Werewolf



{Follow me on IG: KaiKitto / author_KaiKitto /for updates.}
.
.
{Warning: R-18, Dark Romance}
"Someone, please save me!"
"Who are you asking for help, dear?" He smiled, bringing his face closer to mine, sending a wave of terror through me.
"Don't do this. I am your sister," I pleaded, my voice trembling. I didn't want to stoop to his level.
"No, my dear. You could never be my sister. This is my revenge, and you are my enemy. You will pay for your sins," he growled, freezing me with fear.
"Please!"
“You think you can hate me just because you discovered you're more powerful? Having two useless wolves inside that shabby body won’t save you, sweetheart.” 
Davina Bryson has always longed to be with her fated mate and live a peaceful life with him. However, her parents, Bryson and Elena, have other plans, to use her as a pawn to gain power.
They want her to be selected as the Alpha prince's chosen mate, bringing them closer to the royal family and paving the way for their ultimate goal of overthrowing them. She knows that her parents don't truly care about her, she's merely a tool for their ambitions.
She meets her destined mate Orion Lycaon, the cold-hearted king of the Lycan Empire; he's unwilling to accept her. But a prophecy foretells a war that threatens the supernatural world, and fate demands their union.
As they navigate their complicated destinies, Davina must confront her own strength and resilience, while Orion must confront and learn to accept her. Their bond becomes the key to winning the war and ensuring their race's survival.
But can she thaw Orion’s icy heart? Will he accept her for the war's sake? And will her parents allow their union or obstruct it?
Fate, power, war, and love collide as they fight for their future and the survival of their race. 




Three years ago, Evelyn Blackwell was a wolf-less Omega, betrayed, rejected, and cast out of the Bloodbane Pack.She walked away with nothing but her unborn daughter and the ashes of a bond she once believed in.Now she's back.Not as someone's Luna, but as the founder of a medical empire, a world-renowned doctor,And the fiercely protective mother of a bright, wolf-less little girl.Her ex-mate, Alpha Calvin Wolfe, expected her to fade into obscurity.But the moment he sees her again, confident, radiant, and entirely out of reach, he knows he made the biggest mistake of his life.She doesn't want his apology.She doesn't want his pack.And she sure as hell doesn't want his pity.He falls to his knees, remorse all over his face."Evelyn, I love you. Can we get back together?"She scoffs,"Alpha Calvin, the cheater, you're not so sweet anymore."Her twin sons drop to their knees,"Mom, we only want you!"Evelyn waves them off,"No thanks, I already have an adorable daughter now." 


For the sake of her family, she accepts to tutor Alpha's . She also becomes a part of the Werewolf academy. Her life was normal....... Until, she comes face-to-face with Alphas's king, Dastien. She couldn't rein the tug. She feels at her heart in his presence and his absence, she couldn't take him off of her mind. She couldn't comprehend, why was this happening to her? Emma knows the shifters' world is full of danger. She isn't made for it. Dastien is the strongest werewolf, the Alpha, the king of Alphas, wants to keep his human mate safe. He is in doubt. Should he accept the mating with a human girl, the true love bond that is created somewhere in heaven or should he choose someone from packs, a strong werewolf girl? He is aware of her emotions, love that he sees in her eyes, though Emma is unaware of her feelings and mating bond. Soon, he must make a choice: Choose her knowing the danger lying ahead or lose Emma to let her live a normal life. 

My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done.Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection.I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you."The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo.Someone yells, “Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain.The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, “Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?"Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!" 

