Page 44 of Training my Human

He’d done all that for me?

“Your effort is acknowledged, if expected as part of your job.”

Maddox snorted. “Surprised you haven’t fired me, seeing as how I wasn’t there when you almost got nabbed.”

“I expect you to be more vigilant in the future.” I magnanimously forgave his transgression.

“We going to stand around chatting all night or do you want to come with me and see Pip?”

“I thought you mentioned spies.”

“That’s not certain. We just assumed the thugs who tried to take Pip into custody might be watching her in the hopes we’ll lead them to you.”

“You suspect that but left her alone?” I huffed.

“I know it’s not ideal, bud, but I didn’t have a choice if I was going to get you out of these woods.”

“Where are we going?”

“For tonight, my place.”

“That is being watched?” I screeched. Was he stupid?

“I have a way to get us inside unseen, and it’s only temporary. Pip’s trailer’s gone, so she’s going to talk to her boss about living in a barn on his property. Apparently, it’s got a mini apartment that used to be used by the guy who took care of the horses. Better yet, her boss is a big security nut. Fenced property that is electrified with cameras all over. Security guards. And he even has his own drones to prevent anyone from looking in.”

“A barn?” I was stuck on the fact they planned to place me in a home meant for dumb animals.

“Would you prefer to remain in the cave?” Maddox snapped.

“No, but you couldn’t find anything better than a barn?” I complained.

“You know, we have an expression: Beggars can’t be choosers.”

An apt phrase that stung because truly, what choice did I have?

“If it helps, I can console you with leftover pizza and ribs from dinner. Plus, if you’re still hungry after that, I have a tub of ice cream.”

Mmm, I did so enjoy that cold, delicious stuff. “I guess if I’m still feeling peckish afterwards, there is that cat…” I slyly reminded him.

“I know you’re fucking with me, but it’s still not funny,” grumbled the big man. “Now, are you coming down or what?”

“So grouchy,” I exclaimed as I began the descent.

“It’s been a tough few hours,” Maddox admitted. “Sorry if I’m terse. I’m worried about Pip.”

It was only as I reached him, the faintest sliver of moonlight illuminating me, that he noticed the change. “Bud, you’ve got wings!”

“I do,” I proudly stated, letting them flutter. “But they’re not yet ready for flight.”

“Still very cool. You feeling okay to walk or do you need me to carry you?”

My pride had me initially footing it on my own, but as my strength quickly lagged, without asking my protector placed me atop his shoulders, and I curled myself around his neck and shoulders and let him be my beast of burden.

“Feel like telling me what happened?” he asked as he trekked rapidly through the woods.

“Hunters showed up at the trailer and tried to put me in a cage.”

“Let me guess, one of them was an asshole in a suit?”

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