author-banner
Giftemmy
Giftemmy
Author

Novels by Giftemmy

Contractually Yours, Alpha

Contractually Yours, Alpha

After being betrayed and threatened by her own mate, whom she had believed truly loved her, Riley is ready to leave the pack and start over, but her ex-mate wouldn't let her go just yet. In her desperate attempt to escape him, she is forced to sign a deal with the very dangerous but equally alluring Alpha Thane. . The deal was simple. Riley only had to act as the Alpha's mate for six months, and then she was free to leave with a fortune as her pay to start a new life. Alpha Thane didn't do relationships; he made that very clear to her, but he wanted her in other ways, and he was going to have her. ~ "How do I know that you won't hurt me? How do I know that I would be safe with you?" I asked, lowering my eyes. His intense gaze was on me, and he looked every bit a predator. "You are not. I am not a very gentle man, Riley, and you should know that about me. I would protect you from every other person but myself." "You would hurt me?" I asked His hands trailed down my cheeks. "Yes" . Could Riley be signing a deal with the Devil himself?
Read
Chapter: Chapter Ten
ALEXANDER'S POVKaida Dawn was different.She was different from any other woman I had ever had in my bed.I had discovered she was my mate four years ago, but unlike many other werewolves, the thought of having mates never did intrigue me. I didn’t want to be loyal to anyone; I didn’t want a family, and that’s why I stayed away.And then Alpha Trent Dawn had come to me with his proposal. He was one of the few people in my good books; I knew what he had done for this pack, and I was aware that we owed him a favor. But I did find it strange; He had a Beta, going by the name Aric. Since he had no male children, the Beta could've taken over, and Kaida could've mated him instead. But for some reason… he didn’t hand the pack to his Beta.I had spotted her the moment she walked into the feast. How couldn’t I? Her scent was all over the place. My wolf inside didn’t like the Beta being so close to her, or the fact that they had slept in the very same room, but I reined him in. What happened b
Last Updated: 2025-01-12
Chapter: Chapter Nine
I’d heard other she-wolves talk about how it felt when they met their mates. The scent, the pull—I felt it all.“Do you feel it?” I asked him, and a small smirk spread on his face.“Feel what?” he asked. “The mate bond?”“You knew.” My tone was accusing.“I’ve known for a very long time now, Kaida. Even before I agreed to your father’s proposal.”“How long ago did you know?”“Your father and his beta made constant visits to this pack; your scent was all over them.”“And yet you made no move, why?”“I don’t say this to offend you, but you aren’t exactly my type.”“Oh, I know. I guess brunettes are your type, and maybe you'd have preferred a girl who would fall on her knees and worship the very ground you walk upon, a girl who would obey every single word you utter without questions.”“I would have liked that, but that wasn’t what I was referring to. You see only a few girls shut the doors to love and choose the parts of becoming ‘warriors’. Of course, most times there were reasons beh
Last Updated: 2025-01-12
Chapter: Chapter Eight
It had taken every ounce of willpower in me to return here.But if I was going to be his Luna, then the rules would have to change; I didn’t care who the hell he was.The soldiers escorted me to his chambers. He wasn’t alone. There were about a dozen men seated there, many of whom were middle-aged; they should be the ones people refer to as the king's 'advisors.’Alpha Ethan’s eyes settled on me.The scent was even stronger now, but I was going to rein in my wolf; I was in control, not her, and it's time she knew that. I had expected to see a smirk on his face; after all, he won. I was here because I had no other options, but his face remained unreadable, and maybe that’s one of the many things I found unsettling about him. I couldn’t read his emotions, and I was very good at that. I didn’t like surprises, but the man seated before me had a bottle filled with surprises, waiting and ready for me.“Leave, every one of you.” He ordered, and all the men rose and walked away, leaving me a
