Anna Webster's world shatters when her destined mate, Derek North, publicly rejects her for his long-term girlfriend, Ellie Moore. Tormented by the agonizing pain of their bond and Derek's cruel indifference, Anna's health deteriorates, pushing her to the brink. But when the Alpha intervenes, forcing Derek to accept their fated connection for the pack's future, Anna finds herself trapped in a loveless union with a man who despises her. Can a broken mate ever heal when her very existence is a constant reminder of another's rejection? Dive into a story of raw heartbreak, unwanted destiny, and the desperate struggle for survival.

Kidnapped from her own wedding to a tyrannical dragon, Isabella is thrown into a world of ancient magic and dangerous secrets. Stripped of her memories, she becomes entangled in the destiny of a powerful Dragon King and a desperate fae family. Can she reclaim her past, defy a forced mate, and find her true place in a realm she never knew existed?

Miya, a survivor in a dying world, faces an unthinkable fate: forced mating with an alien. But when the fearsome Kindred Alpha King, Zion, claims her as his 'bonetta,' she discovers not a monster, but a possessive alien king. Can she defy a destiny imposed by a dying Earth and a dominant alien race, or will the undeniable pull of a powerful, caramel-skinned Alpha prove too strong to resist?

Olivia's world shatters when Alpha Raven rejects her for another, leaving her heartbroken and alone. Fleeing her pack, she seeks freedom, only to find herself entangled with the fearsome Alpha Rick. Forced into servitude, Olivia must navigate a new, dangerous world where every choice could mean life or death. Can she escape her past and forge a new destiny, or is she forever bound to a life she never chose?

In a world ruled by dominance and hierarchy, she was once the "marked" mate—now, she's the one rewriting the rules. Cecelia, former commander of the Shadowfang Force, was the sharpest blade among werewolves. For the sake of her mate bond, she gave Whitefang Pack everything—her brilliance, her strength, even her primal instincts. But when betrayal came from those who called themselves "family," she ripped off the mate chain with her own hands and severed the link. She was never a sacrifice. She was the hunter. Now that she's returned in full force, no one in the werewolf world dares to speak her name with scorn. On the battlefield and within the alliance, her presence is a name of power once more. And Chase finally understands—some Omegas don't belong to any Alpha. He didn't just lose a mate. He lost the one wolf he could never chain—the one who was born free.

Grace lost her mate, Carter, in a brutal rogue attack, a pain so profound it should have killed her. Yet, her wolf endured, a miracle of survival. Just as she learns to navigate life without him, a cynical, arrogant stranger explodes into her world, proclaiming himself her mate. He's everything she despises, but the mate bond is an undeniable, irresistible force. Can Grace, haunted by loss and furious at fate, ever accept this infuriating new connection, or is she destined to shatter the strongest bond of all?

Betrayed and cast aside by her mate, Alpha King Silas, who chose her conniving sister instead, Octavia flees with their newborn daughter. But when destiny forces her back into the very circumstances she escaped, will Silas recognize his grave error before it's too late?

Abandoned and heartbroken, Athena Gamble fled her werewolf pack eight years ago after her mate, Xavier, rejected her for her identical twin sister, Anna. Now, forced back to the very place that shattered her, Athena faces the funeral of the sister who stole her happiness. Can she navigate the treacherous currents of old wounds, family secrets, and a mate who seems determined to keep her imprisoned, even in death?

Ellie's world shatters when she's forced into a blood oath to mate with Tyson, a monstrous Alpha's son. Her escape leads her to a peaceful new pack, but the shadow of her past, and a terrifying revelation about her true identity, looms. Can she find her fated mates before Tyson reclaims what he believes is his? Uncover secrets, fight for freedom, and embrace a destiny entwined with three powerful, protective warriors.

Caterina's wedding day was supposed to be the happiest of her life, a union with the powerful Alpha Sergio. Instead, it became a public spectacle of betrayal, her life unraveling with each devastating truth. Cast aside and shamed, Caterina faces a terrifying new reality: forced into an arranged marriage with the notorious Lycan Alpha Fenriz. But just as despair threatens to consume her, a new, dangerous force emerges—the brutal Alpha Kai Volkov. In a world where mates are destiny and power is everything, Caterina must navigate treacherous alliances, deadly secrets, and the overwhelming pull of a bond she never expected. Will she rise from the ashes of her shattered life, or become another casualty in the brutal world of the Bratva Wolves?

