Sanguisuge Book 4: Sanguisuge, #4

By Sharon Lopez

Clan law interferes in what should be a joyous time for Ethan and Trinity. Opinion differences make the family turn against one another as she tries desperately to hold them together. With time against them, they must make a major decision that could prove deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Lopez
• Release date: Jan 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393357605

Sharon Lopez

Sharon is a multi-genre young adult author that dabbles in adult tales from time to time. It’s all about the story is not just a catchphrase but a spirit that is inside all of her books. When she is not writing, she can be found getting lost in other author’s worlds, watching Slice Of Life Anime, or getting annihilated as she tries her hand at various video games. She is inspired by many things. Whether it’s an encouraging word, a kooky dream, or a personal experience, she will put it to excellent use. As a defender of the defenseless, Sharon’s characters take on this persona with strong female leads and males that are protective, perfect, boyfriend material.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ethan and I stared at the doctor, wide-eyed.

What did you just say?

Congratulations. You’re pregnant, Trinity.

Ethan fell to his knees and put his head in my lap. He took my hands and planted kisses all over them. I smiled down at him and cried. Ethan lifted his head and stared at me with a grin plastered on his face.

You know what this means?

Yeah, we are going to be parents. I laughed.

Yes, but this also means your dad can’t stop me from marrying you.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned down at him. Ethan turned his head to the side as he studied me.

Trin?

Yeah?

Do you still want to get married?

Yes, I do, I sighed.

Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to pressure you.

I am just overwhelmed, Ethan. I didn’t expect...

Before I could finish my sentence Dad, Papa, Nana, Grandpa, and Donall burst into the room.

You are awake.

Yes, dad, I’m fine.

You’re still breathing. Did the doctor say why?

I glanced over at Ethan with a nervous smile and then turned my attention back to dad. I exhaled hard and snapped my band. Y... yes he did. I looked at Ethan again.

Trin, what is it?

I...

Ethan put his hand on my shoulder and shook his head. Lord Balaguer, Trin is pregnant.

I took a deep breath and watched as my family peered at one another.

Dad nodded. All right.

All right? You’re not going to yell?

No Trinity, I will not yell.

You’re not angry with me?

I am not thrilled with the news but...

Nana stepped toward me and took my hand. She stared at me for a moment and then smiled down at me. We have a lot of work to do.

I don’t understand.

Grandpa came to stand on my other side next to Ethan. We must do the bonding ceremony before...

Augustus.

Grandpa turned toward Donall.

Let Delilah talk to her.

Grandpa stared at Donall. Words were being passed between them, though they made no sound.

What is it?

Nana sat down on the foot of my bed. We need to talk.

Is Trin going to be okay?

Donall motioned for grandpa to follow as he stepped out of the room. Grandpa looked at me and then reluctantly left. Papa put his hand on dad’s shoulder before leaving.

She will be fine, young one.

Why does everyone look so worried?

You and Ethan must marry before the baby is born.

Yes, Lord Balaguer, I wanted to talk to you about—

Ethan, the bonding ceremony... It can be... challenging. Nana interrupted.

What are you saying?

In Trin’s condition—

Are you saying that something could happen to her?

You’re worried about the baby, aren’t you?

Everyone turned toward me.

Yes.

Could the baby die?

Nana turned toward dad.

We will take all precautions.

Dad?

It is a possibility.

Then why can’t we wait until after I give birth?

You will need to leave the territory if you do. You will give up all rights to rule mine and Donall’s clans.

You can’t be serious?

So better to have your heir and kill your grandchild?

I don’t like it any more than you, Ethan! It is our law. The family’s legacy will end with me, and they will choose new clan leaders. You have to give up your clan as well, Ethan.

This is ridiculous.

And the daggers—

What about them?

They will have to be handed over.

We have already made positive changes. We can’t just walk away.

How could you even consider putting our child at risk?

I don’t want to Ethan, but if they choose new leaders, where do you think that leaves your clan?

Ethan ran his fingers through his hair.

You and I both know that your clan will be the first to meet the daggers.

Damn it! I know you are right, but... How can you be so calm about all of this?

I put my hand on my stomach. I’m hoping everything will be all right.

Ethan put his hand on top of mine and nodded his head.

This decision is yours. Are you sure?

Ethan and I nodded as we stared at one another.

Dad nodded. All right.

I will make the arrangements, Nana said. She squeezed my hand before heading toward the door. We have to keep the pregnancy quiet until after the wedding. As it is, we have only 2 to 3 months before—

Uh Nana, I won’t start showing before six months.

If you were human, that would be true. Scions are only pregnant for four months.

What!

I told you we had a lot of work to do.

Ethan and I exchanged a worried look.

Four months? That isn’t enough time to get ready for a baby!

In no time Dad was sitting on the bed next to me, taking my hand. It will be all right. We will get everything you need. I’m sure that your mom held onto... Dad stopped talking. A pained expression filled his features. He wiped a single tear from his eye.

Mom knew.

Dad looked at me curiously.

I was with her before I woke up.

What did she say?

The journals!

Dad and Ethan stared at me.

I pretended to cough and then cleared my throat. Dad, could you ask a nurse to get me some water?

Dad nodded, and in a flash, he left through the door.

We don’t have a lot of time. My mom told me your dad kept some journals. I think they are in the library.

Why would she—

We will talk when we are alone, but it’s important, Ethan.

All right.

Dad came in holding a pitcher of water and a plastic cup.

What about these journals?

Nothing. I thought I left mine in Papa’s car.

What did your mother say? Dad asked, sitting down on my bed.

I asked her why I was breathing, and she laughed. She said that I would find out soon enough.

Dad chuckled. "That sounds like Sara. I think she kept some of your