Wiccan Owen Rhys inherits a house outside a small town, where he hopes the solitude will help with his music. But a zealously religious neighbor is convinced he’s a devil worshiper, and her gossip causes the townspeople to view Owen with suspicion. A series of pranks ensues, including dead animals left on his porch, threatening the feral cats living on Owen’s property. Though a bit out of practice, Owen casts a spell to summon a protector -- someone to convince the town the gossip is false and prevent the pranks from escalating. He confidently waits for his champion to arrive. Marc Elias is the town’s animal control officer and veterinarian. He considers himself a rational man who trusts in science and most certainly does not believe in magic. So when he receives a complaint that Owen is bewitching and torturing cats, he dismisses it as her imagination but goes to investigate. Owen is certain Marc is the protector summoned by the spell. But Marc sees Owen’s altar and hears desperate howling, and he has to put aside any attraction he may feel towards the young Wiccan to do his job. Will a little magic be all it takes for both men to get what they want?

Just a Little Magic

“Their ‘manhood’ is fathering litter after litter of unwanted kittens that grow up wild, spread disease, and become nuisances themselves.”


“Oh, I never see any kittens around my place,” she waved one hand airily.


Marc let it drop—again. Someday he’d accept he was fighting a losing battle. Just not yet. He switched cats and examined Horace, who had taken a few hits as well. “He seems healthy, too. Just keep an eye on Beanie’s ear and call me if you see any redness or feel any swelling. In the meantime you can put some antibiotic ointment on it.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a sample tube of ointment for her. “Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll say goodbye.” Please, please let there be nothing else.


“I need to make you aware, in your capacity as Animal Control Chief, that there is animal abuse going on.”


Marc ruthlessly shoved aside his fatigue as he prepared to do battle. “Tell me what you know.”


Chapter 6