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

He still had one possibility left—something neither the sheriff nor that devious old hag knew about. The cash offer to buy his property that had arrived in the mail yesterday. Not a very good offer, but what the hell? The house was run down and the land was mostly swamp. He’d hoped to keep his inheritance—a foolish, sentimental wish to preserve a link with his father. But now that wasn’t possible. So he’d accept the offer. And he would use the cash to hire a lawyer who’d rip holes in their stupid tee shirt case. With enough money there’d be a chance he could get out of this. And out of this backwater town.


Folding his hands behind his head, he took a deep breath and realized he stunk of dirt and sweat and fear. He went over to the sink and splashed water on his face and arms, sluicing off the dust from the yard work. He cupped his hands and drank deeply.


Chapter 15