Last Updated: 2025-01-11
Chapter: Chapter Seven
My father had told me countless times the story of when I was just a child, and he thought he was going to lose me, he had done everything in his power but it all failed and then he discovered the ‘healer’s lilies’, it healed me. Words could never fully capture what it feels like to stand on the edge of losing a loved one.I didn’t miss my mother much—I never had the chance to know her. She died giving birth to me. All that was left of her were only her pictures. Alpha Trent was a strong man; not many Alphas carry on after the loss of their mates, and yet he did.Now, the very same man I once believed was invincible, laid on his deathbed. I held in the tears because they were of no use. Crying never changes anything.“Kaida, I want you to know that I love you so very much. I know you will take care of this pack, even in my absence.”“I will.” I promised.“You met with the Alpha… I know he might seem…”I cut him off. “He is my mate.”“That… is very convenient.” He said with a small smi
Last Updated: 2025-01-11
Chapter: Chapter Six
That was it.I was done.Aric had been waiting for me, and as soon as he saw me, he quickly took off his suit and wrapped it around me. I felt like a fool.The moment we were both in the room and alone, he finally spoke up.“What happened?”"There’s not much to explain; it’s all right here," I say, gesturing to my torn clothes.“If he laid a finger on you, I’ll—”“You will what? He is the Alpha King; he is also very strong, and so there isn’t much any of us could do to him.”“Where are you going?”“Packing my stuff and leaving.” “What are you going to say to your father?” he asked.“I wanted to do this—for him, for the pack, but I can’t. The man is a monster; I cannot imagine sharing the same bed with him and his many… whores.I stuffed my things into the bag. I hadn’t brought a lot of things, and so in a few minutes I was packed.“Kaida, I don’t think you should leave now.” Aric says.“Why shouldn’t I?”“At least wait till the feast is over.”“Well, to hell with the etiquette and mo
Last Updated: 2025-01-10
Chapter: Chapter Five
Despite all the warning bells ringing in my head, I walked in and took a seat, just as he had requested of me. I didn’t know many things about this man, but one thing I knew for sure was that he was used to having his command being obeyed.“A drink?” he offered. Pouring me a glass of whiskey.“From where I come from, a girl does not drink.”“This is your home now; soon the Dawn pack will be no more, so get used to it.” He says, passing me the glass, I took it, but I didn’t drink.“You know, it is wrong to refuse a drink from the King.”“I do not drink, and if I will, it won’t be because you told me to.” I said, placing the glass down on the table.Those ruthless eyes pinned me down once more; I felt for my dagger once more.“I’ve heard a thing or two about you. The girl who aspired for greatness, you fought your way into that; you’ve gone to battles and never failed a mission. I admire that, but in this pack, you are just another girl; all you’ve built, everything dies with your pack.
Last Updated: 2025-01-10
The Mafia's Angel

The Mafia's Angel

Amelia looked at Xavier shocked by what she saw. His eyes were no longer filled with love for her like they once were, just an empty ink black eyes staring right into her soul. "How long?" Xavier asked. Realization dawned on her immediately 'he had found out'. "How long do you plan to deceive me?" He asked again in a cold, harsh but calm voice- the calm before a storm. His eyes shades darker-if that was even possible. Amelia stood silent, fear consumed her, she knew that no word can hold back his furry. "When did you plan to tell me that you were not the woman I was to marry, that you had snatched another's woman identity?" He said in a cold and furious voice. *************** Amelia's act of kindness landed her in an unexpected marriage with a stranger. What happens when hidden secrets are revealed and she finds out that her husband is the head Leader of the Australian Mafia and she was in the middle of it all?
