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Chapter Four

Maddox, to his credit, didn’t hang up on me. He remained calm as he asked questions.

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s lying in bed and won’t wake up.”

“Could be he’s simply tired.”

I almost snapped, Tired from doing wha t? But I kept my cool. This guy did know more about reptiles than me. “I don’t think he’s sleeping. Not to mention, he always wants to eat when I get home. He’s also paler than before and his skin looks weird.”

“Sounds like he might be shedding.”

“Shedding what?” I screeched.

“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.”

“Is a fever bad?”

“It’s unusual,” he replied slowly. “Reptiles are usually ectothermic, meaning their body doesn’t regulate their temperature, the environment does. But I see nothing here that could be heating him.”

“He usually runs warm,” I supplied, remembering our snuggling. “But not this hot.”

“Could be because he’s shedding. See, there’s a spot that’s peeling.” He showed me a tear in the skin. “However, these bumps on his back are odd, as is the fact his genitalia are outside his body.”

I kept my mouth clamped at the bumps observation because, if Little Fella could be believed, they were where his supposed wings would sprout.

“Is it normal for him to be passed out this hard?”

Maddox rolled his big shoulders. “Hard to tell, not knowing the species. Could be he’s gone into some kind of hibernation mode.”

Then, because I liked to ask dumb questions, I threw him the weirdest one of all. “Are there any species of lizards that talk? You know, like a parrot.”

A booming laugh emerged from Maddox.

My nose wrinkled. “So that would be a no?”

“Definitely not,” he chuckled. “Lizards at best hiss and chirp. Don’t tell me yours has been conversing?”

I most definitely wouldn’t admit that, although I did feel some relief that Maddox could actually see him. At least Little Fella existed. “Just something some chick said in a TikTok video,” I lamely stated to deflect away from my question. “How long will this shedding thing last?”

“Again, not knowing the species, hard to tell for sure. Just like I don’t know if the fever and this hard of a sleep are normal. He was fine this morning?”

My head bobbed. “Yup. Ate a shit ton before giving me shit for leaving for work.” The admission slipped out before I could stop myself, but Maddox nodded.

“Pets hate it when you leave them for the day. I used to have a dog that would cry for like five minutes if I left for even an hour.”

“What should I do with him? Is there anything that helps?”

“Having some rough surfaces for him to rub against once he wakes. Humidity also helps some. You could try giving him a warm bath. Do resist the urge to try and peel the skin off yourself though, at least until the outer layer really starts sloughing off.” Maddox paused. “While I don’t want you to panic, if he’s still unresponsive in the morning, you might want to visit a vet.”

“Are there any around here that can handle a lizard?”

“Not without driving a fair distance,” Maddox admitted. “And even then, there’s not always much they can do. Sorry.”

“Ain’t your fault,” I muttered. “Stupid bugger.”

“I know it’s hard when someone you love, even a pet, is ailing.”

I snorted. “Until a few days ago, I’d never even met him and now it’s like my life revolves around his imperious ass.” Oops, once more I spoke a little too frankly.

Maddox saw nothing wrong though. “Yeah, they’re demanding, but the love you get in return is worth it.”

“You have a pet?” I asked.

“A cat,” he admitted. “She’s usually at the shop with me when I’m working, but she doesn’t like strangers and tends to nap in the back.”

“What, no lizard of your own?”

His lips quirked. “Princess likes being an only pet. She tolerates the ones in the store only because she knows they don’t come home.”

“You called your cat Princess?” I couldn’t help but sound scoffing.

“If you met her, you’d understand. You’re not the only one with a pet that thinks they rule your life.” His lips twisted ruefully.

“I really appreciate you driving out here,” I stated. “How much do I owe you for the house call?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. It was no problem at all. But I should get heading. Princess is likely clawing up my place, seeing as how she hasn’t gotten her evening snuggle yet.”

I’ll admit, I had a hard time picturing this burly guy catering to a cat. At the same time, I’d bet it was cute as fuck.