I was rejected, but soon, I will marry a wheelchair-bound Rogue."Is this your fiancé?""Yes, he is my husband, Raymond Black," I introduced."How shameful, you are marrying this... uh, rogue, who has no clan, no fixed pack, and can't even protect you if attacked by other werewolves?"I stood at the altar, with many people below, as if saying to me: you are such a fool!Raymond said beside me, "Caitlin, if you want to back out, you still have a chance now, you can choose to run away."I shook my head, "No... I won't run away, you will be my husband."I saw a hint of surprise in his emerald, green eyes.*******I was set up by my best friend to have sex with a strange man, my first MATE rejected me, an enemy weapon ran through my father's heart, pierced my mother's body. My best friend's family stripped me of my ALPHA status, and I became everyone's go-to OMEGA. Until that man came along, Rogue, and he saved me, but... I found that he seemed to hide a lot of secrets, wait, my second mate is alpha king?! 
"Katelyn, your love disgusts me." When Ethan forced her to apologize to that woman, completely ignoring whether she lived or died, Katelyn finally came to her senses that her marriage was a joke. Ethan had never cared about her, not even at her mother's funeral, when he cheated on her with her own sister. She filed for divorce and bid Ethan farewell.Katelyn soon returned to her career and steadily became a highly sought - after editor - in - chief.Fate smiled on her and she was discovered by her billionaire biological father, who made her the heir to all his fortune. As she danced passionately in the arms of her new boyfriend Cayden, Ethan watched with burning jealousy and regret. Unable to contain himself any longer, he dropped to his knees before her and begged, "Please, Katelyn… please come back to me." 



After 18 years of wandering alone, Sydney finally returned to her pack, reuniting with her family. But her dreams and aspirations shattered when her sister, Bella, fled on her wedding day with her fated mate, leaving Sydney to take her place in a political alliance with Alexander Torres, the powerful Alpha of the Nightscar Pack. Handsome, wealthy, and commanding, Alexander was everything a Luna could want—except for one thing: his heart belonged to Bella.On their mating ceremony day, Alexander whispered to Sydney, "The only thing you can get is the title of Luna." For three years, their marriage was a cold, distant arrangement, devoid of passion or connection. Until one night, when Sydney received a video from Bella—a video that revealed Alexander in bed with her sister.Betrayed and heartbroken, Sydney decided to break the mating bond and reclaim her freedom. However, Alexander became relentless,refused to let her go. He destroyed the rejection papers and demanded a $5 million compensation fee, determined to keep her tied to him.With Alexander’s grandmother’s help, Sydney finally succeeds in breaking free from the bond.As Sydney walked away, Alexander’s feeling to Bella wavered, his obsession with Sydney only grew.Alexander corners Sydney, pinning her against the wall with his powerful frame. His breath is hot against her ear as he growls, “You can try to run, Sydney, but you’ll always be mine,I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth.” 


