“Gabriel Bryce, how can you stand being so shameless?” Leonica asked, staring daggers at her atrocious husband and his mistress. “This is the house gifted to my by grandmother, yet you dare bring another woman into it? Aren’t you afraid that grandmother would be disappointed with you actions…?” Leonica’s words remained unfinished as an enraged Gabriel swung his hand through the air, smacking his palm clean on her left cheek. Leonica held her throbbing cheek, eyes wide and teary as she stared at her husband who glared down at her ferociously. “The nerves of you to mention my grandmother. You have no right to do so!” He spat, taking a step forward and jabbing his index finger painfully into her shoulder, making her take several steps back. “Bare this in mind, Leonica Romero, if not for the wishes of my late grandmother, I’d much rather be dead than associate myself with somebody like you.” *~*~* *~*~* Leonica Romero has always had a long time crush on Gabriel Bryce, CEO of Bryce Empire and Norway’s Business tyrant. Fortunately, at the request of his Ill grandmother, her family’s long time friend, Leonica gets the chance to marry her beloved. Feeling elated, she abandoned her position and dream job in the Romero household and becomes a humble housewife for Gabriel. However, Three years later, on the day of Gabriel’s grandmother’s funeral, Leonica is stunned speechless when he demands for a divorce, as his ex girlfriend Angelina Fernandez had suddenly returned, proclaiming her undying love for him. But that wasn’t the only shock Leonica received that day. Hours after Gabriel’s declaration for a divorce, Leonica wakes up in the hospital to a shocking news. She was two months pregnant. And Gabriel knew nothing about this!
"Congratulations Miss smith," the doctor called to Emma who sat taken back by her doctors claim. "What?!" She quipped like she hadn’t heard what he said. "You’re pregnant!" Emma hoped it was a nightmare, that this was a clear joke! But it wasn’t!, how did she end up in this situation? how did she end up pregnant with a strangers child?! ***** Emma Smith's is a struggling college student, her mother suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with a tumor, the sudden diagnosis calls for Emma to pay almost half a million dollars which has Emma working job to job, she had to desperately look for a way to pay her bills. After having a single one night of passion with a handsome stranger at a club to earn money for her mother’s expensive medication, she ends up in a situation that would change her life forever. Emma finds out that she was pregnant for a stranger, she quickly finds out his identity and that she slept with a handsome yet arrogant billionaire extraordinaire, Rowan king. Her life turns to chaos when she meets him again, and she is forced to keep the child, with the promise that her mother’s surgery bill will be taken care of if she keeps the child and stays with the cold billionaire, Rowan. Will Emma find out his secret and see what his family is so adamant in keeping this child? And Can this unexpected destiny lead to anything more? Will Rowan begin to trust her and see her as more than just a one night of passion?
This book is authored by Dripping Creativity. “Stay away, stay away from me, stay away,” she shouted, over and over. She kept shouting even though it seemed she had run out of things to throw. Zane was more than a little interested in knowing exactly what was going on. But he couldn’t focus with the woman making a ruckus. “Will you shut the fuck up!” he roared at her. She fell silent and he saw tears start to fill her eyes, her lips trembled. Oh fuck, he thought. Like most men, a crying woman scared him shitless. He would rather have a gunfight with a hundred of his worst enemies than have to deal with one crying woman. “And your name is?” he asked. “Ava,” she told him in a thin voice. “Ava Cobler?” he wanted to know. Her name had never sounded so beautiful before, it surprised her. She almost forgot to nod. “My name is Zane Velky,” he introduced himself, holding out a hand. Ava’s eyes grew bigger as he heard the name. Oh no, not that, anything but that, she thought. “You have heard of me,” he smiled, he sounded satisfied. Ava nodded. Everyone who lived in the city knew the name Velky, it was the largest mafia group in the state with its centre in the city. And Zane Velky was the head of the family, the don, the big boss, the huge honcho, the Al Capone of the modern world. Ava felt her panicked brain spin out of control. Trigger warnings: Talk about SA Body image issues Light BDSM Descriptive descriptions of assaults Self harm Harsh language
Catherine Galhart had saved herself for the only man she ever paid attention to, only for fate to crush her young heart when he came home with his fated mate in his arms. Lost and heartbroken, she ran and hid as she slowly picked up her broken pieces. But when she thought everything was finally falling into place and she was ready to accept the love she felt she deserved, life threw another reality in her face — a destiny she could never escape. Will she finally cave in and let fate take control of her life? Or will she keep fighting for the life she knew she wanted from the very beginning? Join Catherine as she embarks on the journey from love lost to self-discovery, family, and friendship to finding a love worth fighting for. ***** THE ALPHA BLOOD CIRCLE: Book 1: She's The Luna I Want Book 2: The Beta and I Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Book 1 to understand the characters and the concept of the Claiming. ***** Follow me on my I G and F B for updates and teasers - author.cassa.m
“You have to reject her.” Amelia heard her twin say to her boyfriend. As the ignored daughter of the Alpha, Amelia has been bullied by her twin since little. She knew it was all because she wasn’t as talented and didn’t shift like her twin did. Still, getting rejected by the only love of her life was too much to bear. Amelia accepted her father’s order and set out for college in a neighbouring pack, not knowing a group of wolves were sent to get rid of her for good. At the critical moment, her only way out was get into the pack of the most feared Alpha, the King that ruled the darkness, the one who had killed his own father to take the throne. *** This novel is created by didi.adeyemi from an editor's outline. The novel is copyright Ideaink Six Cats.
