Page 47 of Training my Human

“That seems expensive,” I opined. “There’s dozens of them around the world.”

“More like hundreds,” Abaddon corrected.

“Why would they even want to find dragons?” I questioned.

“Because we are apex creatures of immense nobility, of course,” Abaddon stated matter-of-factly.

I held in a smile. “Indeed. I should have thought of that.” But meanwhile, my mind whirred to other possibilities ranging from overeager scientists salivating to get their hands on a mythical creature, to billionaires who liked to collect rare things. Then there was the war machine that constantly sought new weapons to intimidate enemies.

Maddox nuzzled my ear. “Might be time for bed.”

“Fuck yeah, it is.” It had been a long day, and I was eager for some stress relief—a.k.a. sex.

Only that ended up foiled because Abaddon pushed away from the empty pizza box and said, “A fine idea, my protector. I am exhausted.” But did my Little Fella head for the spare room?

Nope. He of course chose the master, meaning no hot nookie for me because my cock-blocking dragon snuggled between us in bed. The jerk slept blissfully despite the cat perched at the foot, glaring.

Maddox eyed me over Abaddon’s head and mouthed, “Worse than kids, eh?”

I almost burst out laughing. Sure, my day didn’t end on an orgasmic note, but considering what had occurred, things turned out okay. Even better, I had Maddox.

I fell asleep smiling, and when I woke in the morning—without anyone pounding on the door or trying to SWAT their way in—I began to feel hopeful. Perhaps those assholes would leave me alone.

But as Granny always said,There’s two things you can always count on. Needing to take a dump right after you shower and need to go somewhere, and those fucking government types meddling in things that ain’t their business.

Except Maddox had raised a good point. What if they weren’t officially sanctioned? Probably the worst-case scenario, because it would mean they wouldn’t be bound by rules.

Then again, neither was I.

ChapterSixteen

Maddox lefthis apartment to open his shop while I was still sipping my coffee. He wanted things to appear business as normal for anyone who might be watching.Ifanyone watched. I’d been randomly peeking out the window as I puttered around his place, wasting time since the tattoo shop didn’t open as early. Not once did I spot anything untoward, but then again, would I really notice someone good at spying?

After my shower, I made breakfast for Abaddon, his second, seeing as how he’d also eaten with Maddox. Me, I barely nibbled my piece of toast, but it didn’t go to waste with my dragon-can. He even licked the plate clean of crumbs before I slid it into the dishwasher.

For some reason, Princess had taken to stalking Abaddon, a slinking shadow who slyly watched from behind the corner of the couch or peeked around the edge of the kitchen island. To his credit, Abaddon ignored her, but that didn’t mean I trusted the pair of them alone. When it came time for me to head over to the shop, I grabbed the kitty who purred as I scratched behind her ears.

“You’re leaving me? Again?” Abaddon pouted.

“I need to grab the keys for the barn from Leo. I won’t be gone too long. You’ll be fine. Maddox is right downstairs.” As would be Princess, as I planned to drop her off on my way out. “The door to the rooftop is open just in case you need a quick exit.”

“I can’t believe you’re making us live in a barn. Why can’t we stay here?” he grumbled.

“I’ve told you why.” Apart from Abaddon’s growing size and my fear he’d do something to the cat, I didn’t want to bring more trouble down on Maddox. If the man in the suit came after me and my dragon again, I’d prefer Maddox not get swept up in the mess.

“How can my protector do his duty if he’s not around?”

“Don’t worry. I’m fairly certain we’ll still be seeing a lot of him.” I hoped. Things had been going well thus far, but I kept waiting for the straw that broke the burly pet shop keeper’s back. “Be good while I’m gone and try to not eat everything.”

“No promises,” muttered my Little Fella as I left.

I popped Princess into her queenly bed in the storage room before heading into the shop. Maddox smiled upon seeing me.

“Taking off?”

“Yeah. Leo texted. He’s got the keys so I’m going to grab them and then hit a store for a few things.” Like underwear. I had some stuff stashed at Maddox’s place but not enough to constitute a wardrobe.

“Sounds good. See you in a few.” A casual goodbye, unlike the kiss he bestowed upon me.

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