Page 62 of Milking His Lass

“I require only a moment of your indulgence to prove it.”

“Make it quick.”

Sliding over to the terminal, I inch past the judge, humiliation crawling over my skin as I brush against him. Mimicking his finger strokes, I open up the screen and wait for the lights to flash. The enforcers shift behind me, their gasps flooding my ears.

“I have not learned as much of your written language as I would like. But I know the basics.” Typing into the bar, I pull up a record of his financials.

With a strangled cry, he shoves me away and hits a few keys to back out of it. “This information is private. How do you have access to it?”

Taking a deep breath, I give him a shortened version, leaving out Master Antroli allowing me to speak to my mum. He certainly doesn’t need to know that much. I do, however, impress upon him how vulnerable their information is. If I, a human, can hack into their databases with only a couple weeks of studying their language, how much more could someone with ill intent create havoc?

“Call in the Ranchers. Send enforcers to stand by Jakroon, but do not spook him. This human is right. If he knows what we seek, he can destroy it all. Confiscate his terminal at once.”

“If I may, your honor, if you can program your side of things to where I can access it in my language, I can find what you need.”

“And how will I know you are not planting information?”

“If you can allow me access to my language, I can talk you through how to find it yourself.”

Master Vrokjan and Master Antroli stand by, their expressions a mixture of pride and amusement as I give my instructions. No doubt none of them actually believe me. Soon, however, everything changes. The more he digs around at my command, the more tense the room becomes.

Minutes go by as I coach this older man. Thankfully, he’s far more intuitive than I gave him credit for. Soon, the same screen I saw in Jakroon’s room pops up, complete with all the information still intact. Curses fly under his breath as he hits a few buttons to print out the reports.

“Take Jakroon into custody. He will await his own trial and punishment. As for this human...” He taps his long finger against his lips. “Whatever shall I do with you? You’re far too valuable to send back to Earth, but you’re too much of a liability to stay here.”

“Judge,” Master Antroli calls out. “I will make her my mate. With my brand, she will stay by my side as my personal cow.”

“That could work. But she still has to atone for her actions against Jakroon.”

This time, it’s Master Vrokjan’s turn to speak. “Judge. The evidence of his mistreatment is in your hands. You need only gaze upon her flesh to see the horrors visited upon her.”

He raises his hand to silence him. “There is no law dictating the treatment of cows. There is, however, a law against cows rising up against their Masters. However, I have seen where we’ve been remiss in our treatment of humans. What he did was foul and against the spirit of the laws, even if they didn’t break them. I wish to have this human at my disposal. She will assist me in finding these vulnerabilities and shoring them up.”

“Your wish is my command, judge,” Master Antroli murmurs, his lips twitching into a smile.

“We are known throughout the galaxies for our speed and efficiency with transportation, and of course, the quality of our milk. But that is all for nothing if we can be laid low by a species as mentally inept as Earthlings.”

I bite down on my lower lip, not wishing to incur any additional punishment or wrath. The fact that he still thinks I’m beneath him galls me, but if it means staying by Master Antroli’s side, I will take any verbal punishment he throws at me.

Master Vrokjan and Master Antroli bow and motion for me to stand with them. “My cow is at your disposal whenever it is required. She is milked both morning and night but is available between then.”

He shakes his head and waves his hand. “No. She is no longer a mere cow. I will have a Medical Rancher adjust her serum. I will not leave you without milk, but she has far more important jobs than that.”

“Yes, judge. I hear and obey.”

“Very well. Next time I see her, she must bear your mark, or there will be consequences to pay.”

As he motions for us to leave, my heart soars as Master Antroli wraps his arm around my waist. “You’re mine now, my beautiful Highland. And I will make it so no one can take you away from me again.”

Chapter 29

Antroli

Vrokjan and I stand by as one of the Medical Personnel pulls her into the small, sterile room. Tears shine in my little heifer’s eyes as they lay her down on the table and bustle about, preparing the new serum. Love pounds in my chest as I lean over and touch her cheek with as much tenderness as I can manage.

Anger still thrums through my body, even as Jakroon’s rage-filled howls fill the halls. He will suffer greatly. Yet, it still enrages me to know it’s not because of his treatment toward Fiona, but his actions against the capital that have him awaiting punishment.

Looking back down at my cow, my heart swells as she whimpers, the adrenaline finally falling from her system. She jerks about as shivers and spasms race through her, bringing concerned glances from the other Medical Personnel.

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