Every she-wolf in the Blackwood Pack envied me.Olivia Klein, the lowest-ranked Omega who married the most powerful Alpha, Dominic Blackwood.Yet none knew the truth of my torment.The Phoenix mark on my neck made me Dominic Blackwood’s Luna—but it never made me his choice.For five years, I endured his hatred, the pack’s scorn, and the crushing weight of a prophecy no one believed.And when the car crash nearly stole our unborn child from me, my desperate calls went unanswered.Instead, Dominic moved his ex into our bedroom.That’s when I understood: prophecies lie. Marks fade. And some battles?Aren’t worth fighting.For the sake of my child, I was resolved to leave.But tell me, why did that callous, heartless Alpha suddenly have regrets? 
My father was a rogue, but by the moon goddess's blessing, he formed a mate bond with the sister of the Alpha of The Blackwood Pack.
They were deeply in love and had eight sons together, yet I, their only daughter, was the most cherished in the entire family.
When I fell ill as a child, my mother prayed for my recovery for three days and nights before the moon goddess's temple.
Once, when my older brothers took me out to play, I accidentally cut my face. My mother was so furious she had them strung up and whipped for three days straight.
My father taught me all his skills, holding nothing back.
Everyone in the family doted on me, treating me like a precious jewel.
Before I even came of age, the Alpha had me betrothed to his most favored adopted son.
I always told myself that one day, I would repay them for everything they had given me.
And so, three days before the wedding—
I personally slaughtered every last one of the several thousand family members.
I severed my father and mother's heads, skinned them, and made a coat from their pelts. 
Ashly is not some cute little Omega who wants to please Alphas; she can kick any Alpha or Beta who tries to mess with her. Even the Alpha is her own mate. Alex knows Ashly is his Omega, but he is scared that Omega rejects him; she already kicked his pack ass. But when the truth unfolded about the Omega identity, he was shocked and somehow happy. Alex had finally decided to confess his burning love to his mate. They both gave in to their overflowing feelings, but Ashly couldn't help her growing fears to slowly consume her. After their graduation, things become hard for Ashly. Alex leaves to see his family, and he never comes back. Ashly waits for him in front of his door with a baby inside her, but the Alpha never comes back. After a year, they meet again. What will be the outcome? Will Ashly still love her Alpha no matter what happens, and will Alex finally tell the truth to Ahley? What happens when Alex sees a child who exactly looks like him? "He is my pup." "No, he is not; you are nothing but a stranger to him. So, get out and never come back here. Ashly Madden doesn't need an Alpha." 
*18+ only. Contains mature themes*Adeline’s world gets flipped upside down when a neighbouring Alpha takes over her pack. He’s ruthless, rumors being said that he even killed his father for the Alpha position, yet Adeline can’t help but drop to her knees whenever he’s nearby.Convinced that Alpha Jaxon has been cursed by the Moon Goddess to never have a true mate due to his violent history, he takes a compatible mate of choice instead, a woman who's strong enough to help lead the pack, unlike Adeline who looks meek at the first sight. However, Adeline discovers there’s more than lust pulling her to Alpha Jaxon. How will she be able to resist?****“I’m not sure if that’s how one should greet their Alpha”, he uttered inches away from my lips.I paused for a second in an attempt to compose myself, adrenaline free flowing, as my wolf and I took in the comfort of being so close to him again. “Hmm, that may be true except you aren’t my Alpha yet”, I challenged him back in a seductive tone that came off naturally. Our faces were so close together that the warmth of our breaths was clashing, I so badly wanted him to give in and close the distance between us.“You feel that, don’t you? Your wolf is squealing inside to have me mark you… right… here…”, Jaxon nipped at my neck ever so lightly. I felt as if my legs were about to let out under me at any second.He moved his hand just under my sweater on my back pulling me closer into his hardness while his other hand glided across the side of my face, caressing my jaw softly. Crisp electric sparks shot through my body at his touch, “Shh Adeline, soon I’ll have you completely submitting to me. You’ll be begging your Alpha to stretch that tight, wet pussy and fill it entirely”, lowering his hand and lightly swiping between my legs. 

"I’m guessing the meeting wasn't to talk about the food arrangements for when you take over the pack?""They’ve arranged for me to marry Gabriella Santos from the Trimoon pack.""So what, when have you ever backed down from a challenge?""How is tying my life to another in marriage, a challenge?""The challenge is to make her submit to you.""We’ll make it more interesting.""I bet you won't be able to get it done before the end of the year.""I’ll have her submitting to me by the end of the month,”"Not just submit. You have to have her wrapped around your finger, hopelessly in love with you by the end of the year.""Ten grand to whoever wins."Gabriella is married off to an Alpha by her parents against her will. She is forced to leave her old life behind and move in with the Alpha, who is known for his power and control within the pack. Despite her initial resistance, she eventually comes to accept her new life alongside Alpha Aiden. However, she soon realizes that the Alpha is a cruel and abusive man who uses his position to control her every move. Aiden wanted the title and to receive it , he had to take a wife. As Grabiela is about to enter his life, Aiden decides to make it fun and turn it into a game, with her as the main pond, between him and his friends. When the abuse and lies weigh too heavy she realizes that she has to leave but will he let her go? Or will he tighten his grip and lock the doors?***Explicit sexual abuse, violence, and otherwise TW scenes later in the book. Will warn in Author Notes*** 


