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 followed the sounds of muffled sobbing to the other bedroom. Owen was sitting on the bed, hunched over, trying to choke back his heartache. Marc bent down and removed Owen’s shoes. Then he sat next to him and pulled him close. “I want you to lie down and rest. I’ll nap on the couch.” He tried to gently push the grief-stricken man down, but Owen grabbed his arms.


“No, stay with me.” The gray eyes were pleading.


Owen nodded. “It would help to have you close.”


Marc wrestled with the idea for a moment. Would Marc be taking advantage of Owen’s current vulnerability to get back into his life? But he quickly dismissed the thought. If Owen wanted him there, he’d be there. Kicking off his own shoes, Marc stretched out on the bed and gathered Owen to his chest. He pulled the comforter over the two of them and drifted off towards sleep.


Chapter 27