Chloe's underclass mother is married to a billionaire, and she transfers to an elite school to become the first female werewolf warrior.But her origins make her a thorn in the side of the school's four ruling brothers.They have to take a little baby girl, less than a year old, to school.But the baby girl resists everyone ...... except Chloe.So Chloe, a new adult, is forced to become the baby girl's nanny and live in the bullies' dormitory?
James Anderson lost his future mate and luna, Stephanie, during a rogue attack. Stephanie's death left his entire pack in mourning; her death anniversary was even declared a pack holiday. Five years later, James discovers that Stephanie's younger sister Lily is his mate. But how can that be? Wasn't Stephanie supposed to be his mate? And would his pack even accept Lily as his mate and Luna—many have always blamed Lily for Stephanie's death, because Stephanie died trying to save Lily. For her part, Lily has lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister for years. She knows very well that pack members and her parents wish that it was Lily that died that day instead of Stephanie. Lily had looked forward to the day that she would meet her mate and finally feel important to someone. Discovering that her mate is James is Lily's worst nightmare, especially when James reacts poorly to the discovery. Lily decides that she is unwilling to live in Stephanie's shadow any longer. She will not spend the rest of her life with a mate who wishes she was someone else. She rejects James, who all too quickly accepts the rejection. Soon afterwards, horrifying truths come out and James immediately regrets letting Lily go. He sets out to get Lily back and right the wrongs that have been done. But is it too late? Will Lily find love with James, or with someone else?
*There are three books in one! Since they need to be read in order, they are one right after another! * With a genius IQ and her own tattoo shop, Kristen is about to become 18. After years of being abused by her stepmother, Kristen has decided to leave her pack with the money her tattoo shop has made. Regardless of who her mate is, Kristen will be on her own adventure. Unfortunately, more than one male has a problem with her independence. Kristen's fiery personality has placed her into a situation that is forcing her to face everything she has escaped. How much can one person endure before they give up?
Ava: Nine years ago I did something terrible. it wasn't one of my best moments but I saw an opportunity to have the guy I've loved since I was a young girl and I took it. Fast forward to years later and I'm tired of living in a loveless marriage. I want to free both of us from a marriage that should never have taken place. They say if you love something.... It was time to let him go. I know he'll never love me and that I'll never be his choice. His heart will always belong to Her and despite my sins, I deserve to be loved.Rowan: Nine years ago, I was so in love I could barely see right. I ruined it when I made the worst mistake of my life and in the process I lost the love of my life. I knew I had to step up in my responsibility and so I did, with an unwanted wife. With the wrong woman. Now she has once again flipped my life by divorcing me. To make matters even more complicated, the love of my life is back in town. Now the only question is, who is the right woman? Is it the girl I fell head over heels in love with years ago? or is it my ex wife, the woman I never wanted but had to marry?
