Shifting Moon: Shifting Moon Sage, Book 1

By Hope Worthington

Seventeen year old Remy West is a typical high school senior. She is bright, popular with her friends and schoolmates, a leader on her cheerleader squad and looking forward to the next chapter of her life when she graduates and attends college. Like most teenaged girls living in an affluent area of Long Island and part of what many consider the popular group, Remy has her insecurities. One of the prettier girls in school, Remy has never had, nor wanted, a serious relationship or any relationship at all. She feels much more at ease in a small, quiet group of people or just hunkering down at home with a good book, rather than hanging in a big crowd or partying with whom many consider to be her popular group of friends. 

Remy has always felt that a piece of her was incomplete and her quest for something deeper often cast her as cold, conceited and a bit of a tease by others. Even as a little girl, Remy had an intense feeling that something bigger was awaiting her, just out of reach. But now, as a popular senior with the all of the peer pressure that accompanied such a label, it would be so much easier if she could just let go, not care, and go with the flow her friends always seemed to want from her. 

Such pressure was no more present than with Daniel Gatto, the tall, popular senior that most girls would kill just to get close to. Daniel had been courting Remy on and off all of senior year. While Daniel was attractive, something about him always made Remy apprehensive and a bit uncomfortable. Moreover, Daniel refused to take no for an answer despite Remy’s polite rebuff to his advances leading Remy to question whether Daniel’s interest in her was genuine or for some ulterior motive.

With a simple tap on the shoulder, Remy’s life would change forever. Logan Canino was unlike any boy she had ever seen. As soon as Remy lays eyes on him, she knows he is more then just a new guy at school. Remy does not know why, but she feels an instant connection to Logan. Little did she know that Logan had been keeping watch on Remy all her life and the connection she felt had been forged years before when she was just a little girl. 

Remy quickly learns that Logan Canino is no boy at all. Although appearing to be just 18, Logan is in reality decades older and not exactly human, but instead a Canine Shifter and the designated future leader of the Shifter Council, the ruling body overseeing the four shifter clans created in ancient Rome by Diana, the goddess of the hunt and guardian of wild beasts, horses and domesticated animals. Logan’s sudden appearance in Remy’s life is no coincidence. He has known since Remy was a child that she is his one true soul mate and the only person who can help him attain his full potential and power as leader of the four clans. But there are dark forces lurking about that will take extreme measures to keep Remy and Logan apart and keep them from completing their bonding ritual. 

As Logan’s courtship of Remy intensifies, Daniel’s jealousy rages. Adversaries since they were shifter children and schoolmates at an exclusive prep school -- a front for shifters adolescents -- Daniel, a feline shifter and a sworn enemy of the canines and especially Logan, will take extreme measures to keep Logan from taking his rightful place as leader of the Shifter Council even if it means sacrificing Remy’s life to prevent Logan from reaching his full potential. 

Alternating between ancient Roman times and the creation of the four shifter clans, Druid life and Shaman Priests in Ireland during the Iron Age, the founding of an exclusive prep school in 1901 in Upstate New York and the present day social pressures experienced by high school girls. Remy, the high school dreamer looking for more than life has thus far offered; Logan, the canine shifter destined for leadership, who believes nothing is more important than finding one’s t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977268396

Hope Worthington

Hope Worthington writes paranormal romance novels. Hope lives in South Florida with her husband, three sons and two rescue dogs. Hope was an avid reader since childhood. Her love of reading especially paranormal romance and fantasy books led to her creating her own story.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The little girl and her mother were outside enjoying the crisp fall weather. The girl played with her dolls and practiced ballet while her mother sat nearby reading a book. It was the type of day that beckoned children outdoors. The weather was neither hot nor cold, and the breeze was comfortable. At night a chill would set in and the last bits of summer would pass by month’s end.

The peaceful silence was disturbed by the phone ringing from inside the house. The mother stood to answer it. As she walked past her daughter, she ruffled her hair affectionately and told her to stay on the patio.

