Page 11 of Training my Human

“Is a fever bad?”

“It’s unusual,” he replied slowly. “Reptiles are usually ectothermic, meaning their body doesn’t regulate their temperature, the environment does. But I see nothing here that could be heating him.”

“He usually runs warm,” I supplied, remembering our snuggling. “But not this hot.”

“Could be because he’s shedding. See, there’s a spot that’s peeling.” He showed me a tear in the skin. “However, these bumps on his back are odd, as is the fact his genitalia are outside his body.”

I kept my mouth clamped at the bumps observation because, if Little Fella could be believed, they were where his supposed wings would sprout.

“Is it normal for him to be passed out this hard?”

Maddox rolled his big shoulders. “Hard to tell, not knowing the species. Could be he’s gone into some kind of hibernation mode.”

Then, because I liked to ask dumb questions, I threw him the weirdest one of all. “Are there any species of lizards that talk? You know, like a parrot.”

A booming laugh emerged from Maddox.

My nose wrinkled. “So that would be a no?”

“Definitely not,” he chuckled. “Lizards at best hiss and chirp. Don’t tell me yours has been conversing?”

I most definitely wouldn’t admit that, although I did feel some relief that Maddox could actually see him. At least Little Fella existed. “Just something some chick said in a TikTok video,” I lamely stated to deflect away from my question. “How long will this shedding thing last?”

“Again, not knowing the species, hard to tell for sure. Just like I don’t know if the fever and this hard of a sleep are normal. He was fine this morning?”

My head bobbed. “Yup. Ate a shit ton before giving me shit for leaving for work.” The admission slipped out before I could stop myself, but Maddox nodded.

“Pets hate it when you leave them for the day. I used to have a dog that would cry for like five minutes if I left for even an hour.”

“What should I do with him? Is there anything that helps?”

“Having some rough surfaces for him to rub against once he wakes. Humidity also helps some. You could try giving him a warm bath. Do resist the urge to try and peel the skin off yourself though, at least until the outer layer really starts sloughing off.” Maddox paused. “While I don’t want you to panic, if he’s still unresponsive in the morning, you might want to visit a vet.”

“Are there any around here that can handle a lizard?”

“Not without driving a fair distance,” Maddox admitted. “And even then, there’s not always much they can do. Sorry.”

“Ain’t your fault,” I muttered. “Stupid bugger.”

“I know it’s hard when someone you love, even a pet, is ailing.”

I snorted. “Until a few days ago, I’d never even met him and now it’s like my life revolves around his imperious ass.” Oops, once more I spoke a little too frankly.

Maddox saw nothing wrong though. “Yeah, they’re demanding, but the love you get in return is worth it.”

“You have a pet?” I asked.

“A cat,” he admitted. “She’s usually at the shop with me when I’m working, but she doesn’t like strangers and tends to nap in the back.”

“What, no lizard of your own?”

His lips quirked. “Princess likes being an only pet. She tolerates the ones in the store only because she knows they don’t come home.”

“You called your cat Princess?” I couldn’t help but sound scoffing.

“If you met her, you’d understand. You’re not the only one with a pet that thinks they rule your life.” His lips twisted ruefully.

“I really appreciate you driving out here,” I stated. “How much do I owe you for the house call?”

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