For Arik and Shane, my very own surprise family.

Acknowledgments

I’m grateful to my agent, Jill Marsal, for believing in this series, and to my editor, Johanna Raisanen, for her wonderful insight and patience. Many thanks to groups like WildCare and Project Coyote in Marin County, California; Native Animal Rescue in Santa Cruz, California; and the National Wildlife Federation for providing such helpful information about coyotes and other animals. I’m so thankful for all the readers who have embraced the Heroes of Shelter Creek series. Your enthusiasm, letters, social media posts and reviews warm my heart!