OK, Mommy, the little girl answered. She started practicing the positions she’d just learned in her ballet class. She was still wearing her leotard and tights, with her long blond hair in a ponytail.

The child suddenly looked up and was surprised to see a pack of what she thought were wolves staring at her from only a few yards away. They had appeared out of nowhere and gave no warning of their approach. Woods surrounded the land that their house was on, and the dogs must have come from there, thought the little girl. There had been rumors of a pack of wild dogs running loose in their area.

She stared at the dogs, and they stared silently at her for what seemed like an eternity. The dogs had an aggressive stance and began to surround the little girl in a semicircle. They were not snarling, but there was something definitely menacing about them. The pack appeared ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

As soon as the dogs surrounded the little girl, they parted to allow their leader to make his way through the pack. More like a wolf, it was the largest dog the little girl had ever seen. The beast began walking toward the little girl. She did not move or take her eyes off of the huge canine. Strangely, the little girl felt a sense of familiarity with the dog. She knew she should be scared, that she should run, but a voice inside of her told her it would be all right. When the giant dog was an arm’s distance away, it lay down and allowed the girl to approach. As she did, the dog rolled onto his back, a submissive pose so she could pet his belly. The great dog, who had been poised to attack seconds before, was now in a completely docile position. As if on cue, the dogs surrounding her relaxed as well, sitting on their hind quarters and staring at their leader and the little girl.

The moment was broken by the gasp from the little girl’s mother. She had returned to the porch only to see her daughter encircled by what appeared to be a pack of ferocious, savage creatures. In unison, the trance of the pack was severed as every dog stiffened and stared daggers at the frightened woman, growls escaping their large, salivating jowls.

With the speed and agility of an animal half his size, the pack’s leader jumped up and protectively backed himself against the little girl, driving her back up the porch toward her frightened mother. With a quiet rumble from the back of his throat and a stare at each member of the pack, which left no doubt as to who was in charge, the alpha dog quickly changed the mood of his pack from a unease and attack mode to one of calm and serenity.

After a few moments, the large dog turned, licked the little girl on the face, and to the astonishment of the child’s mother, appeared to nod in respect toward the older woman. The dog then began slowly walking through his pack back toward the woods. Each pack member submitted to its leader one by one, howled, and obediently disappeared into the forest and away from the little girl and her mother.

To anyone observing from afar, the scene would have appeared surreal. To the little girl, it was like a piece of her had been reborn. It was an introduction to a new friend—one who promised to protect her, care for her, and take her on adventures she could only dream of.

The pair heard howls in the distance as the mother ran to her daughter, tears of relief streaming down her face. Oh my gosh, Remy, sweetheart, are you all right? Did the dog hurt you?

Oh no, Mommy, I’m OK. The doggie just wanted to be friends. He was very sweet.

Are you sure you’re OK? the mother asked, the tension finally draining from her body. Feeling calmer, the mother took the little girls hand and said, "Come on, let’s go inside. After you eat your lunch, we can read the new book I bought you, The Felonious Feline."

Smiling, the little girl followed her mother into the house. She really liked that dog and hoped he would come back again. Somehow, deep inside her, she just knew that he would.

As the pack entered the woods, the large dog turned for one last look at the little girl and her mother as they entered the house. If it was possible for dogs to smile, this one would have been smiling from ear to ear. The dog seemed to know—to sense that despite the little girl’s youth, she understood on some level as well. Yes, he would see her again. It was just a matter of time.

1

THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

Remy drove up to the Cold Spring Harbor High School and found a parking spot. The school was a red brick building with white trim, located in an affluent area of Long Island, New York. From the outside, it did not have an institutional feel. Remy suspected that the school wanted the privileged kids of the area to feel like they were entering a country club instead of a high school. She sat in her car as she pulled the key from ignition. She really should be hurrying to get to class, but she could not bring herself to move just yet. She had been antsy all morning but could not put her finger on why she felt out of sorts. It may have had something to do with the strange incident that happened yesterday. She had not slept well the night before. It took her a long time to fall asleep, and when she did, she kept reliving the bizarre events of the day in her nightmares.