When I woke up with a hangover, I found a handsome and naked stranger sleeping beside me.---I’m Tanya, a surrogate’s daughter, an omega with no wolf and no scent. On my 18th birthday, when I planned to give my virginity to my boyfriend, I found him sleeping with my sister.I went to the bar to get drunk, and accidentally had a one-night stand with the handsome stranger.I thought he was just an ordinary werewolf, but they said he was Marco, the alpha prince and the most powerful Lycan in our kingdom.‘You slut, you’re pregnant! Fortunately, Rick is kind enough to let you be his mistress and save you from shame.’ my stepmother said, tossing a pregnancy strip on the table.Rick was an old pervert. No she-wolf could keep up with his sexual demand. No she-wolf could survive with him more than 1 year.When I was in despair, Marco came to my rescue. He got down on one knee, took out a ring and said he would marry me.---I thought Marco married me because he loved me, but later I found that was not the truth… 


“They shattered my bond. Scarred my body. Stole my future. But they will never break my spirit.”Once destined to be Luna, Irene now hides behind a mask—barren, disfigured, and betrayed by the man who was supposed to protect her. When her mate, the Alpha, brings home a child that bears his unmistakable eyes and dares to ask her to raise it, Irene finally sees the truth: the attack that ruined her life was never random. it was planned.But Irene isn’t broken. She's awakening.Leaving behind the lies of the Silvermoon pack, she returns to her forgotten roots, to a father who once ruled the mighty Moonshadow pack and to a destiny no one saw coming.Just when she thought she had lost everything, a chance encounter with a mysterious, sinfully powerful Lycan King ignites a spark in her soul and in her long-silent wolf.Scarred, yes. Barren, maybe. But Irene is no longer a pawn in anyone’s game.This time, she’s rewriting the rules and claiming her throne. 

Ruby married her fate mate, Lucas, only to endure his repeated betrayals with his first love. In the end, she lost everything—her child, her parents, and her hope. But when she’s reborn on the night of her wedding, she vows to rewrite her fate. Determined to protect those she loves, Ruby finds her former enemy, Caleb, Lucas’s brother—the man who will one day kill Lucas and become the Lycan King. Caleb had never shown up at her wedding before, but this time, Ruby looks into his eyes and says, "I want you to be my husband." Can Ruby take control of her future, or will the past haunt her forever? 
At seventeen, I made a foolish mistake: I fell in love with my father’s Beta, Glen.This secret affair lasted a whole year.When I mustered the courage for the fifth time to propose to him, I overheard his conversation with his pack brothers."After taking care of the Alpha's daughter for so many years, haven't you ever thought about forming a mate bond with her?"Glen's tone was icy. "A little girl eight years younger than me? I haven't gone that mad."Soon after, he accepted an engagement ring from a woman of his age.This time, I didn't cry. I didn't make a scene.From the three suitors my father had arranged for an alliance marriage, I selected—or rather, fate selected—the Alpha of the Crimsonmoon pack, the most notorious, Ethan.The wedding was hastily set for the next month, absurdly fast.At the engagement banquet, Glen, who was always composed and steady, stumbled in frantically.His eyes were glued to the ring on my ring finger, yet he couldn't utter a single coherent word. 

When Beryl was heartbroken finding her boyfriend cheating on her with her step-mum,The triplet billionaires appeared, claiming to be her mates. They fall for her, hard. She slept with one of them. But she doesn’t know whom. Worse, she’s pregnant. She: Who’s my baby’s father?!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Already heartbroken when her father died, Beryl was devastated when she found her boyfriend f*ucking her step-mum at the parking lot of the funeral. What’s more shocking was the billionaire Armand Lupine’s sudden appearance and his hot triplets claiming to be her mate. And what is mate anyway? Forced to live with Armand and the triplets, Beryl uncovered the realm of the werewolf's world. Though Armand cherishes her, the triplets, star hockey player Nicholas, world-famous painter Brian and rock star Cheney always took every opportunity to make fun of her. Are they really Beryl’s mates? With them around, can Beryl return to the ordinary human life as she wished? 


