Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Antroli

D ucking out into the main hallway, I glance back and forth. I can handle anything they throw at me, but can Fiona? If it were only me, I'd stride out with my shoulders held back, daring them to do their worst.

With her at the end of my lead, I find I'm burdened even more with keeping her safe. The only thing that helps is knowing they'd have to be insane to try something here. Hell, being in this milking barn is probably the safest she'll ever be.

My fist tightens around the lead, coiling it around as my anger edges out rational thinking. It's not like me to get so worked up. I know this. But I also know Fiona's protection will always be paramount in my mind. I wish I could just speed things along and crack their jaws before they even finish formulating any ideas they might have.

A sigh flits through my list as I force my muscles to loosen. Unfortunately, until they act first, we have nothing in our favor to bring before the government. Knowing them, they'll spout whatever nonsense they can to get out from under their suspicious eye. We've already had to go to the courts to defend ourselves from accusations of causing a monopoly.

And so I stand there, defenseless for now. Irritation crawls up my spine as I keep Fiona close to me. I won her fair and square. The only way they're getting her from me is with my death. Even then, I'm sure Vrokjan will be willing to take full custody.

Just the thought of my boss taking Fiona's milk as his own, pleasuring her in the barn, is enough to make my vision blur and tinge with red. This obsession is a sickness. It pervades my limbs with every step, with every brush of her body against mine, and with every whiff of her intoxicating scent.

Let someone try to take her from me. They will rue the day they crossed my path. Next to me, Fiona lets out a soft, distressed moo, so faint, I almost don't hear it. Shoving the murderous thoughts from my mind, I focus on her.

"It's okay, my pet. Soon we will be at the Ranch. I know it's all so overwhelming right now." Leaning down, I brush my hand against her head and smile when she leans into my touch.

Soon, however, the feelings dissipate as another concern niggles its way to the forefront. Glancing down at the communicator on my wrist, I note the time. It's not like Vrokjan to be late. Perhaps his heifer is far more than he can manage? But then, I've never known him to face such a challenge.

Fiona shuffles back and forth, wriggling about as I continue to watch the stalls on either side. No sounds come from within, so he should be done soon. Eventually, Nagán steps out, his lips twisted in concerned thought. That's also rather strange.

Normally, he waits for us back at the Ranch to do final inspections. What has him over here now? When Vrokjan steps through the door, lead dangling from his hand, I let out my breath in a whoosh. His cow seems well enough.

Her eyes are glassy, and her gait is unsteady. That doesn't surprise me, though. I've watched my boss break in cows before. If she was as much trouble for him as she was on board the ship, he set her straight. Still though, there's something not quite right.

It's as if there's an electrical charge in the air, making the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end. As much as I'd like to chalk it up to nerves, I know better. Something is coming. Something that none of us will like.

Straightening my shoulders, I tug Fiona along, praying to all the Celestials that she'll behave. I don't mind her strong-willed antics in private where I can indulge them how I wish. If I have to discipline her in public, however, neither of us will like the end result.

At first, she hesitates, not following my lead. My lips turn down into a frown as I jerk a bit harder, forcing her to move. Down the way, Vrokjan seems to have the same problem with his cow. Great. There's two of them.

Once Fiona's head lifts and she sees the other, her entire demeanor changes. No longer does she pause at my prodding. She quickens her crawl, racing over to the other cow. They bump heads but remain silent.

Seeing them together sets a glow in my heart. With Vrokjan and I having to run the farm and dairy, we won't be able to keep them company for most of the day. It makes me feel a lot better knowing my little Highland has a friend to watch over her.

In an instant, the air changes. Instead of crackling with apprehension, it sizzles with possibility. The grin on my face widens as I meet Vrokjan's gaze. He feels it too. He must.

As I run my hand down Fiona's back, Vrokjan touches his cow's face. We both seem to want to foster this friendship, especially since we will all be under one roof. For the first time since I won my prize, I feel at peace.

Chuckling, we lead the cows over to the truck, where the other three already wait. Their fear sours the air as they huddle together, looking beyond pitiful. It couldn't have been the Handlers. They know better than to cause any sort of disruption.

Still though, I might petition the auction house to allow us to watch the feed just in case. Once Fiona and her friend settle down in the back, I reach through the bars to pat their heads. All three jerk back, their eyes whitening with terror.

When I bid on them, I truly thought they would be an asset. Now, I'm not so sure. With a soft sigh, I pull my hand back and touch Fiona instead, allowing my hand to roam over her perfect breasts. The other three look on, curiosity burning in their gazes, but it's not enough to make them cry out, mooing or otherwise.

With a shake of my head, I smack the back of the transport and head up to the front to sit with Vrokjan. His grin nearly splits his face as I climb in. Honestly, this is the happiest I've seen him ever. Then again, I can't remember the last time I also felt this content with a cow.

"What do you think? Did we make good purchases or what?" Vrokjan smiles over at me as he puts the transport in drive.

Glancing at the mirror, I watch the cows in the back. "I can't speak for yours, but mine certainly exceeds all expectations."

"And her milk?"

Groaning, I tip my head back and close my eyes. "Perfection. We're certainly going to make back what we spent on my little Fiona."

"I feel the same way about Jessica. Her milk is the best I've tasted. Between the two of them, we can certainly bolster our supply in case the others don't produce well."

"Right." Sitting back up, I turn to Vrokjan. "What do you think has them so spooked?"

For a moment, he just stares at me, his eyes wide. "You're joking… Right? This isn't your first auction. You know how humans can be."

"I suppose you're right." With a sigh, I stare out into the beautiful waving Ovibrosia. "I guess I'm already spoiled with Fiona. She's taking to being a cow as if she was born for this role. I've never had a heifer so eager to please and explore."

Vrokjan grits his teeth as his hand grip the steering wheel. "I think Jessica will fall into her role after a bit. She's just not adjusting to the serum like I wanted."

"Is that why Nagán was there? I was concerned."

"He says she'll be fine. She just needs extra protein."

With a smirk, I glance down at his crotch. "I'm sure you'll have no problem filling up her belly."

Vrokjan tilts his head back and roars with laughter. "If only my cum were the proper protein. I'd have my cock stuffed between those pretty little lips of hers morning, noon, and night."

My own cock pulses at the idea of getting Fiona home and settled into our room. Things were left rather unfinished in the barn, and I plan to have my seed inside her before it's time for dinner. Out of respect for my boss, I refrain from stroking myself as we drive on.

Eventually, we settle into a companionable silence. That is until I hear a faint sound from the back of the transport. Vrokjan narrows his eyes and looks at the screen. Nothing seems amiss. Shrugging, we ignore it and continue on.

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."

Next to me, Fiona shuffles back and forth, impatience dripping from her body. I do my best to stifle a laugh, but a soft chuckle comes out, nonetheless. Nodding, I cross my arms as she perks up.

"Fiona," she whispers, her Scottish lilt making her voice sound musical. "And I'm glad to have a friend."

I cannot keep the smile from my face. It's as if the Celestials themselves planned everything. Looking at Vrokjan, I note the same wide grin. His eyes nearly crinkle with how big it is.

"Now then," he interjects, cutting off the slight merriment. "You said you have to pee."