Read
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Seven
EpilogueIt was raining, it was like the sky too grieved, the only thing that broke the silence was Diana screams as she struggled against the men holding her back, she wanted to run to Shawn's coffin, Amelia should have been there to comfort her, but she couldn't she felt so much guilt, if Shawn had not given her his bullet proof vest, maybe he would still be alive, if he hadn't come to save her, he would still be alive with Diana, they were the perfect match, but he wasn't. The words the priest spoke were all jumbled up in her own ears, she couldn't pick one word, save for the last statement the priest made before Shawn's coffin was put under."He would always be alive in our heart and soul, though his dead, he lives on"Xavier held me to his chest as he walked to the stand, it was his turn."Shawn had been a good friend, a friend better than a brother, he was always there to make everyone smile, even in a dark day, he was like a shinning light, he would remain forever in out heart"
Last Updated: 2023-10-10
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Six
Gun shots awoke her and she scrammbled to her feet, her heart beating fast, they were here, they were here to rescue her, she rushed to the door with renewed strength, slamming at it as she screamed out, they needed to know she was there, but then the door is unlocked by someone and she almost scream in joy, but then standing there wasn't Xavier, but Matteo, just a few days ago he had tried getting some news about Xavier and his businesses out of her but the truth was that she knew nothing and even if she did, she couldn't talk, that had earned her some punches to her face, but she took it, just so he wouldn't hit her any where near her stomach, she knew cases like that could lead to miscarriages.He held her by the neck, pointing a gun to her head, the gold metal against her head brought back the fear."Please", she begged, "Please just let me go""Shut up you bitch he roared, back handing her, the slap stung and the sheer force of threw her whole body against the wall."My baby" she
Last Updated: 2023-10-09
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Five
(Amelia)He had predator eyes, watching me curiously."You didn't ask who changed your clothes honey, but I would say you are beautiful inside and out"She stared down at her clothes, she was filled with anger and furry."You should be ashamed of yourself little boy""Tsk, Tsk, there is nothing little about me and I can show you how much of a man I am and I have nothing to be ashamed off, you are the one to keep those pretty mouth of your shut or else" he smirked taking out his gun from the back, she hadn't seen it all this while."I could be a fun person to joke with but don't cross those boundaries if not I'll make a mess out of you""Please just let me out and I promise I wouldn't tell anyone"He laughed, a little mockery, "I wouldn't do that, but even if I wanted to I can't""All you have to do is let me out, I would do the rest""You would get killed the moment you are seen running, the moment you step your foot out that door""They can't kill me yet, they need something to draw
Last Updated: 2023-10-09
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Four
She woke up, as soon as she opened her eyes, she noticed that this wasn't her room, this wasn't the room she shared with Xavier and then it all came rushing in, the black car racing after her, the material to her nose and then she had fallen unconsious, she was on a.... bed.She jerked up, fully alert, she noticed she was in a new set of clothes, a thin fabricated gown, someone had undressed her and maybe done things, but she didn't feel any pain still yet she couldn't kick out the fear she felt, she had been captured by a rival.She knew that Mafias were dangerous and the only reason Xavier, Shawn and Blake seemed to be nice was because they didn't actually want her to see them in a bad light, but this 'other' people, they didn't care, they didn't care what happened to her, all the stories she read about mafia's rushed back in, and no, it wasn't the bloody sheet stuff, this time it was more on the violence, they endorsed so much violence that it seemed normal to them, she stood from t
Last Updated: 2023-10-09
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Three
(Amelia)What she didn't expect was for him to walk away after all she said to him and she just couldn't do it anymore, couldn't wait for the time he would finally see fit to forgive her, she needed air, she needed to get out of this place, if he needed space, if he wasn't ready to forgive her, if she was and would always be an Irritation to him, then maybe he was right, it was better she leave, but she didn't want him renting a house for her, she didn't want her unborn child to have to suffer all these, she wanted her child to have the love of a parent, she was ready to raise him alone, she have never depended on Xavier and so she had been saving all she got from her job at Neon Fashion and it was enough to start up something, but she had to escape and she knew the guards would inform him if she did, so she snucked, following the back door, they might as well think she was just taking a simple walk through the garden... at night, but from her time here she had noticed the few passway
Last Updated: 2023-10-08
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Two
He hadn't been home lately, always out and she needed to have a talk with him, she wanted to mend things the best she could but it was like he wasn't even ready to give her that chance, she felt broken inside, she needed him, she needed someone to talk to, anyone, she had never felt so confused in her life, she had a baby, she was pregnant, she should be happy, that's what she repeated to herself over and over again, but she wasn't, she couldnt be happy, no matter how hard she tried, it just wouldn't happen.A knock on her door draws her attention, she doesn't answer but the door is pushed open and Diana enters, she had been avoiding seeing anyone lately, most especially Diana, she couldn't look her in the face to tell her that all this while she had been lying, all this while she had been pretending to be someone else, she never told Diana the truth, that she had been forced to marry Xavier, though she saw the questions in her eyes every single time, Diana never pushed her, now she
Last Updated: 2023-10-08
My Human Mate

My Human Mate

“Can I interest you in a lap dance?” I asked with a smile and to my surprise, he actually smirked, for a minute I’m lost in his eyes until his words snap me out. “Who am I to refuse a beautiful girl like you” and just those simple words are enough to weaken my kneels, still I manage to walk closer and take my position on his laps, I couldn't help but notice how perfect it felt, the other two men said nothing, they were completely mute there was just something strange about them and that only enticed me more, I’ve never been the type to run straight to danger but this sort of danger was alluring. **** After Cara discovered that her boyfriend who she had been with for four years was nothing but a cheat, she goes to the club to have a fling with a random stranger as some sort of payback, little did she know that Mr. Hot Freak was no normal human like she was, he was a werewolf and not just any werewolf but the most feared Alpha in the world and he wouldn't let her go that so easily, she had walked right into his trap.
