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

Marc tried to work out a strategy as he used the banister to haul himself up the two flights of stairs to his room. Just how was he going to prove anything against Myrtle? Catching her in the act was the only way to put a stop to all this. That would mean staying close to Owen. But Owen believed Marc was just another lying bastard out to make trouble for him. So how the hell was he going to get near enough to keep the man safe? Deciding it was too much for his tired brain to deal with, he quickly showered and fell into bed, gratefully embracing oblivion.


Chapter 11