Page 50 of Milked for the Holidays

“Jessica.” A soft voice permeates the fog in my brain.

“Please,” I croak, turning my head toward the sound.

It’s so familiar. I should know it. The soft, feminine voice calls to me. But I can’t see her.

“Sweetie,” it calls out again. “You’ll be late for school. Hurry up or I’ll splash you with water.”

School? Water? My mother swims into view, her soft, exasperated smile cutting through the pain. Is this all a dream? A nightmare?

“I have your favorite waiting for you. Eggs and bacon.”

God, bacon. What I would do for a bite right now. But even at that thought, my stomach churns.

“No, ma’am,” she responds, as if I answered her back. “You are not eating that chocolate and bread. That’s not a healthy meal.”

My lips twitch into a smile as the age-old argument between us picks up once more. The table stretches before me, impossibly long. As I take my fork to stab my meat, the plate drifts just out of reach.

Off to the side, my mom laughs as if this is all just one big joke. The happy sound fills my brain, easing the lingering pain in my body. She wraps her arms around me, squeezing me so tightly I’m afraid I might burst.

But I don’t care. I’m back with my mom. I don’t dare tell her I dreamt of her death and funeral. She wouldn’t find that funny at all. And so, I soak in her love, taking it deep into my soul.

CHAPTER 22

VROKJAN

I squint up at the sun, my anger rising to the point where I might snap if Jakroon says one more fucking thing. It’s far past time for me to milk Jessica, and his idiotic negotiations are keeping me from checking in on her.

With a huff, I cross my arms and glare at him. “I fail to see how this is an emergency issue. You’ve called me away from my work to squabble over a property line?”

“Forgive me for wasting your time. Just thought you wanted to know there was a discrepancy. Any cows found within this area will be on my property. As such, I will assume they belong to me.” His eyes glitter as some diabolical scheme cooks in his head.

“You touch even one of my cows, and I’ll bring you before the government.”

He shrugs, his expression unaffected. “I have proof of ownership. If you choose to ignore it, that’s not my fault.”

Growling, I turn my back on him, refusing to give into his bullying tactics. “The property overseer will get in contact with you,” I call over my shoulder as I head back to the modified truck. “Until then, all my cows will be safely kept in the barn.”

I refuse to wait for a reply. Pulling out my communicator, I look at the time and swear under my breath. Two fucking hours he kept me away from her. Thankfully, the trip isn’t far.

She’ll be uncomfortable, but no cow has ever been injured by going a few hours without milking. Besides, I more than plan to make it up to her. My cock surges as I pull into the barn.

Already I can’t wait to fuck my pet again. Calling out to the Ranch Hands, I give them a rundown of Jakroon’s claims and instruct them to keep a close eye on the herd. A stupid grin tilts my lips as I take the steps two at a time.

When I open the door, however, my heart surges up to my throat. Jessica lies there on the bed, a small pitiful lump. Is she still sleeping? That’s not possible. I walk over to her side of the bed, uneasiness churning my gut as I take in her untouched food and water.

A sour smell permeates the air as I get closer. Milk stains the sheets, but that’s not what causes me concern. Her face is a bright red and emanates massive heat.

She carries on a conversation, the words soft and slurred. Panic beats at my chest as I gather her into my arms and rock back and forth.

“Jessica,” I cry out, shaking her ever so gently.

“No need to shout, Mom. I’m awake,” she murmurs.

Something’s wrong. Laying her back on the bed, I watch as her body quakes. Chills wrack her body, forcing her muscles to contract and jolt. Fuck! What’s happening to her? How is she sick?

I pull out my communicator and contact my brother, my heart pounding in my chest as it takes an eternity for him to answer. When he does, his bored expression pisses me off to no end.

“I need you here. Now.”