When Teresa Bradley, a young journalist with a passion for photography, meets Sebastian in a park, she becomes captivated by his beauty. Trying to capture his emotions, she falls into a river, risking her life. A powerful bond forms between them after Sebastian rescues her.As Teresa tries to make sense of her terrifying experience, Lettice, Sebastian’s great-great grandmother, kidnaps her, revealing secrets about her own existence. Bash is determined to save his human Luna, so he's gathering an army with his cousin Liam and their pack.Despite the chaos and danger, a beautiful love story blossoms, with challenges to face. Teresa accepts her destiny and the bond she shares with Bash, but the threat is far from over. Rejected by her family, Lettice turns into a vengeful hellhound consumed by hatred and seeking revenge.Will Lettice's revenge be the downfall of the Kielder Pack, or can Sebastian and Teresa keep their family and lives safe? 
Margareth was shocked after she found out that her chosen mate, Xavier, flirted with his mistress at their party. However when she confronted him, Xavier refused to admit it! He also didn't want to reject Margareth as his mate. Frustrated and hurt, Margareth didn't know what to do until Alpha Bastian, the renowned and intimidating leader of the Red Iris Pack, stepped in. He proposed a bet: if Xavier's mistress was pregnant within a month, Xavier would be forced to reject Margareth as his mate. The stakes were high, but Margareth, desperate to escape the humiliation, agreed. Even though, she need her pack to join Bastian's! 
*Warning* Explicit Content Included. Adults only.My fated mate is the son of the murder who smashed my family and life.I was sold to a brothel and my body was turned into a commodity.And my sister, she's still being raped by those pedophiles, over and over, over and over.I need to revenge.-“Showtime, ladies!”I rolled my shoulder and walked to the back of the line. There were ten of us. Each of us dressed in a sparkling evening gown, ready to introduce ourselves to the crowd. I barely listened to the women ahead of me. Then, it was my turn. I took a deep breath and lifted my head as the woman ahead of me stepped aside. The stage light was so bright my eyes burned, but I kept my eyes open, scanning the VIP room windows for the man in question. There, sitting in the front row of the VIP room just to the right of the stage, was Matt Wallber, surrounded by various women. His collar was undone and he wore what looked to be a deconstructed tuxedo. His hair was raked and a bit windswept as if he had been running his hand through it. “We’ll open the bidding now!”A few breaths passed before the screen lit up. Round 1 Bidding Open.I watched my headshot shoot ahead of the other nine and over the blue line that signified my requested starting bid. Someone had bid on me in the first round well over my opening bid. My heart leaped. Had he taken the bait so soon? 

When I ended up in jail for the crimes my boyfriend Bob committed, he used and abandoned me, marrying the Alpha's daughter Lisa. After my release, I became a wedding planner, organizing their wedding.Little did I know, the Alpha himself would come to meet me for his daughter's wedding. And to my surprise, as he approached, I heard the voice of my wolf Susan deep inside me."mate..."His scent of lavender and sea salt overwhelmed me completely.Unbelievably, the handsome, wealthy, and charming Alpha is my mate?Could I possibly become my ex-boyfriend's mother-in-law? Though, there are rumors that the Alpha killed his former Luna... 

A dragon’s fury. A werewolf’s redemption. A mate bond that could either heal… or destroy.Ty Jackson vanished five years ago, betrayed and heartbroken. Now he’s back—deadlier, colder, and wielding the unmatched power of a dragon shifter. Hardened by elite training and driven by vengeance, Ty has no room for weakness... especially not for the ex who shattered him.But destiny doesn’t care about the past.Kai Stone, once Ty’s greatest love and deepest wound, is now a haunted Alpha. After years of torturous military training, brutal missions, and soul-crushing guilt, he’s no longer the cocky boy who let Ty slip through his fingers—he’s a warrior forged by pain, and desperate for one shot at redemption.When Ty and Kai discover they're fated mates, their reunion sets off a storm of power, passion, and unresolved rage.Can a dragon forgive the wolf who broke him?Can a remorseful Alpha prove he’s worthy of the only soul he ever loved?The battlefield awaits—not just for blood, but for hearts.Enemies are rising. The past is hunting them. And this time, love might not be enough to save them. 


