Page 69 of Training my Human

“And it means that they can procreate without issue, unlike human siblings. Malone thinks it’s because the birth rate is so low that this was nature’s way of improving their viability.”

My nose still wrinkled because ew, brother sister sex.

Malone stalked back in. “The dragon’s killed most of the team.”

If I could have, I would have fist pumped at the news.

“Oh dear.” Leo finally lost his jubilant smile.

“This is your fault,” Malone accused Leo. “If you’d let me take him down earlier before the storm took out the power, we’d have been able to scoop up his sleeping ass and relocate him without any casualties.”

“The dome wasn’t ready,” Leo muttered.

“Ready or not, it’s time to stop fucking around. I told Kaitlyn to warn the creature to cooperate or we’ll harm his servant.” Malone jerked his head in my direction.

I had to wonder if the threat would work. Abaddon seemed fond of me, but at the same time, he could be arrogant. And let’s be honest, he most likely valued his life much more than mine.

Malone glanced at his phone and sighed. “The dragon is demanding proof we have her in custody.”

“I’ve got this.” Leo whipped out his cell and started a FaceTime call featuring me front and center.

When the screen loaded, I almost gaped at the flames eating the interior of the barn. Sitting there amidst the inferno—looking majorly pissed—was my Little Fella.

I did what any good pet owner—and friend—would do. Told him to escape and got slapped for it. Coppery blood ended up in my mouth because my lip split on my tooth. The pain didn’t bother me as much as Abaddon’s agreement.

He was turning himself in to save me.

Aw. He did like me.

Despite Abaddon’s capitulation, Malone made a phone call and barked out orders. “Tell the team to get suited up ASAP. The creature’s on its way. I want everyone equipped with a canister of sleeping gas, which means masks on. While the creature has agreed to hand itself over, it might try and fight at the last minute.”

As Malone stalked off, preparing for the drag-ageddon, Leo crouched by me. “Don’t look so worried. Malone’s not going to hurt him.”

“Doesn’t sound like it,” I muttered.

“I’m afraid he still sees dragons as vicious monsters and not the intelligent, thinking beings that they are. But I do.”

“You forget, Abaddon is still pretty much a baby, or would that be teenager in dragon weeks? He might not react the way you expect.”

“Then help me. Help us. Explain to him we don’t wish him any harm.”

“You want me to lie.” A flat reply.

“I see you’re not ready yet to change your way of thinking. I’ll let you ponder it while I go and check the last-minute preparations for the habitat. I am hoping the crate of Cheetos I ordered arrived. I’ve noticed how fond he seems to be of them.”

The casual way he dropped that—a not-subtle-at-all admission of the spying—pissed me off. Leo left, giddy with excitement, while I stewed. Worried about Abaddon. Frustrated at the situation.

If only I could set myself free, maybe I could do something.

Being a big movie buff, I knew of one trick that people tied to chairs tended to do, but it would hurt. I grimaced before attempting to rock the seat. Sturdy fucker wouldn’t even wobble, which made me doubt falling over would snap it into pieces. The next thing folks did was find something sharp to slice their restraints. A glance at the desk in front of me showed a smooth, glossy surface. Leo didn’t use his office for much more than show.

A clatter of boots and people shouting indicated something was happening. The next few moments seemed to involve those outside the office scattering as it soon grew quiet. Too quiet. What was going on?

A distant scream that cut off abruptly made me stiffen. Sounded like Abaddon might have arrived, but apparently not to meekly turn himself in.

My lips curved. “That’s my Little Fella.”

Crash.The sudden noise made me frown, especially seeing as it was followed by the noise of a revving motor. Had someone crashed into the house?

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