Read
Chapter: Epilouge
(Epilouge, Part One)(ROLLIN'S POV) I walked into my room to see Gwen there. I didn't know how to tell her. Cara had decided that she would stay in one of the guests rooms till it was all over, but I knew that I wouldn't be able to stay here knowing that Cara was just a few rooms away and I had never been the one to get sneaky. Gwen had to know."We need to talk," I said to Gwen. She looked tiny now, too thin, but I still thought she was beautiful."It's about her, right?" she asked."I don't want you to stress yourself.""Let me guess, she is back at the pack, you both are back together, and you guys are waiting for me to die so you could go on with your relationships, right?" She asked, and I was silent. I had never felt this kind of guilt, but she surprised me when she smiled."I knew this was going to happen, but you see, I don't even care about the fact that all that went on between the both of us isn't real; I don't care about any of that. I am happy; you made me happy, and you
Last Updated: 2024-03-18
Chapter: Chapter Seventy One
Three days after the war.I wished I could follow Rollins back to our pack; I wished... but I knew that things would never be the same, and so here I was, with Teo. I couldn't deny that I wanted to be with Rollins; every fiber of my being wanted him, but I couldn't have him.Teo walked down the stairs, fully dressed."Are we going somewhere?" I asked"No, not we, me."I shrugged. "Okay, when would you be back? ", He stared at me, giving me that long look. "Are you leaving me?" I asked, and I couldn't hold back the sob."Is not... is not in that way.""I don't understand.""We were never a thing; as much as I wanted it and still do, I know you love someone else, and I've learned some good lessons, we don't always get what we want , I would always love you, but not in that way, not anymore. You love Rollins; you would never settle for less. I want you to go get him.""What if he doesn't want me?""You both were meant for each other; I don't know what the outcome will be, but what I can
Last Updated: 2024-03-18
Chapter: Chapter Seventy
(Cara's POV)Teo led me towards the exit; he held the most of my weight, and I limped trying to go faster."Wait!""No, we have to go," he said, tugging me on, but I had stopped moving. I thought I saw something. "That window," I said, pointing to the window we just passed."No, Cara, not now.""Take me back," I said.Teo made an annoyed sound before taking me back. I looked through the window; I knew what I had seen. The 'human' girls ran out of the gate, but there were two vampires running after them. Those two vampires alone would be able to finish them off; how did they escape?"Sophie," I gasped."I'm sorry, Cara, we can't save them.""Yes, we can't, but you can.""Cara, I was given an order; I have failed him enough; please, we need to go.""Face the truth, Teo, I won't be allowed out of here, but they... they are so close to freedom, please. I have done so many wrongs; I want to do this one right thing, please.""Wait here, don't move one bit; you hear me, don't fucking move."
