Page 28 of The Hornet’s Hucow Pet

“I know, little lamb. They’ll get fuller.”

“But it hurts,” I whine. Then fear courses through me—I shouldn’t have said that aloud.

Zyren’s hand lands on my cheek, banishing my anxiety. “Thank you for telling me. That’s very good, Nova.”

I relax into his touch, even as the pain intensifies.

Zyren places another seed on my tongue, but I turn my head away.

“Nova,” he warns.

I tuck my head in apology.

“Trust me.”

This time, when he offers the seed, I eat it. A few moments later, another wave of tightness spreads through my chest.

“I want you nice and full for me,” Zyren says, voice even and calm. “I know it will hurt, but I want to use these sweet breasts to make as much milk as I want. Can you do that for me, little lamb?”

Those words pierce deep in my brain, and it’s like the polarity flips. Everything I feared, I now crave. I want my breasts full to the point of agony; I want to make everything Zyren desires and more. I want his hands on my face and my chest as I bear all this pain for him.

Pride and pleasure curl hot through my core.

“Very good, clever girl.”

“More,” I murmur. “Feed me more…”

“Greedy little lamb. Drink this first.”

As cool glass touches my lips, I expect water, but a complex flavor washes over my tongue. It reminds me of the nectar, but with a deeper flavor, like lavender. I catch the violet color at the edge of my vision and realize I’ve seen it before—dripping from Zyren’s stinger.

Knowing what it is, I drink the venom more greedily, craving that high. It’ll hurt later, but it’ll be worth it. Anything for Zyren. Anything to please him, to make him proud of me.

“Easy.” He tips the glass down, slowing my pace. “Slow and steady.”

My brow furrows into a pout.

Zyren smooths my forehead again. “Quit this trying, Nova. Just be. That’s all I need from you.”

My swallows slow and deepen as I relax.

“Perfect, little lamb. Just like that.”

Warmth spreads through my brain, and I’m not sure if it’s from Zyren’s words or his venom.

When the cup is empty, he eases it away from me, then wipes my lip with a warm thumb.

“The effect will be more gradual this time,” he says. “Stay relaxed as long as you can.”

His words filter through a blurry haze. “More,” I murmur, reaching for the glass. “I want more…”

“No,” Zyren says sternly, placing my hand back in my lap. “That was enough.”

“But I want m—” Heat suddenly ripples from my stomach. “Oh…”

“Deep breaths, Nova. Stay with me.”

Waves of heat roll through my body, tempting me toward urgency, but Zyren’s words and presence ground me.