Page 16 of Training my Human

“What are you going to do? A dragon, heck even a talking whatever he might be, is a huge deal. There’s no way you’ll be able to keep him if folks find out.”

“I’m aware,” I replied with a grimace. “It’s only been a few days, and I’ll be honest, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Like I said before, I was worried I hallucinated the whole thing.”

“At least your property is remote. You’ll have a chance to keep him under wraps for a while but if he gets to be dinosaur-sized…” Maddox shook his head. “You won’t be able to hide him.”

“Or feed him.” I snorted. “Already he eats twice as much as me.”

“He ate everything. Meat. Vegetables. Grains.”

“Anything but bugs,” I said with a laugh. “You should have seen his reaction when I brought those crickets and stuff home. He looked utterly disgusted.”

“He certainly inherited a commanding manner. And here I thought Princess was arrogant. What do you think he meant when he said he’d find you a new home?”

“I don’t know. That’s the first he’s mentioned it. I am not moving into a cave, though.” Because wasn’t that where dragons usually laired?

“Do you think there are more eggs lying around?”

“Little Fella claims his mother would have only placed one per volcano. Something about not sharing territory.”

“And that would have been how long ago?” Maddox asked.

A frown creased my brow. “I don’t know. Never thought to ask.”

“Why would he declare me his protector? We just met.”

“Well, you do look like the type of guy who can hold his own in a fight.”

Maddox’s lips pursed. “Fair point. I am pretty good with my fists. Had no choice but to learn because a guy my size tends to draw the wrong kind of attention and assumptions, especially in bars once other dudes have had too many beers. But a slugfest with a drunk is a lot different than what your little bud seemed to be suggesting. I’m not going to jail for your pet. No offense.”

“None taken, and I’m with you. While I’d like to keep him out of nefarious hands and labs, if the white coats show up at my door and demand I hand him over, I won’t really have a choice.”

We talked a bit more about Little Fella before Maddox rose and stretched. “I should go. Princess will be freaking I missed her ten o’clock feeding.”

“Seems like you’re already a servant,” I joked.

“I am.” He paused. “Despite the oddity of the evening, I really had fun. Do it again?”

Wait, he’d not been scared off by my talking mini dragon? “I’d like that.”

“How about I cook for you at my place tomorrow?”

I glanced at the trailer. “If I don’t come home from work, he’s liable to eat everything that’s not glued or hammered down.”

“He’s welcome to join us.”

“In that case, I’ll grab him after work.”

“Which is a big round trip for you. How about instead I swing by late afternoon and pick up your Little Fella.”

“What about your shop?”

“I’ve got to come out this way anyhow to grab a delivery at a ranch. My part-timer, Suzy, will be watching the store while I’m out.”

A part of me wondered if I could trust Maddox. At the same time, it was kind of too late now, since he knew my secret. Given the dragon was already out of the bag, I could see only one possible reply to his offer. “What time’s dinner?”

ChapterSix

“Why must you leave?”I asked again as the female servant prepared our morning meal.

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