The sentiment is the same. The sooner we can get them into the Ranch House, the better I’ll feel. Besides, I have enough Ranch Hands that the other cows will be settled in without our assistance.

Gritting my teeth, I adjust the speed on the Earth-like vehicle, but not so much as to cause the cows concern or discomfort. If only we could use our hovercrafts, but the government felt taking on the visage of an Earth cowboy truck would keep the cows where their minds need to be. And so, just like the Ranchers on their planet, we haul them behind us in a cab, looking quite foolish.

But that’s my opinion. One I dare not utter. Our government is kind, but I don’t need to chance whispers of sedition. Especially so with me being in such a prominent position. My milk is one of the most traded commodities, and that’s mostly at the grace of our leaders.

Once they taste Jessica’s milk, however, it should solidify my place as the Rancher to purchase from. My cock swells, making me squirm in my seat. With my uniform on, it’s hard to arrange things to make it more comfortable.

Antroli smirks as he reaches down to shift his own swollen cock. These cows have woven a spell on us both. It’s a delicious spell at that. Again, I look over into the mirror, my throat constricting as I look at Jessica’s face.

Adjusting things so the camera zeros in on her, I note the pained expression pinching around her eyes. Off to the side, Fiona strokes her thigh with her hoof, doing her best to give my cow comfort. It should be me instead.

Unfortunately, to show this much familiarity around the other cows will only cause her more heartache in the end. She’s already separated out, a heifer above the others, and it’s sure to cause some bit of jealousy.

If I go back there and tend to her, it might solidify those ugly feelings in their hearts. I need them to see her as one of them. Yes, she’s elevated, but she will go through the same discomforts they will.

My lips thin as I turn onto the path leading toward home. Will they bully her when I put her out to pasture? Will they cause her harm? Once our girls are settled, Antroli and I will have to meet with the other Ranch Hands and instruct them on what to watch out for.

It will not differ from when I took other cows, but for some reason, Jessica has burrowed her way into my heart like none other. Some part of me must have known that. Why else would I take precautions with her but not care as much about the others?

Gripping the steering wheel, I let my mind drift to another matter entirely. Cows are not allowed to have meat. They must all consume the same nutrients found in our feed and local plants. However, if Nagán says it’s necessary, then who am I to question it?

The main issue is how I’m going to give it to her. In the past, the pet cow joined us at the table, eating next to us out of her trough. The others will know if I’m giving her something different.

With a soft grunt, I pull my communicator out of my pocket and set it on the dash. After a few presses, my brother’s face fills the screen.

“Break her already?” he teases, his eyes darting away to look at whatever he’s working on.

“Funny. But no. We’re not even home yet. I wanted to discuss the protein issue with you.”

Off to the side, Antroli gives me an odd look, but stays silent.

“What’s the issue? Give her some meat tonight. If she’s still weak tomorrow, give her some more. I fail to see how that’s difficult. As I remember, you could down several ounces of protein in a matter of minutes. I’m sure you have enough to share.”

This time, Antroli’s eyes grow wide. Thankfully, I know he’s not one to spread my business around to others, potentially causing trouble. However, it’s not him I’m worried about. Though I trust my workers with my life, I don’t want anything putting Jessica in danger.

“That’s not the problem, asshole. I don’t want to keep her locked up in my room and sneak pieces of meat over to her. This shouldn’t be some clandestine affair since you, a Medical Rancher, have signed off on it. But I’m worried others won’t understand and might cause problems.”

With a sigh, he rubs his hand over the back of his neck. “I see your point. It’s not that hard here. At the medical centers, one questions anything or involves the government needlessly. Give me some time. I’ll gather up some supplies and bring them to you in time for dinner.”

Again, I look over at Jessica, my heart pounding in my chest. “You might need to make it sooner. She doesn’t look too good.”

Nagán’s lips thin as he gives me his full attention. “She’s already had a protein injection. It should have lasted until you got her home and settled.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not the professional here. But the protein did seem to help.”

“Hmmm. Let me mull over that while I grab what I need. I’ll meet you at home soon enough. If I take an emergency ship, I can make faster time.”

With a nod, I shut down the communicator and stuff it back into my pocket. Antroli swivels in his seat, looking at the cows behind us. His brows furrow as he turns back to me.

“What do you think is wrong with her?”

“The theory is her body is just burning through so much energy to produce the amount of milk she has. Her body has taken to the serum in a way we haven’t seen before. You saw how big her breasts were? They’re at least double what she had when we took her.”

He gives a low whistle. “Makes sense. You don’t think Fiona is like that, do you?”

“No. She walked on her own accord. I had to carry Jessica.”

He silently mulls over my words, but the relief coming off of him is nearly palpable in the air. The irrational part wants to slug him, but it’s not his fault my cow is having issues and his isn’t. I can only hope my brother has a good plan.

The Ranch House looms off in the distance, and I let out a sigh of relief. Almost home. Instead of heading straight to the house, however, I have to stop and let the other cows out.

I pull up to the barn and tap the horn, alerting the other Ranch Hands we’re home. In the back, the cows shuffle about, their faces pressed against the bars as they look out onto the field. Pride swells in my chest as I look over the bit of land I own, passed down to me from my father and the Ranchers before him.

Beautiful blue waves of Ovibrosia sway back and forth in the breeze, soft and welcoming. It’s not so tall that it needs to be harvested yet, but should be tasty enough for the cows to enjoy. I hop out of the driver's seat and make my way back to the rear.

Squinting, I look up at the two suns hanging congruently with one of our three moons. Luckily, they’re waning, so the ground won’t be too hot for them. If so, they’ll have constant access to the barn just in case they need it.

I open the back and slide a ramp out on the right side, motioning for the cows to come out. Behind me, the Ranch Hands stand guard, waiting to assist as needed. For several moments, no one moves.

Though I don’t want to be rough with this stock, I will if they won’t cooperate. However, after a few moments, one of them takes a tentative step forward. With a smile, I grab onto her lead and help her down, passing her off to one of the workers.

One by one, they exit, leaving just Jessica and Fiona in the back. “You might as well get out too. You’ll need to see where you’ll be when not servicing us or the house.”

Grabbing the ramp, I slide it over, keeping my eyes locked on Jessica. She looks a bit paler than earlier, but seems to move on her own accord. Maybe I was just being overprotective?

But as she moves, I notice the effort, the slight tremor in her body. She’s still not nearly as strong as she needs to be. Off to the side, the other cows wait on all fours, their movements firm, never swaying.

Even Fiona shows no signs of struggle or difficulty. I would rather not have to carry Jessica if I don’t have to. Her body needs to learn to adapt, and it won’t if I coddle her. Still, the need to pull her into my arms beats at me until I worry I’ll go crazy.