What do I do when I run out of options and I need money fast? I sell the only thing that I have that is worth any value… My virginity. Bidding starts at 1 million... Scarlett's Treasures, an exclusive auction house for wealthy men and women who buy the pleasures of those willing to give themselves...and they want me. What's a girl to do when she's in her mid-twenties, is still a virgin... and broke AF? Yep, I made that choice. Now, the only problem is, I don't have only one buyer to please, but there are three and one of them just so happens to be my childhood best friend and crush who broke my heart and left. Now he's back and he's buying my virginity...which he thinks belongs to him. Meeting their demands will be a challenge, but it's a choice that I'm going to have to make... Aria's days as a transaction turn into something more personal, she realizes that she may have made the best decision of her life. Will she succumb to the demands of her buyers or risk losing everything for a chance at real love and belonging?
WARNING: MATURE CONTENT Tisha Stewart, a twenty two year old virgin gets her life turned upside down in just one day. She loses her wealthy father to the cold hands of death, she learns that her fake friend who stole her boyfriend is her step-sister, and to top it all, she is forced to spend the night with an old sleazebag to pay off her late father's supposed debt. Spencer Grant is a handsome and sexy billionaire who avoids being in the spotlight. When a business rival attempts to set him up and spikes his drink, Spencer books a hotel room and orders an escort. In a twist of fate, Tisha ends up in Spencer's hotel room. She needs a place to hide and he needs a woman to pass the night. Spencer mistakes Tisha for the escort he ordered and they spend a passionate night. When he wakes up in the morning, Spencer finds Tisha gone. Not only is there no trace of her but the evidence of her innocence stares him right in the face. Now Spencer is determined to find this mysterious girl who has not only stolen his heart but whose face now haunts his dreams. THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE
He is a 10 but he is a decade older than me, my brother’s best friend, a therapist who wants to counsel me and... he likes to hurt little girls like me. “What were you doing this morning?” “I was meditating.” He is right. I am a terrible liar. Aiden raised his eyebrows. “Is that so?” He waited for my answer, crossing his arms over his chest. I got distracted by the way his biceps bulged. He noticed me staring. I glanced down at my lap, twiddling my thumbs. “Y-yes, Doctor Aiden, I was meditating and I-I focused on my breath like you taught me—” “Why are you lying to me, Ivy?” My head snapped at him. “I-I am not lying.” Aiden tilted his head and my throat went dry when he said, “Then why did I hear your voice moaning my name when you orgasmed with your fingers inside you?" He is her first love. She is his best friend's little sister. Will a chance reunion lead to true love? I was a good girl. An honor student. A dutiful daughter, sister and a sweet girlfriend to my boyfriend until I found him in my best friend’s bed. I didn’t want goody-two-shoe nice boys who gave me empty promises. What I wanted was a man who wouldn’t hurt me. When I found my brother’s best friend, Aiden Stone, with only a towel around his hot Greek body dripping wet from a shower, I decided that what I wanted, what I had been wanting for years, was him. The only problem? He is a decade older than me, my brother’s best friend, a therapist who wants to counsel me and... he likes to hurt little girls like me.
"… Are you planning on making me someone else?" I asked, my bottom lip trembling slightly as I began to realize what I had gotten myself into. "Too many questions." He stared straight at me, and then his lips spread in a sly smirk, "You are right, anyways. You are no longer who you used to be. What is your name?" "Persephone Walters." I told him with a hidden plea in my voice. Please don't make me disappear… "From now on, that person is dead. You will now be my girlfriend, and wife-to-be, the elegant Kassandra Aaron." ______________________ She’s a mechanic. He’s one of the richest CEOs in the state. She is also his girlfriend's doppelgänger, and he only needs her as his substitute mistress until his real girlfriend returns, to save his father's business. Falling for each other seems impossible, mostly because Aiden sees another woman through her. However, when his real girlfriend returns, the contract meets its end and they find out that things are not on the original track. How does CEO—Isaac Bates remind himself that the mechanic—Persephone Walters is way out of his league? How do they defeat the numerous obstacles that stand against their love?
