
I feel like I want to find her and apologize.
MotoSerpent1520
I want to do that too. If you find her, can I go with you?
TheNewMe888
I’d like that.
