The Lincoln Manifesto: A Prequel (A Crystal series/Lincolns series Crossover book)

By Dayo Benson

Ivy was born to marry a powerful practitioner. Saul is that powerful practitioner’s brother. Their love is forbidden.

Every year at the Choosing Ceremony, powerful practitioners gather to select a partner. Twenty-two-year-old Ivy Coates was born to be selected. The lifestyle that comes with such a destiny is one of restriction and confinement. As the Choosing Ceremony approaches, Ivy decides to take one night to live her life, have fun, and act her age. But when she shows up for what should be a harmless barbecue at a friend’s mansion, she runs into Saul Lincoln, the hot bad boy that made her restless with her life from the day she started college four years ago, and who persuaded her to do something that she shouldn’t have.

When Jared selects Ivy at the Choosing Ceremony, Saul knows he should let her go. Ivy knows that too. She now belongs to Jared. Maybe she could even fall in love with him if he wasn’t such a control-freak, if he didn’t abandon her for days at a time...and if Saul didn’t exist.

Then, Saul decides he wants her heart and comes up with a reckless plan. Ivy has always lived by the stringent rules that guide her life. Would she dare to run away with Saul?
It would bring shame upon the organizers of the Choosing Ceremony.
It would mean a lifetime of hiding
If she is ever caught, it would mean death.

Is Saul worth the risk?

The Lincoln Manifesto is a prequel to The Lincolns series of Christian Paranormal Romance books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dayo Benson
• Release date: Sep 26, 2016

Dayo Benson

Dayo Benson is passionate about using fiction to convey powerful messages about redemption and God's love. When she is not writing she enjoys music, reading and going for long walks. She lives in North West England with her husband and their two beautiful daughters.

Book preview

The Lincoln Manifesto

By

Dayo Benson

Copyright

The Lincoln Manifesto - A Prequel: The Lincolns 1

© Copyright 2016 by Dayo Benson

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the author. The only exception is brief quotations in a book review.

Some Scripture is taken from the King James and the New King James Version of the Bible.

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From the Back Cover

Ivy was born to marry a powerful practitioner. Saul is that powerful practitioner's brother. Their love is forbidden.

Every year at the Choosing Ceremony, powerful practitioners gather to select a partner. Twenty-two-year-old Ivy Coates was born to be selected. The lifestyle that comes with such a destiny is one of restriction and confinement. As the Choosing Ceremony approaches, Ivy decides to take one night to live her life, have fun, and act her age. But when she shows up for what should be a harmless barbecue at a friend's mansion, she runs into Saul Lincoln, the hot bad boy that made her restless with her life from the day she started college four years ago, and who persuaded her to do something that she shouldn't have.

When Jared selects Ivy at the Choosing Ceremony, Saul knows he should let her go. Ivy knows that too. She now belongs to Jared. Maybe she could even fall in love with him if he wasn't such a control-freak, if he didn't abandon her for days at a time…and if Saul didn't exist.

Then, Saul decides he wants her heart and comes up with a reckless plan. Ivy has always lived by the stringent rules that guide her life. Would she dare to run away with Saul?

It would bring shame upon the organizers of the Choosing Ceremony.

It would mean a lifetime of hiding

If she is ever caught, it would mean death.

Is Saul worth the risk?

Dedication

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world, (1 John 4:4).

Dedicated to you!

Chapter 1

IVY COATES SMOOTHED HER hands over her red, form-fitting dress as Ted, Alicia's butler, led her through Alicia's family's mansion. Some wealthy people were modest and sedate about their money. Others did their best to let you know just how wealthy they were. Alicia's family was the latter. But Ivy had been here enough times that she wasn't bowled over anymore.

She could hear loud music, and she could smell the barbecue. Her stomach tied up in knots. She shouldn't be here, but Alicia had persuaded her.

You can't spend your whole life hiding behind long skirts and baggy sweaters, Alicia had said. Stop thinking you have no choice. You can choose to stop being miserable and have fun.