Cassandra Salvatore never thought herself to be interested in the world of BDSM. She'd heard of it, of course. She'd also seen it in shows, but just didn't find an interest in it. Not until her friend, Jules, drags her to a BDSM club for just one night. There, she encounters the owner of the club, who happens to be a master and is searching for a slave. Will she become his sex slave, despite arguing that she's just a submissive and would be so for just one night? How about when she goes for her interview and realizes there are two of them? The Valentino twins. "You'll refill the forms." He stepped closer to me. "And if I find out you lied about your answers previously, I'll punish the fuck out of you." I didn't know whether to take it as a threat or a promise. On one hand, I was scared because I knew just how brutal his punishments were. On the other hand, I was anticipating it because I'd retake the test and he'd find out that I lied about a lot of things I thought was embarrassing. BOOK ONE IN THE VALENTINO SERIES
Avery couldn’t accept the sudden changes in him. “Why are you being nice and sweet all of a sudden?” Anderson inched closer and she could feel his breath on her face. “Because you are my wife. Only my wife deserves my sweetness.” At twenty four, Anderson Crown was the acting CEO of his father’s trillion dollar multinational company. He was hot and a die for yet, he was so cold. When it was time for him to assume the position of CEO wholly, he wouldn’t accept it without Avery Smith by his side as a wife. Therefore, an arranged marriage was the best option, but why? Avery Smith was the shy intern in the accounts department. When she reluctantly succumbed to her parents' demand to marry Anderson to save their business, she grew hatred towards him because her heart was already taken. She vowed to her boyfriend that she would frustrate Anderson’s life to make him divorce her but was surprised when she realized after the marriage, that Anderson wasn’t who she thought he was. So what happens when she begins to fall head over heels in love with Anderson, and her ex boyfriend appears to claim her as promised? Will she keep to her vow or will she stay true to what her heart feels? This book is a read alone, though a sequel to *The CEO silenced me with a kiss*
"Aargh... Yes Baby..." I watched as he popped his manhood out of her mouth. I covered my mouth, tears brimming in my eyes. The man I'd loved for seven years was now cheating on me? Had all his promises been nothing but lies? I remembered the day he proposed to me four years ago, with his earnest gaze and heartfelt words. "Olivia, you are my choice, always. Even if fate brings me a fated mate, my heart will remain yours." His sincerity had been convincing until when he brought the Omega home, pleading, "Olivia, I rescued this girl from a cruel Alpha. Could you help care for her?" Even when I discovered they were fated mates, I chose to trust him because his apology seemed genuine, "Olivia, I'm so sorry. I tried to prevent this from hurting you, but my wolf was in agony. I promise, once it settles, I'll reject her." How foolish I was to believe his honeyed words. Until the night he walked up to me, darkness filled in those eyes that used to be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. “I'm sorry, Olivia, but I think it's time you leave. I realize I don't love you anymore, and my heart beats for no woman but Sophie. Take your things, and leave this place while you still can.” I sneezed while wiping away my tears. I'd heard and watched enough. And I've made my decision. I was never a weakling. Even if we’d shared many memories over our four-year marriage, I never lacked the courage to leave him. Since he'd betrayed me, I wouldn't want him either.
I stand on the brink of a past I've lived and a future I've yet to claim. Five years ago, my world crumbled when Lucan, the Alpha I loved, the man destined to be my mate, chose betrayal over loyalty; my sister over me. His blatant rejection of my love but refusal to reject our bond, kept me on a string for years. Until my sister decided to orchestrate my murder when I fell pregnant with Lucan's child. Fate, it seems, holds a twisted sense of mercy. I find myself back in time, five years before my life turned into a nightmare, on the night my Mate Bond with Lucan snaps into place. But this time, I'm not the same Verena. I refuse to be the victim, the one walked all over. With a resolve forged from pain and betrayal, I stand before our pack, our family, our friends, and I shatter the expectations of fate. I reject Lucan, and the ripple of shock is my first taste of victory. But my plan doesn't stop there. I aim higher, daring to entangle my fate with his enemy, Alpha Niklaus King, a man as dangerous as he is ruthless. It's supposed to be a game, a strategy to topple Lucan from his throne. I didn't anticipate the fire Niklaus would ignite in my soul, a passion fierce and consuming. As I grow closer to him, the lines blur; my heart, once set on revenge, now beats a different rhythm. Torn between the past's shadows and a future that's as uncertain as it is thrilling, I find myself questioning everything. Lucan's betrayal branded me, but Niklaus offers a chance at healing, at power. Yet, can I trust this new bond, or will it become another chain?
