Pucked By The Puca (Monstrous Meet Cutes)

11. CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ISEOL

I wake up anxious for some reason.

Perhaps it’s because of my dreams— hot, primal, uncensored —or perhaps it’s because deep down, there’s a knowing.

Of what, I can’t say, and it’s this anticipatory sensation that knocks me off-kilter as I get ready for the day.

It’s why I wear my fanciest hanbok, tugging on more layers than I normally put on under my usual chima jeogori.

I wrap them around me like a shield that can protect me from whatever the day plans to bring, taking comfort in its silky embrace.

After braiding my hair, I wrap a bright red daenggi at the end, the only splash of color against my white clothing.

The vibrant fabric matches the yeonji gonji on my face, and I smile, taking comfort in the old legends that the dots protect against evil spirits.

Satisfied with my ‘armor’, I head out into the cold, Icelandic morning, ready to face whatever is brewing on the proverbial horizon.

I inhale, but the icy air crystals don’t fill me with their usual euphoria. Normally, the freezing temperatures boost my Yuki-Onna powers, but the coldness does nothing to soothe me today.

In fact, I feel almost…feverish.

Shaking my head, I ignore the growing warmth that seems to simmer just under my skin. My mother’s words from last night come roaring back.

Is heat a literal word for what a Gumiho experiences?

I’ve never asked my cousins and just assume it’s the name for what females have, not the actual application of the word.

Thinking of this now, it seems rather foolish that a woman in her mid-thirties would be so lacking in knowledge, but my female relations on my father’s side never told me anything.

They left it up to my mother to educate me since they assumed I’m more like a Yuki-Onna, reproductively speaking.

And since no one ever talks about sexuality, the whole thing is shrouded in mystery and vague analogies that still make me cringe.

But as a grown woman who’s also never sought the answers, I suppose I have no one to blame but myself.

In my defense, I’ve never needed to ask any questions because I’ve never been inclined to find a mate.

Again, many Yuki-Onna are like this, and considering my lack of heats and maiden appearance, everyone—including me—figures I have no interest because of my ‘icy interior’.

And although I was raised among my Gumiho brethren, I’ve always felt off-set from them with my human features.

Usually, I shift into fox form so I appear like a true Gumiho, but shifting takes energy, which saps me of my strength if I stay vulpine for too long.

It’s just easier to be me, despite how I feel like I don’t fit in.

Which is why before coming to Iceland, I was content to teach and coach at my little rink in the isolated Taebaek Mountains.

But now that contentment has curdled into something sour all because I’ve finally met someone who sparks my interest.

My attention.

My lust.

And perhaps something deeper from the heart.

Pem makes me feel things that I’ve never felt before, and while these emotions sometimes scare me, they also fill me with elation.

Being with him, thinking of him, anything him , puts a smile on my face, and I’m overwhelmed with how fast I’ve fallen for a stranger when a week ago I didn’t even remember that I had a heart and reproductive organs.

Now the cursed things have my body in an utter state of confusion, not to mention my poor brain oscillates between full meltdown mode and suspense.

Again, of what, I can only guess, but I figure it can’t be anything good at this point. When your whole body does a complete reversal of how it normally functions…

It’s disturbing, to say the least.

“Morning, Iseol!”

I shriek louder than a Cheonyeogwisin as Pem steps into view near the edge of the lake. I’m so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even see him.

Instantly, the Puca is at my side, staring down at me with concern. His gaze bounces across my face, searching for the reason for my distress.

In response, my internal temperature creeps up higher until I regret the added layers I decided to wear today.

“I think I’m sick,” I blurt out.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You didn’t have to come today if you’re under the weather. Why didn’t you stay in bed?”

Why, indeed?

“It’s just a fever. I thought the cool air would help abate it.”

Pem’s golden gaze sharpens. “A fever? Do you usually get fevers?”