Ivy took a deep breath. Yes, she could choose. And she had chosen to come here tonight, regardless of the fact that Alicia's party was the last place she should be.

Ted stopped at the large patio doors that led to the back yard. He bowed his head slightly.

Thanks, Ivy said, smoothing her hands over her hips again. The dress was too clingy, but Alicia had insisted she wear it. She inhaled deeply, willing away the butterflies in her belly as she stepped outside.

The first thing that hit her was the beauty of the landscaped yard. The sun was setting. Colored lights twinkled in the bushes and in the water fountain.

The next thing that hit her was how gorgeous everyone looked. She'd kept to herself throughout college, so she knew most people only by sight.

A girl in a daring scoop-necked dress broke away from a crowd of people by the barbecue grill. Ivy did a double-take when she realized it was Alicia.

You came! Alicia called, hopping over on dangerously high heels. Her long, dark curls bobbed. And you wore the dress! I told you it would look great.

Ivy hugged her friend, and then grimaced. Here I was worrying that I was overdressed, but now you make me look underdressed. She glanced around at some of the other girls. Why is everyone so dressed up? She checked out some of the guys. As usual, they were dressed pretty casually and hadn't made much effort. Typical. Why did women feel such a need to look their best while men just didn't bother?

We're hitting the town at nine, remember? The better you look, the less likely you'll have to spend any money on drinks. Alicia winked. You said you were going to come with us.

No, I said I'd think about it—

You're coming with us, Ivy.

Oh my goodness, Ivy came?

Ivy turned. Geri and Letty were approaching, holding drinks. Ivy stifled the unease that filled her as Letty neared. She had such a strong aura. She was a Christian. I should be used to her by now.

Ivy was about to grin when she noticed him. Big, dark, and at least a full head taller than all the other guys present. Tonight, he wore a tank top, taking casual one step further than the other guys. Ivy's heart began to hammer.

Just then, he turned from laughing with his friends. As though feeling her gaze on him, he looked her way. Ivy's heart slammed to a brief stop before shuddering back to life and pounding like it was going to burst out of her chest.

Stop staring.

Look away, woman!

Ivy tore her gaze away. She felt heat rush into her cheeks. Saul Lincoln was here. Saul Lincoln. Oh my days. She felt a gentle hand on her back. Geri.

Are you okay? Geri whispered.

Oh dear, Alicia drawled. Ivy, do you need to sit down?

Is that what the mere sight of him does to her? Letty asked, frowning and yet looking amused at the same time.

Ivy glared at Alicia. You didn't tell me you were inviting him. I can't believe you didn't tell me.

Alicia steered her through the patio doors and into the house. Tonight is the night, Ivy.

Ivy raked a hand through her hair. Now that her crazy reaction to seeing Saul was over, she was embarrassed. Her friends had witnessed her reaction. She couldn't deny her ridiculous crush any longer. Tonight is the night for what?

We're going to set you up with him, Alicia told her. Why do you think I sent you that dress? Why do you think I insisted on you coming here? I purposely didn't tell you that he would be here because I knew you'd refuse to come.

Ivy stared at Alicia. Are you nuts? You're not setting me up with anybody.

You've been in love with him since the day we started college. And, yes, I do say love. That reaction just now? That's more than a crush. You are madly in love with that guy. You can't leave college without at least getting a kiss from him.

Ivy felt her heart constrict. She glanced at Geri. Geri knew her secret, but thankfully kept a straight face. That definitely isn't going to happen. Did her voice sound strangled? She hoped not.

This crush—love—has consumed you since we started college four years ago, Alicia said earnestly. You're never going to see him again after this month, apart from graduation. Break free from this good girl thing you've got going on, and do something naughty. You look gorgeous tonight. Go to him, and tell him how you feel.

Ivy rolled her eyes and turned toward the door. She was starving, and that barbecue smelled good. This conversation is over.

Alicia pulled her back. No, it's just begun. I thought this might be your reaction so I've taken matters into my own hands. You are getting Saul. Even if it's just for one night.