" I, Ember MacGregor reject you, Alpha Paris as my mate!". " Did this woman just reject me? Did my wife renounce me as her mate?". " How dare you reject my son! You're just a lowly ungrateful Omega!", Luna Lara yelled at her. Ember clenched her fist into a ball set a sharp gaze toward them for the first time in five years and left the ward. *** Alpha Paris chose Ember to be his wife and Luna of his packs even though she's not his fated mate because he thought he was in love with her but in the third year of their marriage, he found his destined mate Kate. He couldn't resist their wolf bonds so he marked her behind his wife's back. He cheated on her and he even impregnated his fated mate. Ember couldn't give an Alpha an heir because she was infertile so to return the favor, she obeyed every order his family told her and her husband but when Alpha Paris believed Kate's lies that she hurt her; they even forced her to donate her kidney to amends her crimes, she decided to reject Paris and leave him. Paris was shocked and thought that he saw a new side of his wife. He was thinking that after almost five years of being together, he still didn't know everything about her. After Ember left, Paris regretted it and tried to get Ember back.
He was cheated. She was banished. He was injured by the adulterous couple, while her pack was stolen from her own hands. Now… these lonely, wounded, and vengeance-craving individuals come across each other. What happens to them? —----- Dane Maximus, Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, who is rich and powerful, holds secret powers that could destroy the world. When he caught his wife cheating on him with the rogue leader, his heart tore into millions. His wife rejects their mate bond, while the rogue leader leaves him injured. He was broken, helpless, and dispaired. At this point, the Moon Goddess sent him a blessing in the form of his fated mate, Gianna Lawson. She was a rogue and a former Alpha of the Nightshade Pack. She wants to get revenge and her pack from the Alpha, who stole her pack and banished her. When they met, the world screamed for vengeance! Love…? What about it? Will they be able to come out of the circle of vengeance and give a chance to their bond? Or will they join hands to achieve their goals? Or will they choose their pack and responsibilities? ************* SHREE ABOVE STORY
"HHHEEYYY YALL IT'S YOUR FAVORITE GIRLS! We are back yall. We were pissed too, that we had to leave yall with that cliffhanger. But best believe somebody got a call about that shit. Anyway, we're back and on the Hunt for Shawna and Trixie. We know they're still out there alive, we just have to find them. But you already know that we have to deal with fake mated she-wolves, who just can't read the fucking room. So, we have to deal with them hoes, aliens, and oh yea The Ocean God. I know yall thinking how the hell yall pissed off the Ocean God, but we will explain that later. Right now, buckle up, get your wine glasses, and make sure your phone cases are sturdy just in case you throw it. Now enjoy the emotional rollercoaster of The Hunt for Shawna and Trixie!
This book is authored by Eiya Daime. ''Well, do you have something to say?'' A strapping, muscular naked man asked me as he sat across from me as I was also sitting there naked, half-submerged in this large tub of water. ''Don't worry, I won't bite you, baby...'' He said as he moved closer to me, pulling me into his lap and placing me on his leg. ''Wh-what is this, Master?'' I finally asked him as he handed me a small bar. ''I am not your Master,'' he snapped at me in a harsh tone. ''I am your Mate.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------- After the death of Alasia's mother five years before, her stepfather used the trust given to her upon her mother's death to support his drinking habits. Once he was broke and refusing to manage the one low-end job he had, he felt he was left with no other choice. He decided to sell his eldest stepdaughter in the event that he could get enough to move away, and therefore, take her younger brother along with him. Alasia at the mere age of 16 is sold into slavery into the most fierce werewolf pack, The Crimson Caine, by her overzealous and abusive step-father. How can she survive under the most ruthless and Alpha? And what if she finds out she's his MATE?
Cassandra Keller lived in a small pack and ran a small clinic with her friend. When the hunting festival came, she had nothing to expect. Because she didn't have a wolf soul. She lost her wolf five years ago in the calamity. That morning, she was called by the Alpha for an emergency. She went there in no time only to find the patient to be the son of their Alpha King. Not only was he the Alpha King, but also her mate. And her nightmare.
