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

“I heard you tear out of here pretty early this morning. Emergency?”


Marc stretched out his long legs under the table. He really wanted to put his feet up on the other chair, but Bea wouldn’t like that in her kitchen. “Rabid raccoon.”


She stared at him. “Rabies? In this county?”


“Nope. Cool Whip. Raccoon got into the trash and got it all over his face. Might have looked like he was foaming at the mouth.”


She laughed. “Oh, Marc, I feel sorry for you. But we haven’t had an official Animal Control Chief for so many years, folks just feel obligated to make use of you.” She set the steaming bowl of stew in front of him and sat back down. “Eat.”


He inhaled appreciatively—Bea’s cooking was excellent. Stirring the stew, he decided he might as well get some input while he was here. His landlady knew everybody in town. “So, what can you tell me about that new guy who lives out on River Road?”


Chapter 10