In a world bound by fated mates and ancient pack laws, Laura, a she-wolf carrying a secret, discovers a devastating betrayal. Her mate, Alpha Miles, is entangled with her stepsister, Leah. As pack traditions demand an Alpha's mate, Laura is forced to confront a heart-wrenching choice: fight for a bond shattered by infidelity, or forge a new path in the shadows of rejection? This is a tale of love, betrayal, and the fierce strength of a she-wolf scorned.

Your father’s war drums grow louder each night. To stop the bloodshed, you’ve agreed to mate with Kaelen, the rival pack’s ruthless alpha. But beneath his cold exterior lies a leader who bleeds for his wolves. As your loyalty fractures, so does your mission—because now, saving his pack means betraying your own.

Nadia Morrison's life takes a drastic turn when she flees a forced marriage, only to collide with her fated mate in the neutral forest. But this isn't the fairytale she imagined. Bitten and abandoned, she navigates a world of hidden packs, lingering pain, and a mate who seems to have vanished. Will she find the Alpha who claimed her, or is she destined to walk alone?

In a world bound by pack law and fated mates, Adassah, a feisty young werewolf, discovers her destined partner is none other than Matteo, the Alpha's son. But he's engaged to another, and his denials cut deeper than any claw. Forced into a dangerous dance of avoidance and undeniable attraction, Adassah navigates family secrets, rogue attacks, and a heart-wrenching prophecy. Will she fight for a mate who pushes her away, or reject the bond that threatens to destroy her? Unravel the lies and claim your destiny in this tale of fated love, pack politics, and untamed passion.

Amilia, a princess with sapphire eyes, carries a tragic secret: her mate is dead. Haunted by vivid, terrifying dreams and struggling with her identity as a powerful, assassin-trained vampire, she finds herself entangled in a forced attendance at the Grand Ball, a desperate hunt for new mates. But fate has a cruel twist: a king with blood-red eyes and silver hair, Vladimir Karatza, emerges as her destined match. Can Amilia escape the bonds of a new mate when her past refuses to die? Dive into a world of ancient vampires, hidden powers, and a love story forged in blood and defiance.

In a world of wolves and Alphas, Andrea, an orphan raised as a slave, discovers her true lineage and destiny. Betrayed by those she loved and forced into a marriage alliance with the feared Alpha Enzo, she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she believed. Will she embrace her power and claim her rightful place, or be consumed by the darkness that surrounds her?

Abandoned and scarred, Violet’s past is a blank canvas painted with whispers and fear. Adopted by a kind doctor, she finds a fragile peace until a forced move thrusts her into a world of wealth, power, and secrets. Now, navigating the elite Darkling University, she discovers her fated mate is the pack's notorious 'scarred prince'—a brutal Alpha heir who wants nothing to do with her. Can she unravel the mysteries of her past and forge her own destiny in a world that fears her, especially when her mate seems to be her fiercest adversary?

Evangeline, a human in a world of werewolves, is thrust into a marriage of convenience with the powerful Alpha Daniel Grint. Forced to be a 'last-minute bride' after her half-sister's disappearance, she navigates a treacherous new reality. But as secrets unravel and a shocking truth about her own identity comes to light, Evangeline must decide if she can truly be the Alpha's bride, or if destiny has a far more primal plan for her.

Fiona, a Gamma's daughter, has always lived in the shadow, even with her destined mate, Leland. Tonight, at the Alpha's daughter's coming-of-age party, all her dreams of a public declaration and marking are about to shatter. Leland, the Beta's son and her secret mate, makes a shocking choice that leaves Fiona heartbroken and the pack stunned. But in the ruins of rejection, a new, terrifying path unfolds, leading her to a forced marriage with a ruthless Alpha. Can Fiona find strength in her weakness, or is she destined for a life of quiet despair?

Rejected by her mate, the future Alpha, Chloe is forced to play his Luna at a crucial ceremony. But when a powerful Lycan prince arrives, he sees through her facade and offers a second chance. Will Chloe embrace a destiny beyond rejection, or is her loyalty bound to a pack that cast her aside?