Note: This story contains elicit contents and it's rated 18+ "What are you doing?" she asked him with gritted teeth, she can't bear it anymore, not to mention she is always aroused whenever she saw the man but the man wasn't making it easier for her too, she can feel his body heat as they sat down and it was intoxicating, she felt that she was about to loss all her sense of reasoning, "What are you talking about?" Cillian asked, his baritone voice reverberated on Emma's body and she gulped hard, her body shuddered slightly from pleasure, "Can..Can we begin?" she stuttered, so much aroused to think properly, "Of course" replied the male "You see, things about businesses, just for an example, in terms of clothe businesses?" he said and touched the cloth she was wearing, that wasn't the issue but were he touched was, in between her legs, on the center of her pussy, her cunt, when his hand clasped there he felt how wet she was, she subconsciously moaned whilst tilting her head back, the irresistible lust that she has being trying to resist for long, the temptation that she has tried all she could to avoid, will it all succumb today?...
“But, this is our wedding night…?” My voice trembles. “You are Nico’s spying whore,” Deimos says through gritted teeth. “Get. Out.” “I have nowhere else to go,” I whimper. A wedding should be a joyous occasion, but not for Liz Wilks. Her wedding to the infamous Deimos Phalen is shaping up to be anything but joyous. Liz arrives at the altar to find it empty. Her groom couldn’t be bothered to show up. Liz powers through the groomless wedding, knowing what waits for her on the other side. A dangerous job of being a spy on the fear Alpha. It is the only way to save her family. But on her wedding night, she is shocked when Deimos sees right through her facade. He knows she is a spy for his father and eventually gives her an ultimatum. Become a double spy for him against his father or lose everything she holds dear.
"Let me clarify this so there's no more confusion. I reject Ava as my mate and accept Isabella as my Luna, now and forever.", Aiden said. With those devastating words, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Aiden, my childhood friend, the one who had always been there for me, had just revealed that our connection was nothing more than a challenge. The hidden affection I held for him was meaningless in the face of his choice. Determined to leave my past behind, I fled the pack. Six years later, I found myself a mother of triplets, but my world was once again shaken when my children were snatched from me. I had no choice but to return to the pack I'd left behind, no longer the innocent girl I once was. Fueled by a burning desire for retribution, I had a new ally by my side, Logan, who I soon discovered had been there with me all along. But as I fought what I thought were the right battles, I couldn't help but wonder, was I missing the real battle? The one that could save not only my children but also my own heart?
Emily Watson is the next heiress to a multi-billionaire industry company. Instead of taking her fortune and next step as royalty, she let it all go for a man she fell in love with for 7 years. Little did she know that the 3 years of her marriage was going to be cold and distant. Her husband has never touched her since that night, her mother-in-law hates her. Her life was miserable. Yet, she linger on because she loves him. Even if she watched him from a distance, it was fine with her for he was her every breath. Until one day he divorce her to be with the woman he loves. What's this? The woman is pregnant. Heartbroken she left her husband and the home she had called for so many years. 6 months later she showed up at the biggest and grandest Watson's ball. There Emily stood, the next heiress to the multi trillionaire of the century. Her ex-husband, Joshua MacClare was shocked that the woman he have divorce have made him yearend for her. His heart was beating rapidly for her, his eyes followed her every movement, his breathing was unsteady as she was close to him. He gulped as he wanted her. Wanted her as his wife again. "We're divorced," said Emily. "No, we're not," said Joshua. "Huh?" questioned Emily. Joshua smiled at her and said, "On that night, a rainy night if you have forgotten, the documents were destroyed." "What?" asked Emily. "You see, you threw our divorce paper into the stormy rain. So, the rain have washed away our prints." Emily's breath quickened. "So, since there is no legible signatures on the divorce paper, we're never divorce." Emily backed away from him. Joshua walked over to her and said, "You're still my wife."
Livvy was the Beta's daughter. Mated to the Alpha after being treated horribly by him for the last few years, two of which he knew they were fated yet said nothing and went around with another she-wolf that claimed she was his chosen Luna. After being rejected she ran away, started a life in a small town away from all werewolves until the day she is found, five years later. Now she is to return to a pack she no longer views as home where her younger brother took the Beta position after am untimely passing of their father. Alpha Timothy never took a chosen mate despite what she thought, he pined after her instead. Now that she is back he will do whatever it takes to earn her love since he broke their bond. Will she take him back, or will she choose to take a chosen mate in his stead?