I walked him out to his truck. “Thanks again. Really appreciate this.”

“Wish I could have done more, but shedding is not something that can’t be hurried. Hope he’s back to himself soon.”

“Me too.”

Maddox paused before climbing in his truck. “I don’t suppose I could interest you in coffee or a dinner once your pet’s recovered?”

I blinked. “As in, a date?” I blurted.

His lips curved. “Yeah. Assuming you’re single, of course.”

“Single and yeah, I’d like that.” Tingles suddenly coursed through me, not something I’d had happen in a long while.

“How about tomorrow night? That is, if your lizard is doing better. There’s that Italian place close to our work, or if you like, that new taco joint.”

“I don’t know if I should be gone all day for work and then dinner.” I chewed my lips as I glanced back at the trailer.

“What if I grabbed us some takeout and brought it here?”

“Really?” At his nod, I smiled. “I get off around six. Meet me here for seven?”

“Sounds good. What should I grab? Tacos or pasta?”

“Surprise me. I’ll have wine and beer to match either.”

“It’s a date. See you tomorrow, Pip.”

Heck yeah, he would.

That was assuming I wasn’t mourning the passing of Little Fella. I spent the night snuggled with his overheating body. Weird, yes, but anyone who said anything could fuck right off.

By the morning, Little Fella remained the same, if slightly cooler. His skin showed more tearing—I swear he’d grown again overnight—and he’d stopped sweating. His breathing was also much better.

Still, I worried and ended up calling in sick so I could keep an eye on him.

He didn’t wake, but when I used an eye dropper to put some beef broth in his mouth, he did swallow. A good sign, I hoped.

By the time seven rolled around, I’d showered, dressed in my most ass-molding jeans and a snug t-shirt that showed off my tits, and brushed my platinum hair smooth. My mane was borderline white, and natural, too, unlike what most people assumed. I started out with the ebony locks of my ancestors, but as I aged, streaks of silver appeared, which traumatized my teenage ass at the time. At twenty-five, I stopped trying to dye it and embraced it. At thirty-three, I rocked the hair and got a laugh when a new lover realized the drapes matched the carpet.

Hearing the rumble of Maddox’s truck, I checked on Little Fella, who’d been moved to a laundry basket lined in towels. I wanted the bed free, just in case.

I headed outside to greet Maddox, who arrived bearing a Mexican feast, way more than two people could eat: nine tacos—evenly split between beef, pork, and chicken—salsa and tortilla chips, rice and beans, a couple empanadas, and churros for dessert. When I teased, Maddox explained he wanted to ensure he got my favorites.

He could have shown up with Taco Bell and I’d have been fine. I wasn’t a picky girl when it came to food.

Before we ate, he asked to see Little Fella and declared he looked much better, which eased my mind. We sat by my firepit to eat, tossing back some Coors Light, talking, mostly about work. He wanted to know how I got into tattooing. It was because I liked art but selling paintings could be hit and miss moneywise, especially for artists just starting out. However, a talented inker? My growing build fund showed the lucrativeness in drawing on people with what was essentially permanent marker. As for Maddox, he got into the pet store business because he hated the large chain stores and liked lizards. He owned the building that held his shop and lived in the apartment over it.

“I don’t make a shit ton of dough,” he admitted. “But I enjoy the work. Much better than being stuck in an office.”

“I can’t picture you at a desk,” I teased.

“And yet I used to work at the bank.” He grimaced. “My mom convinced me to get a finance degree because I was good at math. I hated it.”

“No fucking way,” I exhaled in shock. “You?—”

Whatever I might have said got interrupted by a loud banging at my trailer door followed by a bellow. “Woman, where are you? I’m hungry.”

Maddox whirled and frowned. “I didn’t know you had someone living with you.”

“Not someone,” I muttered as I rose and went to the door. I opened it to see Little Fella, bits of skin hanging off him, waiting impatiently.

“Then wh?—”

Maddox didn’t finish his sentence as Little Fella eyed my burly guest up and down before saying, “He’ll do as my second servant.”