She’d taken her camera when she went for a walk in the woods to see if she could find a good subject for her photography class. The assignment was to take nature pictures that were symbolic of something else. As she strolled through the woods behind her house a large pit bull leaped out of nowhere and ran toward her. He was growling and appeared aggressive. Though normally not afraid of dogs, she froze in terror. She loved dogs, but this one seemed feral. It was only a few feet in front of her, angrily baring its teeth. She hoped if she stayed completely still, it would go away. The dog stared at her and began to walk towards her in a menacing fashion. Fear caused her brain to freeze up, she did not know what to do. This dog could rip her throat out.She knew the dog was about to attack her, and there was nothing she could do. Suddenly a second dog ran out from the woods and leaped in front of her. The second dog faced the pit bull. The newcomer was a large, muscular German Shepherd.

This dog faced the first and stared it down with a throaty rumble until the pit bull turned its tail and ran back into the woods. When the threat was gone, the Shepherd nuzzled Remy’s hand and nudged her to start walking. Remy gathered her camera and headed back toward her home. The dog stayed with Remy until she reached her house. Once she arrived, the shepherd rubbed his large head against her leg. She patted his head in appreciation. He shook himself and trotted off in the opposite direction.

She felt like she was missing something–as if there was more to the Shepherd than met the eye—but the harder she had tried to figure out what it was, the less she was able to come up with an answer. There was something about the dog that was vaguely familiar.

Remy was enjoying the quiet just sitting in her car when a knock on her window made her jump.

Uh, sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I thought you saw me come over to your car, Daniel said.

That’s all right. I was just spacing out, replied Remy. She tried to sound sincere, but deep down, she was slightly annoyed with Daniel. She really just wanted a few minutes to prepare herself for the day. Everyone thought she was so confident and together, but that was really a mask she wore to protect herself. The old adage Don’t judge a book by its cover applied to her. Remy always felt like she had to keep her guard up to protect herself. She knew some might see her as cold, but that was just a defense mechanism she used to avoid being hurt. So, Remy pasted on a smile and got out of her car. Daniel was talking to her, but she really was not listening.

Daniel was a guy in her grade. He had medium-brown hair, cut very short–almost a military cut. His eyes were a dull green, almost yellow that did not really shine or sparkle. They were deep-set with hooded eyelids. He had a straight noise with high cheekbones. He was average-looking, not gorgeous, but not ugly either. He was –tall, thin and built like a runner. There was something about him that always made Remy a little uneasy. Still, she could never find the words to describe what made her uncomfortable.

So, what do you think? Daniel pressed.

Huh, about what?

Jessica’s party on Friday? Will you go with me?

Oh, sorry, Daniel. I promised Jess I would help her set up. I’ll see you there, OK?

Remy, why won’t you just give us a chance to be more than friends? Admit it; we are perfect for each other.

Daniel, I’m sorry. I consider you a good friend and all, but that’s it. I have a lot on my plate anyways and don’t have time for a serious relationship.

That’s just an excuse, Daniel said, getting angry. Why are you such a tease? You know I’m the only one who would treat you well. No one else would ever treat you as well as I would.

What does that mean? Am I not good enough for anyone else to treat well? I’m so sick of this, Daniel. If being friends isn’t enough for you, maybe we shouldn’t be friends at all! Remy was upset now and walked away from him quickly, but she was not paying attention to where she was going. She was upset, angry, and hurt by Daniel. He had been pressuring her to date him for almost a year. Every time she said no, he would say things that hurt her feelings and made her feel like he was the only guy who would ever like her. It felt like he was berating her into dating him, bullying her. It didn’t seem to matter to him that she just didn’t feel the same way about him as he felt for her—or at least what he thought he felt. They had never been more than friends. In fact, they were not even close friends. More like group friends. They never hung out one-on-one. He didn’t even really know her, and it did nothing for his cause when he pressured her and berated her to date him.

