Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(7)
Lifting his head, he deposited the device on the coffee table and leaned toward her. “For house arrests. If a clan member broke one of our laws, he or she might be sentenced to house arrest or, in the case of restriction, allowed to leave only for school or work. The cuff ensures compliance with sentencing.”
“Interesting. It didn’t occur to me that you need to govern yourselves separately from the mortal population. Although it makes sense. With your special abilities, someone needs to keep things in check, right? So is it like a monarchy or a democracy? And who makes the laws? Who enforces them?
And who is the judge?”
Pausing to take a breath, she smiled apologetically at Kian’s amused expression. “I’m sorry for blasting you with so many questions, but this is so fascinating. Oh, and how are your laws different from ours?”
“Our laws are not that different. The two clan specific issues are keeping our existence secret and the use of thralls and illusions. The teenagers are the most difficult to control. Imagine being able to thrall the bartender to sell you a drink, your teacher to raise your grades, or the pretty girl in your math class to get intimate with you. Even good kids might be tempted. And as in any society, we have our share of bad apples. The adults are less problematic. Not because they are all well-behaved angels, but because they are better aware of the consequences.” Kian shrugged.
“We maintain a small police force, the Guardians, all of whom you’ve already met. Arrests are made and the perpetrators are brought before a judge or a panel of judges, depending on the severity of their crime. For the most severe cases, the whole clan has to vote. Sentencing varies from monetary fines to house arrests to incarceration here in the underground, etc.”
Syssi was impressed. “Wow! You guys are like a country within a country. With your own laws, police force, judges, jails… So, do you get a lot of unlawful behavior?”
“Not a lot, but enough, mostly minor infractions. If you’re really interested, I can arrange for you to meet Edna. She is our legal expert, attorney, judge… Everything you want to know regarding clan law, she’ll be more than happy to tell you all about it in excruciating detail. She loves the law, and she loves talking about it even more. But what I want you to do now is come with me to the kitchen and eat something. You look pale.”
“I’m a little hungry… come to think of it, I didn’t have lunch yet.” Syssi followed Kian to the kitchen and took a seat at the counter, not sure if she should offer to make something or let him play host.
“Let’s see…” Kian poked his head into the refrigerator. “No worries, Okidu left us lunch.” He pulled out a container of pasta and a large bowl of salad. After warming the pasta in the microwave for a few minutes, he brought both over to the counter.
“By the way, where is Okidu? I’m surprised he is not here to fuss around us like we’re a couple of helpless children who need to be fed.”
“Probably went grocery shopping.” Kian stuffed a large swirl of pasta into his mouth.
“You’re so lucky to have him. He is an outstanding cook, everything he makes is delicious.” Syssi ate slowly, taking small bites to savor the taste.
“Yeah, he is great… Though speaking of delicious food… I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me to a restaurant tomorrow night. If you think Okidu’s is good, the food there will blow your taste buds. I thought dinner and some dancing would be nice. What do you say?”
“That sounds wonderful.” He is actually taking me out on a date! A spark of hope shimmered in her heart. “I’d love to go out with you.” A romantic outing… “But just to a restaurant, not to a club. I don’t like the scene. Last night, I was very uncomfortable. I’m not in the mood to repeat that experience anytime soon.”
“No, not a club, I don’t like them either.” Kian twisted toward her and swiveled her stool, bracketing her knees between his thighs so they were facing each other. “The restaurant I’m talking about has live music and dancing. It’s not loud, and the clientele is very exclusive. Just to get in you need to be a member, or be invited by one. It’s a bit snobby, but the upside of that is an atmosphere that is posh and romantic, not vulgar like the club’s. I guarantee you’re going to love it.”
“What is it called?”
“By Invitation Only.”
“Seriously? That’s the name? It’s like naming your dog, Dog.” She snorted. It wasn’t really that funny, but she was giddy. I’m such a fool, it’s only a date. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“Of course not. Those who are willing to spend that kind of money on a membership do so as much for the privacy as for the exclusivity. It would defeat the whole purpose of the place if the paparazzi got a whiff of it and descended on it like a pack of hounds, hunting for the celebrities.”
“You’ve got a point… So, should I assume you’re a member? Or did you pull some strings to get us invited?”
“I’m part owner of the place. After graduating from the culinary institute, a nephew of mine came asking if I would be willing to loan him the money he needed to open his own place. I liked the concept, not to mention the taste of what he had prepared for me to try. So, I made it an investment instead of a loan. He runs it, and I collect a share of the profits. Win-win for both of us.”