He's a pretty cool guy, Letty added. He looks like a jerk, but he's not.

Alicia raised a brow. He looks like a jerk?

Yeah, he's hot, Letty replied with a shrug. No one that attractive can possibly be a nice person, but he actually is. I was on his team for the college mixed basketball last year, remember? He's cool. He's perfect for our Ivy. Not the whole one-night thing though. I can totally see you two married with a bunch of gorgeous-looking kids.

Alicia rolled her eyes. Married? Not everyone has to get married, Letty.

Ivy could feel Geri's gaze on her. She knew Geri wanted her to tell the others about what had happened between her and Saul two years ago. Ivy guessed it wasn't fair of her to make Geri keep the secret, but the fewer people that knew, the better. Geri shouldn't even know, but she'd had to tell her because she'd needed craft help with reversing what had happened.

So, the plan, Alicia said. I'm going to initiate a dance-off. You're going to win because you'll definitely be the best dancer here. The prize for the dancing competition is a date with Saul. If a guy wins, the prize is a date with me. But a guy isn't going to win. You're going to win.

That's ridiculous, Ivy replied. I'm not dancing here—

The sound of the patio doors sliding open made them all turn. Saul. Ivy turned back around immediately, her skin prickling.

Hey, ladies.

Ivy swallowed. That deep, almost gruff, voice. Ugh! I really don't want to be attracted to him, darn it!

Alicia was beaming. Oh, hi, Saul. Thanks for coming tonight.

Thanks for the invite. Can I speak to Ivy?

Ivy's heart jumped. They had never spoken before that night two years ago, and had never spoken since. In fact, Saul acted like she didn't exist. She was in every one of his classes, since they both majored in robotics. But he never once even looked her way. She wondered if he'd forgotten that night. After all, he'd been drunk.

If Alicia grinned any wider, her face would crack in two. Of course, Saul. C'mon, girls.

Alicia, Geri, and Letty hurried outside. Ivy felt abandoned. She'd never been the kind of girl who liked to talk to a guy she had a crush on. She'd rather avoid him.

Ivy, Saul said.

Cool it, Ivy told herself, raking a hand through her hair. She should look him in the eyes. But if she remembered correctly, his eyes were deep and soulful. She'd practically drowned the last time she looked into them, two years ago. Stop being so obvious about your crush and look at the guy. She lifted her gaze to his. Fire raced through her heart.

Saul smiled. I didn't expect to see you here.

His words only faintly registered as she stared. That smile. She needed air.

Ivy?

Ivy quickly forced a smile. What is wrong with me?

Saul's smile widened in response to her smile. You look… His gaze slid over her from head to toe. It was all Ivy could do not to squirm with discomfort. The appreciation in his eyes was unmistakable. Incredible!

Thanks. Ivy lifted a brow. You look… She allowed her gaze to slide over him—his expansive chest only barely covered by his tank top, his narrow waist, his long, jean-clad legs. …tolerable.

Saul roared with laughter.

Ivy grinned. She'd made him laugh. She'd made hunky Saul Lincoln, laugh.

He reached out and brushed her hair over her shoulder. Do you remember that night? he asked, his voice lowered. You and me? Or do you get so many guys that I was just another notch on your bedpost?

Ivy frowned. He was bringing that up? Embarrassment warmed her cheeks.

I know you were drunk, Saul said. And I probably should have asked you sooner, rather than asking now, two years later. He paused. Well, do you remember?

Ivy nodded, unable to look at him. How could she not remember? Everyone remembered their first time. For her, it was her first and only time.

She took a step back from him. Being around him made her want to be reckless and spontaneous. She'd only ever been close to him once before—two years ago. And they'd ended up doing things they shouldn't have done. That wasn't going to happen again tonight.

Look at me, Ivy.

Ivy looked. Something dangerous, almost predatory, crackled in the depths of his eyes. She returned his gaze a moment longer than she should. Something twisted in her chest. She looked away.

I get the impression that you have your reasons for keeping to yourself, Saul said softly.

