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

Suddenly, Owen was standing right next to him, holding two mugs of tea.


Marc jumped—the man had moved as silent as smoke. This close together, the vet couldn’t help but notice again just how delightful Owen smelled. The spicy aroma seemed to come from the tea, but underneath, like a fine wine, was layered a heady masculine musk, soap, and something sweet, almost like expensive English toffee. Marc breathed deep, pulling that elusive fragrance into his lungs.


Gazing at the knife in Marc’s hand, Owen spoke softly, “It’s called an athame. Normally I wouldn’t let anyone touch it, but because of what you’re here for, I think it’s okay.”


Disappointment sank through Marc. If Owen had been expecting a visit from Animal Control authorities, he must be doing something illegal. Sighing, Marc accepted he had to put aside his wild attraction to the intriguing man. Instead he needed to draw Owen out and get the man to reveal just what was going on.


Chapter 8