This time, when he motions toward the other humans already grazing in the fields, I find that I don’t care. For the first time since arriving, I feel the need to scream, to rant, and to rave. It wells up inside me, shutting out everything else.

It’s as if a tidal wave slams into me. No meat. No privacy. Probably no television. No coffee? How exactly am I supposed to survive?

Master Antroli nudges me, frowning at my lack of attention. I do my best not to sneer as I turn toward the other women.

“Some of our cows have been here for years, and as you can see, they’re still plump, healthy, and happy. The hardest part will be the yearning for meat, but that will pass.”

Standing, he brushes his hands on his pants. “Ovibrosia is also supplemented with other fruits and vegetables grown on the farm. So don’t think this is all you’ll eat. Think of Ovibrosia as more of a snack than anything else. If you get hungry during the day, you can come out here and snack until your heart’s content. For water, there will be a fresh stream in the trough over by the entrance. Any questions?”

We look at each other, questions burning in our eyes, but I don’t dare speak. To do so would be to snarl at the man taking away my freedoms. Eventually, a woman with brown hair and green eyes raises her hoof.

“I am giving you permission to speak.”

“What about the bathroom? I’m unable to clean with these hooves on.” I stare at her face, doing my best to place her accent, Norwegian?

“Excellent question. Every morning, before milking, you will be brought to a room to do your business. The plugs will be removed so you can evacuate your bowels. After you’re cleaned off and done with morning or nightly inspections, it will be reinserted so you can go about your day. At other times, if you have need, approach any Ranch Hand, and they will assist you. During the evening, hooves are removed, so you can take care of any business you might have. However, tails are to be promptly put back in. If you are found without your tail, the punishment will be severe.”

He pauses for a moment, waiting for us to speak again. “One last thing before I go. I want to reiterate that you are allowed to speak to each other as long as it’s not in earshot of a Rancher or an Icorian. The moment you see anyone from this planet, you are to remain silent and moo unless permitted to speak.”

That’s a relief, I guess. To think I’d be that grateful for such small favors. Hanging my head low, I head back to the ramp. This is my life now, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Hopefully, once I have Master Antroli alone, I can negotiate. Even if meat is completely off the menu, I can’t survive without coffee. If he wants me to be a good productive cow for him, he’ll need to see to my needs. And this one is non-negotiable.

Chapter Twelve

Antroli

My little heifer is upset. That much is clear. Luckily for her, she keeps her thoughts to herself. Those who haven’t spent any time with her might only think she’s distressed like the other cows.

But I know differently. We’ve only been together for a fraction of time, and yet, I find it easier to tell her shifting moods as we grow closer. Perhaps it’s because I have an affinity for her I’ve never experienced with other cows. Or maybe it’s because, to me at least, her face is so expressive.

Try as she might, she cannot seem to keep her thoughts off of her face. It’s refreshing, really, not having to guess as much. But then, it wouldn’t take a Medical Rancher to know any cow who’s used to eating meat will find the shift abhorrent.

A smile teases my lips as I let down the ramp so Fiona and Jessica can climb inside and ride up to the main house. She spears me one of her hot glares as she crawls forward. Such impertinence, such insolence, such a delicious demand for me to take her in hand.

Next to her, however, Jessica strains for each step. She seems far too occupied with keeping herself upright to even care about things such as meat and grass toilets. A wave of concern washes over me as I watch her struggle.

Her breasts sway low to the ground, round and swollen, as if already engorged with milk again. But that’s impossible. She was milked at the same time as Fiona, and I know my cow is not ready for milking again.

For a moment, Fiona pauses and bumps into Jessica before giving her an encouraging grin. They stare at each other, silently communicating somehow. I do so envy humans and their almost telepathic way of getting their thoughts across. It creates a bond that we Icorians can never seem to replicate.

After several pained moments, my lovely heifer slides in front of her. Fiona trots up the ramp as if it’s as natural as breathing. The pride burning in my chest nearly chokes me, but is soon doused when Jessica goes to make the trek. She stands there, staring at the thing as if it’s the highest peak on the planet.

The agonizing moo she lets out rips my heart from my chest. I have no clue what’s going on with Vrokjan’s cow, but it can’t be good. No cow has ever had this much difficulty with the basic tasks commanded of them.

Without so much as a word, my boss scoops her up and takes her to the front of the transport. Questions burn in Fiona’s eyes as we watch them leave. No doubt they are the same that churns my gut. It would kill Vrokjan to lose this cow.

I’ve never seen him so worked up over a new member to the herd. There’s an excitement there that defies everything I know about the stern, grumpy Ranch Owner. For him to lose her this soon… No. I cannot even contemplate that.

Instead, I close Fiona in the back and head up to join them. As I go to wrench the door open, Vrokjan is there, heifer back inhis arms. “I’ll be taking her back on foot. I wish to show her the wonders of her new home.”

I hide a snort as I wink at the poor cow. Wonders indeed. It will be a wonder if she comes back home without his ‘protein’ all over her, her hair in an unkempt, tousled, and unruly mess. Still though, he doesn’t seem as concerned as earlier, so perhaps all is well?

Climbing in, I angle the camera so I can watch Fiona. She looks so sad and alone in the back with no others to keep her company. It’s not only for Vrokjan’s sake that I hope his cow remains well. My heifer seems to thrive on their friendship.

I grit my teeth as I tighten my fingers around the wheel. She has to be okay. There is no other choice. Planting my foot on the peddle, I race us to the main house. Once Vrokjan is done pleasuring his cow, it will be time for work again. By the time that happens, I want Fiona fully sated and filled with my cum.

My cock pulses behind the confines of my suit, driving out all thoughts of Vrokjan and his cow. He’s certainly equipped to handle her without me. I should be pouring all my thoughts out onto my own little prize.