Ivy decided she could admit to that. So long as he didn't push her for those reasons. She nodded slowly.

His eyes glazed over slightly. You're a practitioner.

Ivy froze. How did he know?

He looked at her closely, like he was seeing through to her soul. I can't believe I didn't realize!

Ivy looked around. The room was empty, but they still had to be careful. People were suspicious of practitioners these days, after what Luke, the mad practitioner, had done last year. Thank goodness he was dead now, and everyone could move on with their lives.

Don't deny it, Saul whispered. I can tell.

Ivy shifted uncomfortably. Saul was always cloaked spiritually, so she knew he was a practitioner. So, she shouldn't feel uncomfortable now that he'd guessed. Still, she was so used to making sure that nobody knew. What had given her away? How do you know?

You're cloaked. Are you a new practitioner? If not, how did you slip under my radar?

Ivy raked a hand through her hair. I make myself appear to be uncloaked, like a mundane person. It's a false appearance trick. She hadn't bothered with the trick tonight because she hadn't expected any practitioners, apart from Geri, to be here.

You have to teach me.

Maybe some other time. The last thing she wanted was for Alicia or Letty to overhear this conversation. Geri was a fellow practitioner, so Ivy didn't have to hide anything from her. But Alicia and Letty would be freaked out if they found out.

Is that why you keep to yourself? Saul asked.

Ivy frowned. What was it with people trying to delve into her privacy all the time? Partly.

Okay, he said, shrugging. Well, college ends in a month.

And? Ivy asked.

Can I have one more night?

Ivy shook her head. She wasn't the kind of girl that did 'one-nighters'. What she'd done with Saul two years ago had been a mistake. Alicia was right about her feelings being stronger than a simple crush. Ivy had been in love with him from a distance since she saw him at her first college class. When he'd come to her that day two years ago, she'd been a stuttering mess, completely captivated. And she'd slept with him, which was totally out of character. It had caused her a great deal of trouble afterwards. She wasn't going to do it again. Especially not with the Choosing Ceremony in a few hours.

What are you doing tomorrow night? Saul asked.

Ivy raked a hand through her hair nervously. She would be moving in with whoever chose her at the Choosing Ceremony. Unease gripped her heart. She pushed it aside. She was going to have fun for a few hours and forget about the Ceremony. Some of the other girls and guys were having bachelor and bachelorette nights with friends. She had decided not to do anything. She'd soon realized that had been a bad idea and decided to come here. She'd needed the distraction.

She gave Saul a tight smile. I'll be…unavailable.

What about Sunday?

She would be all settled in her new home with her new man. But, maybe, she could make time in the evening to meet Saul. No!

If she met with him, she might do things she shouldn't. She wasn't meeting with him. No, Saul. I'm sorry.

Saul smiled as if she'd said yes. Probably a tactic of his to wear women down. What kind of food do you like?

Ivy frowned. Why?

I'm asking for a date here. It'll inform my choice of a restaurant.

Restaurant? Oh. Ivy paused. Did you mean a date?

That predatory look returned to Saul's eyes. Yeah.

Ivy frowned, trying to read him. He'd asked for one night. Wasn't that a proposition? She couldn't do that, but she could go on a date. If it's a date, at like a restaurant, or someplace, I might be cool with that.

Great. I'll pick you up at ten tomorrow.

Ivy frowned. In the morning? Wasn't that a little early?

No, in the night.

Wasn't that a little late?

Saul smirked, and Ivy wasn't sure what he was up to.

Pick me up at noon tomorrow.

He rolled his eyes. Okay.

SAUL COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW tight his chest was as he stared into Ivy's warm brown eyes. She was captivating. At college, she dressed down. In fact, she seemed to go out of her way to hide her beauty in long skirts and baggy shirts. Her hair was usually scraped back into a severe knot at the nape of her neck. However, he had always seen beyond the ill-fitting clothes. He'd always thought she was gorgeous, even though most of his friends didn't see it. They'd all see it tonight—which was a shame. He might get some competition now.

