Though her movements are small and tentative, she eventually makes it down to the ground. I wind her lead in my hand, keeping the leash taut between us. Antroli grabs onto Fiona’s as we join the others.

The main issue I’m having right now is being a solid, steady force for Jessica as she navigates her new normal, but also having to be the Rancher in charge. Pain lances through my heart as I hand her over to Antroli, trusting him to alert me if there are any difficulties. As much as it hurts to leave her, I make my way to the head of the group.

“The barns are open to free use during the day. On Icora, the days become blistering hot, and the nights are cold. Every morning after being milked, you will be rubbed down with a cream to protect you from the elements. Your bodies will acclimate to many things, but not the suns.”

The cows shuffle behind me, giving each other looks as we head into the structure.

“These stalls are where you sleep. They fit up to four cows. We will not be doing room assignments, so it will be up to you to figure out who is sleeping with whom. If there are any issues such as bullying or cliques, my Ranch Hands will ferret it out and mete out punishments as needed.”

I stop and look at all of them individually, even my own pet. “No cow is above the other. Take that to heart. Though I am a kind Rancher, I will not hesitate to nip signs of aggression at the first instance. Do not test me on this. If you prove to be a difficult cow and not easily curbed, I know of several Ranchers who have no issues providing pain as their motivation. I will sell you to them in a heartbeat.”

A shudder goes through the herd as they all shuffle closer together. Smiling, I take them past the stalls to a row of milking machines.

“You will be milked every twelve hours. Our Ranch Hands are skilled in this department. Sexual gratification by one of them is not a guarantee. There are tasks at this farm that don’t include fucking you. You will, however, find relief by either their hand or a machine. Sexually satisfied cows are happy cows. Happy cows produce sweet, sweet milk for me.”

Again they shift about, but this time it’s more like there’s a sense of discomfort. Pink dots their cheeks as they rub their thighs together. No doubt they’re looking forward to tonight’s milking.

Leading them out into the pasture, I hunch down and run my fingers through the Ovibrosia. I lift my hand and make a come-hither motion with two fingers. In the back, I note the light flush to my cow’s face and smile.

Soon I’ll see to her pleasure, but for now, I have to take on the role as Master Rancher. It’s so difficult to do when the only thing on my brain right now is tucking her away in my room so I can work on stretching her out. Clearing my throat, I pluck a blue stem topped with pale, fluffy bits on the top and hold it in front of the cows.

“As a cow, you will no longer eat any meat.” Their heads whip around as they look at each other.

Soft, distressed moos litter the air as their eyes widen and nostrils flair. It’s to be expected. For most cows, this will be the hardest part for them to come to terms with. You’d think it would be the milking and the constant sexual need, but no.

Granted, as someone who devours meat for nearly every meal, I can relate. Holding up my hand, I wait for them to quiet down before continuing.

“Meat changes the flavor of your milk. For us to have the best quality, strict veganism is to be observed. If your concern is about your nutrient intake, this plant, Ovibrosia, has been created to meet all essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.”

I wave my hand over to the side, showing them the cows who chose to stay with us. “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, I brush my hands on my 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?”

Again, they look at each other, uncertainty dancing in their eyes. Eventually, a slim cow 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.” Her voice is soft, with a slight European accent, but I’m not acquainted enough with Earth to know exactly where she’s from.

“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.”

Again, their cheeks turn pink. I get it, though, but it’s a humiliation they will have to endure. It keeps them in their place. Docile cows are less likely to hurt themselves trying to fight us.

Looking out over the herd, I wait for any more questions, but no other hooves rise in the air. “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.”

They lower their heads, walking after the Ranch Hands as they tug them away, leading them to the barn. Jessica watches me, her eyes glassy and face pink. Even though I can’t touch her yet, I’m sure she’s soaking wet from what I’ve been saying.

She might deny it, but my little cow seems to like the humiliating things I do and say to her. Unfortunately, she sways a bit as I get closer. Sexual pleasure can wait. Right now, I need to get her up to the house so Nagán can tell us his solution.

Besides, I have a gift for her, and I can’t wait to see her reaction. A soft smile crosses my face as I look down at my cow. Though she struggles a little, she still plods forward, her stubbornness the only thing keeping her upright.

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CHAPTER 15

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JESSICA

My limbs quiver as I walk after my Rancher. Right now, the only thing I can think about is settling down in the soft hay in the back of the vehicle. Next to me, Fiona rubs her shoulder against mine, drawing my attention.

She gives me a soft smile and tilts her head, as if to ask if I’m okay. Pressing my lips into a thin line, I do my best to be reassuring, even though it feels as if I’m going to collapse at any moment. I just have to make it a few more steps and I’ll be at the ramp.

Stepping to the side, I let her go up first. That way, I’m not holding her up as I face the incline. She trots up and settles down into the pile of hay and waits for me. My stomach churns as I eye the ramp.

I don’t know if I can do this. One shaky arm in front of the other, I kneel at the base of the incline. As much as I don’t want to admit I need help, I can’t seem to move anymore.

Tears prick my eyes as I turn to look over my shoulder, noting Vrokjan’s expression. He seems just as concerned as I am. There’s that, at least. Despite the humiliation, I let out a soft moo.