Remy was hoping she could find her best friend, Meredith, alone. She did not want to tell Meredith what happened in front of Jessica. Jess could be fun to hang out with, but sometimes she could be caustic and unsympathetic when you wanted to talk about something bothering you. More often than not Jessica would say something nasty like, Why won’t you just date him? Do you think you’re too good for him?

Unfortunately, Meredith often acted like Jess when the two were together. She never understood why Meredith was different when Jess was around. She would agree with whatever Jess said, even if it was mean. Why couldn’t people understand that she just didn’t have an attraction for Daniel? She would not go out with Daniel just to have a boyfriend. She didn’t need that to define herself. She would rather be single than date just anyone, just to have a boyfriend. She didn’t have to go out with someone just because they asked. She felt it was worse to go out with someone in which she wasn’t interested in. She didn’t want to start something she knew was not right for her. There was also something about Daniel that always made her uncomfortable. He seemed sneaky, like he was always looking for an angle. That was not the kind of person Remy could ever respect, let alone have a meaningful relationship with.

Her mental ranting had her so preoccupied that she was not paying attention to where she was going, and she walked smack into someone.

Oh, I am so sorry. I really need to look where I’m going, Remy said as she bent down to pick up the books that she had dropped. She did not even look up to see who she had collided with.

Hey, it was my fault; I was trying to find the office. I’m new here. Can you direct me? a deep male voice responded, causing Remy’s heart to flutter.

Sure, Remy said, go to the end of this hall and turn left; you can’t miss it. It was then that Remy looked up and saw the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. All thoughts of Daniel and his incessant pestering immediately flew out of her head. This guy literally took her breath away. His brown hair, messy on top, was stylish. His eyes nearly caused her legs to give out from under her. They were incredibly unique. The color was a smoky brown with unique gold flecks that reminded Remy of topaz gemstones. The way they sparkled rivaled the sun. Remy wanted to fall into those eyes and lose herself forever. They were the most gorgeous and compelling eyes she had ever seen. The boy was tall, and his body was lean and muscular. He was wearing low-rise jeans and a tight long-sleeved T-shirt. He also wore a leather cord around his neck with a flat turquoise stone with an ivory bone embedded in it. He smelled amazing, like the ocean. Remy’s whole body tensed and felt hot, and she knew her face must be turning bright red.

"Thanks, I’m sure I’ll see you around. I’m Logan Canino, by the way. He extended a hand, while flashing a smile of brilliant white teeth.

Remy took his hand, and she could swear an electric shock passed between them. It took her a moment to pull herself together and respond. Hi, I’m Remy West. I guess I’ll see you around, Remy stammered and hoped she didn’t look and sound as stupid as she felt. Ugh! only she could meet a gorgeous new guy and make a fool of herself. Remy thought. What a morning! First, Daniel harasses her for the umpteenth time, and then she almost barrels down a great-looking new guy.

Remy walked into math class just as the bell rang. She took her seat but could not concentrate on the lesson. She hated math on most days, but today was unbearable. For some reason she could not get the new guy, Logan out of her mind. It was not like her to be obsessed with a guy. She was always so focused on school and her ballet. Sure she had friends and had been on dates, but no one had ever captured her attention as Logan did. Maybe it was because he was new to the school. Most of the other guys she’d known forever. Remy convinced herself that was it and tried to push him from her mind.

Remy made it through math and was slightly more focused during her second-period class. She felt better by the time she went to her third-period class, AP literature. She walked in, expecting to take her usual seat next to her best friend, Meredith, but was surprised to see Logan sitting with Meredith, Meredith’s boyfriend, Todd, and their friend Tyler. Meredith waved to Remy and pointed to an open seat. As Remy sat down, she heard Tyler tell Todd, You have got to see this guy run. He was the fastest guy in PE today. To Logan, he said, Dude, please tell me you play football. We need a running back. Jack Martin blew out his knee and can’t play the rest of the season.