“No— never . My Yuki-Onna side keeps me rather chilled, not that it bothers me. I prefer the cold. Besides, monsters are so rarely affected by human illnesses, I’m not quite sure what’s wrong.”

He considers my words, his brows drawing together. “Never been feverish before? That’s…strange. I would’ve sworn you were going into—”

Pem cuts off abruptly, not finishing his sentence. I wait, but he doesn’t seem inclined to continue, and I bite my lip.

“Do you know what’s wrong with me?”

“I…no. I don’t. Maybe you should visit with the Huldufólk. They’re quite knowledgeable and might be able to help.”

“The Huldufólk?”

“They’re a type of Icelandic monster, elvish in nature.”

“You’re sure that you have no idea?”

“I thought perhaps it was something, but I think I can successfully rule it out given what you just told me, especially if you’ve never been… feverish before.

Now I’m concerned you’re actually ill. Monsters, in general, are quite hardy and rarely become sick, but you must know that once we are, it’s very hard to reverse.”

It’s true that we’re much more resilient than humans, generally living many more lifetimes than them.

But we’re not immortal, and once a monster’s immune system is compromised, there are not many interventions that can fix it.”

“Where do the Huldufólk live?”

“Within the mountains of the Westfjord Alps. It’s a bit of a hike, but I can carry you if you can’t walk.”

The thought of Pem touching me turns the internal glowing embers of lust into a dancing flame of need.

“N-no. That’s ok. I can walk. Actually, I feel fine. Maybe we can just skate. I thought we were going to have a rematch—you know, when you put me in my place for chirping?”

My attempt at flirting falls kind of flat, and instead of appearing charmed, Pem looks even more concerned.

“Iseol, I’m not sure—”

“I like you. A lot,” I blurt out, interrupting him as I wonder what in the Chintamani has happened to my ability to think before I speak.

Pem’s expression softens, his lips curling into a sweet smile. “I like you a lot, too, cariad. In fact, it’s something I wanted to talk to you about today, but not if you’re under the weather.”

“I’m not—er, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. It’s probably the stress.”

“Stress? Aren’t you on vacation?”

“Kinda,” I hedge. “Please, tell me what you wanted to talk about.”

At this, some of Pem’s confidence dims. His shoulders hunch inward while he scuffs the surface of the frozen lake with a hoof.

“I think I found my mate.”

“Oh…?”

Confusion clouds my mind as I try to figure out what he means—and then it clicks. Here I thought Pem and I had this connection, only for him to find someone else.

Suddenly, the incessant warmth that only seemed to be growing pitters out. The familiar coolness of my Yuki-Onna powers rise back to the surface, giving me a much-needed reprieve.

I let out a little sigh of relief as I wrap the sensation around me like it can shield me better than the silken armor of my hanbok.

Stupid, foolish Iseol.

This is what happens when you give your heart to someone without first waiting to see if it’s reciprocated.

Pem stares at me, his eyes large and his expression expectant. I swallow my blanch as I realize that he’s waiting for me to say something.

“How…exciting for you. I wish you the best.”

At this, the Puca seems to deflate. “You make it sound like I don’t have very much of a chance.”

“No! I just don’t know her, is all, so I guess I can’t say. You know, maybe I should go—”

“Not know her? Iseol, I meant you !”

“…what?”

Pem swipes a clawed hand over his face and groans. “I swear whenever I talk with you, I become so tongue-tied and distracted that it complicates everything times a thousand. When I said that I think I’ve found my mate, I meant you.”

“ Me ?”

He takes my hand, turning it over to kiss the palm with a reverence that nearly stops my heart.

“You.”

The sudden comfort of my mother’s powers fizzles out, taking away the palliating cold. Once more, the fire bursts to life within, and my knees buckle.

I’m overwhelmed by the onslaught of emotions—relief, more confusion, tension—as well as my thoughts.

Doing the only thing I can do when the world becomes too much, I shift into my full Gumiho form and run away.

Except, Pem isn’t letting me escape.

Not today.