In a world of fated mates and ancient packs, Lily, a vibrant Beta female, dreams of finding her true match at the annual Summer Ball. But when the destined encounter finally arrives, it's nothing like the fairy tales. Alpha Jared Montgomery, her breathtaking mate, is already entangled with a 'chosen' Luna. Caught between duty, desire, and a brewing pack conflict, Lily must navigate a treacherous path. Will she fight for her fated love, or will the weight of expectation and rejection force her to forge a new destiny? Dive into a story of passion, power, and the unbreakable bond of destiny.

Ignored by her parents, longing for affection, Darcy, an Alpha Female, dreams of finding her mate to end her misery. But on her 18th birthday, at the coronation of the Alpha King she secretly loves, a shocking twist of fate forces a bond she never anticipated. Will love conquer destiny, or will secrets from the past unravel everything?

Annabella, a hybrid Alpha, carries the weight of a shattered past and a ruthless legacy. Her world, steeped in the ancient politics of supernaturals, is about to collide with a force she never anticipated: the fated mate bond. But for a woman who has known only betrayal and loss, can she truly embrace a destiny intertwined with not one, but two powerful strangers?

Melody, a young woman without a wolf, discovers her long-time crush, Prince Derek, is her mate. But his brutal rejection leaves her shattered and pregnant. Cast out by her own father, she finds solace and a new life in the Dark Flame Pack. Four years later, her past catches up as her mother's illness forces a return to the very kingdom that rejected her. Now, a successful businesswoman and mother of two special wolf-blooded sons, Melody must confront her past, her family, and the man who broke her, all while navigating the complexities of her new life and a surprising engagement to an Alpha.

Bailey, a bookish 'wallflower' in the Lotus Shadow Pack, finds her world shattered when the arrogant, soon-to-be Alpha Miles Davenport, her childhood friend and her brother's best friend, discovers she is his fated mate. His cruel rejection leaves her heartbroken, but also sparks a fierce determination to forge her own path away from the pack that scorns her. Now, three years later, Bailey returns home a changed woman—confident, educated, and ready to face the man who broke her. But the lingering connection and Miles's unexpected behavior threaten to unravel everything she's built, forcing her to confront a past she desperately wants to escape and a future intertwined with the very Alpha she despises.

Four years ago, Corinda, Severn, and Casen, a forbidden trio of mates, faced a heartbreaking tragedy: the brutal murder of their unborn pups. Driven by a vengeful grief, Corinda orchestrates a chilling plan: kidnap Brandon, a new father and part of another trio, to force a meeting with all trios. But as Brandon is held captive, the lines blur between captor and prisoner, and a deeper truth about power, loss, and survival emerges. Will this forced gathering lead to an all-out war, or can a new understanding rise from the ashes of vengeance?

Zaia's world shatters when her Alpha mate, Sebastian, blindsided by the return of his past love, Annalise, demands a divorce. Pregnant with twins, she's forced to confront a heartbreaking reality: Sebastian’s rejection, a betrayal intensified by his new belief in Annalise's fabricated truths. Can Zaia, the once cherished Luna, navigate this treacherous path, protect her unborn children, and reclaim her destiny beyond the shadow of a love lost?

Daphne, a high-status Lycan, is caught between the rigid expectations of her traditional family and the undeniable pull of her true mate, Jackson, a powerful Alpha werewolf. As her forced engagement looms, she faces an impossible choice: uphold her family's honor or defy centuries of prejudice for love. Will she break free from her gilded cage, or will their forbidden bond be shattered by ancient laws and family pride?

Betrayed by her mate and her own sister, Luna Quinn faces a devastating rejection that shatters her world. Stripped of her title and ridiculed by her pack, she’s forced to accept a new, humiliating role. But when a chance encounter with the enigmatic Alpha King ignites an unexpected spark, Quinn must decide: will she wallow in her pain, or rise from the ashes to claim a destiny far greater than she ever imagined?

Violet Hastings, a seemingly ordinary freshman at the elite Starlight Academy, finds her carefully constructed world turned upside down the moment she crosses paths with the arrogant and infuriating Lycan Prince, Kylan. Their fated encounter ignites a volatile mate bond, forcing Violet to confront not only Kylan's disdain but also her own hidden powers and a past shrouded in mystery. Will she survive the academy's politics and Kylan's cruel rejection, or discover a strength within herself she never knew existed?