“No matter what it takes, I must break the curse and be with my true mate, my fated Luna.”Alpha Zadok is a ruthless alpha male and King of the Roman pack. After a betrayal by witches that led to the murder of his parents and the near extermination of his people, he retaliates, eradicating the entire witch clan in his territory.Following the extermination, he faces the cruel reality of a curse that prevents him from sensing his fated mate.When an unsuspecting and powerless witch is teleported to the wrong location and kills a wolf in her wake, Zadok is enraged and ready to kill.What happens when he discovers she might be the salvation of his pack and, ultimately, his fated mate in this enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance?Ithra is a powerless witch from the Celts clan. When her coven and home are threatened by a breach in the force field protecting her people from the underworld, she must embark on a journey to save her clan.A spell gone wrong lands her in the wrong location, facing danger at the hands of a ruthless alpha in this shifter romance. With a mission to save her community and a destiny she cannot escape, what happens when she falls in love with the greatest enemy of her kind in this forbidden love tale? 
“I have two offers for you.” Doctor Wayne handed me a cup of juice.I don't like this at all. I gulped down the juice thirstily. “What are they?”“The alpha is in need of a surrogate mother and Luna for five years. He’s willing to pay a fortune, no strings attached, and after that five years, he will divorce you and take the child.”“O…kay.” I swallowed hard, trying to hide my apprehension. “And, the second offer?”His gaze locked with mine. “I inject you with a different sperm, you become his Luna but before the end of your five year contract, you MUST kill the Alpha.”I flinched. My heart hammered with fear, and my wolf became restless inside me.“I… I…”He smiled. It was a vile smile. “You know you will never amount to anything. So, you can either accept my bidding, save your mom and secure a future for yourself or refuse my offer and wait for your weak mother in hell. You have five minutes to decide.” ******************************************My name is Aurora and I’m the legitimate bastard of the Beta family. I have been poisoned, and now it’s my life versus that of our ruthless Alpha.It's up to the goddess to decide whether I’d ace or fail this mission, but whatever the outcome is…loving the Alpha is NOT an option. 
In a world of passion, betrayal, and mystery, a young college girl bravely charts her own path... with a big bad wolf lurking in the dark. Swept up in a whirlwind romance with the charming football captain, her world crumbles when she discovers his deceit. But she's no damsel in distress. She stands tall, choosing self-discovery over heartbreak. However, the forceful gravity of bond pulls her back to him, crushing everything in between. Simultaneously, an ominous cloud hangs over the city. Unexplained disappearances spark whispers of werewolves, adding a thrilling layer of suspense. This chilling narrative intertwines with the girl’s journey, creating an intoxicating blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural.In essence, this book is a fiery tale of love, courage, and the unknown. It's a testament to human resilience, a dance with the supernatural, and an exploration of the hidden corners of society. It's a steamy story that will ignite your spirit, quicken your heartbeat, and leave an indelible mark on your soul. 



What if the one who broke you… was destined to love you?“Appearances are deceptive. So are fates.”Eighteen-year-old Ryder Stone is no ordinary were-vamp—he’s the dangerously powerful, heartbreakingly handsome Alpha heir of the renowned Stone sextuplets. But when Ryder insists on blending in by attending a human university far from home, he and his best friend Chester are forced to mask their true forms with suppressants… leaving them mocked, humiliated, and branded as outcasts by their classmates.At the bottom of the social ladder, bullied and bruised, Ryder's world is shattered—until fate deals its cruelest card yet.His fated mate? The ruthless Alpha of the Dark Moon Pack. The very girl who made his life a living nightmare.Can she see past the disguise and the damage to the soul that hides beneath? Can a bully truly become a lover?But just as Ryder’s heart begins to war with his pride, darkness creeps closer. The return of Zang, a warlord wielding forbidden dark magic, threatens to engulf every pack in blood and ruin.Can Ryder embrace his destiny and unleash the storm within before everything—and everyone—he loves is lost?When love is written in the stars, even hatred can't unwrite it.But will she love him… once she knows who he truly is? 