Last Updated: 2024-03-18
Chapter: Chapter Sixty Nine (Part Two)
(ROLLINS POV)"I want to give you a more honorable death. I'll let you kill yourself," he said, throwing the gun at me. "One shot to the brain, that would do," he said, his face still having that smirk I hated."And what do you know about honor?" I asked, staring at the gun, that wouldn't kill him, I knew it."Nothing. That would have been a better death... but now," his eyes glittered. "Welcome to hell," and then there was darkness. I could not see a single thing, and then Cara came into view, it was like a clip was being replayed before my eyes, a clip from my mind. She walked into Teo's room and let her robe fall to the ground.Teo waited on the bed, watching her, his eyes watching every part of her. I couldn't run from this; it was like I had been trapped by some invisible force in a very dark room.And then I saw Teo again, forcing himself on her. I watched her sob.I inhaled. "Get out of my head," I growled."Not yet," Vlad whispered, and then I was in my pack. The Shadow Pack
Last Updated: 2024-03-18
Chapter: Chapter Sixty Nine (Part One)
(Laurent's POV)I couldn't look her in the eyes; she didn't know that I had come searching for her. When Teo told me she was here too, I knew that I had to find her, but I couldn't even look at her. I couldn't let her deceive me this one more time.Maybe we were never meant to be. The thought alone caused a strange kind of anger to rise in me, and I finished off the vampire. I exited her room, her scent in there was too strong. Finally, I could focus; I knew my next target. Ken.I ran through the hallways, checking through room, to find him. Nothing."I guess I am the one you have been looking for." Slowly, I turned back to see Ken, and a smirk spread on my face."I've always wanted to pass a stake into your heart.""Why? Because I have every right to fuck your mate, or perhaps because she would always be left with a part of me any fucking place she goes.""Maybe you are right, but guess what?" I asked, not even waiting for his answer, "We both won't be getting her.""Not if I kill
Last Updated: 2024-03-17
Chapter: Chapter Sixty Eight
(SOPHIE'S POV)Ken left to help his master. Vlad. There had been an attack; I heard the shouts; I didn't know what exactly was happening, and maybe I didn't want to know anymore.I had made so many bad decisions in my life; I know I deserved this. I had never been a good girl, unlike Cara. I played with the feelings of others and was only loyal to Cara as a friend.My thoughts were cut short when the door to my room busted open and a vampire walked in. I knew him; he had always watched me with an expression on his face. I could only place it as hunger... and lust; he wanted my blood; he wanted to feed; and he wouldn't care if I died in the process. Ken was nowhere to be found; maybe he was dead. I was shocked that the thought of Ken dead didn't make me feel anything at all.The vampire licked his whitish lips as he moved closer, his dark red eyes regarding me, maybe deciding where to sink his teeth, and then they settled on my baby bump."No!, stay away from me!" I cried out. I hadn'
Last Updated: 2024-03-17
Twisted Desires: His Darkest Obsession

Twisted Desires: His Darkest Obsession

“I fell for every lie you told me, Lena; you should be proud of yourself; you’ve managed to deceive me, Alpha Damien; that’s a stunt not everyone could pull.” “What do you mean?” “So, you are going to play innocent again?” He asked, then chuckled. It was humorless. “This time I won’t be the fool; I won’t fall for that innocence the second time, Lena, and I promise you, I’ll make you pay and have fun while I am at it.” ******* Lena was a weak wolf, a slap in the face of her parents. Being the daughter of Alpha and Luna, they expected more, and for that reason she was deemed useless. When her father finds an opportunity to marry her off to one of the most powerful Alphas in the world to settle pack debts and also gain an alliance, he will do anything in his power to make it work. Lena was never supposed to fall in love with Alpha Damien; he was the cruel, emotionless Alpha, unable to feel, yet she fell for him. No one could make her feel the way he did. She was the Alpha’s little obsession, and he always got what he wanted. She knew it would only be a matter of time, and his drive would die. She had to accept the fact that he would never love her, but she wanted more, more than he was willing to give, more than he was capable of giving. Would that lead to her destruction? What happens when secrets are revealed and innocent Lena is tainted by the darkness of the world she has been tossed into?
