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

Setting down the bags, Marc dragged the small desk and chair over to the cell. The noise was enough to wake Owen.


Not sure how to initiate a conversation, Marc settled for cheerily saying, “Hi. If you’re awake now, dinner is served. I haven’t eaten yet myself, so I brought enough for two.” Yeah, like cell-side dining was the chic new trend in picnics.


Owen stood, a wary expression on his face, but remained silent.


Marc dropped the attitude. “First, let me apologize. I should have been honest with you about why I was at your house right from the start. I screwed up.” In the face of Owen’s unforgiving expression, Marc switched to a topic more likely to please. “I checked on the cats—they’re fine. I fed and watered them and scooped the litter pans. They look a lot calmer now—I think the heat cycle is over. If you don’t feel like driving them up to Kenston, I could do the spay for you.” Marc watched Owen hopefully as practicality warred with distrust. Practicality won.


Chapter 16