Abandoned and humiliated by her fated mate, Isabella Grey finds herself adrift, only to face an even darker fate. Forced to flee her pack, she endures unimaginable hardship, navigating the treacherous human world alone. But when a shocking discovery binds her irrevocably to the very rogue who shattered her life, Isabella must confront her past and forge a future she never envisioned. Can she protect her most precious secret, or will the shadows of rejection and betrayal consume her completely?

Haunted by the massacre of her pack and the brutal murder of her parents, Crista Fayte leads her two younger sisters on a desperate flight for survival. But when they stumble onto the territory of the feared Incubi Pack, ruled by the 'Mad Alpha' Chesed, Crista is forced to confront a terrifying truth: this ruthless, enigmatic Alpha is her fated mate. Can she protect her sisters and find humanity within the beast, or will the Incubi Pack become their gilded cage?

Alejandra's life is a tightrope walk: a seemingly ordinary girl with an extraordinary secret. Every touch grants her a vivid, overwhelming glimpse into a person's past and emotions, a 'gift' she's been forced to label a phobia. But when her path crosses with four captivating, enigmatic men—each with a primal claim she can't explain—her carefully constructed world shatters. They’re shifters, beings of myth and power, and they insist she's one of them, a supernatural mystery whose very existence defies their understanding. Plunged into a hidden world of ancient pacts and raw instincts, Alejandra must confront the truth of who she is, and the impossible reality of being mated to not one, but four powerful, possessive alphas. Can she navigate a love that defies all logic, and embrace the wild destiny that calls to her soul?

She is an Alpha, powerful and unyielding, but her world shatters when she's claimed by Deimos, the Alpha of Alphas – a male who clearly despises her, yet whose touch ignites an uncontrollable fire. Forced to abandon her pack and title, she must now fight not for survival, but for acceptance, in a world where her mate’s every rejection only deepens her forbidden desire. Will she succumb to his will, or will she claim her rightful place as his unchosen Luna?

Tylia, a rare Black Opal Dragon, has spent her life on the run, hunted for powers she barely understands. After a devastating attack separates her from her mother, she seeks refuge with an old family friend, only to find herself drawn into the world of two powerful dragon shifters—twin alphas who awaken a mate bond she never wanted. Can Ty escape her past and the dangerous forces pursuing her, or will destiny—and her mates—finally catch her?

Eight years ago, Phera's heart was shattered by the very alphas she adored. Now, an unexpected summons forces her back to the Red Moon Pack, a place scarred by betrayal. The triplets, Axel, Damon, and Zane, are no longer the boys she knew—they are ruthless leaders. But fate has a cruel twist: they are her fated mates. Can Phera navigate the treacherous waters of pack politics, her own wounded heart, and the intense bond she never wanted, all while battling the lingering shadows of the past?

Step into the powerful world of Alpha Kate, a born leader who defied tradition to command her own pack. But when a shocking family secret unravels—a sister she never knew, then another twin, seemingly identical yet shrouded in mystery—Kate's carefully constructed life is rocked. As she navigates new love, pack duties, and a brewing rogue war, she must uncover the truth about her past, her twin, and the dangerous forces at play. Can she protect her pack, her mate, and her heart from secrets that could tear everything apart?

Born an omega, Mia's fate is sealed: subservience, breeding, and a life devoid of choice. But in a pack ruled by the brutal Twin Alphas—legends of torment and death—her destiny takes a terrifying turn. As an ancient, barbaric tradition of forced matings resumes, Mia faces a harrowing choice: surrender to a life she despises or find a mate willing to defy the most feared alphas in the land. Can she escape the chains of fate, or will she be crushed under the weight of tradition and the ruthless grip of the Twin Alphas?

Abandoned at birth, scorned by her adoptive pack, and deemed 'useless' without a wolf, Raven's life has been a relentless struggle. Just as she plots her desperate escape from a forced, loveless mate, a twist of fate throws her into the path of the powerful, enigmatic Werewolf King. Chosen not for beauty or status, but for her perceived insignificance, Raven is thrust into a world of war, secrets, and cold indifference. Can a girl with nothing to lose find her true strength and identity when even her 'mate' seems to wish her dead?