Read
Chapter: EPILOUGE -2
THREE YEARS LATER (Lena's POV) Kaden was color blind; I had always suspected this, but now that he was older it had been easier to tell. Damien blamed himself for it, but this wasn't even under 'his' control, neither was it his fault. . I had gotten better; I didn't need to be scared when I held my child on when I came into contact with others; Damien was all the control I needed, and together we've managed to start up a life once again. I had agreed to never use my powers again, but the less I use them, the more they seemed but be buried deep down, beyond my reach. I could live a normal life—or at least something close to that. Aurora walked into our room with two year old Leslie in her arms. We had become very close friends after the incident three years ago. With Diego gone, Nate took his title as the Beta, and for the past three years, there has been no one to fill in the gap until now. Diego's sister Alice had turned out to be one of the most brutal warriors, outmatch
Last Updated: 2024-07-15
Chapter: EPILOUGE -1
(Natasha POV) We never really had a place to call home. The closest thing to home was the little cabin in the woods. I remembered Set bringing me in here. I had been so surprised at the beauty of the place. I had imagined things—I had imagined children running around in this space. I was going to plant new flowers every week, just at the side. It would have been a beautiful home. I had so many regrets; what would have changed if I stayed behind? Yet, I knew that Diego would have been killed if I did. Set wouldn't have wanted that. One thing was sure: The Ghost, who was also the Vampire Prince, wouldn't let us go that easily. I had killed the Ghost, the man who put me through so much pain. I had made 'Number One' pay for assaulting me and for taking my one true love away, yet it meant nothing now because even those couldn't bring Set back. I and Set had gone on dangerous missions, and I grew to believe that nothing could overcome us. Set was a pro at what he did. I had believed he
Last Updated: 2024-07-15
Chapter: Chapter Seventy Nine
(Lena's POV) Damien tore through the crowd of vampires, and finally I could see him-- that was enough to give me hope, prehaps this wasn't my end yet. "Damien!" I cried out "Lena, hang on" he says as he yanked one of the vampires off me."Take off the necklace" he commanded."No!" Hecuba screamed.Damien ripped off the ruby necklace from my neck. I gasped. It all happened fast. Hecuba screamed, louder than a banshee; it was an ear-bleeding noise; the glass shattered. Damien held me close shielding me from the glass shards; The screeching sound must be one of the vampires' bane, a weakness we had just discovered because they clawed at their own ears, running in all directions of the room to find an escape. After what felt like hours- but were actually minutes, the noise stopped, and Hecuba's body, just like those of her victims, dried up, fading away till she was nothing but bones. I stared at the ruby necklace on the floor; it had turned back to the emerald green it originally ha
Last Updated: 2024-07-15
Chapter: Chapter Seventy Eight
(Lena's POV)"Take a seat with me, will you?" Konstantin says."I think we have a lot to talk about," I said, and he nodded. Walking, I followed, but Hecuba held me back."We have no time for this. I have no time for this," she says, but I pulled my hands free of her grabs. I followed, and after a while she did too. I didn't know what I was planning to do, even as I sat."Do you want anything to drink?" The vampire prince asked, his eyes fixed on me, as if we were the only ones in the room."No, thank you."He took the seat opposite me, not minding that there was none for Hecuba. I turned to her, but she shook her head slightly, indicating that she didn't mind standing."So here you are. Two years ago, you disappeared, I want to know if everything was a lie" I inquired not because I really cared but more out of curiosity."Not everything—this was my home even before I met you and have been for a long time, but you see, as much as I wanted to be close to you and as much as I loved th
Last Updated: 2024-07-14
Chapter: Chapter Seventy Seven
"You lied to me all these years; you made me believe The Blood Moon Pack destroyed my family and my pack, but you lied, the vampire did." "They died ten years ago; get over yourself, child," he hissed at me. It sounded more like a sound a snake would make. "Go to hell!" I screamed back at him. "I have already been there" he says.Number One chuckled. "I go by many names." The Ghost began, "Some call me The Ghost; others call me the Prince of Doom, the Ruler of the Undead," he says as he lets his cloak fall to the ground. "But I am popularly known as the Vampire Prince.Just like all the others of my children I picked you all at the worst moment in your lives. In your case, it had been after the death of your family. You are right-- the vampires attacked them, yet I couldn't let you know that because I knew you would be of so much help to me. But you have to know one thing. The vampires do nothing except what I command them to." The Ghost finally took off his mask. Now I did unde
Last Updated: 2024-07-14
Chapter: Chapter Seventy Six
(Natasha's POV) I felt selfish after I discovered the truth about Diego. All the while, he had been suffering in silence, and I was too blind to see it. I never knew about his sister; I didn't even see the need to ask. My whole focus had been centered on destroying the pack—these were people who had done nothing to me. . I had to return back to the cabin, just as I had promised Set. I wanted to see him again, fall into his arms, and let him take control just as he always does. I wanted to hear those sweet words from him. I needed to be reminded of how special I was because, at this moment, I didn't feel very unique. I felt awful for how I treated Diego. I arrived in the cabin; the lights were on, and a small smile stretched on my lips as I walked in. "Set, I'm back," I said, but there was no response. "Set?" I called out as I walked into the living room. I saw the shattered glass on the floor; the couch had been ripped; the portrait was on the floor; and so were the curtains.
Last Updated: 2024-07-14
DMCA.com Protection Status