How could he not have worked out that she was a practitioner sooner? Yes, the false appearance she'd had in place had fooled him. But her behavior should have made him suspicious. She always kept to herself. She was edgy, jumpy. He'd thought she was just a nervous kind of person. He should have dug deeper.

If he'd known she was a practitioner, things would have been very different.

You're staring at me.

Saul blinked. Am I? He grinned. How could I not?

Ivy raked a hand through her hair. She kept touching it, evidence that she wasn't used to wearing it down. Saul would bet that if her skin wasn't so dark—that lovely golden brown color—her cheeks would be bright red. Her gaze darted to the patio door. I'm, uh, going to join my friends.

First, I need your number.

Ivy nodded, the movement jerky, betraying her discomfort. He hoped she was just uncomfortable about him discovering that she was a practitioner, and not because she wasn't interested in him. Oh, sure.

Saul listened as she rattled it off.

You didn't write it down, she said when she finished.

I'll remember.

Your loss if you don't.

Saul frowned as she turned away. She was such a quiet person, and she seemed so nervous, always keeping to herself. Yet, she could toss a line like that at him. He grinned, watching her walk away. She had claws. He liked that.

He paused as he felt a tickle around his temples. An image of Jared, his eldest brother, and guardian of them all now that Luke was dead, accompanied the tickle. Saul tried to remember if he'd forgotten something. Jared never mind-linked just to chat, like Ash or Solomon did. Whenever Jared mind-linked him, he was either not somewhere he was supposed to be, or in trouble.

Yo! Saul answered. What's happening, bro?

We are in Mather Forest. Where are you? Jared never bothered with small talk. He was cold, clinical, and always cut to the chase.

Mather Forest. Saul grimaced, remembering. They had a meeting.

Report here immediately. Jared cut off the mind-link.

Saul groaned. As much as he'd like to stay and feast his eyes on Ivy all night, he had to go. Immediately. He hurried towards the front door, texting Alicia as he went to let her know he was leaving. She'd been pretty insistent about him coming tonight. He wasn't sure why. He hoped his early departure wouldn't upset her too much.

The quickest way to get to the forest would be by teleportation, but he couldn't leave his car here at Alicia's place. Outside, he jumped into his car, drove a few blocks away, and parked by a house that was up for sale. He looked around the empty street, making sure nobody was around. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he focused inward. He ought to crouch down so that he would appear in the forest crouching, which was always the safest position for retaining one's balance. But he didn't have time to get out and look for a secluded place in which to crouch.

Soon, he felt the weightlessness that told him he was traveling. Pitch darkness overwhelmed him. Then he felt solid ground beneath his feet. He fell backwards, landing on his butt. Damp solid ground. He opened his eyes, jumping to his feet immediately.

His brothers were gathered around a small altar a little distance away. A goat lay on the ground beside the altar. It would be alive, but heavily sedated. Saul hurried over to join them, remembering, belatedly, that he didn't have his white robe. Solomon tossed one at him as he approached. Saul quickly shrugged it on. Salem shot him a tense look. They all had the same father: Luke; but Solomon and Salem also had the same mother as him. They were his full brothers.

Why are you late? Jared snapped.

Saul knew telling the truth—that he was at a house party—wouldn't cut it with Jared. The last time he'd been late for a ritual, Jared had attacked him mentally all night. It hadn't been funny. Who did Jared think he was anyway? He'd always been a bit of a freak, but he'd gotten worse since Luke died.

Ash snorted. The only thing that Saul is ever on time for is dates. We should have told him there'd be girls here. He would have been on time then.

Saul glared at Ash. Ash was really one to talk. He and Solomon were heartless womanizers. At least Saul treated the women he pursued with respect by letting them know, up front, that he wanted only one night. Ash and Solomon liked to string women along and keep them 'warm' as they called it—meaning they'd be able to call on them over and over again, and somehow manage not to commit to any of them.

I asked a question, Jared snapped. In the semi-darkness, his gray eyes looked black.

