My first thanks and immense gratitude are for my husband and children, who have seen less of me over the last year than any of us ever imagined they would. Their patience and understanding every time I shut myself away to write and then said, “just two more minutes”—which inevitably turned into an hour—make them the best kind of superheroes in my mind. My parents and sister have also been there for me every step of the way. Your encouragement, help, and enthusiasm mean the world to me. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful and generous family, and I love you all!
My heartfelt thanks also go to my dynamite editor, Cat Clyne, for all her efforts and time spent helping to make this book shine. I love what we did with it together! I’m incredibly grateful to the whole Sourcebooks team for their excitement, support, and hard work. I’d especially like to thank Amelia Narigon for being such an extraordinary publicist and Rachel Gilmer for her eagle eye. My sincere thanks also to Dawn Adams and Gene Mollica for creating the most amazing book cover I’ve ever seen.
I’d also like to express my appreciation and admiration for my agent, Jill Marsal, who knows just how to encourage and reassure, and who never leaves me hanging with a question, despite the nine-hour time difference between us. You’re the best!
I’m also incredibly grateful and excited to have had the support and encouragement of Darynda Jones, Nalini Singh, Damon Suede, C.L. Wilson, and Thea Harrison. The kindness these wonderful authors have shown me has been beyond amazing!
Also, to the bloggers, book enthusiasts, and reviewers who have gone out of their ways to help this series get noticed, I can never thank you enough! And to the readers who have connected with me personally over the last months, please believe me when I say you make my days.
Finally, thank you to the friends I’ve made on this writing journey. Rusty, Adriana, and Heather—you ladies help keep me sane, whether we’re crying, talking about books or Alpha heroes, worrying over deadlines, or just trying to figure this whole thing out. And Callie—I’m so grateful that I can always count on you for an email that makes me laugh or helps me feel better about something, a much-needed break, a last-minute proofread, or simply being on my side. You’re the most amazing friend a person could ever have. You’re my anchor and my kite.