Page 23 of M!lked For His Pleasure

Again, the sound buzzes through the screen, a touch louder this time. But there’s no mistaking it. It’s certainly a moo. Based on the pitch and lack of musical lilt, I know it’s not Fiona. Vrokjan’s face, however, gets that pinched, concerned look to it.

“Do you think Jessica is okay?”

“That’s what I’m worried about. She was so damned reluctant to moo for me in the stall by herself. The fact that she’s doing so now in front of others has me fucking scared shitless.”

He jerks over to the side and slams on the breaks, sending the cows skittering to and fro in the back. If Vrokjan wasn’t so concerned, I’d find the whole ordeal amusing. As it is, I know he would not appreciate the humor in this moment.

Once he hops out of the transport, he races to the back. I follow as swiftly as I can, just in case he needs another set of hands for whatever is wrong. As he opens up the doors, we both take a moment to glance over the other cows, just in case she’s distressed on their behalf.

To my eyes, they look fine, but then again, I’m not a Medical Rancher. Now, more than ever, I wish Nagán just rode in the back with them. Knowing him, however, he probably has many other cows to attend to.

Leveling my gaze at Fiona, I take in her flushed face and trembling lips. Nothing seems wrong with her either, but I know I won’t rest until my hands are back on her. The intense need to touch her, to see for myself that she’s okay, eats at my brain.

Shuffling over, I pull out the ramp, allowing Vrokjan to lead Jessica out and into the pasture, away from the others. I shut the doors behind to give them a bit of privacy, but the cows just race toward the bars and look out, their faces smushed against the metal.

From what little I’ve seen of Earth culture and their transmissions, I’m sure there’d be some sad song going on in the background while a plaintive voice intones that you too can save a cow in need for some paltry amount of money per day. Little do they understand that our cows are treated far better than even the most doted upon pets on Earth. That is, with the good Ranchers.

I shudder to think about the bad ones. We do our best to weed them out, but Icorians like Jakroon and Ratainio continue to thrive because they remain just inside the lines. One of these days, though, I’m going to catch them in something they cannot wriggle their way out of.

Reaching through the bars, I run my fingers over Fiona’s hair, sighing as relief washes over me. Just touching her allows me to breathe again. Off to the side, however, Vrokjan’s expression still looks rather concerned. With great reluctance, I pull away and walk about halfway in between.

“You can speak,” he growls. “What’s wrong?”

I strain in the silence, hoping to know what issues are going on so we can correct them. His cow, however, remains silent. I just can’t tell if it’s out of fear or stubbornness.

“Well?” he demands again, his stance going rigid.

“I have to pee,” she eventually cries out.

“For the love of all Celestials,” I groan under my breath, nearly dizzy as the fear drains from me.

Vrokjan rolls his eyes and jerks his head over toward the vehicle. I might as well make sure no one else has to go. Shaking my head, I trot back over to where the other cows wait and watch.

“Anyone here need to relieve themselves?”

The trio stare at me with their enormous eyes and rapidly shake their heads. Their moos sound frantic, as if the very idea of going to the bathroom is a fate worse than death. Fiona, however, gives her soft moo as she nods her head.

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I drop the ramp down and help her out. Instead of heading to the grass, she looks over to the other side to where Vrokjan and Jessica stand by to see what else is going on. In the harsh light of day, Fiona looks weak and tired.

Dark circles stand out against her porcelain skin, making my heart thunder in my chest. Before I can say anything, Jessica makes her way over, swaying a touch with each bit she crawls. Without saying a word, she runs her hoof down Fiona’s face, concern shining in her eyes.

Unable to help myself, I jerk Fiona backward, away from Jessica and her prying touch. My lips curl up into a snarl at even the idea that I’d abuse my cow like that. Just what type of Rancher does this heifer take me for?

Hunching down, I snarl at the woman. “Are you trying to insinuate something, cow?”

Vrokjan stands between us, his stance rigid as strength and anger flow off of him. “I know you’re possessive of your Highland, but you will not threaten my heifer. If we’re going to live together, you will need to respect my property, as I will respect yours.”

Jessica slides around Vrokjan’s leg and shoots Fiona a wide grin. Looking back, I watch as my cow returns in kind. Her eyes soften as her body relaxes. In kind, I allow my guard to come back down as I rise.

Vrokjan chuckles. “At least they like each other and seem protective over one another. That will certainly make things easier.”

Reaching down, I run my hand over Fiona’s head, needing my touchstone to ground me once more. “My apologies for snapping at your cow. Please understand that I take my job as Rancher very seriously. I will do my utmost to make sure no harm comes to her.” Taking a deep breath, I turn to Jessica, puzzled at how two very different cows could be acquainted, especially when not allowed to talk to each other. “By the way, how do you two know each other?”

Before answering, she glances up Vrokjan. Questions burn in her eyes, but it makes sense. She’s already been punished once. This could be a trap for all she knows.

“When you’re in either of our presence, as long as no other cows are able to hear, you may speak.”

Again, Jessica seems to sag as relief hits her. “We met each other on the ship,” she whispers, keeping her voice low. “She was kind and offered me comfort. I didn’t feel so alone.”

---