Kristen Painter - Out for Blood

Mortalis and Velimai both nodded.

Chrysabelle walked out of the bathroom and sat on the edge of the bed Mal had just vacated. “I’d like to be alone now.”

Nodding, they both left, closing the door behind them. She lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Mal’s dark spice permeated her sheets. She rested one hand on her belly. Pregnant. With a cursed vampire’s child.

After what Tatiana had done to get a hold of Preacher’s child, what would she do when she found out Mal had fathered one with a genuine comarré?

Or worse, what would Mal do when he found out? He no longer loved her. She had no reason to believe a child would change that.

She covered her stomach with both hands as fresh fear iced her skin. One thing was certain. She would protect this child no matter how much blood she had to spill.

No matter who that blood belonged to.

The more books I write, the more my network of support grows. Each story raises new research questions, and answering those questions sometimes requires more brain power than my own, which is why I rely on my brother’s knowledge of ships, Kimberly Menozzi’s Italian skills, and Larissa Benoliel’s help with Portuguese. Everyone who’s helped me in some way deserves thanks, but inevitably I’ll forget someone. If that’s happened, please forgive me.

To begin with, I want to thank my Creator for the talents He’s given me.

As always, I must thank my agent, Elaine. She’s phenomenal and you should all be jealous. In truth, the whole TKA family is awesome and I’m so glad they’re part of my support group.

Of course, I am so thankful to my tremendous(ly scary) editor, Devi, who lets me write the stories I want no matter how crazy. Susan, her assistant, deserves props for all her hard work, too. (She does work for the most dread editor in the biz. Just saying.) The entire publishing team at Orbit, including Alex, Ellen, and Lauren, never cease to amaze me with their talents. So good!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the Writer’s Camp chicks, Laura and Leigh. You should probably be getting paid for keeping my fingers on the keyboard. To Rocki and Louisa, thanks for sharing this journey and always being there.

To all my readers, you guys are the reason I write. You’re awesome!

Lastly, big thanks to my parents and brother for their unwavering support and to my husband for proudly pitching my books to everyone he meets. Even if he does think I use too much description.