Page 10 of Training my Human

“His skin. It’s something lizards do.”

“He’s not dying?” I couldn’t help but sound hopeful while remaining dubious.

“I didn’t say that. Could be something else entirely. Can you bring him by the store?”

“I don’t know. Would he be okay travelling in a saddlebag?” And then, because that sounded weird, I added, “I ride a motorcycle.:

“Yeah, that might not be ideal. Tell you what, I was about to close up shop. Why don’t I grab a few things and pop over? I’ve got some experience with sick reptiles and might be able to help.”

“Would you really?” I didn’t hide my relief at his offer.

“Where do you live?”

I had an address but most navigation systems struggled with it. It was why I had deliveries sent to my work. I ended up explaining it to Maddox using visual landmarks, finishing up with, “…when you see the big gnarly tree, you’re like a hundred feet from my driveway.”

“Got it. See you in a bit.”

I spent that bit outside pacing rather than standing over Little Fella worrying. How had I become attached in such a short time? Please don’t tell me I’d made him sick feeding him non-lizard stuff. Could it be because he’d yet to poop or pee? The paper towel I’d lain on the floor remained pristine. Could a lizard die of constipation?

It took an eternity of thirty-four minutes for Maddox to arrive, driving a pickup truck almost as old as my bike. In good shape, though. No rusted spots or dents. I especially admired the big push bar on the front. Once you got outside the city, the wildlife would—and did—cross the road with no regard to vehicles. I’d only ever had to swerve once to avoid a moose, but it scared the shit out of me.

Maddox got out of his truck, carrying a bag. “Okay, where’s our ailing lizard?”

“In my bed.”

He arched a brow. “You sleep with him?”

Apparently not something people did. I shrugged. “He likes to snuggle.”

“Aren’t you worried he’ll pee on your mattress?”

Since Maddox looked at me, waiting for an answer, I muttered, “If he does, I can wash it. Although, speaking of doing number ones and twos, I don’t know if he’s done any since he decided to start living with me.”

“It’s more likely you haven’t found his defecating spot. Let’s see the patient.”

I led Maddox into my trailer, which felt like a shoebox with the big man filling the space. His head almost touched the ceiling.

We entered my bedroom—which sounded grander than the reality. It was a cramped space at the back end of the trailer with a mattress surrounded by walls on three sides. I stood by the head of my bed, wringing my hands, while Maddox leaned over to eye Little Fella.

“Hmm.”

“Well?” I queried trying to hold in my worry. How had I gotten attached so damned quick?

“Well, for one thing, this is not a Northern Alligator Lizard.”

“Do you know what he is?” I asked a tad nervously. If he said dragon, I’d probably shit myself.

“No.” He glanced at me. “You said you found him?”

I nodded. “More like he found me. We met out by the fire.”

“Strange. Most animals have a natural instinct to avoid flames,” he murmured as he ran his fingers over Little Fella. My lizard didn’t move, but he did still breathe, judging by the slight flare of his nostrils. “While I don’t recognize the breed, he is of the reptile family. Given his size, most likely full grown, or close to.”

I just about choked because if little fellow were to be believed, he’d just been born which meant he’d only started to grow. Looking at him now, I could see the difference in size since he’d first appeared. He’d gone from kitten to small cat in only days.

“You’re sure he’s not a baby?” I queried.

“Canada doesn’t get large reptiles. That is, assuming he’s native and not something that escaped from someone’s tank at home.” Maddox palpated Little Fella and frowned. “He’s hot.”

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