In a world ruled by packs, Natalia, a werewolf, faces the agonizing disappearance of her Alpha parents. As she grapples with uncertainty and the complexities of loving a human, a desperate call shatters her world: her father is dead, her pack enslaved, and her mother forced to marry the ruthless Alpha Romeo Velasquez. Driven by grief and fury, Natalia returns to reclaim her birthright, only to stumble into the chambers of the enemy Alpha, where a shocking revelation awaits that will bind her fate to him in an unforeseen way. Will she fight for revenge or succumb to an undeniable bond?

Betrayed, murdered, and left for dead by her own mate, Luna Amelia Winters has returned from the grave. Reborn into her past, she now wields a second chance like a sharpened blade. No longer the naive girl who fell for a monster, Amelia is a force of vengeance, meticulously plotting to dismantle Colton Rivers and Meganne Foster, brick by painful brick. Her pack was slaughtered, her family destroyed, but this time, the hunted will become the hunter. Will she succeed in her dark quest, or will the shadows of her past consume her once more?

In a world of hidden power and fated connections, Aurora, a cunning operative for the formidable Alpha Giovanni, finds her life irrevocably tangled with the cold, imposing Dante. Tasked with retrieving a crucial artifact, she stumbles into a revelation that shatters her world: Dante is her mate, yet he treats her with disdain, seeing her as nothing more than a pawn. As Giovanni prepares to retire, thrusting Dante into leadership, Aurora is forced to work alongside the very man who ignites both her wolf's longing and her deepest resentment. Can a bond forged in defiance and distrust ever blossom into love, or will the secrets they keep tear them apart?

In a world where rank dictates destiny, Chastity, a resilient Omega, dreams of escaping a life of servitude and abuse. Despite being the daughter of the pack's Beta, she's subjected to cruelty by her stepfamily and ignored by her father. With graduation and the return of the Alpha's son looming, Chastity clings to a secret hope: a nursing scholarship that could finally offer her freedom. But when a chance encounter reveals her true mate, her fragile world is shattered, forcing her to confront a devastating truth. Will she find the strength to fight for her future, or will her dreams be crushed under the weight of an unexpected rejection?

Aysel, an omega girl, lives a life of constant torment and humiliation under the Alpha of Redville pack, a pack that despises her for her parents' past 'betrayal'. Just when she thinks her suffering couldn't get worse, the legendary and terrifying 'Cursed Alpha Prince' invades her territory. Forced into an impossible choice, Aysel must navigate a world of ancient curses, hidden powers, and deep-seated hatred, all while battling her own inner demons and a fate she never asked for. Can she survive the shifting tides of power, or is she destined to be another casualty in a war that isn't hers?

Betrayed, murdered, and left for dead, a dying Luna makes a desperate plea, sending her Alpha on a quest for an unknown savior. Years later, a young woman haunted by fragmented nightmares finds her ordinary life shattered by a shocking revelation, while a grieving Alpha wrestles with the ghost of his past. Two destinies, seemingly unconnected, are about to collide in a world where magic, loyalty, and dark secrets intertwine. Can a love lost pave the way for a future unforeseen, or will ancient betrayals consume them all? Dive into a tale of fated mates, hidden powers, and the fight for survival against unseen forces.

Trapped in a life of torment, Auri Meadows, a young werewolf blinded by a hunter's attack, finds solace only in the embrace of the forest and the loyal presence of her wolf, Kai. With scars that mark her body and a family that seeks to break her spirit, Auri yearns for freedom. But fate, and the Moon Goddess, have other plans. Tonight, at the Midnight Moon pack's grand Gathering, Auri is forced to confront her past, her fears, and perhaps, the unexpected arrival of her fated mate. Will he be the knight in furry armor Kai dreams of, or will his rejection seal her decision to become a rogue and finally break free?

In a world ruled by powerful werewolf packs, a brutal betrayal shatters the Royal Pack, leaving its future in peril. The Alpha King's trusted Beta, Jason, turns rogue, orchestrating a devastating attack that claims the life of the beloved Luna and forces the disappearance of the young Princess Angel. Sixteen years later, Angel, unaware of her true heritage and the looming threats, lives a sheltered life under the watchful eyes of loyal guardians. But as her 18th birthday approaches, the stirring of her powerful wolf and the undeniable pull of a destined mate threaten to unravel the secrets of her past and ignite a battle for the throne she never knew was hers. Can she reclaim her birthright and avenge her parents, or will the darkness that stole her family finally consume her too?