Logan replied, I play a little, but my main sport is lacrosse. You guys have a team here, right?

Meredith said, We have a team, and they did really well last year. They made it all the way to districts before losing to Dix Hills. I love going to lacrosse games, don’t you, Rem? Oh, sorry, I am so rude. Logan, I should have introduced you to Remy. Logan, this is Remy, my best friend.

Huh? Oh yeah, lacrosse is very cool. Logan and I met earlier. Remy could not believe how stupid she sounded again around Logan. She’d been trying so hard not to stare at him that she could not follow the conversation.

Logan smiled and said, Yeah, Remy and I go way back; we met earlier this morning. As Logan said this, he winked at Remy, causing the butterflies in Remy’s stomach to multiply tenfold. Luckily, the bell rang, and Mr. Hoffman, the AP lit teacher, began class.

AP literature was Remy’s favorite class. She had always loved reading, even the classics by Dickens and Hawthorne. Twenty minutes into the period, Mr. Hoffman broke the class up into groups to work on an assignment on Shakespeare. Of course, as if some unseen force or the universe in general wanted to continue torturing her, Remy was grouped with Logan. However, this time, Remy was determined not to make a fool of herself. They ended up working well together, and Remy nervousness subsided. They discussed the play that the class was currently reading. Logan explained that he had already read the play at his old school. He joked that he had an advantage this time, even if he was the new kid. The class passed quickly, and Remy truly enjoyed working with Logan.

Meredith waited for Remy after class as she gathered her things. When it was just the two of them and no one else was in ear shot, Meredith said, He’s so cute, Remy. You should go for him.

I don’t even know him. For all we know, he may have a girlfriend from his old school. Besides, who is to say he would even like me like that?

Oh, Remy, have you looked into the mirror lately? You are gorgeous, with your long, thick blond hair and well-toned body. Most people would kill for your looks, and you know you have the coolest eyes: they are neither blue nor green, but –a combination. Actually, the more I think about it, you’re just a freak! Apparently, Logan must like freaks. You should’ve seen how he looked at you. Meredith laughed.

You’re just saying that Mer because we all know that between the two of us you’re the showstopper.

Meredith was stunning. She was tall, model thin, with long, thick, reddish-brown hair, the smallest hint of freckles on her cheeks and nose, and light green eyes.

Stop being so modest, Rem, Meredith chided. Come on. We better go if we want to make it to lunch in time.

When they came out of class, Remy heard Tyler invite Logan to go off campus with them for lunch. Logan accepted, and as they walked outside, Tyler offered to drive. But Logan said, I’ll drive my car if you guys don’t mind. I need to learn my way around town. Remy, how about you tag along with me and show me where to go?

Oh boy, Remy thought, how was she going to handle being alone in the car with this guy? She’d probably end up breaking his stereo or something. But…it was a chance to get to know him better, she mused as they walked to his car. Uh, sure. I’d be happy to go with you, you know, to show you around. Remy cringed as she heard herself speak, knowing again how pathetic she sounded. Meredith gave Remy a smirk that said, I told you so, but Remy just shook her head back at her.

Great, my car is over here, Logan said. Remy followed him to a new black BMW convertible. Do you mind that the top is down? It’s such a nice day.

Sure, I just need to tie my hair back, replied Remy. As she did so, Remy had this strange feeling he was watching her. Not in a weird way, though, like that creep Daniel did. But more in a way that felt protective. Remy shook off the feeling believing it was her imagination, Once Remy had her hair secured, Logan pulled out of the parking lot. Remy’s heart beat a little faster as she got the feeling she was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. As Remy directed him to their destination for lunch, she and Logan talked about the town and Remy’s upbringing. Remy told Logan she had lived here her whole life and asked him where he moved from.

Logan said, My family has lived all over, but most recently, we lived in Manhattan.

Well, that’s not too far. At least you can still see your old friends.

