The Wolf's Witch (book 1)

11. You're Cute

Sethan:

My father laughed when I reported the witch ghost hunting activity. I had to pause and wait about two minutes when I got to the part where the ghost allegedly pushed me down the stairs.

"You're such a skeptic." he covered his mouth as the last of his giggles left him, "Just admit it. She's not like other witches. Leon said she left shortly after a mother of two knocked on her door. That means she dropped everything to go ghost hunting for a human."

"She likely got paid." I argued. 

"Frankly son, after what I paid her for healing you, against her will might I add, she didn't need more and not at that late hour."

"It could be a façade." 

"Mates come suddenly. It's common to be a bit dubious but if you let it get to you for too long, you'll miss your chance." I didn't answer and he must've seen it on my face, "Witches can't create bonds. They can get inside of our heads, but as you've seen, there's a genuine bond between you two. I've never heard of this before but you wouldn't be able to feel her fear if it wasn't. The question is if she's your fated or not." 

He almost had a point with the last bit but fell short logically likely on purpose so I'd catch it. Compatible females or what we called mates, regardless of their species, lets out stronger pheromones but not all are able to establish a link solid enough to communicate much, especially at a distance. The fact that I had felt her emotions at that distance when she hadn't had my blood or flesh was only heard of among the fated. Not all fated bonds work the same way though. Some could dictate location at more than short distance while others could speak telepathically and through images or dreams in addition to literal words. Kaitlin was a witch though, it could be possible her magic was making this allowance. There was also an issue of what type of person she was. At the very least, she didn't smell like a black witch. 

I ignored my father because I didn't want to reconsider the possibility again, "And the ghosts?"

"They exist. There's been wolves that have experienced things they couldn't find excuses for like you did." 

I grunted at the cheap shot, "Why are you trusting her so easily?" 

"She saved my son," he dramatically paused and looked at me pointedly, "Gets under the fae Queen's skin along with yours," I rolled my eyes at him as he held up a third finger and went on, "And will give me fascinating grandchildren." He held out a hand, "Think about it, werewolf witches. How cool is that? Even if they don't turn out hybrids, the pack magic would be stronger."

"There's no guarantee of that." 

"That's fine. Just don't stop at one child." he smiled. His eye twinkle was tiny but I didn't miss it. 

"That's what this about? Grandchildren?" I grumbled. My father smiled wide and as I continued to grimace, his grin disappeared.

"We live for longer periods of time than humans. Another daughter or son would do you good." 

"Maya's still seventeen." I argued and couldn't help but add, "and I'm a horrible father."

"You stay away because you think it's in her best interest." he waved the topic away and leaned forward, "Do you know what Kaitlin likes to do during her spare time?" I waited because judging by his excited and very punchable face, he was about to tell me, "Hot cocoa and popcorn."

"Huh?" was all I could manage. 

"You owe her a plate." he remained me and I squinted until I remembered the plate of cookies she'd brought over. The on I smashed to keep my father from poisoning himself. "Buying her a whole new set would be creepy so bring her some hot cocoa and popcorn." When I was about to roll my eyes at him, for good measure, he added, "She did save your life and all that."