Sometimes, Saul was certain Jared was running mad. Ever since Luke had started using him to kill, he'd been different—worse. Especially after Luke made him kill all their mothers. Saul's ever-present hatred towards Jared bubbled close to the surface. He stared back at Jared, refusing to cower or feel intimidated. I had some things I needed to take care of at college.

Solomon probed him. Saul gave him access. You better tell the truth, came Solomon's voice in his head, or he'll just force his way into your mind and check for himself.

He can try to force his way into my mind.

Taye probed him. Are you joining our meeting after this?

What meeting? Saul asked. A moment later, he received a mental image from Taye: Jared lying dead on the ground. Saul started. Was Taye still serious about that? I'll think about it.

Jared looked away from Saul. Saul heaved a sigh of relief. Jared was letting him off the hook.

Crystal will be flying back to New York today, Jared said.

Ah, Saul thought, remembering. That was what this meeting was about. Crystal and Juda. Crystal, one of the hottest singers on the planet right now, was their sister-in-law. Kind of. Saul had had no idea Juda possessed such good taste in women. He'd had no idea that Juda even noticed women. On the few occasions he'd met Juda, he'd seemed pretty much like Jared. Obsessed with the craft. Obsessed with power. Obsessed with killing.

We have two options, Jared told them all. We go and try to get her before she boards her plane. Or we wait for her to arrive in New York.

When you say 'get her', Rebel said, raising a hand. Do you mean we're going to kill her? Or are we just kidnapping her?

I would love to just kill her, Jared said with totally uncalled-for venom. He didn't know Crystal. Okay, she'd somehow brainwashed Juda into helping her kill Luke, and had done lots of other things. But she seemed like she was good for Juda—in Saul's humble opinion. And as much as Saul would like to defend Luke—Luke was his father, after all—he'd been way out of line, trying to force his way into power and make the whole nation become occult practitioners.

But we won't kill her yet, Jared continued. We'll use her as bait for Juda. Juda needs to return to the occult. Immediately.

Solomon snorted. "He's not going to return. Have you seen Crystal? That babe could tempt even me away from the occult. I might not go as far as becoming a Christian for her, but if that was the only way to be with her, I'd consider it."

Jared turned his ever-steely gaze on Solomon. Solomon immediately clamped his mouth shut. Silence descended over the forest for a few seconds except for the call of nocturnal birds and the chirrup of crickets.

Solomon shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Uh, just to clarify, I would never become a Christian. Not even for a hot chick like Crys—

Silence! Jared roared. His voice echoed through the trees. Fire seemed to burn in his eyes. His posture was rigid.

Saul exhaled slowly. Jared was steadily getting worse.

Ash probed him. He granted him access to his mind and soon realized that it was a collective mind-link between all of them—except Jared.

Guys, Ash said. Can you all just shut up? Let's just do what Jared wants us to do, or this could turn into a very long night.

Saul met Ash's gaze across the altar. Ash was the closest to Jared among them—probably because he and Jared were the two oldest.

I agree, came Nigel's response. Everyone just shut the hell up. Not another peep out of you, Sol. Especially if it's just to harp on again about how hot Crystal is.

Ash disconnected the mind-link. Saul focused on Jared. Jared's features were granite hard. He couldn't see his eyes clearly, but he could feel the chills shooting out of them.

Jared was turning into Luke.

Chapter 2

JARED KNEW HE WAS glaring as he looked around at his brothers, but he didn't care. He was tired of the jovial way most of them went about their lives. It had been tolerable before Luke died. Now, it was unacceptable. America was going through a Christian revival after all that had happened last year. If they didn't all get serious, everything their father had worked for all his life would be ruined. They could even be hunted down by the anti-practitioner masses if information of their relation to Luke leaked.

Most of his brothers were scowling as he glared at them. That was fine. Jared didn't expect smiles. But he did expect seriousness and obedience. He wasn't interested in winning any popularity contests. He wasn't bothered about being friends with them, or on good terms.