Page 60 of Milking His Lass

“Yes, Master.”

Chapter 28

Fiona

I stare up into Master Antroli’s eyes, my gut churning as he looks off into the distance. Tall buildings rise out of the ground, crowding the sky. Already I miss the wide-open freedom of the ranch. Though the air seems clean and clear, it has all the claustrophobia of New York City.

Crawling over my Master, I peer outside, my eyes widening as I take in all the various life forms. Most look humanoid, with varying colors of skin, but others seem far more at home in a horror film. Pulling back, I hide my face in his shoulder, the enormity of my fate crashing in on me.

Sooner or later, I’m going to have to come face-to-face with the consequences of my actions. Will the courts force me to go home? Is that what I want? Digging my fingers into Master Antroli’s arm, I breathe in his unique scent. Unlike Jakroon, there’s nothing sour underneath—just pure masculinity and wide-open fields.

“You seem far away, little human. Where are you?”

“I don’t want to leave.” My mind whirls about as I feel out the words as they leave me.

It’s the truth, though. Yes, I have family back on Earth, but also the day-to-day grind. Here, I may have moments of boredom, but I also have a fierce love I don’t think I’ll ever find back home.

“Nor I you, little human.”

“You do love me. Yes?” My heart thumps in my chest as I wait for his words.

“You know I do, Fiona.”

“I need to hear it. I need to believe it. If I’m going to give up everything, there cannot be a question in my mind.”

Leaning down, he cups my face with his hand. The heat of his palm stings my bruised, abraded flesh, but I don’t care. The tenderness flowing through him surrounds me, easing away the hurt.

“I love you, my human, my Fiona, my stubborn little Highland cow. I would be lost without you.”

“Even if I’m disobedient?”

“Especially so. It will give me a chance to take you in hand.” He reaches over and grips my arse. “And I do so love taking you in hand.”

“Enough already,” Master Vrokjan grinds out. “Save that for your room. We are here. The enforcers will be here soon.”

My heart stops for a moment as I stare up at the tall, white, imposing building. Enforcers pour out from the doors and surround us, their weapons pointed at the door. Terror infuses my limbs as Master Antroli gives my hand a squeeze before allowing them to open up the transport.

I’m glad he’s so calm. Maybe it will help me be stronger. Rough hands grab me, tearing me away from my Master. In my distress, I moo as loud as I can so he can hear me. But he doesn’t come to my aid. He can’t. Masked men stand between us, keeping us apart.

“This cow belongs to my right-hand man,” Master Vrokjan informs them. “He and I are to be with her in trial.”

After a moment, they part, allowing them to come near. “Do not touch or speak to the prisoner unless directed by the judge.”

Master Antroli nods then gives me a reassuring smile. Off to the side, Jakroon walks of his own free will, head held high. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to know about the plot awaiting him.

The enforcers lead us down a myriad of hallways until I’m so turned around, I cannot think. Eventually, they lead us to a set of double doors. When they part, I cannot help the gasp that rips from my throat. There, on a dais, an older Icorian sits with the world swirling behind him.

It’s like we’re back on the ship that took us from Earth. Again, I have the urge to reach out and touch the universe, just to see if it’s real. Before I can marvel too much, rough hands tear me away and drag me toward the older man. There, at the base, Master Nagán stands, his lips twisted into a frown.

“Seems as if you’re a bit worse for wear,” he says, waving a wand over me. “This will sting a bit.” He thrusts a large needle into my biceps, drawing a ragged cry from my lips.

Master Antroli fights against Master Vrokjan’s grip as he tries to get to my side. I cannot hear what he says, but soon, my Master calms down. His eyes blaze with fury, but he no longer struggles against his boss. Master Nagán thrusts the needle into a metal device before handing all of it over to the enforcer.

Once he walks away, they put me down on all fours and step back. Only the enforcer carrying the metal rides up with me as the dais rises to meet the older man who holds my fate. He does not address me at first. Instead, he looks at the metal object then bangs a gavel against the stone.

“You, cow, are hereby accused of attacking a Rancher, causing injury to his person.” He pauses for a moment and looks over at me, raising an eyebrow. “Rise. I wish to see you.”

My legs quake as I force myself to stand. Up close, he seems like a perfectly charming male of his species. I could see him as a loving and doting grandpappy. To someone of his species, that is. To me, I doubt it very much.

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