Trapped in a cruel household, Emery dreams of escape and a simple life. But a forced appearance at the Alpha's grand birthday party ignites a chain of events that shatters her quiet existence, revealing hidden truths about her past and an undeniable connection to the most powerful werewolf in the Northern Packs. Will this celebration be her liberation or a descent into deeper shadows?

Trapped in a cruel household, Emery dreams of escape and a simple life. But a forced appearance at the Alpha's grand birthday party ignites a chain of events that shatters her quiet existence, revealing hidden truths about her past and an undeniable connection to the most powerful werewolf in the Northern Packs. Will this celebration be her liberation or a descent into deeper shadows?

Lost, amnesiac, and covered in blood, you find yourself at the mercy of the Asara Pack. Three dominant, virile brothers claim you as their own, determined to unravel your secrets and assert their primal desires. Will you succumb to their will, or will you find the strength to reclaim your identity before the Mating Moon casts its inescapable shadow?

Abandoned, abused, and wolfless, Madeleine's life is a constant struggle for survival. Her only hope lies in a chance encounter with a golden-furred wolf, a fierce Alpha who might just be her fated mate. But in a world rife with pack rivalries and hidden truths, can a fragile human find sanctuary and love with the very force that could tear her apart?

In a world where rogues are hunted, a new Alpha rises, battling not only external threats but also the ghosts of a past love. When a rare red wolf crosses his path, he's forced to confront his deepest instincts, blurring the lines between duty and desire. Can he protect the innocent, even if it means defying the Queen and risking everything he believes in?

Betrayed by her own family and forced into an arranged marriage with the powerful Vampire King Zaros Orpheus Velorine, Princess Adira Elisaveta, of the Werewolf Empire, finds herself facing a terrifying destiny. Little does she know, this political union is about to unravel ancient secrets and ignite a forbidden bond that defies all expectations. Will she find love, or just more pain?

Abandoned by her family and forced into a life she never wanted, Anastasia defies destiny. But when her path crosses with the powerful, unyielding Alpha Caius, the game changes. Can a runaway Luna escape the clutches of fate and the magnetic pull of a dominant Alpha, or is she destined to be caught in a world she tried so desperately to flee?

Betrayed on her birthday and abandoned by her supposed mate, Luna-to-be Maddie finds her future usurped. Forced into a brutal tradition, the 'Alpha Games,' she must fight not only for her pack's future but to reclaim her own destiny. Will she survive the contest and choose her own path, or be bound to a past she desperately wants to escape?

Vynetta Okeanos, Earth Goddess reborn, wields the elements and faces a destiny tied to ancient prophecy. With her 18th birthday looming, she's about to receive a wolf spirit, becoming the Luna—mother of a new werewolf race. But a dark force seeks to control her power. Can she find her fated mate and fulfill her destiny to save the world, or will tyranny prevail?

Betrayed, scorned, and cast aside on her wedding day, Caterina is left with nothing but shattered dreams and the label of 'Omega'. Forced into a new, terrifying arranged marriage, she seeks escape. But fate, in the form of a ruthless, enigmatic Alpha, has a different plan, one that will redefine her destiny and ignite a bond she never knew she craved.

Abandoned and reduced to a household slave, Calista's only hope for escape is to find a mate. But when her stepsister's arranged marriage to the powerful Alpha Greyson is jeopardized by a virginity test, Calista is forced to become her substitute. Thrust into a world of hidden truths and dangerous desires, can Calista navigate the treacherous path ahead without losing her identity, or worse, her life?

Ella's life takes a drastic turn when a desperate job hunt to save her ailing father leads her straight back into the orbit of Darcus Miller, her arrogant ex-boyfriend and now her CEO. As she navigates treacherous office politics, a manipulative rival, and her own lingering feelings, Ella must uncover the secrets of Darcus's past and her own destiny, all while battling a mysterious force that seems to connect them both.

Lola, the pampered princess of the Underworld, is kidnapped from her opulent home. Awakened in an unfamiliar mansion, she finds herself trapped on a remote island with her captivating, infuriating captor, Lucas—a powerful aqua-blue dragon demi-god. What started as a political maneuver quickly spirals into a volatile, magnetic dance between two powerful beings. Can Lola escape this forced proximity, or will the sparks flying between them ignite an unforeseen passion?