"True, I could, but I think I am going to really enjoy living here. Besides, my brother is my closest

Friend and he moved with us."

You have a brother? How old is he?

Charlie is in eleventh grade, and our sister, Savannah, is in tenth grade. I also have three younger brothers.

Wow, you have a really large family, Remy responded in surprise, I’m an only child.

Do you like being an only child?

I don’t mind, I guess. I don’t know any other way, really.

They arrived at the food court at the mall, where everyone was planning on meeting.

Meredith was waiting for them outside when they got out of the car.

Hi, you two. Rem, will you come with me to get frozen yogurt?

Sure, Mer. Do you mind, Logan? It is just a few stores away. We’ll be right back. All the guys are inside ordering lunch if you want to go in without us.

No problem, replied Logan.

Great, we’ll be right back, Meredith called, already pulling Remy by the arm. She was dying to hear what the drive had been like.

Meredith began talking a mile a minute as they walked toward the yogurt shop. So, what did you guys talk about? Do you like him? Where did he move from? Does he have a girlfriend? Did you…

Whoa! Hold on, Mer. It was a five-minute car ride. How much do you think we could talk about in that time? But he is very nice and extremely cute. We only made small talk. Still, Remy could feel herself blushing. She didn’t know why she should be embarrassed in front of Meredith. They had been best friends since first grade. Where is Jess? I thought she would be here, Remy asked to change the subject.

She had to meet with Mr. Oakland about her senior paper. I told her I would bring her a bagel on our way back.

Meredith and Remy got their yogurt quickly and went back to the others. Everyone was sitting at the tables outside. The fall weather was mild; it had not gotten cold yet, and everyone wanted to enjoy the last few warm days before winter set in. The trees had yet to shed their leaves, and they were surrounded by awesome colors of red, yellow, green, and brown. Meredith took a seat next to Todd. The only other open seat was on Logan’s left. Remy sat down but was self-conscious of how close she was to Logan. She decided to focus on her yogurt. She could not believe how taken she was with a guy she had just met. She never had obsessive crushes as her friends did, but this guy seemed to be filling up her thoughts for some reason. Remy figured once he was no longer the new guy, she would stop feeling so nervous around him.

So what do you say, Rem? Can you go shopping after school today? Jess said she was available, Meredith inquired.

Sorry, Mer, I have to finish that project for photography class.

Rolling her eyes, Meredith said jokingly, Only you would take an elective that requires a ton of work in your senior year. What am I going to do with you?

I like it. Besides, it’s not really work; lots of people have photography as a hobby, replied Remy.

Maybe, but they also don’t dance two hours every day and keep a straight-A average as you do, Meredith declared. Everyone at the table rolled their eyes, smiled, and looked at Remy.

She knew Meredith was only teasing her, but with Logan there, she felt extremely uncomfortable being the center of attention. Meredith must have guessed Remy’s discomfort, so she quickly changed the subject and said, Logan, where did you move from?

Manhattan, Logan replied, almost a little too quickly.

Oh, that is awesome. The best shopping in the world, I always say. Does Long Island seem boring to you?

No, not at all, Logan said, and Remy could feel him looking right at her as he answered. Remy glanced up and found herself staring into Logan’s eyes. She was lost to his stare and forgot that anyone else was around. Again, that feeling of protectiveness washed over her, and this time, something else. There was also a sense of familiarity when she looked into his eyes. It was more than a feeling of having met before—more like she had known him forever.

They ate and talked about normal life stuff for the rest of lunch.

When it was time to go, Logan said, Remy, come on, I think I may need directions getting back to the school. Meredith snickered but tried to cover it with a cough.

Remy spied Daniel getting out of his car with his friend Steve as they made their way to the car. Daniel gave Remy a nasty look. She knew she should introduce Logan and pretend there wasn’t anything awkward about the situation. However, before she could make the introductions, Logan said, Hey, Daniel, it’s been a long time. How are you?

Daniel looked like he could spit nails for a moment, but he quickly covered it up